Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

SPRING HILL — One look at Central's schedule, and it's no secret there are only a few chances left for it to break into the win column.

Friday night was one of those opportunities, but the Bears will have to wait for another week as Springstead fended it off to win at Booster Stadium.

Springstead (2-3, 1-2 Class 6A, District 6) was threatened early after a long drive by the visiting Bears (0-6, 0-2).

A lost fumble turned the tide, and Eagle quarterback Tyler Mahla took advantage by scurrying 66 yards for a touchdown on the following drive.

Central brought back a couple of key injured players in hopes of competing with their county rivals. Andrew Arevalo, the senior leader, had been out, but played well in his return.

It was freshman Ryan Ross, who came into the contest with negative yardage rushing, who received that majority of the carries and had a solid performance going before getting injured in the second half.

Ross scored the first offensive touchdown for the Bears since Week 1 against Crystal River, when Arevalo scored twice on the ground.

The Bears' losing streak now stands at eight dating to last season.

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times correspondent

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Friday, October 7, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. — The season is about trust. Or maybe faith is the better word.

Either way, it's about believing in something that defies common sense. And that is essentially what Tampa Bay is doing by tying its fortunes to a goaltender of a certain age.

In four days, Dwayne Roloson turns 42. It's hard to say what that means from a historic perspective because the NHL has rarely seen cases such as this. Most goaltenders don't make it this long, and most coaches wouldn't trust them if they did.

But the Lightning believes in Roloson. Believes in his work ethic. Believes in his skill. Believes in his body, even if nature threatens to get in the way.

"If it was a risk," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said, "we wouldn't have taken it."

Maybe by January, the story will be different. Maybe by April, the Lightning will regret not going in a different direction in the offseason.

But on the first night of the 2011-12 season, the Lightning's faith in Roloson was rewarded. It was, in fact, one of the main differences between victory and defeat.

For when the skaters lost their way early in Friday night's 5-1 victory against Carolina, Roloson kept the night from spinning out of control.

Shot after shot came his direction in the first period. At one point, the Hurricanes took 14 shots to Tampa Bay's three. Roloson made a diving glove save to his left to rob Eric Staal. He blocked a direct shot from Brandon Sutter on a breakaway and then blocked Tim Gleason's rebound shot.

By the time the onslaught ended, Roloson was the difference between a 1-0 deficit and something that could have been much, much worse.

"He's one of the best professionals I've ever seen," Marty St. Louis said. "I've played with some older guys before, but the stuff he's doing at his age is remarkable."

No one questions Tampa Bay's ability to score. You put St. Louis, Vinny Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos on the same team, and the goals will eventually come.

And maybe the defense isn't as strong as some other teams, but aggressive pursuit covers up some of the shortcomings in speed and skill.

It is at goaltender where some people have concern. It is not Roloson's talent that is in doubt, but his ability to withstand the demands of a season. In the past 35 years, Dominik Hasek is the only NHL goaltender to play 40 games or more at this age.

The Lightning does not have a set number of games that Roloson is expected to play, but you can assume he will likely start a majority of the 82-game season.

Does that mean 45? Does that mean 55? It's fluid at this point. Roloson has averaged better than 55 starts the past three seasons, but he's going to have to make some concessions to age, particularly if the Lightning expects to play deep into the summer.

Mathieu Garon was signed in the offseason as Tampa Bay's No. 2 goaltender and will get his first start tonight when the Lightning plays at Boston. He will also take some of the burden away from Roloson when the games begin to pile up later.

A minute or so after saying Roloson's return was not a risk, Boucher was asked if perhaps a calculated risk was the better term.

"Yes. Absolutely. That's exactly what it is," Boucher said. "It is a calculated risk because, even if at some point he is losing a little ground because of whatever, whether it's fatigue, wear and tear, whatever, we're going to be able to help him.

"And he brings so many other things. It ain't just about his performance on our team. It's about everything else he brings."

On this night, he brought stability and calm when the Lightning needed it most. He even brought a little toughness when things got silly in the third period.

At one point, Roloson knocked down Sutter when he ventured too close to the net then got put on the ice himself by Staal on a play that drew a goaltender interference penalty and led to a goal that put the Lightning up 3-1.

If his body was worn out by the night's adventures, Roloson never showed it. By the time Lightning players were clowning around the locker room after the game, you might have wondered if Tampa Bay's faith might not seem so misguided after all.

Roloson says he has been preparing for this moment from the time in the offseason when general manager Steve Yzerman called to talk contract.

"His question to me was, 'Do you want to play again?' I said, 'Yes,' and we went from there," Roloson said. "I didn't even really think about it. I was focused on playing this year no matter what, and I'm happy that I was able to stay with this great organization.

"Age is just a number, but I give the organization a lot of credit for sticking by me and trusting that I'll be able to do it."

John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

MILWAUKEE — Nyjer Morgan denounced his "haters." He suggested he might celebrate by taking a relaxing bath. Then he erupted with a cackle.

All while wearing a helmet in his postgame news conference.

After delivering an RBI single in the 10th inning to beat the Diamondback 3-2 on Friday in Game 5 and send the Brewers to the NL Championship Series, Morgan let his personality out.

"It's a lot, man," Morgan said. "Basically just everything that I've had to overcome, just the stuff that people go out there and perceive about me, everything. Just all my haters. I just wanted to show them that I can play this game, even though I have a fun, bubbly personality. I still come to win, and I'm a winner."

The Brewers would expect nothing less from their rabble-rousing, run-producing force.

With the score 2-2 in the 10th and Carlos Gomez on second with one out, Morgan hit a grounder up the middle that Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz tried in vain to stop with his leg. It went into the outfield, and Gomez scored as a throw home went awry.

Morgan was mobbed by teammates after giving Milwaukee its first victory in a postseason series since it won the AL pennant in 1982.

"We've heard all about 1982, so it's nice to start our own legacy," slugger Ryan Braun said.

Next, the Brewers host the Cardinals on Sunday.

Arizona did all it could to extend its surprising season. Centerfielder Chris Young made a jaw-dropping catch in the sixth, and the Diamondbacks had one last comeback left in the ninth.

