Lee converted a three-point play that sparked a 19-10 second-half run for the Vikings in a NIT Tip-Off consolation game.

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Charlie Lee led four players in double figures with 15 points as Cleveland State beat Alabama-Huntsville, 71-69, Monday night in an NIT Season Tip-Off consolation game.

Anton Grady scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half for Cleveland State while Tim Kamczyc and Sebastian Douglas added 11 apiece.

Cleveland State (4-1) trailed 34-32 at halftime and fell behind, 57-48, with 9:49 left to play. However, Lee converted a three-point play that sparked a 19-10 run for the Vikings. Douglas capped the run with a layup that tied the game 67-all with 3:24 remaining and his free throw with 1:52 showing gave Cleveland State a 70-67 advantage.

Conner Blasi hit two free throws to close the gap to one, 70-69, but Alabama-Huntsville (3-2) missed two layups on its final possession.

Blasi had 19 points for Alabama-Huntsville, which was held without a field goal over the final 4:44.

The Buckeyes who arrived in 2008 will never play in a BCS title game, as they expected they would. But they can still go out on a high note.

"To leave the right way, the way we wanted to go out, going out and competing hard so the Buckeye fans can be proud of us," senior OSU safety Orhian Johnson (celebrating Saturday's win over Wisconsin with coach Urban Meyer) said Monday, "it means a lot for me as a senior that I left it like this." Andy Manis, Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- They arrived in 2008 as one of the most-hyped recruiting classes in Ohio State history, hitting campus after the Buckeyes had lost consecutive national title games, planning to put their team over the top.

"The expectation was we would come in and win championships. We would win Big Ten championships. We would beat Michigan every year and we'd win national championships," safety Zach Domicone said.

Of the 20 players in that class, seven, including Terrelle Pryor, left before they reached their senior years. Five more played four seasons and left after suffering through a chaotic 6-7 year as seniors in 2011 that included their first loss to Michigan.

The other eight are here now, ready to finish careers they never envisioned evolving like this. They stuck around even after the hopes for their final season as Buckeyes came crashing down during a bus ride last December.

Three Big Ten titles and three BCS bowl games from 2008-10, though one of each was wiped away by NCAA sanctions; the first losing record since 1988 in 2011; three head coaches in Jim Tressel, Luke Fickell and Urban Meyer; and now, a chance to finish a perfect season against Michigan.

"It was almost like a movie. There were good parts and bad parts. You had winning the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. And then having a bad year and coming back and having a chance to have an undefeated season, which would be unbelievable," linebacker Etienne Sabino said. "I think they should make a movie on that."

One of the featured scenes would include the seniors riding on a bus back from a hospital visit last Dec. 20 and getting the news that the NCAA had slapped Ohio State with a bowl ban for what would be their final farewell in 2012. Patients had been asking the confused Buckeyes about how they felt about the sanctions.

"Gene Smith had come in numerous times and told us there wouldn't be a bowl ban. I don't think anyone saw it coming. It really was shocking," Domicone said. "Everyone was kind of at a loss for words. People were angry."

Asked Monday if he regretted not taking a self-imposed ban last season in the hopes of avoiding one in 2012, Smith said, "The decisions that we made relative to our NCAA case we made to the best of our abilities with the information in front of us. I am not into speculative positioning in life.

"I could sit here and give you a million other what-ifs had we taken that [self-imposed ban]. But I'm not going there. I'm worried about making sure that we position our football staff, our student-athletes, everything we can, to have the opportunity to beat That Team Up North. That's my mission right now.

"I apologize if that sounds insensitive, but that is the reality of what we have to do today, what is in front of us, not what is behind us."

On Dec. 20, the future will filled with confusion. Soon the team was meeting. By NCAA rule, players can transfer without sitting out a season if a team is banned from the postseason. That applied to the fifth-year seniors and vital fourth-year seniors like John Simon, Zach Boren and Reid Fragel.

They all stayed.

Thinking about that Monday, Meyer almost choked up.

"It's tough. It's tough. I usually get emotional talking about those guys. Those kids could have all went wherever they wanted to go," said Meyer, who had been on the job less than a month. "I had no idea who they were, and they didn't know me. So it was a leap of faith. I think it was also the love for their school. When you look at these kids, now that I know them, I know exactly why they stayed."

It was to finish some business.

Arriving at a time when making the BCS National Championship wasn't enough for a frustrated fan base angered by consecutive losses, the 2008 group will leave without playing in the game. But compared to how some of their classmates had to go out a year ago, the fifth-year seniors are thankful that they were allowed to leave like this.

"Coming from that whole situation, getting used to having a new coach to getting another new coach and a whole new staff, it was definitely something that was tough on us," safety Orhian Johnson said. "But to leave the right way, the way we wanted to go out, going out and competing hard so the Buckeye fans can be proud of us, it means a lot for me as a senior that I left it like this."

"To look at the things I've had in the five years I've been here, there have been ups and downs, and to come out for my senior year and have it all be up," cornerback Travis Howard said, "it's amazing."

"If we take care of business on Saturday and go out the right way, I wouldn't go back and change anything," Domicone said. "With all the turmoil and things that have happened, even with not being able to go a bowl game or anything like that, to go 12-0 and silence the doubters and the critics, it would be unbelievable."

After they're gone, with the bowl ban lifted and the Buckeyes returning a lot of key players for Meyer's second season, Ohio State could very well compete for a national title in 2013. The Class of 2008 won't be around. But with what they did helping this team find itself this season, they would be a part of it.

The Indians must submit their 40-man roster to the commissioner's office in New York Tuesday in preparation for the Rule 5 Draft at the winter meetings.

The Indians invited Matt Carson, above, and Cedric Hunter to spring training. Elaine Thompson/AP Photo

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians, along with the 29 other big-league teams, must set their 40-man rosters by Tuesday in preparation for the Rule 5 Draft at the winter meetings.

As of Monday they were at 39 players. Among players being considered were right-handers Chen-Chang Lee and Trey Haley and outfielder Tim Fedroff.

Lee impressed the big league staff in spring training this past season, but injured his right elbow and needed Tommy John surgery. Haley, a reliever, struck out 49 in 28 2/3 innings while pitching at the Arizona Rookie League, Class A Carolina and Class AA Akron. In eight appearances in the Arizona Fall League, Haley allowed two runs on two hits in 11 innings.

