Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at noon as he talks Cleveland sports. What can we expect from the Cavaliers now that the NBA's labor situation has been resolved? Did the Browns show progress on Sunday? We'll answer those questions and more.

Terry Pluto tackles your questions live every Tuesday at noon.

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at noon as he talks Cleveland sports.

What can we expect from the Cavaliers now that the NBA's labor situation has been resolved? Did the Browns show progress on Sunday?

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Terry's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

Should the Baltimore Ravens fear themselves or the Cleveland Browns?

Nick Wass / Associated PressLinebacker Ray Lewis.

Matt Vensel of The Baltimore Sun wonders if the Ravens should fear the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

His reason?

The Ravens have a habit of losing to lesser opponents following emotional wins.

Vensel writes how the Browns have a chance to pull off the upset because the defense is the biggest reason why they have been able to hang around in tight games against teams like the Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers.

One bright spot for the Browns, who have lost four of their past five games, was the return of “Madden” cover boy Peyton Hillis on Sunday. Hillis had been sidelined for a month and a half with a hamstring injury. In his first game back, he rushed for 65 yards on 19 carries in a 23-20 loss to the Bengals.

Vensel writes how Hillis' running style could present a challenge for the Ravens defense if linebackers Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe remain on the sidelines this weekend.

More Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens hope to improve offensive line play (Baltimore Sun).

Lee Evans will see more action for the Ravens (Baltimore Sun).

The Ravens need to be patient with Ray Lewis (Baltimore Sun).

Before he became an elite coach, Urban Meyer played for the University of Cincinnati.

APUrban Meyer

CLEVELAND ---- Memories of Urban Meyer the football player at the University of Cincinnati during the early 1980s are not vivid.

Even to some of his former teammates.

You see, Meyer didn't get much action on the field as a defensive back for the Bearcats. His football presence was minuscule.

Here's a line from his bio in the UC football media guide during his senior year in 1985: "Made team as walk-on in 1984 spring drills . . . saw action as a reserve at safety and was the holder for PAT and FG attempts last season . . . good all-around athlete . . . 1 letter, two solo tackles."

But "UB," as he was called on the UC campus, made a lasting impression in other ways. To many of those ex-Bearcats, Meyer is a guy who wasn't the best football player, but was one of the toughest, on and off the field.

Former Bearcats wide receiver Jason Stargel said Meyer had a mettle about him that resembled a man in charge, like a coach. This was on display during one of the off-seasons when Meyer was an umpire during an intramural softball game.

"UB was behind the plate," said Stargel, now a member of the Cincinnati Fire Department. "One of the guys at-bat didn't like the way UB was calling the game. So the guy turns around and continues to mouth off at UB.

"So UB tells him that he better turn around. And the guy says he's the one with the bat. UB says, 'You're going to need it.' The guy turned around and went back to the bench."

Former UC defensive end Dan Sellers, who had a stint in the NFL and in the Canadian Football League, remembers Meyer was a no-nonsense senior. Sellers said Meyer was one of the few seniors who didn't treat the freshman players like freshmen.

"Unlike some of the other upperclassmen, Urban actually talked to us and asked us about our backgrounds and how things were going in school," said Sellers, now an executive with a sports-health company called Dynavision, based in West Chester, Ohio.

"Urban wasn't into freshman pranks, and you wouldn't attempt any pranks on him, either. He was always serious. He was about taking care of business, playing football and getting his degree."

Coaches telling Plain Dealer Browns reporter it's a matter of focus and practice. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright and Bill Lubinger, who's standing in for the vacationing Chuck Yarborough.

The Browns are trying to regroup after Sunday's 23-20 loss at at Cincinnati. They're out of the race for the AFC North title. So which team do you think will take the crown? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest is Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot, who is picking the Steelers to prevail. Mary Kay also talks about Josh Cribbs and his postgame comments Sunday; the impact of Scott Fujita's loss to injury; and whether receiver Greg Little can stop dropping passes.

SBTV will return Wednesday with Plain Dealer OSU reporter Doug Lesmerises talking about the hiring of Urban Meyer as Buckeyes football coach; and OSU's basketball game tonight against Duke.

A close look at Urban Meyer's contract with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

APGene Smith, left, Ohio State's director of athletics and associate vice president escorts Urban Meyer to OSU's Fawcett Center as he is introduced to the media as The Ohio State Football team's new head coach.

Urban Meyer's contact with the Ohio State Buckeyes has plenty of perks, including the use of a private jet, a golf membership and plenty of bonuses if he remains as coach through the extent of the contract.

Adam Jacobi of CBSSports.com writes the contract of $24 million over six years, has longevity bonuses totaling an additional $2.4 million if he is still coach on January 31, 2018.

And how about this, $10,000 of Meyer's annual $4 million salary will be compensation for Coca-Cola appearances.

Here are some of the terms of his contract below:

Page 1
The six-year contract agreed to by Urban Meyer and the university includes $4 million in annual compensation. Additionally, Coach Meyer will receive supplemental compensation bonuses based on achieving certain milestones including academic accomplishments for the football program.

Page 4
9. Ohio State shall provide Coach twelve (12) football tickets in Ohio Stadium to each home football game, as well as five (5) press booth credentials. Ohio State shall also provide Coach the use of a suite in Ohio Stadium for use by Coach's spouse and family.

Around the Horseshoe

Ohio State hopes it got the right Urban Meyer (Fox Sports Ohio).

Urban Meyer is a long way from Cincinnati (Cincinnati.com).

Ohio State is willing to pay for Meyer's assistants (ESPN.com).

Urban Meyer or Urban liar? (Orlando Sentinel).

Urban Meyer began his football career as a player for UC (Cleveland.com).

Meyer hire is a stroke of luck for the Buckeyes (Cleveland.com).

Did the Browns show sign of progress Sunday or was it just another loss? Can Urban Meyer build a SEC-style team at Ohio State? Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerIt's been a tough season so far for Pat Shurmur and Colt McCoy.

Did the Browns show sign of progress Sunday or was it just another loss? Can Urban Meyer build a SEC-style team at Ohio State?

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• What impact did Peyton Hillis have on the offense on Sunday?

• Can the Browns pull an upset over Pittsburgh or Baltimore over their last five games?

• Is Urban Meyer healthy and ready to stay at Ohio State for the longterm?

• Is Jim Tressel a possibility for the coaching vacancy at the University of Akron?

• What effect will injuries and players coming to camp out of shape have on the NBA once they start playing?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to also like Terry Pluto on Facebook.

MEDINA, Ohio - Medina High is looking for a new football coach for the third time in as many seasons. Ray Hradek, who directed the Bees to a 4-6 overall record and a 2-3 mark in the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division, has stepped down after one season.

Ray Hradek resigned as Medina's football coach, saying it was too difficult to teach and coach at different schools. Hradek is an occupational work experience/science teacher at Midpark. - (Helmet image courtesy of OhioHelmetProject.com.)

