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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints: What they're saying

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Times staff
Saturday, October 15, 2011

Bucs vs. Saints

4:15 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Radio: 620-AM, 103.5 FM

Line/over-under: Saints by 5; 49½



By the numbers

0.5 Touchdown-to-interception ratio for the Bucs' Josh Freeman, worst in the NFL

3 Consecutive games in which the Saints' Drew Brees has thrown for at least 350 yards; no one in NFL history has had four consecutive

5 Consecutive games against the Bucs in which Brees has thrown for fewer than 300 yards (average of 240)

81 Consecutive games in which Bucs tight end Kellen Winslow has a reception

What they're saying

Wow. Losing by 45 to a team that was averaging only 23 points over the first four weeks is a major concern, and it doesn't get any easier with New Orleans on the docket two out of the next three games.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

If you've watched Josh Freeman and Mike Williams this season, you might be wondering if the key members of Tampa Bay's passing game have lost their confidence. If you talk to the quarterback and wide receiver, you'll quickly find out that's not the case. In fact, the problem might be just the opposite. "This week, you're going to see the old Mike Williams back,'' Williams said. No one who talks in the third person can be accused of having a lack of confidence. Freeman's not the type to go third person on you, but he'll flat out tell you that having too much confidence has been part of the reason he's already thrown as many interceptions (six) as he did all last season.

Pat Yasinskas ESPN.com

The picks

Weird stat of the weekend: While the Bucs have split their last four with the Saints, the oddity is that those two wins have come at the Superdome. Drew Brees must like the great outdoors. In Tampa, the Saints have won 38-7 and 31-6 in the last two years. Two reasons this one should be closer for the Bucs: embarrassment (after losing by 45 last week in San Francisco) and a better defensive line. It won't be enough to hold down Brees. Saints, 30-23.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

This is a big early division game for both teams. The Bucs are coming off a horrible showing in San Francisco, but the Saints are playing consecutive road division games. That's tough. The Bucs pushed the Saints around in a late-season victory in 2010, and I look for more of that here. The Bucs regroup for an upset victory as Josh Freeman gets it going after a bad game last week. Bucs, 24-23.

Pete Prisco CBS Sportsline


'Canes hold off Heels

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Saturday, October 15, 2011

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Miami's Jacory Harris had a chance to look at his stats — 267 passing yards, three touchdowns — but declined. He knew everything he needed to know: a 30-24 win over North Carolina on Saturday.

"I'm just happy we got the W," he said.

The Hurricanes led 27-3 in the first half then held on to avoid its first 0-3 ACC start.

"This was very key," linebacker Sean Spence said. "We feel like we're back in the ACC race now."

The Tar Heels cut it to 30-24 on a 20-yard catch by Reggie Wilkins with 46 seconds left then recovered the onside kick. They reached the Miami 30 before Spence sacked Bryn Renner. The Tar Heels lateraled it multiple times on their final play before being stopped at the 24.

"We came back to fight," Renner said. "And that's a credit to our character."

North Carolina had outscored its opponents 42-3 in the first quarter but trailed 14-0 before its offense took the field. Harris hit Mike James for a 4-yard score on the opening drive. T.J. Thorpe fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, and Harris hit Tommy Streeter for a 27-yard score on the next play.

Miami scored on its first five possessions (three touchdowns) then managed just two first downs while punting five times during the second half.

"Coach told us we wanted to score five times in the first half," Harris said. "But we wanted five touchdowns."

Criticized for being turnover-prone, Harris did not throw an interception for the third consecutive game. Before he took a knee to close out the first half, Harris had led the Hurricanes to points on 10 of their last 11 possessions dating to their 38-35 loss at Virginia Tech last week.

"If it's not there, he's not going to force anything," Streeter said.

"He's grown up in that department."

Captain's Corner: Improve skills with help at Florida Fly Fishing Expo

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By Pat Damico, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 15, 2011

Focus on fly fishing: Want to improve your fly fishing skills? Cooler water and improving conditions have set the stage for excellent fall fishing. Want to get answers to problems that have prevented you from growing in a sport that offers many opportunities within minutes of home? Spending a day or two with some of the best fly fishing guides and personalities at the Florida Fly Fishing Expo 2011 on Friday and Saturday at the World Gate Resort in Kissimmee will ensure your success. This is an incredible learning experience. Dave Whitlock and Chico Fernandez head an all-star cast of expert fly fishers who will help anglers with seminars, casting pond demonstrations and fly-tying instruction, and there will be one-on-one casting help throughout the event. Learn how to deal with the wind, improve accuracy and cast farther with ease.

Expo details: Information about all activities can be found at fff-florida.org. Check out the educational opportunities so you can maximize time while attending. Venders will have items available at significant discounts, and factory representatives will answer questions and help select and fine-tune equipment to improve performance. Family-oriented activities abound as well.

Pat Damico charters lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpat.com or (727) 504-8649.

Poll of the day

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Times staff
Saturday, October 15, 2011

tom jones' two cents

Connecticut Huskies 16, USF Bulls 10

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — For sheer angst and agony, no team can come close to Connecticut for handing USF the kind of difficult losses that Bulls fans bitterly remember years after the fact.

So, having lost to the Huskies two years in a row on last-minute field goals, the Bulls saved that drama Saturday but struggled badly on offense, missing a wide variety of opportunities in a 16-10 loss at Rentschler Field.

"This game is about two things: turnovers and penalties," said Skip Holtz, whose Bulls (4-2, 0-2 Big East) have dropped two straight after a promising 4-0 start that had them ranked No. 16. "The penalties absolutely hurt us tonight. … It's not just about talent or being able to stop them or moving the ball. It's learning about how to play smart and play winning football. We made too many mistakes today."

Quarterback B.J. Daniels, who had just one turnover in his first five games, had three Saturday, part of five trips inside the UConn 35-yard line that netted zero points. Needing a touchdown to win and faced with a fourth-and-7 play at the UConn 27 with 2:30 left, he had receiver Sterling Griffin open but threw low enough that Griffin went down to make the catch, left with a 3-yard gain.

"Turnovers will kill you," said Daniels, who threw two interceptions and fumbled an option pitch inside in the UConn 10. "Last couple of years we played UConn and lost the turnover battle, they won the game. Today's the same story. … It's on me, regardless. I'm the quarterback, it's my responsibility."

