Trevon Harmon has 19 points and Anton Grady has a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Vikings play Milwaukee on Sunday with a chance to grab sole possession of first in the conference.

It was the first of a two-game set in the Wolstein Center -- the second is 2 p.m. Sunday against Milwaukee -- that could give clear definition to the Horizon League race. With Milwaukee losing at Youngstown State, CSU (16-4, 6-2) is now tied with the Panthers (13-7, 6-2). Sunday's game is for sole possession of first.

The Vikings turned a 36-30 lead into a comfortable 59-41 cushion by the 10:32 mark as senior guard Trevon Harmon had 19 points. Senior swingman D'Aundray Brown, in the midst of an 8-for-29 shooting slump over the previous three games, had nine points for his best effort since scoring 13 on Jan. 5 against Illinois-Chicago.

Brown, the clear team leader, made his presence all over the court as he finished with five rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

The Vikings take clear aim on a title they shared last season but now want an undisputed claim. Brown was not part of Cleveland State's run last year because of a wrist injury that forced him to miss the season. He wants to make this one count.

"Coach told me I had been some [missing] shots out of character," Brown said. He finished hitting 4 of 9, and the assists effectively added up to another 14 points.

"I found a lot of guys open and just gave them the ball," Brown said.

The game became close at the end because of mistakes by young players, and the Vikings had 21 turnovers overall. This was offset by shooting 50.9 percent from the field and out-rebounding Green Bay, 43-23. Freshman Anton Grady posted his first career double-double with 10 points and 13 boards.

The Vikings had 23 fouls for the game, many of them off the ball.

"We are committing too many fouls," head coach Gary Waters said. "We have got to get out of this. We are keeping teams in the game, and that's something I'm concerned about."

The Vikings had a dubious start with turnovers on their first three possessions. This allowed the Phoenix to jump out to an early lead. Then CSU found the range from behind the arc. Three straight 3-pointers, including two from Harmon, saw the Vikings take a 16-12 lead.

Green Bay closed Cleveland State's biggest lead, 26-16, down to 26-24 with 3:31 to play in the half. The Vikings answered with pressure defense, resulting in layups off traps and steals before an Alec Brown tip-in at the buzzer increased the margin to 36-30.

Green Bay wouldn't get close again until it was 74-68 50 seconds to play. Harmon knocked down a pair at the line to secure the victory.

The worst Cavs' home loss ever included a baffling coaching decision by Byron Scott that sent stellar rookie Kyrie Irving to the bench in the first quarter when he was all that was keeping Cleveland in the game against the Bulls.

View full sizeAmy Sancetta, Associated PressCavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, left, and guard Anthony Park cool their heels on the bench late in Friday's record-setting loss to the Chicago Bulls. That makes sense, but why was Irving benched in the first quarter when he was the one keeping the Cavs in the game?

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The thing the other sports gloss over in the uglification of games is the entertainment factor. The NBA, however, has always known what puts fans in the seats. It is the aesthetics of muscular ballet, aerial dogfights and rub-your-eyes passing that makes NBA fans love the game.

This year's Cavaliers can be entertaining. Honest, despite a 114-75 loss to Chicago Friday night, with the Bulls playing without Derrick Rose, their best player. It was the worst Cavs home loss ever.

After all, Cleveland can give you Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 pick in the whole NBA draft, rookie of the year candidate, and the possessor of the mystique of the unknown. All rookies have this quality to some degree. But Irving, after playing only 11 games in his only collegiate season at Duke, is the nearest approach to the old days when high school phenoms came straight from Senior Prom to the layup line.

Irving's scoring and shooting are superior to his early rival for top rookie honors, Minnesota's Ricky Rubio. But Rubio's assists to turnovers ratio (8.3 to 3.3 when the game began) is much better than Irving's (5.2 to 3.5). He also possesses a mystery factor. Rubio is the Spaniard who turned pro at age 14, an age more suitable for female tennis players and gymnasts. Many of Rubio's assists are SportsCenter-ready dazzlers on lobs to forward Derrick Williams.

When Irving tried a halfcourt alley-oop in the first quarter for Omri Casspi, it was so high that only 7-2 Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the newest member of the Cavs' front office, would have had a shot at it. The errant pass occurred during the 7 minutes, 12 seconds that were actually entertaining.

After that, Cavs coach Byron Scott waved his magic substitution rotation and made Irving disappear until the middle of the second quarter, when his team was really most sincerely dead.

Maybe Scott is being extra careful with his prize rookie. Maybe this simply is Scott's "book" on how to handle rookies. Whatever, his substitution rotation so far has all the flexibility of the local morgue.

He splits time between Irving (28 minutes on the average) and Ramon Sessions (21), who is shooting 33.3 percent with almost as many turnovers as assists. The dropoff Friday night resembled an Alp in steepness.

In Irving's abbreviated time on the floor in the opening quarter, he splashed three 3-pointers, scored on a driving layup, passed for two assists, committed two turnovers and was able to take the ball wherever he wanted to. The Cavs were in the game because of his freakish outside shooting, down, 19-18. But then Irving got a chance to grab some pine, from which he watched the Cavs' competitiveness circle the drain.

The allure of the game had been the chance for Irving to match up against Rose, the Chicago point guard and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player. But that was foiled by Rose's continuing recovery from an injured toe, the same type of injury that so dramatically shortened Irving's lone college season. It was no credit to anyone in wine and gold that this rout took place without Chicago's best player.

Rose's moves to the rim are so explosive that they make him nearly indefensible "with the rules now, where you can barely touch guys," as Scott said.

Thus, the defusing of Irving was a strange decision from a coach who said he was willing to play guys long minutes, despite a game tonight in Atlanta. There was no issue with Irving sitting most of the second half. But the kid gave us a glimpse of what he can do with extended minutes when he played 35 minutes at Charlotte on Monday because Anthony Parker was out with a stiff back. He scored 25 points then.

Offense was not going to win this game, though. The Cavs' defense was a rumor, and their intensity was missing more often than Sessions and Boobie Gibson, the back-up backcourt, who combined to shoot 5-of-22.

One of the inherent tensions in Irving's concept of playing the point is between his own scoring and the demand to integrate others into the offense. When he passes the ammunition, he would probably best be served by passing himself.

Of course, he can't do that from the bench, either.

To reach Bill Livingston: blivingston@plaind.com, 216-999-4672

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Here's today's sports listings on TV and the radio for the Cleveland area.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerThe Akron Zips' Zeke Marshall (44) defends the Kent State Golden Flashes' Justin Manns (33) in the 2011 MAC Tournament championship game, won by Akron, 66-65, in overtime. Kent State plays at Akron on Saturday in a game televised by SportsTime Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

BOXING

9 p.m. Eddie Chambers vs. Sergei Liakhovich; and Gabriel Rosado vs. Jesus Soto-Karass, NBCSN*

(*NBC Sports Network, formerly Versus)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

6 p.m. NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. NBCSN*

(*NBC Sports Network, formerly Versus)

EXTREME SPORTS

4:30 p.m. Winter Dew Tour, WKYC

GOLF

8:30 a.m. Volvo Champions (tape), Golf Channel

4 p.m. Humana Challenge, Golf Channel

7:30 p.m. Mitsubishi Electric Championship, Golf Channel

HOCKEY

1 p.m. NHL, N.Y. Rangers at Boston, NHL Network

4 p.m. NHL, San Jose at Vancouver, NHL Network

4:30 p.m. High School, Mentor at Elyria Catholic, AM/1320

5 p.m. NCAA Women, Bemidji State at Wisconsin, Big Ten Network

7 p.m. NHL, Montreal at Toronto, NHL Network

7:30 p.m. AHL, Monsters vs. Oklahoma City, WUAB; AM/1220

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Monsters coverage)

7:30 p.m. NCAA, Michigan at Notre Dame, CBS Sports Network

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

11 a.m. Maryland at Temple, ESPNU

Noon Alabama at Kentucky, WOIO

Noon Purdue at Michigan State, ESPN

1 p.m. Villanova at St. John’s, ESPNU

1 p.m. Xavier at Dayton, ESPN2

2 p.m. Michigan at Arkansas, WOIO

2 p.m. Missouri at Baylor, ESPN

2 p.m. UCF at UAB, Fox Sports Ohio

3 p.m. Cincinnati at West Virginia, ESPNU

3 p.m. Indiana State at Creighton, ESPN2

4 p.m. UConn at Tennessee, WOIO

4 p.m. Florida State at Duke, ESPN

4 p.m. UCLA at Oregon, Fox Sports Ohio

5 p.m. Iowa State at Texas Tech, ESPN2

5 p.m. UMass at Richmond, CBS Sports Network

6 p.m. Kent State at Akron, SportsTime Ohio

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Akron, Kent State and MAC coverage)

6 p.m. Syracuse at Notre Dame, ESPN

7 p.m. Long Island at Wagner, ESPNU

7 p.m. Mississippi State at Vanderbilt, ESPN2

8 p.m. Ohio State at Nebraska, Big Ten Network; AM/850

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage)

9 p.m. Louisville at Pittsburgh, ESPN

9 p.m. Murray State at SIU-Edwardsville, ESPNU

10 p.m. New Mexico at UNLV, CBS Sports Network

11 p.m. Long Beach State at UC Santa Barbara, ESPNU

NBA

7 p.m. Cavaliers at Atlanta, Fox Sports Ohio; AM/1100

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage)

7:30 p.m. Denver at New York, NBATV

SOCCER

7:30 a.m. Chelsea at Norwich City, ESPN2

TENNIS

7 p.m. Australian Open, round of 16, Tennis Channel

9 p.m. Australian Open, round of 16, ESPN2

3 a.m. (Sunday) Australian Open, round of 16, ESPN2

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Noon Texas at Oklahoma, Fox Sports Ohio

1 p.m. St. Joseph’s at Xavier, CBS Sports Network

3 p.m. Wyoming at Colorado State, CBS Sports Network

Baltimore's date with New England in Sunday's AFC Championship Game is an opportunity for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to silence his many critics.

View full sizeGene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun"He's won," Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome says of oft-criticized QB Joe Flacco. "It's hard because everyone identifies us with our defense and the running game. So it's hard [for Flacco] to gain any respect."

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- This AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens is about a lot of things. It's about the pursuit of a fifth Super Bowl appearance and fourth championship by the Hall of Fame-bound coach-quarterback tandem of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

It's also about the pursuit of a second Super Bowl appearance and championship by former Browns tight end great Ozzie Newsome.

Newsome made a career choice of personnel over coaching under Belichick's wing in Cleveland in the 1990s. Although Newsome's Ravens destroyed Belichick's Patriots in a 2009 season wild-card game, this is the first time they are meeting in an AFC title game. That playoff win was Newsome's only victory in six meetings against the man he regards as his NFL mentor as a franchise-builder.

The crowning achievement of Newsome's second re-do of the Ravens as general manager hinges, perhaps, on the selection of Joe Flacco. Newsome regards Flacco as his franchise quarterback.

Which brings up another thing that this title game is about: Can Flacco make the plays to step up into the NFL's elite level? That can only happen if Flacco leads his team -- not follows it -- to a Super Bowl championship.

"Up until you get that on your resume, people don't put you in that elite category," Newsome asserted in an interview this week.

Flacco is the only NFL quarterback since 1970 to not only make the playoffs in each of his first four seasons but also win a playoff game each year. His five postseason wins trail only Brady (who has six) among quarterbacks in their first four seasons since 1970.

View full sizePatrick Semansky, Associated PressIs Flacco a playmaker or a caretaker? For the Ravens, that's what this game could be all about.

But the perception of Flacco -- nationally and locally -- is as more of a game manager than a facilitator. He has ridden the coattails of a team built on defense and a physical running game.

"He's won," Newsome said. "It's hard because everyone identifies us with our defense and the running game. So it's hard [for Flacco] to gain any respect." Flacco, big and strong-armed, sometimes takes more shots in his own locker room than on the field.

Baltimore's playoff week began with safety Ed Reed criticizing Flacco and the offense for scoring only three points the last three quarters in the team's nervous 20-13 divisional playoff win over the Houston Texans.

