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C.J. Miles is a high character player - Cavaliers Comment of the Day

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"Everything Miles has said and done as a Cav has inicated that he is a high character guy. This article is just more evidence of that. There was some discussion that the Cavs need more veteran leadership. With Andy, Gibson, Miles and Walton, there is more than people realize. Kudos to Grant for them all being quality people. There are a couple of other rebuilding teams that are floundering because of players who are locker room problems."

C.J. Miles drives to the basket View full size C.J. Miles averaged 14.9 points per game on 47% shooting in December.  
In response to the article Cleveland Cavaliers' C.J. Miles a hero to family in his hometown of Dallas, cleveland.com reader rwbbowg likes the character that Chris Grant has put on the Cavaliers.
"Everything Miles has said and done as a Cav has inicated that he is a high character guy. This article is just more evidence of that. There was some discussion that the Cavs need more veteran leadership. With Andy, Gibson, Miles and Walton, there is more than people realize. Kudos to Grant for them all being quality people. There are a couple of other rebuilding teams that are floundering because of players who are locker room problems."

You can respond to rwbbowg's comment here. Do you think high character players are important in a rebuilding effort?


Brandon Weeden deserves another year - Browns Comment of the Day

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"Although I was not totally satisfied with Weeden, I am not willing to throw him out with the bath water. I would bring in another QB to compete against him and go from there.He did show he has the arm and he can throw a beautiful pass. I really want to see what this guy can do under different circumstances, but I don't want to end up at 5-11 next year." - will3755

weeden-livingston-may26.jpg View full size Brandon Weeden.  
In response to the story Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden faces uncertain future after firing of coach, GM, cleveland.com reader will3755 thinks Weeden deserves another shot at starting for the Browns.
"Although I was not totally satisfied with Weeden, I am not willing to throw him out with the bath water. I would bring in another QB to compete against him and go from there.He did show he has the arm and he can throw a beautiful pass. I really want to see what this guy can do under different circumstances, but I don't want to end up at 5-11 next year."

To respond to will3755's comment, go here. Do you think Weeden deserves another year?

Cleveland Browns interviewing coaching candidates this week, on short list are college coaches Chip Kelly, Bill O'Brien, Doug Marrone, reports say

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Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner are pursuing college coaches such Chip Kelly, Bill O'Brien and Doug Marrone, and have already set up at at least two interview for this week, reports say. They wasted no time setting up interviews after firing Pat Shurmur and Tom Heckert. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns hurtled into 2013 by firing coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert on New Year's Eve morning and lining up coaching interviews for this week at a dizzying pace before the ball dropped in Times Square.

Make no mistake: it's all about the coach for new owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner in their first gig together as top brass of the Browns, and they're wasting no time finding their "strong, dynamic'' man.

"Our focus right now -- I just want to say this over and over -- is getting that right head coach," said Haslam in a press conference Monday at the team's training facility in Berea.

As the day wore on, reports surfaced that Oregon's Chip Kelly was the Browns clear No. 1 choice, (Adam Caplan of Sirius XM), and that they've already set up interviews with Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone, the former Saints offensive coordinator  (Adam Schefter, ESPN) and Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter (Alex Marvez, Fox Sports).

They're also hot on the heels of Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, and could interview him as soon as this week, according to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports. As of now, they'll be competing with the Eagles, Cardinals and Chargers for O'Brien, the report said.

 Another candidate on their radar, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a Canton, Ohio native, informed teams Monday he'll stay in New England for now, according to Schefter.

The Browns will have plenty of competition for the top candidates from the six other teams that fired their head coaches on Black Monday, including Banner's former team, the Eagles, who parted ways with his prize hire, Andy Reid. The Eagles are expected to also heavily pursue Kelly, and are interviewing Koetter.

But Haslam and Banner are confident that they possess the league's premier vacancy and that they won't have any trouble filling it with the best.

"We don't believe that there's any job in the league that can tell a better story about why you want to come to this particular city and take a job," said Banner. "We go into this extremely confident that we can go after the top people and (convince) them this is the right situation. Most of these top coaches are focused on finding a place where they can win, and we think we can make a very good case why this is the best opportunity in the league right now."

Haslam and Banner both thanked Shurmur and Heckert for their efforts, but made it clear they felt a strong need to upgrade both positions. Shurmur went 9-23 in his two seasons and Heckert 14-34 in his three.

"Both of them left the organization better than when they came," said Haslam, who made up his mind a week or two ago. "We just felt like it was necessary -- to get to a championship level -- to make these changes."

Banner added, "there was also an element of feeling the need to kind of maybe create a fresh energy and a fresh start. Sometimes something new, even if it it's not any better, can create that kind of momentum and energy."

Haslam stressed that they're seeking a head coach "who is a strong leader, who's tough because this is a tough business, but also is smart, very organized, has great attention to detail and is aggressive. That's the kind of football team we want to have, and candidly, I think it's the kind of individuals we are."

Both men emphasized they went coach first so they could attract the strongest candidates. If a big-name candidate requires total authority over football decisions, it's available.

"If you hired a GM first and there was a great head coach that wanted control, you'd be limiting that," said Banner. "We made the determination that the greater impact on our future was going to be the head coach, and we wanted (his) skill set to kind of drive what we'd be looking for (in a GM or personnel director)."

He said if they find a coach strong in player personnel "he'll have a larger role, potentially even to the point of final say" like Reid had in Philly. If he wants to focus on coaching, they'll look for a stronger GM.

Both men said they won't limit their search in any way, and that they've been researching candidates for two or three months.

"We're going to explore all avenues, college coaches, coordinators and head coaches," said Haslam. "The key is to get the right person."

 And if they find him next week, so be it. If it takes a month, that's OK too.

"The sooner the better, (but) we're very sensitive to getting this right," said Haslam.

Banner explained that they can interview coaches from playoff teams that are on a bye this week -- usually in that club's city -- on Friday or Saturday. Candidates from playoff teams without a bye can be interviewed next week if the team permits. Clubs must also interview at least one minority candidate for each of the vacancies, according to the Rooney Rule.

As for the remaining members of the coaching staff, including coordinators Brad Childress and Dick Jauron, they'll all be liberally granted permission to interview with other teams.

"We've asked that they follow the normal process in notifying us first, but we'll do everything we can to help them get jobs," said Haslam. "At the same time, when our new head coach comes in, he may want to hire some of those individuals himself."

Heckert's personnel staff, on the other hand, will be retained.

"They're all under contract," said Haslam. "We'll go to work immediately in preparing for the free agent time period and the draft."

Don't expect Haslam or Banner to tweeting out their candidates after they walk through the door. Even in this age of social media and the 24/7 news cycle, they plan to stay mum.

"We're not going to comment on any people, specifically, for either of the two searches," Haslam said, "There are only two people who know who the candidates are and you're looking at both of them." 

Haslam, who will rely on Banner's expertise but be fully involved in the search, said he's not heading in with one person in mind.

"We have a pool of candidates we feel really good about," he said. "We do not have them ranked right now. We have a selective group out there we're going to talk to at first. Hopefully, we'll find some in that group, but we're not going to limit ourselves."