Willie Bloomquist drove in the tying run with a safety squeeze, but Arizona was unable to get more against closer John Axford.

"This was a great baseball game (Friday). I'm not happy to be on this end of it," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. "And the Brewers, they cashed in on their opportunities, what can we say?"

Anthony Salveggi, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Keswick Christian used a balanced attack to defeat winless Northside Christian 27-0 Friday.

In the second quarter, Crusaders quarterback Taylor Angell found TJ Muscarella in the corner of the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown. On the following series, Keswick's Travis L'Eon intercepted a Max Massengill pass, who had stepped in to replace a shaken-up Jason Piquette for one play. On the next play Kristian Craig went 25 yards to give the Crusaders (3-2) a 13-0 lead.

Craig, who finished with 150 yards on 16 carries, added another score in the third, and Angell threw his second TD, a 29-yard pass to Jacob Bouvier, in the fourth. Angell was 8-of-14 for 120 yards.

Crusaders coach Rick Sanson singled out 160-pound Chad Moore and 170-pound Justin Trill for blocking Keswick's way to 307 yards rushing.

"I'm most impressed with how at their size, game in, game out, they battle every play," Sanson said.

Anthony Salveggi, Times correspondent

Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

EAST LAKE — The week leading up to the Class 8A, District 7 showdown with North Port, East Lake felt it had to make some changes in practice. Coming off a two-game losing streak, a spark was needed for the Eagles to get back in the win column.

"We have been trying to amp up the intensity in practice because we've been kind of dead lately," tight end Stephen Buric said.

"We had a really good practice this week and it showed on the field in terms of physicality."

And East Lake was certainly the aggressor Friday, defeating North Port 29-6.

North Port (2-4, 0-1) fumbled on the opening drive. After East Lake recovered, Pete DiNovo scored on a quarterback sneak three plays later for a 7-0 lead.

The Bobcats answered on a 34-yard touchdown run by Jason Petrone — their only trip to the end zone.

On the ensuing free kick after a high snap led to a safety, DiNovo found an open Artavis Scott in the middle of the field for a 43-yard touchdown pass. Sebastian Gonzalez added a 45-yard field goal at the end of the half to make it 19-6.

East Lake (3-3, 1-0) came out in the third quarter wanting to make a statement. DiNovo zipped a 20-yard pass across the middle to Buric followed by a 21-yard pitch and catch up the sideline to Scott down to the 1-yard line.

After an East Lake holding penalty, Tyler Lane blasted through an open hole for a 10-yard touchdown run. Lane finished with 18 carries for 114 yards and the touchdown.

"We needed consistency from the offensive line and that comes from us as coaches in practice staying on top of them, and believing in themselves and they have to outwork everybody," East Lake coach Bob Hudson said.

Michael Paonessa, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 8, 2011

TAMPA — Jesuit dominated from the start Friday, scoring 71 in the first half and rolling past Lennard 78-0.

The Tigers scored eight rushing touchdowns in the first half by five players, and Jesuit racked up 238 rushing yards in the game. Junior running back William Lucas finished with 60 yards and three touchdowns on four carries.

The Tigers scored on every possession in the first half and also dominated defensively.

"I've never seen anything like that," Jesuit coach James Harrell said. "We have to enjoy this win but make sure to prepare for next week's game."

The Tigers finished with one interception and two fumble recoveries, allowing Lennard minus-25 total yards. One fumble was returned for a 20-yard touchdown by linebacker Nick Otheguy.

Michael Paonessa, Times correspondent

Times staff
Saturday, October 8, 2011

TODAY

Autos

Sprint Cup: Hollywood Casino 400, 2 p.m., ESPN

Baseball

NLCS Game 1: Cardinals at Brewers, 4 p.m., TBS

ALCS Game 2: Tigers at Rangers, 7:30 p.m., Ch. 13

College volleyball

Women: Florida State at N.C. State, 1 p.m., FSN

Women: LSU at Florida, 1:30 p.m., Sun Sports

Women: San Diego State at New Mexico, 2 p.m., CBSSN

College soccer

Women: Alabama at Florida, 3 p.m., ESPNU

Golf

Europe: Madrid Masters, 8 a.m., Golf

LPGA: HanaBank Championship (taped), 1 p.m., Golf

PGA: Frys.com Open, 4 p.m., Golf

Champions: Insperity Championship (taped), 8:30 p.m., Golf

Horse racing

Juddmonte Spinster and Bourbon Stakes, 5 p.m., Versus

NFL

Titans at Steelers, 1 p.m., Ch. 10; 1010-AM

Seahawks at Giants, 1 p.m., 1040-AM

Bucs at 49ers, 4 p.m., Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5-FM

Jets at Patriots, 4:15 p.m., Ch. 10

Packers at Falcons, 8:15 p.m., Ch. 8; 1010-AM

NHL

Canadiens at Jets, 5 p.m., NHLN

Soccer

Mexican: Guadalajara at Toluca, 1 p.m., TeleM

Mexican: Morelia at America, 5 p.m., Univision

Tennis

China Open, 7:30 a.m., Tennis

TV: FSN: Fox Sports Net; BHSN: Bright House Sports Network; FSC: Fox Soccer Channel; CBSSN: CBS Sports Network; TeleM: TeleMundo; NHLN: NHL Network.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Bucs are off to a 3-1 start and riding the momentum of their first three-game win streak since November 2008.

But as the second quarter of the season kicks off today at San Francisco, how Raheem Morris' team ultimately fares this season is still in the air.

That's because over a span of four games in five weeks, the Bucs will travel 14,570 miles. The jet-setting already has begun with today's game (2,398 miles each way). Next week, Tampa Bay hosts New Orleans before traveling to London (4,406 miles each way) to play the Bears. After a bye, the Bucs have a rematch with the Saints in New Orleans (481 miles each way).

"I don't know who does the schedule," Morris said. "It's like the BCS. Who really does that? Let's see the computer system and how you make the schedule.

"We really don't care. We love the challenge. Let's go to the West Coast after Monday night, when we play the Indianapolis Colts. We got a gift there a little bit not having to play against (Peyton Manning). It is what it is."

Don't expect the third quarter to get any easier. The Bucs host Houston on Nov. 13 before games at Green Bay and Tennessee.