Fedroff started the year at Class AA Akron and hit .305 (62-for-203) with 27 runs, nine doubles, five triples, three homers and 22 RBI. He hit .325 (86-for-265) with 52 runs, 14 doubles, five triples, nine homers and 32 RBI at Class AAA Columbus. This winter he hit .239 (17-for-71) with one homer and five RBI for Aguilas in the Dominican Republic.

Players eligible to be drafted by another team if they're not protected on the 40-man roster fall into two categories.

• Any player who was 19 or older when he signed and has been in the organization for four years; or

• Any player who was 18 or younger when he signed and has been in the organization for five years.

Lefty Nick Hagadone is still on the minor-league suspended list and will not count against the 40-man roster. A decision has yet to be rendered on Hagadone's grievance to restore his service time.

You're invited: The Indians signed outfielders Matt Carson and Cedric Hunter to minor-league deals with invitations to participate with the big-league club next spring in Goodyear, Ariz.

Carson, 31, played 26 games with the Twins last season. He hit .282 (119-for-422) with 28 doubles, two triples 14 homers and 53 RBI at Class AAA Rochester.

Hunter, 24, is a left-handed hitter who batted .268 (95-for-355) with 19 doubles, two triples, five homers and 44 RBI in 129 games at Class AAA Memphis (St. Louis).

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Current Buckeyes are excited about the idea of seeing former coach Jim Tressel during his return for the 10-year reunion of the 2002 Ohio State team.

Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and members of the 2002 national championship team will be in Columbus on Saturday. Paul Sakuma, AP file photo

The 2002 Ohio State national championship team will be honored on the field during Saturday's game with Michigan, with a huge number of former Buckeyes expected to turn out for the occasion. And the 2012 Buckeyes, most of whom were recruited and coached by Tressel and many of whom still stay in touch with the old coach, are looking forward to it as well.

Tressel has indicated his intentions to be part of the reunion. And the current players expect OSU fans to greet him warmly.

"Honestly I feel like the fans never really lost their love for coach Tressel, because of the stuff that he did and the kind of guy that he was,” senior safety Orhian Johnson said. “I know that I never did. All I can think of is guys going out there and praising him for what he did. I don’t have any animosity toward coach Tressel in any way, shape or form.”

The reunion was organized by 2002 captain Mike Doss and some other Buckeyes, not by the school. But Smith said from the start that anyone from that team was welcome to attend.

Some people will embrace it, some people will not,” Smith told The Plain Dealer on Monday. “Some people will feel it's awkward, some people will not. I'm not going to feel it's awkward because I'm realistic - he was part of that team. And I know what he means to those players, and that's what I focus on. If Mike Doss and those guys want him there, they should have him there. And I know that's a different view from what a lot of other people feel, and I understand that.”

But the 2002 Buckeyes and 2012 Buckeyes are in agreement. They want their old coach back.

"I hope that Buckeye fans would welcome coach Tressel back and the things that he did for this university were amazing,” punter Ben Buchanan said. “I have the utmost of respect for him and for a lot of these seniors, we feel very honored that the man that recruited us and brought us here and developed us when we were younger players is going to be able to see us off in our final game. I’m very much looking forward to having him in the stadium.”

Ohio State's uniform for Saturday's game NIKE

New uniforms: At a pep rally at the student union on Monday night, Ohio State officially unveiled the special uniforms the Buckeyes will wear Saturday, following the pattern they've had of one-time Nike uniforms for the Michigan game. The look, supposedly intended to honor the 1968 team, features chrome helmets with a wide scarlet stripe; scarlet jerseys with large, reflective gray numbers; smaller numbers on the shoulder pads; seven Buckeye leaves on the back collar; and gray pants with a stripe that goes only three-quarters of the way up the leg.

Award time: Quarterback Braxton Miller was named one of three finalists for the Davey O'Brien Award given to the nation's best quarterback. Miller joined Kansas State's Collin Klein and Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel. This could be a good sign for Miller's chances of making the list of Heisman Trophy finalists.

Cornerback Bradley Roby was not named one of the three finalists for the Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in the country. On a smaller scale, defensive lineman John Simon was named the Big Ten's defensive Player of the Week after his four-sack performance against Wisconsin, while Philly Brown was named the conference's special teams player of the week after returning a punt 68 yards for a score.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com

James was one of the premier pass defenders of his era and a sure tackler, helping the Browns reach the championship game in each of his eight seasons.

Tommy James, surrounded by other former Browns, is in the middle of the front row. Also in front are Tony Adamle (left) and Dante Lavelli (right). In the back are (left to right) Mel Maceau, Otto Graham and Lin Houston. Photo taken at a Touchdown Club banquet on Dec. 7, 1978. 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. 57, Tommy James, defensive back, 1948-55

Tommy James was one of the premier pass defenders of his era. And, he was a sure tackler. It was a time in pro football history when most offenses were more geared to run with the football than throw it, and defensive backs were relied on more than ever to thwart opposing ball-carriers. James excelled at the task.

James played on the great Massillon High School team coached by Paul Brown, and on Ohio State's 1942 national championship team that Brown coached. James then served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II. He played again at Ohio State in 1946, the same year the Browns began play in the All-America Football Conference with, of course, Brown as their coach.

The Detroit Lions picked James in the 17th round of the 1947 National Football League draft. He broke an arm in the second game and missed the rest of the campaign. Then, prior to the 1948 season, James signed with the Browns, again connecting with Paul Brown.

Cleveland played in the championship game in each of James' eight seasons: in 1948-49 in the AAFC; from 1950-55 in the NFL. The Browns won both AAFC title games, making them the champion in all four years the league played. They won NFL championship games in 1950, 1954 and 1955.

James intercepted 34 passes in regular season games for the Browns, and scored touchdowns on an interception return and a fumble recovery. James' nine interceptions in 1950 -- when NFL teams played 12-game schedules -- stood as Cleveland's single-season record until 1978, when Thom Darden had 10 picks in 16 games.

James had four interceptions in championship games. He often held for Lou Groza's placekicks, a duty now taken for granted, but not then, when special teams play wasn't emphasized and practiced as it is now. James was the holder on one of the more famous field goals in NFL history, Groza's last-minute, 16-yarder that gave the Browns their 30-28 championship game win over the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 24, 1950 at Cleveland Stadium.