Let the mad scramble for the next superstar coach begin.

Cleveland Browns fans battle the fear that comes with change -- Terry Pluto

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Cleveland Browns fan email their apprehensions about the coaching change to Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto.

joe banner jerry haslam.jpg Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, right, and CEO Joe Banner are determined to pick a dynamic coach for the team.  

CLEVELAND, OHIO -- It seems the Browns' new ownership team is surprised by the fear of change from the fans.

As Dick Brizzi emailed, "We are in a stage of high anxiety."

Owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner may read that and wonder -- why?

The team had a 5-11 record. Yes, there are some promising young players, but Haslam/Banner doubted Tom Heckert as general manager and Pat Shurmur as coach could lead the orange helmets to consistent contention.

So those two were fired, and the Browns are entering their sixth regime change since 1999. They also have the NFL's worst record since 1999. In the past five years, they have lost at least 11 games.

In NFL history, only one team, Oakland (2003-09), had a longer streak of losing at least 11 games a season.

So Haslam/Banner probably figure, "What do we have to lose with bringing in our guys?"

There is real truth to that approach, especially since Banner has experience putting together a winning organization in Philadelphia. But it is worth hearing why the fans are so edgy.

I asked that question on my Facebook page at 1:15 p.m. on New Year's Day. By 2 p.m., there were 81 comments.

As Steve Podsedly posted on my page: "Since 1999, it's either we keep the same personnel and lose, or change everything and lose. There's no fear, only eternal doubt."

It can always get worse

Telling a Browns fan "it really can't get worse" is a good way to get punched in the mouth. Fans have often told themselves that, only to find out that worse is a bottomless pit of football despair.

Matt Bowes posted: "Every time there's a regime change, there's extreme confidence by some in the media that this time, it's going to be different. When Mike Holmgren came in, it was supposed to be the thing that finally changed everything by putting competent football people in charge. All of the positive words I hear now fall on deaf ears because I feel like they've been recycled several times since 1999."

Browns fans know front-office and coaching changes mean players will be changed and it's another reconstruction job.

As Alex Goodline posted: "It's hard to take the 'be patient' approach from a new guy coming into the city when we've been patient for so long. If they can retain the core of this team, add a few veterans and have a good draft, there shouldn't be any blowing up necessary."

Or as Steve Sanders (a season-ticket holder from Virginia) emailed: "Haslam was quoted saying he felt the franchise is headed in the right direction. . . . Mike Holmgren left. . . . Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur were fired. . . . Jimmy, "Exactly what parts of the franchise are headed in the right direction since the top-three football people have all been let go?"

Browns fans have seen so many bad drafts that they appreciate the work of Heckert. They don't think he's a genius, but solid looks great in comparison. For Cleveland fans, the NFL Draft is the Super Bowl.

That's why Heckert leaving, combined with the Mike Lombardi rumors, has led to most of the trepidation.

Ken Reid posted: "It's the same fear over and over again. As soon as they announce the head coach or GM, I'll join with others and think, 'Oh no!' It doesn't matter who it is, it's 'Oh no -- what if they messed up?' "

Clint Mayo posted: "Change means another five-win season."

Wanting to hope

Several other fans posted about how they hear names associated with the head-coaching opening and they simply see all the flaws. But they are also looking for a reason to believe.

Brad Beamer posted: "I want this team to be successful. I love this team. . . . This year, we were deeper. This year, we fought almost every moment. We were going the right way. I am tired of being a joke. I have season tickets, and the passion fans have at the games is unbelievable. I fear we are setting ourselves back just to have 'our guys' in there. . . . I was not for firing Heckert or Shurmur. . . . Maybe I am wrong, I just don't think we need to step backwards on purpose."

Reading these comments should tell Haslam and Banner how blessed they are to have this fan base.

All the losing and ineptitude should have turned the agony to apathy.

But these people do care. Oh, do they care.

Brian Stepanek's post reveals a sense of hope: "Fans feel a deep sense of injustice. They understand, intellectually and emotionally, that Heckert and Shurmur could not have done a better job under the circumstances. That said, new ownership's clean break will help the Browns avoid the kind of lame-duck season Eric Mangini slogged through in 2010 after Holmgren's arrival."

The hope is that the new ownership group is just that . . . new.

Chad Malkamaki posted: "I have no fear, this go around. With Haslam, it's time to move on from the 'loser' mentality of the organization. Haslam has shown, through his family's company, they are not losers and do not accept losing. That's a foundation I'm glad to build on and invest in as a fan."

Ohio State opens Big 10 men's basketball play against Nebraska

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Ohio State takes on Nebraska to open Big 10 men's basketball play and to highlight college basketball action.

thompson and ravenel.jpg Sam Thompson and Evan Ravenel and the Ohio State Buckeyes open Big 10 men's basketball action against Nebraska on Wednesday.  
CLEVELAND, OHIO -- COLLEGE BASKETBALL WEDNESDAY

Men

Ohio State vs. Nebraska

Tipoff: 6:30 p.m., Value City Arena, Columbus.

TV: Big Ten Network.

Notable: No. 8 OSU (10-2) opens the Big Ten Conference schedule against Nebraska (9-4). The Buckeyes are coming off an 87-44 rout of Chicago State on Saturday. OSU had five players score in double figures, including a game-high 17 points from preseason All-American Deshaun Thomas. His 19.8 points per game leads the Big Ten, and his 6.9 rebounds per game is seventh in the conference. The Huskers play three of their first four conference games away from home (at Ohio State, at Michigan and at Michigan State). First-year head coach Tim Miles relies on a trio of veterans -- Brandon Ubel, Dylan Talley and Andre Almeida -- who account for an average of 35 points and 17 rebounds per game.

Next for OSU: Saturday at Illinois, 2:15 p.m.

Kent State vs. Cleveland State

Tipoff: 6 p.m., Wolstein Center, Cleveland.

Radio: WHK AM/1420; WHLO AM/640.

Notable: Cleveland State (8-5) and Kent State (8-5) look nothing like their traditional selves as both teams get little scoring, defense or rebounding from the post area. Also, injuries (Anton Grady, CSU, and Chris Ortiz, KSU) have impacted both teams greatly. CSU, however, has the more consistent perimeter defense, consistent lineup and rotation. The Golden Flashes are strong when forward Chris Evans (16.9 ppg.) limits turnovers and scores inside out, while the Vikings and guard Charlie Lee (13.5 ppg) use their defense to generate their offense.

Next for KSU: Jan. 9, 7 p.m. vs. Toledo.

Next for CSU: Friday, 7 p.m. at Valparaiso.

Akron vs. Coppin State

Tipoff: 7 p.m., Rhodes Arena, Akron.

Radio: WARF AM/1350.

Notable: Akron (8-4) is shifting into top gear as conference play is one game away. In the Zips' 62-58 win over Princeton, they scored 39 straight points in the paint, a clear sign of Akron's inside dominance. Akron is scoring 76.9 points a game and shooting 47.7 percent from the field. Coppin State (3-11), which has lost three of its past four games, will be hard-pressed to challenge that, particularly with an offense that shoots 36.2 percent from the field.