MEDINA, Ohio - Medina High is looking for a new football coach for the third time in as many seasons.

Ray Hradek, who directed the Bees to a 4-6 overall record and a 2-3 mark in the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division, has stepped down after one season.

"I didn't realize it would be so tough teaching at one school and coaching at another," said Hradek, an occupational work experience/science teacher at Midpark. "My style of coaching includes connecting with the players and it just wasn't happening in this situation because I wasn't in the building during the day."

Hradek added this doesn't close the door on his coaching career.

"I plan on coaching somewhere," he said.

Hradek succeeded Larry Laird, who directed the team to a 9-3 record and a Division I, Region 2 playoff berth in 2010. The Bees upset top-seeded Canton McKinley in the first round for the program's first postseason victory. Laird, an occupational work experience teacher at Avon Lake, was an assistant football coach on the Shoremen's staff this past season.

"I hate to pop the bubble here for some, but Greg Little will never be a No. 1 receiver. He does not have the explosive quickness and speed to be that guy. But with his size he can become a good possession type of receiver - that is assuming he can improve his hands and keep improving his route running. They're going to have to draft a No. 1 WR." - flukemaster

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerGreg Little still has plenty to learn in his rookie season in the NFL.

"I hate to pop the bubble here for some, but Greg Little will never be a No. 1 receiver. He does not have the explosive quickness and speed to be that guy. But with his size he can become a good possession type of receiver - that is assuming he can improve his hands and keep improving his route running. They're going to have to draft a No. 1 WR."

Ndamukong Suh is suspended for two games, but he will appeal.

AP File PhotoLions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

The NFL suspended Detroit tackle Ndamukong Suh for two games because he for stomping on Green Bay Packers' lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith on Thanksgiving Day.

Suh will miss Sunday night's game at New Orleans and a Dec. 11 home game against Minnesota. ESPN.com writes that Suh won't be paid until he is reinstated Dec. 12.

Suh is remorseful and knows he made a mistake last week, but he also has been encouraged by the NFL Players Association and commissioner Roger Goodell to appeal his two-game suspension and he will, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Are the two games too much?

"This is another bonehead idea by Selig, along with the winner of the All-Star Game getting home field advantage in the World Series. This further reduces the credibility of the 162 game regular season, which is too long to begin with, by allowing another non-division winner to go to the playoffs. For that reason, I am against any wild cards." - thesourapple

View full sizeHuy Mach, St. Louis Post-DispatchCardinals fans got to see their team in the World Series this season.

"This is another bonehead idea by Selig, along with the winner of the All-Star Game getting home field advantage in the World Series. This further reduces the credibility of the 162 game regular season, which is too long to begin with, by allowing another non-division winner to go to the playoffs. For that reason, I am against any wild cards."

Reporter Pat Forde calls Urban Meyer an urban myth.

APUrban Meyer

While Ohio State fans are having parties in celebration of hiring Urban Meyer, Yahoo.com reporter Pat Forde writes how Meyer's credibility takes a hit for taking this job.

Forde had issue with how Meyer left Florida.

Buckeyes fans are in a justifiable tizzy over landing a superstar coach with two national titles. But Meyer’s phony retirements have damaged his credibility along the way to his new multimillion-dollar gig.

Forde writes how Meyer had other reasons whey left Florida.

Watching his top-ranked, undefeated team get crushed by Alabama in the 2009 SEC title game made him sick. Losing five games the next year and enduring the first disappointing season of his career made him sick. Looking at recruiting classes that didn’t stack up on the field the way they stacked up on paper, especially five-star quarterbacks and receivers, made him sick.

First overall draft pick Kyrie Irving is the Cavs' point guard of the future and, maybe, the present. Sessions, Baron Davis and Daniel Gibson bring different skills, but none are certain to begin the season in Cleveland. More Cavs links.

Scott Shaw, The Plain DealerPoint guard Ramon Sessions -- with the basketball -- often provided much of the offense last season for the scoring-challenged Cavaliers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The tentative deal on a new collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and its players -- expected to be ratified within the next 10 days -- calls for a 66-game regular season schedule, beginning on Christmas Day.

The season will likely open with a triple-header featuring six of the league's most high-profile teams.

The Cleveland Cavaliers would almost certainly begin their season on Monday, Dec. 26 or Tuesday, Dec. 27.

The Cavs have numerous flaws -- as their 19-63 record last season indicates -- but they do have depth at point guard.

Certain to get significant time leading the offense is Kyrie Irving, the first overall pick in last June's draft. Irving played just 11 games at Duke last season as a freshman because of a toe injury, but there was a general consensus that he was one of the two or three top players available in the draft.

Cleveland's returning point guards include Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions, and also Daniel "Boobie" Gibson, who also sometimes plays the two-guard despite his lack of height.

Davis, despite being the most accomplished of the Cavs' playmakers, is considered a candidate to be waived under an "amnesty" provision in the new collective bargaining agreement. Davis, 32 and about to begin his 13th season, is owed about $27 million over the remaining two years of his contract. The amnesty clause will allow a team to waive one player without having his contract count against the salary cap, although that player would still be paid and become available to other teams.

Cavaliers fans are quite familiar with Gibson, whose entire five-year NBA career has been spent in Cleveland. Gibson endeared himself to fans during his rookie season with some clutch outside shooting that helped the Cavs reach the NBA Finals. Gibson, his height generously listed at 6-2, has ample experience at both point guard and shooting guard.

Sessions has played four NBA seasons, coming to the Cavaliers in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to last season. Sessions played 26.3 minutes per game in the 2010-11 campaign, averaging 13.3 points and 5.2 assists while leading the Cavs with 47 percent shooting from the field.

Sessions and Gibson are both considered to have some trade value. It would surprise many observers if Davis, Sessions and Gibson are all on the opening day roster, to go with Irving, the Cavs' certain point guard of the future and, maybe, the present.

Some pundits believe Sessions, 6-3, could play some at the two (shooting) guard spot. He's not a pure outside shooter, but has proven that he can get to the basket. 

A Cavaliers blog, Fear The Sword, features a player profile of Sessions. Conrad Kaczmarek asks Aaron McGuire about Sessions' abilities as an NBA point guard. McGuire answers (the "18-4-8" referring to Sessions' point-rebound-assist averages in February):

I've always been a fan of Ramon's game -- sure, he's not a shooter, and he penetrates too often. Certainly wouldn't make a good guard on a team with, say, LeBron and Wade. But he's the kind of guard that at his best can make one or two truly crafty passes per game, rebound better than virtually any non-Kidd point in the league, and get you buckets when you're in a crunch. He's fearless, and that's a big plus at the NBA level. It's true that his defense is among the worst of anyone at the guard position in the league, though. And while I think that given a starting role in his prime he could come close to his February numbers (18-4-8 with a 20-22 PER is his season-average ceiling, I think), his defense and lack of a good shot is always going to keep him from reaching that "franchise point guard" tier. Still. I think at his peak Ramon could be a top 15, fringe top 10 point guard in the league. And as he's a willing backup guard, he could potentially be the best backup guard in the league. A good peak value, I'd say.