Running back Darrell Scott, who rushed for 58 yards, had perhaps the single biggest mistake, a fumble that UConn (3-4, 1-1) scooped up and returned 10 yards for the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter. He, too, took blame for the loss.

"You can't put the ball on the ground. I'll put that on me. I basically lost the game for us," Scott said. "Being in the red zone and not being able to punch it in is frustrating. Frustrating, the whole entire game."

Other Bulls could certainly take some blame — on a day where UConn's Dave Teggart hit three field goals, USF's Maikon Bonani went 1-for-3, missing two into the wind — one short, one left. And though USF held Connecticut to 253 yards and without an offensive touchdown, coordinator Mark Snyder saw interceptions drop out of his players' hands too often for his taste.

"We had our hands on, had a chance at five or six turnovers, and we didn't make it happen," Snyder said. "There's an opportunity for us to contribute to a win, and we didn't get it done, period."

Connecticut gave up 948 passing yards in its previous two losses, but USF could not find the same success, with Daniels throwing for 164.

USF committed nine penalties for 89 yards, the first matching a season high and the latter the high in 19 games under Holtz. After running back Marcus Shaw returned a kickoff 79 yards to the UConn 8, USF lost a fumble two plays later on an option pitch.

"We keep doing stuff to shoot ourselves in the feet," guard Chaz Hine said. "If we get rid of the stupid mistakes, we'd be in such better position."

Scott's fumble was picked up by UConn's Byron Jones for a 10-yard touchdown and a 16-10 lead with 7:06 left in the third.

USF shut UConn out the rest of the way, and the Bulls' offense had the ball five more times, amassing 166 yards but zero points.

"We're where we are because of the choices we've made, the things we've done," Holtz said. "It's way too early to stick our heads in the sand. We're 4-2. There's a lot of people in the country that would trade places with us. I'm frustrated because I think we have a team that can be competitive in this league. But we have made some mistakes."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints: Probable starters and analysis

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

The Bucs aren't playing great, and they definitely have been way too sloppy on both sides of the ball. The Saints have some defensive weaknesses, but unless the Bucs can get out of their own way, it won't matter. Look for Saints quarterback Drew Brees to make the Bucs pay dearly for not sustaining drives.

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: Earnest Graham 34

FB: Erik Lorig 44

Bucs defense

LDE: Michael Bennett 71

DT: Frank Okam 98

DT: Brian Price 92

RDE: Adrian Clayborn 94

SLB: Quincy Black 58

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

Saints offense

WR: Devery Henderson 19

LT: Jermon Bushrod 74

LG: Carl Nicks 77

C: Matt Tennant 65

RG: Jahri Evans 73

RT: Charles Brown 71

TE: Jimmy Graham 80

WR: Lance Moore 16

QB: Drew Brees 9

RB: Pierre Thomas 23

FB: Korey Hall 35

Saints defense

LDE: Turk McBride 90

DT: Aubrayo Franklin 99

DT: Sedrick Ellis 98

RDE: Jeff Charleston 97

SLB: Scott Shanle 58

MLB: Jonathan Vilma 51

WLB: Martez Wilson 95

LCB: Jabari Greer 33

RCB: Tracy Porter 22

SS: Roman Harper 41

FS: Malcolm Jenkins 27

Special teams

P: Thomas Morstead 6

PK/KO: John Kasay 2

KR: Devery Henderson 19

PR: Darren Sproles 43

Stat pack



4:15 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: Saints by 5, 49½

Saints' best offensive player

Drew Brees, right, is the engine that keeps the Saints humming, teaming with aggressive play-caller Sean Payton to rip defenses leaguewide. Brees will throw early and often. He leads the NFL in pass attempts and completions. And he's great under pressure. His third-down passer rating is 149.9 — also tops in the NFL.

Saints' best defensive player

Jonathan Vilma has been the heart and soul of the Saints defense for four seasons while establishing himself as one of the game's best middle linebackers. He has surpassed 100 tackles in six of the past seven seasons and is on pace to get there again.

The Bucs must avoid …

Another early deficit. As the schedule intensifies — Saints twice, Bears, Texans and Packers in their next five games — it becomes increasingly difficult to overcome them. The Bucs fell behind 21-3 against the solid 49ers midway through the second quarter last week, and the game was all but over.

What the Saints do best

Play with offensive tempo. Because Drew Brees is so adept at running the offense, the Saints keep defenses guessing. It's why they have so many explosive plays. At the same time, those plays generally involve high-percentage throws. At 69.4, the Saints trail only the Packers in completion percentage.

You can beat the Saints if …

You keep their offense on the sideline, preventing it from getting into a rhythm. The Bucs, like most teams, will struggle if they attempt to win a shootout with the Saints. Coach Raheem Morris has conceded 300-yard passing games are probable when it comes to Drew Brees. So this is one of those days when a good offense really could be the best defense.

Prediction Saints 27, Bucs 21

avg. Rushing yards

avg. passing yards

avg. total yards

avg. Rushing yards allowed

avg. passing yards allowed

avg. total yards allowed

Bucs

saints

110.8 (16th)

115.4 (14th)

123.4 (24th)

107.6 (15th)

225.8 (20th)

336.6 (2nd)

254.6 (20th)

247.0 (16th)

336.6 (20th)

452.0 (2nd)

378.0 (23rd)

354.6 (16th)

Injury report

BUCS Out: DT Gerald McCoy (ankle), TE Luke Stocker (knee), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot). Doubtful: RB LeGarrette Blount (knee). Questionable: LB Zac Diles (hamstring), LB Mason Foster (ankle). Probable: LB Quincy Black (ankle), T James Lee (knee), CB Aqib Talib (knee).

Saints Out: LB Will Herring (hamstring), T Zach Strief (knee), TE David Thomas (concussion). Probable: TE John Gilmore (neck), WR Devery Henderson (calf), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee), LB Martez Wilson (neck).

Spartans cap 'clean sweep'

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Times wires
Saturday, October 15, 2011

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Jerel Worthy and No. 23 Michigan State charged across the field, holding four fingers in the air.

"A clean sweep!" he yelled after he and his fellow defensive linemen shut down Denard Robinson and No. 11 Michigan for a 28-14 victory.

The Spartans handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season and have won four straight in the series for the first time since 1959-62 (part of a 6-0-2 stretch from 1956-63), equaling their longest streak in the series.