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

Video: Highlights from the 1955 Los Angeles Rams season includes, about 6:50 in, several plays from the Browns' 38-14 championship game win over the Rams at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. About 7:25 in, Tommy James (42) intercepts a Norm Van Brocklin pass and returns it 11 yards:

Second-year forward Tristan Thompson also suffers nasal fracture Sunday in Philadelphia.

Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving will be out for up to four weeks after suffering a non-displaced fracture of his left index finger last weekend. Michael Perez, Associated Press

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers lost much more than two games over the weekend: They lost star point guard Kyrie Irving for four weeks with a fractured left index finger.

On Twitter, Irving wrote: "Freak injury, minor setback but ill be back soon everybody, Love the support"

In addition, starting power forward Tristan Thompson suffered a nasal fracture at Philadelphia and will play with a mask in Wednesday's game against Philadelphia at The Q. Rookie Tyler Zeller already is wearing a mask to protect the fractured cheekbone he suffered against the Clippers on Nov. 5 in Los Angeles.

In the only good news for the team, Daniel Gibson suffered a bruised right elbow on Saturday against Dallas, and it acted up in Philadelphia. He missed that game but is expected to play Wednesday.

Irving, the reigning NBA rookie of the year who is leading the team with 22.9 points per game, bruised his left index finger during the third quarter of Saturday night's loss to Dallas, but finished that game. He complained about it afterward but traveled with the team to Philadelphia and played 37:18 in the loss, making just four of 14 shots.

He had an MRI and CT scan of his finger on Monday that revealed a hairline/non-displaced fracture. According to a release issued by the team, the injury will be treated with taping and a splint. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate.

It's the second significant injury suffered by the young point guard this year. He broke a bone in his right hand during summer-league practice last July in Las Vegas, although he recovered in time for training camp. Last season, he missed 14 games, 10 with a sprained right shoulder. He missed three games with a concussion and one when he was sick.

Thompson is averaging 9.7 points and 8.5 rebounds. Gibson, averaging 9.3 points, has been the only consistently productive player off the bench.

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress reportedly will be getting another tour of duty with the Pittsburgh Steelers. St. Ignatius grad Brian Hoyer is also headed to Pittsburgh, according to reports.

Plaxico Burress last played for the Steelers in 2004. Associated Press

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress reportedly will be getting another tour of duty with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ESPN reported that after an impressive workout on Tuesday morning, Burress signed with the team.

Though he has not played this season, Burress has been adamant that he could help a team at age 35. He spent his first five NFL seasons with the Steelers before signing with the New York Giants in 2005.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the Steelers worked out Burress, wide receiver Derrick Williams and quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Mike Kafka at their practice facility.

CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora reported Hoyer, a St. Ignatius grad, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers.

The Steelers needed a wide receiver to replace Jerricho Cotchery, who suffered multiple rib fractures near the end of the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. In addition, wide receiver Antonio Brown, who missed the past two games with a high-ankle sprain, is not expected to play Sunday at Cleveland.

After missing two seasons while serving a prison sentence for possession of an illegal firearm, Burress returned to the NFL with the New York Jets last season and had 45 catches and eight touchdowns. Look for the Steelers to use him as a situational receiver in the red zone.

The Steelers need to add a backup quarterback because of the injuries to Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) and Byron Leftwich (ribs). Veteran Charlie Batch is expected to start Sunday against the Browns. Hoyer is a former backup with the New England Patriots, and Kafka played with Philadelphia Eagles.

SN staff writer Clifton Brown and correspondent Gerry Dulac contributed to this report.

Rutgers is joining the Big Ten, leaving the Big East behind and cashing in on the school's investment in a football program that only 10 years ago seemed incapable of competing at the highest level.

Rutgers is joining the Big Ten, leaving the Big East behind. AP Photo/Mel Evans

On today's episode of Sports Insider, The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff joined cleveland.com's Glenn Moore to talk Indians and Browns. Watch video

One think to be thankful for is the young talent on the Browns, says Dennis Manoloff. AP Photo/Brandon Wade

Browns defensive end Jabaal Sheard has been on both ends of a donated-turkey event at Thanksgiving. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Browns defensive end Jabaal Sheard knows what it's like to receive a donated turkey for Thanksgiving.

While growing up in Florida, he did it often enough that Tuesday's participation by the Cleveland Browns at the Cleveland Foodbank hit home.

"I never thought I'd be in the position I'm in now where I'm able to help," said Sheard. "It's truly a blessing."

The Foodbank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Northeast Ohio. It serves a six-county area and distributes more than 34 million pounds of food per year. Several Browns players donated food and spent their time loading food into trucks and cars.

Anne Goodman, president and CEO of the Foodbank, said the Browns' participation was a big deal.

"It's a great symbol of all of the caring that goes on in our community," Goodman said. "The Browns are chief among so many in Cleveland that refuse to let people go hungry, and this isn't just a media spot, it's what they do year round to help fight hunger. "

The Cavs' point guard talks about his injured finger that will keep him out of action for four weeks. Donald Sloan and Jeremy Pargo are expected to take his place in the lineup.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving turns the ball over as he falls in front of Philadelphia 76ers' Spencer Hawes (00) and Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half Nov. 18, 2012, in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 86-79. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kyrie Irving immediately knew something was seriously wrong.

The Cavaliers point guard was trying to swipe the ball away from Darren Collison as the Dallas guard went up for a shot. Instead of hitting the ball, Irving hit his left index finger on Collison's shoe.

"I just knew it wasn't a jammed finger," Irving said on Tuesday in explaining how he suffered a fractured left index finger that will keep him out four weeks. "I've jammed almost every finger on my hand, so I just knew when it started turning black and blue . . . I just thought it was a bad sprain, but it just turned out to be broken."

It's the latest injury for the Cavs leading scorer, coming on the heels of a broken right hand suffered during summer league in Las Vegas. He missed games last season with a concussion and sprained right shoulder and played just 11 games in his only season at Duke because of a toe injury. He sprained the same shoulder in high school.

"It's frustrating," he admitted. "I'm just glad it's not injuries, knock on wood, such as something that could keep me out for six months or nothing like that. I'm going to miss a few games, I'm aware of that, but you just gotta stay positive. Things happen in the game of basketball and obviously I can play, but I'm just being cautious right now."

Irving had an X-ray on Saturday night at The Q, and had another on Sunday at Philadelphia. Both were negative, and he tried to play through the pain.