"I think Joe was kind of rattled a little bit by that defense," Reed said on Sirius NFL radio. "They had a lot of guys in the box on him. And, I mean, they were getting to him. I think a couple times he needed to get rid of the ball."

The comments created a stir in a locker room policed by strong personalities. Ray Lewis and others rallied to Flacco's defense. By the end of the week Reed and Flacco had a premeditated playful exchange of words in front of media to demonstrate the story was dead.

"I've been here with Joe since he's gotten here," Reed said Thursday on a conference call. "I know Joe is a smart quarterback. He's our quarterback regardless of anything, and that's pretty much that is all to it."

The Ravens won the Super Bowl following the 2000 season with journeyman Trent Dilfer handing off to Jamal Lewis and the team's defense pulverizing every offense it faced. Many of Flacco's critics don't see a big difference in his role. But Newsome does.

This is the Ravens' seventh playoff appearance in the 10 seasons since their Super Bowl win. The defense and running game kept them in the discussion, but they've consistently come up short on offense in the playoffs.

In that time, Newsome has invested a lot in upgrading the offense to the point where it can win in a shootout -- if necessary. The drafting of Flacco with the No. 18 overall selection in 2008 was the game-changer in Newsome's mind.

"The real formula to winning football games will always be [defense and running the ball], because that's what it's going to take in the AFC North year in and year out," Newsome said. "[But] this is the time when guys have to come up big, whether it's a quarterback, pass rusher, a corner or a running back. These are the games where your playmakers need to make plays."

Is Flacco a playmaker or a caretaker? For the Ravens, that's what this game could be all about. The opportunity is there for Flacco to settle this issue.

"Yes it is," Newsome said. "But you know what? All I'm looking for is the W. Let's get the W. If it means we return three punts for touchdowns, I'll take that, too."

Small world: After spending his first seven NFL seasons with Buffalo, Bedford's Lee Evans is experiencing his first postseason. He had a one-handed catch for 30 yards in Baltimore's 20-13 divisional playoff win over Houston. Evans missed seven games this year with an ankle injury.

Ravens backup safety Haruki Nakamura of Elyria and St. Edward High School has been a stalwart on special teams for four years. He finished third with nine special teams tackles this season.

Former Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman has filled roles at receiver and punt return since being drafted by the Patriots in 2009. This year, Edelman was pressed into service on defense for several games. He finished the season with 14 tackles. Edelman's career punt return average of 12.4 yards ranks first on the Patriots' charts.

Second-year New England punter Zoltan Mesko of Twinsburg was third in the NFL with a gross average of 46.5 yards. That exceeded the New England season record of 45.8 set by another northeast Ohio product, Brecksville's Tom Tupa, in 1997.

One of the negatives of being backup to New England quarterback Tom Brady is rarely getting any playing time. But Brian Hoyer of North Olmsted and St. Ignatius High School did step in at Wednesday's practice for Brady, who sat out because of a left shoulder injury. Brady has not missed a game this year. Hoyer played in three games.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

San Antonio is sagging, but standings are unchanged in the top five of the weekly rankings.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerDerrick Rose wasn't anywhere on the court Friday night, but Joakim Noah and the rest of the Chicago Bulls made a case for their status atop the NBA in routing the Cavaliers.

ATLANTA -- This week's evaluations, with rankings based on games through Friday. Last week's ranking in parentheses.

1. (1) Chicago Bulls -- Think the Cavaliers will dispute this ranking?

2. (2) Oklahoma City Thunder – Russell Westbrook signing is a big relief for America's favorite small market.

3. (3) Denver Nuggets -- Carmelo Who?

4. (4) Philadelphia 76ers -- Sixers not fading yet.

5. (5) Miami Heat -- Wins over San Antonio and Lakers help Heat rebound.

6. (6) Orlando Magic -- Stan Van's team has won six of its last seven.

7. (8) Indiana Pacers -- Pacers play four of the next five on the road.

8. (9) Atlanta Hawks -- An 11-5 record gets you only third in the Southeast Division.

9. (14) Utah Jazz -- They have played just five road games, going 2-3.

10. (7) San Antonio Spurs -- Hard to believe Spurs are 1-5 on the road.

11. (12) Los Angeles Clippers -- They beat the Lakers -- which used to be a big deal.

12. (11) Portland Trail Blazers -- Fast start seems like ages ago.

13. (17) Memphis Grizzlies -- Griz had won five straight as of Friday.

14. (10) Los Angeles Lakers -- Welcome to mediocrity, Kobe.

15. (13) Dallas Mavericks -- Need to figure out a way to win the close ones.

16. (23) Houston Rockets -- Rockets were 6-1 at home and riding a three-game win streak.

17. (19) Minnesota Timberwolves -- Wolves, much like the Cavs, are at least fun to watch on most nights this season.

18. (20) Milwaukee Bucks -- Andrew Bogut will see "countryman" Kyrie Irving in the coming games.

19. (16) Cleveland Cavaliers -- Byron Scott's club is just two games into brutal 15-game stretch that could have them tumbling in rankings.

20. (18) Boston Celtics -- When does the antique sale begin at TD Bank Garden?

21. (21) Sacramento Kings -- It's pine time for J.J. Hickson.

22. (24) Phoenix Suns -- Steve Nash went to Madison Square Garden last week and showed fans the benefit of having a legitimate point guard.

23. (15) New York Knicks -- Inept owner James Dolan said this week one of his teams is close to winning a title. It ain't the Knicks.

24. (25) Golden State Warriors -- David Lee saddened by fact Cavs do not visit Oakland.

25. (28) New Jersey Nets -- They move up in standings only to make room for free-falling Raptors and Hornets.

26. (22) Toronto Raptors -- Raptors have gone so far south they should be playing home games in Biloxi.

27. (27) Detroit Pistons -- Motown auto makers showing signs of life, not so for the Pistons.

28. (26) New Orleans Hornets -- Every day is Mardi Gras for NBA visiting teams as the Hornets are 1-7 at home.

29. (29) Charlotte Bobcats -- The 'Cats latest loss to Cavs illustrates no lead is safe.

30. (30) Washington Wizards -- Not even beating the Thunder get the Wiz out of the basement.

WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, reported that Colts owner Jim Irsay flew to Sarasota, Fla., Friday morning to meet with Tressel for a second time. Tressel worked for the Colts this past season as a game-day consultant. Irsay fired head coach Jim Caldwell this past Tuesday.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerFormer Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is a candidate for the Colts' head-coaching opening.

Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has had two interviews with Colts owner Jim Irsay about the team’s vacant head-coaching position, according to reports.

WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, reported that Irsay flew to Sarasota, Fla., Friday morning to meet with Tressel for a second time. Tressel worked for the Colts this past season as a game-day consultant. Irsay fired head coach Jim Caldwell this past Tuesday.

Tressel, 59, resigned May 30 from Ohio State amid an NCAA investigation into rules violations that led to significant sanctions for the school that were announced in December.

After Tressel was suspended by the Colts for the first six games this season—the league reportedly would have suspended him if the Colts hadn't—he began to serve his duties as the team's instant-replay consultant.

Irsay is in the process of making sweeping changes in the Colts’ organization after the team’s 2-14 season. He recently hired Ryan Grigson as general manager after firing vice chairman Bill Polian and vice president/G.M. Chris Polian. Grigson decided not to retain Caldwell and also announced the dismissal of eight assistants from Caldwell's staff.

The Indianapolis Star reported the Colts have interviewed Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., and The Tennessean reported Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray was interviewed by the team Friday.

The Star reported Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also is a candidate, and NFL.com reported that the Colts want to interview former Vikings coach Brad Childress. Childress is one of the coaches for Saturday’s East-West Shrine Game.

Before resigning as Ohio State’s coach, Tressel compiled a 94-22 record in 10 years at the school. He won the 2002 national championship and six Big Ten titles and was 5-4 in bowl games.

Tressel’s resignation followed an investigation that uncovered evidence that his players, including current Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor, had received improper benefits. Tressel also allegedly failed to notify the school’s compliance department of the situation.

Meanwhile, Irsay told ESPN that he plans to use the first overall pick in the draft on a quarterback—Stanford’s Andrew Luck or Baylor’s Robert Griffin III—regardless of whether Peyton Manning is healthy. Manning is recovering from neck surgery, and the Colts must pay him a $28 million bonus in March or he’ll become a free agent.

"With Griffin and Luck and the way it's shaping up at the top of the draft—could very likely go one and two like with Peyton and Ryan Leaf," Irsay told ESPN. "It's most likely one of those quarterbacks that you really feel is the best player in the draft, and where we're at moving forward you can't pass that up. I don't think anyone would expect that."

By Greg Beacham Associated press LA QUINTA, CALIF. - When the wind knocked a big scoreboard into a lake and ripped a few trees out of the ground Saturday, Mark Wilson realized he really didn't mind if he couldn't finish his third round at the Humana Challenge. CHRIS CARLSON/ASSOCIATED PRESSNumbers from the scoreboard are strewn across the water Saturday, after...

By Greg Beacham Associated press

LA QUINTA, CALIF. - When the wind knocked a big scoreboard into a lake and ripped a few trees out of the ground Saturday, Mark Wilson realized he really didn't mind if he couldn't finish his third round at the Humana Challenge.

CHRIS CARLSON/ASSOCIATED PRESSNumbers from the scoreboard are strewn across the water Saturday, after a windstorm caused suspension of the Humana Challenge golf tournament in LaQuinta, Calif.

Wilson and his fellow pros were more than happy to wait out the windstorm and just come back Sunday, when Wilson will attempt to maintain his momentum for what might be a marathon finish to the erstwhile Bob Hope Classic.

Wilson held a three-stroke lead over Ben Crane at 21 under when play was suspended play midway through the third round. Ferocious wind reaching 35 mph caused damage on all three courses, even interrupting former President Bill Clinton's round with Greg Norman.

"I think they made the right call," Wilson said. "You don't want to see anybody get hurt."

The pro-am tournament will resume third-round play Sunday morning without the amateurs. They'll also attempt to finish the fourth round, which could be tough after the event's first wind delay since 1999 -- the first on the PGA Tour since 2009 in Houston.

Nobody was hurt by the wind at the Humana Challenge, even after an awning collapsed in the Bob Hope Square fan area. Conditions weren't terrible on two of the tournament's three courses, but several trees were toppled at the La Quinta Country Club course, making the decision easy.

"It's really bad," said Slugger White, the PGA Tour's vice president of rules and competitions. "They've got a lot of trees down. It's a real mess. ... We knew (the wind) was going to be bad, but we thought it would be something we could play with, and then the bottom fell out."

La Quinta didn't even get the worst of the Coachella Valley craziness: A 66-mph gust was recorded at the Palm Springs airport.

White said he believes they can finish the four-round event Sunday "in a perfect world." Wilson doubts it after vicious gusts interrupted a previously perfect weekend of Palm Springs weather.

Wilson got through the first eight holes at La Quinta under ideal conditions, but the light winds suddenly turned into gales. He battled to five straight pars before a birdie on his 15th hole of the day, but play was suspended moments later.

"It's amazing how it happened so quickly," said Wilson, who was 5 under through 15 holes. "I went from the mentality of making birdies to just making solid pars when I could."

None of the 142 pros finished the third round, but nearly everybody was around the turn when the wind kicked up -- blowing balls around the course, sending that large scoreboard into a lake on the Palmer Private course and causing mischief in the fan area. White said the grounds crews would use chainsaws to remove the fallen trees at La Quinta.

With tee times starting at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, White believes it might be possible to finish the event on time "in a perfect world." Most players are staying in Southern California next week for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

"I doubt it. I've done the math," Wilson said. "I don't know how they could get it done tomorrow, but if we do, I would love to get it done. More power to them."

Clinton, who's hosting the tournament, and Greg Norman had just hit their tee shots on the 10th hole of the Palmer Private course when play was suspended. A short time later, the scoreboard blew into the lake that's flanked by the 10th and 18th holes, leaving oversized number placards floating in the water.