"For the rest of our life, we can walk the streets of Michigan," said Kirk Cousins, Michigan State's first starting quarterback to win three straight over Michigan.

Edwin Baker ran for 167 yards and a touchdown. Keshawn Martin ran for two touchdowns in the third, and then the Spartans held on. The Wolverines had a chance to tie, but Robinson was sacked on fourth and 1 from the Michigan State 9 with 6:16 to play.

He later threw an interception Isaiah Lewis returned 39 yards for a touchdown to make it 28-14.

"I just have to make throws," Robinson said. "We had a lot of opportunities to keep the game within reach."

Last year, Robinson was averaging 181 rushing yards until the Spartans limited him to 86 on 21 carries and forced three interceptions. Robinson entered Saturday averaging 120 yards, ninth in Division I-A, but was held to 42.

He ran for a 15-yard score on the game's first series. But he didn't have a longer run from there and was 9-of-24 for 123 yards.

"We knew he wasn't going to be able to pass the ball," Lewis said. "And nobody can run the ball on us."

The Wolverines haven't beaten the Spartans since 2007, when then-Michigan running back Mike Hart compared Michigan State to a "little brother" and coach Mark Dantonio shot back by saying the Wolverines needed "to check themselves." Dantonio said after that game that "pride comes before the fall" — and now it's Michigan State holding onto the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

"They need to feel this one," said Michigan coach Brady Hoke, whose team is off next week. "We all need to feel this one for a while. But we'll turn the page."

Tampa Bay Rays won't be in position to make quick decisions on offseason roster moves

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

Consider this another sign of the Rays' rise to prominence: Even TMZ cares.

DH Johnny Damon was leaving the posh Hollywood hangout BOA the other night when one of TMZ's celeb-chasing camera crews stopped him to ask if he'll be back with the Rays in 2012.

Damon, who told them he hoped so, may not know for a while. Because as hard at work as Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman and crew already are, they aren't likely to be positioned to make quick decisions on bringing back free agents Damon and/or native son 1B Casey Kotchman, nor on whom to bring in or ship out.

Knowing their resources will again be limited — the only question is how limited — Friedman faces an extreme juggling act, trying to improve an offense that scored a middle-of-the-pack 707 runs by about 10 percent without weakening a pitching staff that allowed an AL-fewest 611 and defense that made a major-league-low 73 errors.

He's talking a lot about finding "the optimal mix" of 13 position players that can best produce and prevent runs. And with only 26 home runs and 121 RBIs combined from Damon and Kotchman at traditional power spots, and the potential of trading CF B.J. Upton, who had 23 and 81, there is a lot to think about. (Perhaps the return of Carlos Peña?)

Trades, typically made in December and January, likely will be a major part of the process as teams — and not just the obvious ones (for example, the Rockies and Royals) — are already eyeing their eight-deep stash of starting pitchers.

Of nearer-term issues:

• Contracts with the coaches expire Oct. 31; all — except perhaps bullpen coach Bobby Ramos — are expected back (unless bench coach Dave Martinez gets the Cubs or Red Sox manager's job), but there still have to be negotiations. An extension for manager Joe Maddon, heading into the last year of his deal, may wait until spring.

• Option decisions are due post-World Series on RHP James Shields (a no-brainer at $7.5 million, after an innings escalator, with a chance to hit $8 million for a top-5 Cy Young finish); RHP Kyle Farnsworth (a likely yes at $3.3 million assuming his elbow checks out); and C Kelly Shoppach (a no at $3.2 million, but a possible re-sign for less).

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Senior VP Gerry Hunsicker continues to be reported as a candidate for GM jobs with the Angels and Orioles but is unlikely to pursue either — or any other — given how content he is with the Rays. … New York Daily News baseball columnist Bill Madden writes that the Rays are "destined for a tragic ending" and insists "contraction is coming," even though MLB also would have to eliminate a second team. … With the Red and White Sox changes, Friedman and Maddon are now MLB's second-longest tenured duo behind Detroit's Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland. … 3B Evan Longoria canceled a planned trip to Thailand due to the massive flooding there. … The AL rookie of the year award (Jeremy Hellickson?) is announced Nov. 14 and manager of the year (Maddon?) Nov. 16. … If Dave Eiland doesn't get the Royals (or another) pitching coach job, the Rays would have him back as a special assistant. … Among Instructional League standouts were 2011 No. 1 pick RHP Taylor Guerreri, who hit 97 mph at times, and LHP Enny Romero, a 20-year-old who struck out 140 in 114 IP while going 5-5, 4.26 at Class A Bowling Green.


tampabay.com

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Saturday, October 15, 2011

On the Web: Friday Night Rewind

Hosts John C. Cotey and Joey Knight, as well as the rest of the Friday Night Rewind gang, are back for another season of our award-winning football video series. Check out highlights from the bay area's top matchups at tampabay.com/hometeam.

And join us Monday for a live weekly football chat.

Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher shakes up lineup vs. Florida Panthers

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

SUNRISE — Lightning coach Guy Boucher shook up his lineup Saturday night against the Panthers, with wings Teddy Purcell and Ryan Shannon healthy scratches.

Boucher had benched Purcell for the third period of Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Islanders, disappointed he wasn't involved enough in battles.

"Last game I just didn't move my feet and obviously got away from … what coach wants us to do," Purcell said. "I have no one to blame but myself."

Boucher said Shannon, in his first season with Tampa Bay after signing as a free agent in the offseason, is doing fine, he's just having trouble adjusting to the Lightning's system.

Shannon said sitting out "doesn't make me feel good" but acknowledged he has to improve.

"It's just a lot of little things when it comes to when you have space and time (to make a play)," Shannon said. "It's just about … figuring out when you can be dangerous and when you just live to fight another day."

Boucher replaced them with Blair Jones and Tom Pyatt, saying they bring the necessary work ethic and defensive reliability, and can be relentless. That's what Boucher wants to see more from out of Purcell, who was expected to have a large role this year on the second line following a breakout postseason (17 points) and signing a two-year, $4.725 million deal in the offseason.

"I guess it's hard as a pro to get back to where you were when you last finished," Purcell said. "I just have to do a better job of getting that emotion level back up and find my game like I did in the playoffs."

Said Boucher: "When he competes, he's an outstanding player. When he doesn't compete, he's below average. … It's one or the other. … You've got to be involved in the battles. Right now I think he's thinking too much."

