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Capsule previews of Big Ten men's basketball

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A quick look at all 12 teams as the college basketball season gets started in earnest.

osu-sullinger-cheers-horiz-cd.jpgView full sizeJared Sullinger leads an Ohio State team that has national championship aspirations after losing to Kentucky in the regional semifinals last spring.

Chicago Tribune

Capsule previews of this year's Big Ten Conference men's basketball teams, in alphabetical order. Unlike football, there is no divisional setup for basketball.

Illinois Fighting Illini

2010-11 record: 20-14, 9-9 Big Ten (T-4th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 60-55 to Michigan in quarterfinals.

NCAA tournament: Lost 73-59 in Round of 32 to No. 1-seeded Kansas.

On the offensive: The Illini are tasked with replacing five of their top seven scorers, returning just 31 percent of last season's scoring. Look for freshmen like point guard Tracy Abrams and forward Mike Shaw and sophomore guard Joseph Bertrand to ease the transition. Junior guards Brandon Paul (9 ppg) and D.J. Richardson (8.4) are expected to provide leadership.

Getting defensive: Illinois has led the Big Ten in field-goal percentage defense the last three seasons, including limiting opponents to 39.6 percent shooting last season. At 7-1, sophomore center Meyers Leonard must take advantage of his height and athleticism and become a rebounding ace.

The number: 11. The Illini led or were tied in the second half of 11 of their 14 losses last season.

The talk: Last season, the Illini ranked No. 13 in the preseason before vanishing from the polls. This season, as expected, they start off unranked. Despite their youth, this team appears more cohesive. Can they prove doubters wrong and become a top team in a wide-open conference (other than favorite Ohio State)?

Prediction: The Illini again will be a bubble team after showing gradual improvement through the season and finishing in the upper-middle class of the Big Ten. It's a Round of 64 NCAA tournament exit this season.

Indiana Hoosiers

2010-11 record: 12-20, 3-15 Big Ten (11th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 61-55 to Penn State in first round.

NCAA tournament: Did not play.

On the offensive: The Hoosiers return leading scorers Christian Watford (16 ppg), Verdell Jones III (12.5 ppg) and Jordan Hulls (11 ppg). The season-long loss of Maurice Creek to an Achilles injury is a serious blow. The Hoosiers are banking on an immediate return from 6-11 freshman Cody Zeller.

Getting defensive: For the Hoosiers to take steps forward, their defense needs improvement. They ranked last in the Big Ten in scoring defense (68.2 ppg) and eighth in the conference in opponent's shooting percentage (43.3 percent).

The number: 26. Zeller is the 26th Mr. Basketball of Indiana to play for the Hoosiers.

The talk: Hoosiers' fans are thrilled with coach Tom Crean's ability to land Zeller, a five-star recruit. They're hoping he can help bring Indiana back to prominence. Versatile and quick, Zeller can run the floor and shoot.

Prediction: Indiana won't be in the Big Ten basement this season, taking a leap thanks to Zeller and a developed roster.

Iowa Hawkeyes

2010-11 record: 11-20, 4-14 Big Ten (10th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 66-61 to Michigan State in the first round.

NCAA tournament: Did not play.

On the offensive: As Iowa's first-year coach, Fran McCaffrey installed an up-tempo style, and the Hawkeyes responded with late-season victories over Michigan State and Purdue. Senior point guard Bryce Cartwright had a league-high 6.8 assists per conference game. He would have had more if the Hawkeyes had not shot 31.4 percent on 3-pointers, worst in the Big Ten.

Getting defensive: Rebounding could be an issue after Iowa lost center Jarryd Cole, who averaged a team-high 4.0 boards last season. Roy Marble's son, Devyn, has the quickness to make an impact.

The number: 88. The Hawkeyes return 88 percent of their scoring -- and four starters.

The talk: The Hawkeyes will save money on gas and flights considering they won't leave the state to play any of their 13 nonconference games.

Prediction: The Hawkeyes will earn their first postseason bid since 2006, but their NCAA hopes will be derailed by a soft schedule and low RPI.

mich-hardaway-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeMichigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. dunks over Towson's Kris Walden in the Wolverines' easy victory Monday night. After a surprise season in 2010-11, the Wolverines are considered a legitimate challenger for the conference title this season.

Michigan Wolverines

2010-11 record: 21-14, 9-9 Big Ten (T-4th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 68-61 to Ohio State in semifinals.

NCAA tournament: Lost 73-71 to Duke in Round of 32.

On the offensive: Tim Hardaway Jr. spent the summer working on ball handling with his father -- nice tutor there. If the 6-5 sophomore is more prolific than his 13.9 ppg last year, the Wolverines could be elite.

Getting defensive: Zack Novak, a 6-4 guard, is the leading returning rebounder (5.8 rpg). Big men Jordan Morgan (6-8), Evan Smotrycz (6-9) and Jon Horford (6-9) must offer more.

The number: 1. Number of letter winners lost from 2010-11. It's a big one -- leading scorer Darius Morris -- but the Wolverines are overloaded with experience.

The talk: Is Michigan a year away from contending for a Big Ten championship, or more, with the 2012-13 arrival of super frosh Mitch McGary? Or are the Wolverines the sleeper this year?

Prediction: No conference title, but Michigan will win double-digit Big Ten games and push for a Sweet 16 bid.

Michigan State Spartans

2010-11 record: 19-15, 9-9 Big Ten (T-4th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 61-48 to Penn State in semifinals.

NCAA tournament: Lost 78-76 to UCLA in Round of 64.

On the offensive: The Spartans lose nearly 29 points per game with the departures of guards Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers. Stud freshman forward Branden Dawson already has drawn comparisons to Jason Richardson, and guard Brandon Wood took advantage of the graduate-student transfer rule to come over from Valparaiso. Wood is a quality shooter who scored 24 for Valpo at the Breslin Center two seasons ago.

Getting defensive: Draymond Green finished third in the Big Ten in rebounding (8.6 per game) last season, and coach Tom Izzo said he has turned some "body fat" into muscle with a rigorous offseason program. Center Adreian Payne is a top-notch athlete.

The number: 14. By upsetting Purdue in the Big Ten tournament, Michigan State reached its 14th straight NCAA tournament. That's the nation's third-longest streak after Kansas (22) and Duke (16).

The talk: The spotlight will shine on Michigan State because of early-season duels with North Carolina and Duke. Izzo loves playing high-profile nonconference games.

Prediction: The Spartans will struggle early but rally for a top-three finish in the Big Ten.

Minnesota Gophers

2010-11 record: 17-14, 6-12 Big Ten (9th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost to Northwestern 75-65 in first round.

NCAA tournament: Did not play.

On the offensive: The Gophers have nice pieces but inexperience at point guard. Can touted freshman Andre Hollins efficiently run the show through the conference grind?

Getting defensive: The entire front line -- 6-11 Ralph Sampson III, 6-8 Trevor Mbakwe and 6-7 Rodney Williams -- returns. That veteran presence ought to produce stinginess on the glass and in the paint.

The number: 20. Consecutive winning seasons for coach Tubby Smith, but 2010-11 was his first sub-20-victory season at Minnesota.

The talk: Minnesota lost 10 of its final 11 games last season, a withering spiral. Another middling finish in Smith's fifth campaign could raise questions and doubts.

Prediction: The Gophers must grind just for a top-half finish and an NCAA bubble spot.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2010-11 record: 19-13, 7-9 Big 12.

Big 12 tournament: Lost 53-52 to Oklahoma State in first round.

NIT: Lost 76-49 to Wichita State in first round.

On the offensive: Four starters return, but just one averaged double digits -- Jorge Brian Diaz at 10.5 ppg. The Big Ten is a grinding league, but the Cornhuskers need more outlets.

Getting defensive: Senior Andre Almeida (39 blocks) and Diaz (38 blocks) offer a presence in the lane, and that's a decent place to start for the maiden Big Ten voyage.

The number: 17.8. Victories per season in coach Doc Sadler's tenure, but zero plus-.500 finishes in Big 12 play.

The talk: Nebraska was a football addition, and nothing about basketball season will chance that viewpoint. It'll be a season-long adjustment for the Cornhuskers.

Prediction: The Cornhuskers won't finish last in their first Big Ten season. But they will be close.

Northwestern Wildcats

2010-11 record: 20-14, 7-11 Big Ten (8th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 67-61 in overtime to Ohio State in quarterfinals.

NIT: Lost 69-66 in overtime to Washington State in quarterfinals.