Next for Akron: Jan. 9, 7 p.m. vs. Western Michigan.

Women

Kent State vs. Bethune-Cookman

Tipoff: 7 p.m., MAC Center, Kent.

Notable: Kent State (1-11) let their most recent game slip away, giving Robert Morris its first victory of the season, 60-51. Trisha Krewson led Kent with 12 points and seven rebounds. Bethune-Cookman (5-6) is led by Chastity Ren Taylor, who averaging 14.1 ppg.

Next for KSU: Jan. 10 at Bowling Green, 7 p.m.

Baldwin Wallace vs. Carnegie Mellon

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m., Ursprung Gymnasium, Berea.

Radio: WBWC FM/88.3, wbwc.com.

Notable: Last nonconference game for BW (5-6), which finished second at last weekend's Hope (Mich.) College Holiday Tournament. The Yellow Jackets are led by junior guard Jessica Lairson (9.8 points, 7.2 rebounds per game). CMU (8-2) is led by senior forward Emily Peel's 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Next for BW: Saturday at Marietta, 3 p.m.

Case Western Reserve vs. Heidelberg

Tipoff: 2 p.m., Horsburgh Gymnasium, Cleveland.

Notable: Senior guard Evy Iacono is averaging 17.7 points per game to lead CWRU (7-3). She totaled 36 points in the team's two wins at the Hoops for Hope Tournament at Ohio Wesleyan last weekend. Junior guard Kathleen Phillips leads Heidelberg (5-6) with 17.6 ppg.

Next for CWRU: Saturday at Carnegie Mellon, 3 p.m.

Oberlin vs. Adrian

Tipoff: 7 p.m., Philips Gym, Oberlin.

Notable: Sophomore forward Christina Marquette, who is averaging 20.8 points per game, has led Oberlin (6-5) in scoring in nine of its 11 games. Senior Jasmine Byers set a career-high with 17 rebounds and had 13 points as Adrian (4-8) notched a 67-56 win over Anderson on Sunday.

Next for Oberlin: Friday vs. Ohio Wesleyan, 7:30 p.m.

-- From staff reports

Kent State athletes have excelled to new levels in the past 12 months

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The past 12 months have been great for Kent State athletics with the particular success of the baseball, basketball, golf and football teams.

kentstatebaseball.jpg Kent State's baseball team was eliminated by South Carolina but had a great ride in the College World Series.  

KENT, OHIO --  The past 12 months have been stellar ones for Kent State athletics.

Golden Flashes baseball advanced to the College World Series, golf finished tied for fifth in the nation, wrestling was ranked at No. 13 in the nation, men's basketball topped 20 wins for the 13th time in the last 14 seasons, and the football team is going to a bowl game for the first time in 40 years.

Those teams not only carried the Kent State brand into the national spotlight, but they helped athletic director Joel Nielsen generate over $3.5-million in fundraising for Kent football and baseball alone, most of it over the past 12 months. Fundraising for the other programs remains high as well.

While Nielsen is only into his third year as Kent's athletic director, he has quickly realized the keys to most of the on-field success have been fundraising and relatively consistent coaching, with much of it led by alums or former assistants steeped in Kent's formula for success. Of those five sports four -- golf, wrestling, baseball and now football, are led by KSU alums. "And Rob (Senderoff, basketball coach) has seven or eight years of experience here," Nielsen said.

Here, Nielsen looks at the building blocks of some of Kent's more successful teams:

Football The No. 25-ranked Golden Flashes sit with an 11-2 record and Mid-American Conference East Division title, and Nielson has collected $2.5-million through fundraising and received an almost immediate return, as Kent goes to its first bowl game in 40 years Saturday at the GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Prior to hiring former coach Darrell Hazell in 2010, KSU football coaching salaries not only ranked last in the MAC, but last in the country among Football Bowl Subdivision teams. When Nielsen hired Hazell he bumped the coaching salary to $300,000, and now with the hiring of Kent alum Paul Haynes -- after Hazell left for the Purdue job -- Nielsen bumped it again to $375,000 with at least $75,000 more available in incentives.

"When we arrived, we talked a lot about what it would take to have football success," Nielsen said. "One of the things we looked at was that we were poorly resourced in football, primarily with our people. President (Lester) Lefton gave us the green light to go out there and talk to football donors, talk to people who wanted to see football be successful. We had about 20 people step up that first year, some significantly. That allowed us to pay some competitive salaries.

"We decided, instead of investing in bricks and mortar, we would invest in people. And as you see now, we returned that investment fairly quickly with the success we had this season. Now we're starting to see that continue on and perpetuate itself. Those who came on early, are even giving more, and those who had not come on board before are now joining us, financially.

"We aren't that far behind everyone else, facility-wise. But we think our people will out-do our facilities. They will out-recruit our facilities."

Wrestling Kent ranked No. 13 in the nation following the 2012 regular season.

"Coach Jim Andrassy has built an outstanding program here and it gets lost sometimes in the success of our other teams," Nielsen said of the Kent alum. "He's built a consistent Top 25 program here with multiple qualifiers each and every year."

"Wrestling has done a great job of fundraising, even before I got here. They have, I believe, the largest endowment of all of our programs. Certain sports are like that. . . . Wrestlers support wrestlers. They understand that's not only key to keeping that sport afloat, but to also being successful."

Golf Kent finished in the Top 5 in 2012.

"Golf, like wrestling, was ahead of the curve fundraising wise, primarily because of coach Herb Paige," Nielsen said of yet another Kent alum. "Years ago Herb understood how important that would be to the development of his program. He took it upon himself. . . . Herb was fundraising years before any of us even thought about fundraising.

"You see the results now in the facilities he has developed -- the practice and learning center. Our ability to sustain an ACC/SEC-type program . . . takes a lot of money. Our men's and women's programs get on a plane and travel all over the country. That is unlike most of our peers. That's unlike most Big Ten schools.

"Out of that, we get a team capable of a Top 5 finish, and this points to Herb's recruiting and his ability to go into Canada and right now have, I believe, at one point last year three of the top five ranked amateur players from Canada were on the Kent State roster. And he has done that for years."

Baseball Baseball is another sport where the fundraising is high, $1-million since last June, coming off Kent's first ever College World Series appearance. This has allowed Nielsen to give coach Scott Stricklin, another Kent alum, a six-year contract extension at $300,000 per year, with additions still coming by spring to Schoonover Stadium, including lights for night games.

"Just knowing how difficult it is to get into that Final Eight for Omaha," Nielsen began. "Let's face it, for a program like ours, that will basically play the entire way on the road, you've got to have some luck. It was probably one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in this business. . . .

"We were fortunate a few years ago (2005) in baseball to have the Steve Schoonover Family come on board (financially, $1.5 million), then Olga Mural (2006, $1-million)." Nielsen said. "When they stepped up with their contributions to essentially redo our entire park, and add an artificial turf surface, the clubhouse, the stands, you started to see the success that began in 1992, that we were able to sustain, and now go to another level. . . . Overall, those are resources that are available to us that very few in our conference have."