LINING UP: D Matt Gilroy was back in the lineup, taking the spot of Bruno Gervais. Boucher said who gets to play will be a daily decision. Sometimes both could play. Rookie wing Brett Connolly played on a line with C Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis for the second straight game.

REMEMBER ME? Panthers LW Sean Bergenheim, a Lightning playoff star last season with nine goals, has fit in well on Florida's third line. And he'll never forget the day he signed his four-year, $11 million free-agent deal with the Panthers. It was July 2, also the day he married his wife, Vilma, in downtown Helsinki, Finland. "I signed the contract at 5 a.m. Finnish time … went to bed around 6, woke up at 9 and got married the same day," he said. "But I wasn't tired, I can tell you that."

QUOTE TO NOTE: When asked what C Nate Thompson brings to the second line, Boucher put it simply: "He represents exactly what we're supposed to be. He's fast, he's gritty, he's smart with the puck, he's incredible defensively. He's everything you want in a player, so it doesn't matter where he plays."

ticket update: Saturday night, 1,500 tickets were left for Monday's home opener against the Panthers at the St. Pete Times Forum, the team said. Check Ticketmaster (outlets, ticketmaster.com, toll-free 1-800-745-3000).

The NFL: Week 6

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

Cowboys (2-2) at Patriots (4-1)

4:15 p.m., Ch. 13

Patriots by 61/2, 55½

Do not be surprised if the Cowboys take advantage of a disappointing Patriots defense and make things uncomfortable in the fourth quarter. Then you should also not be surprised to see Tom Brady, above, and his mates finish off the Cowboys in the end because the Cowboys don't know how to finish. QB Tony Romo bears much of the guilt for that, not to mention a defense that can't seem to play four quarters. Another close Cowboys loss.

Patriots 30, Cowboys 27

Panthers (1-4) at Falcons (2-3)

1 p.m.

Falcons by 4, 50½

This is simply a bad matchup for the Falcons. For all of their investment in acquiring offensive playmakers the past few years (like, say, giving up a whole draft for WR Julio Jones, above), the Falcons still can't manage to stop teams. There are big plays to be made all day against Atlanta, and until coach Mike Smith finds a way to get some consistency from his defense, it will remain in a fragile state. Only reason it gets a slight edge here is it's at home.

Falcons 27, Panthers 24

Colts (0-5) at Bengals (3-2)

1 p.m.

Bengals by 7, 40½

Not long ago, it seemed hard to justify keeping Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, above. About the only reason that made sense was the Bengals' cheap ways made them hesitant about a replacement's cost. Now Lewis can lead his team to a third straight win, and Cincinnati very much expects to be in the playoff race. Its defense continues to shine, a cre­dit to sharp-minded coordinator Mike Zimmer and Lewis — himself a pretty bright defensive mind.

Bengals 23, Colts 17

49ers (4-1) at Lions (5-0)

1 p.m.

Lions by 4, 46½

You can make a compelling argument that this is the game of the week. The 49ers get the big stage for a change even while the Lions are still getting used to it. It's a matchup of QBs taken No. 1 overall, the Niners' Alex Smith (2005), above, and the Lions' Matt Stafford (2009). Here's what this game turns on: The Lions measure up defensively with a good San Francisco defense. If it comes down to a quarterback having to win it, Stafford's the pick.

Lions 28, 49ers 23

Rams (0-4) at Packers (5-0)

1 p.m.

Packers by 14, 47

We wish we could offer some hope for the Rams, but not today. They will, at some point, get their first win, but not today. What will happen is Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, with a lot of help from WR Greg Jennings, above, TE Jermichael Finley and whoever else wants to join the party, is going to have a very big day. The Packers defense has legitimate issues but mitigates that by forcing turnovers. Rams QB Sam Bradford had better watch out.

Packers 32, Rams 17

Bills (4-1) at Giants (3-2)

1 p.m., Ch. 10

Giants by 3½, 50½

Anyone foolish enough to wager on the Giants deserves to lose. The Giants are flat-out frustrating. They can play like contenders one week and suffer a double-digit loss to the Seahawks the next. The Giants' injury list is a concern, including DE Justin Tuck, G Chris Snee and RB Brandon Jacobs. If Bills RB Fred Jackson, above, can gash the Giants, he might buy Ryan Fitzpatrick enough time to throw downfield against a sometimes porous secondary.

Bills 24, Giants 23

Jaguars (1-4) at Steelers (3-2)

1 p.m.

Steelers by 12, 40

This is no game for a rookie quarterback, which the Jaguars have in Blaine Gabbert, above. He'll be ducking all kinds of blitzes cooked up by defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, and he'll get tired of dodging the oncoming mass of bodies. He'll start throwing the ball earlier than he'd like, and S Troy Polamalu will be all too willing to rack up another interception. Jacksonville RB Maurice Jones-Drew is playing well, but the Steelers won't let him beat them.

Steelers 29, Jaguars 17

Eagles (1-4) at Redskins (3-1)

1 p.m.

Eagles by 3, 47

Here's what we're thinking, readily admitting it might be flawed: The Eagles aren't as bad as you believe, and the Redskins aren't as good as they want to believe. The Eagles, in their defense, have played a tough schedule. That's not to say the Redskins are walkovers. But the Eagles have engaged in shootouts and stayed in them because of QB Michael Vick and RB LeSean McCoy, above. Not sure if the Redskins can keep pace in a scoring fest.

Eagles 27, Redskins 21

Texans (3-2) at Ravens (3-1)

4 p.m.

Ravens by 8, 44½

The Texans are hurting with DE Mario Williams out for the season and WR Andre Johnson very questionable (hamstring). Without them, they're still a formid­able team. But that might not be enough to offset a rested Ravens team coming off a bye. The Texans are much-improved on defense, but without Williams, you have to expect RB Ray Rice to be half-decent. QB Joe Flacco, above, certainly will have more time in the pocket, and that's a problem.

Ravens 26, Texans 24

Browns (2-2) at Raiders (3-2)

4 p.m.

Raiders by 6½, 44½

The Raiders still aren't knocking people's socks off on defense, but they're a force offensively. That should bode well for the Browns, but you have to wonder if they have enough offense to take advantage. It's more likely the Raiders' Darren McFadden, above, has his way with the Browns, adding to his league-high 519 rushing yards. Through the air, Darrius Heyward-Bey has 214 receiving yards in his past two games and is looking for more.

