Ohio State cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Travis Howard may not get as much work against Wisconsin, but if the Badgers have to throw to win, it won't be easy.

Bradley Roby, here scoring a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Nebraska's Taylor Martinez (on turf) has been a force in the Ohio State secondary all season. "I'll probably have like 10 tackles (against Wisconsin) because they run so much. I'll do my part and make the plays when they come to me." Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- What's an Ohio State cornerback going to do against a Wisconsin offense that last week ran the ball 64 times and threw it just seven while dominating Indiana?

"I'm going to be waiting on my opportunity," sophomore Bradley Roby said. "I'm going to make tackles. I'll probably have like 10 tackles in this game because they run so much. I'll do my part and make the plays when they come to me. They're going to have to pass the ball to beat us, so when they do I just want to make sure I'm in position."

Roby has been in that position all year, so he should be there again when No. 6 Ohio State (10-0, 6-0 Big Ten) visits Wisconsin (7-3, 4-2) on Saturday. He leads the nation with 18 passes defended, and he and senior Travis Howard have put the Buckeyes in position to leave their corners in single coverage and let everyone else focus on the run game.

"I think those guys have played very well. That's one of the most improved position groups on our team, no question about it," coach Urban Meyer said.

Roby has also positioned himself to think about life beyond Ohio State. Though he's only a sophomore in his eligibility, he red-shirted his first year in Columbus, so this is his third year on campus. That means he could declare for the NFL draft if he'd like to. CBSSports.com draft analyst Dane Brugler sees Roby as a top-50 prospect, which means a first or second-rounder, if he comes out.

Both Roby and cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs said they had a brief talk about the future a few weeks ago, but Coombs called it a "surface conversation." Last month Coombs said he saw Roby as a first-round pick "down the road," but he doesn't think it's time for Roby to make that NFL turn just yet.

"I think his best days are ahead of him," Coombs said. "I think he'll be a great player, but I think he needs more time and more seasoning. He still has things he wants to accomplish, and the least of these things is to be part of a team with a chance to win a national championship."

Roby, who is so media savvy that he ends his own gatherings with reporters by saying "last question" when he senses it's time to go, rather than waiting for a media assistant to step in and say it for him, wasn't going to engage in the game of "will you go?" other than admitting to the Coombs talk.

Urban Meyer wasn't impressed with cornerback Travis Howard when training camp began, but "Him and (coach Kerry Coombs) have worked themselves into what I consider a very good player." Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

"That's not really on my mind," Roby said. "A national championship would be a good incentive, a good reason to come back. I'm not thinking about it too much. I don't want to say anything that causes speculation."

But the fact that the speculation exists shows what kind of player Roby has quickly become.

"It just shows me that I'm on the right path. I'm following my plan. This is all part of my plan I came to Ohio State with," Roby said. "So just the fact that it's discussed is good for me, knowing I'm doing things I'm supposed to be doing."

"He's much better than he was," Coombs said. "He has worked hard at his footwork, at his craft, and he studied it. I think the sky is the limit."

On the other side of the field, Howard, in his fifth season, is finally living up to his potential, making sure he doesn't give teams an obvious target to pick on if they want to avoid Roby.

"Travis to me, I can say this because of how much respect I have for him now, was not a good player," Meyer said. "He was a guy that kind of lined up out there, but I wouldn't consider him to be a good player. Him and his coach have worked themselves into what I consider a very good player."

How good? Good enough for the Buckeyes to leave both Roby and Howard alone and let them go to work. Just their presence makes the run game better, because the rest of the defense doesn't have to worry about helping out in coverage as much.

"Me and Travis are two good corners and we like the pressure to man up and let everyone else play football," Roby said. "Our safeties and linebackers don't have to worry about it as much."

"The coaching staff puts us in position to make plays," Howard said. "Sometimes the coaches tell us to go cover guys on an island. But I think we respond well."

So they'll help Saturday but letting the nine other players on the field think about Wisconsin running back Montee Ball first. New quarterback Curt Phillips is also a threat to run, but when he throws, Roby and Howard will be ready.

The Buckeyes do expect more than seven passes this week. As Roby said, he thinks the Badgers, mostly with short passes here and there and then a few play-action deep throws, will have to throw to win. But lately, beating Roby and Howard hasn't been easy.

Braxton Miller reminds Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema of Russell Wilson, his quarterback last year.

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema is a big fan of OSU quarterback Braxton Miller. "He just exudes everything you would like in the world of college football," Bielema said Wednesday. Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Asked this week if Braxton Miller reminded him of Terrelle Pryor at all, Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema compared the OSU quarterback more to another quarterback in this rivalry.

He cited former Badger Russell Wilson, who took a loss last season when Miller threw a last-minute touchdown pass to beat Wisconsin, but who now is a rookie starter for the Seattle Seahawks.

"I've been a huge fan of Braxton's. I saw him as a junior in high school," Bielema said, noting Wisconsin recruited another player from Huber Heights Wayne, which gave him extra reason to see Miller. "So I had a chance to be around him and his high school coaches, see what kind of person he is. He just exudes everything you would like in the world of college football. I think he's just a tremendous talent too.

"I'm not saying he's Russell Wilson, but he carries a lot of those same things. I think that's why Russell, last year after the game and everything that happened there, Russell sought him out. He'd kind of been hearing about him and who he is and what he is. I just wish we didn't have to play him every year because he truly is special."

That's a far cry from Pryor, a player of whom Bielema made clear he wasn't as much of a fan. After Pryor left Ohio State before the 2011 season, Bielema lamented the fact that the Badgers wouldn't be able to face him again after beating the Buckeyes in 2010. He said there was "no comparison" between Pryor and Miller.

After some recruiting comments were traded in the off-season between Bielema and Urban Meyer, some may be surprised to hear Bielema speak so highly of a Buckeye. But both coaches this week said much more was made of that issue than should have been.

"I don't want to speak on Urban's behalf, but I know from my point of view it was really blown [up]," Bielema said. "I was blown away when I found out what it was because it kind of got grouped into something I had no part of, and it's just something that takes a life of its own."

Said Meyer: "I have a lot of respect for his team. Other than that, we're fine. That was kind of a lot of stuff that was blown up. I've never had any issue other than they're a good team."

This and that: Linebacker Etienne Sabino continues to progress coming back from his broken leg, and Meyer said after practice Wednesday that Sabino, Zach Boren and Ryan Shazier look good as a starting linebacker group. ... With Bri'onte Dunn joining Jordan Hall and Warren Ball among the injured tailbacks, Meyer said fullback Adam Homan would be the No. 3 tailback if needed behind Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith. ...

Ohio State was blasting "Jump Around," the song that Wisconsin always plays between the third and fourth quarter of home games, at practice Wednesday as part of the noise to make it more difficult on the players. "I'm going to have to change that," Meyer said. "We always do crowd noise and I told them to get that stuff out. We'll hear that enough in a couple of days."

The loss ends a season-long seven-game road trip that sees the Monsters go 4-3-0-0.

View full sizeLake Erie Monsters

The Lake Erie Monsters (9-6-0-0) were unable to score for the second straight night, falling, 2-0, to the Heat (9-1-1-2) on Wednesday in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Rookie goalie Sam Aittokallio started back-to-back games for the first time this season and stopped 18 of 20 shots.

The loss ended a season-long seven-game road trip that saw the Monsters go 4-3-0-0.

Abbotsford's Brett Olson scored the first goal in front of the net on a centering feed from Ben Street at the 5:50 mark of the third period. Chris Breen scored on a shot into the top corner of the net at 10:42 to add an insurance goal. 

Barry Brust earned his third shutout of the season in just his fourth start of the campaign, stopping 29 of 29.  Brust stopped all 58 Monsters shots he faced over Tuesday and Wednesday night's action.

Highlights include Akron vs. Oklahoma State college basketball at 10:30 a.m., at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

COLLEGE FOOTBALL  

7:30 p.m. North Carolina at Virginia, ESPN; AM/970 

GOLF  

9 a.m. SA Open Championship (tape), Golf Channel  

1:30 p.m. Titleholders, Golf Channel  

8:30 p.m. Australian Masters, Golf Channel  

1:30 a.m. Hong Kong Open (tape), Golf Channel 

HOCKEY  

7:30 p.m. NCAA, Notre Dame at Michigan, CBSSN 

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL  

10:30 a.m. AKRON vs. Oklahoma State (in San Juan, Puerto Rico), ESPNU; AM/1350  

12:30 p.m. UNC Asheville vs. Tennessee,  ESPNU 

3 p.m. Baylor vs. Boston College, ESPNU 

5 p.m. St. Johns vs. Charleston, ESPNU 

5 p.m. NC State vs. Penn State, ESPN2 

7 p.m. Alabama vs. Oregon State, ESPN2 

7 p.m. Illinois State at Drexel, NBCSN 

7:30 p.m. Providence vs. UMass, ESPNU 

9 p.m. Villanova vs. Purdue, ESPN2 

10 p.m. UTEP at Arizona, Fox Sports Ohio 

NBA  

8 p.m. Boston at Brooklyn, TNT  

10:30 p.m. Miami at Denver, TNT 

NFL  

8 p.m. Miami at Buffalo, NFL Network 

Mack, who helped the Browns make the playoffs in each of his first five seasons, is fifth on the team's all-time rushing yardage list.

Kevin Mack (34) is fifth on the Browns' all-time rushing list with 5,123 career yards, and sixth with 54 total touchdowns. David I. Andersen, Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A countdown of the top 100 players in Cleveland
Browns history. Players must have spent at least four seasons with the
Browns. The ranking is based only on players' careers with the Browns.

No. 58, Kevin Mack, running back, 1985-93

The Browns have had few running backs as good at getting the tough yard as Kevin Mack.

To consider Mack as just a bruiser, though, would be to short-change his abilities. He was rather swift and agile, and able to turn the corner to get upfield. Plus, he was a fine blocker.

The Browns selected Mack in the first round (11th pick) of the NFL's 1984 supplemental draft of United States Football League players. The NFL's regular draft in those days went 12 rounds. Cleveland had traded 1984 ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th rounders to Chicago for the Bears' three supplemental draft selections. Mack played the 1984 season for the USFL's Los Angeles Express, then joined the Browns in 1985.

During his NFL rookie season, Mack rushed for 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns, with 5.0 yards per carry, and caught 29 passes for a 10.2-yard average and three touchdowns. Second-year back Earnest Byner compiled 1,002 rushing yards. It's one of six times in NFL history that two players from the same team ran for at least 1,000 yards in the same season.

Mack, who made the 1985 and 1987 Pro Bowl teams, finished fifth on Cleveland's all-time rushing yardage list, with 5,123. He ran for 46 touchdowns, and his four yards per carry was impressive considering all the short-yardage situations in which he was called on. Mack caught 197 passes, getting 8.1 yards a reception, with eight TDs. His 54 total touchdowns rank as sixth most in team history. In eight playoff games, Mack totaled 424 yards running, on four yards per carry, with one touchdown. He added 19 pass catches for an average gain of 7.8 yards.

Mack served one month in prison in 1989 for using crack cocaine. He missed the first 12 games of the season. Then, in the final regular season game, Mack carried tacklers for a 4-yard touchdown with 39 seconds left, giving the Browns a 24-20 win over the host Houston Oilers and the AFC Central Division title.

Mack, who now works in the Browns' Alumni Relations department, went on to be a spokesman against drug use.