With the lockout apparently over, Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage is about to kick into full gear. Terry Pluto talks about the Cavs, along with the Browns and new Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer, in a podcast today. Pluto earlier wrote that having an NBA season is good news for the Cavaliers as they continue to rebuild.

Baseline to baseline

Baron Davis looks forward to playing in Cleveland, but he does understand there is a chance he could be waived. By Ramona Shelburne for ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Fear The Sword featured a player profile on Daniel Gibson, by Conrad Kaczmarek and Aaron McGuire. And, Kaczmarek provides an early preview of the team.

A new wrinkle in the NBA's tentative labor deal could benefit teams below the salary cap, like the Cavaliers, Jason Lloyd writes for the Akron Beacon Journal.

Baron Davis hosts a charity game in Los Angeles. By Eric Pincus for HoopsWorld.com.

On NBA.com/cavaliers, an excerpt from the book, "Joe Tait: It's Been a Real Ball." Tait, the Cavaliers' radio announcer who retired at the end of last season, wrote the book with The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto.

The Cavaliers should keep Baron Davis, Dylan Lowther writes for the Bleacher Report.

A Cavaliers records quiz on NBA.com/cavaliers.

If Baron Davis is waived by the Cavaliers, several teams -- contenders, especially --will likely show an interest in acquiring him. For the Bleacher Report, Thomas Galicia wonders whether the Miami Heat would be interested in Davis, and Mike Chiari writes that Davis would be an ideal fit for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Long-snapper Ryan Pontbriand was released today. Was it the right move?

Tracy Boulian, The Plain DealerRyan Pontbriand

After nine seasons and two bad snaps that probably cost the Cleveland Browns two games, long snapper Ryan Pontbriand was waived today by the Browns.

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Tony Grossi writes how Pontbriand's low snap in Cincinnati on Sunday cost the Browns, and two games earlier, Pontbriand's snap caromed off the foot of lineman Alex Mack and disrupted a 22-yard field goal try which led to a loss to St. Louis.

There were several other long snaps off the mark for Pontbriand, some of which did not disrupt successful kicks. They were uncharacteristic of Pontbriand, whose precision and dependable long snaps earned him two trips to the Pro Bowl.

Was this a bad move by the Browns?

"Not adding depth at LB through free agency was another significant front office blunder. I cannot believe the Browns were not more active in free agency this last year. It is so obvious now what everyone knew in August - Browns are so thin at WR and LB, and should have brought in free agents in those spots and perhaps others." - bayareadawg

View full sizeDavid J. Phillip | Associated PressLosing Scott Fujita to injury may expose the Browns' thin linebacking corps.

"Not adding depth at LB through free agency was another significant front office blunder. I cannot believe the Browns were not more active in free agency this last year. It is so obvious now what everyone knew in August - Browns are so thin at WR and LB, and should have brought in free agents in those spots and perhaps others."

The Browns replace their slumping snapper and end the seasons of injured linebacker Scott Fujita and defensive end Emmanuel Stephens.

Plain Dealer FileRyan Pontbriand was drafted by the Browns in 2003.

BEREA, Ohio -- Long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, whose errant snaps cost the Browns legitimate chances at victory in two of their past three games, was waived on Tuesday.

He was replaced by Christian Yount, an undrafted rookie from UCLA who appeared in seven games with Tampa Bay. Young was waived on Oct. 25 when the Buccaneers' regular snapper was activated from an injury list. Also, the Browns ended the seasons of linebacker Scott Fujita (hand) and defensive end Emmanuel Stephens (pectoral) by placing them on injured reserve.

Pontbriand's low snap in Cincinnati on Sunday cost the Browns a fair shot at a go-ahead 55-yard field goal with 1:55 left. The botched snap caused Phil Dawson to miss, giving the Bengals the ball at their 45. The Bengals won, 23-20, on a short field goal seven plays later.

Two games earlier, Pontbriand's snap caromed off the foot of lineman Alex Mack and disrupted a 22-yard field goal try against St. Louis with 37 seconds remaining. The kick was partially deflected and the Rams won, 13-12. After that game, Pontbriand said he went home and made 150 long snaps to get the memory out of his mind.

Several other long snaps off the mark caused Pontbriand's swift demise. Some did not disrupt successful kicks, but they were uncharacteristic of Pontbriand and became points of concern internally.

Pontbriand admitted after the Cincinnati game that he was fighting a terrible slump. His precision and dependability had earned him two invitations to the Pro Bowl from AFC coaches. In eight years prior to this one, Pontbriand had only one bad snap that caused Dawson to miss a kick, an extra point.

In his ninth season, Pontbriand, 32, had the second-longest tenure on the Browns to Dawson. Drafted in the fifth round in 2003, he was the last remaining player from the four Browns drafts headed by former coach Butch Davis.

In other moves announced on Tuesday, the Browns:

• Promoted linebacker Benjamin Jacobs and defensive end Brian Sanford from their practice squad.

• Signed to their practice squad linebacker Brian Smith, defensive back David Sims and defensive lineman Ayanga Okpokowuruk. Smith was with the Browns in training camp and released at the final cut.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

Some have said Boeheim should resign or be fired after three men, including two former Syracuse ballboys, accused former assistant coach Bernie Fine of molesting them and Boeheim verbally attacked the accusers.

Associated PressSyracuse University basketball coach Jim Boeheim (photo) has been given a vote of confidence by university chancellor Nancy Cantor as an investigation into sexual abuse charges against Boeheim's former assistant coach Bernie Fine continues.

SYRACUSE, New York -- Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor gave men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim a vote of confidence Tuesday amid an investigation of child molestation allegations against his former longtime assistant coach.

Cantor emerged from an economic development conference with state officials and said: "Coach Boeheim is our coach."

(Syracuse.com, a sister website of cleveland.com, covers the Syracuse scandal)

Some commentators and sex abuse victims' advocates had said Boeheim should resign or be fired after three men, including two former Syracuse ballboys, accused former assistant coach Bernie Fine of molesting them and Boeheim verbally attacked the accusers.

"Coach Boeheim is our coach; he's getting the team ready tonight," Cantor said. "We're very pleased with what he said Sunday night, and we stand by him."

After initially saying Fine's first two accusers were lying to make money in the wake of the Penn State University sexual abuse scandal, Boeheim backed off those comments in a statement Sunday.

"What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found," Boeheim said after the firing of Fine, who has denied the allegations. "I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse."

Bobby Davis first contacted Syracuse police in 2002 about Fine, but there was no investigation because the statute of limitations had passed. Kevin Quinn, a spokesman for the university, said police did not inform the university of Davis' allegations then.

On Tuesday, the Syracuse police chief said Dennis DuVal, a former SU basketball player who was police chief in 2002, knew of the allegations against Fine.