Raiders 29, Browns 21

Vikings (1-4) at Bears (2-3)

8:20 p.m., Ch. 8

Bears by 3, 42

Right now, the Bears are not a good team. QB Jay Cutler, above, is used to getting hit, which is good because DE Jared Allen is going to do a lot of that for the Vikings. Chicago's receivers aren't special, but that's okay because Minnesota's secondary isn't either. This will come down to the Bears, despite their numerous flaws, having more talent and playing at home. Bears RB Matt Forte could have a big day if his defense gets some stops.

Bears 24, Vikings 20

Dolphins (0-4) at Jets (2-3)

8:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN

Jets by 7, 42½

The Dolphins have won four straight in New Jersey against the Jets. There's a case to be made they could make it five. Given how the Jets are playing offensively, it's hard to believe in them. RB Shonn Greene, above, needs to set the tone, but QB Mark Sanchez is inconsistent and unpredictable. The Jets better slow Miami WR Brandon Marshall — or hope he follows through with his ejection plan — if they want to escape unscathed.

Jets 23, Dolphins 17

North Suncoast: Sunday morning quarterback

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By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

Four things we learned

1. Hernando has muscle: The Leopards were supposed to be the fast team, not the physical one against Sunlake. But Hernando seemed more aggressive after the first quarter and dominated the trenches in a 22-7 victory. Thanks to great line play, Hernando is in control of Class 6A-6 and seems set to claim its first district championship under coach John Palmer.

2. Ryan Benjamin has changed the attitude at River Ridge: Past Royal Knights teams would have rolled over facing double-digit deficits, but the former Tampa Bay Buc had his alma mater believing a win was inevitable all the way until the clock ran out in a 32-28 comeback win over Springstead.

3. Fivay and Zephyrhills will battle for the final playoff spot in 5A-6: We've already known this for a few weeks, but Friday was a reminder. The Falcons' line held its own against Jeff Kruse and Gulf in a 41-14 win. Zephyrhills put a tumultuous week and a rough first quarter behind it with a 51-16 victory over Anclote. Don't expect either team to hang with Pasco, but the winner of their Oct. 28 showdown will be headed to the playoffs.

4. Reports of Land O'Lakes' demise are greatly exaggerated: The Gators earned a close, must-have victory Friday, 17-15 over Nature Coast. The win keeps their playoff hopes alive, but Brian Wachtel's team needs another victory this week against Sunlake to avoid having its postseason streak snapped.

Audibles

"I'm very happy to get that first win. You don't even understand."

Derrick Alexander, Bishop McLaughlin coach, on his team's first victory and the first of his career

Game balls

RB Jordan Betancourt, Bishop McLaughlin: The senior rushed for two touchdowns and caught a third as the Hurricanes got their first win of the year, 56-18 over Vanguard.

QB Ryan Bird, Land O'Lakes: He put the Gators on the board with a 4-yard touchdown run and hit star TE Kent Taylor for a 23-yard TD strike in the second quarter. Land O'Lakes needed all of those points to claim a 17-15 victory over Nature Coast.

RB Brian Clinkscale, River Ridge: In his first game in the Royal Knights backfield, Clinkscale rushed 15 times for 132 yards. He had both fourth-quarter touchdowns and a two-point conversion that brought his team back from a 28-17 deficit against Springstead.

ATH Janarion Grant/Trey Dudley-Giles/David Emmanuel, Pasco: The Pirates stars had 17 touches on offense, and scored on seven of them, in a 70-0 rout of Hudson. It was Pasco's fifth consecutive game with at least 50 points.

ATH Tyrail Hawkins, Hernando: The two-way standout rushed for 102 yards and a sealing touchdown in a 22-7 win over Sunlake. He also broke up two passes in the end zone on defense to keep the Leopards perfect in the district.

QB Jamal Roberts, Zephyrhills: The senior star rushed for 135 yards and three touchdowns. He also had another good passing game (6-of-8, 128 yards and a touchdown) in a 51-16 win over Anclote.

Mitchell 61, Central 0

The Bears were shut out for fourth time in their 61-0 loss at home to the Mustangs, unable to stop Mitchell's ground attack late Friday.

Mitchell (4-3) spread the ball around, with Freddie Jones, Mordell Holley, Christian Trinidad and Dan Barber finding gaps in the Central front. The lead was 35-0 at the half, and the running clock didn't slow the potency of the offense.

Even with a homecoming crowd to bolster them, the Bears (0-7) continued to struggle on both sides of the ball, dropping their ninth consecutive game dating to last season.

The Mustangs defense seemed to get back on track after allowing 48 points at home last week against Land O'Lakes. It was the program's second shutout of the season after blanking Ridgewood in Week 3.

Times correspondent Derek J. LaRiviere contributed to this report.

Buffalo to be without Merriman

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Times wires
Saturday, October 15, 2011

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Bills starting outside linebacker Shawne Merriman won't play today against the Giants because of a right Achilles' tendon injury.

Merriman finished last season on injured reserve because of the injury. It flared up during Thursday's practice, and he was held out of Friday's. So as a precaution and because it has a bye next week, Buffalo decided to sit him.

With Merriman and Chris Kelsay (calf) out, the Bills will be down to two healthy outside linebackers, Danny Batten and Arthur Moats. Defensive lineman Spencer Johnson took some reps at the position Friday.

Colts vets staying: Colts owner Jim Irsay said two veterans, receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis, won't be traded by Tuesday's deadline. Also, running back Joseph Addai will sit today against the Bengals with a sore hamstring.

Mr. Mean: Steelers linebacker James Harrison is the NFL's meanest player, according to a Sports Illustrated poll of 287 players. He got a whopping 35 percent of the vote, easily topping Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, second with 15 percent, and Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, third with 5 percent. The most surprising result? Lions kicker Jason Hanson got one vote. When informed of it, the 41-year-old said, "I don't have a clue who would do that. Maybe a former teammate who thought kicker, bald, old — how much softer can you get than that?"

Dolphins: Daniel Thomas (hamstring), the team's leading rusher, is questionable for Monday's game at the Jets.

Jets: Center Nick Mangold expects to play Monday. He missed two games with a high right ankle sprain before returning last week but was limited at practice for most of last week.