After missing four games of the 1992 season with injuries, Mack retired on July 19, 1993. He changed his mind, though, during training camp, returned to the Browns and was ready to play a few weeks into the season.

This was the season during which the Browns released quarterback Bernie Kosar -- coach Bill Belichick and owner Art Modell justifying the move by saying that Kosar's skills were diminishing. The Browns were 5-3 and in first place when the controversial move was made, and Vinny Testaverde -- who had replaced Kosar as the starter after the first five games -- was injured.

The Browns went on to finish 7-9. Belichick, already unpopular with the fans, didn't help his public relations image with his treatment of Mack, who was in what would be his last season. The running back was relegated to mostly practice player duties, getting to carry the football in only the 13th and 15th games. The Browns' 14th game was their final home game, the only Cleveland Stadium game Belichick had Mack suit up for. Alas, Mack was used only on special teams, not getting to touch the football, even as the crowd chanted "We want Mack."

(The Browns' all-time top 100 players so far)

Video: From an NFL Films Game of the Week show, first-half highlights of the Browns' 37-31 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 23, 1986 at Cleveland Stadium. About 3:20 in, a Kevin Mack (34) run, followed by his solid pass block. About 4:10 in, a remarkable short touchdown run by Mack, negated by a penalty. About 5:15 in, Mack blocks on Curtis Dickey's short scoring run. About 7:00 in, Mack plunges a yard for a touchdown. About 8:20 in, good gains by Mack on a run and on a pass from Bernie Kosar:

Video: Part 2 of the NFL Films Game of the Week show, featuring second-half and overtime highlights of the Browns' 37-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 23, 1986 at Cleveland Stadium:

The NFL lost Ben Roethlisberger, Jay Cutler, Alex Smith and Michael Vick in one afternoon. More rule changes to protect the quarterbacks aren't just inevitable, they're good for business.

View full sizePaul Kitagaki Jr., Sacramento BeeThis crunching hit on 49ers QB Alex Smith by St. Louis linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar was just one of several incidents of starting quarterbacks knocked out of games last week. The NFL can't want that to be repeated in the future.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- More protection for QBs will become the fashion of the day, and we're not talking Dolce & Gabbana.

The NFL is heading into waters so thick and choppy with lawyers that a decade from now you're not likely to recognize the sport of professional football. The kickoff is on its way out. The helmet-to-helmet hit is targeted for extinction.

The biggest change will come in how quarterbacks are protected -- not only due to threatened lawsuits but also from the continued reminder that losing starting quarterbacks is terrible for business.Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger, San Francisco's Alex Smith, Chicago's Jay Cutler and Philadelphia's Michael Vick -- I believe they're still claiming him -- didn't make it through last weekend for various reasons. My guess is that a league looking at safety issues and also worried about the value of the game-day stadium experience matching the comfort of the HD experience at home will continue to search for ways to better protect its most important assets: quarterbacks.

There's bound to be some over-reach. There already is.

ProFootballTalk.com took up the discussion in April after a league executive suggested the NFL was "evolving toward the disappearance of the kickoff." Doing away with the punt was the obvious next step mentioned. The most radical idea raised? Giving quarterbacks the same protection as punters and kickers. Once the ball is gone from their hands (or feet), they're off limits.

(I can hear Jack Lambert now. Somebody tell him it wasn't my idea.)

That rule wouldn't have saved Roethlisberger from injury against Kansas City. Many quarterbacks take the hardest hits when they're still holding the ball and they get blindsided or sandwiched. So the details need some work, but the idea? That's where the NFL is going.

Ten years from now, the kind of hit Cutler took from Houston's Tim Dobbins won't happen. The punishment won't be 15 yards or even a $30,000 fine. How about a multi-game suspension? You watch.

View full sizeDon Wright, Associated PressIf you're thinking the NFL is going overboard in protecting Ben Roethlisberger and other quarterbacks, ask this: Do you want your team's most valuable asset on the field, or in the trainer's room?

The reason why it'll qualify as the most radical change goes beyond how it will drastically alter such an integral component of the game, not just the transfer of possessions on punts and kicks. It will require players and fans alike to get beyond the macho mindset most famously expressed by Lambert after commissioner Pete Rozelle dragged him into his office following Lambert's third mugging of Browns' quarterback Brian Sipe.

"He said I hit Sipe too hard," Lambert related.

"Did you?" he was asked.

"I hit him as hard as I could."

Lambert complained Sipe "laid on the ground like a sniper had shot him." In a Monday Night Football halftime interview, Lambert delivered the quote we still know so well today.

"Quarterbacks," he said, "should wear dresses."

The players are much bigger, much stronger, much faster and run on surfaces providing better traction. It's not Lambert's NFL anymore, thankfully. By the way, we suspect Sipe was lying on the ground because he felt like a sniper had shot him.

We need to get beyond all the nonsense that quarterbacks are being babied. Even beyond the obvious safety concerns, they're such a big part of The Show it only makes sense to take care of them in every reasonable way possible short of wearing a little black number.

It can't happen overnight because of the fan backlash, but it's coming to a stadium and TV near you in due time.

SPINOFFS

Omri Casspi is on the All-Star ballot. And my abs are a candidate for the cover of Men's Health. ...

After watching a continuous ESPN loop of Jeff Gordon's road rage incident last week in Phoenix, we're left to wonder: What's the louder collision? NASCAR crashes or the Cavaliers shooting free throws? ...

Browns' receiver Greg Little told of an inspiring talk he had with former NBA center Alonzo Mourning during the bye week. Mourning told him sacrificing the little things can mean a lot.

He said LeBron James abstained from social media in Miami's run to the title. And that Tiger Woods challenged himself to make 500 five-foot putts in a row and would start over if he missed.

Either Mourning's numbers are a little off, or this was before Tiger discovered IHOP waitresses. ...

Former NFL tight end Jerramy Stevens and U.S. women's soccer goalie Hope Solo were involved in a domestic disturbance that resulted, briefly, in Stevens' arrest and her brother, Marcus, using a stun gun on one of the guests at the party.

On their wedding day. After they'd been dating for eight weeks.

Police said Stevens told them the dried blood on his face came from Solo kissing him.If there's a God, Tonya Harding was the Maid of Honor. ...

The Happy Couple Part II: Stevens and Solo reportedly argued over where they'd live after their marriage. The state of Washington or Florida.

Bliss, apparently, being out of the question. ...

A New York Jets player laughed off the possibility of switching starting quarterbacks, from Mark Sanchez to Tim Tebow, calling Tebow "terrible."

Nothing says chemistry like anonymous rip jobs of teammates -- especially a teammate who never causes a problem. ...

Andrew Bynum will miss five more weeks with a knee injury. Think what could've been if the Cavaliers had traded for him. Then again, Bynum in street clothes would be an upgrade in the readiness and productivity of the Cavs' bench in the early part of this season. ...

ESPN's Rick Reilly thought he was off air Monday when he urged Stuart Scott to give him credit when they returned from commercial for being the first to report the seriousness of Ben Roethlisberger's injury on Twitter.

Woodward and Bernstein no doubt sense a challenger in their midst. ...

The Miami Marlins, in a mega-deal with the Blue Jays, are putting the finishing touches on a fire sale a year after happily moving into publicly-funded stadium.

There oughta be an agreement. You take taxpayer money for a new palace. There's $2.4 billion in debt service. The least you can do is still be making an effort to compete 12 months later.

And all you owners out there, you certainly don't lock your players out of a stadium or arena built for you with our money. Deal? ...

View full sizeAP fileSure, he sets the pace for his group and is an accomplished leader, but can he finish the fast break?

Ripoff Part II: After firing manager Ozzie Guillen last month, Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations, said, "Our hope is that a new manager, along with roster improvements, will restore a winning culture."

Turns out he meant in Toronto. ...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Steve Nash and Iggy Pop -- Bart Rippl

HE SAID IT

"He's an offensive genius." -- Kobe Bryant on new Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni.

And a defensive Custer.

View full sizePD fileHe's made plenty of sweet music on the basketball court, but so far his latest gig has been a bit off key.

HE TWEETED IT

"If our ballpark could speak, its first words would be 'Hola, Miami' -- Nov. 11, 2001." -- ESPN's Buster Olney, quoting Marlins' owner Jeffrey Loria a year ago.

And if it could speak today -- after Loria got his new stadium and traded off all his assets -- it would say, "You've been Madoff-ed, Miami."

YOU SAID IT

(The Basic Midweek Edition)

"Bud:

"Do you remember when 'What are you willing to sacrifice in order to win?' was answered with "alcohol" or "greasy foods," and not Twitter?" -- Dale Jarvis, Sharon Township

Don't look at me. I give up celery every Lent.

"Hey Bud:

"Who has a better chance of getting dumped by the end of the season, the Browns coaching staff or Taylor Swift?" -- Bob H, Medina

The appropriately named Hope Solo.

"Bud:

"I noticed while reading the Sunday sports section there's always an advertisement for erectile dysfunction on the page after Spin. What a stroke of marketing genius. What could cause ED more than the combination of Spin and Cleveland sports?" -- Kevin, Medina

If it takes you more than four hours to see a resemblance in one of Spin's Separated at Birth entries, don't worry, that's the average.

"Hey, Bud:

"What's the sports writer's equivalent of a sports hernia?" -- Keith, Fairview Park

I don't know what it's called. But it comes from trying to lift the local teams up with our unbridled support and cheery optimism.

"Bud:

"I just watched your golf video. Did you get a bowl of soup with those shorts?" -- Jim Corrigan

A very loud man at Bushwood Country Club told me they looked good on me.

"Bud:

"If Joe Banner fails with the Browns, will he end up exiled in Elba?" -- Dan Drost, North Royalton

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

"Bud:

"The Browns are 2-7. The Cavs are headed towards the lottery again. The Indians are coming off a 90+ loss season. Doesn't it make you pine for the days when, regarding Cleveland sports, the glass was half empty?" -- Jim Lefkowitz, Pepper Pike

Repeat winners have reason to be pessimistic.

"Hey Bud:

"If Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel came to the Browns, how long would it take for him to be known as Johnny (Who Let The Air Out of the) Football?" -- Russ

Some repeat winners lose their shirt betting on the Browns to get good one of these days.

On Twitter: @budshaw

T.J. Ward says his cousin, Maurice Jones-Drew, is one of the toughest guys to tackle in the NFL. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio ----- Have a question for Cleveland Browns safety T.J. Ward?

Weekly, he'll answer Browns and NFL questions posed by fans to Branson Wright's video camera. You'll be able to catch Branson at various locales in Cleveland. And when you do, tell him you have a question for T.J.

Ward, considered a solid hitter, was asked by Michael Wade of Rocky River about the toughest guys to tackle in the NFL. In the background of the video, Browns' running back Trent Richardson chimes in for consideration.

"Congratulations to Dawson on his enshrinement in University of Texas Athletic Hall of Honor. The Browns Ring of Honor is next, at some point. I hope he can finish his career with the Browns." - lou

One cleveland.com readers hope Phil Dawson finishes his career in Cleveland. AP Photo/Tony Dejak

"Congratulations to Dawson on his enshrinement in University of Texas Athletic Hall of Honor. The Browns Ring of Honor is next, at some point. I hope he can finish his career with the Browns."