Basketball On the positive side, men's basketball won at least 20 games for the 13th time in 14 years in 2012, coming off MAC Championships won in 2011 and 2010, and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008. But unlike the other sports, where donors are available to make big contributions, basketball has not been the same.

"Lately, in basketball, people have used (seat licenses) to raise money in basketball. That's the culture of basketball, to raise money with seats, not donors," Nielsen said.

So where other programs are bringing in millions, Nielsen admitted it took "three or four donors" to come up with the roughly $100,000 last summer to redo the combined men's and women's basketball offices. This is combined with the fact Kent basketball has been successful for so long, it is the underground foundation that has become easy to overlook.

"It's hard to win 20 games, much less in the fashion we've done it the last 13 of 14 years," Nielsen said. "But a lot of times I catch myself forgetting about basketball, because it doesn't jump off the page anymore.

"And it should jump off the page, so that is something we have to address, because it is so unfair to that team and that program which has carried the torch for this place for so many years. The coals are still hot with Rob and our basketball program. We have to stoke the embers there."

Cleveland Browns' Joe Banner in Arizona hunting Ducks' coach Chip Kelly, report says

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Browns CEO Joe Banner flew to Arizona Tuesday to try to land Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who's playing Thursday night in the Fiesta Bowl, CBS Sports reported. Kelly is No. 1 on the Browns list, according to Adam Caplan of Sirius XM radio.

CLEVELAND -- Will Browns CEO Joe Banner be able pry coach Chip Kelly away from Oregon and from Banner's former team, the Eagles, who are also in hot pursuit?

Knowing that he has to move quickly, Banner flew to Arizona on Tuesday primarily to interview Kelly, who's Ducks are playing Kansas State on Thursday night in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, according to CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora.

Kelly is the No. 1 candidate on the Browns' list according to Adam Caplan of Sirius XM, and also the primary target of the Eagles, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Banner also interviewed Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton, and satisfied the Rooney Rule in the process, but is primarily in the desert hunting Duck.

Kelly, 49, arrived at media day in Arizona on Tuesday for Thursday night's game and promptly deflected questions about fleeing to the NFL.

"I've got a game to play,'' Kelly said. "We're playing in the Fiesta Bowl. That's the biggest thing in my life. If I allowed other things to get into my life, then they would be distractions, but there aren't. Our focus 100 percent is on the Fiesta Bowl.''

Kelly is one of at least three top college coaches the Browns will pursue in their aggressive search for the next NFL superstar. The others are Penn State's Bill O'Brien, the reigning Big 10 Coach of the Year, and Syracuse's Doug Marrone -- both of whom are also being heavily pursued by the Eagles. The Browns and Bills are schedule to interview Marrone this week, according to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.

The Browns will not confirm interviews or comment on candidates until a coach is hired, owner Jimmy Haslam said Monday.

Last January, after defeating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, Kelly turned down an offer to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after going deep into negotiations, saying he had "unfinished business to complete'' with the Ducks. He returned and led Oregon to an 11-1 mark heading into the Thursday night's game to run his four-year mark to 45-7.

Along the way, his high-flying Ducks scored 40 or more points in each of the 11 victories, and 50 or more points on seven occasions. The watershed game came against Colorado, a 70-14 victory.

Kelly's No. 4-ranked Ducks have gone to four straight BCS Bowl games, including a loss to Auburn in 2011 BCS national championship game. His stunning record, high-octane offense and flirtation with the Bucs have NFL teams clamoring, but he's remaining mum for now.

"My heart is to win today and that's it," Kelly said. "I know everybody wants to hear a different answer. And I know that at times when I don't give you guys the answer that you guys want, then I'm being evasive. I'm not being evasive."

Kelly has even more incentive to jump to the NFL this season, what with NCAA sanctions coming to Oregon in the spring for recruiting violations under Kelly's watch. The Ducks face a possible bowl ban, loss of scholarships, and restrictions on recruiting and televised games. So it's no wonder the Browns and Eagles are in hot pursuit, and that some of the other five teams with vacancies might jump on board.

"My whole thing since I've been here is that I'm going to do the best job I can every single day," Kelly said. "If that's good enough that other people look at me sometimes, I don't really care about that. I think too many people live in the future. We live in the moment."

Kelly's frantic-paced, zone-read option scheme is gaining traction in the NFL, where the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks are running versions of it with Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson. Overall, the NFL is trending  toward college-style schemes, where it's about fast-paced offense first and defense later.

Of course, the Browns might have to find a quarterback to fit the scheme, with Brandon Weeden admitting Monday "I don't think I can the run the zone read.'' The Browns also have Colt McCoy and Thad Lewis who can run.

The other two college coaches the Browns are set to interview, O'Brien, and Marrone, are also offensive-minded coaches with a pedigree in high-speed scoring. O'Brien was offensive coordinator of the scoring-dynamo Patriots last season when they averaged 32.1 points per game, and Marrone was coordinator of the high-scoring Saints from 2006-2008.

Whether or not the Browns land Kelly remains to be seen. They'll certainly have some competition. But Banner is already in Arizona, giving it the ol' college try.

 

Former Cleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert pursued by Jets, at least one other team: reports and rumors

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Former Browns GM Tom Heckert has drawn interest from the Jets and at least one other team. The other team is not the Cardinals...Mike Holmgren will listen to coaching offers.

 

heckert.jpg Former Browns GM Tom Heckert probably won't be without a team for long. The Jets have scheduled an interview and another team is interested.  

CLEVELAND -- The following are the latest reports and rumors surrounding the Browns' coaching and GM searches:

 * JETS, OTHERS WANT HECKERT: Former Browns general manager Tom Heckert has begun talking to other teams and could have a GM job soon, league sources said. A report Tuesday that he was in line to join Andy Reid in Arizona if Reid gets the Cardinals job is untrue. The Jets have scheduled interviews with Heckert and others.  But Heckert might land a job even before the Jets get a crack at him. At least one other team is heavily pursuing him.

 * HOLMGREN READY: Former Browns President Mike Holmgren, 64, told ESPN's Ed Werder he's willing to listen to offers for some of these seven head coaching vacancies. He said he won't aggressively pursue jobs himself. "If anyone is interested, I'll listen,'' he said. Holmgren has relocated to Arizona, where the Cardinals are looking for a replacement for fired coach Ken Whisenhunt.

 * REID TO CARDINALS?: Multiple reports surfaced Tuesday that Reid was close to getting the Cardinals job, and Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports reported that he'll interview there Wednesday. But the Cardinals are also interviewing their defensive coordinator Ray Horton a second time, according to profootballtalk.com. Horton also interviewed Tuesday with the Browns. On Wednesday, he'll also talk to the Bills, profootballtalk.com added.

 * KOETTER TO TALK TO EAGLES: Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, whom the Browns will interview this week according to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports, will also interview with the Eagles, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Looks like the Browns and Eagles have the same short list.