Wilson shared the lead after two rounds with Crane and David Toms, who dropped back to 15 under. Zach Johnson moved within four strokes of the lead after going 6 under through 13 holes.

"We knew there was wind in the forecast, but I've never really experienced anything like that," Johnson said. "Not that quick and that fierce and that intense in that amount of time."

Until the wind kicked up, extremely low scores had dominated the first two days. Robert Garrigus jumped into contention Saturday by making nine birdies in 13 holes on the Nicklaus Private course before play was suspended.

Garrigus joined John Mallinger and John Senden at 16 under, five strokes behind Wilson.

Sam Saunders, Arnold Palmer's grandson, made a hole-in-one on the fifth hole of the Palmer course.

Scott met with his rookie point guard Saturday in Atlanta to discuss the youngster's lax defense, which has been a source of consternation for the coach since the season started.

View full sizeJohn Bazemore, Associated Press"You are going to run into a guy every night that can play and if you are not ready or you're lazy or you're just not into it, you are going to get eaten up," said Byron Scott Saturday on his quick hook on Kyrie Irving Friday against Chicago.

ATLANTA -- Chicago point guard Derrick Rose did not play Friday night in the Bulls' 114-75 win over the Cavaliers at The Q.

You could have fooled Byron Scott.

While many were focused on Kyrie Irving's start offensively, the Cavaliers coach was upset with his defensive effort on Rose understudy C.J. Watson, who had eight points and five assists in the first quarter.

Scott met with his rookie point guard Saturday in Atlanta to discuss the youngster's lax defense, which has been a source of consternation for the coach since the season started. In his most pointed comments to date, Scott said Irving's minutes won't increase until the No. 1 overall draft pick elevates his defensive intensity.

The coach was asked if he were hesitant to remove Irving after scoring 11 points -- including three 3-pointers -- in the first seven minutes of Friday's game.

"Sometimes I hesitate, but a lot of times I'm looking at how he's playing on the defensive end," Scott said. "C.J. Watson to me almost looked like Rose the way he was going by him.

"If you can't get stops it doesn't matter what you are doing offensively because sooner or later you're going to cool down."

Irving is fourth among NBA point guards in scoring (17.4 points) despite being 27th in minutes (27.9). In Scott's rotation, Irving is routinely replaced by Ramon Sessions with four or five minutes left in the first quarter.

Scott is not one to say he's losing patience with a player. Clearly, however, his level of annoyance is growing with a player whom in preseason was said never had to be told the same thing twice.

"You know like he says the turnovers start with him?" Scott said. "The defense starts with him as well. He's the head of the snake and I know it's a lot of responsibility for a 19-year-old but it is what it is and he's got to do a better job and he's aware of it."

Irving admits there are moments he takes a "breather" on both ends of the floor. Scott said it should never occur on the defensive end.

"He's a defensive-minded coach and he was a defensive-minded player," Irving said. "I kind of appreciate him giving it to me like that because I do have to get better. It's all about what my man is doing. I take full responsibility for it."

If Watson can, as Scott said, "go around [Irving] like he was standing still," imagine what trouble Rose or other elite point guards will cause him.

"You are going to run into a guy every night that can play and if you are not ready or you're lazy or you're just not into it, you are going to get eaten up," Scott said. "When he starts playing better defense and playing at the pace I want him at -- getting the ball up and down the floor the way he's capable of doing -- than his minutes will increase."

Gibson out: Guard Daniel Gibson missed Saturday's game due to a death in his family, a team spokesman said. The news came so late in the day the Cavaliers didn't have time to activate Mychel Thompson.

The team had just three regular guards in their rotation playing on the second night of back to backs. Small forward Alonzo Gee played some shooting guard during one stretch and Luke Harangody -- who had previously played a combined 15 minutes this season -- was used at small forward in the second quarter.

The last word: Scott on benching Semih Erden on Friday, but giving him another chance against the Hawks: "I was sick of him last night. I'm OK with him tonight."

The Cavaliers' first three-game losing streak comes with the average margin of defeat measuring 25.3 points.

ATLANTA — Radio stations call them time-warp weekends, blasts from the past of a certain year or decade.

In the last two nights, the Cavaliers have flashed back to a 19-win season a year ago when so many outcomes got decided before halftime and fourth quarters dissolved into stat-padding, layup-trading, bench-emptying exhibitions.

The Cavaliers followed a 39-point home loss to Chicago on Friday with a 121-94 setback to the Atlanta Hawks in Phillips Arena on Saturday. By the time the lost weekend had ended, coach Byron Scott said the team was on the way to "rock bottom" and one of its veteran leaders claimed he had "no clue" what the club was doing offensively.

Two weeks ago, Scott claimed he was anxious to see how his young team would handle adversity. It's arrived in the form of the Cavaliers' first three-game losing streak -- with the average margin of defeat measuring 25.3 points.

"Last year we lost [an NBA record] 26 in a row, so hopefully we won't see that streak start again," Scott said. "I've always said adversity tests the true character of a man and we'll see what kind of men we have in that locker room."

In Antawn Jamison, they have a frustrated player. The power forward, who leads the team in shots, finished with 10 points on just 3-of-7 from the floor. He attempted just three field goals in a first half that ended with Atlanta holding a 61-42 lead.

"Offensively, I have no clue of what we are doing," Jamison said. "It's a lot of one-of-one basketball. We want to the ball to go from one side of the floor to the other and I can't recall one time tonight when we did that. And, these are things we were preaching before the game.

"Until we start playing as a team on both ends of the floor, we are going to continue to see these kinds of outcomes."

Jamison was asked if the lopsided losses to Chicago and Atlanta reminded him of last season.

"Nope -- it's worse than last season," he said. "I know we're better than this. To come out last night and perform the way we did was disappointing, but to come out again after what we talked about and pretty much give the same performance is even worse. ... This is a problem we have to fix quickly."

The contest against Chicago began a murderous 15-game stretch against some of the league's elite teams. Yes, the Cavaliers were playing for the second time in as many nights – they are now 0-4 in that category -- but so were the Hawks. Atlanta coach Larry Drew accused his club of quitting in the third quarter of Friday night's game in Philadelphia.

The Hawks (12-5) responded with a terrific effort in improving to 8-1 at home. They dominated second-chance points, owning a 16-0 advantage early in the third quarter – and limited the Cavs to five offensive rebounds.

Atlanta used a 32-10 run over an eight-plus minute stretch of the second and third quarters to make the final period irrelevant. The Hawks led by as many as 33 points. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, finished with 20 turnovers, the sixth time this season they've hit or exceeded that dubious total.

Rookie Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers (6-9) with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, but he also matched a season high with seven turnovers. Fellow rookie Tristan Thompson contributed 16 points and five rebounds. The power forward sprained his left ankle in the closing minutes, but said he thought he would be OK for Tuesday night in Miami.

"The difference between the playoff-caliber teams and the teams that don't make it is they stop the bleeding quickly," Jamison said.

Readers are hungry for more young talent --- and are counting on the Cavaliers to make some deals in this week's mailbag.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerAt some point, the Cavaliers will have to determine whether Ramon Sessions is more valuable as a backup for Kyrie Irving or as a trade chip for additional draft picks.

Hey, Tom: I am really beginning to enjoy watching the Cavs build this young team. The energy of players like Irving, Thompson, Gee, etc. is great to watch. Lately, several stories have come out about possible deadline trades. Whom do you believe the Cavs should trade, and for what? Draft picks seem the logical choice. -- Todd Edmond, Tiffin

Hey, Todd: The Cavs are looking to acquire either first-round draft picks or young talent. Antawn Jamison is an obvious candidate although it's unclear what the Cavs could get in return. Then, you have Ramon Sessions and Anderson Varejao. Those two would likely net the Cavs the most in return. I think Sessions is a real possibility depending on how the season unfurls between now and March 15.

Hey, Tom: Why does Anderson Varejao insist that he is a big threat offensively? He is an absolute liability on offense. He tries to handle the ball and usually something bad happens when he isn't in the paint with it. Can't he just understand that he is like Ben Wallace, who accepted a similar role on a championship team. -- Jamie Starrett, Chagrin Falls

Hey, Jamie: I don't recall Varejao running any clear outs or trying to lead breaks. He is limited offensively -- and he's also averaging nearly 10 points agame. I don't think the Brazilian has any problem understanding or accepting his role.

Hey, Tom: Since the Cavs appear to be a little better than expected, do you see them making a trade to better the team this year? Why would they even consider trading Andy? -- Larry Persinger, Mt. Gilead

Hey, Larry: I definitely do not the see the Cavs as a buyer at the deadline. As for Varejao, it would have to be a be a real good deal. However, some general managers can become desperate around the trade deadline.

Hey, Tom: I've been watching Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist closely this season and he looks like an amazing player. He has a great work ethic, unstoppable motor, and is a great kid. He also played with Kyrie in high school, and is athletic. On most draft boards I looked at lately, Kidd-Gilchrist has been around 7-11. If the Cavs keep the pace they're doing now, they will probably get around a 5-9 pick. Have the Cavs looked at him? -- Vinny Horvath, Euclid

Hey, Jamie: I guarantee the Cavs have seen Gilchrist play. He's an intriguing prospect and one of only three freshmen up for the Wooden Award. He's become one of the Wildcats' leaders – a founder of their "Breakfast Club"-- which isn't easy to do as a freshman.

Hey, Tom: Why did the Cavs waste their early second-round draft pick No. 32 on a player they ultimately traded away instead of taking a player in a position of need like Chandler Parsons? Don't you think they would have been better served now in drafting Parsons and keeping Hickson over Casspi? To me, Parsons and Hickson look like a better tandem than Casspi and Thompson, or another role player. -- Don Manuszak, Parma

Hey, Don: Casspi is not off to a good start, granted, but he also has only one season remaining on his deal. But the Cavaliers had to make a decision on Hickson. Were they going to resign a guy who clashed with Byron Scott and give him big money? The Cavs did not see Hickson as part of their long-term plans. By the way, Hickson was removed from the starting lineup this week in Sacramento. Eventually the Cavs will get a draft pick from the Kings and most likely a first-rounder in the next few years.

Hey, Tom: If the Cavs are playoff bound, and the Celts decide to disband, would there be any interest in Ray Allen or Paul Pierce? -- Greg Morrow, Stow

Hey, Greg: The Cavs are definitely improved, but I don't ultimately see them as playoff bound. Even if they are contending there's no way management gives up assets to acquire aging players such as Allen or Pierce.

-- Tom

Newcomer Nick Harney led a layup parade after a barrage of 3-pointers from the Zips turned the Golden Flashes' hopes aside.

View full sizeKaren Schiely, Akron Beacon-JournalNick Harney goes up for two of his 21 points in Akron's victory over Kent State Saturday night at Rhodes Arena.

AKRON, Ohio -- Presented the opportunity to rip and run, Akron turned a 10-point second-half deficit into a 84-75 victory over Kent State in men's basketball Saturday night. Newcomer Nick Harney led a layup parade after a barrage of 3-pointers from the Zips turned the Golden Flashes' hopes aside.

"Long time coming," said Harney, who missed last season with eligibility issues but had a team-high 21 points on Saturday. "I've been waiting to play in one of these games."

For most of the first 30 minutes, the Golden Flashes contained Akron in the halfcourt, and harassed the Zips into turnovers, helping KSU build a 55-46 lead. Kent's Randal Holt, who finished with a game-high 27 points, lined up a 3-pointer that hit the front of the rim.

Akron rebounded, and suddenly the game changed.

That was the first of four straight misses by Kent, all leading to fast breaks and 3-pointers for the Zips. In a blink Kent trailed, 58-55, and never saw the lead again.

In the past, Kent's talent and athleticism has allowed the Flashes to overcome such stretches. But not Saturday.

"That was the turning point of the game," Harney said. "I felt like every shot was going in, whether it was me or Chauncey [Gilliam] or Q [Quincy Diggs]."

The Zips dominated the glass, 39-30, and shot 55.6 percent primarily because, once they got the ball off the glass, it was off to the races.