OSU should have Etienne Sabino, Ryan Shazier and Zach Boren at LB against Wisconsin. Buckeyes will focus on Wisconsin run game, so CBs Bradley Roby and Travis Howard won't get much help. More OSU story links.

Ohio State linebacker Etienne Sabino (6) will likely play against Wisconsin on Saturday after missing four games with a leg injury. Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

Fifth-year senior Etienne Sabino is expected to return after missing four games because of a fracture in a nonweight-bearing bone in his leg. For the first time, the Buckeyes will be whole at linebacker with Sabino and sophomore Ryan Shazier on the outside and senior Zach Boren in the middle.

“It has been a good week for those guys,” coach Urban Meyer said after practice yesterday. “Having Sabino back gives you a sense of stability that we haven’t had there in a while.”

Boren is growing more comfortable after moving from fullback four games ago. Shazier is blossoming into a star, evidenced by consecutive Big Ten defensive player of the week honors after Ohio State’s past two games.

Ohio's 10th annual Youth Deer Hunt will have a legion of youngsters prowling the Buckeye woods on Saturday and Sunday.

Aquatic research coordinator Claire Weldon of the Cleveland Metroparks hoists a trophy largemouth bass she named "Helga" after a fish capture and release effort last week at Cherokee Hills Golf Course in Valley City. Cleveland Metroparks officials netted several hundred bass and bluegill from the private lakes and released them in the park's public fishing lakes. The estimated 5-pound trophy bass was released in Wallace Lake in Berea. Mark Duncan, Associated Press

The young hunters will be in the Buckeye deer woods on Saturday and Sunday for the 10th annual Youth Deer Hunt, a weekend opportunity to bring home the venison before the popular deer gun season begins on Nov. 26.

"The forecast is for very good hunting weather, and we know there are quality opportunities around Ohio for the youngsters, who must be 17 and younger," said Ohio wildlife official Ken Fry at the Akron District Office. "We want the young hunters and the non-hunting adults who need to accompany them to have a wonderful time."

Youth hunters killed 8,867 deer during the special weekend in 2011. More than 8,300 deer have been harvested during each youth season since 2005.

"When we first started youth hunting seasons, we focused on what we could do to make hunting easier and more enjoyable for the kids," said Vicki Mountz, information and education administrator for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. "Youth hunting seasons have been very successful, and we are happy to see the kids get out there and enjoy it."

Young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and both must wear hunter orange clothing. The adults don't a hunting license, but the youngsters need discounted youth licenses and deer permits. Each adult is limited to monitoring two young hunters. There is no  minimum hunting age in Ohio.

Mark of success: Young hunters who tag their first deer can get a personalized My First Harvest certificate from the ODOW site, wildohio.com. Photographs can be uploaded for the certificate.

"Some of the kids who take a deer can't wait to get home and on the computer to get the certificate," said Fry. "They can also share photos of the hunt on our online photo gallery."

Stand up and paddle: Since joining the Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO) in 2007, Dana Smith has broadened the group's year-round paddling programs. As standup paddling has been recognized as the fastest-growing water sport in the country, Smith added it to the popular IGO kayaking and canoeing programs, as well as applying for an Ohio Division of Watercraft grant for the Stand Up Paddleboards program.

For Smith's efforts, the National Associations of State Boating Law Administrators honored Smith recently as the Northern Region Educator of the Year.

Soggy boats: An estimated 65,000 recreational boats were damaged or lost as a result of Hurricane Sandy, reports BoatUS, the nation's largest boating group. "We've never seen anything like it," said BoatUS official Scott Cross. "The scope of the damage to boats is unprecedented, affecting large areas from the Atlantic seaboard as far inland as the Great Lakes."

Dozens of boats in the Cleveland area were damaged or sunk, but the damage here can't match the 32,000 boats in New York or 25,000 in New Jersey.

Punderson trout: Some trout fishermen must have missed the note last year that the pre-Thanksgiving stockings of trophy-sized brood stock trout from the London State Fish Hatchery have been discontinued. The brood stock weren't needed after the hatchery switched to trout eggs for the trout stocking program, saving money.

Wash your dog: The conservation group Wildlife Forever believes hunting dogs can spread invasive species. It received a $233,830 grant from the EPA to teach hunters to properly clean waders, decoys and even their retrieving dogs. The clean, drain and dry technique targets waterfowl hunters in the Great Lakes because, said conservation director Pat Conzemius, they are undereducated about invasive species.

Straight shooting: Local turkey shoots are starting to wind down, with the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, Streetsboro Sportsman Association, Lodi Bird Club and Lorain County Beagle Club all giving straight shooters some prizes on Sunday morning. For turkey shoot information, visit cleveland.com/outdoors.

Shooting for gold: U.S. Olympic shooters brought home the gold, and some cold, hard cash from the Summer Olympics in London. Gold medalists Kim Rhode of El Monte, Calif., Vincent Hancock of Eatonton, Ga., and Jamie Gray of Lebanon, Pa., each received $60,000 from USA Shooting. The U.S. Olympic committee also awarded each shooter $25,000.

Rhode was the first U.S. competing in an individual sport to win medals in five consecutive Olympic Game. Hancock was the first U.S. skeet shooter to win a repeat gold medal. Gray won the gold in the women's three-position rifle events.

Walleye fishing has been good on Lake Erie and some inland lakes this week. The good steelhead trout fishing luring anglers to the Northeast Ohio rivers and streams.

Pro walleye tournament angler Ted Takasaki shows off a Lake Erie walleye. D'Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer

GENERAL FISHING REPORT

 The Lake Erie walleye fishing has been fair to good, especially the night fishing from Huron to Cleveland. Some daytime walleye are being caught around Western Lake Erie, and walleye have been caught at Mosquito and Pymatuning reservoirs. Steelhead trout are luring crowds to the Northeast Ohio rivers and streams, with trophy trout reported caught.

 The yellow perch fishing has been poor around Lake Erie. Rainbow trout stockings will begin at Cleveland Metroparks lakes in early December, but the traditional fall stockings of big rainbow trout at Punderson Lake have been discontinued.

 LAKE ERIE

 Walleye anglers are doing fair to good trolling after dark for walleye from Huron to Cleveland. The best depths for shoreline night fishing have been 6 to 12 feet, with HJ14 Husky Jerk and F18 Rapala lures leading the pack. Fire Tiger and Clown have been the popular colors. Daytime walleye fishermen are doing best in the Western Basin, with some catches reported west of Green and Rattlesnake islands to “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range.

 Shoreline walleye fishermen are taking a few walleye while casting minnow-style plugs, Rat-L-Traps and Cordell Spot lures from the piers and breakwalls at night. The top spots have been the Huron and Lorain piers, with the Cleveland fishing still spotty.

 The Lake Erie yellow perch fishing remains a puzzle. Anglers are searching for the schools of perch scattered by Hurricane Sandy, but catches have been poor.

 RIVERS AND STREAMS

 Steelhead trout are being caught from all of the traditional Northeast Ohio rivers and streams. With river water temperatures 8 to 10 degrees cooler than Lake Erie, a lot of trout are staging on Lake Erie, but not ready to run the rivers. Fishermen have been working spawn bags and jig-maggot rigs under a float in the deeper pools. Fly fishers are doing best with streamers and egg patterns.

 A trio of chinook salmon have been reported caught from the Rocky River in recent days.

 INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS

 Walleye are luring anglers to Pymatuning and Mosquito reservoirs. The best catches have been in early morning and late evening on blade baits, including the Vib-E, and casting Shad Rap lures along the causeways. Some die-hard anglers are wading the points and casting jig-minnow rigs. A few perch are also being caught at Pymatuning, as well as crappie and bluegill around the southern lake docks.

 If anglers can find the bluegill and crappie, which are now suspending over deep-water winter haunts, catches have been fair. Vertical jig small spoons, jig-maggot rigs and other typical ice fishing techniques.

 The Cleveland Metroparks will begin its winter stockings of rainbow trout in early December at Wallace, Ledge, Ranger, Judge and Shadow lakes. The Metroparks crews stocked channel catfish and rainbow trout at Wallace Lake and the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in recent weeks.

 Russell James is still leading the Fall Brawl derby with a 11.155-pound, 30-inch walleye. Most of the walleye on the leader board are now 10 pounds, or heavier. The derby runs through Dec. 2.

Receiver Josh Gordon said he was fined $20,000 for a block on Baltimore's Ed Reed, but won't alter his style of play because of the fine.

Browns receivers Greg Little, left, and Josh Gordon demonstrate to the refs how Gordon used his shoulder to block the Ravens' Ed Reed during their game on Nov. 4. Gordon was penalized on the play, and on Thursday the NFL fined him $20,000. He is appealing the fine. Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

The rookie receiver was flagged for a penalty during the Browns' game against Baltimore, after he blocked Ravens safety Ed Reed so hard on a reverse that Reed crumpled to the ground as if he'd run into a wall.

At the time, Gordon reasoned he merely was doing his job. Thursday, Gordon revealed the NFL fined him $20,000 for the hit. He is appealing the fine.

The Baylor product, who will play in front of a dozen or so family members and friends in Dallas on Sunday against the Cowboys, said one reason probably stands out above everything else for the fine.

"It's Ed Reed, though," Gordon said of the eight-time All-Pro defensive back. "It's not just anybody.

"It was just that he wasn't looking and it was a blindside hit. He never looked my way at all so that's really where the penalty came from. We were confused about it for awhile and we still are because that's my blocking responsibility and if I wouldn't have done it our runner would have gotten tackled for a loss. Either way, it was a lose-lose situation."

Looking back, Gordon isn't sure what his alternative might have been on that play. He was assigned to block for the runner, fellow receiver Travis Benjamin, on the reverse. He did his job.

"If you don't make a play, coach [Pat Shurmur] is going to look at you like, 'What's going on?' " Gordon said. "Either way, you have to be smart about it. Really, almost every time, 10 times out of 10 you have to make that play."

Given an opportunity for a do-over, Gordon isn't sure what he'd do.

"I may just push him," he said. "I may just set a screen and stand there. I definitely won't hit him, that's for sure."

In all, it's a confusing situation for Gordon, so the best conclusion he has drawn is that he cannot and will not alter his overall style of play -- despite the penalty flag and fine.

"I definitely can't," he said. "I've got to play full speed every time. Stuff like that will happen in a game. You got to be careful and engage the defenders a little bit better. But I really can't change my style of play."

Don't jinx it! When a reporter asked Shurmur on Thursday about kicker Phil Dawson's perfect season thus far, mentioning that the Dallas native has hit all 17 field goals attempted, the Browns coach groaned. Bringing up perfection, after all, is nearly a guarantee that the perfect streak will end.

"Why are you doing that?" Shurmur moaned. "Why are you doing that? Gosh darn it."

Still, Shurmur has faith in the veteran Dawson.

"He's just clutch," Shurmur said. "There's some guys that are just clutch at doing what they do. I think that's what separates some guys from being great to good to not so good. He's displayed by producing the way he does that he's one of the great kickers."

Time will tell: Put offensive coordinator Brad Childress in the camp that wants more time to evaluate quarterback Brandon Weeden. Childress said the final seven games of the season will tell him a lot about whether the rookie is the long-term answer for the Browns.

"I want to see him grow here in the second half of the season, in the last seven games and play through this Cleveland-Pittsburgh weather," Childress said. "I want to see all of that. I want to see the whole body of work before I venture an opinion of where he's at."