"Obviously, we didn't catch it in the X-rays," said Irving, who was able to take shots at practice on Tuesday because there was no threat of anyone hitting his hand and causing additional damage. "So they had no idea. I had no idea. I wanted to play anyway just to give it a try, but as it turned out it was broken.

"It was just very frustrating against Philly. I kind of knew I couldn't play with it. I had one hand, and I couldn't hold onto the ball. Especially at the end of the game in the fourth quarter. That's when I'm at my best, and I just couldn't put it in my left hand or make any moves and it was frustrating. The time off is much needed and I'm just going to get healthy and come back ready."

The Cavaliers are 2-8 with a six-game losing streak heading into tonight's home game against Philadelphia, and that's with Irving. Coach Byron Scott said Tuesday he had not decided whether to start Donald Sloan or Jeremy Pargo in place of Irving. Rookie Dion Waiters also will run the point occasionally, as he has been.

Sloan said the rest of the Cavs also remain positive.

"All of our guys will step up more," he said after practice on Tuesday. "We'll try to be more detailed in what we do. The focus has to go up with everybody. It's going to make guys pay attention to detail more and focus on what we'll do. Guys will try to lock in. . . . We have a great group here. Everyone knows the situation is bad, that we lost our best player. Guys will really step up. Everybody has to do more."

According to Scott, Sloan is better at running the team, while Pargo is better defensively. Both players will get more time with Irving out.

"One thing at the end of the day, when this season's over, one thing a lot of these guys aren't going to be able to say is, 'Coach never gave me a shot,' " Scott said. "It's just a matter of when you get that shot, you better try to take advantage of it."

Former Akron coach Lee Owens has put together a collection of Division I transfers and overlooked talents into a Div. II title contender.

Lee Owens' undefeated Ashland University Eagles will host West Texas A&M at 11 a.m. Saturday in the second round of the Division II playoffs. Ashland University photo

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Most fans know Ohio is the home of a Division I undefeated football team -- Ohio State. And you can be sure that if the Division III playoffs have begun, there's another undefeated team -- Mount Union.

"Now, we make it three," said Lee Owens, football coach at Ashland University, whose Eagles are 11-0, ranked No. 4 in Division II.

You may remember Owens, who coached at Akron from 1995-2003. He also was an assistant at OSU under John Cooper, and the head coach at Massillon High School. This is his ninth season at Ashland, and the Eagles have their best record since 1972.

They will host West Texas A&M at 11 a.m. Saturday in the second round of the Division II playoffs. The Eagles had a first-round bye.

Owens has done this with a quarterback from his backyard ...

A star defensive back who once played for Illinois in the Rose Bowl ...

An NFL-caliber lineman who was ignored by the Division I schools when playing for Valley Forge ...

"At this level, you put together a team in different ways than you do in Division I," he said. "I have 36 scholarships that I have broken up and used on 72 different players. Also, at Division II, you give players a chance who may have gone somewhere else at a higher level -- but found it wasn't the right fit."

He mentioned Anthony Capasso, the St. Edward product who leads the Eagles with 59 receptions.

Kent State transfer Anthony Capasso has 59 receptions this season for Ashland, was is a first-team member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference all-league team. Ashland University photo

"Anthony went to Kent but never played there," Owens said. "We liked him in high school, and so he transferred here. He's played all four years for us, and he's first team all-league. He's doing great, student teaching [physical education] this year."

The Eagles play in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, where they struggled for years to get past powerhouse Grand Valley State, which has won four Division II national titles since 2002.

Last season, another conference school (Wayne State) coached by another former Zip (Paul Winters) lost in the Division II national finals. Owens is hoping this could be Ashland's year to drive deep into the playoffs.

A big reason is quarterback Taylor Housewright, "and he comes right from our backyard," said Owens. "Ashland High." The 6-2 Housewright has stunning statistics: 30 touchdown passes to only one interception, completing 68 percent of his attempts. If he were a few inches taller, he'd be at a major football program.

"He reminds me of Charlie Frye," said Owens, who recruited the former Browns quarterback out of Willard High. When at Akron, Owens and Paul Winters (a former Zip offensive coordinator) snared the lightly-recruited Frye, who became one of Akron's best quarterbacks ever.

While Housewright was the GLIAC Player of the Year, Jamie Meder from Valley Forge is the conference lineman of the year. Last year, Ashland defensive lineman Jeris Pendleton was a seventh-round pick by Jacksonville.

"The NFL scouts have been around, and they say Jamie is a better prospect than Pendleton," said Owens. "I keep telling them that Jamie is only a junior. He has started from Day One for us."

One of the most interesting stories is Brian Gamble, a Massillon product who began his career at Illinois, where he caught 16 passes in 2007. One of those catches led to an upset of Ohio State in 2007. He had two receptions in the 2008 Rose Bowl.

Then came maturity issues.

"He left Illinois after he got into a bar fight and was underage," said Owens. "He played here in 2009, then left school because he had a child and needed to go to work. He worked the next two years at Pepsi and the Boys and Girls Club."

Gamble approached Owens about playing again this season. He had to make up some courses, and then ended up being the GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year as a safety. He's also caught 13 passes on offense. Owens compared him to Domenik Hixon, a former Zip now with the New York Giants.

"Sometimes, it takes a while to mature and figure out what you want out of life," said Owens. "Brian has done that. He's made the dean's list and he's taking criminal justice courses."

Owens said he has three transfers from Division I schools -- they are eligible to play right away because they have dropped down a level. He has one junior-college player.

"Most of our guys are from Ohio high schools," he said. "We have Tyler Houska from Medina Highland, who plays on our defensive line, and he's also a heavyweight wrestler. That's something you don't see at the D-I level, guys playing football and wrestling. But they can do it here."

For years, Ashland played at the local high school field. They had won only four games in the two years before Owens arrived. They moved into a new $23 million stadium in 2010. Owens has a career 66-33 record at Ashland.

"The new stadium has made a huge difference in the program," said Owens. "Our student body is really engaged. We have 2,200 students, and we've had home games this year where about 1,000 were admitted on student IDs. We're a fun team to watch."

MAC commissioner says new playoff system will provide "a lot more revenue for our member institutions."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The new BCS format that begins in 2014 doesn't exactly put the Mid-American Conference on a level playing field with the Big Five football conferences, but it at least unlocks the gates, says MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher.