Patriots: Defensive lineman Marcus Harrison was released one day after signing, likely meaning Albert Haynesworth (back) and Kyle Love (back) will be able to play today.

Golf: CCC Invitational reveals work to be done for Tampa Bay area teams before district

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By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

BELLEAIR — With district tournaments starting Monday, the Clearwater Central Catholic Invitational at Belleair Country Club served as a sort of study review for the upcoming final exams.

And after Saturday afternoon's results, local golfers might want to consider a late-night cram session before the postseason.

No local team or individual captured titles. Instead, those went to West Orange, which outdueled defending Class 2A champion Spruce Creek by a stroke (302-303) for the team title, and Spruce Creek's Dirk Kuehler, who fired 1-over 72 to win individual medalist honors by a stroke.

West Orange was led by Jordan Santiago and William Wrigley after each carded 2-over 73. Santiago won a tiebreaker over his teammate to claim second place overall.

The highest finish by a Tampa Bay area school came from Mitchell, nine strokes back in third.

Another bonus for the Mustangs? They defeated district rival East Lake by three strokes. The two teams will meet at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Monday's 2A-11 district tournament, where East Lake has finished higher than Mitchell the last four seasons.

The Mustangs were aided by three rounds in the 70s from Dylan Strout (75), who tied for fifth individually, Lauren Chateau (77) and Dominick Dithmer (79). Anthony Swinford added an 80 to round out the Mustangs' scoring.

East Lake (314) got consistent scoring from Sebastian Hilpl (77), Steve Abersold (78), David Caulfield (79) and Zack Wood (80) to finish fourth.

Host CCC (324), paced by Ryan Orr's 79, was fifth.

Calvary Christian's Harrison McClimans had the lowest round among local golfers at 3-over 74. He placed fourth individually.

"Harrison's really getting going," Calvary Christian head coach Jim Fuller said. "Our team score wasn't near the top, but we're headed in the right direction. It should make for a competitive round of playoffs."

Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati Bearcats wear down Louisville Cardinals to open Big East play

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Times wires
Saturday, October 15, 2011

CINCINNATI — Isaiah Pead made two quick cuts, and it was over.

Pead made two moves to his left, then found himself in the clear for a 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter Saturday to rally Cincinnati past Louisville 25-16 in the Big East opener for both.

"Isaiah's a great player," Bearcats coach Butch Jones said. "They did a great job containing him, but you can only contain him for so long. He has the ability to make guys miss. And then he has great burst when they miss."

The Bearcats overcame four fumbles, all of which they recovered, and a costly interception by Zach Collaros.

Mike Evans returned the interception 63 yards for a touchdown to give Louisville a 16-7 lead with 6 seconds left in the half. That was the last Cardinals score. Louisville has been outscored 52-7 in the second half of its past three games, blowing leads in two.

"I think we come in at halftime and we lose our juice," defensive end Greg Scruggs said.

Collaros ran for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth and goal, Then Pead scored for the sixth straight game to give Cincinnati the lead.

Chris Philpott, just 2-of-5 on field goals this season coming in, hit from 42, 51 and 18 yards on a blustery afternoon, putting the Cardinals up 9-7.

UTAH 26, PITTSBURGH 14: Utah's defense turned Pittsburgh's "high octane" offense into a clunker.

The visiting Utes bottled up Panther star running back Ray Graham, forced three turnovers and rolled up six sacks. Defensive end Derrick Shelby returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown with 1:12 to go to seal it.

Pitt managed 120 yards of offense as Graham was held to a season-low 46. Quarterbacks Tino Sunseri and Trey Anderson combined for 50 passing yards.

"It was embarrassing," Pitt coach Todd Graham said. "We didn't execute anything in the passing game at all."

The "high octane" attack the coach promised when he took over in January has produced one offensive TD in two weeks.

RUTGERS 21, NAVY 20: Brandon Jones blocked a 34-yard field goal by Jon Teague with 4:43 left as the host Scarlet Knights won their fourth straight.

Freshman Gary Nova threw two touchdowns and Jawan Jamison rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown as Rutgers continued its best start since 2006. Nova threw a 10-yard touchdown to Quron Pratt late in the third quarter and a go-ahead 20-yarder to Tim Wright early in the fourth as the Scarlet Knights erased a 17-7 halftime deficit.

Navy got the ball back at its 23-yard line with 24 seconds to play after Rutgers botched a field goal try, but the Midshipmen never threatened.


Ron Hornaday keeps grip on Trucks victory

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Times wires
Saturday, October 15, 2011

LAS VEGAS — The afternoon heat and high speeds at Las Vegas Motor Speedway had trucks slipping and sliding all over — into the wall, into each other, eventually into the pits.

For a veteran like Ron Hornaday, this was a perfect setup to turn back all those flat-out-all-the-time youngsters.

Using savvy and pit strategy, Hornaday waded through a crash-filled NASCAR truck race on Saturday for his second straight victory and record-extending 51st overall.

"There's some teams out there with more horsepower, but they're not going to outguess us or outthink us in the pit strategy," Hornaday said. "I tell you, I didn't feel it being slick other than (a) 15-lap run."

With temperatures in the 90s, the 1.5-mile track became a racing slip-n-slide. The Smith's 350 featured a four-car pileup that brought out a red flag on Lap 31. Hornaday, 53, got within 21 points of Austin Dillon for the series lead; Dillon crashed and finished 17th.

FORMULA ONE: McLaren's Lewis Hamilton took the pole for the Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam, ending Red Bull's season-long streak. Hamilton edged Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who clinched his second straight world title last weekend. Red Bull had earned the pole in all 15 races this season — 12 for Vettel and three for Mark Webber. The race was held overnight.

NHRA: Top Fuel leader Spencer Massey failed to qualify for today's eliminations at the Arizona Nationals in Phoenix. Massey entered with a 65-point lead over Antron Brown. Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) led their classes in qualifying.

Feed the speed need

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

As we close in on the 2011 World Series, we're wondering if major-league baseball games have become too long to enjoy? Consider this: The first four games of the National League Championship Series took, on average, 3 hours and 27 minutes. The first four games of the ALCS included two 11-inning games and averaged 3 hours and 40 minutes. • Compare that to 40 years ago and the 1971 World Series. The seven games of that series were played in 2:06, 2:55, 2:20, 2:48, 2:16, 2:59 and 2:10. • But here's another comparison that should trouble baseball. The 3 1/2-hour baseball games are longer than practically all NFL, NBA and NHL games. • Many of MLB's playoff games, including all World Series games, begin at close to 8 o'clock Eastern Time. That means many of the marquee games — the games that are supposed to create generations of fans — are not ending until close to midnight, long after school children and many working adults go to bed. • So what can be done to speed up games? Here are some suggestions.