Injury report: Among those added to the injury report Thursday was defensive back Ray Ventrone (hand/calf), who was downgraded to limited participation in practice. Receiver Josh Cooper (illness) and cornerback Buster Skrine (ankle) both participated fully in practice. For Dallas, tight end John Phillips (ankle) and fullback Lawrence Vickers (knee) were limited in practice.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Here is the 2012 Associated Press Northeast Inland All-District football teams based on the recommendations of a media panel: DIVISION I

Aurora's Zach Smierciak is the Division II defensive player of the year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Here is the 2012 Associated Press Northeast Inland All-District football teams based on the recommendations of a media panel:

DIVISION I

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Alex Alders, Macedonia Nordonia, 6-1, 185, soph.; Austin Feinberg, North Canton Hoover, 6-0, 172, sr.; Jeff Richardson, Canton McKinley, 5-9, 145, sr.; Gareon Conley, Massillon Washington, 6-2, 175, sr. Linemen--Nathaniel Devers, Massillon Washington, 6-5, 273, jr.; Jason Idoine, Hudson, 6-4, 235, sr.; Cameron Bell, Macedonia Nordonia, 6-7, 330, soph. Quarterbacks--Dom Iero, North Canton Hoover, 6-0, 175, sr.; Kyle Kempt, Massillon Washington, 6-5, 200, sr.; Eric Glover-Williams, Canton McKinley, 5-10, 155, soph.; Matt Futkos, Austintown Fitch, 5-11, 192, sr. Backs--LeShun Daniels, Warren Harding, 6-0, 220, sr.; Sam Woods, North Canton Hoover, 6-0, 180, sr. Kicker--Pierce Royster, Hudson, 5-10, 165, jr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Patrick Benson, Canton GlenOak, 6-2, 215, sr.; Antoine Miles, Canton McKinley, 6-3, 250, sr.; Billy Price, Austintown Fitch, 6-4, 312, sr.; Adam Coberly, Hudson, 6-2, 210, sr.; Cameron Dial, Twinsburg, 6-2, 225, jr. Linebackers--Kentrell Taylor, Massillon Washington, 6-1, 225, sr.; Troy Lowe, Canton McKinley, 5-11, 225, sr.; Tre'Vontae Jackson, Canton McKinley, 6-1, 210, sr.; Charlie Dear, Massillon Jackson, 6-0, 210, sr.; Raymond Wesley, Canton GlenOak, 6-0, 210, sr.; Justin Babos, Boardman, 6-2, 230, sr.; Ben Gedeon, Hudson, 6-2, 220, sr.; Nick Winkler, Wadsworth, 5-9, 168, jr. Backs--Luke Grandjean, North Canton Hoover, 6-3, 170, jr.; Devon Allen, Massillon Perry, 6-0, 210, sr.; Keith Lawrence, Austintown Fitch, 5-10, 150, sr.; Jalyn Powell, Warren Harding, 6-2, 190, sr. Punter--Tyler Alders, Macedonia Nordonia, 6-2, 205, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Dom Iero, North Canton Hoover.

Defensive player of the year: Billy Price, Austintown Fitch.

Coach of the year: Steve Arnold, Warren Harding.

Second Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Tim Kennedy, Hudson, 5-10, 168, sr.; Marcus Whitfield, Massillon Washington, 6-1, 170, jr.; Terrance Burt, Canton McKinley, 6-0, 165, sr.; Keith Yohman, Brunswick, 5-9, 170, sr. Linemen--Xzavier McAllister, Canton McKinley, 6-6, 320, sr.; Chase Lash, Massillon Washington, 6-5, 298, jr.; Jim Hammontree, North Canton Hoover, 6-2, 265, sr.; Dave Johnson, North Canton Hoover, 6-0, 230, sr. Quarterbacks--Jalen Washington, Twinsburg, 6-0, 175, sr.; Lamar Carmichael, Warren Harding, 5-10, 170, jr.; Reid Worstell, Canton GlenOak, 6-3, 215, sr. Backs--Seth Wieland, Green, 5-10, 170, sr.; Jordan Nobles, Macedonia Nordonia, 5-10, 175, jr.; Derek Tensley, Youngs. East, 5-10, 185, sr.

Kicker--Andrew David, Massillon Washington, 5-8, 170, soph.

DEFENSE: Linemen--John Babos, Boardman, 6-2, 225, sr.; Garrick Koermer, Brunswick, 6-1, 210, sr.; Rhodell Franklin, Youngs. East, 6-1, 190, sr.; JoJo Tayse, Massillon Perry, 6-0, 220, sr.; Victor Hudson, Macedonia Nordonia, 6-2, 195, sr; Roger Craig, Warren Harding, 5-10, 260, sr. Linebackers--Nate Locke, Massillon Jackson, 6-1, 220, sr.; Dan Dorman, Canton GlenOak, 6-0, 205, sr.; Brad Darlington, Brunswick, 5-9, 185, sr.; Sam Ortz, Austintown Fitch, 6-1, 170, jr.; Alex Woicehovich, Macedonia Nordonia, 6-2, 220, jr. Backs--Tyler Lancaster, Canton GlenOak, 5-7, 157, sr.; Brody Tonn, Massillon Washington, 6-1, 190, sr.; Ryan Looser, Wadsworth, 6-1, 167, jr.; Jamir Humphrey, Youngs. East, 6-2, 185, sr.; John Zuccaro, Hudson, 5-10, 170, jr.

Honorable Mention

John Zucal, North Canton Hoover; Joe Howard, North Canton Hoover; Maverick Sales, Canton GlenOak; Josh Lever, Canton GlenOak; Adron Bealer, Massillon Perry; Eian Elsass, Massillon Jackson; Roman Miller, Massillon Jackson; Ernie Baez, Massillon Washington; Ryne Moore, Massillon Washington; Jarrod Smith, Canton McKinley; Darryl Corrin, Green; Christian DiLauro, Green; Jamie Dawson, Green; Matt Beech, Stow-Munroe Falls; Tyler DeVitis, Stow-Munroe Falls; Mitch Guadagni, Hudson; Joe Repasky, Cuyahoga Falls; Evan Dalzell, Macedonia Nordonia; Cooper Rea, Twinsburg; Scott Tegowski, Twinsburg; Jacob Turay, Twinsburg; Dan Yohman, Brunswick; Danny Stepp, Brunswick; Nick Roberts, Brunswick; Mitch Doraty, Medina; Connor VanFleet, Wadsworth; Daryk Maki, Wadsworth; Austin White, Wadsworth; Ty Howard, Warren Harding; Osha Jackson, Warren Harding; Rayfield Bell, Youngs. East; Chris Riwniak, Boardman; Turel Thompson, Boardman; Ryan Sayers, Austintown Fitch; Darrin Hall, Austintown Fitch; Tyler Groves, Austintown Fitch.

DIVISION II

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Trei Thomas, Kent Roosevelt, 5-10, 160, sr.; Kevin Gladney, Akron Firestone, 6-4, 180, sr.; Jacob Wood, Tallmadge, 6-5, 220, sr. Linemen--Stan Zalewski, Kent Roosevelt, 6-2, 235, jr.; Patrick Dougherty, Aurora, 6-5, 265, sr.; Grant Stokes, Wooster, 6-0, 245, sr.; Joe Lowery, Tallmadge, 6-6, 270, jr.; Jason Tretter, Richfield Revere, 6-7, 305, sr. Quarterbacks--Tra'Von Chapman, Kent Roosevelt, 6-2, 200, sr.; Anthony Gotto, Tallmadge, 6-0, 205, sr.; Bruce Kinsey, Medina Highland, 6-1, 170, jr. Backs--De'Veon Smith, Warren Howland, 5-11, 220, sr.; Aregeros Turner, Copley, 5-11, 170, sr.; Zach Quinn, Aurora, 6-4, 215, sr.; Matt Blasiole, Uniontown Lake, 5-10, 184, jr. Kicker--Joshua Brebant, Copley, 6-0, 200, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Austin Mastroine, Kent Roosevelt, 6-2, 250, sr.; Brett Rodgers, Aurora, 5-9, 215, sr. Linebackers--T.K. Fortson, Warren Howland, 6-0, 170, jr.; Matt Sommers, Kent Roosvelt, 6-2, 230, jr.; Matt Geer, Akron Ellet, 5-8, 170, jr.; Deon'tae Moore, Akron Kenmore, 6-4, 216, sr.; Zach Smierciak, Aurora, 6-3, 225, sr. Backs--Devin Cunningham, Lodi Cloverleaf, 5-11, 200, jr.; Kordelle Phillips, Alliance, 5-8, 165, jr.; Crissean Caver, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, 6-0, 180, sr.; Doug Lewis, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, 5-10, 185, sr. Punter--Brendan Cope, Warren Howland, 6-3, 175, sr.

Offensive player of the year: De'Veon Smith, Warren Howland.

Defensive player of the year: Zach Smierciak, Aurora.

Coach of the Year: Joe Yost, Akron Ellet.

Second Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Cory Moncol, Medina Highland, 6-0, 173, jr.; Trent Ohman, Louisville, 6-0, 170, sr.; James Preston, Wooster, 6-1, 175, sr. Linemen--Mark Blanco, Canfield, 6-0, 205, jr.; Scott Noel, Tallmadge, 6-1, 233, sr.; Joe Crowder, Medina Highland, 6-5, 245, sr. Quarterbacks--Eric Lockney, Warren Howland, 6-0, 170, sr.; George Bollas, Aurora, 6-3, 205, jr. Backs--Parrish Martin, Alliance, 5-11, 170, jr.; Jacob Ivery, Akron Ellet, 5-6, 145, soph.; Dillon Headrick, Akron Coventry, 6-0, 190, sr. Kickers--Kody Edwards, Tallmadge, 5-8, 185, sr.; Joe Simonis, Medina Highland, 5-10, 150, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Cory Neff, Louisville, 5-9, 230, jr.; Daniel Ray, Tallmadge, 5-11, 225, sr.; Dierre Powers, Akron Garfield, 6-3, 225, sr. Linebackers--Dakota King, Akron Ellet, 5-11, 170, jr.; Garland Brandon, Akron Garfield, 5-11, 185, sr.; Aaron Miller, Kent Roosevelt, 5-6, 153, sr.; Connor Kesner, Canfield, 5-9, 175, sr. Backs--Kyle Crites, Uniontown Lake, 5-11, 166, sr.; Reggie Rogers, Akron Firestone, 6-1, 165, soph.; Grant Mercer, Kent Roosevelt, 6-3, 185, sr.; Jake McVay, Aurora, 6-1, 185, sr. Punter--Shay Sharp, Akron Coventry, 6-0, 170, sr.