Police Chief Frank Fowler said DuVal, who played for the Orange from 1972-74, was aware of Davis' accusations in 2002 that Fine sexually abused him. Fine, who has been fired, denies the allegations.

Because Davis said the abuse stopped 12 years earlier, Syracuse Det. Doug Fox told him the statute of limitations had passed, meaning an arrest was not possible. Fox advised his supervisor in the abused persons unit but didn't file a formal report. The detective is still with the department but not in the same unit.

A phone message left with DuVal was not immediately returned.

On Nov. 17, Davis' allegations resurfaced.

Davis, now 39, told ESPN that Fine molested him beginning in 1984 and that the sexual contact continued until he was around 27. A ball boy for six years, Davis said the abuse occurred at Fine's home, at Syracuse basketball facilities and on team road trips, including the 1987 Final Four. Davis' stepbrother, Mike Lang, 45, who also was a ball boy, also told ESPN that Fine began molesting him while he was in fifth or sixth grade.

On Sunday, a third man, Zach Tomaselli, who faces sexual assault charges in Maine involving a 14-year-old boy, said he told police last week that Fine molested him in 2002 in a Pittsburgh hotel room.

Cantor stressed the university is working with authorities.

"We've been very straightforward and candid about this whole process," she said. "We've gone through our due diligence when things came up, and we felt it was important both for Bernie Fine and for the university to move forward."

The chancellor has previously acknowledged that a man, now known to be Davis, contacted the school in 2005 with allegations against Fine. The school, which did not contact police, conducted its own investigation at that time but found was unable to find any corroboration of the allegations. The university has turned over the results of the inquiry to the DA's office and has retained an independent law firm to review their procedures and response to those 2005 allegations.

The U.S. Attorney's Office and the U.S. Secret Service have taken the lead in the current investigation.

And Fowler said Syracuse police will change their procedures moving forward.

"I was not the chief in 2002 and I cannot change the procedures in place at that time or the way this matter was then handled," Fowler said in the statement. "But what I can and will do as chief today is ensure that moving forward all reports of sexual abuse are formally documented."

In an interview with the AP, Fowler said he wouldn't be notified about all sex abuse allegations. But in a high-profile case like the Fine investigation: "I'm very confident I would know about it. I'm sure it would be brought to my immediate attention."

The chief also said the department only notifies the district attorney when an arrest is made, not during the investigation phase. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has been sharply critical of the police for not sharing the information from the 2002 allegations or from the current investigation.

Fowler has ordered a review of all department policies regarding sexual abuse allegations made over the phone and will make changes if needed. A phone database now logs every call the department receives.

He gave this account of what the department knew, and when of the 2002 allegations:

— A local attorney called Det. Doug Fox of the Syracuse Police Department's Abused Persons Unit in 2002 to say that he'd be getting a call from a woman, now known to be Davis' friend Danielle Roach, who wanted to discuss a sexual abuse case.

— Several weeks later, Roach called Fox and said Fine had sexually abused her friend. Fox told her to tell her friend to contact him directly. About a month later, he called the detective from Utah. In what Fowler described as a brief conversation, Davis said Fine had sexually abused him while growing up and that the abuse had occurred at least 12 years earlier.

— Fox told him the statute of limitations had expired, so he couldn't make an arrest. Fox told Davis that if he wanted to meet in person or if he was aware of any current victims, he wanted Davis to share additional information. The two never met face to face.

— Fox notified his supervisor, and they decided that unless Davis met with the detective or provided names of other victims, then no investigation would be started. No formal report was prepared.

— Several months later, in 2003, the department received an inquiry from the Syracuse Post Standard newspaper as to whether an investigation had been conducted on Fine. The Post Standard was informed no investigation had taken place.

Fowler said the police department never met in person with any possible victim until Nov. 17 of this year and began its ongoing investigation on that day.

On that same day, Fowler said, the university handed over results of an internal 2005 investigation into sexual abuse charges against Fine; this was the first time Syracuse police learned of that inquiry.

Torrey Smith, a second-round draft pick, has answered Ozzie Newsome's search for a deep receiving threat, making the Baltimore Ravens stronger than ever on offense.

View full sizeAP fileOzzie Newsome's quest to find a deep-threat receiver for QB Joe Flacco has been answered with second-round draft pick Torrey Smith from Maryland. "Right now, if Torrey continues the way he's going, then (defenses) will have to do something to take him away, because he's a home run threat."

BEREA, Ohio -- If anyone knows the value of a deep-threat wide receiver, it is Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome. He's been searching for one for years.

"Once you have the quarterback, eventually you have to get that [receiver] piece," Newsome said Tuesday in a phone interview. "You have to have somebody to throw to."

Since drafting strong-armed quarterback Joe Flacco in the first round in 2008, Newsome has tried, mostly in vain, to acquire a fast, reliable receiver to complete his offense. Famously known for their dominating defense, the Ravens had all the other offensive pieces in place, notably all-purpose running back Ray Rice and a strong line. But even though the Ravens reached the postseason in each of Flacco's first three seasons, the team exited each time because of a lack of firepower.

In 2010, Newsome traded for Anquan Boldin and signed Donte Stallworth and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. This year, he thought he had the problem solved through a trade for Lee Evans, but Evans missed seven games with an ankle injury. In stepped second-round rookie Torrey Smith, who has Newsome believing his search is over.

"Having his presence on the field is huge, because now people know we can take the top off the defense," Newsome said.

Smith was taken with the 58th overall pick -- exactly one spot before the Browns chose Greg Little in the second round. Smith's impact on the Ravens has been similar to that on the Cincinnati Bengals by A.J. Green, who was the draft's fourth overall selection.

Smith has had a three-touchdown game against St. Louis, set up a game-winning field goal with a long catch against Arizona, and hauled in the game-winning touchdown against Pittsburgh (after a few drops). He's had two of the top five receiving games in Ravens history -- 152 yards vs. St. Louis and 165 vs. Cincinnati -- and is second in the NFL with a yards per catch average of 19.8. Smith has five touchdowns among his 31 catches.

"Our whole passing game has become complete because we have a vertical presence now, two young tight ends that can convert against linebackers and safeties, and Anquan who can make plays all over the field, as well as having one of the best [receiving] backs out of the backfield," Newsome said.

Newsome talked of the importance of having that dangerous speed receiver after reviewing the coaches tape of Green snatching victory for the Bengals out of the air against the Browns on Sunday.

"What it does, it's like having a great tailback," Newsome said. "When you go into a game and you have a player like that, the first thing as an offensive staff you say, 'OK, what are they going to do to take him away?' Then when you find that out, that helps you to be able to dictate how you're going to play the game. Whatever they're going to do, it allows you to say, 'OK, this is how we need to play the game.' Because they'll have some type of plan of taking him away.

"You have to be able to get the cheap touchdown," Newsome went on. "At the end of the day, we're still going to run the football. People know when we show up, you're gonna have to stop the run. Then people put that eighth and ninth guy in the box. How do you defeat the eighth and ninth guy in the box? You have to go on top of them.