The highest ranking team from one of the five non-automatic qualifying conferences -- the Big East, MAC, Conference-USA, WAC and Sun Belt -- will get to play in one of the top "access" bowls which traditionally have payouts well over $1 million.

"I believe we came out of (creation of the new BCS playoff system) in a very good place," says MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. PD file

But to become one of the four teams playing for a national title, a team from the MAC would have to be ranked among the top four teams in the country, which has included teams from the five super conferences -- the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, Pac 12 and ACC. Neither the eye of a group of impartial beholders or a computer spreadsheet will apparently determine which four teams that will be.

"What there will be is a selection committee that will have its own rankings," Steinbrecher said on the MAC's weekly teleconference. "Those ultimately would be the rankings that we would use. There will be a selection committee for whatever this (BCS) group will be called the next time around."

So in the end, the biggest plus for the MAC from the BCS negotiations is the league and its members are going to get paid.

"From the Mid-American Conference point of view, when I went into this, my focus was on two things; access into the system and revenue," Steinbrecher said of the 11-month negotiations.

"I believe we came out of that in a very good place. We ended up with three contract bowls [for the semifinal games and title games] and three access bowls. The highest-ranked champion among those five [non-qualifying conferences] will have assured access on an annual basis. That was a big get for the Mid-American Conference. We like our chances to compete for that on a yearly basis.

"The second part was the revenue distribution. Again, we made good progress. I'm not in a position to talk about a specific number, but I will say there will be significant growth from the revenue the Mid-American Conference derives from this system.

Steinbrecher said declined to give both the MAC's current BCS payout or what's anticipated going forward. "I can't go into specific numbers, but it will be a lot more revenue for our conference and a lot more revenue for our member institutions. I'll just leave it at it's very, very significant. It's night and day."

Bowl outlook: Steinbrecher said the MAC is tracking the bowl landscape. It's uncertain whether there will be teams with at least .500 records qualifying for all of the 35 scheduled bowls. At the moment there could be as few as 69 qualified teams, or as many as 72. That bolsters the chances of a bowl bid for the six MAC bowl-eligible teams.

The MAC has three tie-ins with bowl games in Detroit; Mobile, Ala.; and Boise, Idaho. Detroit gets to pick first followed by Mobile and Boise. Only the MAC's division winners, Kent State (10-1, 7-0) and Northern Illinois (10-1, 7-0), are guaranteed to land a bowl spot.

"I will remind everyone they will not, necessarily, have to take the first, second, or third-place team," Steinbrecher said of Detroit, Mobile and Boise. "They choose who they choose. What we do know is our two division champions will end up in a bowl, somewhere."

The MAC also has secondary agreements with bowls in Albuquerque, N.M.; Birmingham, Ala.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Dallas, should any of those bowls not be able to take a team from their primary conferences.

KIRTLAND, Ohio -- There is nothing like football practice on Thanksgiving morning. Only 24 high school teams in Ohio get to do that as the playoffs wind down to the semifinals in the six divisions. Being with your family -- football and otherwise -- is what it should be about this time of year.

Kirtland’s Damon Washington has helped carry the defending Division V state champion Hornets to the semifinals this weekend. - (Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

KIRTLAND, Ohio -- There is nothing like football practice on Thanksgiving morning.

Only 24 high school teams in Ohio get to do that as the playoffs wind down to the semifinals in the six divisions. Being with your family -- football and otherwise -- is what it should be about this time of year.

Kirtland senior running back Damon Washington has come to understand that more than most teenagers. His perspective on the game and on life has held its share of peaks and valleys, both on and off the field.

While it's easy to see all the yards gained and touchdowns scored by Washington for the defending Division V state champion Hornets, there is a missing element that creeps into the notoriety and celebration.

Washington, 17, has had little contact with his parents since he was 5 years old. He has been raised by his maternal grandparents, Smith and Nancy Owens, in this quaint community just south of Interstate 90 in Lake County.

"I really didn't realize it at first," said Washington, whose biological parents still live in Ohio. "When I got older, it got to be tough. I remember thinking it wasn't normal. I guess I knew why. But then again, why me?"

It was not the easiest way to start off for a biracial kid in a mostly white environment. After his mother was forced to give him up to a series of foster homes, it fell to his grandparents to take action.

"They took him out of a couple foster homes, and we said that can't happen," said Smith "Buzz" Owens, who worked construction until 2008. "I was 50 then. We didn't have to ponder it."

It may sound like an easy call, but there were some problems those first few years with emotional outbursts and rebellious behavior. There also was some tough love that came from his grandparents -- a former Chardon football player and his down-to-earth Italian wife.

"If you can't make A's and B's in school, if you can't spend an hour in [Catholic] church each week, you can't go out with your friends," recalled Nancy, who still works in a nearby nursing home. "I think, at first, he blamed himself for being separated from his mom, but it was not his fault. He really was kind of shy back then.

"They say a community helps raise a kid. They are right. He's got a lot of good friends in Kirtland and he bonded with Buzz."

That's where sports like wrestling, swimming and basketball came in. And, of course, football.

"I fell in love with football," said Washington, who has 1,695 yards rushing with 30 touchdowns this fall and is considering scholarship offers from most Mid-American Conference schools. "I've been playing since I was 6."

Along the way, he met quarterback Scott Eilerman and lineman Bob Matthews, with linemen Ben Nye and Evan Brettrager coming on board over the years. All five senior captains experienced the low of losing to Youngstown Ursuline, 48-0, two years ago in a regional final.

So, even after going 15-0 to claim the school's first state title a year ago, rallying from a 24-0 deficit last Saturday to defeat Ursuline, 38-37, in a rematch was something special.

"It was an amazing game," said Washington, who was held in check for the first time this season with 15 rushing yards on seven carries. "They were keying on me, but [sophomore Adam] Hess [three touchdowns] and Scott stepped up, the whole O-line and defense. I knew we could pull it off.

"It was a special moment because we did it as a team. It was beautiful."

It's beautiful the way players have a way of coming together like family, and his teammates expressed that about their star runner and cornerback. Like brothers through time, they have each other's backs.

"We're his family and that comes out between us," said Eilerman of his longtime backfield mate.

It comes out in Washington when he introduces himself to strangers with a "sir" and a firm, look-in-your-eye handshake. Grandpa Buzz is proud of that.