Honorable Mention

Andrew Onabiyi, Uniontown Lake; Zach Gazdacko, Uniontown Lake; Charles Beamer, Louisville; Ryan Bevington, Alliance; JJ Kukura, Alliance; Nick Johnson, Canton Timken; Mark Vitko, Medina Highland; Joe Buttita, Medina Highland; Austin Roberts, Lodi Cloverleaf; Austin Smith, Lodi Cloverleaf; Ben Falfas, Warren Howland; Edmund Pilolli, Canfield; Brandon Gros, Kent Roosevelt; Michael Bush, Kent Roosevelt; Kardell Jackson, Kent Roosevelt; Jack Bruder, Aurora; Nate Sotka, Aurora; Geoff Moniz, Aurora; Michael Raines, Akron Kenmore; Terez Smith, Akron Kenmore; Victor Oliver, Akron Kenmore; Trey Turner, Akron East; Hussain Hamdan, Akron Ellet; Maurice Mackey, Akron Ellet; Corey Hoskinson, Akron Ellet; Brennan Williams, Akron Firestone; Jerome Lane, Akron Firestone; Devante Stevenson, Akron Garfield; Nate Lozada, Akron Garfield; Darrion Powers, Akron Garfield; Jerry Williams, Barberton; Oliver Johnson, Copley; Shay Sharp, Akron Coventry; Tyler Butler, Akron Coventry; Bryan DiCillo, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit; DJ Aguilar, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit; Kinosha Spencer, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit; Paul Gabel, Richfield Revere; Logan Banks, Tallmadge; Tony Anzaldi, Tallmadge; Darrian Owens, Wooster; Cameron Daugherty, Wooster; Charles Cairnie, Wooster.

DIVISION III

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Noah Mallen, Canton South, 6-2, 180, sr.; Jordan Hargrove, Akron SVSM, 6-0, 180, sr.; Nelson Perry, Peninsula Woodridge, 5-11, 155, sr. Linemen--Connor Sharp, Beloit West Branch, 6-4, 301, sr.; Josh Krok, Niles McKinley, 6-9, 290, jr.; Joe DeCapita, Youngs. Mooney, 6-1, 265, sr.; Johnny Glas, Norton, 6-1, 230, jr.; Brandon Craig, Ravenna, 6-3, 275, jr. Quarterbacks--Stephan Yuhas, Niles McKinley, 6-0, 180 sr.; Dominick Orsini, Akron Hoban, 6-3, 195, sr. Backs--Dymonte Thomas, Alliance Marlington, 6-1, 190, sr.; Brenden Wells, Beloit West Branch, 5-10, 194, sr.; Larry Scott, Hubbard, 6-1, 215, soph.; David Stewart, Struthers, 6-0, 210, sr.; Brandon Olson, Ravenna Southeast, 5-9, 165, sr.

Kicker--Hunter Niswander, Peninsula Woodridge, 6-4, 218, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Eric Stone, Ravenna Southeast, 6-3, 225, sr.; Kyle Spellman, Ravenna, 6-2, 196, sr.; Aaron Adkins, Akron SVSM, 6-0, 215, jr.; Shane Evan, Poland Seminary, 6-0, 260, sr. Linebackers--Josh Kenny, Canton South, 6-1, 225, sr.; Dante Booker, Akron SVSM, 6-4, 215, jr.; Andy Rodriguez, Ravenna, 5-10, 175, sr.; Tommy Duffy, Niles McKinley, 5-10, 205, sr.; Courtney Love, Youngs. Mooney, 6-1, 230, sr.; Anthony Kosec, Poland Seminary, 6-2, 200, sr. Backs--Shawn Kirk, Alliance Marlington, 5-11, 185, jr.; Fransohn Bickley, Akron SVSM, 5-6, 145, sr.; Kyle Kornbau, Ravenna, 5-10, 180, sr.; Marcus McWilson, Youngs. Mooney, 6-0, 200, sr.; Patrick Hiznay, Poland Seminary, 5-10, 165, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Dymonte Thomas, Alliance Marlington.

Defensive player of the year: Dante Booker, Akron SVSM.

Coach of the Year: Brian Shaner, Niles McKinley.

Second team

OFFENSE: Ends--Jake Tersigni, Akron Hoban, 5-11, 175, jr.; Elijah Bell, Akron Buchtel, 6-1, 193, sr.; Darnell Tate, Hubbard, 5-11, 170, jr.; Anthony Marchionda, Poland Seminary, 5-9, 175, sr. Linemen--Ryan Noland, Ravenna Southeast, 6-4, 265, sr.; Ted Stieber, Akron Hoban, 6-5, 295, soph.; Matt Jones, Hubbard, 6-4, 315, soph. Quarterbacks--Sean McCoy, Peninsula Woodridge, 6-3, 190, sr.; Josh Lyon, Canton South, 6-3, 185, jr.; Clayton Uecker, Akron SVSM, 6-5, 200, sr. Backs--Justus Ellis-Moore, Youngs. Mooney, 5-9, 175, sr.; Parris Campbell Jr., Akron SVSM, 6-0, 185, jr.

Kicker--JJ Friszman, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA, 5-11, 170, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Gavin Reaser, Ravenna, 6-2, 180, sr.; Alex Hubbell, Poland Seminary, 6-2, 210, sr.; Matt Schley, Canal Fulton Northwest, 6-3, 230, sr.; Tyler Bowman, Canal Fulton Northwest, 6-3, 230, sr. Linebackers--Bo Utley, Beloit West Branch, 5-11, 195, sr.; Steven Masters, Alliance Marlington, 5-9, 170, jr.; Logan Taylor, Salem, 6-0, 186, jr.; Newman Williams, Akron SVSM, 6-0, 220, jr.; Nick Sanchez, Niles McKinley, 6-2, 200, jr.; Mike Turnbull, Poland Seminary, 5-10, 205, sr. Backs--Brandon Harb, Hubbard, 5-11, 180 sr.; Tommy Kimbrough, Struthers, 6-1, 208, sr.; Mark Handel, Youngs. Mooney, 6-1, 185, jr.; Jake Walker, Alliance Marlington, 5-8, 155, jr.; John Strasser, Canton South, 5-8, 170, sr.

Honorable Mention

Deonte Settles, Canton South; Armand Fontes, Canton South; Jerrad Cox, Canal Fulton Northwest; Anthony Collins, Alliance Marlington; Anthony Wilks, Alliance Marlington; Jake Carner, Salem; Zach Ruggles, Beloit West Branch; Mason Hughes, Beloit West Branch; Rick Monroe, Medina Buckeye; Anthony Kisiday, Medina Buckeye; Tyler Korenyi-Both, Hubbard; Isiah Scott, Hubbard; Frank Saban, Niles McKinley; Brett Spencer, Niles McKinley; Chris Parry, Niles McKinley; Gary Muntean, Struthers; Braxton Koup, Struthers; Marlon Everson, Poland Seminary; Trevor Norquest, Ravenna Southeast; Nick Dejacimo, Ravenna Southeast; Cody Konar, Ravenna; Jermain Justice, Ravenna; Ben Morgan, Ravenna; Jake Lawhorn, Mogadore Field; Mitch Kisamore, Mogadore Field; Mickey Cook, Mantua Crestwood; Garret Gerardi, Mantua Crestwood; Kenny Jackson, Mantua Crestwood; Dangelo James, Akron Hoban; Daniel Sutter, Akron Hoban; Jimmy Martter, Akron Hoban; Marnayre Drummond, Akron Buchtel; Darnell Hubbard, Akron Buchtel; Erron Cosey, Akron Buchtel; William Duhart III, Akron North; Travonte Junius, Akron SVSM; Nick Karipides, Akron SVSM; Antonio Carroscia, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA; Andrew Schauer, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA; Mike Meadows, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA; Jake Willig, Norton; Anthony Mong, Peninsula Woodridge; Tyler Freeman, Peninsula Woodridge; Trevon Burgins, Peninsula Woodridge.

DIVISION IV

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Jamar Dukes, Akron Manchester, 6-4, 190, sr.; Brady Berger, Creston Norwayne, 6-2, 195, sr.; Kyle Kearney, Wooster Triway, 6-5, 195, sr.; Chad Robertson, Akron Manchester, 5-7, 140, sr. Linemen--Caleb Barb, Creston Norwayne, 5-11, 180, sr.; Sam Creque, Streetsboro, 6-0, 240, sr.; DJ Hight, Youngs. Liberty, 6-4, 225, sr.; Jake Hanzel, Akron Manchester, 6-2, 235, jr. Quarterbacks--Jeremy Quinlan, Brookfield, 6-3, 180, sr.; Nick Peyakov, Akron Manchester, 6-3, 215, sr.; Joe Dreher, Creston Norwayne, 6-2, 165, jr.; Parker Carmichael, Wooster Triway, 5-10, 150, soph. Backs--Jon Zimmerly, Creston Norwayne, 5-10, 195, sr.; Sherron Walls, Youngs. Liberty, 5-7, 160, sr.; Ryan Mosora, Brookfield, 5-11, 185, sr.; Andrew Vaughn, Sullivan Black River, 6-0, 180, jr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Cody Scruggs, Creston Norwayne, 6-2, 240, sr.; Brandon Locklear, West Salem Northwestern, 6-2, 245, sr.; Cody BuCher, Youngs. Liberty, 6-1, 228, sr. Linebackers--Cory Stuffelbeam, Canton Central Cath., 6-2, 210, sr.; Tyler Smith, West Salem Northwestern, 5-8, 180, jr.; Chad Reed, Creston Norwayne, 5-9, 185, sr.; Jimmy Quinlan, Brookfield, 6-2, 185, sr.; Brandon Gency, Streetsboro, 6-3, 215, sr. Backs--Dorian Williams, Streetsboro, 5-11, 190, sr.; Mitch Knieriem, Creston Norwayne, 5-9, 160, sr.; Malachi Nolletti, West Salem Northwestern, 6-3, 180, jr.; Elijah Henderson, Cortland Lakeview, 6-4, 185, sr.; Collin Harkulich, Brookfield, 6-4, 180, sr. Punter--Cody Brewer, Massillon Tuslaw, 6-3, 195, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Jon Zimmerly, Creston Norwayne.

Defensive player of the year: Dorian Williams, Streetsboro.

Coaches of the Year: Joe Harbour, Creston Norwayne; Brian Jones, Youngs. Liberty.

Honorable Mention

Hunter Wells, Navarre Fairless; Jeremy Mahaffey, Navarre Fairless; DJ Blair, Massillon Tuslaw; Zak Lemke, Massillon Tuslaw; Jake Wise, Massillon Tuslaw; Rick Ashley, Akron Manchester; Clay Miller, Akron Manchester; Stuart Svetlak, Canton Central Cath.; Tim Moody, Canton Central Cath.; Josh Fuchs, Canton Central Cath.; Josh Tyburski, Garrettsville Garfield; Tanner Bontrager, Garrettsville Garfield; Tyler Covey, Garrettsville Garfield; Jeremy Braynard, Streetsboro; Jacob Armbrecht, Streetsboro; Devin Rencher, Streetsboro; Austin Phillips, Sullivan Black River; Gabe Eaton, Sullivan Black River; Richie Smith, Creston Norwayne; Logan Studer, Creston Norwayne; Trevahn Beery, Creston Norwayne; Zane Vierheller, Orrville; Trevor Summers, Orrville; Joel Zook, Orrville; Zach Glaser, West Salem Northwestern; Matt Kohler, West Salem Northwestern; Walker Claus, West Salem Northwestern; Luke Boreman, Wooster Triway; Lane Drake, Wooster Triway; Jordon Miller, Wooster Triway; Travis Busson, Doylestown Chippewa; Tyler Miller, Brookfield; Gary Hiner, Brookfield; Joe Clark, Brookfield; John Helms, Youngs. Liberty; Mark Kohut, Youngs. Liberty; Trevor Watson, Cortland Lakeview; Justin Journey, Cortland Lakeview; Peyton Aldridge, Leavittsburg LaBrae; Mike Cyrus, Warren Champion; James Naylor, Warren Champion; Brandon Martuccio, Girard; Chris Gregory, Newton Falls.