"It's hand in hand. If you can't run, they're just gonna play cover 2 and that takes the vertical game right out it. But if they play cover 2 and try to defend the run with six or seven in the box, you're out there to run it. So you have to field a team, not just one aspect of it. This league is so good, they can take one thing away."

The trouble is finding that special receiver to strike fear in defenses.

"I think you have to look at three ways of trying to make that happen," Newsome said. "You can go through the draft, do it through free agency if one of them makes it, or do it through trade.

"In order to get one of those guys, you probably have to be picking in the top five of the draft. I don't want that as an option. So then, the next viable option is, you try to get one and you try to develop one. Right now, if Torrey continues the way he's going, then people will have to do something to take him away, because he's a home run threat."

As Newsome's fortune would have it, Evans is healthy now as the Ravens embark on the final rounds of a knockdown, drag-out fight for the AFC North.

"Lee Evans proved to us that he can do it, then he got hurt. So now we have basically two guys that can take the top off the defense," Newsome said.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

Tony Grossi's Scouting Report

Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens

Sunday, 4:05 p.m., in Cleveland Browns Stadium

Record: 8-3.

Last game: Beat 49ers, 16-9, Nov. 24, in Baltimore.

Coach: John Harbaugh, 44-22, fourth year.

Series record: Ravens lead, 17-7.

Last meeting: Ravens won, 20-10, Dec. 26, in Cleveland.

View full sizeDoug Kapustin, MCTAlready the holder of some of the Ravens' single-game receiving yardage records, Torrey Smith is providing the home-run threat the team has lacked for years.

League rankings: Offense is 17th overall (26th rushing, 13th passing), defense is third (third rushing, fifth passing) and turnover differential is plus-4.

Offensive overview: Coordinator Cam Cameron has taken grief for throwing too much and ignoring all-purpose running back Ray Rice. Conversations with the coach and management, plus the onset of inclement weather, have taken care of that oversight. Early on, Cameron was preoccupied with developing quarterback Joe Flacco's deep passing game. While it may have cost the team a win or two, the benefit has been the development of rookie Torrey Smith, who is a bona fide deep threat but still suffers an occasional drop. Smith got playing time while veteran trade acquisition Lee Evans missed seven games with an ankle injury. With Evans back, Flacco has two vertical targets, a fairly dependable intermediate target in Anquan Boldin, tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, and Rice to throw to. Quite a cockpit for Flacco to operate from.

View full sizePatrick Semansky, Associated PressTerrell Suggs is second in the AFC with nine sacks this season, and has made a career of tormenting Browns quarterbacks.

Defensive overview: Former Browns DB coach Chuck Pagano took over as coordinator with the marching orders to restore a pass rush in the defensive attack. Boy, has he. After a nine-sack tour de force against the 49ers on Thanksgiving night, the club leads the NFL with 38 sacks and 16 forced fumbles, and is second with 10 recoveries. Their formula is simple: stop the run on early downs (yielding league-low 3.4 yards per rush), force the opponent into third-and-longs and then pressure the quarterback into turnovers or, at worst, sacks. Experienced playmakers such as tackle Haloti Ngata, linebacker Terrell Suggs and safety Ed Reed make this unit a coordinator's dream. It registered the nine sacks last game without linebacker Ray Lewis (turf toe). The new name on the unit is cornerback Jimmy Smith, a first-round draft pick, who has one interception and is developing his rookie year as the third corner.

Special teams overview: Kicker Billy Cundiff is 25 of 31 on field goals with a long of 51 yards, his only conversion in six attempts over 50. He is second in the NFL with 38 touchbacks. When Cundiff doesn't knock them out of the end zone, the Ravens' kick coverage ranks 31st and has given up a 107-yard touchdown return. Punter Sam Koch is 10th in gross average (46.8 yards) and 11th in net (39.8).

Players to watch:

• Linebacker Terrell Suggs: One of the most prolific sack artists of his time, he has 12 career sacks and seven forced fumbles against the Browns. His nine sacks rank second in the AFC and seventh in the league overall.

• Safety Ed Reed: Talk about Browns-killer. He has more interceptions (10), interceptions for touchdowns (three) and passes defensed (18) against the Browns than any other opponent.

• Receiver Torrey Smith: This second-round rookie already owns two of the franchise's top five receiving days. His 19.8-yard average -- 30 catches for 613 yards and five TD -- ranks second among NFL receivers.

Injury report: LB Ray Lewis (toe) has missed the last two games. DB Chris Carr (back), LB Dannell Ellerbe (groin), DT Arthur Jones (concussion), and RB Anthony Allen (thigh) all missed the last game.

Small world: Among the many players, coaches and executives who formerly worked or played for the Browns are: General Manager Ozzie Newsome, senior personnel assistant George Kokinis, defensive line coach Clarence Brooks, defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, director of pro personnel Vince Newsome, vice president of football administration Pat Moriarty, assistant special teams coach Marwan Maalouf and special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg. ... Receiver Lee Evans attended Bedford High School. ... Safety Haruki Nakamura is a Cleveland native who attended St. Edward High School. ... Scout Jack Glowik is a Cleveland native who attended Benedictine High School. ... Linebackers coach Dean Pees is a former head coach at Kent State.

-- Tony Grossi

Breaking down the rosters of the area's women's programs.

View full sizeBaldwin-Wallace photoJunior guard Rachel Rossman will guide the Yellow Jackets' offense in 2011-12.

Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets

Coach: Cheri Harrer (433-153, 22nd year at B-W)

Key returners: Catherine Spisak (6.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg.), Jessica Carpenter (9.3 ppg, 27 three-pointers), Rachel Rossman (4.4 ppg, 74 assists), Lexi Rohrbach (6.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Jessica Lairson (8.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg)

Outlook: Rachel Rossman (Olmsted Falls) will look to start at point guard for the third straight season. She led the team with 74 assists and had 34 steals last winter. Junior Megan Frisina will aid Rossman in the backcourt after scoring 4.6 ppg. and knocking down 22 triples a year ago. Carpenter (Canton Hoover) is the leading scorer among returnees as she scored 9.3 ppg. She started in all 26 games at wing, led the team with 33 three-pointers, had 47 assists, and 32 steals last season. Sophomore Melissa Hoffbauer and freshman Kacie Evans will look to contribute at wing. Junior F Catherine Spisak scored 6.2 ppg and averaged a team-leading 8.2 rpg. last season. B-W will get back junior forward Nancy Coulter, who missed the majority of last season with an injury. B-W posted an 18-8 overall record and 13-5 mark in the Ohio Athletic Conference in 2010-2011.