"Damon's been blessed being unusually talented," said Buzz Owens. "I told him to make sure to thank the Lord and be humble. He's got that camaraderie with his teammates. I remember them telling me not to worry about him, 'We got Damon covered.' "

And Grandma Nancy couldn't help herself in announcing her grandson making the honor roll.

"We've had him since the first grade and now he's getting ready to graduate," she said. "I can't believe it. God has blessed us with a fine young man. He's got his head on straight, and he's going all the way."

Even with thoughts of a second straight state title and a future playing football in college closing in, Washington tried to keep things in perspective, as he learned through the years.

"There were times, like the holidays, when you wondered about your mom and dad and why you weren't a family," he said. "But my grandmother and grandfather made it as normal as they could. They have been great to me.

"I have faith in God and know I'm a good person. I've dealt with it, and I'm not going to let it tear me down. I might have a better relationship with my parents someday. Who knows what the future holds?"

You could say he has more family than most.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

Getting to know Damon Washington

School: Kirtland.

Age: 17. Year: Senior.

College: Undecided. Has offers from many Division I schools. Intends to pursue a business degree.

Height, weight: 5-9, 180.

Positions: Running back/cornerback.

Statistics: This year -- 1,695 yards rushing, 30 touchdowns; 331 yards receiving, 5 TDs. Junior year -- 1,620 yards rushing, 23 TDs; 340 yards receiving, 5 TDs; two interception returns for TDs. Sophomore year -- 490 yards rushing, 535 yards receiving, 14 total TDs. Freshman year -- 126 yards rushing, 66 yards receiving.

Did you know: Favorites include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Michael Jordan, "No Strings Attached" movie, "Almost Lose It" song by Trey Songz, Facebook.com, "Madden" video games, "Hamlet" play and Olive Garden restaurant.

Quotable: "I've been in Kirtland since the first grade. It's a small town where everybody knows everybody. They are my extended family and a great community. It's an amazing place."

The Indians outrighted Matt LaPorta and Brent Lillibridge and designated for assignment Fabio Martinez to add Tim Fedroff, Chen-Chang Lee, Trey Haley and T.J. House to the 40-man roster before Tuesday's midnight deadline.

Outfielder Tim Fedroff, who hit .325 at Class AAA Columbus this year, was added to the Tribe's 40-man roster on Tuesday. PD file photo

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians added outfielder Tim Fedroff, right-handers Chen-Chang Lee and Trey Haley and left-hander T.J. House to the 40-man roster before Tuesday's midnight deadline to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft at the winter meetings on Dec. 6 in Nashville.

First baseman Matt LaPorta, utility man Brent Lillibridge and right-hander Fabio Martinez were taken off the roster to make room. LaPorta and Lillibridge were outrighted to Class AAA Columbus and Martinez was designated for assignment. LaPorta cannot refuse the outright, but Lillibridge can and elect free agency.

The roster is at 40.

Fedroff, 25, was the team's seventh-round pick in 2008 out of the University of North Carolina and signed for $725,000. He hit a combined .316 (148-for-468) with 79 runs, 23 doubles, 10 triples, 12 homers and 54 RBI in 154 games at Class AA Akron and Class AAA Columbus. The left-handed hitting Fedroff led all Indians minor leaguers in hits with 148.

This winter he hit .239 (17-for-71) with one homer and five RBI in 19 games for Aguilas in the Dominican Republic.

Lee, 26, pitched well in spring training for the big-league club. The Indians expected the sidearmer to help them in the bullpen last season, but he injured his right elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery in June. He is expected to pitch sometime this year.

The Indians signed Lee as a free agent in Taiwan in 2008 for an estimated $325,000. Lee is 17-11 with a 3.00 ERA with 138 relief appearances over the last four years in the minors. He has 286 strikeouts and 74 walks in 234 1/3 innings.

Haley, 22, missed seven weeks last season after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. He pitched at three different levels, going a combined 4-1 with a 2.33 ERA in 25 relief appearances at the Arizona Rookie League, Class A Carolina and Class AA Akron. He struck out 49, walked 19 and allowed 26 hits in 38 2/3 innings. The opposition hit .188 against him and he averaged 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

The Indians drafted Haley with their second pick in the 2008 draft out of Central Heights High School in Nacogdoches, Texas. They signed him for an estimated $1.25 million. He just finished his Arizona Fall League tour, allowing two earned runs in 11 innings for a 1.64 ERA. He allowed two hits, four walks and three strikeouts, while posting a 0.55 WHIP and a .065 batting average against.

House, 23, went a combined 10-5 with a 3.56 ERA at Class A Carolina and Class AA Akron. He struck out 116, walked 50 and allowed 59 earned runs in 27 starts covering 149 1/3 innings. He finished his year with a good showing in the AFL, going 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in six starts. He struck out 27, walked nine and allowed nine earned runs and 20 hits in 27 innings.

The Indians selected him in the 16th round of the 2008 draft out of Picayune (Miss.) High School. He signed for $750,000.

LaPorta, the key to the 2008 CC Sabathia trade with Milwaukee, has been a flop. He's currently recovering from hip surgery after hitting .241 (14-for-58) with one homer and five RBI in 22 games with the Indians. He spent most of last season at Columbus, where he hit .264 (99-for-375) with 56 runs, 19 doubles, 19 homers and 62 RBI in 101 games.

The Indians acquired Lillibridge in a deal with Boston on July 24. He hit .216 (24-for-111) with five doubles, three homers and eight RBI for the Tribe.

The Indians claimed Martinez on waivers from the Angels on Aug. 6.

Power-hitter Jesus Aguilar, 16-game winner T.J. McFarland and reliever Hector Rondon were left unprotected. A team could take them in the Rule 5 Draft, but it would cost them $50,000 and they'd have to keep them in the big leagues all year or offer them back to the Indians.

Finally: New Indians catcher Yan Gomes singled home the game's only run as Team Brazil beat favored Panama, 1-0, Monday night to qualify for its first World Baseball Classic. Gomes and Mike Aviles were recently acquired from Toronto for reliever Esmil Rogers.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Denard Robinson will face Ohio State for the last time Saturday as one of the most memorable players in the recent history of the rivalry, and it's appopriate that he enters the game shrouded in intrigue.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Denard Robinson arrived playing quarterback for Rich Rodriguez, a coach who fit him perfectly but couldn't win. He goes out playing for Brady Hoke, a coach that tried to jerry-rig his system to accommodate Robinson, but more importantly, has the entire Michigan program back on its feet.