If Tampa Bay can go at least 2-2 over the next four games, it likely still will be in the thick of a playoff race.

SAN FRANCISCO TREAT: 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh finally can have contact with Bucs backup QB Josh Johnson today, at least with a handshake.

Johnson, who played for Harbaugh at the University of San Diego, can become a free agent at the end of this season. It was widely speculated Harbaugh would have had an interest in trading for Johnson last offseason, but the lockout ended those hopes.

Harbaugh regards Johnson as almost like a son. But he readily admits that won't matter today.

"We'll shake hands, and he'll try to gouge my eyes out," Harbaugh said. "And he knows I'll try to do the same."

Johnson, who is from nearby Oakland, grew up a 49ers fan and will have plenty of friends and family in attendance today. But he said he doesn't allow himself a chance to daydream about reuniting with Harbaugh in San Francisco.

"That wouldn't be fair to me or to my teammates or this organization," Johnson said. "I just kind of keep myself in the moment and what's going on right now. I'm a Buccaneer. I keep up with (Harbaugh) just because I have a lot of old coaches over there.

"And hopefully, he has success because it's a personal relationship. But as far as myself, no, that's unfair."

Even so, Johnson said he owes a lot to Harbaugh.

"Just in life, in general, he's always said, 'Attack each day with enthusiasm unknown to mankind,' " Johnson said. "When you're younger, you just think I'll just go out and be high-energy, high-spirited.

"Now I look at it as going out and taking advantage of every opportunity and never letting a minute slip in regards to your preparation. He taught me a lot, personally, about being a quarterback and about football."

WHERE'S T-JACK? The Bucs are frustrated about the slow pace of S Tanard Jackson's ability to apply for reinstatement to the league.

Jackson, who was suspended indefinitely in September 2010 for a third positive test for mari­juana, is believed to be eligible to ask the league for his job back. But the lockout, which prevented the league and its teams from contacting players, might have set Jackson's timetable back.

Good bar bet: If Jackson is reinstated this season, the Bucs will not only take him back, they'll play him in the next game, especially with the season-ending injury to S Cody Grimm.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

When you were growing up in Northern Virginia, who were your sports heroes?

I would have to say I grew up a Redskins fan. I loved watching Sean Taylor. I would say he was my favorite safety in the league. I liked Sean Taylor a lot also because he was a man of faith, too, like me. I used to just watch him pray before every game. He was just one of my favorite guys.

But he was definitely different once he got on the field, wasn't he?

Yeah. He was a mellow guy off the field. But on the field, he would snatch your face mask off. Sean Taylor was probably my favorite athlete. As a young football player playing safety, I tried to model my game after him. He played football the right way. He played it how it was supposed to be played.

You like basketball. So are you a Kobe guy or a LeBron guy?

Man, I'm a Kevin Durant guy. Kevin Durant is from D.C., and he's a great athlete. And he's so passionate about the game. But if you know him off the field, like I do, he's a great guy. He does everything he does for the Lord, and he's always giving back to the community. One day, I want to be in a position playing this game to actually use my platform to reach kids and minister to them. We can't just take football for granted. If kids see a sports figure they admire, they really will listen to that message.

Durant is so clutch. Is there a guy in sports more clutch?

Well, I'm biased. I'm going to say it's K.D. I enjoyed watching (the Thunder) in the playoffs this year. I enjoy watching (teammate) Russell Westbrook a lot, too, and what he does at the point guard position.

Okay, here are our weekly questions. What's playing the most on your iPod right now?

Never Would Have Made It by (gospel singer) Marvin Sapp.

What website do you visit the most?

Does Twitter count?

It's a website, right? I would say Twitter.

What reality show do you never miss?

My girlfriend has me watching that show Top Chef, that cooking show. I watch it. I act like I don't like it, but it's actually all right.

I read that you majored in economics. What was the hardest class you took?

It was called International Economics 424. I ended up getting a C-plus. My dad is a teacher, so he don't play with the grades. If you bring a C home, it's not acceptable. But that class was one of the hardest classes I took in college, and when I came out with a C-plus, I was happy. I was just happy to get it over with.

What did your dad say?

I explained it to him. I told him that the highest grade in the class was a B-plus. I was like, 'Dad, it's my senior year. You've got to cut me some slack.'

What was it like growing up with a dad who was a teacher?

In my house, if your grades weren't up to par, you couldn't do anything. I don't mean just sports. I mean anything. You'd stay in the house until you got your grades on point. He was a disciplinarian. But at the same time, he would reward you when you did what you had to do.

You come from Virginia, so how did you end up at Nebraska?

Because of the Blackshirt tradition (on defense). I saw Nebraska play against Miami when Eric Crouch was the quarterback (in the January 2002 BCS title game). I thought that Blackshirt thing was kind of neat. When I took a visit, I fell in love with it. As a matter of fact, that's back when Raheem (Morris) was trying to recruit me for Kansas State. What he doesn't know is that Coach (Bill) Callahan beat him to the punch because he came to my house a week before Rah did.

Do you guys ever talk about you turning him down?

He still talks about it. When I got here last year, he told me, 'Yeah, it took seven years, but I finally got you.' He's always giving me a hard time about it, but me and Rah go a long way back. He visited a couple of times, and through phone calls and text messages, I got to know him a lot. It's just a blessing to be on this team and have a head coach I knew before. Not a lot of guys in the National Football League have that kind of relationship with their head coach.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

Rough on Romo

Quarterback Tony Romo has taken his share of heat this season, especially after his Cowboys blew a 24-point lead in a loss to Detroit last week. Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann, now an NFL Network analyst, took a sizable shot Thursday, calling Romo an "average" quarterback and saying the Cowboys need a replacement. "Tony Romo continues to do things to hurt his football team," Theismann said during an NFL.com podcast. "He doesn't understand how to play the quarterback position. Somebody had to say it, and I just said it. Tony, you have to start proving to everyone you understand football. You're doing things that Pop Warner kids would get benched for."