Harney scored 10 straight at one point, all but two on fast breaks, as Kent suddenly could not make a hoop, could not get the ball to Holt, and most importantly, could not rebound. This was a far cry from the first half when Kent was the dominant team, taking a 42-34 lead with Holt knocking down 14 of his 27 points.

"At halftime, I didn't know if we would recover," Akron head coach Keith Dambrot said. "The crowd (5,252) really helped us."

So did Harney, as the 6-7 Benedictine High product delivered his points in 14 efficient minutes.

"He's done that all year," Dambrot said. "He's a guy who can really score. We just gave him the ball."

The victory puts Akron (12-7, 4-1) atop the MAC's East Division. Kent (12-6, 2-3) has wilted in the second half of their last three games -- giving up 60, 46 and now 50 points after intermission, losing two of the three.

"I am concerned about out mental toughness, on the road particularly," Kent coach Rob Senderoff said. "We need to compete better in the guts of the game. When things get tough, we need to get tougher. I have to fix it, and [the players] have to fix it, too."

There are no such issues with the Zips.

"We're not as disciplined," Dambrot said, "but we're gifted. That was probably the best five minutes of basketball since I've been here. We look more like Kent right now than Akron."

Akron and Kent State, separated by a few miles along the Road to the Big Dance, met for the first of their two or more battles for neighborhood and possibly MAC supremacy.

View full sizeKaren Schiely, Akron Beacon-JournalQuincy Diggs drove around Kent State's Michael Porrini for this second-half layup attempt, but it was a pair of Diggs' 3-pointers -- among four consecutive treys hit by Akron -- that helps the Zips beat the Golden Flashes Saturday night.

AKRON, Ohio -- Imagine how Kent State's players had to feel Saturday night.

Music men to the right of them, with the slide trombones of the Akron pep band nearly intruding on the playing surface at James A. Rhodes Arena and every music stand behind the baseline sporting a towel that read, "Beat Kent State."

White-shirted "Ak-Rowdies," Akron students whose fervor was seldom below a screeching pitch, to the left of them. More raucous fans in the rafters, standing in pools of white light from the lamps in the ceiling just above. Behind them, on the other end of the floor, more Rowdies rowdying on down, including a guy wearing a big crown and a kingly robe.

The costume might as well have been in tribute to the Mid-American Conference's royals, the Akron Zips.

Akron and Kent State, separated by a few miles along the Road to the Big Dance, linked by separate traditions of basketball excellence, met for the first of their two or more battles for neighborhood and possibly MAC supremacy. The Zips erupted in the second half to erase a 10-point deficit and win going away, 84-75.

Mid-major basketball has been fully major for a few years now, with the Horizon League's Butler Bulldogs finishing as the national runner-up the last two seasons and Virginia Commonwealth, a survivor of the play-in round, making the Final Four. The one-and-done rule for NBA eligibility has so damaged power conference teams that the only thing that has to be cut down to size is the presumption of competitive disparity in the college game today.

That's not to forecast a Final Four berth for the Zips or whoever wins the MAC Tournament at The Q in March. But it is to say that attention must be paid to a team with quality depth like the Zips and athleticism the likes of which Kent State had when Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates was part of an Elite Eight run early in the last decade.

Add a running game in which torrents of baskets matched the crescendos of the sellout crowd of 5,252. Top it off with 7-foot shot-blocker Zeke Marshall at the rim to erase the Zips' more-than-occasional defensive lapses.

Then let this wild and crazy mix out of the JAR in March and see how many brackets go ka-pow.

Those who knew their MAC history expected Kent State, coming off a 22-point loss to Ohio, to take it out on Akron. In the last 13 seasons, 12 of them 20-victory campaigns, KSU has lost nine times by 20 or more points. The Flashes were 8-1 in the next game. But they were swept away by the Zips.

For five minutes in the second half, Akron was as scary as anything coach Keith Dambrot has designed in his decorated career at the school. The Zips hit four straight three-pointers -- by Brett McClanahan, Quincy Diggs, Diggs again, finally Nikola Cvetinovic -- each picking up the decibel scraps from the last and gulping it down, feeding off the crowd's energy the way a shark feeds off chum.

After that, as the Golden Flashes reeled, Diggs, Demetrius Treadwell, Chauncey Gilliam and Nick Harney (especially Harney) got out and ran with such devastating results that Dambrot was musing about pressing more often and loosening the reins on the most talented, yet inconsistently focused, team he has had.

"Harney just kind of floats around," said Dambrot, as if baffled by the Benedictine product's 9-for-10 shooting in the second half. Harney was academically ineligible last year, as was Treadwell, a Euclid graduate. Neither practices with the zeal to which Dambrot is accustomed. Nor does Diggs. But when the bright lights go on, and the trombones start sliding and the heady roar of momentum fills their heads, these Zips can beat almost anybody.

"My son said that," said Dambrot. "He also said we can lose to anybody."

Coaches always worry. As Dambrot said, "Maybe I should just let them play."

On Twitter: @LivyPD

In front of 17,109 on "Cleveland Rocks Night" at The Q, the injury- and illness-riddled Monsters left everything on the ice against Oklahoma City.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Monsters lost a game Saturday, but they likely won over more than a few casual hockey fans.

In front of 17,109 on "Cleveland Rocks Night" at The Q, the injury- and illness-riddled Monsters left everything on the ice against Oklahoma City in a 3-1 defeat. The crowd is the largest indoors in the AHL this season and the third largest in the five-season history of the Monsters.

Both teams played their third game in three days, with difficult travel interwoven, but managed to provide plenty of entertainment. What the game lacked in aesthetics, it more than made up for in physicality and competitiveness.

Lake Erie (18-21-2-1) is on the outside looking in at the Western Conference playoff chase. But at least it has 34 games to make up ground.

"I liked our effort, and I thought we played a complete game," Monsters coach David Quinn said. "We need to play like this night in, night out. We can't play like this because there are 17,000 people in the building."

Against a merely good opponent, the Monsters' grit and execution might have been enough. But the Barons are great at the moment, leading the AHL with 59 points (27-11-2-3).

With the score tied, 1-1, at 7:58 of the third period, Monsters defenseman David Liffiton got the gate after his boarding major kept Barons winger Teemu Hartikainen on the ice for several minutes. The Barons capitalized 26 seconds into the penalty. Winger Philippe Cornetpoked in a puck that had caromed off the helmet of Monsters defenseman Tyson Barrie near the right post.

"The winning goal goes off Tyson Barrie's face after he does his job," Quinn said.

The Monsters did a terrific job of killing the remainder of the five-minute penalty; the final 57 seconds became a power play. Lake Erie skaters pressured goalie David LeNeveu in the latter stages of the period, to no avail.

Oklahoma City scored an empty-netter at 19:52, the puck sliding between Monsters defenseman Cameron Gaunce's legs before rolling into the cage. The capper came moments after the Monsters had swarmed LeNeveu.

Oklahoma City took a 1-0 lead midway through the second period. Cornet, moving down the slot, received a crisp pass from winger Ryan Keller and beat goalie Trevor Cann from the top of the crease.

The Monsters tied it on the power play at 14:12 of the period -- but not before a few anxious moments. Winger Hugh Jessiman made a slick play to elude the defense along the right boards, then slid a pass toward forward Brad Malone in the slot. Malone redirected a wobbling puck between the pads of LeNeveu and just inside the left post.

Or so the Monsters thought.

The initial body language of the officials indicated no goal, prompting much yelling from Monsters personnel. Given that the puck had bounced out so quickly, there was a sliver of doubt from the naked eye. Moments later, one of the two referees signaled that the goal was, in fact, good.

Malone's fifth was Lake Erie's first since the third period Thursday night against Milwaukee. The Monsters were shut out at Grand Rapids on Friday.

The power-play tally was Lake Erie's first in three games. Oklahoma City did not allow a power-play goal in its previous five games (14-for-14).

Both teams were physical in the scoreless first period. Late in the first, the Monsters failed to generate a shot on their lone power play.

As the Kyrie Irving era begins, the Cavaliers have drifted toward a precarious place, the middle of the standings.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerKyrie Irving (center) and the Cavaliers want and need victories to show improvement this season, but the franchise also needs high draft picks to help rebuild the franchise. Thus one finds the 2012 dilemma for the Cavaliers, says Tom Reed.

ATLANTA -- In the NBA, the old adage is you want your franchise to be either really good or really bad. No fans have witnessed extremes in the past two seasons like those following the Cavaliers.

As the Kyrie Irving era begins, however, the young club has drifted toward a precarious place, the middle of the standings. The Cavaliers are 6-9 after Saturday's loss to the Hawks, and in a race to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Washington, Detroit, and Charlotte are setting a brisk pace.

By the time the rookie point guard reaches his third season, the Cavaliers would love to add more young pieces through the draft, allowing them to build toward long-term success. Or put another way, they don't want to repeat the faulty reconstruct from the early years of LeBron James.

On the surface that might sound preposterous given the regular-season win totals and playoff runs achieved during the last five seasons with James in the lineup. But because the organization was too shortsighted and too close to the middle of the pack during his first two seasons, the Cavaliers were never able to surround him with young players the way an Oklahoma City has done with Kevin Durant.

The same cannot happen with the 19-year-old Irving, who needs at least two more emerging talents to grow into a championship contender. A month into the season the Cavaliers find themselves mid table -- not good enough to make a serious playoff run or bad enough to earn another top-5 pick.

Obviously, much can change in the next three months, especially as the schedule toughens -- witness Friday's embarrassing home loss to Chicago. But two years from now, the Cavaliers don't want to be in the same position they were in the summer of 2005 when they had to massively overspend to acquire Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall and Damon Jones.

The Cavs were forced into free agency because as James headed into his third season – and a contract year -- the club had buttressed him with no young running mates, save Anderson Varejao. A combination of poor drafting, mismanagement of assets, a bit of bad luck and an irrational desire to sneak into the 2005 playoffs contributed to their state.

The club whiffed on selecting center DeSagana Diop with the No. 8 overall pick in 2001, while the careers of Dajuan Wagner (No. 6 in 2002) and Luke Jackson (No. 10 in 2004) were beset by injuries and/or illness. Their efforts in the draft's second round were more encouraging, yet equally maddening. The club chose a future All-Star (Carlos Boozer) in 2002 and a future 3-point shooting champion (Jason Kapono) in 2003 and had nothing to show for them by 2005.

The Boozer free-agency debacle is well documented. But the decision to expose Kapono to the 2004 expansion draft also set up a series of mistakes in trying to add perimeter shooting that included acquiring Jiri Welsch from the Boston Celtics for a first-round pick in a desperate attempt to qualify for the 2005 playoffs. It was a challenging period for former GM Jim Paxson, as the club changed owners and many decisions were based on placating James and getting him to sign his initial contract extension.

But the Cavs were bereft of first rounders in 2005 and 2007, meaning their last top-10 pick before Irving would be the oft-injured Jackson.

As the franchise starts to build around their latest No. 1 pick, GM Chris Grant knows Irving requires more help than just Tristan Thompson. Does finishing ninth in the conference the way James did in his first two campaigns get the Cavs closer to a championship?

If the club remains middle of the pack for another month management has difficult decisions to make. Do they risk alienating some fans by trading the likes of Antawn Jamison and Ramon Sessions, moves that would squash playoff hopes, but possibly supply future building blocks?

For the sake of argument, two more losses in the 2003-04 season might have been the difference between drafting Jackson or Andre Iguodala. Something to consider as the Cavaliers journey to the center of the standings.

Stat of the week

32.9

Percent Antawn Jamison shoots in the Cavs' eight losses. He's shooting 52.0 percent in the six wins.

The last word

"Words do not describe how bad we failed tonight. We must & will do better." -- Cavs owner Dan Gilbert on his Twitter account following 114-75 home loss to Chicago on Friday.

Beat writer Paul Hoynes sorts through another readers mailbag.

View full sizeAP fileWhatever team decides to sign Manny Ramirez -- and it won't be the Indians -- will have him available for spring training, but not for the first 50 games of the regular season.