Robinson was a half-season Heisman leader twice, but always fell off, a stunning and undersized athlete who put his body on the line and often paid the price. It's no surprise that he missed two games with an elbow injury before returning against Iowa last week, and as a running back more than a quarterback. But he was always hard to tackle.

Talking to reporters in Michigan on Tuesday, Wolverines offensive coordinator Al Borges danced around most questions about how Robinson and new quarterback Devin Gardner, who used to be a receiver, will be deployed against the Buckeyes. Against the Hawkeyes, Robinson was in the game for about one-third of the plays.

For Ohio State, they'll certainly be together in the backfield -- some. Robinson could hand off to Gardner, or Gardner could hand off to Robinson. Robinson could throw to Gardner or Gardner could throw to Robinson.

"It's kind of exciting being back on the field," Robinson told reporters in Michigan on Tuesday. "Had two weeks off and it feels good to be back on the football field, being with my teammates."

Especially with No. 1 running back Fitzgerald Toussaint out with an ankle injury that required surgery last week, the Wolverines need to try whatever they can.

As to what Michigan calls that formation, Borges said, "Denard in the backfield." That's as good a name as any.

"I know Denard, I recruited him," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said. "I have great respect for him as a person and as an athlete. He's one of the finest athletes in America, so you'd better know where he's at every snap."

Now you wonder how Robinson might fit with Meyer, who knows how to utilize athletic quarterbacks with varying skills, from Alex Smith to Tim Tebow to Braxton Miller.

"He did offer me as a quarterback [at Florida]," Robinson said. "He gave me the opportunity. But I'm happy I came to Michigan. This has been the best four years of my life."

Robinson played first against Terrelle Pryor and now against Miller, in the same vein as them, a runner before a thrower, but in his own way. But he was always a game changer.

"I don't really think there's been any guy in college football since I've been in college that's done what he's done," said OSU safety Orhian Johnson, like Robinson a Florida native. "He's definitely taken that team on his back in a lot of situations and made a lot of plays for those guys. He's been a great leader for those guys and he's got a lot of accolades to show it. I think he's been a great player. He made a decision [to go to Michigan], but being from Florida, I always root for him."

Ohio State fans won't root for him Saturday, obviously. But as the Wolverines (8-3, 6-1 Big Ten) come to Ohio Stadium to face the No. 4 Buckeyes (11-0, 7-0), they could appreciate him, or least understand him and his place in this rivalry. He's the bridge from Michigan's slump to its future, from Rodriguez to Hoke, from Tressel to Meyer, from Pryor to Miller, from one-sidedness to competitiveness.

He was never the perfect quarterback. He threw too many interceptions, 39 in his career, although none against Ohio State. He did lose a critical fumble against the Buckeyes in 2010. But he was always interesting.

Once he's gone, Michigan will change, or more specifically, move back to what it was.

Hoke prefers more of a pro-style offense, and that's where the offense will evolve when Robinson's rare talents are gone. For this season, every time Ohio State struggled with a spread offense earlier in the fall and couldn't make tackles in space, it begged the question ... how will they stop Robinson when the time comes?

It didn't happen last season, when Robinson ran 26 times for 170 yards and two touchdowns, and also threw for three scores as Michigan broke a seven-game losing streak against the Buckeyes.

"We weren't disciplined in our assignments last year and we let some big plays get out," senior linebacker Etienne Sabino said "That's something we have to eliminate."

Those problems have lessened through the season, with the Buckeyes, as Sabino said, "getting back to tackling."

Robinson's injured right elbow may continue to prevent him from throwing the ball, or even carrying it in his dominant right arm. He admitted Tuesday to some continued numbness in his hand, though he played coy about whether he can or will throw.

But his legs are fine, and they are what made him who he is. He's the Big Ten's all-time leader in rushing yards for a quarterback, and third in NCAA history, with No. 1 -- former West Virginia QB Pat White -- just 203 yards away. He's fourth all-time at Michigan in passing yards, rushing yards and first in total offense.

"Denard can run it just as well as a running back. When he's in the game, you have to look at him as a running back or as a running quarterback who can throw," Sabino said. "He's a great player."

Even if he's not 100 percent, he should at least give the Buckeyes some dose of what he does best.

"I definitely want to see him at full speed," Johnson said.

Robinson could win the game for Michigan, or he could lose it. He could run for 100 yards or get knocked out with another injury. At least, for this fourth and final time, he'll be part of the game.

Holt's jumper with two seconds remaining gave the Golden Flashes their third win of the season.

KENT, Ohio -- Randal Holt made a jumper with two seconds to play to lead Kent State to a 69-68 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday in the Joe Cipriano Nebraska Classic.

• Final stats from Kent State's win

Chris Evans had 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead Kent State (3-2), and Holt and Chris Ortiz scored 13 each.

Kevin Dukes scored 18 points to lead the Wildcats (1-4), Paul Scotland had 15 and Adrian Coleman 10.

Kent State led, 67-63, with 2:14 to go on two free throws from Chris Ortiz, but the Wildcats' Scotland was fouled on a 3-point shot and made all three to close to 67-66 at 1:47. Alex Smith's layup gave Bethune-Cookman a 68-67 advantage with one minute remaining.

The Wildcats led, 33-28, at halftime, but Kent State scored the first 10 points of the second half.

Holt, a senior, is 21 points shy of 1,000 for his career.

Charlie Lee led Cleveland State with 20 points and Anton Grady had 16 in NIT consolation match.

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Mike McFadden and Velton Jones scored 15 points apiece as Robert Morris defeated Cleveland State, 71-62, Tuesday night in the consolation round of the 2012 NIT Season Tip-Off.

Lucky Jones added 13 points for Robert Morris. Both Velton and Lucky Jones made seven free throws for the Colonials, who shot 85.2 percent (23-of-27) from the line as a team.

Robert Morris (3-3) led by just four, 28-24, at intermission despite outshooting Cleveland State 52.4 percent (11-of-21) to 36 percent (9-of-25) in the first half.

The tables turned in the second half, with Cleveland State shooting 56 percent, but the Colonials sank 10 of their 18 second-half free throws over the final two minutes.

Charlie Lee led Cleveland State (4-2) with 20 points and Anton Grady had 16.

Braxton Miller had a pretty strong debut in Ann Arbor last year, but entering his second Michigan game, he's coming off a rough week against Wisconsin.