Peyton's (new) place

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is returning to the sideline today. Well, not so fast. The four-time MVP is not close to playing following three neck surgeries, but he said he'll swap his seat in the press box for a place next to offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen. "I just get a bad feeling being close to y'all up there in the press box," Manning said, jokingly, to reporters in Indianapolis. "I mean, I can hear you second-guessing every call and writing your stories. I've got to get out of there; bad vibe being near all y'all."

Philly's problem

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick acknowledged the "Dream Team" moniker for the preseason Super Bowl contenders — created by backup quarterback Vince Young — is "dead now." And with Philadelphia having lost three straight (each of which it led in the fourth quarter), coach Andy Reid is searching for answers. There's not a sole reason why Eagles haven't lived up to their hype, but being minus-6 in the turnover battle and boasting the 30th-ranked rushing defense doesn't help. And considering the Eagles face the 3-1 Bills today, it won't get any easier. History isn't in their favor as only 15 percent of the 144 teams to open a season 1-3 since the current format went into effect have reached the postseason. "We've got to make sure we fix it," Reid said. "I, obviously, don't like what I'm seeing, and I'm a part of that problem."

Battle of Hall of Famers

Jets coach Rex Ryan, left, has always known how to talk a good game. In a lot of cases, he has backed it up. Last week, with his team having lost two straight entering today's showdown with the first-place Patriots, Ryan pulled out the props again, a black blazer he received when he entered the Hall of Fame at Southwestern Oklahoma State. He pointed out how Patriots coach Bill Belichick is a Hall of Famer at Wesleyan. "I mean, you're talking about two Hall of Famers," Ryan said. "Because we know he's going to have a bust in Canton and all of that — that minor Hall of Fame. It boils down to two Hall of Famers butting heads." In reality, it's the struggling Jets butting heads with their biggest rival, who would love nothing more than to put them in a huge hole in the AFC East.

Power rankings

1. Packers2. Lions

3. Ravens4. Saints

5. Bills6. Patriots

Upset special

Falcons (2-2) over Packers (4-0)

Atlanta needs a win and gets a big one, avenging an embarrassing home loss to Green Bay in last season's playoffs.

Comeback of the week

The fact veteran journeyman quarterback Sage Rosenfels signed with the Dolphins last week — after starter Chad Henne decided on season-ending shoulder surgery — didn't garner much attention. After all, Rosenfels likely will back up Matt Moore. But it is significant considering Rosenfels, 33, spent a lot of August in a New York hospital trying to figure out the cause of a blood infection. Rosenfels told Foxsports.com he was concerned about when — and if — he would be back in football. "There were times when it really did hit me how sick I was," said Rosenfels, who spent 12 games (appearing in none) with the Giants last season. "I guess that should have been my main concern. But most of the time, I was more concerned about getting back on the practice field."

Times wires and NFL.com contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

For the first time in a decade, all eyes will be on Motown for Monday Night Football. The Lions at 4-0 one of the league's biggest surprises, host the Bears one night before the Tigers host the Rangers across the street in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. • "It's going to be like an NFC Championship Game," Detroit receiver Nate Burleson told the Detroit Free Press. "There's going to be some big hits. There's going to be some trash-talking. There's going to be some highlights." • The Lions, coming off consecutive comeback victories over the Vikings and Cowboys, boast one of the top receivers in Calvin Johnson and a daunting defensive line. And while they haven't hosted a Monday game since Oct. 8, 2001, they could get more national exposure if they keep winning. • "The NFL, they love to make money," Burleson said. "So if there's a demand to see a certain team, they're going to figure out a way to get that team on TV. So if we get good ratings and play a good game (Monday), we might have a little demand out there like, 'Let's get them Detroit boys back.' "

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

BATON ROUGE, La. — With 1:27 remaining on the clock at Tiger Stadium, LSU running back Alfred Blue rammed his way into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown run prompting LSU fans to begin chanting, "It's Great to Beat the Florida Gators," while performing the Gator Chomp normally reserved for Florida fans.

It was that kind of day — for the second week in a row — for Florida.

No. 1 LSU (6-0, 3-0 SEC) defeated No. 17 Florida 41-11 in front of 93,022 Saturday afternoon. It was Florida's worst defeat since the 62-24 loss to Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl in 1996, and the worst loss to an SEC opponent since a 36-7 loss to LSU in 2002.

It was a second consecutive 20-plus-point loss to an SEC opponent (the Gators lost to Alabama 38-10 last week), putting Florida on a similar path as the one it traveled last season when the Gators (4-2, 2-2) lost three consecutive SEC games after opening the season 4-0.

Florida coach Will Muschamp said the severity of the losses doesn't make them any harder.

"A loss is a loss, regardless of how it looks," Muschamp said. "We've just got to look at the film, evaluate where we are as a football team and that's what we're going to do and move forward with the guys that are willing to do the things that we need to do to be successful. That's what we plan on doing. We've got a bunch of guys in that locker room that are hurting right now, as well as us. We've just got to get better."

Things were bad for the Gators entering the game, then just got worse. With starting quarterback John Brantley and backup freshman Jeff Driskel both out with injuries, the Gators started freshman Jacoby Brissett who had never played in a collegiate game. Florida also used running back Trey Burton at quarterback at times to take the pressure off.

Brissett was 8-of-14 for 94 yards and two interceptions, but did manage a 65-yard touchdown pass to Andre Debose.

"I thought he was solid, under the circumstances against a good football team defensively," Muschamp said.

But for the most part, Florida struggled on offense, making it into LSU's territory just three times, gaining 100 rushing yards. LSU scored The defense gave up 453 total yards, including 238 on the ground.

"It's just places where we miss one or two tackles and they break for 60 yards just like that," defensive tackle Jaye Howard said. "So it's the small things we have to clean up. "We've got a lot of mistakes we've got to fix. We've got to pick it up."

And then there were the penalties. Florida entered the game ranked No. 117 in the nation in penalties ahead of only Louisiana-Lafayette (44), Western Michigan (45) and Colorado. The Gators were penalized 12 times for 90 yards against LSU.

"They (penalties) kept us from having good field position all the time and gave them good field position," Burton said. "It's something we've got to work on and get fixed."

Muschamp said fixing those problems begins immediately with the staff and players.