Remaining schedule: Wednesday at Carnegie-Mellon (Pa.), 7:30; Saturday at Marietta, 3; Dec. 7 Heidelberg, 7:30; Dec. 10 at Wilmington, 2; Dec. 17 Muskingum, 3; Dec. 20 at Otterbein, 7:30; Dec. 28 at Hope (Mich.) Tournament in Orlando, Fla., vs. Olivet (Mich.) 6; Dec. 29 at Hope (Mich.) Tournament in Orlando, Fla., vs. Hope (Mich.) 8; Jan. 4 John Carroll, 7:30; Jan. 7 Capital, 3; Jan. 11 at Mount Union, 7:30; Jan. 14 at Ohio Northern, 2; Jan. 21 Marietta, 3; Jan. 25 at Heidelberg, 7:30; Jan. 28 Wilmington, 2; Feb. 1 Otterbein, 7:30; Feb. 4 at Muskingum, 3; Feb. 8 at John Carroll, 7:30; Feb. 11 at Capital, 3; Feb. 15 Mount Union, 7:30; Feb. 18 Ohio Northern, 2.

Case Western Reserve Spartans

Coach: Jennifer Reimer (49-48, fifth year at CWRU).

Key returners: Erin Hollinger (16.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 46 blocks), Evy Iacono (12.4 ppg, 4.6 apg, 51 steals), Erica Iafelice (8.6 ppg, 34.8 mpg, 4.4 apg, 57 steals), Marissa Miles (4.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg), Emily Mueller (4.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 13 blocks)

Outlook: Guards Iafelice (Canton Hoover) and Iacono are each two-year starters. A second-team All-University Athletic Association honoree as a sophomore, Iacono finished second on the team in scoring and ranked in the top 10 in the UAA in assists, free throw percentage (.746), steals, three-pointers (47), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.2) and minutes per game (33.9). Hollinger (Chardon), a three-time All-UAA selection, was named a Preseason All-American by D3Hoops.com. She the league in scoring and blocked shots and entered her senior season in seventh place on the CWRU career scoring list (1,093). The Spartans finished 13-12 and 7-7 last year.

Remaining schedule: Wednesday John Carroll, 6; Dec. 5 at Heidelberg, 7:30; Dec. 10 Wooster, 2; Dec. 28 vs. St. Mary's (Ind.), 1; Dec. 29 at Otterbein, 6; Jan. 7 Carnegie Mellon, 3; Jan. 13 Washington University-St. Louis, 6; Jan. 15 Chicago, 2; Jan. 20 at Rochester, 6; Jan. 22 at Emory, 2; Jan. 27 at Brandeis, 6; Jan. 29 at NYU, 2; Feb. 3 Brandeis, 6; Feb. 5 NYU, 2; Feb. 10 at Washington University-St. Louis, 7; Feb. 12 at Chicago, 3; Feb. 17 Rochester, 6; Feb. 19 Emory, 2; Feb. 25 at Carnegie Mellon, 3.

Hiram Terriers

Coach: Andrea Preston (28-75, fifth year at Hiram)

Key returners: Kelsey Durichko (6.8 ppg.), Tiffany Shields (14.2 ppg.), Chelsea Kovach (7.6 ppg.), Amy Geisman (5.4 ppg.), Calysia Smyers (4.6 ppg.), Brenna Host (3.1 ppg.)

Outlook: Seniors Shields (Bedford Heights) and Durichko (Brunswick) lead the Terrier backcourt. Shields led the team in scoring as a junior. Durichko posted a school single-season record of 138 assists in addition to earning honorable mention All-NCAC honors. Hiram was 12-14 and qualified for the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament. This year, the women's basketball team was picked to finish seventh in the NCAC.

Remaining schedule: Saturday Wooster, 1; Dec. 7 at Oberlin, 6; Dec. 17 at Kenyon, 1; Dec. 19 at Waynesburg (Pa.), 7:30; Dec. 30 at Occidental/Chapman (Calif.) Classic, TBA; Dec. 31 at Occidental/Chapman (Calif.) Classic, TBA; Jan. 6 Wittenberg 6; Jan. 7 DePauw, 2; Jan. 11 at Wooster, 6; Jan. 14 Kenyon, 2; Jan. 18 at Ohio Wesleyan, 6; Jan. 25 at Allegheny, 6; Jan. 28 Denison, 1; Jan. 31 Oberlin, 7:30; Feb. 3 at Wittenberg, 7; Feb. 4 at DePauw (Ind.), 3; Feb. 6 Allegheny (Pa.), 6; Feb. 11 Ohio Wesleyan, 1; Feb. 15 Ursuline, 6; Feb. 18 at Denison, 2.

John Carroll Blue Streaks

Coach: Kristie Maravalli (128-173, thirteenth year at JCU).

Key returners: Emilee Ritchie (16.6 ppg, 40.6 percent on threes), Missy Spahar (13.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg.), Allie Lustig (6.3 ppg.)

Outlook: The Streaks must deal with the graduation of the program's all-time leading scorer, 2011 All-American Lee Jennings. Ritchie (Stow) hopes to step into the void after hitting 86 three-pointers last year. Spahar (Lake Catholic) was Rookie of the Year in the OAC last year and also provided strong board work. JCU reached the OAC championship game for the first time in program history last season.

Remaining schedule: Wednesday at Case Western Reserve University, 6; Dec. 3 at Capital, 3; Dec. 7 Mount Union, 7:30; Dec. 10 Ohio Northern, 3; Dec. 17 at Otterbein, 3; Dec. 20 at Heidelberg, 7:30; Dec. 30 Medaille, 7:30; Jan. 4 at Baldwin-Wallace, 7:30; Jan. 7 Wilmington, 3; Jan. 11 Muskingum, 7:30; Jan. 14 at Marietta, 3; Jan. 21 Capital, 3; Jan. 25 Mount Union, 7:30; Jan. 28 at Ohio Northern, 7:30; Feb. 1 Heidelberg, 3; Feb. 4 Otterbein, 3; Feb. 9 Baldwin-Wallace, 7:30; Feb. 11 at Wilmington, 3; Feb. 15 at Muskingum, 7:30; Feb. 18 Marietta, 3.

Lake Erie Storm

Coach: Bob Booher (60-95, 7th year at LEC)

Key returners: Stephanie Rogers (15.0 ppg., 7.6 rpg., league-leading 79 blocks), Alyssa Wagers (13.6 ppg., 9.4 rpg. in 2009-10), Jen Caiola (11.8 ppg.), Britt Busson (4.8 ppg., 72 ast)