DIVISION V

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Jared Shilot, Salineville Southern, 6-3, 195, jr.; Rob Seman, Canfield South Range, 6-0, 175, sr. Linemen--Brooke Switzer, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-2, 260, sr.; Austin Cary, Loudonville, 6-2, 250, sr.; Josh McDade, Columbiana Crestview, 6-2, 237, jr.; Shaquon McWilson, Campbell Memorial, 6-4, 330, sr. Quarterbacks--Collin Gilbert, Columbiana Crestview, 5-8, 157, jr.; Luke Griffith, Salineville Southern, 6-3, 165, sr.; Chris Durkin, Youngs. Ursuline, 6-3, 213, jr. Backs--Corbin Mager, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-10, 175, soph.; Kolton Edmondson, Loudonville, 5-11, 170, soph.; Nick Blower, Columbiana Crestview, 5-7, 139, sr.; Tyler Buss, Smithville, 5-7, 185, sr.; Bryan Wilkins, Louisville Aquinas, 6-1, 195, sr.

Kicker--Steve Treadway, Salineville Southern, 6-0, 135, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Joel Rich, Louisville Aquinas, 6-4, 230, sr.; Ryan Bee, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-7, 235, jr.; Alex Kurtz, Smithville, 6-3, 245, sr.; Derek Gbur, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 221, sr.; Shahaun Williams, Youngs. Ursuline, 6-1, 232, jr. Linebackers--Brandon Hacker, Columbiana, 5-10, 196, sr.; Ryan Weber, Loudonville, 5-11, 205, jr.; Kevin Cline, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-10, 170, sr.; Kaleb Baker, Columbiana Crestview, 5-10, 202, sr.; Tramaine Thigpen, Youngs. Ursuline, 5-9, 180, sr.; Adrian Brown, Campbell Memorial, 5-10, 200, jr. Backs--Josiah Moore, Louisville Aquinas, 5-7, 165, sr.; Garrett Beech, Hanoverton United, 5-10, 170, jr.; Alex Bates, Smithville, 6-2, 175, sr.; Britton Steiginga, Columbiana, 5-7, 145, sr.; Jermaine Williams, Youngs. Ursuline, 5-10, 178, sr. Punter--Cole Krumpak, Canfield South Range, 5-10, 185, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Nick Blower, Columbiana Crestview.

Defensive player of the year: Josiah Moore, Louisville Aquinas.

Coach of the Year: Larry Kempe, Youngs. Ursuline.

Honorable Mention

J.J. Diver, Atwater Waterloo; Christian Youngblood, Atwater Waterloo; Danny Lashley, Rooststown; David Paliscak, Rootstown; Jake Moore, Rootstown; Khallid Pierce, Youngs. Ursuline; Ronald Green, Youngs. Ursuline; Harrison Finelli, Youngs. Ursuline; Brandon Reyes, Campbell Memorial; Charles Smith, Campbell Memorial; David Horvath, Campbell Memorial; Ross Stoffer, Canfield South Range; Gabe Crowe, New Middletown Springfield; Eric Rude, Louisville Aquinas; Gino Tortora, Louisville Aquinas; Mike George, Louisville Aquinas; Jared Hill, Columbiana; Mike Buzzard, Columbiana; Dylan Douglass, Columbiana Crestview; Dimitri Gregory, Columbiana Crestview; Matt Hardenbrook, Columbiana Crestview; Brandon Barnes, Lisbon David Anderson; Zak Leko, Lisbon David Anderson; Derek Smith, East Palestine; Nick Monteleone, East Palestine; Mike Martin, Hanoverton United; Mike McKenzie, Salineville Southern; JJ Napierkowski, Salineville Southern; Tristan Bender, Loudonville; Tolan Shane, Smithville; Robert McClain, Rittman; Paul Gordon, Rittman; Blake Dennis, Rittman; Dylan Eberly, Jeromesville Hillsdale; Brennan Rogers, Jeromesville Hillsdale; Rhen Weaver, Apple Creek Waynedale.

DIVISION VI

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Connor Black, Ashland Mapleton, 5-9, 160, soph.; Tim Cooper, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 6-0, 170, sr. Linemen--J.D. Murphy, Dalton, 6-0, 295, soph.; Joe Callihan, Mogadore, 6-2, 235, sr.; Melvin Gregory, Youngs. Christian, 5-10, 275, sr.; Micah Marrah, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 5-9, 226, sr.; Mike Minnie, Lowellville, 5-9, 260, jr. Quarterbacks--Dominic Naples, Warren JFK, 6-1, 170, sr.; Brett Naymik, Ashland Mapleton, 5-10, 160, sr. Backs--Gary Strain, Mogadore, 6-1, 205, sr.; Devine Redding, Mineral Ridge, 5-10, 195, jr.; Chase Moyer, Dalton, 6-1, 195, sr.; Ryan Grier, Youngs. Christian, 5-9, 170, sr. Kicker--Eric Bofenkamp, Warren JFK, 5-9, 150, jr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Scot Hower, Mogadore, 5-10, 180, sr.; Sean Woodall, East Canton, 5-10, 265, sr.; Zack Van Giesen, Leetonia, 5-11, 140, jr.; Seth Martin, Wellsville, 6-0, 170, sr.; KaeVon Green, Youngs. Christian, 6-3, 205, sr. Linebackers--Bryce Huth, Mogadore, 5-11, 175, jr.; Alec Rossi, Warren JFK, 5-11, 195, sr.; Dan Zilke, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 5-11, 175, jr. Backs--Travis VanVoorhis, East Canton, 5-10, 170, sr.; Brandon Dattilio, Leetonia, 5-5, 155, sr.; Jake Cramer, Mogadore, 5-7, 150, sr.; Darien Townsend, Youngs. Christian, 5-8, 150, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Gary Strain, Mogadore.

Defensive player of the year: KaeVon Green, Youngs. Christian.

Coach of the Year: Matt Adorni, Mogadore,

Honorable Mention

Kasey Beard, Mogadore; Sam Graska, Mogadore; Austin Pierce, Mogadore; Parker Rickey, Windham; Josh Goss, Mineral Ridge; Casey Porter, Mineral Ridge; Robert Seger, Warren JFK; Connor Jones, Warren JFK; Carson Williams, McDonald; DJ Mansky, McDonald; James Boyce, Southington Chalker; Austin Arnal, Vienna Mathews; Emmett Underwood, Youngs. Christian; Draevon Green, Youngs. Christian; John Grizzard, Youngs. Christian; Bryan Deal, Berlin Center Western Reserve; Parker Warren, Berlin Center Western Reserve; Nick Allison, Berlin Center Western Reserve; Chad Nicholson, East Canton; Austin Tekip, East Canton; Jeremy Pennel, Dalton; Travis Pickering, Ashland Mapleton; Dylan Mick, Sebring McKinley; Josh Van Giesen, Leetonia; Marcus Moxley, Wellsville; Seth Stevens, Lowellville; Geno Moore, Lowellville; Jesse Terwilliger, Lowellville; Jeremy Fitzpatrick, North Jackson Jackson-Milton; Brandon Mitchell, North Jackson Jackson-Milton; Brendan Baugher, Southington Chalker.

The record is 2-7, and the Browns have seven games left. So what do fans want from their favorite team for the rest of the season? I asked that question on my Facebook page, saying it's not about changing coaches or making trades or the next draft. Keep the answer to the last seven games and what realistically can...

Rookie receiver Josh Cooper is just one of many young Browns players fans would like to see on the field more over the final seven games of the season. Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

The record is 2-7, and the Browns have seven games left.

So what do fans want from their favorite team for the rest of the season?

I asked that question on my Facebook page, saying it's not about changing coaches or making trades or the next draft. Keep the answer to the last seven games and what realistically can be done.

Within 10 minutes, there were 22 posts. After three hours, there were 128.

Many of the fans did exactly what I hoped -- they came up with a variety of thoughts as the orange helmets prepare to play in Dallas on Sunday.

Jonathan Hoffman wrote that he wanted the Browns to "win a road game."

They did . . . on Sept. 18, 2011.

OK, since that 27-19 victory at Indianapolis, the Browns have lost 11 in a row on the road.

So it's time to win away from home. They are 5-8 at home over the past two years. But Hoffman added that he didn't want to "be on the edge of my chair with 30 seconds left" before the game was over.

That's getting a little too picky for a team that hasn't been better than 5-11 since 2007.

Ahmad Jaffal wrote about one of my major concerns for the final seven games -- the receivers. He simply said, "I want to see them start making plays."

Paul Shipp wonders if someone (Josh Gordon?) can emerge as a No. 1 receiver. Chad Cramer wants to see more of Josh Cooper, wondering if he can be another Wes Welker.

If Cooper is another Brian Brennan, the Browns found gold with the undrafted free-agent receiver. Not sure how the coaches feel about this, but I'm more interested in watching Cooper and the other younger receivers than Mohamed Massaquoi, who has battled injuries and proven little in his four years here. Or as Sean Amick wrote, "More Cooper, less MoMass."

Gordon has caught four touchdown passes. Joshua Cribbs and Evan Moore each had four touchdown catches to lead the team last season. You have to go back to Braylon Edwards (16 in 2007) to find a Browns receiver with more than four touchdown catches in a season.

Yes, it's been that bad.

And that's why finding a couple of good receivers would be a significant sign of what Jim Smith called "real progress," aside from more victories. Or as Frank Geremia pleaded "more consistency catching the ball."

The Browns have dropped the third most passes in the NFL this year, according to STATS Inc.

Talkin' quarterback

The player mentioned the most was Brandon Weeden. Some fans already believe the Browns have found their quarterback, or at least think Weeden has a chance to hold down the spot for a few years.

Harold Wolfe set a reasonable goal of 60 percent completions for Weeden, who is at 55 percent. Bob VanVelson wants a ratio of two touchdowns for every interception for the rest of the year, as Weeden is now at nine touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions.

Here's the issue: If the Browns are going to establish a deep-threat passing game -- a must -- there will be interceptions with a rookie quarterback.

The Browns rank 30th in passing plays of at least 25 yards, so that needs to change. Mike DeSota mentioned throwing deep to rookie Travis Benjamin, who probably is the fastest guy on the team. He has had some minor injuries and has only nine catches this season.

At his Thursday news conference, offensive coordinator Brad Childress repeated that he wanted Weeden "taking shots" downfield. He said that in the red zone, the passing plays called are first for "touchdowns . . . then checkdowns."

But Weeden never threw into the end zone in his five trips inside the 20-yard-line in the 25-15 loss to Baltimore. It seemed he was too worried about making a mistake and the threat of Baltimore safety Ed Reed picking off a pass.

Aaron Walsh, Adam Graf and other fans hope to see Weeden throwing more from the shotgun formation, which he did at Oklahoma State.

While fans have doubts (but hopes) for Weeden and the calls for Colt McCoy to start have ceased, they seem to have real faith in running back Trent Richardson. They want him to get the ball more.

Mike Heinbach wants "more quick screens" to the rookie from Alabama. Wonder how many fans know he leads the Browns with 31 catches. Other fans wonder if Richardson can stay healthy. He already has three games of 100 yards rushing, including his past two games where he's averaging 25 carries per game.

Chip Hautala wants the offensive line to develop a strong sweep through aggressive blocking schemes, because Richardson is a very dangerous runner when he is given a little room to rumble.