"I thought we would play better than we did in the last two ballgames," Muschamp said. "But again, we've got to come up with some ways to stop the run game better than we're doing at this point and that's been disappointing because I did think that we would play the fronts better.

"We haven't tackled well when we've gotten the ball on the perimeter. We'll watch the tape. We had some changes from last week. We'll continue to evaluate the tape and move forward with guys we feel like can adapt within the game and play with the type of toughness we need to play with.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

BATON ROUGE, La. — With 1:27 remaining at Tiger Stadium, LSU running back Alfred Blue rammed his way into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown, prompting LSU fans to chant, "It's Great to Beat the Florida Gators," while performing the Gator Chomp.

It was that kind of day — for the second week in a row — for Florida.

No. 1 LSU defeated No. 17 Florida 41-11 in front of 93,022 on Saturday afternoon. It was Florida's worst defeat since 62-24 to Nebraska in the January 1996 Fiesta Bowl and worst loss to an SEC opponent since 36-7 to LSU in 2002.

It also was a second straight loss by 20-plus points to an SEC opponent (Alabama 38-10 last week), putting Florida (4-2, 2-2) on a similar path as the one it traveled last season, when it lost three consecutive SEC games after opening 4-0.

Coach Will Muschamp said the severity of the losses doesn't make them any harder to accept.

"A loss is a loss, regardless of how it looks," Muschamp said. "We've just got to look at the film, evaluate where we are as a football team … and move forward with the guys that are willing to do the things that we need to do to be successful.

"We've got a bunch of guys in that locker room that are hurting right now. We've just got to get better."

Things were bad for the Gators entering the game then got worse.

With starting quarterback John Brantley and backup Jeff Driskel out with ankle injuries, the Gators started freshman Jacoby Brissett, who had never played in a collegiate game. Florida also used running back Trey Burton, who took snaps last season, at times to take the pressure off.

Brissett was 8-of-14 for 94 yards and two interceptions but managed a 65-yard touchdown pass to Andre Debose.

"I thought he was solid, under the circumstances, against a good football team defensively," Muschamp said.

But for the most part, Florida struggled on offense, making it into LSU's territory just three times and rushing for 100 yards. The defense gave up 453 total yards to LSU (6-0, 3-0 SEC), including 238 on the ground.

Last week, Alabama rushed for 226 yards.

"We saw what Alabama was able to do to those guys," LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee said. "That is something we definitely wanted to do to them."

Said Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard: "It's just places where we miss one or two tackles and they break for 60 yards just like that. So it's the small things we have to clean up. We've got a lot of mistakes we've got to fix. We've got to pick it up."

Then there were the penalties.

Florida entered the game 117th in Division I-A in penalties, better than only Louisiana-Lafayette (44), Western Michigan (45) and Colorado (48). Saturday, it committed 12 for 90 yards.

"They kept us from having good field position all the time and gave them good field position," Burton said. "It's something we've got to work on and get fixed."

Muschamp said fixing those problems begins immediately.

"I thought we would play better than we did in the last two ball games," said Muschamp, including a 48-10 win over Kentucky. "But again, we've got to come up with some ways to stop the run game better than we're doing at this point. And that's been disappointing because I did think that we would play the fronts better.

"We haven't tackled well when we've gotten the ball on the perimeter. We'll watch the tape. We had some changes from last week. We'll continue to evaluate the tape and move forward with guys we feel like can adapt within the game and play with the type of toughness we need to play with."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

Times staff
Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons took advantage of five Florida State Seminoles turnovers to post a 35-30 victory today in Winston-Salem, N.C.

It was 23rd-ranked FSU's third consecutive loss and leaves the 'Noles 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the ACC.

Wake Forest (4-1) started ACC play 3-0 for the first time in school history.

Quarterback EJ Manuel, who injured his shoulder three weeks ago against Oklahoma, had been expected to start, but for the second consecutive week redshirt freshman Clint Trickett started instead.

After Tickett threw two interceptions and fumbled in the first half, Manuel came in with about 1:50 remaining before halftime.

He completed 3 of 5 passes on the drive, including a touchdown to freshman Rashad Greene as FSU cut Wake's lead to 16-14 with 54 seconds left in the half.

It was Greene's team-leading sixth touchdown reception of the season. Greene finished with 12 catches for 163 yards.

But FSU continued to struggle with turnovers in the second half with Manuel firing a pair of interceptions.

Florida State continues its stretch of road games next week at Duke.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

Jumbo running back LeGarrette Blount is the reason the Bucs play blood-and-guts football. • At 6 feet, 255 pounds, he is the round end of the hammer that dots the I-formation behind 265-pound fullback Erik Lorig. Tampa Bay's primary running play is called 16 Power (though it goes by different names, every team runs it). • Blount takes the handoff and follows his fullback to the tight end side of the formation as the guard pulls and the tackle kicks out toward the defensive end. • The Bucs' formula is simple: The defense will tire before Blount does. • "It's a lot of fun because you get a chance to see who's going to man up and who's not; who's ready to play and who's going to be scared; and who's going to punk out," Blount said.

"After three or four times of that play and you've been hitting with a 255-pound running back and a 265-pound fullback, (defenses are) not going to want to do it anymore. They're going to take bad angles and try to make it seem like they try to tackle you and won't."

In each of the past two games, the Bucs melted the final minutes of the clock while sitting on a slim lead by using Blount to pound with 16 Power. Up 16-13 against the Falcons on Sept. 25 with 3:24 left, they ran the play five consecutive times. Up 24-17 against the Colts on Monday with 2:26 left, they ran it on three consecutive plays.

Against Indianapolis, Blount rushed 25 times for 127 yards, including 35 yards for the winning touchdown with 3:15 left.

Most of Blount's yards come after he has been hit. According to the website Pro Football Focus, which analyzes player performances, 73.4 percent of Blount's 1,007 yards as a rookie last season came after a defender made contact. His average of 3.7 yards per carry was first among players with at least 200 carries.

This season he is eighth with 106 yards after contact, an average of 2.5 yards. Among his 294 total yards, 36.1 percent have come after contact.

"I never even knew they kept that as a stat," Blount said. "I know they have yards after contact, but I thought they kept that on Madden (the NFL video game). … I heard I led the league in broken tackles, yards after contact. I hear something new every day."