Hey, Hoynsie: If the Tribe were to sign Manny Ramirez, does he participate in spring training, then serve his suspension? Or is he out until he serves his 50-game suspension? -- Dan D., Columbus

Hey, Dan: First things first -- the Indians aren't signing Ramirez. If a team did sign Ramirez, he would be allowed to participate in spring training and play in exhibition games. When the regular season started, he'd have to serve his 50-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance at the start of the 2011 season.

Hey, Hoynsie: Jack Hannahan's son, Johnny, was born premature last year. How is he doing? -- Jane Kowall, South Euclid

Hey, Jane: Talked to Joe Speed, Hannahan's agent. Here's what he had to say about Johnny Hannahan: "Johnny is doing great. He keeps getting bigger every day. He's up to 121/2 pounds and Jack says he's getting ready to root for the Tribe this year.

"Jack and Jenny truly appreciate everyone's genuine concern for Johnny and can't wait for him to go to games this year."

Hey, Hoynsie: Were you surprised that considering Grady Sizemore's recent injury and production problems that the Tribe guaranteed him big money without an option year in return? -- Chuck Harper, Dayton

Hey, Chuck: I believe the Indians felt Sizemore, when healthy, offered them the most upside of any outfielder in that price range. I also think Sizemore probably wouldn't have returned if there was an option involved. If he can stay healthy and productive, he can relaunch his career as a free agent after the 2012 season.

Hey, Hoynsie: With the Tribe loading up on veteran relievers -- Chris Ray and Jeremy Accardo are former closers -- what are the odds Chris Perez is traded for a right-handed bat? -- Todd Edmond, Tiffin

Hey, Todd: In their position, the Indians have to consider every alternative. I'm sure Perez's name has come up in trade talks, but it would have to take something big for the Indians to move him. I also don't think Ray or Accardo would replace him. Vinnie Pestano and Tony Sipp would probably get the first shot.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why can't the Indians bring Omar Vizquel back for a final tribute before he retires? Even for one day -- opening day or a special day for him. We fans never got the chance to say good-bye to our favorite. -- Steve Brubaker, Medina

Hey, Steve: It's not like Cleveland fans haven't had a chance to say hello and goodbye to Vizquel since he last played with the Tribe in 2004. He spent the last three years with Texas and Chicago and has made frequent visits to Progressive Field with those teams.

If Vizquel doesn't sign with a team for this season, perhaps the Indians could hold a special day for him sometime this year, but the last time I talked to him he was determined to keep playing.

Hey, Hoynsie: It is 8 degrees below zero right now in central Vermont. You warmed the morning with the mention of Irv's Delicatessen in Cleveland Heights last Sunday. It was dead on. I don't know how many hours I "invested" in a booth there. What the diner in the movie of the same name was to Baltimore, Irv's so accurately reflected Cleveland. -- Richard Sheir, Montpelier, Vt.

Hey, Richard: Glad I could send some warmth your way. Wish it could have been a corned beef sandwich.

Hey, Hoynsie: I find it sadly laughable that if the Tribe had signed Carlos Beltran, they would have had to trade some salary off their ledger to make room for him. In your opinion why do the Dolans seem content to continue to own the team and not fight for a salary cap in baseball? What amount of salary are they paying themselves? -- Richard Grant, Hiram

Hey, Richard: The Dolans could fight all the want, but I don't think there's ever going to be a salary cap in baseball. The owners did get the first 10 rounds in the amateur draft capped, but I can't see it going any farther.

Don't know what kind of salary the Dolans pay themselves for owning the Indians. Don't think they're in any hurry to tell anyone either. Then again, they do own the team.

Hey, Hoynsie: Lonnie Chisenhall has shown potential with the bat, but is suspect at third base. Why not convert him to first base and keep Jack Hannahan at the hot corner? The Indians could go after David Wright the following year after he becomes a free agent. -- Mark Lasher, Bangor, Pa.

Hey, Mark: The Indians have already moved Chisenhall from short to third. Now you want to move him again before he's played a full year at third in the big leagues? Let's give him a chance, shall we? The reason the Indians called Chisenhall up ahead of schedule last year is because Hannahan stopped hitting -- completely -- early in the year.

Hey, Hoynsie: What do you think Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti's reasoning was in building a team heavy on left-handed hitting and weak in left-handed pitching. Is this a new baseball fad? -- Tim Phelps, Cleveland

Hey, Tim: I think it's a Cleveland thing.

Hey, Hoynsie: I am a friend of Kevin Kouzmanoff. Recently you wrote that the Tribe was not interested in Kouz and were not negotiating with him. Just so you know ... they were. Kevin wanted to play for Cleveland because of the facilities and coaches. Chris Antonetti offered him the same money as Kansas City (where he signed), but would not put out any incentive bonuses like K.C, did. You need to get your sources in line. -- John

Hey, John: Now you tell me?

Hey, Hoynsie: Will there be a point when the front office tries to hand out longer-term contracts earlier in a player's career than usual. It seems to be the trendy way of doing things -- the Rays did it with Matt Moore, who had a grand total of 9 1/3 big-league innings. They also signed Evan Longoria long term immediately, too. It's a big risk, but how many more players do we have to lose in their prime before a new direction is taken? Asdrubal Cabrera is as good as gone. So is Shin-Soo Choo. -- Ed Weevil, Cleveland

Hey, Ed: If you study your history, you'll realize the Indians started this "trend" in the early 1990s. They continued it through the mid- to late-2000s, but multiyear disasters to Jake Westbrook and Travis Hafner apparently shook ownership's commitment to such deals.

The last young Indians player to sign a multiyear deal was Fausto Carmona in 2008. The same Fausto Carmona who was arrested Thursday in the Dominican Republic for using a false named to try and get a visa.

There's also the question of talent. Knowing what you know going into the 2012 season, what Indian on the current roster would you try to sign for the next six or seven years?

Hey, Hoynsie: Shin-Soo Choo has a lousy year and gets a raise? Do [any] baseball players not get a raise? How bad and seldom would he have had to play last year? I thought the Dolans cried they don't make money. I guess we know why. -- Tom Goodsite, Kirksville, Mo.

Hey, Tom: Choo was eligible for arbitration. That means his 2012 salary was based not only on his 2011 season, but the consistency of his career. He had one bad season in 2011 preceded by two excellent seasons in 2010 and 2009. The arbitration process is also influenced by Choo's peers -- outfielders with the same amount of service time. Salaries of these players are compared and weighed against what Choo is making and seeking.

One more thing, a player's salary can't be cut by more than 20 percent.

Hey, Hoynsie: Given what is out there, is there a free agent who would make a significant difference? Or is a trade the only hope the Indians have? -- Roy Borgerding, Euclid

Hey, Roy: I'm thinking Prince Fielder. How about you?

Hey, Hoynsie: As a result of the five signings before arbitration, what does this mean for first base? Can we still get Carlos Pena or Casey Kotchman or someone else? -- Douglas Simek, Concord

Hey, Douglas: As you already know, Pena is off the board after signing Friday with Tampa Bay. Kotchman is still available. So is Derrek Lee.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think there would be less criticism of the Ubaldo Jimenez trade if it had been billed as trading a potential ace and a potential No.4 starter/reliever instead of simply trading the Indians' top two pitching prospects? While I think Drew Pomeranz has the ability to someday anchor a rotation, I think Alex White is more likely a fastball/splitter reliever with control problems than a front-end starter. -- Andy Applegate, Chicago

Hey, Andy: No matter how you slice it, the Indians traded their No.1 picks in 2009 and 2010 for a pitcher who arrived in Cleveland pitching more like a project than an ace. The only way Jimenez can save this trade is by pitching well for as long as he's an Indian.

-- Hoynsie

From coaches' doghouses to draft strategies to fair play in lopsided games, there's plenty of questions in this week's mailbag.

View full sizePD fileEvan Moore's four touchdown catches equaled the best of any Brown receiver in 2011, but he certainly seemed to have some ups and downs during the season.

Hey, Tony: Much was said before the season began about incorporating Evan Moore into the offense, but we never saw much of him on the field. Is it because of blocking limitations or did he end up in somebody's doghouse? Do you think his talents would be better utilized as a WR? -- Ken Knapp, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Hey, Ken: I felt there was a period of the season when Moore was in the doghouse. The specific reasons for that, I don't know. The fact is he co-led the team in receiving TDs with four. I think Moore is best utilized as a tight end who can be flexed to the outside to create mismatches.

Hey, Tony: Word 'round the campfire is that the Steelers would be slapping a first-round tender on Mike Wallace as a restricted free agent. If the Browns were to pluck from the Steelers' tree in the off-season, could the Browns give either the fourth or 22nd pick, or would it have to be the higher of the picks? Wouldn't the Browns be wise to make this move? -- Ashley Elder, Columbus

Hey, Ashley: If a team owns more than one pick in the first round, its original pick is the one that must be used in compensation for signing a restricted free agent. So the Browns would have to give up their No. 4 pick. Don't get your hopes up. The Steelers will not let Wallace leave in free agency. They always find a way to keep the players they want to keep.

Hey, Tony: Unlike a vast majority of Browns fans, I am fairly optimistic. In just two drafts the defense has turned the corner into a very competitive unit. Logic says Heckert can do this with a couple of drafts to the offense -- as well as add a few key free agents. It seems like the Browns are finally building something instead of going for the quick fix. Do you agree? -- Todd Edmond, Tiffin

Hey, Todd: I would agree with your assessment on defense. Now, about that offense.

Hey, Tony: I think the Browns, assuming everything magically works in their favor, should draft Justin Blackmon at No. 4 and Michael Floyd at No. 22. Although it would be risky, if one works out the team would be in great position in the future. If both work out ... well that'd be a Browns fan's dream! Then 2013 can be used to find a QB (if necessary), and at that point the next QB or McCoy would be working with established NFL wide receivers. -- Kyle Chormanski, Los Angeles

Hey, Kyle: Doubling up at wide receiver was tried in 2009 when the Browns drafted Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in the second round. That hasn't worked out. Your point about supporting the quarterback with a blue-chip receiver is valid. That's why I wanted the Browns to take Julio Jones at No. 6 last year.

Hey, Tony: How did Kevin Kolb perform for the Cardinals and how high are the Cards on Skelton after they went 6-2 with him at the helm? -- Felix DeAngelis, Charlotte, N.C.

Hey, Felix: Kolb was fairly bad. The team was 2-6 with Kolb as starting quarterback. Kolb was schooled four years in the West Coast offense in Philadelphia, but Arizona runs a different system and Kolb did not exactly take to it. He was also plagued by a foot injury and a concussion that affected his first season.

Hey, Tony: ESPN's Gregg Easterbrook suggests that we'll be seeing more, not less, of the shotgun spread offense. Do you think that's true and, if so, are the Browns already behind the times in trying to institute the West Coast offense? -- Rory Wohl, Chagrin Falls

Hey, Rory: Obviously, the NFL trend is more multiple-receiver formations, but I don't necessarily see more shotgun spread offense like in the college game. Pro coaches want their quarterbacks to throw from the pocket. All the NFL rules favor the passing game, though, so variations of the passing game are going to be exploited by the good coaches until defenses can catch up. Ultimately, the trend will revert to the running game. All these trends are cyclical.

Hey, Tony: Really surprised the lack of activity dealing with coaching changes. Do you know who is the front runner for the OC job? -- Michael Knopf, Atlanta

Hey, Michael: My guess is Mike Sherman.

Hey, Tony: Recently you said the days of spending five years to build a winner are over. Three of the four teams remaining in the playoffs have had stable systems, with only San Francisco turning it around quickly. Are there any examples of complete rebuilds and Super Bowl rings in less than five years? -- Dan, Salem

Hey, Dan: Super Bowl rings in two years? No. Complete turnarounds to playoff team in two years? Yes. Bill Parcells did it with just about every team he coached. Atlanta recently did it. Baltimore did it immediately under John Harbaugh. Obviously, the consistent, elite playoff teams have been built over time.

View full sizePaul Connors, Associated PressIs Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon a likely selection of the Browns with the fourth pick in the first round in April? Tony Grossi has his doubts.