 
 


Stanford holds off Wisconsin, 20-14, to win its first Rose Bowl since 1972

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Stepfan Taylor rushed for 89 yards and an early touchdown, Kevin Hogan passed for 123 yards, and No. 8 Stanford won its first Rose Bowl since 1972, beating the Badgers 20-14 on Tuesday night.

PASADENA, Calif. -- Although Stanford didn't score many style points in the 99th Rose Bowl, the Cardinal could celebrate because they didn't let Wisconsin score any points at all after halftime.



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Stanford wide receiver Jamal-Rashad Patterson, left, makes a catch against Wisconsin defensive back Shelton Johnson (24) during the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, in Pasadena, Calif.





 

Stepfan Taylor rushed for 89 yards and an early touchdown, Kevin Hogan passed for 123 yards, and No. 8 Stanford won its first Rose Bowl since 1972, beating the Badgers 20-14 on Tuesday night.

Usua Amanam made the decisive interception near midfield with 2:30 to play as the Pac-12 champion Cardinal (12-2) ended their four-decade drought in the Granddaddy of Them All with arguably the biggest bowl win yet during the long-struggling program's recent renaissance.

Stanford clamped down on the Big Ten champion Badgers (8-6), who lost the Rose Bowl in heartbreaking fashion for the third consecutive season. Montee Ball rushed for 100 yards and his FBS-record 83rd touchdown, but Wisconsin managed only 82 yards after halftime.

With impressive defense of its own, Wisconsin still stayed in position for an upset in the one-game return of Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez, who was back on the Badgers' sideline in his red sweater-vest seven years after hanging up his whistle.

When Bret Bielema abruptly left Wisconsin for Arkansas after winning the Big Ten title game, Alvarez agreed to coach his fourth Rose Bowl before handing off his program to new coach Gary Andersen, who met with Alvarez on the field before the game.

But the Badgers' third straight Rose Bowl appearance ended in much the same way as the last two: With the Wisconsin offense failing to get the late score they desperately needed.

Curt Phillips went 10 for 16 for 83 yards passing and that crucial interception for Wisconsin, doing more with 64 yards on the ground. Jordan Fredrick caught a short TD pass right before halftime, but no Badgers receiver had more than Jared Abbrederis' three catches.

And though Ball became the first player to score touchdowns in three Rose Bowls, the powerful back fell short of Ron Dayne's career Rose Bowl rushing record, swarmed under by waves of tacklers from one of the toughest defenses in the nation.

Kelsey Young rushed for a score on Stanford's opening possession, and Taylor scored on the second. Wisconsin kept the Cardinal out of the end zone for the final 51 minutes, but Stanford's defense didn't need any more help.

Stanford won its first conference title and earned its first Rose Bowl appearance in 13 years with seven straight wins. The Cardinal ousted top-ranked Oregon on the way to the biggest season yet in the improbable surge of success started by Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck, and extended by coach David Shaw and Hogan, who took over as the starter in November.

Wisconsin returned to Pasadena in a much more roundabout way as the first five-loss team to make it, losing three overtime games and making the Big Ten title game only because Ohio State and Penn State were ineligible. The Badgers then steamrolled Nebraska to become the first Big Ten team in three straight Rose Bowls since Michigan in the late 1970s.

The Cardinal led 14-0 on Taylor's 3-yard TD run just 8½ minutes in, but Wisconsin finally got rolling behind Ball, who rushed for 296 yards in his first two Rose Bowls. Stanford stopped James White inside the 1 on fourth down early in the second quarter after a touchdown run by Ball was wiped out by a holding penalty, but Ball scored on the next drive.

The Badgers then mounted an 85-yard drive in the waning 2 ½ minutes of the first half, with Phillips' 38-yard run setting up Fredrick's short TD catch to trim Stanford's halftime lead to 17-14.

After halftime adjustments, both defenses dominated the scoreless third quarter, allowing just three combined first downs.

Wisconsin's personal foul on a fair-catch punt return finally sparked Stanford early in the fourth quarter. Stanford got inside the Wisconsin 5 before stalling, and Jordan Williamson's short field goal put the Cardinal up by six points with 4:23 to go.

The Badgers got to midfield, but Phillips threw behind Jacob Pedersen, and Amanam easily made the pick.

Northwestern ends bowl drought, Michigan loses thriller to South Carolina: Bowl game roundup

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Dylan Thompson came off the bench to throw a 32-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left Tuesday, enabling South Carolina to tie a school record for victories with a 33-28 win over No. 19 Michigan.

outback-bowl.jpg Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner (12) is sacked by South Carolina cornerback Victor Hampton (27) during the second quarter of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, in Tampa, Fla.  
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Stepfan Taylor rushed for 89 yards and an early touchdown, Kevin Hogan passed for 123 yards, and No. 8 Stanford won its first Rose Bowl since 1972, beating Wisconsin 20-14 on Tuesday night.

Usua Amanam made the decisive interception near midfield with 2:30 to play as the Pac-12 champion Cardinal (12-2) ended their four-decade drought in the Rose Bowl.

The Big Ten champion Badgers (8-6) lost the Rose Bowl in heartbreaking fashion for the third consecutive season. Montee Ball rushed for 100 yards and his FBS-record 83rd touchdown, but Wisconsin managed only 82 yards after halftime.

With impressive defense of its own, Wisconsin still stayed in position for an upset in the one-game return of Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez, who was back on the Badgers' sideline in his red sweater-vest seven years after hanging up his whistle.

When Bret Bielema abruptly left Wisconsin for Arkansas after winning the Big Ten title game, Alvarez agreed to coach his fourth Rose Bowl.

Curt Phillips went 10 for 16 for 83 yards passing and that crucial interception for Wisconsin, doing more with 64 yards on the ground.

ORANGE BOWL

No. 13 FLORIDA ST. 31, No. 16 N. ILLINOIS 10

MIAMI (AP) — Senior fullback Lonnie Pryor, voted the game's outstanding player, ran for a career-high 134 yards and two scores in only five carries and fellow senior EJ Manuel threw for 291 yards for the Seminoles.

The victory was a consolation prize for the Seminoles (12-2), who began the season with national championship hopes. They have won five consecutive bowl games, but the victory was their first in a BCS bowl since 2000, when they beat Virginia Tech for the national championship.

Northern Illinois (12-2), playing in a BCS bowl for the first time, had a 12-game winning streak snapped. The Huskies came in as two-touchdown underdogs and fell to 5-28 against top 25 teams.

Pryor scored the first touchdown on a career-long 60-yard run, then ran 37 yards for a clinching touchdown with 10 minutes left. They were the two longest rushes allowed by Northern Illinois all season.

Manuel went 26 for 38, threw for one score and ran for another.

The Huskies were outgained 534 yards to 259.

Huskies QB Jordan Lynch came into the game leading the nation in rushing and total offense. He completed 15 of 41 for 176 yards, and carried 23 times for 44 yards. The junior became the first player in NCAA history to surpass 3,000 yards passing and 1,500 rushing in a season.