On the offensive: The Wildcats can pass and hit 3s. They tied Illinois atop the Big Ten rankings last season with 16.7 assists per game, and they return six players who drained at least nine 3-pointers. They need Drew Crawford to improve his 42.3 shooting percentage and for Luka Mirkovic to play with more consistency on the road.

Getting defensive: Northwestern did little to address its glaring issues: The Wildcats allowed a league-worst 46.8 percent from the field and were eighth in rebounding defense. Shurna needs to grab more than last season's 4.9 boards per game.

The number: 11. That's Reggie Hearn's uniform number. The former walk-on will get legit minutes this season.

The talk: NCAA bracketologist Joe Lunardi likes Northwestern to end its 0-for-eternity streak of missing the NCAA tournament. He pegs the Wildcats as an 11th seed, ahead of at least six at-large teams.

Prediction: It's no fun being a spoilsport. If the Wildcats stay relatively healthy, they will -- finally -- make the Big Dance.

Ohio State Buckeyes

2010-11 record: 34-3, 16-2 Big Ten (1st).

Big Ten tournament: Beat Penn State 72-60 in final.

NCAA tournament: Lost 62-60 to Kentucky in Sweet 16.

On the offensive: The Buckeyes revolve around All-American Jared Sullinger, who averaged 17.2 points per game as a freshman. They return guard William Buford (14.4 ppg) and point guard Aaron Craft (6.9 ppg and 4.8 assists per game), but they will miss spot-on shooters David Lighty and Jon Diebler.

Getting defensive: Ohio State ranked second in the Big Ten in scoring defense (59.7 ppg), second in rebounding margin (+4.9) and first in steals per game (7.11). Sullinger averages 10.2 rpg and Craft leads the conference with 1.97 steals per game.

The number: 7. Number of titles for coach Thad Matta in seven years at Ohio State with four regular-season titles and three conference tournament titles.

The talk: The Buckeyes are stacked with experience and talent. Hopes are higher than ever with the return of Sullinger despite the lure of the NBA. They're aiming for the NCAA tournament championship this season.

Prediction: The Buckeyes win another Big Ten title and make it to the Final Four.

Penn State Nittany Lions

2010-11 record: 19-15, 9-9 Big Ten (T-4th).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 72-60 to Ohio State in final.

NCAA tournament: Lost 66-64 to Temple in Round of 64.

On the offensive: Four of the top five scorers are gone from last season. Guard Tim Frazier (6.3 ppg, 5.1 apg) sets the table, but the Nittany Lions have zero proven ability to put up points.

Getting defensive: Anyone 6-9 or taller is a freshman or a sophomore. Frazier, 6-1, is the leading returning rebounder (3.9 rpg). It's either play fast or hope a big man matures rapidly.

The number: 7. Number of freshmen on first-year coach Pat Chambers' roster as an NCAA tournament team was gutted.

The talk: Chambers made house calls to every single player upon being hired. He has the energy the program needs but not the talent to succeed this season.

Prediction: The Big Ten cellar awaits. Anything more is a near-miracle.

purdue-hummel-2011-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeAfter losing the majority of the last two seasons with serious injuries, Robbie Hummel (4) hopes to be the center of the Boilermakers' attack in 2011-12.

Purdue Boilermakers

2010-11 record: 26-8, 14-4 Big Ten (2nd).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 74-56 to Michigan State in quarterfinals.

NCAA tournament: Lost 94-76 to VCU in Round of 32.

On the offensive: Purdue loses the bulk of scoring with NBA draftees JaJuan Johnson (20.5 ppg) and E'Twaun Moore (18 ppg). Role players like point guard Lewis Jackson and shooting guard Ryne Smith must step up. Forward Robbie Hummel's return from injury is promising for the offense. The Boilermakers will rely on a smaller, faster lineup.

Getting defensive: The 6-10 Johnson was a defensive force, averaging 8.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. The post will be manned by inexperienced 6-9 sophomores Sandi Marcius and Travis Carroll. Swingman D.J. Byrd is a dogged defender who can set the tone.

The number: 15.7. Points Hummel averaged in 2010 before the first of two knee injuries sidelined him.

The talk: Coach Matt Painter likened fans' expectations of Hummel to Superman coming to West Lafayette, Ind. While he's not a superhero, Hummel is a versatile forward who offers experience and leadership and might just save the season.

Prediction: Purdue will finish fifth in the Big Ten and make another Round-of-32 exit from the NCAA tournament.

Wisconsin Badgers

2010-11 record: 25-9, 13-5 Big Ten (3rd).

Big Ten tournament: Lost 36-33 to Penn State in quarterfinals.

NCAA tournament: Lost 61-54 to Butler in Sweet 16.

On the offensive: The Badgers generally played in the 70s last season with two exceptions -- a hideous 36-33 defeat to Penn State in the Big Ten tournament and a 61-54 loss to Butler in the Sweet 16, marked by a stunning 1-for-12 night from Jon Leuer. The red-headed Mike Bruesewitz figures to join Jordan Taylor as Wisconsin's 1-2 punch. Forward Ryan Evans also could make a leap after struggling last season.

Getting defensive: The Badgers ranked last in the league in steals (3.6 per game) last season but still finished first in scoring defense (58.6 points), thanks to their slow-down game. Bruesewitz will need to increase his rebounding numbers.

The number: 71.4. Bo Ryan's winning percentage in Big Ten games is the all-time best, edging Thad Matta (71.8) and Bob Knight (70.0).

The talk: Ryan's Chicago-area pipeline helped him land Mundelein's Ben Brust, a promising sophomore guard, and freshman guard George Marshall, a second-team All-State pick from Brooks.

Prediction: If two or three consistent scorers emerge to help Taylor, the Badgers will battle Ohio State for Big Ten supremacy.


Free-agent debate between Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder a popular pastime: GM/Owners Meeting Chatter

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News and rumors from MLB's GM/owners meetings at the Pfister Hotel.

fielder-vert-swing-brewers-2009-ap.jpgView full sizeThe production of Prince Fielder at an early age -- he reached 50 home runs at age 23 in 2007 -- makes him a unique free agent opportunity, says Fielder's agent Scott Boras.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- News and rumors from MLB's GM/owners meetings at the Pfister Hotel:

How do you compare free-agent first basemen Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols? Try comparing thunder and lightning?

Fielder, 27, hit .299 with 36 doubles, 38 homers and 120 RBI this year for Milwaukee. He's a three-time All-Star and a career .282 hitter with 230 homers, 656 RBI and a .929 OPS after seven seasons.

Pujols, 31, hit .299 with 29 doubles, 37 homers and 99 RBI for St. Louis this year. He's a three-time NL MVP, nine-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner. Pujols hit .328 with 445 homers, 1,329 RBI and a 1.037 OPS over 11 seasons with the Cardinals.

If you're a general manager with money to burn, does it really matter? Just pick one.

Scott Boras, Fielder's agent, says the two can't be compared as free agents.

"They're different for a lot of reasons ... the primary one being age," said Boras. "And the idea that Prince has done something between 22 and 26 [during which] he performed at the same production levels that Pujols did in his prime from 27 to 31. It's a rare player that can do that and be in a [free-agent] market like this at 27.

"I think teams view the players as extraordinary talents, but I think the age deliberation causes teams, and what direction their franchises want to go, to view the two as very different."

Pujols, 32 in January, made $14.5 million this year. Fielder, 28 in May, made $15.5 million. The deals they sign this off-season should rock baseball. Brewers GM Doug Melvin and Cardinals GM John Mozeliak will try to keep Fielder and Pujols, but it won't be easy. Melvin reportedly talked to Boras on Tuesday. Dan Lozano represents Pujols.

• Second time around: Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum isn't the only candidate getting a second interview to be Boston's manager. GM Ben Cherington said another candidate will make a return appearance.

Cherington would not say if Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. is the second candidate. Torey Lovullo, another former Indian, is up for the same job.

• Earn it: Theo Epstein, Cubs new president of baseball operations, said high-strung right-hander Carlos Zambrano will have to "earn his way back" to being a Cub. The volatile Zambrano was suspended last year, but has one year left on his $91 million contract.

Zambrano met with Epstein on Monday in Chicago. He's pitching winter ball in Venezuela.

• Decision time: Epstein said he hopes to get closer to making a decision on a manager this week. He said there would be "follow-ups" with certain candidates, but not a formal second round of interviews. Alomar is one of the candidates with the Cubs as well.