Hey, Tony: I think the Browns should sit on their No. 4 pick because no matter what happens they will be able to select one of the top four or five offensive players available. Players like Matt Kalil, Justin Blackmon, Robert Griffin III, and Trent Richardson. -- Ray Giambelluca, Memphis, Miss.

Hey, Ray: My early hunch is that Griffin and Richardson will be available at No. 4.

Hey, Tony: Watching the Alamo Bowl game I saw someone with an amazing arm. I also noticed RGIII never stepped into a throw. Do you try to get more talent for Colt or take a chance on a kid with an amazing arm? I know a good quarterback makes all the difference. -- Michael Knopf, Atlanta

Hey, Michael: I also share your doubts about Griffin. His physical talents (throwing, running) are obvious. I don't like his size, however, or his inability to stay in the pocket and let pass routes develop. He is a smart player, however, and all indications are that he can learn the pro game. His physical attributes might get him on the field sooner than the typical rookie, but he will need superb coaching to develop.

Hey, Tony: After watching the Holmgren-Heckert press conference, it seems clear the Browns will not be chasing big-money free agents. The strategy to keep building through the draft is one I agree with, but one free agent that I'd love to see them pursue would be Ravens OG Ben Grubbs. With the looming contract negotiations of Ray Rice, could Grubbs possibly be wrestled away, and do you think the Browns would chase him? I'd hate to see D'Qwell Jackson walk out the door. Would you put your money on him returning? -- Michael Nyerges, Cincinnati

Hey, Michael: Yes, I believe Jackson will return. As for Grubbs, I doubt the Ravens let him walk. If they do, I doubt the Browns would pursue him. He's a big-ticket free agent item and the Browns already have four big contracts devoted to offensive linemen (Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Eric Steinbach, Tony Pashos).

Hey, Tony: Tom Heckert said this year it would be hard to screw up the No. 4 pick. I think that is true if he does not move up or down. As many as three of these studs will be available: RGIII, Justin Blackmon, Trent Richardson and Morris Claiborne. In what order would you rank them? -- Joe Casteel, Lorain

Hey, Joe: I really can't rank them at this point. Forgetting the names, I would rank the positions this way: quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, running back. I think the Browns' draft strategy won't be settled until they acquire a few players in free agency, which starts on March 13.

Hey, Tony: You stated that Ryan Tannehill was a second-round pick. Most draft experts have Tannehill rated as the third-best QB in this draft now that Matt Barkley and Landry Jones have decided to return for their senior years. Don't you think Miami and Washington will be willing to trade down so as to enable them to nab Tannehill as well as extra picks? -- Felix DeAngelis, Charlotte, N.C.

Hey, Felix: It's premature to speculate. Tannehill reportedly suffered a foot fracture recently and had to drop out of the college all-star games. If he's not healthy by the time of the NFL combine, his draft status could slump.

Hey, Tony: Playing on lousy teams can often cost players recognition in things like the Pro Bowl, All-Pro teams, and other awards. What about the HOF? Assume that Joe Thomas plays another five years at the same level, makes more Pro Bowls while the Browns stay mired in wishing-for-mediocrity. It would seem to me he'd be a good candidate for enshrinement, but would playing on a bad team cost him the ultimate individual award, or make him wait longer than he should? -- Josh Winkler, Hilliard

Hey, Josh: If Thomas made the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 years in the NFL, that would be a pretty good opening argument for induction into the Hall of Fame. I think winning teams help a lot with individual awards, but we have seen many examples of the Hall of Fame opening its door to elite players who were not fortunate to play on winning or championship teams.

Hey, Tony: Would it be wise to overspend on a free-agent receiver like DeSean Jackson or running back like Matt Forte both at the end of their rookie contracts and then draft best players available? We have a lot of salary cap room. -- Anthony Griggs, Brunswick

Hey, Anthony: Jackson has too much baggage for my liking. Forte is an excellent player. However, the price tag for elite players coming off their rookie contracts is exorbitant. That's one reason Tom Heckert is against loading up in free agency. You are buying players at a high cost with no guarantee their level of play will exceed that which they already have shown.

Hey, Tony: Can you provide an example where a consistently bad team turned it around in one or even two years and became a perennial playoff contender? It would just be a lot easier to swallow all the criticism out there if there was a true example of a long-term, one-season turn around. -- Paul Straub, Orlando, Fla.

Hey, Paul: One example is Atlanta. The Falcons were 4-12 in 2007 and in disarray after the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal and the desertion of coach Bobby Petrino. After cleaning house, the Falcons went 11-5 in 2008, 9-7 in 2009, 13-3 in 2010 and 10-6 in 2011. They made the playoffs the past two years for the first time in back-to-back seasons.

Hey, Tony: With the fevered interest in Matt Flynn building, I decided to watch his six-TD game more closely. I asked myself, could Colt McCoy make those same passes? My conclusion, after watching Colt over the past two seasons, was yes. They were not extraordinary throws. They were the throws of a good quarterback in a good system, a quarterback who has practiced in that system, and is blessed with great surrounding parts. Am I crazy to think that if the Browns were to develop their current offense, develop McCoy, and build his surrounding parts, we would actually be getting somewhere? If as you say, the AFC North needs a big, strong-armed quarterback, draft one later and develop him while continuing with McCoy for now. -- Chris Cappiello, Richmond, Va.

Hey, Chris: No doubt your scenario is among the options being considered by the Browns. It's not an easy call.

Hey, Tony: Two of my biggest gripes about the Savage and Mangini regimes was that the teams were not only bad, but old and overpaid. Because of that, I believe that a lot of Holmgren's/Heckert's decisions have been driven mainly by cap considerations. What is the Browns' current cap availability? Has the new CBA made any changes to the cap rules? -- Joe Gombach, Franklin, Ind.

Hey, Joe: I can't cite you the amount of cap room the Browns have going into 2012, but I do know they are comfortably under. They've unloaded many cumbersome salaries over the past two years to put themselves in a favorable position. The new cap rules are very similar to the old ones. One change is that beginning in 2013, teams will be required to spend a higher minimum (floor) than previously. That will force historically low-paying teams (Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, etc.) to upgrade their player payroll to abide by the new rules.

View full sizeAssociated PressOpponents shouldn't expect much mercy from Bill Belichick in blowouts.

Hey, Tony: I can't understand with the score so far out of reach why didn't (Bill Belichick) take (Tom Brady) out of the Denver playoff game? -- Donald Pasqualetti, Reading

Hey, Donald: Belichick historically has had the philosophy of playing his starters throughout blowout games and at the end of seasons with playoffs already clinched. The prime example of this was in 2007 when the Patriots did not let up and finished the regular season at 16-0 despite clinching home-field advantage with two weeks to go. They rolled over two opponents in the playoffs and then were upset in the Super Bowl by the Giants.

Hey, Tony: It seems like there are a lot of questions about trading down, or building around Colt McCoy. Shouldn't priority one be a franchise quarterback? Brady elevates players. Don't you think the Browns need to at least try and find a QB who does the same? -- Doug Shaffer, Orange, Calif.

Hey, Doug: I share your opinion. Granted, there are more ways than one to build a championship team, but I believe the top-echelon QB does elevate a team. Doing it the opposite way -- finding the right players to elevate the quarterback -- takes a lot longer. It's analogous to a touchdown drive. Do you want to go for the throat and attack or dink-and-dunk, possess the ball, and risk losing it by turnover?

Hey, Tony: Mike Florio reported that the Saints are going to have free agency problems, because they have to figure out how to sign not only Drew Brees, but guard Carl Nicks and WR Marques Colston. They just signed a huge deal to keep Jahri Evans, and nobody thinks Brees is going anywhere. Maybe they the franchise tag on Nicks to keep him, but what about Colston? If any of these players become bona fide free agents, do you think Tom Heckert will chase them? -- Jim Jarrell, Lakewood

Hey, Jim: I would hesitate to add another high-ticket item to the offensive line. The Browns already are paying big salaries to four -- Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Alex Mack and Tony Pashos. Colston is interesting, as is his teammate Robert Meacham. I have found in the past, however, that receivers who develop in their formative years on a dome-based team have problems making the adjustment to a cold-weather team. Not insurmountable, mind you, but a factor to consider.

Hey, Tony: I love Josh Cribbs as much as the next fan. He has been a great teammate and great to the organization. I think we got him in the wrong decade though ... when it didn't matter how good he was because we were so bad. Do you think the Browns would consider getting rid of him while he has some value left? It would be hard to see him go, but this is a business, right? -- Brian Henighan, Medina

Hey, Brian: I don't understand the criticism Cribbs has taken the past year. He concluded the season with career highs in catches (41), yards (518) and receiving TDs (4) and also sneaked in his first return for a touchdown in two years. He remains one of the best special teams tacklers in the NFL. I wouldn't trade him.

Hey, Tony: Could this happen? The Browns trade the No. 4 pick to Redskins for their No. 6 and Brian Orakpo. This would get the Redskins RGIII, who they may want bad and we would get that fast outside linebacker we need so badly. Also, why has there been such minimal talk about the Browns drafting Justin Blackmon? -- Matt Jaffe, New York, N.Y.

Hey, Matt: The Redskins wouldn't make that deal. Everyone assumes they are interested in Griffin, but there is also the possibility they will pursue a quarterback in free agency. That's why draft speculation is premature until we see the first month of free agency, starting March 13. Some draftniks consider Blackmon a lesser-ranked receiver than Julio Jones from a year ago. If the Browns passed on Jones, it's doubtful they would take Blackmon at No. 4.

Hey, Tony: I enjoyed Bill Lubinger's piece on the building of a championship franchise. It seems to me that it was intended to show us the philosophy Mike Holmgren is following to build this team. What did you think? -- Stephen Bickerton, Avon Lake

Hey, Stephen: I guess it's the tried-and-true way of doing it. Most of the experts quoted in the very fine article built their teams in the 70s and 80s -- before the advent of free agency. I'm not advocating building through free agency. I just think the lag time can be accelerated in this era. Ultimately, it takes a lot of right choices.

Hey, Tony: You responded "Amen" when a reader, after seeing another great Brees performance, stated "I'm sick and tired of the Browns trying to develop marginal or mid-round picks into our franchise QB." I found this exchange interesting because Brees was a "marginal mid-round pick." He fell to the second round because of questions about his size and arm strength. San Diego drafted Phillip Rivers in the top 10 a couple years later after determining that Brees could not develop into a franchise QB. -- Michael Welday, Akron

Hey, Michael: I don't consider a high second-round pick (Brees) "marginal or mid-round." The final eight playoff teams were led by the following quarterbacks: Brees, second round; Eli Manning, No. 1 overall; Aaron Rodgers, first round; Alex Smith, No. 1 overall; Joe Flacco, first round; Tim Tebow, first round; and Brady, sixth round. Houston had a mid-round rookie playing quarterback (T.J. Yates) because its top two QBs (Matt Schaub, second round; Matt Leinart, first round) were injured.

Hey, Tony: Are the Browns serious in their search for an OC? Or will we most likely hear, "after a long and exhaustive search" we have decided to promote QB coach Mark Whipple (of the LaMonte family)? -- Chris Wheeler, Denver

Hey, Chris: I have not discounted Whipple as a candidate because Pat Shurmur indicated he could choose an offensive coordinator from "inside the building."

Hey, Tony: I am already worried the Browns will trade down or pick defense again in the draft. Would you agree that, if the goal is to win more games sooner rather than later, the Browns must pick elite offensive playmakers early and often? -- Jeff Draime, Warren

Hey, Jeff: I share that opinion but realize there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Hey, Tony: Tony: It seems that right defensive end would be a good hole to plug with a veteran. Do you expect Cliff Avril to be available and, if so, should the Browns be interested? He's young and is a true 4-3 end. How about Robert Mathis? -- Matt Alsip, Towson, Md.

Hey, Matt: Indications are the Lions will re-sign Avril, but we'll have to see. Mathis has been a premier sacker opposite Dwight Freeney on the turf in Indianapolis. He has been criticized for taking too many plays off. I don't see him as a fit here.