Blount's improvement is not lost on teammates. A year ago at Atlanta, he failed to follow his blocking on a late fourth-and-1 play. It cost the Bucs the game — they lost 27-21 — and maybe a playoff spot.

While at Oregon, Blount relied more on his instincts in coach Chip Kelly's spread offense.

"The biggest thing is he's accepting his coaching," Bucs center Jeff Faine said. "He's not just running off of instinct. When you're in college, a lot of times the coaches will let that athlete be an athlete. This is a little different game.

"You can't coach, you can't teach and you can't learn yards after contact. That part is all him, and it's probably one of the biggest reasons we've been successful with our running game (11th in the league averaging 117 yards per game). There have been a bunch of times when he's been hit after gaining 3 yards and made it into a 7-yard run. That's a huge asset for us."

Because of Blount's success, defenses must adjust. The Bucs aren't seeing as many two-deep zones in pass coverage because opponents have to commit an eighth man near the line of scrimmage in an attempt to contain Blount. That has fueled quarterback Josh Freeman's success on play-action passes.

"I said, 'Okay, bro, we've got one game on film where you really pound it and stuck with it,' " Bucs running back Earnest Graham said he told Blount. " 'I'm telling you, the next couple weeks, things are really going to open up. You're going to be able to do a lot of things.' "

Blount isn't a finished product.

At times he runs too upright and gives defenders a big target. Even though they sometimes bounce off him, coaches fear the hits will take a toll. Blount also can become a more productive receiver as he perfects route running and protection schemes.

However, he has the power running game down pat.

"He wears them down," Faine said. "Whether he knows it or not … he's making our job a lot easier."

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com. Follow him on Twitter @nflstroud.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, October 8, 2011

Think of Gerald McCoy as Josh Freeman. Think of the leadership. Think of the skills. Think of the potential.

Think of Mason Foster as LeGarrette Blount. Think of the power. Think of the fury. Think of the volume of the impact.

Think of Adrian Clayborn as Mike Williams. Think of the burst. Think of the quickness. Think of the chip on the shoulder.

Yep, there go those Bucs again.

Growing right before your eyes.

This time the kids are on the other side of the ball. This time youth has added instant energy and significant improvement. This time you are able to squint your eyes and think about what the future means to the Bucs' defense.

Why, look there. It's the rebirth of the bruise.

A year ago it was the young, flashy offense of the Bucs that captured the imagination of Tampa Bay. There had never been a quarterback quite like Freeman, or a runner quite like Blount, or a receiver quite like Williams. If you saw them together, you could not help but think of the touchdowns to come.

Now the youth has shifted back to the defense, and it is McCoy, Foster and Clayborn (plus a few others) who allow you to wonder just how good they can become and just how nasty. You cannot help but think about the future.

You know, like a few hours from now against the 49ers.

Already you can see the clues. There is talent here, and there is ferocity.

Consider the past 10 quarters. Since halftime of the Minnesota game Sept. 18, the Bucs have been among the best defenses in the NFL. Granted, it is early, and granted, Curtis Painter doesn't have enough experience and Donovan McNabb has too much. That said, production is production, and it has been quite some time since the Bucs' defense has strung together 10 quarters such as the past 10.

Over the past 2½ games, for instance, the Bucs have given up only three touchdowns. They have given up 33 points in all. That's a pace of 13.2 points per game, which would lead the league in scoring defense.

Over the past 2½ games, the Bucs have given up only 141 yards rushing … total. That's a pace of 52 yards per game.

Over the past 2½ games, the Bucs have nine sacks and five takeaways, and they've held opponents to a success rate of 30 percent on third down. Even with the big plays they have given up against Indianapolis and Atlanta, teams are averaging 308 yards a game against them in the past 10 quarters. Only seven teams are allowing a lower average for the season.

In other words, you can see the beginning of a defense that has a chance to grow into something very good. If Tampa Bay knows anything, it knows what a good defense looks like.

"We're playing faster," said Bucs coach Raheem Morris. "We're playing better. They're growing together.

"It could be the same as our offense (last year). I told McCoy the other day, we need a center face on our defense, the same as Freeman was on our offense. You're talking about Simeon Rice, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks. That's the future you hope to have with these guys, that type of success."

It is much to ask, and it is too soon to ask it. An NFL pileup is a difficult classroom for rookies and second-year men. So far, however, you have to like the flashes you have seen.

"You'd have to say that McCoy is Freeman," Morris said. "The undertackle is so important when you're running our defense. Foster is Blount, that kind of impact. Then you have Clayborn out on the edge."

Yes, there are tests ahead, Drew Brees and Aaron Rod­gers and Cam Newton and Matt Ryan and the rest. Yes, there is still proving to do and improving. Defense is like baby teeth. It takes time, and it includes pain, and sometimes wailing is involved.

On the other hand, did you see this kind of athleticism last year? Did you think about the future and smile?

"No doubt, we can be elite," McCoy said. "Right now we're playing well enough to win, but we're not where we need to be."

"The thing about Foster is that he's not just a player; he's a playmaker. And Clayborn is bringing that Simeon Rice feel back. People ask why he's hitting people like that. It's because he's angry. He's upset that you feel like you can block him. Every week he's letting you guys know that he's still upset."

And McCoy?

"I don't want to talk about myself. I'm just trying to get better. If this defense is going to be good, the undertackle has to be on fire."

There are others. Brian Price, if he can stay healthy. Da'Quan Bowers. E.J. Biggers.

"I think they're all fighting to be the center face," Morris said.

Lately, that face looks a little younger, a little meaner.

Perhaps, just perhaps, it is starting to look a bit like the defense you used to know.

By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 8, 2011

What's hot: The beaches are covered in baitfish. Threadfin herring and scaled sardines can be found up and down the Suncoast. Migratory species are preying on these bait schools. Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, bonita, sharks and large breeder redfish are the prominent species on the prowl. Diving seabirds are a great way to find feeding schools of fish.

Bait: We are fortunate to have a great variety of baitfish. Filling the live well with threadfins, scaled sardines, pinfish, grunts, mullet, ladyfish and shrimp will provide action for any targeted species. The main goal is to have the proper bait for any situation.