• Another name: The Cubs had a phone interview Monday with Boston bench coach DeMarlo Hale. Epstein said there was no need to conduct formal interviews with Hale and Terry Francona because he knows them so well from his time as Boston's GM.

• Still waiting: The compensation the Red Sox will receive from the Cubs for Epstein still hasn't been decided.

• In the mix: The Brewers, who didn't pick up the option on shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, have some interest in Rafael Furcal, a deadline acquisition who helped the Cardinals win the World Series.

• Reason why: Ross Atkins, the Indians' director of player development, on why former big league manager Edwin Rodriguez would agree to manage the Indians Class A Carolina team. Rodriguez, as recently as last season, was managing the Marlins.

"In the interview, it became clear to us that Edwin was very passionate about baseball and helping young men become better than professional baseball players."

Rodriguez, 51, replaces Aaron Holbert, who left the Indians to manage Atlanta's Class AA club.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Empathy abounds between sudden leaders Tom Bradley and Luke Fickell

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Former Ohio State and Penn State head coaches Jim Tressel and Joe Paterno had 80 times more experience, but now Luke Fickell and Tom Bradley are left leading the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions.

fickell-horiz-scrim11-mf.jpgView full size"The most difficult thing is not having a routine," OSU head coach Luke Fickell says about taking over the top spot in a major-college football program. "There are things that come across your desk when you're in charge of things [that are] a little bit grander than what you had before."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Luke Fickell had 92 days to prepare for his first game as a head coach. Tom Bradley had three.

Yet if there's anyone who has some sense of what Bradley, the Penn State interim coach, is trying to do in terms of getting a football team ready to play under difficult circumstances, it's Fickell, the Buckeyes' first-year head coach. Bradley said Fickell called him Monday, two former defensive staffers talking about their tasks, their bosses forced from their jobs.

When Ohio State and Penn State played a year ago, the Buckeyes' Jim Tressel and Nittany Lions' Joe Paterno had 855 games of combined experience as head coaches. When they meet Saturday, Fickell and Bradley will have 11.

"When Luke called, he asked how I was doing," Bradley said at a news conference Tuesday in State College, Pa. "I just kind of chuckled. He knew what I meant because he had the same thing. ... He said, 'At least I got my start in May.'"

While readying two teams that both run the ball and rely on their defenses, Fickell and Bradley are juggling the new duties of head coach that have little to do with the football field. Nearly six months after taking over in the wake of Tressel's forced resignation on May 30, Fickell is still adjusting.

Asked when it was he settled in and caught his breath, he said, "I don't know that it's truly happened.

"The most difficult thing is not having a routine," Fickell said. "As an assistant coach for nine years ... you have those routines and as a head coach everything is a little bit different. There are things that come across your desk when you're in charge of things [that are] a little bit grander than what you had before."

Among the topics on Fickell's desk this week was the security for Saturday's game, which precipitated the call to Bradley. He wanted to assure Bradley that his team wouldn't have any issues in Ohio Stadium. On Tuesday, Ohio State released a video featuring OSU football and basketball athletes imploring fans to exhibit sportsmanship in their reaction to Penn State in the aftermath of charges of child abuse against former PSU assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

"It's important to remember the victims of this tragedy," OSU student body president Nick Messenger said at Tuesday's Ohio State news conference. "But it's also important to remember that our visitors are not the people to whom we should direct our anger."

Penn State's Tom Bradley at Tuesday press conference



In its season of uncertainty, Ohio State as a program is on far more stable footing than its opponent this week. The children who may have been harmed are the only true victims, but Penn State players who did no wrong have been dealing with the fallout of the actions of adults at their university.

"You do feel for them," OSU senior defensive end Solomon Thomas said. "We weren't in the exact same position but we had our adversity, and you don't wish that on anybody else, or you don't try to use that to your advantage. We're all college athletes."

"When a situation like that happens, you can step back and really look and say, 'We're just playing a game, and there's a lot of bigger things in life,'" senior center Mike Brewster said. "But it's something we put a lot of work into and something we take very seriously."

After Saturday's loss at Purdue, Ohio State's hope at reaching the Big Ten title game was taken away, unless Illinois pulls a stunning upset on Wisconsin on Saturday. In their final home game, the Buckeyes are "playing for pride and these seniors and for these coaches and for each other," Brewster said.

Penn State has more on-field opportunities ahead. Assuming Wisconsin does beat Illinois, this Ohio State game actually will have no bearing on the Nittany Lions' chances of winning the Leaders Division. It will all come down to if they can beat the Badgers next week.

After years of Ohio State players eagerly wanting to shake the hand of Paterno after games, Saturday will be about something else.

"Those are two people that won't be here," Fickell said of Tressel and Paterno, "and there are probably 70 on their side and 106 players on our side. So we probably focus on the things we have and not the things we've lost."

Brown scores 24 as Cleveland State eases past Rio Grande, 86-57, in home opener

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Senior swingman D'Aundray Brown led the Vikings with 24 points and nine rebounds before 1,871 fans in the Wolstein Center.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland State easily dismissed Rio Grande, 86-57, in the Vikings' homecourt men's basketball debut Tuesday night, just two days after pulling the first major college upset of the season at Vanderbilt.

Senior swingman D'Aundray Brown led the Vikings with 24 points and nine rebounds before 1,871 fans in the Wolstein Center as the Vikings played without senior starting center Aaron Pogue, who was sick and not on the bench until just before the end of the first half.

The 6-4 Brown (wrist injury) has clearly used a red-shirt season to not only get bigger, but has a more compact jump shot to go along with his tenacious defense. While he has yet to finish a season in his CSU career due to injury, this may be the exception.

"I can physically hold up," he said, dismissing a cramp that had him limping at the end of his 31 minutes of action. "Not playing at the [power forward] spot is helping me a lot. Being with the guards is big for me."

The Vikings made good use of five steals to build a 14-6 lead, as the NAIA's Red Storm struggled with the home team's length and quickness. But once Rio Grande gained some patience, they rallied to a 17-all deadlock at the 10-minute mark. Slowly the turnovers and steals began to mount as CSU's lead finally reached double digits as the Vikings lead, 40-27, at the break.

The offensive catalyst continued to be Brown. The swingman had six rebounds, six steals and 13 points at the break. He did not just hit long pull-up jumpers, but scored off steals under the basket, on offensive rebounds and stick-backs from Viking misses.

Combine Brown's efforts with CSU's tenacious full-court defense (11 steals, 16 Rio Grande turnovers by intermission) and the outcome was not in doubt for a team that upset then-No. 7 Vanderbilt just two days prior.

The Vikings (2-0) now point to an upcoming test that begins at home Friday against St. Bonaventure, which returns a veteran team.

"That is a very big team coming in here, a tough one," head coach Gary Waters said.

Then there's seven straight road games starting at Kent State on Tuesday, then on to the Ticket City Legends Classic in Rhode Island against Boston University, Hofstra and Rhode Island next weekend.

Freshmen Ike Nwamu did not play due to a concussion suffered recently in practice, Waters said. Freshman Marlin Mason also did not play, and the plan is to give the 6-6 forward his red-shirt to transition to playing small forward.

"But I'm itching to play him," Waters conceded.

Ohio State rides balanced scoring to pull away in second half of 81-74 triumph over Florida

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Ohio State controlled the second half while taking out No. 7 Florida and discovered just what some Buckeyes can do.

Gallery preview

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Beating a top-10 team and finding out some things about a young team at the same time? Not a bad Tuesday night for Ohio State.

The No. 3 Buckeyes knocked off No. 7 Florida, 81-74, confirming what they knew about the toughness of sophomore Aaron Craft and the scoring of senior William Buford, while getting some intriguing big man contributions off the bench from junior Evan Ravenel and a more controlled second half from sophomore Deshaun Thomas.

The Buckeyes (2-0) didn't take their first lead until late in the first half at 31-29, but they took over the second half, the lead expanding to as many as 16 points.

Buford led the way with 21 points, Jared Sullinger had 16 and six rebounds and Thomas had 15 points.

"This basketball team didn't fold," Sullinger said. "As the game went on we got closer, and we said enough was enough and we decided to execute our offense."

But it was Craft, with 13 points, seven assists and three steals, who took apart the Gators (1-1) possession to possession, especially on defense.

"I thought he clearly dominated the game," Florida coach Billy Donovan said. "He dominated the game from start to finish. He was the whole key to the game, and more importantly, he did it defensively. He physically beat up our guards, totally within the context and rules of the game. He physically manhandled our guys and he did it against everybody.