CAPITAL ONE BOWL

GEORGIA 45, NEBRASKA 31

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Murray threw five touchdown passes to set a Georgia bowl record, including two in the fourth quarter, and the Bulldogs beat Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl.

Murray shook off a pair of first-half interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and passed for 427 yards — also a Bulldogs bowl record — against the nation's top-ranked passing defense. He was named the game's most valuable player.

Georgia (12-2) reached 12 wins for the third time in school history.

Nebraska (10-4) lost its third consecutive bowl game, and finished the season with two straight woeful defensive performances. The Cornhuskers lost the Big Ten championship game 70-31.

The Cornhuskers led 24-23 at the half, but committed two of their three turnovers in the final 30 minutes. Taylor Martinez had two interceptions and two touchdown passes for Nebraska and Rex Burkhead rushed for 140 yards in his final college game.

Nebraska's offense finished with 443 total yards, but the Bulldogs defense was stingy when it needed to be. They sacked Martinez five times, with All-American linebacker Jarvis Jones notching two. Damian Swann had both Georgia interceptions.

Nebraska's offense finished with 443 yards, but the Bulldogs were stingy when they needed to be.

OUTBACK BOWL

NO. 11 SOUTH CAROLINA 33, NO. 19 MICHIGAN 28

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Connor Shaw led South Carolina to the brink of victory and Dylan Thompson carried the Gamecocks over the hump in the Outback Bowl.

Thompson came off the bench to throw a 32-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left Tuesday, enabling South Carolina to tie a school record for victories with a 33-28 win over No. 19 Michigan.

Thompson replaced Shaw during the winning drive, covering the final 43 yards after Shaw began the march from his own 30. Devin Gardner's third TD pass of the game had given Michigan a 28-27 lead.

Shaw threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns after missing South Carolina's regular season finale with a left foot sprain. Thompson led the Gamecocks (11-2) to a victory over their archrival, and threw for 117 yards and two TDs.

Gardner threw for 214 yards in his fifth start for Michigan (8-5) since Denard Robinson injured his right elbow late in the season. Robinson took some snaps at quarterback and attempted his first passes since Oct. 27, but lined up mostly at running back and rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries.

Ace Sanders caught TD passes of 4 yards from Thompson and 31 yards from Shaw, who completed 18 of 26 passes before limping off on the final drive. The speedy receiver had nine catches for 92 yards and also scored on a 63-yard punt return — one of four plays over 50 yards that Michigan yielded.

GATOR BOWL

NO. 21 NORTHWESTERN 34, MISSISSIPPI ST. 20

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Behind huge interceptions early and late, Northwestern beat Mississippi State 34-20 in the Gator Bowl and snapped college football's longest postseason losing streak.

The Wildcats (10-3) earned their first bowl win since 1949, ending a nine-game losing skid that was tied for the longest in NCAA history. They also celebrated double-digit victories for the first time since the 1995 Rose Bowl season.

Quentin Williams returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the game and Nick Vanhoose set up a late touchdown with a 39-yard interception return. Those plays were the difference in a back-and-forth game that featured more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (six).

Northwestern's two-quarterback system kept the Bulldogs (8-5) off balance most of the day.

Scrambler Kain Colter ran for 71 yards, making up for his two interceptions. Backup Trevor Siemian threw for 120 yards and an interception, and also ran for a score.

Even with the turnovers, they were more efficient than Mississippi State's Tyler Russell.

Russell completed 12 of 28 passes for 106 yards, with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He had thrown only six picks in the first 11 games this season. LaDarius Perkins ran 19 times for 84 yards for the Bulldogs, and freshman Josh Robinson added 91 yards on seven carries.

HEART OF DALLAS BOWL

OKLAHOMA STATE 58, PURDUE 14

DALLAS (AP) — Clint Chelf threw three of Oklahoma State's five touchdown passes and the Cowboys shook off a disappointing Big 12 finish by dominating Purdue 58-14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

The Cowboys, a year removed from a Fiesta Bowl win that capped the best season in school history, forced five turnovers and had another short TD drive after a 64-yard punt return from Josh Stewart.

It was the biggest bowl win for Oklahoma State since coach Mike Gundy was the quarterback in a 62-14 rout of Wyoming in the 1988 Holiday Bowl. The Cowboys (8-5) missed out on upper-tier bowls after narrow losses in their last two Big 12 games.

With former Purdue quarterbacks Drew Brees and Kyle Orton watching, Robert Marve didn't get to 100 yards passing until Oklahoma State led 45-0 as Purdue (6-7) fell to 0-4 on New Year's Day.

Leading 28-0 at halftime, Oklahoma State erased any lingering doubt three plays into the second half when Justin Gilbert stripped Purdue receiver O.J. Ross on a short completion. The loose ball shot straight to Daytawion Lowe, who ran 37 yards down the sideline in front of the Purdue bench for a 35-0 lead.

Oklahoma State's 58 points were the most in a bowl game at historic Cotton Bowl Stadium, topping the 55 scored by Keyshawn Johnson and Southern California against Texas Tech in 1995.

Talk Cleveland sports with Terry Pluto today at 12:30 p.m.

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Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at 12:30 p.m. as he talks Cleveland sports.

Terry Pluto use this new head shotTerry Pluto tackles your questions today at 12:30 p.m.

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at 12:30 p.m. as he talks Cleveland sports.

Terry will talk with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about the Browns and their search for a new head coach, where Pat Shurmur might end up and the Tribe's signing of Brett Myers.

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


Cleveland Browns coaching search updates, reports and rumors: Chip Kelly; Nick Saban; Bill O'Brien and Doug Marrone; Dirk Koetter staying put

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CEO Joe Banner visits Oregon coach Chip Kelly in Arizona.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The chase for the next coach of the Cleveland Browns went into swing Tuesday night when CEO Joe Banner traveled to Arizona to interview Oregon coach Chip Kelly, according to CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora.

Mary Kay Cabot writes on Cleveland.com how
Banner also interviewed Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton.  

Kelly, 49,  arrived at media day in Arizona Tuesday for Thursday night's game and promptly deflected questions about fleeing to the NFL.

 "I've got a game to play,'' Kelly said. "We're playing in the Fiesta Bowl. That's the biggest thing in my life. If I allowed other things to get into my life, then they would be distractions, but there aren't. Our focus 100 percent is on the Fiesta Bowl.''

Kelly is one of at least three top college coaches the Browns will pursue in their aggressive search for the next NFL superstar, writes Mary Kay. The others are Penn State's Bill O'Brien, the reigning Big Ten Coach of the Year; and Syracuse's Doug Marrone -- both of whom are also being heavily pursued by the Eagles. The Browns are Bills are scheduled to interview Marrone this week, according to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.

 
More coach searching news

Atlanta offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is out of the mix after signing an extension with the Falcons (Alex Marvez, Fox Sports).

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien is reportedly being pursued by three teams: the Browns, Eagles and Cardinals (Harrisburg Patriot-News).

Andy Reid telling Arizona he can "fix" Kevin Kolb (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)

The Browns will name their coach in 7-10 days, and Nick Saban is at the top of Tony Grossi's list (ESPNCleveland).