If the Browns are to have a decent offense, it begins with Weeden and Richardson.

Long wish list

The fans made some very key points, such as Ste Brooks wanting to see rookie linebackers Craig Robertson and James-Michael Johnson play a lot and develop. The Browns have one established NFL starter at linebacker, defensive captain D'Qwell Jackson. Projected starter Chris Gocong is injured and out all season. Kaluka Maiava is best as a special teams players and backup linebacker.

So if the Browns can find two starters for 2013 from the group of L.J. Fort, Johnson and Robertson -- that would be a major plus.

Artie Pesh-Imam wants to see the Browns really stop the run and pressure the quarterback now that Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor are both healthy and playing on the defensive line together for the first time this season. Gary Jackson wants more pass rush from defensive ends Jabaal Sheard and Frostee Rucker. It's possible rookie Billy Winn will move from tackle to defensive end in pass-rush situations.

The Browns are tied for 16th with 20 sacks, better than I thought before checking the stats.

Denny Dice and Dale Harris wonder if Buster Skrine and/or Dimitri Patterson can establish themselves as a starting cornerback, or will the Browns need to find a replacement for Sheldon Brown next season. Hard to know, especially as Patterson has been hurt most of the year. When Skrine started, he struggled.

Dusty Sloan and Thomas Smith made me laugh when they begged for "more extra points, not field goals" from star kicker Phil Dawson. That would mean more touchdowns.

This is hard to believe, but the Browns had only 20 touchdowns last season -- and are at 15 this year. But that's still not even two per game and ranks 28th.

Mike Farina wants "to clean up the mistakes." He's talking about everything from dumb penalties such as false starts to the "communication issues" that led to three wasted timeouts in the Baltimore game. The Browns rank 16th in penalties.

Finally, Brad Stokley wrote: "I live in Maryland and I don't want to be embarrassed (by the Browns) when talking to Ravens fans. I don't want the Browns to be a joke anymore."

All the fans would say Amen to that.

Lake Erie Monsters hockey player Geoff Walker talks about his golf, his injuries, and what happens to opponents who ram him on the ice.

Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 223.

Acquired: Free agent, July 1, 2012.

PD: Highlight of hockey career?

Geoff Walker: When I signed my first NHL contract, with Colorado in July.

PD: As a member of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL the past two seasons, you amassed triple-digit penalty minutes. What is behind the willingness to mix it up?

GW: It comes with the territory when you're a bigger guy. I like to play a physical style, so sometimes that stuff happens. I'm not going to say I love to fight, but I won't hesitate to step in when called for.

PD: So you're not necessarily an enforcer?

GW: I would say a midlevel fighter.

PD: Longest fight in which you've been involved?

GW: In junior, one lasted about two minutes. When you're fighting, two minutes is a really long time.

PD: Did you win?

GW: Yes, I did. It took a lot out of me, it was exhausting, but I won. I took him down.

PD: Smartest person you've met?

GW: My father, Peter. He owns his own business. He built it up from nothing, and I admire how successful he is today. He's always given me good insights and never steered me wrong.

PD: Describe coach Dean Chynoweth as succinctly as possible.

GW: Fair. I don't think you really want to cross him. He maximizes everybody's potential.

PD: Best part of playing for the Monsters?

GW: Practice facility, game facility. The way they treat us is first-class. With the fans, as passionate as they are, it almost seems like you're playing in an NHL city.

PD: Favorite hockey venue in which you've played?

GW: CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, home of the Penguins.

PD: Did you always want to play hockey?

GW: Yes. I've devoted my whole life to it. It's been a long road, but I've never wanted to do anything else.

PD: If not a hockey player, what?

GW: Professional golfer.

PD: Favorite course played?

GW: Trump National in L.A. That was a real treat, even if my score didn't reflect it.

PD: Longest drives?

GW: Probably 320-330.

PD: Best hockey advice received?

GW: If you work hard, good things will happen.

PD: Worst hockey injury suffered?

GW: I broke my left leg when I was in bantam. I scored a goal and was celebrating behind the net. A guy got ticked off, rammed me from behind and broke my leg. It wasn't a great thing, but I've gotten past it.

PD: Did you go after the person who did it to you?

GW: He actually was a friend of mine. Not anymore. Once I was able, and my leg was ready to go, we definitely settled it.

PD: On the ice?

GW: Off the ice.

PD: Is he still alive?

GW: [Chuckle] He's still alive, yes.

-- Dennis Manoloff

UPDATED: Browns cornerback Joe Haden sat out practice today with an oblique injury suffered Wednesday in practice. His status for the Cowboys is uncertain.

BEREA, Ohio — On Monday, Browns cornerback Joe Haden stormed back from the bye week talking about becoming "a lockdown dude again," and wanting to make a statement in the last seven games after sitting out four on suspension.

On Wednesday, he pulled an oblique muscle in position drills and by Thursday he sat out practice and teammates were wondering if he'd be able to help them shut down Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and his three amigos, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten.

"When anyone's down, especially a starter, it hurts," said Browns safety T.J. Ward. "Not having Joe will hurt us but the next guy just has to step up. That's how it's been all year. We haven't had our complete defense on the field at any point this (season) I don't think. It just seems like everyone's starting to get back and Joe, I won't say he went down, but he hasn't been practicing. Hopefully we can have him this weekend."

Sources said Thursday that Haden will do everything he can to play, but it depends on the severity of the injury. Rookie linebacker James-Michael Johnson suffered a severely pulled oblique in the final preseason game and sat out the first four games of the season.

"Reaching and stuff [was most painful]," said Johnson. "It was hard to use my left arm because it was here on my left side. Just picking up my left arm hurt . . . and trying to push against something hurt really bad."

Even with a healthy Haden, the Browns figured to have their hands full against the likes of Bryant, Austin and Witten.

"[Bryant's] really, really good," Haden said Monday before the injury. "We played in a high school All-Star game together, the East-West game, and I noticed him ever since I saw him there. He's a really tall, fast, strong receiver, can make all of the catches. Same thing with Miles Austin. Both of them are very talented. You've just got to be at the top of your game when you play either one of them. It's definitely going to be a challenge for us, and we have to come out this week in practice and play every practice like a game, pay attention to details and you definitely have to study film on them to understand what's going to happen.

"You just can't go out there and play them on straight ability because you'll get beat like that. You have to study tape, study film and basically have a jump on them and know what they're doing before they do it."

If Haden can't play, Sheldon Brown and Buster Skrine will start on the outside, with rookie Trevin Wade joining them against three receivers. Unfortunately for the Browns, cornerback Dimitri Patterson, who started all four games while Haden was suspended, is still sidelined with his high ankle sprain.

While Haden was out on his Adderall suspension in weeks two through five, the Browns gave up 10 of their 16 touchdown passes. In the four weeks since he's been back, they've given up only four. The impact of his absence can be felt in the fact that the Browns have already surrendered as many TD passes and they did all last season.

"I didn't gain an appreciation [for him while he was out] because I know how talented he is," said safety Usama Young, who will see plenty of tight end Witten. "I've been watching (Haden) since his first year and now playing alongside him, you see how talented he is. In this game, when guys go down, you've got to have guys that are gonna step up and play at a high level. We look forward to that on defense. We've got some young boys that are hungry, ready to play. Hopefully he [Haden] will play, but we don't know yet."

Young is gearing up not only for the relentless Witten, but for the two speedy wideouts.

"Both of them have good size," said Young. "They're 6-foot and over and speed to go along with it, so you can't really sit on their routes. Then once they catch the ball they're not looking to get down on the ground, they're looking to get some extra yards. All of that together makes them pretty good receivers, and then they've got a guy who can throw them the ball. He can throw every route."

Brown, who's had a pick-six, four breakups, a forced fumble and two recoveries in the past five games, knows how much the Browns need Haden this game.

"We need everybody on Sunday," he said. "If the quarterback is running backward, then it really doesn't matter who's in the back end. Bottom line is we need every man."

Haden was geared up to make up for lost time and play at a Pro Bowl-caliber clip the rest of the way.

"I just want to become an elite corner and do whatever the team needs and that's why I feel like I'm just going to try to make that push," he said before the injury. "The first half I wasn't really here the whole time, wasn't really able to do all I wanted to. During the end of the season, I feel like I'm going to make a statement. I feel like I'm just getting warmed up."

The Browns are hoping that's still true.

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

While Ohio State's linebackers are now healthy, one of Wisconsin's best could be out Saturday.

Wisconsin's Chris Borland (44) will not play Saturday against Ohio State because of a hamstring injury. A.J. Mast, AP file photo

Wisconsin would love to have him to. On Saturday, neither school may.

The Badgers' second-leading tackler could miss Saturday's game, or at least be limited, after hurting his right hamstring against Indiana last week. Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema told reporters in Madison after practice on Thursday that Borland, also the team's sack leader with 4.5, was practicing but still wasn't himself.

"Game speed is different than practice speed. It will be interesting to see when Saturday gets here," Bielema said, according to ESPNMilwaukee.com. "Each day has gotten better. He's very adamant about every day it feels better. A lot of times when you're dealing with an injury like that, you get concerned if they start regressing. He hasn't regressed.

"We're going to start the game and see where we're at, or at least pregame and see where we're at. Also, he hasn't gone full, open throttle, so if that gets to be an issue, obviously, we go in a different direction."

Most likely sophomore Marcus Trotter would play middle linebacker if Borland can't go. All this comes for the Badgers just as Ohio State plans to play its best three healthy linebackers for the first time this season. Ryan Shazier, Zach Boren and Etienne Sabino will start together for the first time since Boren moved from fullback, as Sabino prepares to return after missing a month with a broken bone in his leg.

Feeling fresh: Beyond actual injuries, the Buckeyes believe that coming off the bye week, they will feel better in general than they did at the end of a 10-week grind with no break to start the season.

"We had a lot of guys who needed a little time," defensive lineman John Simon said, who wouldn't admit that he was among them after battling various injuries all season. "Guys were dinged up."

Center Corey Linsley was back to practice Wednesday after missing some practice time during the off week with a foot sprain.

"Even though it came after 10 weeks of football, it came at a great time before Wisconsin," Linsley said. "We played 10 weeks of tough football week in and week out and to have that bye week before Wisconsin will help a lot."

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

With a compliance director in the football building and former Buckeye investigating potential issues, Ohio State's new compliance has a better chance of making sure the football wins matter.

Ohio State has brought in two people to help the football team stay in compliance with NCAA rules, hopefully avoiding a scandal like the one that forced out coach Jim Tressel, above. Marvin Fong, Plain Dealer file photo

DOUG LESMERISES

Plain Dealer Reporter

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Meet the new guy tucked into an office in the heart of the Ohio State football building, ready to answer any compliance questions that a coach might have. And meet the former Buckeye talking to area businesses and showing up for 5 a.m. football workouts to show the players that he's committed.

Meet them and care who they are, even right before Saturday's big game with Wisconsin, because Brad Bertani and Jason Singleton could help Ohio State football win a national championship.

"I don't think they'll invite us up to hold the crystal trophy on the stage after the game," Bertani said. "But if they view us as part of the team, that's a better working relationship."

Staying out of trouble is now as vital to a team's title hopes as covering kickoffs or getting off the field on third down.

The Plain Dealer earlier in the football season requested Ohio State's NCAA violations from mid-April through mid-September, and the school recently provided 27 secondary violations, including six regarding the football team.