"Steals, strips, loose balls, dives, he's as good as anybody out there. I've got tremendous respect and admiration for him, because he doesn't get the proper respect he deserves. But he's as good as anybody out there."

Guarded at times by Mohawked Florida guard Scott Wilbekin, Craft turned down the idea of shaving his hair into the same style to match his oncourt attitude.

"He looked good," Craft said. "I'm gonna pass. My hair's all right."

Boston College transfer Ravenel flashed his toughness as well, filling in while Sullinger was sidelined by foul trouble in the second half. Ravenel finished with seven points on 3-of-3 shooting in 11 minutes and staked a strong claim as a big man off the bench.

"It was the usual," Sullinger said. "That's what he does in practice, that's the way he played. You see that 3-for-3, he took a big-time charge, had a big-time rebound, that's what he does."

Even the wrong went right. Craft tried to throw a fastbreak alley-oop to guard Lenzelle Smith, Jr., and Ravenel intercepted the ball and laid it in.

It wasn't quite the usual for Sullinger, with the Gators' Patric Young (14 points, 12 rebounds) able to keep him out of the lane at times. Still, Sullinger, 4-of-8 from the field and 8-for-8 from the line, found ways to be effective, and the Buckeyes found ways to work their game in his absence.

After running undefeated through an easy nonconference schedule a year ago on the way to the No. 1 ranking, the Buckeyes know they'll be far more tested during this nonconference schedule, which still includes Duke and Kansas.

Tuesday was a good step.

With the NBA cast in shadows, Ohio State puts a bright light on good basketball: Bill Livingston

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A top-10 victory over the Gators offers some joy for the Columbus winter, in contrast to the football program.

craft-dribble-fla-squ-mct.jpgView full sizeAaron Craft (driving against Florida's Scottie Wilbekin) had another strong performance as the Buckeyes' point guard Tuesday. He produced 13 points, seven assists, three steals and a lot of leadership, says Bill Livingston.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Only the decibels recalled the league where noise equals entertainment, and every moment must be full of sound and fury, lest someone notice the decline in the product.

The pre-game historical montage of great Ohio State basketball players on the replay screen at Value City Arena was accompanied by music loud enough to be Beelzebub's brass band playing some smoking hot hits from the regions of fire and brimstone.

Other than that, though, you could tell this was not the NBA because the key player in third-ranked Ohio State's 81-74 victory Tuesday night over seventh-ranked Florida was sophomore point guard Aaron Craft. He's 6-2, 190, and he doesn't look the part of a guy who, said Florida coach Billy Donovan, "physically beat up our guards." Craft has the red blooms of exertion on his face after games.

He looks like he could have just run away from contact, not initiated it.

Yet Craft provided 13 points, seven assists, three steals and a lot of leadership in the Buckeyes' victory. At times, he and William Buford, the shooting guard, were putting on a clinic against the Gators.

When all that backcourt excellence is anchored by Jared Sullinger, whose post presence is as formidable as ever despite his slimmer, fitter physique, Ohio State looks like a team with bright prospects.

Sullinger's 16 points came on only eight shots as he wore a path to the foul line. He also got a six-minute blow from George Ravenel, his new backup, who has more variety than dunk-centric Dallas Lauderdale. Ravenel is all intensity and effort, but he finished a fast break by guiding home a Craft alley-oop for the night's highlight. It showed touch and court awareness that is unusual for an effort player.

Anyway, the point of this is that at least the Buckeyes were playing basketball -- and at what promises to be a higher level than the troubled flagship program that plays down the street in cleats and helmets in the Horseshoe.

The NBA is in lockout/nuclear winter/full meltdown, with no Cavaliers games scheduled, with no hope for games on the horizon.

Ohio State, for its part, is and always will be a football school, but the tattoo scandal and its effect on the roster has put the brand of mediocrity on the team this season.

In the power conferences, nothing of consequence happens in college basketball in November. But this was an indication that the losses of David Lighty, Jon Diebler and Lauderdale off last year's Sweet 16 team might not be as hard to overcome as it appeared.

The Buckeyes have now won three straight games against Florida, but the Gators won the 2007 national championship game between the two. The ratio is approximately 500-to-1, as far as regular-season victories needed to equal one national championship goes.

No basketball fans had to remind themselves that the opposing players had no part in a horrific child-molestation scandal, which will be the case when Penn State visits the Horseshoe Saturday.

It also doesn't mean that Ohio State is the only college basketball program worth a look, either. This victory took nothing away from Cleveland State, which turned November into March by knocking off nationally ranked Vanderbilt Sunday in its opener. This is a familiar outcome in the NCAA Tournament when the SEC power faces good, quick mid-majors.

At the same time, Kent State and Akron are the Mid-American Conference's top two powers.

As ever, nature abhors a vacuum. The one created by the absence of the NBA is being filled in exciting ways by the college players around the state. Maybe such a development deserves the accompaniment of a little night music, although anyone used to the din at the House of the Flaming Swords, a.k.a. The Q in downtown Cleveland, might ask for a mute button.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Cleveland Browns A.M. Links: Strange but true; there are a few bright spots;how many AFC North teams will make the playoffs;scouting report

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There have been some strange events whenever the Browns play the Jaguars.

massato.jpgMohamed Massaquoi.

News-Herald reporter Jeff Schudel writes how the Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars have had some wacky games.

For example:

The Jaguars arguably cost Chris Palmer his head coaching job in 2000. One week after losing, 44-7, in Baltimore, the Browns lost, 48-0, in Jacksonville. Two weeks earlier, former Browns president Carmen Policy "guaranteed" Palmer would return in 2001. They finished 3-13 that year.

Last season, the Browns were in control until a screen pass to Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew turned into a 75-yard gain to the 1. Jones-Drew scored on the next play with 1:06 left to give Jacksonville a 24-20 victory.


 

More Cleveland Browns

There are a few bright spots in the expansion era.

How many AFC North teams will make the playoffs.

Tony Grossi's scouting report.

The Browns are going down while the Jags are going up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grady Sizemore will bounce back - Indians Comment of the Day

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"You guys can say what you want, but I am a Grady believer. I believe, knowing Grady, he rushed back from the surgery and the slide into second base was just a freak accident. I believe that he will regain form and become a solid player again. Not elite, but solid. Right now we are short two outfielders - a center fielder and a fourth outfielder. I understand the money situation, but we are very thin in the outfield." - joe kiely

grady-sizemore3.jpgView full sizeGrady Sizemore's may wear a different uniform next season.
In response to the story Multiple MLB teams showing interest in Grady Sizemore, cleveland.com reader joe kiely thinks Grady Sizemore still has something left. This reader writes,

"You guys can say what you want, but I am a Grady believer. I believe, knowing Grady, he rushed back from the surgery and the slide into second base was just a freak accident. I believe that he will regain form and become a solid player again. Not elite, but solid. Right now we are short two outfielders - a center fielder and a fourth outfielder. I understand the money situation, but we are very thin in the outfield."

To respond to joe kiely's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Browns don't have much chance on Sunday - Comment of the Day

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"St. Louis was a notch below 'thoroughly putrid' and had their ball boys playing defensive back due to injuries. Yet the Browns couldn't muster a single touchdown against them. Now you're asking me what I think their chances are against Jacksonville? The same chances an ice cube has on a Phoenix sidewalk in July." - John in Columbus

shurmur-lament-bengals-abj.jpgView full sizeWill Sunday be another long day for Pat Shurmur and the Browns?
In response to the story Cleveland Browns host Jacksonville Jaguars: Who will win and by how much? Poll, cleveland.com reader John in Columbus doesn't like the Browns' chances on Sunday. This reader writes,

"St. Louis was a notch below 'thoroughly putrid' and had their ball boys playing defensive back due to injuries. Yet the Browns couldn't muster a single touchdown against them. Now you're asking me what I think their chances are against Jacksonville? The same chances an ice cube has on a Phoenix sidewalk in July."

To respond to John in Columbus' comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Ohio State Buckeyes' DeVier Posey will dramatically affect Penn State game, even if he doesn't catch a pass, says Doug Lesmerises (SBTV)

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Plain Dealer OSU reporter says Posey will be on PSU defense's mind, even on running plays. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV with Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright, who exhibit good sportsmanship as they host today's show.


Ohio State receiver DeVier Posey will return to the field Saturday after sitting out all season because of suspension by the NCAA. How many passes do you think he will catch on Saturday against Penn State? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.


Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises, who says he thinks Posey's impact on the game will be much greater than the number of catches and receiving yards he has.


Doug also talks about the Penn State sex-abuse scandal and what impact it may have on Saturday's game in Columbus; and about Buckeyes basketball player Jared Sullinger and his new slimmed-down physique, which was on display in Tuesday night's win over Florida.


SBTV will return Thursday. And don't miss this week's edition of the cleveland.com Browns Insider show, which streams live every Thursday at 10 a.m. and is archived each week.



Cleveland Browns got away with illegal play against Rams

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The double reverse pass from Colt McCoy to Seneca Wallace should have been flagged because the Browns had two forward passes on the same play.

wallace-catch-browns-rams-2011-cc.jpgThe 21-yard trick play to Seneca Wallace was one of the few Browns highlights against the Rams. Turns out it was an illegal play.

Updated at 12:20 p.m.

BEREA -- The Browns' trick play against the St. Louis Rams that netted 21 yards should have been disallowed. It was an illegal play involving two forward passes.

On the play in the second quarter, Josh Cribbs lined up as the shotgun quarterback, with Seneca Wallace split wide right and Colt McCoy wide left. Wallace motions toward Cribbs and Cribbs flips the ball forward to him.

 McCoy, coming from the left, then receives a lateral from Wallace. McCoy looks to his right and then throws a pass to Wallace breakding down the left sideline for a 21-yard gain.

According to an NFL digest of rules, "An offensive team may make only one forward pass during each play from scrimmage." The penalty is five yards.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur said today that he knew the play was illegal as it unfolded.

"The first exchange (Cribbs to Wallace) was practiced all week as a handoff. Three times," Shurmur said. "In the game, it got flipped.

"That kind of stuff happens all the time. I was well aware what happened. And I know the rules."

Shurmur said he did not receive confirmation from the NFL office that the play was illegal.

There was no flag on the play and no challenge by the Rams.

In an email replay, an NFL spokesman confirmed the play was illegal and the Browns should have been penalized five yards.

The play moved the Browns to the Rams' 18-yard line. They kicked a field goal four plays later to close the Rams' lead to 7-6.


Injury report: Shurmur said that safety T.J. Ward has only a sprain of his foot and will be back to play this season. Ward will wear a second cast and then graduate to a walking boot soon, Shurmur said.  ... receiver Mohamed Massaquoi's concussion symptoms "have dissipated" and he is expected to be at practice today ... running back Montario Hardesty (calf) may try some running, the coach said ... Other players who will be limited today: defensive end Auston English, right tackle Tony Pashos, right end Jayme Mitchell and cornerback Dimitri Patterson.

Penn State scandal P.M. Links: Tom Bradley testified before grand jury; JoePa's statue; Joe Paterno turned over his house to his wife; radio interview

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Interim Penn State football coach Tom Bradley also testified before the grand jury.

penn state.JPGPenn State football coach Joe Paterno walks down his driveway.

Interim Penn State football coach Tom Bradley testified before the grand jury in the case against Jerry Sandusky, writes Sara Ganim on Pennlive.com.

A summary of Bradley’s testimony is not outlined in the 23-page grand jury presentment, but a source close to the investigation confirmed Bradley did appear and testified in over the summer.

Sandusky was charged with sexually assaulting eight boys, some of them on the PSU campus.

In a recent interview with Pennlive.com, Bradley said that he did share a residence with assistant coach Mike McQueary around 2006 or 2007.

McQueary has testified that he witnessed Sandusky raping a boy in a campus shower. Bradley said that when they shared a home, Bradley was spending most of his time at his home in Pittsburgh, and McQueary was staying there only as an interim option.

More Penn State stories

Should the school remove JoePa's statue?

Penn State may seek immunity.

Why did Joe Paterno turn over his house to his wife?

Michael Eric Dyson radio show talks about Penn State.

Victim 1 cried while watching Jerry Sandusky's interview.

Franco Harris is fired for supporting Joe Paterno.

Joe Paterno's lesson is a lasting one.

It will be a working winter for Ubaldo Jimenez: GM/Owners meeting chatter

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Indians' right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez needs to be better prepared for spring training in 2012 than he was in 2011.

Ubaldo Jimenez.JPGThe Indians want Ubaldo Jimenez to come to spring training in better shape than he was last spring with the Rockies.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- News and rumors from MLB's GM/owners meetings at the Pfister Hotel.

It's not an accident that the Indians assigned a strength coach spend the winter in the Dominican Republic this winter to work with Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Santana, Fausto Carmona and other players in the organization.

Jimenez, acquired in the big July deadline deal with the Rockies for pitching prospects Drew Pomeranz and Alex White, took a vacation to Spain last offseason in the middle of his throwing program. After reporting to spring training, his suffered a hip injury that turned his season upside down.

A baseball person from outside the Indians organization put it bluntly when he said, "He needs to work this winter."

Still no word on whether Jimenez will pitch winter ball.

Recognized: Manny Acta finished fourth in the AL Manager of the Year voting Wednesday by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Tampa Bay's Joe Maddon won the award followed by Detroit's Jim Leyland and Ron Washington of Texas.

Acta received three second place votes and seven third place votes. Two members of the BBWAA from each AL city voted on the award. Acta led the Indians to a second-place finish and an 11-game improvement in the AL Central this year.

The Indians improved from 69 victories in 2010 to 80 in 2012.    

Plan B: If the Brewers can't retain Prince Fielder, they will consider Matt Gamel at first base.

Merry Marlins: The Florida Marlins, headed into a new ballpark, have been active this winter. They've held negotiations with prime free agents Mark Buehrle, Albert Pujols and Jose Reyes.

It's clear their $57 million payroll from last season is on the rise.

"With the payroll increasing, I think it's our job to open up all the doors that make sense and try do whatever we can to make the team better," said GM Larry Beinfest. "We're looking for good players, period."

The Marlins have a new manager in Ozzie Guillen. They'll be playing in a new ballpark with new uniforms and what could be a revamped roster.

"I know this thing kind of came out of left field for a lot of people that we've reportedly been so aggressive early," said Beinfest. "But we want to be aggressive and improve."

Patience: Matt LaPorta, whose inconsistency with the bat has put his future in doubt with the Indians, is represented by agent Scott Boras.

"Power in the big leagues is the last tool to come," said Boras. "That's Matt's forte. If you look at a lot of young power hitters, you have to give them a significant number of at bats to know what direction that's going to go. I think that's the plan the Indians have for him."

LaPorta hit .247 (87-for-352) with 23 doubles, one triple and 11 homers in 107 games last season. Since the Indians acquired him from Milwaukee in the CC Sabathia trade, LaPorta is hitting .238 (216-for-909) with 51 doubles, 30 homers and 115 RBI.

At the end of the season, LaPorta was told by manager Manny Acta and GM Chris Antonetti that he would have to come to spring training and win the first base job.

Open door policy: The Phillies declined the options on starter Roy Oswalt and reliever Brad Lidge for 2012. GM Ruben Amaro says the door is still open on them returning, but isn't going to make any predictions.

"Lidge might still get an opportunity to close somewhere. I hope he does," said Amaro. "We haven't closed the door on him."

As for Oswalt, Amaro said, "We haven't shut the door. I just don't know if he is going to be able to fit into what we're going to do. We don't have unlimited funds. Our next big issue is to try to deal with the shortstop situation."

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is a free agent.

Come one, come all: The Phillies, along with just about every other team, are in the Dominican Republic looking at Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes.

The Indians saw him last week and were impressed.

Two questions. How close is Cespedes to the big leagues? Can he hit big league pitching.

"We've had people watch him," said Amaro. "He's definitely an interesting athlete."

As to whether he'd need time in the minors, Amaro said, "We're having people assess that right now."

Concerning Cespedes' ability to hit big league pitching, Amaro said, "It's very hard to evaluate. That's why we're doing a private workout."

What gives? New GM Terry Ryan told Twins reporters that his team will enter he 2012 season with an estimated $100 million payroll. What's unknown is if that will include
free-agent outfielders Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel.

New role: GM Kenny Williams said reliever Chris Sale is scheduled to join the White Sox's starting rotation in 2012.

New arrivals: Tribe President Mark Shapiro arrived at the meetings Wednesday. Owner Larry Doland and son Paul are scheduled to check in as well. The owners portion of the meetings start today.
 