Outlook: Seniors Busson (Wadsworth) has started all but two games in her career and ranks among the school's career leaders in assists. Newcomer Cate Cianchetti (Stow) returns to the court following a three-season layoff and will be counted on to provide another outside scoring threat. Caiola (Chagrin Falls) is already Lake Erie's all-time three-point leader (159) and is a proven scorer on the wing. She has eight 20-point games in her career and has made at least 41 three-pointers in each of three seasons. Standout F Alyssa Wagers (Stow) returns after missing last season with a knee injury. LEC was 3-22 and 2-17 in their first year in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Remaining schedule: Thursday vs. Wayne State, 6; Saturday vs. Hillsdale, 1; Dec. 11 at Ashland, 1; Dec. 17 at Northwood, 6; Dec. 28 at Cleveland State, 7; Jan. 3 at Seton Hill, 6; Jan. 7 at Ohio Dominican, 1; Jan. 12 vs. Findlay, 6; Jan. 14 vs. Tiffin, 1; Jan. 19 vs. Lake Superior State, 6; Jan. 21 vs. Saginaw Valley State, 1; Jan. 26 at Findlay, 6; Jan. 28 at Wayne State, 1; Feb. 1 at Hillsdale, 6; Feb. 4 vs. Ohio Dominican, 1; Feb. 9 at Ferris State, 6; Feb. 11 at Grand Valley State, 1; Feb. 16 vs. Northern Michigan, 6" Feb. 18 vs. Michigan Tech, 1; Feb. 23 at Tiffin, 6; Feb. 25 vs. Ashland, 1

Notre Dame College

Coach: Katie Hine (24-33, first year at NDC)

Key returners: Courtney Clark (Brecksville), Alex Dackin, Danielle Ledrich, Lauren Macer (Twinsburg) and Taryn Wicks (Akron).

Outlook: Clark (4.1 ppg) and Ledrich (5.8 ppg) will be joined by veterans Dackin, Macer and Wicks at guard. The Falcons figure to be taller up front, as Tiffany Adkins (Massillon), Kim Bowsher and Erin Entinghe (Avon) will share playing time. All three will be relied upon to provide points and especially rebounds -- the Falcons come into 2011-12 looking to replace their top three rebounders from a year ago. NDC went 22-9 last season, but the program has lost 63 percent (1,447 points) of its scoring due to graduations and transfers. Hine, a Mentor native, takes over on the bench as NDC plays as a provisional member of NCAA Division II.

Remaining schedule: Saturday, Urbana, 2; Dec. 9 at Shawnee St., 6; Dec. 10 vs. Georgetown (Ky.), 12; Dec. 16 Northwood (Mich.), 2; Dec. 17 Southwestern Christian, 12; Dec. 28 Slippery Rock, 5:30; Dec. 30 at Mercyhurst, 5:30; Jan. 1 vs. Concord (W. Va.), 4; Jan. 2 at Fairmont St., 2; Jan. 7 at Urbana, 2; Jan. 14 at Cedarville, 2; Jan. 21 Malone, 2; Jan. 28 at Ursuline, 2; Jan. 31 at Salem International, 6; Feb. 4 Cedarville, 4; Feb. 9 Walsh, 7; Feb. 11 at Malone, 2; Feb. 14 Salem International, 5:30; Feb. 18 Ursuline, 2; Feb. 25 at Walsh, 2.

Oberlin Yeowomen

Coach: Kerry Jenkins (18-60, fourth year at OC).

Key returners: Allison Anderson (15.1 ppg, 6.3 apg, 6 rpg, 69 steals), Kelly Warlich (12.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 27 blocked shots), Ellen Neuman (7 ppg, 5.2 rpg).

Backcourt: Junior Allison Anderson returns as arguably the best point guard in the NCAC. Sophomore Ashley Young averaged 31.6 minutes last year, while averaging 3.9 rebounds and 3.8 points and having 24 steals. Sophomore Malisa Hoak averaged 19.9 minutes per game, while adding 20 steals and 4.1 points per game. Junior Kelly Warlich joins Anderson as the other threat for the Yeowomen. The team also returns six of their top seven scorers and their two leading rebounders from a year ago.

Remaining schedule: Wednesday at Otterbein, 7:30; Saturday at Wittenberg, 1; Dec. 7 Hiram, 6; Dec. 9 at Carnegie Mellon, 7; Dec. 10 at Allegheny, 1; Dec 31 at Adrian, 5; Jan. 2 Heidelberg, 7; Jan. 6 at OWU, 7:30; Jan. 7 Kenyon, 7:30; Jan. 11 Allegheny, 6; Jan. 14 at Marygrove, 2; Jan. 18 at Wooster, 7:30; Jan. 21 at DePauw, 1; Jan. 25 Denison, 6; Jan. 28 Wittenberg, 1; Jan. 31 at Hiram, 7:30; Feb. 3 Wooster, 7:30; Feb. 4 OWU, 5; Feb. 8 at Kenyon, 6; Feb. 11 DePauw, 1; Feb. 15 at Denison; 7:30

Ursuline Arrows

Coach: Nelson Schorr (69-165, ninth year at Ursuline).

Key returners: Jaylene Taylor (12.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 41 assists), Laura Campbell (10.1 ppg), Michele Hare (7.4 ppg, 50 percent from 3-point range, 41 assists), Katie Cappello (6.2 ppg).

Outlook: The Arrows have nine incoming freshmen, five in the backcourt. Newcomer Brianna Woods will share time at point guard with Cappello. Hare excelled from three-point range last season, while Campbell continues to climb the Ursuline record books in scoring and three-pointers. The team's leading scorer and rebounder returns in sophomore Taylor, who was named to the AMC All-Freshman Team and the AMC All-Second Team. Taylor will be joined by Natalie Cook, who plays bigger and stronger than her 5-9 frame. Tyler Gassett and Shanade Bernard should add some size and strength to the frontcourt and help Taylor on the boards. Ursuline is in the process of moving from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II level and the all-new Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC).

Remaining schedule: Thursday at Carlow, 7:30; Dec. 6 at Fairmont State, 5:30; Dec. 9 vs. Houghton 7; Dec. 10 vs. Roberts Wesleyan, 2; Dec. 29-30 Ohio Wesleyan Tournament; Jan. 7 vs. Carlow 2; Jan. 11 at Salem International, 6; Jan. 14 vs. Malone; Jan 17 at Cedarville, 5:30; Jan. 21 vs. Urbana, 2; Jan. 28 vs. Notre Dame, 2; Jan. 31 at Central State, 7; Feb. 4 at Malone, 2; Feb. 7 vs. Cedarville, 7; Feb. 11 at Urbana, 2; Feb. 15 at Hiram, 6; Feb. 18 at Notre Dame, 2; Feb. 23 vs. Central State, 7; Feb. 25 vs. Salem International, 3

No wideout has surfaced as a reliable playmaker in the first 11 games. Numerous other links to Browns stories.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns second-year quarterback Colt McCoy (left) and rookie wide receiver Greg Little (right) have connected on 47 passes this season but failed on numerous other tries. Little's yards-per-catch is a modest 10.5 yards, and he has several drops while scoring just one touchdown.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Please don't say the Cleveland Browns are better than their record indicates because a couple long snaps went awry.

Yes, former Pro Bowl long snapper Ryan Pontbriand's errant hikes cost the Browns a likely win against the St. Louis Rams and a potential win over the Cincinnati Bengals (though a 55-yard try into the wind is no gimme) and, ultimately, his job (The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi reports that the Browns have waived Pontbriand and signed Christian Yount to replace him).