Hey, Tony: After the Giants-Packers game Sunday, I was wondering, whatever happened to that obscure NFL rule penalizing teams for a player removing his helmet on the field? At least twice, Giants players doffed their hats -- with no timeouts called -- and no flags. For the sake of the immortal Dwayne Rudd, could you explain the current official indifference to the rule? -- Steve Gaylo, Thompson

Hey, Steve: The helmet rule still is in effect. I'm not aware of the instances you mention, as I was unable to watch the Giants-Packers game. Keep in mind that taking off one's helmet during an official timeout is not a violation.

-- Tony

The Buckeyes (17-3, 5-3 Big Ten) swept their games against Nebraska by a combined 65 points and moved into a three-way tie for first place with Michigan and Michigan State.

View full sizeDave Weaver, Associated PressNebraska's Toney McCray battles with Ohio State's Sam Thompson for this first-half loose ball during the Buckeyes' easy victory Saturday night in Lincoln, Neb.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Ohio State felt right at home in this road game.

William Buford scored 15 points, Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas had 14 apiece, and the sixth-ranked Buckeyes blew out Nebraska for the second time this month with a 79-45 victory Saturday night.

The 34-point margin was Nebraska's worst home loss in more than a century. There was a 37-point loss to Chicago Central in 1905, but no site was listed in Nebraska records.

The Buckeyes (17-3, 5-3) swept their games against Nebraska by a combined 65 points and moved into a three-way tie for first place in the Big Ten with Michigan and Michigan State.

Ohio State came to Lincoln with a 2-3 road record, including 1-2 against Big Ten opponents. They weren't overly sharp, but still were good enough to beat the Huskers (10-9, 2-6) worse than they did in Columbus on Jan. 3, when they won 71-40.

"I see this team growing inch by inch, week by week," coach Thad Matta said. "We've got to continue to hammer 'em. We had three great practices leading into this game. They were talking on the bench about what can happen if we keep practicing like that. Hopefully, we can continue that."

Brandon Ubel and Bo Spencer had eight points apiece for Nebraska, which had two field-goal droughts of longer than eight minutes.

The Huskers, who upset No. 11 Indiana 70-69 on Wednesday, were looking for consecutive wins over ranked opponents for the first time since February 2008.

They never had a chance, committing a season-high 27 turnovers and shooting a season-low 29.5 percent from the floor.

"I don't think we could have played any worse," Ubel said. "I don't think I've ever been on a team that's turned it over 27 times. You play that bad, with that many turnovers against a team like Ohio State, they're going to make you pay, and that's what happened."

The Buckeyes took their first double-digit lead 10 minutes into the game, going on a 13-0 run after the first media timeout to erase an 8-5 deficit.

"Being down that first timeout, we challenged our guys," Matta said. "I thought Nebraska was playing harder than us. They were quicker to the play. Defensively, down the stretch of the first half, we did a good job limiting open looks and getting our hands on balls. We played tonight, and that was something we needed to do."

Nebraska scored only 12 points on 4-of-20 shooting the last 151/2 minutes of the half.

"We started off well and then we got down six or eight," Ubel said. "I think we might have started to panic a little bit."

Fans started leaving the Devaney Sports Center with 12 minutes to play, when Ohio State led 56-28.

"When we're connected and have five guys together, we have a pretty good half-court defense," Matta said. "But we've got a tendency to lay low sometimes and give up easy baskets. Those are the things that can really bring you down."

Sullinger, who had 19 points and 12 rebounds in the first game against Nebraska, took only three shots and was held to four points in the first half. Ubel and Jorge Brian Diaz took turns guarding him, and Spencer doubled him whenever he touched the ball in the post.

Sullinger shook loose in the second half, scoring 10 points and even making a 3-pointer.

Lenzelle Smith Jr. scored only two points after recording a career-high 28 in last Sunday's win over Indiana.

Ohio State shot just 45 percent and was outrebounded 40-34 in the 400th game coached by Matta at three schools.

The Buckeyes have won by 10 points or more in 15 of their 17 victories and increased their nation-leading average victory margin to 21.95 points.

"I did not see this at all," Nebraska coach Doc Sadler said. "We just have to get back to going the way we were going. Does it hurt? Yeah it hurts. There is not anything that we did from coaching to anything that gave us a chance to win tonight."

Members of the Browns' front office believe they are poised for significant improvement in 2012.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerJabaal Sheard is just one of several young Browns whose efforts in a 4-12 season have given the front office reason for optimism, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Does the late arrival of winter carry any optimism for 2012? We're talkin' ...

About the Browns...

1. When coaches and top executives look at the 2011 season, they hate the 4-12 record. But they believe they are poised for significant improvement in 2012. It obviously begins with having three picks in first two rounds: the fourth, 22nd and 37th. There also is free agency, where they plan to be more active than in 2011 -- but not wild spenders.

2. According to their thinking, a key component is young players. They have rookies and those in their second year who received major experience in 2012. Here are the key rookies and their percentage of total snaps taken: Phil Taylor (68 percent), Jabaal Sheard (89 percent), Greg Little (91 percent), Jason Pinkston (100 percent) and Owen Marecic (27 percent). Of those picked in the top rounds, only fourth-rounder Jordan Cameron (58 out of 1,087 possible snaps) received little experience.

3. The Browns do intend to address the offensive line, starting at right tackle. But they also believe Pinkston and fellow guard Shawn Lauvao (95 percent) showed definite improvement. Assuming Eric Steinbach returns healthy at left guard, they will have some depth on the line, assuming they find a real right tackle.

4. For all agony over Little's 12 drops, he played 91 percent of the snaps and led the team with 61 receptions. There were no other receivers to take any attention away from the rookie. The Browns want to add a speed receiver. If they do, Little should be position for a strong second season.

5. Rookies Sheard and Taylor joined Ahtyba Rubin to give the Browns three legitimate starters on the defensive line. The Browns don't say it, but Jayme Mitchell fumbled his chance. They are looking for a defensive end to replace him.

6. Entering the season, the Browns didn't know if Kaluka Maiava was anything more than a valuable special team player. They now believe he can start at outside linebacker. He started six games in 2011, his third NFL season. He played only two games in 2010 because of knee surgery.

7. They were pleased with rookies Buster Skrine (137th pick) and Eric Hagg (248th pick), who both played quite a bit in the final two games. They are not sure if either will be starters, but both can help on special teams and as secondary depth. Hagg played 40 percent of the snaps at safety in the final six games.

8. They have T.J. Ward, Joe Haden and Colt McCoy coming back from the 2009 draft -- all with plenty of experience. Even if the Browns do acquire a quarterback, they have McCoy with 20 NFL starts in reserve.

9. Running back is a question with Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson coming off injuries. Chris Ogbonnaya is viewed as a solid reserve. Peyton Hillis is a free agent, but the Browns won't pay big to bring him back. This could be addressed with one of the top three draft picks.

10. There are questions at tight end where Ben Watson had three concussions. Evan Moore is really a slot receiver at tight end. Cameron had a few nice moments in the final two games, but played very little. Alex Smith is a backup.

11. This not about making 4-12 sound good, or claiming the team has filled most of its holes. But I thought fans should know how the Browns view 2011 as they plan their next moves.

About the Randy Lerner interview...

View full sizeDavid I. Andersen, The Plain DealerRandy Lerner said the obvious things in his radio interview in an effort to convince fans that he's involved with the team. But he left some questions unanswered, says Terry Pluto.

The Browns owner didn't say much newsworthy in his interview with WTAM's Mike Trivisonno. Some of his key points were:

1. He cares about the Browns winning and hurts when they lose.

2. Mike Holmgren also gets mad when they lose.

3. It's not fair to cast Holmgren or himself as "absentee" as they are often in the office. Lerner lives in Berea, not New York as he did a few years ago.

4. He does not want to make any major front office/coaching changes at this time, as good teams have stability.

5. Until the team begins to win, the criticism of ownership and everything else won't stop.

6. He did talk about the quarterback situation, telling Trivisonno: "I'm not a talent evaluator, to say the least, or anything like one. At some point as a Browns fan when you look around and see Pittsburgh needing a quarterback and dealing with Kordell Stewart or dealing with Tommy Maddox or whatever. ... They made a move. They committed to the move and they've succeeded with that move.

"Baltimore with Kyle Boller and that didn't work out. And they tried and made a move and got [Joe] Flacco. I think one of the things that is crucial right now is to take a significant step forward is to try if you can to get this quarterback situation settled."

Trivisonno asked: "Can that quarterback, from the owner's perspective, be Colt McCoy?"

Lerner said: "I suddenly lose the ability to speak when I'm asked that question."

The owner laughed about that last comment, but it was revealing that the Browns are indeed talking a lot about the quarterback situation.

It also was unfair to McCoy, as Lerner should have at least said some nice things about the quarterback who took a physical pounding this season. Nothing wrong with saying, "We are evaluating the quarterback situation, but we really admire and appreciate McCoy's work ethic, toughness, etc."

McCoy is a third-round pick with a modest (by NFL standards) salary who was not supposed to save the franchise. Lerner should be aware of that, and even if the plans are to look for a replacement.

About the Tribe...

View full sizeAP fileKevin Slowey had no success last year in Minnesota, but seems a reasonable gamble for the Indians.

1. The Indians are preparing for Fausto Carmona/Roberto Heredia to not be in training camp ... and beyond. They intend to keep him under contract -- it's guaranteed for this season at $7 million. They also know that his visa and identity mess is probably not going to be resolved soon. They never expected to wake up one morning to discover that Fausto Carmona is not Fausto Carmona, and has gone from 28 to 31. But losing a starting pitcher to something does happen.

2. There will be no paycheck for Carmona unless he shows up in camp. So it costs the Tribe nothing unless he can pitch. The Indians never knew he had another name, or that he was three years older than he claimed.

3. They picked up Kevin Slowey from Colorado for Zach Putnam. The Rockies also sent $1.25 million to the Tribe to offset Slowey's $2.75 million salary. He was 0-8 with a 6.67 ERA for the Twins last season, batting an abdominal strain and a shoulder problem. Maybe he will be ready for opening day, but it's hard to count on him given his physical condition. Slowey was a solid starter for the Twins (35-20, 4.36 ERA) from 2008-10.

4. The fact that Colorado was willing to trade a 13-game winner in 2010 for Putnam (and kick in the money) tells you the Rockies don't think much of Slowey. Putnam is a decent prospect, one of the guys who was set to take a bullpen spot if the Indians traded a reliever such as Joe Smith or others for a hitter.

5. For those keeping score, former Tribe executive Dan O'Dowd has sent Ubaldo Jimenez and Slowey to his old team for Alex White, Drew Pomeranz and Putnam. He has grabbed three of the top arms in the organization as the Indians plug holes in their rotation. It's critical that Jimenez pitch like a No. 1 starter because of the price paid and Carmona's troubles.

6. The emergence of Chen Lee (4-0, 2.27 ERA) at Columbus last season allowed the Indians to deal Putnam. They believe Lee, along with young relievers Nick Hagadone, Frank Hermann and possibly Tyler Sturdevant (3-1, 3.30 at Class AA), give the Indians enough bullpen depth. They also hope to find a veteran from Jeremy Accardo, Chris Ray, Robinson Tejeda and Hector Ambriz -- all with big league experience on a minor-league contract.

7. Slowey was healthy enough to recently hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity. He is a little like Josh Tomlin -- doesn't throw hard, doesn't walk many, allows a lot of hits. The Indians need a good year from Tomlin, the 12-game winner who ended up on the disabled list with an elbow problem. The Indians say Tomlin is OK, but they won't know for sure until spring training. They also need a comeback from Derek Lowe.

8. Even if Slowey isn't ready for opening day (be it health or performance), the Indians have Jeanmar Gomez, who was 5-3 with a 4.47 ERA in 2011. He won five of his last six starts with a 3.28 ERA in that span. He was 10-7 with a 2.55 ERA at Columbus.