Ohio State Buckeyes host Penn State Nittany Lions: Who will win and by how much? Poll

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Scandal-tarnished programs meet. Ohio State is 6-4; Penn State, 8-2.

dan-herron-penn-state2.jpgOhio State tailback Dan Herron running with the football against Penn State last Nov. 13. Herron rushed for 190 yards and a touchdown in 21 carries as the Buckeyes routed the Nittany Lions, 38-14.



CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio State's Buckeyes play Penn State's Nittany Lions in a Big Ten Leaders Division game on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.



It's a game that would normally be lauded for the participation of two tradition-laden programs.



Instead, both are now, at least for the foreseeable future, deservedly identified with scandal.



Ohio State, of course, has paid the price of its memorabilia for tattoos/cash scandal with a mediocre season, going 6-4, 3-3 in the Big Ten Leaders Division -- tied for third place in the division led by 8-2, 5-1 Penn State. The primary reasons for the so-so campaign include the forced resignation of former coach Jim Tressel, the premature departure of quarterback Terrelle Pryor and several key suspensions in the aftermath of the scandal.



Penn State is covered with more shame because its scandal involves a tragic human element -- the numerous youngsters who were the victims of alleged sexual assaults by former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, a longtime associate of Joe Paterno. Penn State fired Paterno -- its head coach since 1966 -- last week for his apparently insufficient response to being told of at least one of Sandusky's alleged, horrific activities.



The game goes on Saturday, with so much having changed since last Nov. 13, when the Buckeyes routed Penn State, 38-14, in Columbus, as The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises reported in his game story.



Ohio State's game results this season: 42-0 win over Akron; 27-22 win over Toledo; 24-6 loss at Miami (Fla.); 37-17 win over Colorado; 10-7 loss to Michigan State; 34-27 loss at Nebraska; 17-7 win at Illinois; 33-29 win over Wisconsin; 34-20 win over Indiana; 26-23 loss at Purdue in overtime.



Penn State's game results: 41-7 win over Indiana State; 27-11 loss to Alabama; 14-10 win at Temple; 34-6 win over Eastern Michigan; 16-10 win at Indiana; 13-3 win over Iowa; 23-18 win over Purdue; 34-24 win at Northwestern; 10-7 win over Illinois; 17-14 loss to Nebraska.




Cleveland Browns: Coach Pat Shurmur's press conference

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Coach Pat Shurmur during today's press conference.

colt-mccoy-pat-shurmur.jpgQuarterback Colt McCoy and coach Pat Shurmur.

Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur press conference

(Opening statement)- "Let's first start with the guys that will be out of practice today. Montario Hardesty will be out of practice although he's doing some running. I'm not ruling him out for the weekend, there's a chance he could be there. Peyton Hillis is out this week. He's continuing with his rehab, we'll see how he does. T.J. Ward had his cast removed. What we found is that he's progressing well, he went back in another cast and that the point we take him out of the cast here soon, he'll go to a walking boot and then keep continuing to improve. What we found when we took the cast off was that he'll be back. Mo (Mohamed Massaquoi) will be out at practice today, his symptoms have dissipated so he'll be out there practicing. Everybody else will be limited in some fashion, Auston English, Jayme Mitchell, (Tony) Pashos, (Dimitri) Patterson, those are probably the names of note."

(On what the final diagnosis on Ward is)- "He's got a sprained foot."

(On what kind of back Maurice Jones-Drew is compared to the other backs they've faced this season)- "He's an outstanding back, he's been an outstanding back in this league for a lot of years. He's very hard to tackle, he's a very explosive runner and he accounts for a lot of what they do on offense. They're trying to develop a young quarterback and he means a lot to that team. The focus of our defense, of course, will be to make sure we limit his production."

(On how he can prevent that fact that the team hasn't scored a home field touchdown in a while from messing with the team's confidence)- "Score touchdowns. I don't worry about that. You just keep working to get better. These guys don't have a problem with confidence. We've just have to go out and get it done."

(On if he expected a bigger impact out of the tight ends during the regular season)- "They're still getting their production. It's about what I thought. I knew they'd get their production. I also felt like it's important that you throw the ball to the receivers. If you look at differences in years, maybe that's the case. We're getting a lot of production right now out of Greg Little and we're trying to get some production out of Josh Cribbs, Jordan Norwood and Mo when he's in there."

(On if defenses try to take one specific thing away from them)- "I don't know if they're taking anything specific away. We have a bunch of players that need to touch the football and we need to spread the ball around. I think that's what we need to do at this point."

(On the decision to play Jordan Cameron more over the last couple weeks)- "Him being up was because we had injuries at other positions. We were short on healthy scratches so he ended up playing and he helps on special teams and since he was up we tried to get him some reps."

(On if his film review showed that the trick play against the Rams was illegal)- "I was made aware of that (report). We knew it when we watched it. We practiced the play, the first exchange between Josh and Seneca (Wallace) was practiced as a handoff. Three times last week we handed it off and in the game it got flipped. That's a rule, we know the rule."

(On if he received a call from the NFL saying that got away with one)- "No, I'm sure just like when we send in things, I send in plays every week and I get back yes's and no's every week. I just keep them from you and that got out, I don't know. But, that kind of stuff happens all the time."

(On if he realized what happened and if he hoped they didn't challenge the play)- "I was well aware of what happened and I know the rules. The first exchange was practiced as a handoff and the second one was a flip."

(On how he would chart the progress of the offensive line specifically the guards)- "I think last week we played better, the offensive line as a unit. There's been improvement there. I think it helps when they can all play together all week long and that hasn't been the case every week and I think they're improving."

(On Jason Pinkston being a tackle in college and moving to guard)- "We drafted him with the idea the he could play guard and tackle. We felt even though he played tackle in college that he would be a fine NFL guard."

(On what kind of growth he has seen in Greg Little both on and off the field)- "I think Greg's got great skill and ability, that's why we drafted him. Part of what he needed to learn is how to be a pro, all rookies do. He was a guy who was pushed into the starting lineup pretty early and he's playing a position where you have to make plays. Prior to this year, I'm sure he did a lot just on his sheer ability, but you have to learn how to be a pro from how you take care of your body to how you study to how you approach each week and I think he's made big improvements in all those areas."

(On if he's still having talks with Little)- "Yeah, we work with Greg every day just like all the players."

(On what he sees in Blaine Gabbert and why he's been slower to pick it up than Andy Dalton or Cam Newton)- "I've studied him and I've watched him. I know he's a very talented quarterback, I knew a lot about him being in the region the last couple years. He actually played high school ball real close to where I lived in St. Louis so I knew a lot about him and he's very talented. I'm sure there's a learning curve for him as far as learning their offense. He didn't have an offseason and he came in and now he's pushed into a starting role, trying to move the football for that team. I would imagine he's going through a lot of the same things that a lot of quarterbacks go through and I'm sure he's experiencing some of the things during the season now which he would have benefitted from an offseason doing. I'm not surprised by anything that I see with a young player this first year, especially first-year guys."

(On if the Browns made any effort to bring back Matt Roth)- "We'll keep all those discussion behind the scenes."

(On what he's seen from of Roth this year)- "He's done a good job for them. He's a very explosive guy, gets off on the snap, plays extremely hard and he's doing a good job for them."

(On if Roth fits in a 4-3 defense)- "He's playing a defensive end, he fits for them. He's doing a good job."

(On how much the weather plays a factor with game planning as they move forward)- "You always look at the weather and the conditions in terms of it may adjust how you call some things. I felt like wind was a condition that needed to be accounted for last week. It was very windy and I thought Colt threw the ball well in the wind. You always factor in what the weather conditions are and it may change a call or two, may change where you kick, how you kick, what direction you kick, those types of things."

(On if McCoy lacking a cannon arm and his ability to cut the ball through the wind)- "I don't know what he lacks, but I thought he threw the ball through the wind last week very well."

(On if Chris Ogbonnaya has pleasantly surprised him)- "Yeah, he has surprised me. He had a very productive day Sunday, it was his best game. He pulled out of it relatively healthy so I'm anticipating that he'll continue to improve and our thoughts are that we'll get another good game out of him this week."

(On how the 2011 draft class is playing as a group)- "I think they're improving and I think they're really benefitting from all this front line playing time. A lot of them are playing on offense or defense and not just special teams so I think that'll help them as they go forward into year two and really as we finish year one. Just like we talked about Greg Little a little while ago, they're all going through that same process. As you get into games 10-16 and beyond, that's a little bit uncharted for these rookies. They play 10 or 11 games and then they take final exams, they have a couple weeks of practice and play a bowl game so that's where we've got to keep a real close eye on them and how they're doing at the end of the year."