As we close in on the World Series, we're wondering if major-league baseball games have become too long to enjoy. The first four games of the National League Championship Series took, on average, 3 hours, 27 minutes. The first four games of the American League Championship Series included two 11-inning games and averaged 3:40. • Compare that to 40 years ago and the 1971 World Series. The seven games of that series were played in 2:06, 2:55, 2:20, 2:48, 2:16, 2:59 and 2:10. • Here's another comparison that should trouble baseball: 31/2-hour games are longer than practically all NFL, NBA and NHL games. • Many baseball playoff games, including all World Series games, begin at close to 8 p.m. Eastern time. At three hours-plus, that means many of the sport's marquee games — the games that are supposed to create generations of fans — are not ending until close to midnight, long after school­children and many working adults have gone to bed. • What can be done to speed up games? Some suggestions:

Pitch clock

Here's a snapshot from last week: During the eighth inning of Game 4 of the ALCS between the Rangers and Tigers, Rangers reliever Joaquin Benoit took 25 to 30 seconds between pitches. Nobody was on base. Some will suggest that Benoit's slow-motion act was justified because the score was tied in the late innings of a crucial playoff game. But look at it this way: The play clock doesn't get longer in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl. The shot clock in the last minute of Game 7 of the NBA Finals is still 24 seconds, just like it is in every game. Studies showed that in 2010, an average major-league baseball game had 292 pitches and each pitch took 21.6 seconds. That accounts for 1 hour and 45 minutes. That doesn't include balls put in play, pitching changes, warmups between innings, throws over to first and so forth. What if MLB created a 15-second pitch clock that gave pitchers 15 seconds to throw, or at least go into the stretch with runners on base, with a ball being called for a time violation. How much time could be saved? Well, 292 pitches at 15 seconds each equals 73 minutes. Based on the 2010 studies' 1:45 of game time for pitches, a 15-second clock would slice 32 minutes from games.

Reduce the number of TV commercials

The biggest reason games have become longer over the past couple of decades is TV commercial breaks have become longer. Cutting just one minute during inning breaks would shave 16 to 17 minutes off the length of games. But don't hold your breath on this one. Networks pay millions in broadcasting rights, so they want all the time they can have to sell ads to make back that money. But if shortening games could increase viewership, the networks could charge more for their spots to make up the difference.

Get ready and go

Watch a hockey game on television and notice that as soon the broadcast comes back from commercials, a linesman drops the puck and play begins. Same with other sports — the players are ready to go as soon as the commercials are over. But baseball is slow on the trigger.

This season the Montreal Gazette took samples from Sunday night baseball games and noted that, on average, 1 minute, 10 seconds passed from a broadcast's return from commercials to the first pitch. Spread that over a nine-inning game. On inning breaks alone, that adds up to nearly 20 minutes.

If players and umpires are ready to go the moment the commercials are over, a game that takes 3 hours and 10 minutes could be cut to 2:50 and nothing about the game or the breaks has to be altered.

Open up the strike zone

No games in baseball are longer than those between the Yankees and Red Sox. Typically, they last at least three hours and often stretch to more than four. The reason many give is that Red Sox and Yankees hitters know how to work the count by taking pitches. They get away with it because the strike zones of umpires have become ridiculously small.

Opening up the strike zone — and what we're really talking about is calling high strikes around a batter's chest — would do wonders to speed up games. Instead of taking pitches, batters would be more inclined to swing. The number of pitches in a game would dramatically go down. Quicker at-bats equals shorter games.

Keep batters in the box

Pitchers are blamed for slowing the pace of the game, but hitters might be more responsible. It's common to see a hitter come up to the plate, adjust his helmet, peel away and then re-attach the Velcro on his batting gloves, take a few practice swings, step into the box, take a pitch, step out of the box and go through the whole rigmarole again, all while the pitcher stands on the mound ready to pitch. If no one is on base, the hitter should be limited to stepping out once during an at-bat unless he gets injured. He wouldn't have to worry about being frozen in the box by the pitcher because the pitcher would have a pitch clock. If runners were on base, the hitter might be given more leeway to check the third-base coach for signs, but he still could be given not-so-gentle reminders by the umpire to move it along.

Contraction

This is a brainchild of former major-leaguer Keith Hernandez. Last season he told USA Today that if four teams were whacked out of the league, that would eliminate about 40 to 50 pitchers who should be in the minors. Better pitching means fewer walks. Better pitching means fewer hits. Fewer walks and fewer hits mean fewer runs and fewer big innings. That all means shorter games.

The players association, of course, would never go for it, and that's probably a good thing for baseball fans in these parts. Let's face it, if four teams were eliminated right now, the Rays likely would be on the chopping block.

Simpson stays in striking distance

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Times wires
Saturday, October 15, 2011

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Webb Simpson shot 1-under 69 on Saturday and is tied for third heading into the final round of the McGladrey Classic.

Simpson and world No. 1 Luke Donald are vying for the PGA Tour money title and both have said they will play next week at Disney. Simpson trails Donald by $68,971, but could move into the top spot with a strong round today.

Simpson also is looking for a tour-leading third win this year, which could make him the favorite for PGA Tour player of the year.

Michael Thompson had three early birdies and finished with 67 to move into the lead at Sea Island, one shot better than second-round leader Billy Horschel. Thompson had one of three bogey-free rounds on the day and is 13-under 197.

Trevor Immelman, who has only two top-10 finishes since winning the 2008 Masters, matched the Seaside Course record with 62 and is tied with Simpson at 11 under. Louis Oosthuizen (69), the 2010 British Open champion, Jeff Overton (66), Kris Blanks (66) and Nick O'Hern (69) are tied at 9 under.

Horschel (70) led by as many as three shots and had a one-shot margin when he hit his tee shot at the par-4 16th hole into a lateral hazard. He eventually posted double-bogey.

Thompson made all three of his birdies on the front nine and parred every hole on the back. He had an 8-foot putt for birdie on 18, but the ball caught a piece of the cup and trickled out.