Ohio State secondary violations

Detailing the Buckeyes' minor football violations

But all the violations were minor and accepted by Ohio State as part of its culture of reporting even minor infractions.

But if you don't think Bertani and Singleton, the two most important hires among the seven new additions made to the OSU compliance staff in the wake of the Buckeyes' NCAA sanctions, are part of the title chase, just ask yourself -- can Ohio State play for a title this season?

The Buckeyes' new compliance plan was part of the school's reaction to its NCAA problems and was outlined in an 805-page document delivered to the NCAA in August. In practicality, it's a simple act of self-interest that puts boots on the ground in the building. Before the NCAA issues, Ohio State did not have a compliance officer in the football building or specifically assigned to only the school's largest sport.

In the new world, and with a new football staff, Athletic Director Gene Smith said it was a necessary, and easy, change to make.

"I requested that," coach Urban Meyer said. "I wanted a guy right with us. When you have a rulebook that big, you have a million different questions, and he's been right there and he's been fantastic. I think you need a guy right in the building with you. I don't want any issues. Even small issues."

If compliance used to be those annoying guys from the office across the street who came in to give talks about not taking money every few months, this is far more proactive. The education of athletes is more frequent, and in smaller, more digestible chunks. And, theoretically, the setup is far more able to nip in the bud issues with tattoo parlors or overpayment for jobs or money handed out at charity events, all things that helped get Ohio State banned from a bowl this season.

"It gives us a much better chance," Smith told The Plain Dealer. "I feel really good about where we're going and very comfortable that we put in a better system."

The new plan is a lot about developing relationships and a bit about a presence. It's being a part of the program and policing it at the same time -- brother and Big Brother.

It's Bertani's "revolving door" of an office, located alongside the recruiting director and football operations director, where coaches can get questions answered with a quick walk down the hall rather than waiting for an email; it's Bertani, who led the entire compliance department at Tennessee before he came to Ohio State to focus on football, going to every Thursday football staff meeting; it's Bertani being able to note who comes and goes in the building and asking "Who's that?" if he sees someone he doesn't know in the hallway.

"To know everyone around the program is valuable for a compliance staff as well," said Bertani, who along with Singleton and compliance head Doug Archie met with The Plain Dealer this week. "Coaches and student-athletes over the years know that compliance is part of the deal, and that you'll either have them working with you or against you. We are there to help you and want to help prevent you putting yourself in a bad position or ruining your college experience."

It's Singleton's past as a Buckeye, having graduated as a captain of the basketball team in 1999, and his relative youth making him more able to relate to current players than anyone else on the compliance staff; it's his recent experience as an NCAA investigator letting him sniff out rumors, as he views himself as a "firefighter" looking for the smoke that can turn into compliance fires by thinking like the NCAA thinks; it's going to football practice or basketball practice, telling the Buckeyes he can still beat them in one-on-one, and establishing the trust that may lead to a player who knows of an issue coming to him first.

"If a guy comes in with a new tattoo, he may give you more information that way than if they just view you as the police," Singleton said. "Developing better relationships with the players makes them more willing to tell us information."

John Infante, a former Division I compliance director who now writes about NCAA issues, called putting a compliance administrator in the football building potentially higher risk, but with the chance for a higher reward. He said the official would need to assist the program, and not just police it, but at the same time, care needed to be taken that the football staff wasn't able to "flip" the compliance official. That would take someone with a strong enough personality to hold his own.

Bertani agreed, and said he fits the bill.

"I don't think you could put a new person in there," Bertani said. "You have to go through the meat grinder. In any football program, it's high intensity and people are moving fast and they want answers now. And you have to be able to tell them, 'no,' and explain why and be confident about it."

While interacting more, Ohio State also is taking in more information. The compliance office now takes photos of every player's vehicle and vehicle registration. Singleton does a sweep of the players' parking lot at home games and notes the cars that are new or not registered. Bertani, focusing on one sport, can monitor employment and charity events and financial aid and who gets tickets from the players more closely.

Compliance officers also are now on the sideline at every football game, and they accompany the football team and men's and women's basketball teams on every road trip. Singleton and Archie are headed to Wisconsin. They won't help the Buckeyes beat the Badgers. But they can help those wins count for more in the future, by staying close, lending a hand and keeping a watchful eye.

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

Swimmer Missy Franklin could have turned pro at any time and had sponsors lining up at her door. Instead, she will swim for Cal while pursuing her college degree.

Missy Franklin, 17, won four gold medals and a bronze at the London Olympics this past summer and could have cashed in by going pro and signing endorsement deals. Instead, she will attend college — and swim — at Cal in pursuit of a college degree. Mark J. Terrill, AP file photo

What is a college education worth?

What is the value of an 8 a.m. economics class, afternoons spent walking the quad and evenings in the library?

To one high school swimmer, they are worth millions, and that is not hyperbole.

Granted, Missy Franklin is not the typical high school swimmer, but she is someone high school student-athletes should take a moment to ponder while on their journeys toward the ultimate goal.

You might remember Missy "The Missile" Franklin. It has been only three months since she was on the cover of every sports section in America. She took the U.S. Olympic women's swim team by storm, winning two individual gold medals, two relay gold medals and a relay bronze at the London Games. She also set or was part of two world records, one Olympic record and two American marks.

She was just 17, heading into her senior year at Regis Jesuit High in Aurora, Colo.

She could have turned pro at any time and had sponsors lining up at her door. Conservative estimates place her endorsement marketability in the millions of dollars. In addition to being an absolute phenom in the pool, she has a magnetic personality and sharp mind that shine through in public appearances and interviews. She makes Michael Phelps look like a bucket of gray paint.

At the Olympics, Franklin said she wasn't ready to turn pro, even though she had emerged as the brightest new U.S. star. She caught the eye of Justin Bieber during the Games and she appeared on "Late Show With David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."

"For right now, I still believe that college is what's going to make me the happiest girl," she said in London.

It seemed like the right thing to say at the time, but I doubted it would ever happen when she said it. She also said she and her family would "weigh her options."

That sounded a lot like the college basketball stars who say they really want to stay in college another year to help their team win a championship, and then declare for the NBA Draft a week later.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. I've always felt college athletes who have helped bring millions of dollars in exposure to their school don't owe it to the institution to stay another day when a potential life-securing wage is waiting to be earned.

But Franklin's word was good as gold. On Wednesday, she signed a national letter of intent with California. The Bears are coached by Teri McKee, who also was the U.S. Olympic women's coach.

"I am so excited," Franklin said in a video statement. "I think a big draw to Cal for me was just the pride of saying you have a degree from Cal. I think that's such a great honor to say that. I can't wait to be challenged."

Franklin won't still be on the Cal swim team if and when she gets her degree. She said her plan is to stay two years at Cal, then turn pro and train full time for the 2016 Olympics.

Athletically, there is no reason for her to swim at Cal. But the fact that she has put everything else aside for now to experience and hopefully benefit from college says much about what that experience is worth, and why it is such a worthwhile goal for student-athletes.

To be clear, a tiny percentage of high school athletes actually will wear a college uniform.

For those who strive toward that goal, Franklin is a reminder that when they get there, competing isn't the reason to be there.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Mount Union begins its pursuit of another Division III national championship with a home playoff game against Christopher Newport.

Kent State running back Trayion Durham has 1,059 yards rushing on the season. Mike Groll, Associated Press

Top 25

No. 6 Ohio State at Wisconsin

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wis.

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

Notable: OSU (10-0, 6-0 Big Ten) and Wisconsin (7-3, 4-2) have turned this series into one of the best in the Big Ten. Banned from the Big Ten title game and the postseason, the best the Buckeyes can hope for is to go undefeated. Wisconsin, meanwhile, wants to prove it didn't get into the Big Ten championship by default. Montee Ball is two touchdowns shy of breaking the major-college career record, and he would love nothing more than to reach the mark in his last game at Camp Randall Stadium. Watch to see how Ohio State DE John Simon and DL Johnathan Hankins will try to knot things up in the middle to force Ball outside the tackles. OSU coach Urban Meyer is 32-2 when having more than a week to prepare for a game. The Buckeyes were off last week.

Next for OSU: Oct. 24 vs. Michigan, noon.

No. 25 Kent State at Bowling Green

Kickoff: Noon at Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, Ohio.

TV/radio: WEWS Channel 5; WHLO AM/640.

Notable: Kent State (9-1, 6-0 Mid-American Conference) has a formidable challenge to win an East Division title outright as Bowling Green (7-3, 5-1) offers a matchup of strength vs. strength. The Falcons have the No. 1 run defense in the conference, allowing a miserly 103.7 yards per game. Kent's strength is rushing the football, No. 2 in the MAC at 235.7 ypg as Trayion Durham (1,059) and Dri Archer (1,043) have both already eclipsed 1,000 yards with at least two games to play. BG also has tailback Anthon Samuel, who has rushed for 171 and 181 yards in two of his past three games.

Next for Kent: Nov. 23 vs. Ohio, TBD.

Next for BG: Nov. 23 vs. Buffalo, TBD.

Mid-American Conference

Miami at Central Michigan

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Notable: Miami (4-6, 3-3) and Central Michigan (4-6, 2-4) need to win out to become bowl-eligible for the season as both have already seen their league title hopes fade. Miami quarterback Zac Dysert is coming off a 455-yard, four-TD passing game against Kent State in defeat to put him at 11,452 passing yards in his career, and just 78 passing yards short of 3,000 for the season. CMU tailback Zurlon Tipton (1,093 yards, 13 TD) is one of seven backs in the league with more than 1,000 yards rushing on the season.

NCAA Division III playoffs

First round

No. 1 Mount Union vs. Christopher Newport (Va.)

Kickoff: Noon at Mount Union Stadium, Alliance.

TV: SportsTime Ohio (delayed, Sunday at 5 a.m.; Monday at noon).

Notable: Mount Union (10-0) completed its seventh straight undefeated regular season with a 59-17 win at John Carroll, clinching its 21st straight Ohio Athletic Conference championship. Mount Union sophomore QB Kevin Burke (St. Edward) finished the regular season with a career night vs. JCU, passing for 379 yards and five TDs. On the season, he has completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 2,250 yards with 24 TDs and four interceptions. Mount's defense finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense (156.7 ypg), scoring defense (4.5 ppg) and pass defense (119.00 ypg). Christopher Newport (6-4) -- a state school of 5,000 students in Newport News, Va. -- won the USA South Conference. The Captains are ranked 143rd in the nation in offense and 133rd in the nation in defense.

Next: Winner plays second-round game vs. Johns Hopkins/Washington & Jefferson winner on Nov. 22 at site TBA.

Heidelberg vs. Wittenberg

Kickoff: Noon at Frost-Kalnow Stadium, Tiffin, Ohio.

Notable: Both teams are 9-1. Wittenberg won the North Coast Athletic Conference title and received an automatic NCAA bid. Heidelberg, from the OAC, was one of eight schools to receive an at-large bid. Heidelberg's only loss was against Mount Union. Heidelberg has seen its program flourish under sixth-year head coach Mike Hallett, who took over a team that had lost 36 consecutive games. After three 4-6 seasons and a 5-5 campaign, Heidelberg turned in an 8-2 record a season ago, but did not earn a berth in the tournament. Wittenberg's only loss came in Week 5 against Wabash, 27-24.

Next: Second-round game, TBA.

-- From staff reports