9. Then there's David Huff. It feels as if the lefty has been around since the days of Rick Waits. He was 2-6 for the Tribe, but had a 4.09 ERA. He had some good starts, but was 0-5 with a 6.20 ERA in September. As Gomez was rising, Huff was sinking. He is 27 with a 5.50 ERA in 258 innings. The Tribe would love to have a lefty in the rotation, but it's hard to know what to expect from Huff.

10. The lefty with a lot of fans in the front office is Scott Barnes. The 23-year-old was 7-4 with a 3.86 ERA at Class AAA when he injured his knee fielding a bunt in July. He had surgery to repair the ACL. He may not be 100 percent by the opener, but Barnes could be a call-up during the season.

11. I'm intrigued by Zach McAllister, who was 12-3 with a 3.32 ERA for Columbus. He was promoted to Cleveland three times and made only four starts, getting hammered the first two times. In his last two starts, he allowed two runs in 10 1/3 innings. He turned 24 in December, and throws about 92 mph with a solid sinker and slider.

12. The Indians have minor-league options on Huff, Gomez, McAllister, Slowey and Tomlin. Slowey won't be a free agent until 2014.

About the Cavaliers...

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerThere's no reason to rush Ramon Sessions out of town, says Terry. The Cavaliers need to emphasize the veteran point guard's strengths to help Kyrie Irving ... or attract the best possible trade offer.

1. Here's a minority view on keeping the minutes down for Kyrie Irving while playing Ramon Sessions more than some would prefer -- in the short term, it makes sense. Yes, Sessions is shooting only 32 percent. Yes, Irving is an emerging star. Yes, it's a lot more fun to watch Irving. But there is no rush, especially because Sessions can opt out of his $4.5 million option for next season -- becoming a free agent this summer.

2. Last season, Sessions averaged 13.3 points, 5.2 assists and shot 47 percent from the field. He led the team in free-throws attempted, converting 88 percent. He's a very nice point guard, good enough to start for some teams -- and a viable backup on any team. He is especially effective in an up-tempo style because he's quick and can drive to the rim.

3. Remember, he can be a free agent at the end of the season. The Cavs are still on the prowl for drafts and young players who can help their future. Irving is only 19 and played a total of 11 games at Duke last season because of a foot injury. Yes, Sessions does have trade value, if the Cavs decide to move in that direction.

4. According to 82games.com, Sessions has a plus/minus of +1.0 this season. Irving is -1.2. This is not to claim Sessions is the better player or the Cavs are a superior team with him on the court. It is to demonstrate that the team doesn't usually fall apart with Sessions at the point, despite that being exactly what happened in the embarrassing loss to Chicago Friday.

5. Sessions is averaging 9.2 points and 4.7 assists in his 22 minutes. He leads the team in free throws attempted, making 87 percent. That's a key stat because it partially negates that glaring 32 percent from the field. Irving also is turning over the ball at a far faster rate.

6. My feeling is to let Irving and Sessions split the position in this jammed-up 66-game schedule. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Cavs receive a decent offer for Sessions from a team losing a point guard to injury. The Cavs also have Daniel Gibson ready to play backup to Irving, so they have depth at the position.

7. Irving is playing 28 minutes a game. That can be increased to 30. But it would be nice to get him through the season without a repeat of his toe injury, the same type of injury that Chicago's Derrick Rose is battling this year.

8. While Irving and Sessions know how to draw fouls and make free throws, the Cavs' other guards treat the free-throw line as if it were radioactive. Heading into Saturday night, Anthony Parker was 4-of-4 from the foul line in 305 minutes. Gibson was 8-of-9 in 359 minutes. On offense, these guys just stand there and shoot jumpers. There is value in driving to the rim, drawing fouls and putting pressure on the defense.

9. Back at the foul line, after Sessions (56 attempts) and Irving (51), you find Antawn Jamison (26-of-44, 59 percent), Tristan Thompson (16-of-42, 38 percent) and Anderson Varejao (26-of-41, 64 percent). Those are the top five in free-throw attempts. Just what is with Jamison at 59 percent? He's a career 73 percent shooter, which was his mark last season.

10. As for Thompson, shooting will always be a struggle. He has to find a way to climb to at least 50 percent or risk becoming the next Ben Wallace at the line. He is giving the Cavs 5.1 rebounds in 18 minutes a game, and probably could average close to 10 if he started. But the shooting needs work. Nonetheless, I really like his defense, his hustle and willingness to attack the hoop and dunk on anyone. He's 20, played one year of college -- and no one claimed he was a finished product on draft day. Rebounders are always useful, and he can rebound.

Byron Scott's team has lost its last two games by a combined 66 points with LeBron James and the Heat on deck

View full sizeAtlanta's Joe Johnson drives between Omri Casspi and Anthony Parker in a 121-94 win over the Cavs

The strange case of Fausto Carmona is not really so strange after all when you look at the circumstances and the stakes involved, sports columnist Bud Shaw writes in his Sunday Spin.

View full sizeManuel Diaz, Associated PressThe bizarre nature of the arrest of Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona/Roberto Heredia is a story that has not yet reached its conclusion, says Bud Shaw.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As suspicious names go, this probably isn't a good time to be Detroit's Al Alburquerque...

The Indians acted smartly in trading for righthander Kevin Slowey. If that's his real name.

In the meantime, there is no indication they will cut ties with the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona -- and they shouldn't -- but no one can say when Roberto Heredia will be allowed to leave the Dominican Republic and resume his identity crisis in progress.

Remember when the gray area concerning him was whether his No. 1 starter stuff would ever win the tug of war with his No. 5 starter composure? That's still in effect. It's just been shoved into the background by other factors, not the least of which is the three calendar years he's lost in his latest visit to the U.S. Consulate. Doubts about the pitcher the Indians thought they knew and even occasionally loved have only increased, but the team is wise to let it play out.

The Indians gain nothing from voiding his contract. They won't be paying him anyway, so long as he is otherwise occupied finding himself in the Dominican.

They own one-year club options that pay Heredia $7 million this year, $9 million in 2013 and $12 million in 2014. The fact he's 31 and not 28 frames how much patience they'll have with him, but it's not as if they just signed him to a long-term deal. There's no moral imperative for them to cut him loose.

I mean, please. If I were Roberto Heredia and people I trusted told me I might get a smaller signing bonus at age 20 than if I were a newly minted 17 -- or maybe not get signed at all -- I'd adopt whatever name improved my lot in life. I'd go by Pedro Pan if that's what it took.

For years, major-league teams signed international players at third-world market prices. A year after the Indians signed Bartolo Colon for $3,000, for instance, they drafted Jaret Wright, son of a former major-league pitcher, out of high school in Anaheim. That market was different. They paid him $1.2 million.

In 2002, Colon admitted to being two years older than advertised. Not many Dominican players get signed at age 20. Teams have reason not to trust the listed ages of prospects. (If Heredia told teams he was 20, they'd probably have figured him for 22 or 23.) And prospects still find reason -- no doubt at the urging of adults -- to maximize their value even if it requires telling a lie.

In 2008, when the Indians thought they signed 16-year-old Jose Ozoria to a $570,000 contract only to find out his name was Wally Bryan and he was 20, MLB was investigating 70 players for identity verification.

Carmona's fraud speaks more to circumstances and culture than anything else. If he can get his papers in time, he has value to the Indians. If Heredia pitches like Carmona did in 2011, he won't get a cent from the Indians beyond this year. So they might as well see if he comes back a new man.

View full sizeDavid I. Andersen, The Plain DealerIt may not be the preferred way of being remembered, but as long as Tom Brady is chasing Super Bowls, Spurgon Wynn will remain an NFL trivia answer.

Where have you gone, Spergon Wynn?...

The six quarterbacks taken ahead of Tom Brady in the 2000 draft are often a popular yearly topic when scouts start ranking QBs for the April draft. Even more so this year with Brady one step away from his fifth Super Bowl.

Brady was the 199th player taken in the sixth round. Below are the others in order and what they're doing now. The interesting thing is three of the four teams in the AFC North took quarterbacks ahead of Brady that year.

1) Chad Pennington, Marshall. 18th, first round by the New York Jets. Led Jets to three playoff appearances before injuries cut short his career. Is considering a comeback after a torn ACL last March.

2) Giovanni Carmazzi, Hofstra. 65th, third round by the San Francisco 49ers. Never played a down. Works for a private equity firm in Sacramento.

3) Chris Redman, Louisville. 75th, third round by Baltimore. Backed up Trent Dilfer on the Ravens' Super Bowl champs. Is still a backup with the Atlanta Falcons.

4) Tee Martin, Tennessee. 163rd, fifth round by Steelers. Threw 16 passes in two seasons. Working as a wide receiver coach at Kentucky.

5) Marc Bulger, West Virginia. 168th, sixth round. Made two Pro Bowls in St. Louis. Announced his retirement in August.

6) Spergon Wynn, Southwest Texas State. 183, sixth round by the Browns. Played in NFL Europe, then in Miami. One TD and seven INTs for his career. Works in Houston as an energy trader.

SPINOFFS

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said on a conference call he believes the Browns have given up on Colt McCoy and will draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Whew. That was close. Kiper's prediction came on Jan. 19, just in time for the April draft...

Now that Carmona has admitted to using a false name, it's time for his agent -- Bean Stringfellow -- to do the same. Bean Stringfellow? Why? Because the Jolly Green Giant was already taken?...

Why can't Dominican players be more like some of our red-white-and-blue American players and simply lie about steroid use?...

In a story equally as shocking as a Dominican baseball player turning out to be older than he claims, Art Schlichter was arrested this week...

View full sizeMCT fileHe's been known to fit balls in tiny openings, but he doesn't normally worry about concussions.

On the eve of Dwight Howard's dismantling of the L.A. Lakers (21 points, 23 rebounds), Shaquille O'Neal said, "The best big man in the game is Andrew Bynum." Bynum has been in and out of the lineup so often during his injury plagued career, that's like saying Pete Best was the most accomplished Beatle...

Shaq and Howard have been at odds since Howard called himself "Superman." Shaq hilariously said Howard stole it from him. If this ever gets resolved, expect Shaq and Howard to debate why the predicted mass of the quantum vacuum seems to have little effect on the expansion of the universe...

Ravens running back Ray Rice told the Wall Street Journal he eats lots of Bolivian chia seeds to give him energy and to speed digestion. The nutritional benefits aside, it also saves trips to the barber since your gardener can cut your hair...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

View full sizeAP fileHe's moved the Browns within chip-shot range of winning field goals, but hasn't always been rewarded.

Colt McCoy and PGA Tour pro Martin Laird -- Bob, Bay Village

HE SAID IT

"I think it's unprofessional and very disappointing, especially because it's someone I worked with and trusted as a friend." -- Tiger Woods, to ESPN, on former swing coach Hank Haney writing a book about the six years they spent together.

Yes, if there's anything Woods has no tolerance for, it's people who betray other's trust.

HE SAID WHAT?

"Would I trust Flip Saunders or would I trust a player's mother?" -- Denver coach George Karl after hearing that former WNBA player and coach Pam McGee objected to Saunders' criticism of her son, Wizards' center JaVale McGee.

That's the highest praise Saunders has received since he left the Detroit Pistons.

YOU SAID IT

(The Identity Crisis Edition)

"Bud:

"Are you who you say you are?" -- Tom Hoffner

Unfortunately.

"Bud:

"Is Gordon Gee giving guys who wear bow ties a bad name?" -- Joe S

No more than Les Nessman did at WKRP.

"Bud:

"What if you had a week or two of so-so columns and then overwhelmed your readers with a Grantland Rice-type of essay? Would that be your Shaw Spin Redemption?" -- Bobby O

I would call a week or two of so-so columns a career hot streak.

"Hey Bud:

"If the Indians make a trade, will Fausto Carmona be the 'player to be named later'?" -- Joe G, North Olmsted

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"What was Chris Antonetti's reaction when he found out Matt LaPorta's real name is Mario Mendoza?" -- Wayne Kuznar

Repeat winners strike out.

"Bud:

"Am I the only person who's now wondering about 'Joe Smith.'" -- Ron Rajecki

Repeat winners also receive John Doe notoriety.

On Twitter: @budshaw