Tactics: Slow trolling threadfin herring this time of year off the beaches can entice any of the pelagic species to bite. I start by finding schools of baitfish less than a mile from the beach and deploying baits on a light drag setting using light wire to prevent breakoffs from toothy fish. Large offshore redfish have been a surprise catch while trolling off the beach this fall.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit www.captainrobgorta.com.

Times staff
Saturday, October 8, 2011

tom jones' two cents

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

The poll

Who was the MVP of the Bucs' Monday Night Football victory? Total votes: 597

Michael Bennett: 12 percent

Preston Parker: 6 percent

Mike Williams: 1 percent

By the numbers

3-23 Bucs' regular-season record in California (wins came against San Francisco in 1980 and 2010 and San Diego in 1996)

2-11 Bucs' regular-season record in San Francisco

3 Turnovers committed by the 49ers this season, fewest in the NFL

279 Rushing yards for the Bucs' LeGarrette Blount over the past three weeks, third most in the NFL during that span

11-4 49ers' record since 2007 when Frank Gore rushes for more than 100 yards

14-29 49ers' record since 2007 when Frank Gore rushes for fewer than 100 yards

What they're saying

Tampa Bay just finds a way to win, and Monday night, it was behind the shoulder pads of RB LeGarrette Blount. This offense has yet to put together a complete game, yet they are still 3-1. The defensive line looks like a unit that boasts the Bucs' top two draft picks from the last two drafts.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

They can improve to 4-1 with a win against the 49ers. That might not be a problem. Down the road, however, this team eventually will run into trouble.

Bob McManaman Arizona Republic

The picks

The most encouraging thing about the win over the Colts Monday night? The impact of the young defensive line with ends Michael Bennett and Adrian Clayborn and tackles Gerald McCoy (particularly disruptive) and Brian Price spending lots of time in the Indy backfield. Watch the quick throws by Alex Smith this week, men. Bucs, 26-19.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

This is, suddenly, a huge game. Both teams are 3-1. The Bucs are playing on a short week, coming off a Monday night game, and must now travel west. That's tough. The 49ers are home after two weeks on the road. The Bucs will want to run LeGarrette Blount, but the 49ers have been good against the run. Add it all up, and I see the 49ers winning by a touchdown. 49ers, 21-14.

Pete Prisco CBS Sportsline

Which one of these 3-1 teams is for real? The 49ers get the edge because they're at home and the Buccaneers are traveling cross-country on a short week after barely surviving against the Colts. 49ers, 20-17.

Sam Farmer Los Angeles Times

Bucs at 49ers

4 p.m., Candlestick Park, San Francisco

TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5 FM

Line/over-under: 49ers by 3; 41½

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

What we learned

1. Cameron Stoltz is legit. Critics could say the Sunlake quarterback put up great numbers against weak competition. They can't say that now. Sure, the 6-foot senior threw his first two interceptions of the year Friday, but he also rushed for a touchdown and rebounded with a 60-yard bomb to Rashaud Daniels with 3:19 left to give the Seahawks a 13-8 win over Nature Coast. Can he deliver another big game this week against Hernando that could decide the district title?

2. Don't forget about Land O'Lakes. The Gators' 48-28 win over Mitchell wasn't as close as the final score indicated. Land O'Lakes contained the Mustangs offense, and QB Ryan Bird lived up to his potential (275 yards, three touchdowns). The Gators' loss to Hernando could bite them in Class 6A, District 6, but don't count them out yet. If Land O'Lakes can get by Nature Coast this week and Sunlake the next, the Gators will likely be headed to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

3. Hernando may be the fastest team in 6A-6. Before the season began, many picked the Leopards as the district favorites. A slow start changed some opinions, but one thing that has become increasingly obvious in victories over Land O'Lakes and River Ridge is that Hernando has a ton of speed. In a 61-14 win over the Royal Knights on Friday night, not one player was able to get to the outside of the Hernando defense. And on offense, almost every player who touched the ball had the capability of breaking it for a big gain.

4. Fivay is dangerous. The Falcons have offensive balance with two good running backs (Kyrie Rodriguez, Bryan Poinsette) and a passing attack that included Pasco County's leading receiver entering Week 5 (James Bullock). Looking back, let's also remember that the second-year program is only a punt block in Week 1 against River Ridge from being undefeated this season.

5. Pasco is still the area's top team. Another week, another 50-point outburst. The Pirates' 57-12 win over Wesley Chapel was Pasco's fourth consecutive game of at least 50 points and their fifth overall this year. Jacob Guy threw for three touchdowns, Janarion Grant had a couple scores, and so did David Emmanuel. Pasco (6-0) will have to overcome this lack of competition in the playoffs when games will be closer and defenses will be tougher, but it should enjoy the fireworks for the rest of the regular season.

Quotable

"It's probably one of the biggest ones." — Bill Browning, Sunlake coach, on where the 13-8 win over Nature Coast ranks in school history

"We're ready for them." Tyrail Hawkins, Hernando ATH, on next week's showdown with Sunlake

Looking ahead

Hernando (4-2, 3-0) at Sunlake (5-0, 3-0): The 6A-6 district title could come down to the winner of Friday's Sunlake-Hernando game. Both teams are 3-0 in the district. Both have impressive, physical defenses. Expect this to be a tough, low-scoring game, with the team that commits the fewest turnovers getting in the driver's seat for the district crown.

Times correspondent Derek J. LaRiviere contributed to this report.

Game balls

RB Matt Breida, Nature Coast: Sunlake kept him in check for most of the night, but the county's rushing leader still came through with the go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion in the fourth quarter of Friday's 13-8 loss.

ATH Rashaud Daniels, Sunlake: The senior receiver/defensive back had a first-quarter interception on his own half of the field and broke free on the winning 60-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Stoltz against Nature Coast.

QB Jacob Guy, Pasco: The senior Division-I prospect was 10-of-15 passing for 190 yards and three touchdowns. Oh, and he kicked a 37-yard field goal in the 57-12 win over Wesley Chapel.