The rumor mill continues to turn in the Browns' search (The News-Herald).

What we know about the Browns' coaching search (SBNation).

Owner Jimmy Haslam seems poised to make a run at Nick Saban (Ohio.com).

NFL teams want Nick Saban but Saban is saying no (CBSSports.com).

If Oregon loses Kelly, will Oregon also lose to the NCAA (The Oregonian)?


New head coach is walking into ideal situation: Browns Comment of the Day

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"Whoever the new guy is he's walking in to an ideal situation: significant input for player personnel moves, a solid core of young talent, plenty of money to spend, and a fan base that will go crazy if this is turned around." - WILLTOWIN

AX216_24EA_9.JPG View full size The next head coach is coming into an ideal situation here in Cleveland, says one cleveland.com reader.  
In response to the story Cleveland Browns coaching search updates, reports and rumors: Doug Marrone, Ray Horton to interview, cleveland.com reader WILLTOWIN says the next head coach is walking into an ideal situation here in Cleveland. This reader writes,

"Whoever the new guy is he's walking in to an ideal situation: significant input for player personnel moves, a solid core of young talent, plenty of money to spend, and a fan base that will go crazy if this is turned around. Think late 80s - early 90s at the old Stadium. Or 90s at the Jake. Go Browns!"

To respond to WILLTOWIN's comment, go here.

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

Cleveland Browns and NFL A.M. Links: Mike Lombardi is still in the GM mix; Andy Reid will become the coach of the Cardinals; Jets are interested in Tom Heckert

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Since the Browns are going for the coach first, does that mean Mike Lombardi will become the GM?

CLEVELAND - Mike Lombardi remains a legitimate candidate to become the GM for the Cleveland Browns for various reasons.

Pat McManamon writes on Fox Sports Ohio how NFL personnel contracts do not run through the end of the season, they run through the draft. And to hire someone from another team means that person has to be promoted and basically be given control of personnel.

If the Browns try to hire a front office type working for another team, they would have to promote him from his present job. Which means giving him the final say over the roster.

Which Haslam and Banner already said isn’t going to happen.

Which means the team is left considering folks out of work or a guy a team is willing to release from his job, which usually does not happen when a guy has already spent time laying the groundwork for draft and free agency.

So that means, writes McManamon, Lombardi is a leading candidate. It also helps Lombardi's case that he has a relationship with CEO Joe Banner.

It’s not a lock Lombardi would join the Browns because a coach like Chip Kelly of Oregon might not want him, so the Browns have to leave their options open. But if it’s a coordinator from an NFL team … a Bruce Arians or Dirk Koetter or Ray Horton, for example … that puts Lombardi back into the mix.

 

More Browns and NFL news

The New York Jets have interest in former Browns GM Tom Heckert (Cleveland.com).

It's time for owner Jimmy Haslam to make a splash with the right coach (CantonRep.com).

Mike Holmgren says he'll listen to NFL coaching offers (ESPN.com).

The Kansas City Chiefs shouldn't stop with Romeo Crennel (Fox Sports).

Norv Turner says the San Diego Chargers are not ready for the postseason (Yahoo Sports).

Andy Reid will reportedly become the coach of the Arizona Cardinals (Chicago Tribune).
 
Andy Dalton is familiar with Houston's J.J. Watt (Cincinnati.com).

Baltimore Ravens questions and answers (Baltimore Sun).

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense and defense went in opposite directions (Post-Gazette).


NFL playoff preview with Jarrett Bell (USA Today).


Big Ten's woes can be fixed with addition of Texas, Oklahoma

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The Big Ten sent a five-loss team to the Rose Bowl then went 1-4 on New Year's Day after losses by Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Purdue. Northwestern picked up the lone win. What's the fix? Let in Oklahoma and Texas to the conference.

The Big Ten hasn't been taken seriously since 2006.

That season, Ohio State and Michigan entered the regular-season finale ranked No. 1 and No. 2. The Buckeyes beat the Wolverines and the two schools were close to a rematch in the BCS championship. But Florida went to the title game instead of Michigan to meet Ohio State, and the Buckeyes lost 41-14. The Wolverines, meanwhile, lost 32-18 to USC in the Rose Bowl.

The conference's reputation continues to take a beating in the aftermath, especially in bowls played on or after Jan. 1.

This year didn't help. Ohio State and Penn State were ineligible for the postseason, the conference sent a five-loss team to the Rose Bowl then went 1-4 on New Year's Day after losses by Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Purdue. Northwestern picked up the lone win.

In other words, the hits keep coming. A closer look at the damage:

—An 11-23 record in bowl games played on or after Jan. 1 since '06.

—A 4-13 record on or after Jan. 1 the last three seasons, including a 3-7 mark against the SEC.

—A 4-9 record on the field in BCS games since '06, but Ohio State's win against Arkansas in the '11 Sugar Bowl was vacated.

—A 3-9 record in the Rose Bowl since the start of the BCS, including six losses in the last seven years.

There's a simple, lucrative, risky fix. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany should make his most proactive move yet.

Add Oklahoma and Texas at all costs. That's a serious move.

WHY SHOULD THEY JOIN?

Oklahoma and Texas can't carry the Big 12 for long. There's no conference championship game. Northern Illinois edged the 10-win Sooners out of the BCS. That's why it's time to move on. Texas is 22-16 the last three seasons. Oklahoma, meanwhile, enters the Jan. 4 Cotton Bowl as an undercard to Texas A&M and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. This despite the fact Bob Stoops went 11-2 against the Aggies in the Big 12 from 1999-2011. It's amazing what that SEC detail does for a program.

That's why the Longhorns and Sooners need their own personal touch up. Unlike the Big Ten, they've held their own in bowl games. Since '06, Texas is 5-1 (1-1 in BCS games); Oklahoma is 3-3 (1-3 in BCS games). For what it's worth, the Longhorns and Sooners have as many Rose Bowl wins in the BCS era as the Big Ten.

FIX THE DIVISIONS

Of course, adding the Longhorns and Sooners would mean realignment to the Legends and Leaders divisions.

Legends Division: Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Northwestern, Illinois.

Moving Wisconsin over from the Leaders not only adds to the competition, it makes geographical sense. This division has a nostalgic Big Eight feel. Oklahoma-Nebraska becomes a relevant rivalry again.

Leaders Division: Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers, Maryland.

As of now, The Leaders is set up in a way that will allow Ohio State to dominate until Urban Meyer retires.

Why not move over the two schools Ohio loathes most? Putting the Wolverines in the Leaders ensures The Game never loses a shred of significance in the regular season.

If the Big Ten wants to force-feed the conference brand into the Washington, D.C. and New York markets, it's best to do that with the conference's yin and yang traveling to Maryland and Rutgers at least once a year every year.

THE PAYOFF

The Big Ten creates an intriguing conference championship. Imagine Texas or Oklahoma facing off against Michigan or Ohio State in Indianapolis. That means games like Texas' 38-37 win against Michigan in the '05 Rose Bowl and the Longhorns' dramatic 25-22 win against the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium the following season.