"I thought it was the best putt I hit all day," he said. "Something yanked it left. But I'm very happy. I played bogey-free on Saturday, which is always a good thing no matter where I stand."

CHAMPIONS: Fred Couples birdied six of the first seven holes and finished with a course-record 10-under 62 to take a seven-stroke lead in the AT&T Championship in San Antonio.

Couples had 12 birdies — six in a back-nine 30 — and a double-bogey to reach 17 under at TPC San Antonio's Canyons Course, the first-year venue after nine years at Oak Hills.

"It was just a lot of birdies, which you need to do, though I don't think you need to get 12 of them," Couples said.

LPGA: South Korea's Na Yeon Choi took a one-stroke lead over Brittany Lang in the LPGA Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, finishing off a 4-under 67 in fading light after a long rain delay. Choi birdied the par-3 15th and par-4 16th and closed with two pars to reach 12 under. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome shot 73 for a 3-over 216, ahead of Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse (72—217) and Kristy McPherson (71—222).

FAU falls flat in new stadium's debut

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Times wires
Saturday, October 15, 2011

BOCA RATON — Brass horns blared and a din rose from the student section as fans stomped their feet when Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger led his Owls onto the field for the first game in their new on-campus stadium.

Crowd excitement gradually dissipated, and by game's end the stands were almost empty. Aside from the new home, the Owls gave fans little to cheer about Saturday in a 20-0 loss to Western Kentucky.

"I was feeling like a proud father of a newborn baby that had all the earmarks of growing up to be a fine young man or a fine young lady," Schnellenberger said. "That feeling ebbing away to the realization we weren't going to win … that made the wonderfulness of the day melt away to the agony of where we are now with the team."

The Owls (0-6, 0-3 Sun Belt) find themselves in danger of going winless in their final year under Schnellenberger, 77, who will retire after the season.

But his legacy is assured thanks to the stadium he had sought since starting the program in 1998. The announced crowd of 29,103 fell just shy of the 30,000-seat capacity, and some fans didn't reach their seats until the second quarter.

It turned out there wasn't much to see.

"I want to apologize to the fans," senior defensive back Marcus Bartels said. "They were loud. It was a great environment. I feel so bad we let them down."

Florida Atlantic totaled six first downs and 121 yards, and quarterback David Kooi struggled in his first career start replacing an injured Graham Wilbert.

JU 50, MOREHEAD ST. 14: Josh McGregor threw for 346 yards and five touchdowns, and the host Dolphins (5-2) won their fifth straight game.

B-CU 58, FORT VALLEY ST. 30: Isidore Jackson scored three rushing touchdowns, Anthony Jordan added two 1-yard scores and the host Wildcats (3-3) snapped a two-game skid.

FAMU 47, SAVANNAH ST. 7: Al-Terek McBurse rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns, and the visiting Rattlers (4-3, 2-2 MEAC) scored their most points this season.

Pinellas: Sunday morning quarterback

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By Bryan Burns and Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, October 15, 2011

There were several high-scoring games that came down to the end (Tarpon Springs over PHU 37-31 and Canterbury over IRC 49-47 in overtime). And there were some blowouts (Countryside by 60 over Wiregrass Ranch and Lakewood by 34 over Lennard). Here is the recap from Week 7.

Super seven

1. Countryside (7-0): Scored nearly every way imaginable in a thrashing of Wiregrass Ranch.

2. Lakewood (6-0): Turned it on in second half to beat Lennard 60-26 in tuneup for Jesuit this week.

3. Largo (4-2): Enjoyed the week off to prepare for three straight weeks of district games.

4. Pinellas Park (5-1): Patriots coach Ken Crawford returned to his alma mater and posted 27-6 win over Boca Ciega.

5. CC Catholic (5-1): Bye week came at right time, with Berkeley Prep game this week to most likely decide district champion.

6. Tarpon Springs (5-2): Spongers defense stuffs run, comes up with big plays in win over PHU.

7. East Lake (4-3): Offense starting to click as Eagles cruise in 52-38 win against Sarasota.

Offensive player of the week TE DaSean Thomas, Canterbury

Thomas amassed 241 yards on nine catches, averaging 27 yards every time he touched the ball. He also caught two touchdown passes, including what could be the catch of the season. With his team trailing 41-27 against Indian Rocks Christian, Thomas made a one-handed, over-the-head catch in the end zone while dragging his foot in bounds for a game-changing touchdown. Canterbury went on to score two touchdowns in the final two minutes to defeat IRC in overtime.

Defensive player of the week LB Jeremi Powell, Pinellas Park

The two-way player wreaked havoc in Boca Ciega's backfield and helped the Patriots win 27-6. Coming off the edge as a speed rusher, Powell had three sacks and more than 10 tackles. And when the Pirates scored, Powell still shined, blocking the extra point. Powell also gained more than 100 yards rushing on offense.

Notable performances

WR Rodney Adams, Lakewood: Scored on a 38-yard run against Lennard and had four catches for 144 yards.

WR Chris Askew, Dunedin: Caught four passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns in 48-21 loss to Jesuit.

WR Hunter Beam, PHU: Had five catches for 156 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown, in loss to Tarpon Springs.

RB Ryan Green, St. Petersburg Catholic: Scored five touchdowns against Cardinal Mooney. He had TD runs of 65, 45, 47 and 50 yards and caught a 58-yard TD pass. Green gained 401 total yards (310 rushing, 91 receiving).

QB Tracy Johnson, Lakewood: Passed for 299 yards with four touchdowns in a rout of Lennard.

ATH Maurice Hall, Gibbs: Had a hand in all three Gibbs' touchdowns in a 36-18 loss to Robinson. The sophomore ran for two touchdowns, including an 80-yarder in the fourth quarter, and caught a 67-yard touchdown pass.

QB Jake Holsinger, Canterbury: Doesn't throw much in the Crusaders offense, but he was 12-for-22 for 340 yards and three touchdowns in overtime win vs. IRC.

QB Billy Pavlock, Palm Harbor U.: Dual threat passed for 279 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 61 and another touchdown in 37-31 loss to Tarpon Springs.

RB Diomi Roberts, Countryside: Scored four times in a blowout win over Wiregrass Ranch. He had three touchdown runs, blocked a punt and returned it for a score, all in the first half.

QB Louis Pappas, Tarpon Springs: Threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns in win over PHU.

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