Braxton Miller (eluding Michigan's Desmond Morgan in the 2011 game in Ann Arbor) is looking for an improved performance Saturday after a rough time in Wisconsin last weekend. Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Braxton Miller's path to New York goes through Michigan.

In the latest Heisman Trophy straw poll at CBSSports.com, Miller was fourth this week, getting one first-place nod from the 11 voters while coming in behind Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and Kansas State's former frontrunner, QB Collin Klein.

Between three and five Heisman finalists will be asked to New York for the ceremony on Dec. 8, and Miller's invite probably hinges on how he finishes his season Saturday against the Wolverines.

Last week, Miller had his worst game of the season, accounting for just 145 total yards and no touchdowns on a day when the Heisman race imploded. Now, he can redeem himself and start to make his mark on the rivalry as well, one in which recent quarterbacks like Terrelle Pryor and Troy Smith played so well.

"He's a great talent," Michigan defensive Greg Mattison said. "Obviously I think they're the number one offense in the country right now. It's going to be a great challenge for us. He's a great football player. The good news is we've played against some really, really good quarterbacks this year, and we play against a great one every day in practice. So we'll be ready to go."

Last year in his debut in The Game, Miller completed 14 of 25 passes for 235 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran 16 times for 100 yards a score. But his 335 yards and three touchdowns were trumped by the 337 yards and five touchdowns from Michigan's Denard Robinson.

That's pretty good. But Miller certainly must be better than he was against the Badgers a week ago.

"I can't speak for Braxton completely, but I know as an offense we weren't satisfied," right tackle Reid Fragel said. "But playing in a tough environment like that, I think we did some good things, one of them being finishing strong.

"I think any time you have a one-dimensional offense, it doesn't really go too well for you. You have to be able to hit the deep balls when they matter, and at the same time you've got to pound the rock to move the ball. I think we'll be ready to go this Saturday and improve some things we didn't do so well last week."

Urban Meyer knows the Buckeyes have to throw the ball more effectively, but Michigan is coming in with the No. 1 pass defense in the country, allowing just 152 yards per game. Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Tuesday that may have more to do with opponents having enough success running it against the Wolverines that there's no need to throw.

Ohio State has to throw. Miller needs to have a better week. For a variety of reasons.

"He'll be ready," Fragel said. "This is The Game."

Sabino back: Senior linebacker Etienne Sabino will play his final game Saturday, hoping he's better than he was a week ago, when he returned against Wisconsin after missing four games with a broken bone in his leg.

"I thought I had a decent game. I thought I was a bit rusty," said Sabino, who did make a big tackle on Wisconsin running back Montee Ball in overtime. "All that mattered was that we got that win. This week, I will have a better game."

The Buckeyes used three linebackers on the field most of last week, while a nickel defense may be used more often Saturday. That would take either Sabino or fellow senior Zach Boren off the field on some downs. But Sabino is just glad to be playing at all after going down against Nebraska.

"I thought, 'There goes the rest of my season.' Yeah, that definitely entered my thinking," Sabino said. "I'm truly cherishing every moment of these last couple weeks. It's special."

Quite a gift: The Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday that OSU will use a $10 million gift from the country's largest owner of Panera restaurants -- "a huge Buckeye fan" Sam Covelli -- to build a 4,000-seat arena to replace the aging-but-iconic St. John Arena.

OSU will honor Covelli, 59, of Warren, Ohio, and his family at halftime Saturday for "one of the most transformational gifts ever" to the university. School officials called it the largest cash gift ever to Buckeye athletics.

"They're just good, beautiful people who work hard and are very passionate about the Buckeyes," AD Gene Smith told the Dispatch.

Covelli is owner of Covelli Enterprises, the largest single franchisee of Panera, with more than 250 restaurants in the United States and Canada.

Dantin was 29-of-35 for 327 yards, five touchdowns and an interception for Toledo, which improved to 9-3.

Toledo quarterback Austin Dantin threw five touchdown passes in leading the Rockets to a season-ending victory over Akron Tuesday night. Jeremy Wadsworth, Toledo Blade

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Little-used senior QB Austin Dantin subbed for the injured Terrance Owens Tuesday night, leading the Toledo Rockets to a 35-23 victory over Akron.

In a nod to his seniors, UT head coach Matt Campbell turned to Dantin, a three-year starter entering the season who has seen limited action after the opener at Arizona. Owens, from Glenville, had passed Dantin on the depth chart. But with a tender ankle bothering the Cleveland junior, Campbell turned to his former starter.

Dantin was 29-of-35 for 327 yards, five touchdowns and an interception.

Owens did not dress, and beside him on crutches was starting tailback David Fluellen, who is sidelined with a high ankle sprain. The Rockets improved to 9-3 overall, 6-2 in the MAC, with Akron ending the season at 1-11, 0-8.

Akron QB Kyle Pohl displayed both poise and precision after taking over midway through the first quarter. His 30-yard TD pass to Keith Sconiers gave the Zips a 17-14 lead in the second quarter. But the 6-3, 210-pound freshman struggled after halftime, with a game-turning interception helping the Rockets take 35-17 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Pohl finished 28-of-42 for 213 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

On the first play of the game, Akron starting QB Dalton Williams found receiver L.T. Smith for 47 yards to set up a 31-yard field goal by Robert Stein for a quick 3-0 lead.

With the Rockets struggling to move early, Akron coach Terry Bowden took the wraps off Pohl, who directed a 14-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a seven-yard TD run from Jawon Chisholm with 50 seconds left in the first period.

But Toledo answered with a quick 75-yard drive capped by a 23-yard pass from Dantin to Alonzo Russell early in the second quarter. Minutes later Dantin found tailback David Pasquale for a 55-yard catch-and run for at 14-10 lead.

Pohl to Sconiers briefly regain the lead for Akron, but Dantin responded with a 39-yard scoring pass to Russell for a 21-17 halftime lead.

Both teams wasted chances in the third quarter. Akron turned down a potential 33-yard field goal for a gadget play that fooled nobody.

The Rockets finally took advantage of a pair of pass interference penalties on the Zips with a two-yard flip from Dantin to Alex Zmolik for a 28-17 lead five minutes into the final quarter. Moments later Pohl's interception gave Toledo the ball at the Zips 25. Dantin's fifth TD pass of the game -- to Justin Olack from three yards out -- produced a 34-17 lead to effectively end Akron's season.