The conference also creates a league that competes with the SEC long term. The Longhorns, Sooners and Buckeyes all rank in the top five in wins in the BCS era.

Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin have combined for 33 BCS bowl appearances and 10 BCS championship games. Alabama, LSU, Florida, Georgia, Auburn and Tennessee have 24 BCS bowl appearances and 10 BCS championship games.

That's not quite enough to knock the SEC off its throne—the conference is 8-1 in the title game with Alabama going for a ninth championship this season. The Buckeyes, Cornhuskers, Longhorns and Sooners are 3-7 in BCS championship games. But it's a start.

The Big Ten also has to avoid another New Year's Day massacre to get respect, but adding Oklahoma and Texas offers the best chance to play for a national championship every season. That will help make up the large chunk of real estate lost to the SEC.

At the very least, the conference would be taken seriously again.

-- Bill Bender, Sporting News



Kent State kicker April Goss' GoDaddy.com Bowl journal: 'So many things to look forward to for this bowl trip.'

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Walk-on kicker April Goss shares her insights as the Kent State Golden Flashes head to Mobile, Ala., to play in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

KENT_STATE_KICKER_APRIL_GOSS_14039859.JPG Kent State kicker April Goss talks with linebacker C.J. Malauulu during a practice session in November. Goss is the first female football player to suit up with the Golden Flashes.  

April Goss is a freshman walk-on kicker on the Kent State football team. At 5-4, 116-pounds, she is the smallest player on the team, but she is no gimmick. Goss was the PAT kicker on the Hopewell High School team in Aliquippa, Pa. And she had no qualms trying out for the KSU football team.

"I played in high school for two years, and decided I wasn't finished,'' she said.

Goss, is a criminal justice major with a minor in psychology, and was the reason she chose Kent over other schools. But football was on her mind as well.

"As soon as I arrived to Kent in the fall of my freshman year, I went to the football office to fill out a walk-on form,'' she said.

Goss was a soccer player at Hopewell, as a freshman and sophomore, then the football kicker as a junior and senior. She said she has kicked a personal-best 40-yard field goal in practice. During Kent's annual spring "Jersey Scrimmage," which is actually more competitive than the Spring Game, Goss made a 26-yard field goal.

Perhaps the most unsung players on any football team are the walk-ons. Most will never play in a game, and often they do not even dress to play, as there are NCAA limitations for the number of players allowed to dress for each game. Yet they have to do everything the scholarship players do, go to every meeting and be in line with every NCAA rule and regulation.

The only reward, for teams that are lucky to go to a bowl game, is every players is allowed to travel, dress and be on the sidelines. It is a reward Goss is looking forward to, and will share her experiences with a regular journal over the next few days in The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com.

--Elton Alexander

When the team was told that we definitely had a guaranteed bowl berth, the reality had truly set in that as a team we were making waves in college football. But one thing stuck out that Coach Hazell had said, that everyone would travel and be in full pads for the bowl game, even the walk-on players, including me.

Any opportunity to dress for any home game was an absolute blessing, but when it came to away games I had to cheer on my teammates from the comfort of my own futon. I was chosen to dress for four games this season. No matter what, I still felt just as much a part of the team regardless of where I was watching the game.

For the MAC Championship, only a limited number of players could dress for the game. The rest of us rode to Detroit with the cheerleaders and dance team, then sat in the stands. Although, it was an amazing experience to be there, it was so difficult to watch it as a fan. I wanted nothing more than to be on the sidelines with my team, in uniform or not. And I am so grateful that I won't have to worry about that at the bowl game. The sideline, next to my teammates, is where I'll be dressed in full pads for the first bowl game any of us will ever experience.

There are so many things to look forward to for this bowl trip. First, of course, the warm weather. I am more than happy to be able to take a nice break from this snow and the freezing cold temperatures. Secondly, the southern barbecue. I love food, especially good food and thinking about the seafood, ribs, chicken, and sweet tea is already making my mouth water. So, in other words, I cannot wait to stuff my face.

But the thing that I am looking forward to the most is the opportunity to play football this season one more time. It is truly amazing to know that we, as a team, have the chance to do something here at Kent State that has never been done before. To bring back to this university, its very first bowl victory. This is something I will be able to take away with me for the rest of my life.

--April Goss

Anderson Varejao, Daniel Gibson out tonight for Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sacramento Kings

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Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson will miss tonight's game against the Sacramento Kings.

AX187_5022_9.JPG View full size Anderson Varejao is still out with a bruised right knee.  


INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - Center Anderson Varejao and guard Daniel Gibson will not play against the Sacramento Kings tonight at The Q.


Varejao will miss his seventh straight game with a bruised right knee. He had been taking part in parts of practices but still has not gone through contact as he still has pain in the knee.


Gibson suffered a concussion Friday against Atlanta and missed Saturday's game at Brooklyn. He is improving but must progress through the NBA concussion protocol.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis to retire after playoffs

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The star linebacker told the team "This will be my last ride." He has been out since Oct. 14 with a triceps injury, but expects to play Sunday in the wild-card round against Indianapolis.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens say Ray Lewis will retire after the playoffs.

The star linebacker told the team "This will be my last ride." He has been out since Oct. 14 with a triceps injury, but expects to play Sunday in the wild-card round against Indianapolis.

The 37-year-old Lewis says "It is time for me to create a new legacy" after 17 NFL seasons.

Lewis was the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2000, when Baltimore won the Super Bowl title, and in 2003.


Cleveland Browns players hope new coach has these positive traits (video)

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Kaluka Maiava, T.J. Ward and Billy Winn trust the organization will hire the right coach to lead the Browns. Watch video

Part 2 of three videos of Browns players describing the type of characteristics they hope for in a new coach.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Linebacker Kaluka Maiava hopes the next coach he plays for is like many of the previous coaches he played under in college and in the NFL.

That means, at least for Maiava, the next coach of the Cleveland Browns will display the type of leadership that players want to follow.

Maiava says former coach Pat Shurmur displayed those traits, and he hopes the same for the seventh coach of this franchise since 1999.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers waive forward Samardo Samuels

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The 6-9 Samuels made the Cavaliers at the beginning of the 2010-11 season as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville.

samardo-samuels.jpg The Cavaliers have waived power forward Samardo Samuels, who played in just 18 of 35 games this season.  


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived forward Samardo Samuels, general manager Chris Grant
announced today, reducing their roster to 14 players, one below the maximum.

NBA teams can start signing players to 10-day contracts on Monday.

The 6-9 Samuels
made the Cavaliers at the beginning of the 2010-11 season as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville.

Samuels played in 18 games (one start) this season, averaging 3.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 10.9
minutes a game.

Samuels played in 109 games, including 11 starts, during his three seasons with the Cavaliers. He averaged 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game, making 45 percent of his field goal attempts and 65 percent of his free throws.

Rookie Kevin Jones, an undrafted 6-8 power forward from West Virginia, has recently been given some of the playing time that might otherwise have gone to Samuels.

The Cavaliers (8-27) play the Bulls (18-13) in Chicago on Monday night.

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