(On if through nine games he thinks the current roster needs overhauled or if they would just need to add to it a bit going forward)- "I think it's fair to say that we'll have some roster changes in the offseason. When you relate that to the rookies that are playing, we're going to try to keep them around. I think the guys that we have in their playing, we feel very good about and we want to see them improve through the end of this year, help us win games. We will have an offseason next year where they can continue to improve and then hopefully be more suited to play there year two. Again, we feel like it's very important to build this thing through the draft. That's why it's important I think once you hit on good rookie players to then develop them and keep them here. That's what our thoughts are. Now if all of them will stick, I can't say that. There are a lot of uncontrollable variables that each player runs into, could be injury or what have you. Our idea is to draft good players, play them, develop them and then keep them around. That's what we're trying to do."

(On deciding if the second, third and fourth year guys fit his system and what they want to do)- "We've already started that process with all these midseason or early season signings. We've made determinations on guys that we want to try to keep around. We'll constantly go through that process. Yeah, every player is getting evaluated. Everybody does a fine job of evaluating me, coaches are evaluated, players are evaluated. You constantly do that as you go through this and you quality control everything from how you do business, to how the players play to the relationships between the coaches and players and everything involved. We're constantly looking at those things."

(On if he still wants to get the entire roster younger)- "I think we want to get better and we'll use every avenue to get better, whether it's the draft, the right guys in free agency. I think that's where we want to get better. I think it's safe to say the roster was very experienced a year ago. I'm not sure I said we want to get younger, but that would be the natural assumption when you draft and play the guys that we have. We're trying to make the roster better. We have an underlining philosophy that it's important to draft players that you're going to keep around and develop. Typically, the drafted are younger than the free agents. But, that does not mean that we're not going to go after some free agents that fit and would be meaningful additions to this team. We believe in that as well."

(On if it's been a tough to evaluate and build the young talent while also trying to win along the way)- "Not really, I think once you set your roster the players you have are the players you have. I've always said this, they are pro players. You put them on the field and trust them to do their job. Then you just try to make the right decisions as you move forward to win games. I don't worry about it. Like anybody, I'm impatient when the results aren't the way you want them."

(On if they will be a more aggressive in free agency this year)- "It's probably a little early to say that right now. We have a good feel for what our roster is and the changes we need to make. I think every team does that. You're constantly thinking about it and how you can make your team better."

(On waiving Brian Robiskie and signing Thomas Clayton)- "That was an injury. That was because we needed to."

(On what happened with Brian Robiskie this year)- "He was given the opportunity. At the time when you have injuries at a specific position, going back to when we signed Thomas and cut Brian, you don't want to cut anybody. You really don't. We needed to sign a runner. We just kind of made a decision that was the direction we had to go. There was nothing against Brian, we just had to make that call and I wouldn't say it was anything specific."

(On what it would mean to his play calling to have Massaquoi and Hardesty back on Sunday)- "I think if you have more of what you started out the season as your front line players, I think it helps. That doesn't mean that the guys are in there aren't charged with being productive. I want all of our players to be healthy. I like to be able to say we have seven healthy scratches each week. I think that's what you want. I don't think any team is there right now, but that's what we're fighting for."

(On if his play calling is limited when he doesn't have his front line guys)- "We're trying to do what we can to win games."

(On how disappointing it was to release Robiskie when at one point he was the starting receiver)- "That was the first time we had to do that this season, cut a healthy player because of the position. I didn't want to cut Brian. The message got to him that we wish him well and we appreciate his efforts. That's kind of what happens. That's the part of this business. There's the game and then there's the business behind it and these are all things that you go through."

(On if Hardesty would be the feature back if he returns this week)- "I think what we've got to find out is how he does this week in practice. I'm not going to make any predictions. The two guys I know that are out are Hillis and Ward. We'll just see how Montario handles this week of practice when he does get in there and see what and how much he can do."


Cleveland Browns' Colt McCoy talks heading into the Jaguars game (video)

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy talked with the media following practice on Wednesday about the team as they prepare for the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday. Watch video


Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy talked with the media following practice on Wednesday about the team as they prepare for the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday.

To reach this Plain Dealer videographer: dandersen@plaind.com

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

Noble chases national driving crown at Northfield Park: Horse Racing Insider

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Ohio reinsman Dan Noble is chasing the North American Driving Championships title, and thinks the best place to win it is at Northfield Park.

 Dan Noble of Wilmington, Ohio is tied for the lead in the North American Driving Championships this week, and thinks the best place for him to win the title is at Northfield Park.

Noble says he needs to race as much as he possibly can, and keep posting wins if he's to beat George Brennan, one of America's richest drivers this season. While Noble has been feasting on the lower-level races at Scioto Downs and Northfield Park, Brennan has major victories. On Aug. 6 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Brennan won both the $1.5 million Hambletonian with Broad Bahn and the $1 million Hambletonian Oaks with Bold and Fresh.

Noble and Brennan were tied on Wednesday with 688 driving victories. While Noble's horses have earned $2.1 million, the high-profile Brennan has rung up $13.7 million in winnings.

To top the prolific Brennan, Noble plans to race five nights a week at Northfield Park through Dec. 31.

"It means a lot for the harness racing industry here to have an Ohio guy to win the driving championship," said Noble, 28, by telephone as he got ready to head to Maywood Park in Chicago. Noble will handle a couple of stakes stars there on Friday night's 29th annual Windy City Pace Night card. One of his rivals there will be Brennan. 

 Noble and Brennan knock heads in the $70,000 Cinderella for three-year-old pacing fillies, with Noble handling Crossthread, a winner last time out, while Brennan drives Fresh Idea. In the $127,800 Abe Lincoln Pace for two-year-olds, Brennan has the rail with Dick McTracy while Noble drives morning line pick Caviart Key. 

 Brennan is chasing the night's biggest purse, with one of the country's biggest stars. He'll be in the sulky for Cane Pace winner Betterthancheddar in the $175,000 Windy City Pace for three-year-olds, a strong 3-5 early pick to win his fifth in a row and 10th in 17 outings this season.

The son of Ohio Hall of Fame horseman Sam "Chip" Noble, Dan Noble is enjoying his best year of harness racing.  

"A lot of that has to do with experience," said Noble. "These days, I'm able to pick and choose the horses I race, greatly increasing my number of winners. The long, three-hour drive from my home to Northfield Park hasn't been any fun at all, but I'm starting to get used to it. I like driving at Northfield. It's a nice track, and I can keep really busy. The other horsemen have teased me a little, but they've been real supportive. They want me to get the title."

Noble has had the lead in the national standings for months, but had to take a night off recently because of an aching back and fell behind Brennan. With a hot hand recently, Noble jumped back into the spotlight, winning seven of nine starts on the 13-race card on Nov. 9.

"I really wasn't satisfied," said Noble. "Winning seven races made it a fun night, but I thought I could have won with all nine horses I drove that night. The other two finished second."

Looking ahead: The final stakes race of the season at Northfield Park is the $150,000 Cleveland Classic on Dec. 10. It is also the country's last stakes race of 2011 for three-year-old pacing colts, and Racing Secretary Dave Bianconi is still looking for supplemental entries.

"Last year, we had a couple of top three-year-olds come in as supplemental entries for the Cleveland Classic," said Bianconi. "This is the last stake available for them, and some owners might want to get in one more race (before the horses become four-year-olds on Jan. 1). There has been some interest from the owner of Mystic Desire, who'll be going in the Windy City Pace, a horse that has won in 1:50 this season."

The supplemental entry fee is $15,000.

Amateurs on the oval: Northfield Park is hosting the Midwest Regional Final of the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series on Saturday night, a competition for amateur drivers. The eight reinsmen will be matching their skills in a $6,000 trot, with the top four earning a spot in the season-ending Delvin Miller Memorial Gold, Silver and Bronze Championships at The Meadows in Washington, Pa., on Dec. 2. 

 Tops in October: After ringing up four wins in four starts in October at Northfield Park, Desired Entry has been named Ohio's Horse of the Month by the Ohio Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association. A four-year-old son of Real Desire, Desired Entry paced a career best of 1:56.1 here on oct. 10. Trained by Jack Fisher and driven by JD Wengerd, Desired Entry is owned by Sharon Kay Fisher of Circleville, Ohio.