But, the Browns are 4-7 and their talent level is more that of a 4-7 team than a 6-5 team. Also, consider that the Browns' wins have been over teams that have a combined 10-34 record (10-30 not counting their losses to the Browns).

Consider, too, the opposing quarterbacks in the Browns' wins: the Colts' Kerry Collins, 38 (and now-injured) and then just signed out of retirement as a replacement for the injured Peyton Manning; the Dolphins' erratic (and now-injured) Chad Henne; Seahawks' backup Charlie Whitehurst; the Jaguars' Blaine Gabbert, who is arguably struggling more than any other rookie starting quarterback.

The four Browns' wins over those struggling teams have been by a combined 16 points.

The Browns could be considered fortunate to be 4-7. Thus, they have numerous shortcomings, including at wide receiver. The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto wrote on Monday about the Browns' wideout problems.

In ESPN.com's AFC North Stock Watch, Jamison Hensley writes that a falling commodity is:

Faith in Browns wide receivers: Greg Little nearly had as many drops (four) as catches (five) against Cincinnati. Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi were targeted seven times and managed one catch for 8 yards. Colt McCoy is running out of options in the passing game. What are the chances the Browns take a wide receiver with their top first-round pick this year?

The Browns play the Baltimore Ravens at Browns Stadium on Sunday. The Ravens are 8-3 and tied for first place in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one game ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes, again, Grossi's story on the waiving of Pontbriand, a report including the news that the seasons are over for Browns linebacker Scott Fujita and defensive end Emmanuel Stephens; Grossi's scouting report on the Baltimore Ravens; Terry Pluto's podcast; Mary Kay Cabot's interview on Starting Blocks TV, talking about the Browns; a Starting Blocks poll on the Browns-Ravens game; a Starting Blocks poll on the waiving of Ryan Pontbriand; and much more.

End arounds

Browns news and notes, including the progress of rookie left guard Jason Pinkston, on Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report, by the Sports Exchange.

Browns running back Peyton Hillis shows glimpses of running the football like he did last season. By Vic Carucci for clevelandbrowns.com.

Colt McCoy's interceptions haven't hurt the Browns as much as some other QBs' picks have hurt their teams. By Craig Lyndall for the Waiting For Next Year blog.

The Browns are one of eight teams with 4-7 records. ESPN.com's new power rankings list the Browns last among those teams.

Top five Browns defensive plays against the Bengals, by Chris Pokorny for the Dawgs By Nature blog.

A story on Browns wide receiver Greg Little, by Scott Petrak for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

Browns make moves (besides at long snapper), by Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

AFC North quarterback report card for last week, by Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.

The Houston Texans, after losing their top two quarterbacks to injuries, have signed Jake Delhomme, who began the 2010 season as the Browns starter. The Texans picked him over another ex-Brown, Jeff Garcia. From the Houston Chronicle. 

Baltimore wide receiver Lee Evans, from Bedford High School, is getting more involved in the Ravens offense. By Matt Vensel for the Baltimore Sun.

Ohio State should be ready to bounce back in 2012, and not just because of hiring Urban Meyer.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerThe Buckeyes of 2012 will be counting on underclass defenders such as Etienne Sabino (6) meeting the performance standards of John Simon (54) against Indiana's Tre Roberson and the rest of the Big Ten.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Knocked back on his heels by the question from an Ohio State student television reporter Monday, Urban Meyer may have wondered what happened to his honeymoon period as the new coach of the Buckeyes.

The 23rd question of his introductory news conference Monday was whether he could win a national championship in the next couple years with the current OSU personnel.

"Wow. I'm just trying to get to tomorrow, man," Meyer said. "I'm trying to go make some recruit calls tonight and I'll get to know these guys. So with all due respect, wow, I don't know. I'm going to try to really put together a good coaching staff and do the best we can."

Now that it's been mentioned, though ... what should Ohio State fans expect next year?

Regardless of what happened with the coaching search, there are several reasons in which expecting the Buckeyes to bounce right back in 2012 after a 6-6 regular season makes a lot of sense.

• Certainty will help. Any permanent head coach would have gained an edge just by eliminating the chaos that surrounded the program after Jim Tressel's forced resignation. A permanent coach able to name his own staff, and prepare his team his own way for a full year, will be an improvement.

• A defense that started just two seniors -- linebacker Andrew Sweat and defensive back Tyler Moeller -- featured some young players with promise who clearly need more seasoning. Sophomore safeties C.J. Barnett and Christian Bryant, freshman cornerback Bradley Roby and freshman linebacker Ryan Shazier could add consistency to their playmaking ability with another year.

"I think this next year is going to have a lot of great talent," senior center Mike Brewster said. "I think they'll have a large chance to succeed and lots of the young guys will be much better, and the playing time this year is definitely going to help them."

• Check out the Buckeyes' 2012 season schedule

Other freshmen such as defensive lineman Michael Bennett, linebacker Curtis Grant and defensive back Doran Grant are candidates to play more. Throw in defensive lineman John Simon as a senior, Johnathan Hankins as a junior, the potential return of Nathan Williams as a fifth-year senior after a medical redshirt (he was lost for the season after injuring his knee in the opener) and the defensive line should get better. Following microfracture surgery, Williams remains a question mark, but anything he could give the Buckeyes would help.

"I think he's not a good player, I think he's a great player," Meyer said of Williams. "He's kind of the heart and soul. When he went out, that hurt us, hurt Ohio State."

• True freshmen quarterbacks are a crapshoot. Although Braxton Miller progressed over the course of the season, by the time he hits the field next September he should look like a different player. That's what has Meyer most excited. He called meeting Miller the highlight of his Monday, after "sitting there shaking hands with that good-looking quarterback with a nice smile."

"I've watched him compete in the big game. And to tell you I'm excited to coach him, I'm not using the correct adjectives," Meyer said. "So I think you get it, right? Really excited."

Overall, Meyer said you can "build a team around what I saw." But there are obviously holes to fill, too.

The offensive line has to replace its center and both tackles. The play at linebacker definitely needs to improve and depth needs to be added. The receiving group that was such a problem in DeVier Posey's absence will return the same players who need to make major strides. Running back Dan Herron gave the Buckeyes a spark and will be missed, and though there are candidates with Carlos Hyde, Jordan Hall, freshman Rod Smith and incoming recruit Warren Ball, a No. 1 back will need to emerge.

But there should be time for that to happen. The nonconference schedule is all at home and features four opponents -- Miami (Ohio) (4-8), Central Florida (5-7), California (7-5) and Alabama-Birmingham (3-9) -- that were a combined 19-29 this season. Conference road trips to Michigan State and Wisconsin won't be easy, but Leaders Division foes Illinois and Penn State will be under first-year coaches as well.

In the end, these Buckeyes, for all their issues, lost five Big Ten games by a total of 25 points, and none by more than a touchdown.

So a national championship is a bit much to ask. But there's reason to expect the Buckeyes to be back, and it's not only because of the guy in charge. Though he should help.