ATH Tyrail Hawkins, Hernando: The junior's line in a 61-14 win over River Ridge was impressive: 12 touches, 421 total yards, five touchdowns. Hawkins has become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons on the North Suncoast.

RB Freddie Jones, Mitchell: The speedy senior rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown in the Mustangs' 48-28 loss to Land O'Lakes.

QB Tyler Mahla, Springstead: Scored on a 66-yard run early in the game and passed for two more scores to help the Eagles beat Central 26-7 and end a three-game losing streak.

S Darin Patmon, Land O'Lakes: The Gators' special teams star blocked two punts, scooping the ball up and scoring on the second one to seize momentum in a 48-28 win over Mitchell.

WR Ryan Patterson, Anclote: Two of his four catches were touchdowns. He had 109 receiving yards to lead the Sharks to a 41-6 win over Ridgewood, Anclote's first victory of the year.

QB RJ Perciavalle, Bishop McLaughlin: The sophomore continued his strong season with two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns in the Hurricanes' 62-30 loss to Landmark Christian.

LB Willis Reeves, Fivay: His two sacks and multiple other pressures made it difficult for Cobra QB Joseph Caruso to get the ball off in the Falcons' 35-0 win over Hudson.

LB/FB Zach Sullivan, Hernando: On the same night he was crowned homecoming king, Sullivan scored a touchdown on the ground in Hernando's 61-14 rout of River Ridge and picked off a pass inside the opposing 10-yard line to set up another score.

Zephyrhills' defense: The Bulldogs overcame four first-half interceptions largely because of defense. Zephyrhills allowed only 122 yards and 14 points in a big win over Gulf.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Bucs face dual challenges, coming off a short week following a Monday night game and traveling across the country. To further complicate matters, the 49ers are playing well, coming off a win at Philadelphia in which they rallied from a 23-3 second-half deficit. The Bucs will try to make quarterback Alex Smith uncomfortable with their pass rush. And Josh Freeman must be sharp and attack the 49ers' weakness — their secondary.

Probable starters

Bucs offense

WR: Mike Williams 19

LT: Donald Penn 70

LG: Jeremy Zuttah 76

C: Jeff Faine 52

RG: Davin Joseph 75

RT: Jeremy Trueblood 65

TE: Kellen Winslow 82

WR: Arrelious Benn 17

QB: Josh Freeman 5

RB: LeGarrette Blount 27

FB: Earnest Graham 34

Bucs defense

LDE: Michael Bennett 71

DT: Gerald McCoy 93

DT: Brian Price 92

RDE: Adrian Clayborn 94

SLB: Dekoda Watson 56

MLB: Mason Foster 59

WLB: Geno Hayes 54

LCB: Aqib Talib 25

RCB: Ronde Barber 20

SS: Sean Jones 26

FS: Corey Lynch 41

Special teams

P: Michael Koenen 9

PK: Connor Barth 10

KO: Michael Koenen 9

PR/KR: Preston Parker 87

49ers offense

WR: Michael Crabtree 15

LT: Joe Staley 74

LG: Mike Iupati 77

C: Jonathan Goodwin 59

RG: Chilo Rachal 62

RT: Anthony Davis 76

TE: Vernon Davis 85

WR: Josh Morgan 84

QB: Alex Smith 11

RB: Frank Gore 21

FB: Bruce Miller 49

49ers defense

LDE: Ray McDonald 91

NT: Ricky Jean Francois 95

RDE: Justin Smith 94

LB: Ahmad Brooks 55

LB: NaVorro Bowman 53

LB: Patrick Willis 52

LB: Parys Haralson 98

LCB: Carlos Rogers 22

RCB: Tarell Brown 25

SS: Donte Whitner 31

FS: Dashon Goldson 38

Special teams

P: Andy Lee 4

PK: David Akers 2

KO: David Akers 2

PR/KR: Ted Ginn 19

Stat pack

4 p.m., Candlestick Park, San Francisco | TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: 49ers by 3; 41½

49ers' best offensive player

Frank Gore, right, in just his seventh season, is third in franchise history with 6,689 rushing yards, 655 shy of No. 1 Joe Perry (7,344). He's a powerful runner capable of breaking tackles, but he combines that with elusiveness that makes him a particularly difficult player to take down.

49ers' best defensive player

All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, left, was the 2007 defensive rookie of the year, and he has done nothing but dominate since. A tackling machine and constant presence around the ball, Willis leads the NFL in tackles since his rookie season (623).

Prediction

Bucs 23, 49ers 21

What the 49ers do best

Play the run. The 49ers haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 26 consecutive games, meaning the Bucs will have to find creative ways to use LeGarrette Blount.

You can beat the 49ers if …

You exploit their pass defense in hopes it will open things up for the running game. The 49ers have allowed five pass plays of 40 yards or longer, second most in the NFL.

The Bucs must avoid …

Another mistake-filled performance. Against a defense as fierce as the 49ers', a game full of penalties — such as Monday night's against the Colts — will create long down-and-distance situations that Tampa Bay likely won't overcome.

avg. Rushing yards

avg. passing yards

avg. total yards

avg. Rushing yards allowed

avg. passing yards allowed

avg. total yards allowed

Bucs

49ers

74 (4th)

101 (11th)

93.2 (22nd)

117 (11th)

177.5 (29th)

235.8 (17th)

284 (27th)

267 (21st)

270.7 (28th)

352.8 (17th)

358 (17th)

368 (20th)

Injury report

BUCS — Out: S Devin Holland (back), T James Lee (knee), TE Luke Stocker (knee), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot). Doubtful: LB Zac Diles (hamstring). Questionable: LB Quincy Black (ankle). Probable: DE Michael Bennett (groin), DE Tim Crowder (knee), RB Earnest Graham (hamstring), TE Zack Pianalto (calf), CB Aqib Talib (knee).

49ers — Out: CB Tramaine Brock (hand), WR Braylon Edwards (knee), RB Moran Norris (fibula). Doubtful: DT Isaac Sopoaga (infection). Questionable: CB Shawntae Spencer (toe). Probable: WR Michael Crabtree (foot), RB Frank Gore (ankle), G Mike Iupati (neck), C Adam Snyder (hamstring).