Cleveland Indians P.M. links: Famed writer Hal McCoy, former Akron resident and still Indians fan, says: Get righty hitter

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McCoy writes that left field would be the best place for a right-handed hitter to help the Indians, who have been overstocked with left-handed batters for a year. More Indians links.

josh-willingham.jpgLeft fielder Josh Willingham, 32, slugged 29 homers and drove in 98 runs in just 488 at bats last season for the Oakland Athletics. He's the type of player the Indians could have interest in (and maybe afford?) as a free agent.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians might not have won the American League Central Division last season no matter how they had adjusted their roster as the season proceeded, given the eventual excellence of the Detroit Tigers.

But the Indians' front office did little to give manager Manny Acta and his staff an even playing field in one critical matter: balance among the team's position players.

Cleveland's roster was as overloaded toward left-handed batters as any in memory.

In a game so driven by matchups -- the pitcher vs. hitter conflict the grandest in major American team sports -- the Indians found themselves in game situations time and time again where their lineup seemed to have little chance.

The Baseball Hall of Fame and Baseball Writers Association of America honors one baseball writer each year, and in 2002 it was Hal McCoy, who covered the Cincinnati Reds for the Dayton Daily News from 1973-2009.

McCoy now writes about the Reds and the Indians for FoxSportsOhio.com. He writes about what he'd do if he ran the Indians, and mentions his affection for the team: 

As a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians, beginning in my childhood as a resident of Akron, I feel a closeness to the team, even though I live 250 miles away from Terminal Tower....

And, at the end of McCoy's column, his most succinct advice for the Indians:

Look for a right-handed left fielder.

Shelley Duncan, a 32-year-old right-handed hitter, enjoyed a solid season as a part-time left fielder/first baseman and a pinch-hitter for the Indians in 2011. He certainly is in the Indians' plans, but he may be more effective in the role he played last season, and not as an everyday player. 

Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes is at the general managers/owners meetings in Milwaukee, where the groundwork is being laid for trades and free agency signings by baseball's 30 teams.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Hoynes' GM/Owners meeting chatter, including a note on Indians starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and another on Acta placing fourth in American League Manager of the Year voting; his report that multiple teams, including the Indians, are interested in free agent center fielder Grady Sizemore, who became a free agent when the Indians last month declined to pick up the option year on his contract; and, more.

Around the horn 

An extensive look at what the Indians might have in mind regarding their minor league players, as this weekend's 40-player major league roster deadline approaches. By Tony Lastoria of Indians Prospect Insider.

Projecting the Indians 2012 Opening Day roster. A Bleacher Report Slideshow.

Analyzing what the Indians might be able to offer in potential trades. By Geordy Boveroux for the Wahoo's On First blog.

Manny Acta finishes fourth in the American League Manager of the Year voting. By Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

Answers to readers' questions about the Indians. By Jordan Bastian for MLB.com.

Tony Paul of the Detroit News explains his Manager of the Year ballot, including his third-place vote for Manny Acta.

A feature story on right-hander Tyler Sturdevant, who has worked his way into the upper tier of Indians relief pitching prospects. By Tony Lastoria for Indians Prospect Insider. 

Updating winter league play of a few Indians/Indians farmhands. On Indians Prospect Insider.

 

Desire for secrecy and control did in Joe Paterno: Bill Livingston

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Penn State trustees fired Joe Paterno when the Penn State child abuse scandal broke. But the legendary Penn State coach himself really ended his own career with his desire for secrecy and control.


Joe Paterno tried to stand athwart the path that led to lax academic standards, overemphasis on extra curriculars and football with frills and fanfare, crying "Halt!"

"Looking at Joe's career, he didn't want to change anything," said former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano.

In 1966, when Paterno -- fired last week and simultaneously disgraced as coach at Penn State -- was starting his career as a head coach, Rutigliano was the wide receivers/quarterbacks coach at Maryland. The Terps were the Nittany Lions' opponent in the season opener. Penn State registered three safeties by defensive lineman Mike Reid and won, 15-7.

It was the first of Paterno's 409 victories, the most-ever in the NCAA's top football classification. But as a result of the child-abuse scandal involving his former top lieutenant, Jerry Sandusky, the Nittany Lions will face Ohio State Saturday at the Horseshoe with interim coach Tom Bradley at the helm.

I have known Paterno since 1974, the first of the three seasons I spent as the Philadelphia Inquirer's beat man on Penn State football. I wrote the game story for the paper when he won his first national championship in 1982. I liked and admired him in many ways. His good qualities far outweighed his bad.

Still, the traits that would bring him down -- secretiveness, pride and the need to control tightly the perception of himself and his team -- were present from the start. They all contributed to his doing the minimum, and nothing more, when told of Sandusky's alleged rape of a child in the showers at the Penn State football facilities.

Joseph Vincent Paterno will be 85 next month. He wanted to be spoken of with the greatest coaches. Bear Bryant once held the title of the winningest college coach at the highest level, tying the record of Amos Alonzo Stagg in a victory against Penn State. But Paterno never bought into the great Alabama coach's fearsome, frontier-days reputation. Paterno was respectful, but he always called Bryant by his given name of Paul.

The "Bear" nickname came from a wrestling match against a captive bear when Bryant was 13 years old. (One wonders how full a body slam Bryant might have given Sandusky, but that is beside the point.) By not recognizing Bryant's legend, Paterno left room only for his own.

He had a sanctimonious streak, too, mentioning with a frown that Bryant was known to enjoy an adult beverage or two. But Paterno also often relaxed after games with a stiff bourbon.

For years, Paterno held informal media gatherings, first at his home in State College, Pa., (his home phone number was listed in the book) and then at nearby hotels. Unmarried young reporters in that mostly male world in the 1970s were cautioned by older ones not to bring to the meetings girlfriends who accompanied them to the game. Paterno disapproved of libertines.

At those Friday night get-togethers, Paterno would divulge details of the game plan, with the proviso that, while reporters could use them in their game stories, they could not mention them until then. He once said at one of the meetings that he would not retire and "leave the game in the hands of the Barry Switzers and Jackie Sherrills." When that remark turned up in print, the "Paterno-a-thons," as the meetings were called, ended for a time.

He and Switzer eventually settled their differences. Paterno even wrote the foreword to "Bootlegger's Boy," Switzer's book. "Barry Switzer is remarkably candid and honest even to the point, where, in this reader's opinion, he doesn't do himself any good," Paterno wrote.

Candor might have done Penn State a world of good with Sandusky, but that was Switzer's way, not Paterno's.

When the late Allentown Call sports editor John Kunda broke the story of a death threat made on Penn State quarterback Chuck Fusina before the Pitt game in 1980, Paterno and Penn State officials, who thought the story had been suppressed, were furious. Months later, an Allentown staffer lost the electrical power to his word processor in the room in which he was working after covering a wrestling match in State College. Panicking, he asked if it could be restored. It could not be, he was told. "And if you want to know why, ask John Kunda," said a Penn State functionary.

Paterno never balked at trying to control the dissemination of the news and many other things in the program. The offense only grudgingly modernized. The plain uniforms looked like what their coach called them -- "work clothes." No mountain lion decal or stickers for big plays were on the helmets. Assistants came to Happy Valley and, like Paterno himself, who joined Rip Engel's staff in 1950, they tended to stay. Sandusky was an aide for 33 years.

The arrangement created firm ties with high school coaches all over Pennsylvania, who knew and trusted coaches on Paterno's staff. That too is a casualty of the child-molestation scandal.

Even the longevity that defined Paterno became a detriment. The last several seasons, he was almost a ceremonial coach, sometimes not even coming to the office from his home. Still, Paterno resented quick-fix coaches like Sherrill, with whom he made no attempt at reconciliation, and Johnny Majors. He correctly predicted that Majors would leave Pitt after a few seasons for his alma mater, the University of Tennessee.

Paterno, however, stayed. Beyond the years of his full power. Beyond the many chances he had to bow out gracefully. His attempt to dictate the terms of his leaving by resigning at season's end amounted to a great man's last spasm of pride. The suggestion was summarily rejected by the Penn State trustees. Now he controls nothing.

When Paterno won his 300th game, Rutigliano sent him a congratulatory note. "We got you started," it read.

Although the trustees fired him, Paterno himself really ended it.

Tony and Mary Kay preview Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (video)

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Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot preview the Browns' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday. Watch video


Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot preview the Browns' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday.

To reach this Plain Dealer videographer: dandersen@plaind.com

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

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