Nathan Cowan, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

GULFPORT — Derrick Doss took the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown then ran and threw for touchdowns to lead the Packers.

"He's a beast," Largo coach Rick Rodriguez said.

The defense, which allowed 218 yards, kept Boca Ciega in it. In the second quarter, the Pirates tied it on Bobby Runcie's 33-yard pass.But a big kick return by Doss set up his 3-yard touchdown run.

After an errant Pirates punt, Doss faked an outside run and threw the ball to quarterback Juwan Brown, who faked a defender and scored a touchdown.

The Pirates cut the gap to eight on Runcie's 1-yard run and touchdown pass to Caleb McCullough.But Largo sealed it on Harry Brown's 41-yard run.

"I put this game on me," Pirates coach Antez Brinson said. "I've got to help the players keep their focus."

Nathan Cowan, Times correspondent

Justin Miller, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

PINELLAS PARK — Pinellas Park scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to beat Northeast 35-14.

Jeremi Powell wreaked havoc from the first play of the game as he sacked Northeast's Taron Williams for a 3-yard loss. Powell later finished a drive with an 11-yard TD run for Pinellas Park's first score.

When the fourth quarter began, Powell took a handoff and eluded a couple of defenders as he raced for a 50-yard score.

Northeast led 14-13 at halftime on two touchdowns by Demarkus Corbin, one on a blocked punt return and one on a 1-yard run. But the Patriots' Pierre Johnson picked off a pass in the third quarter and on the ensuing drive Iman Smith laid out to a catch a 15-yard touchdown from Brandon Hames on fourth and goal. Powell's 2-point conversion gave the Patriots the lead for good.

Johnson returned another interception 60 yards for a score.

Justin Miller, Times correspondent

Anthony Salveggi, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg slowly erased an early two-score deficit to overcome a tough Seminole team 33-21 Friday.

The Green Devils (5-2, 2-1) took their first lead in the fourth quarter on a 65-yard run by David Jones. After the Warhawks' attempt at a fake punt failed on the ensuing drive, St. Petersburg closed out the game with a 16-yard rushing score by Maurice Hemingway.

Seminole (0-7, 0-3) built a 14-0 advantage early with an 80-yard scoring pass from Noah Weller to Christian Steiermann, and a 35-yard run by Brandon Trezza.

The Green Devils cut the lead on a pair of short touchdown runs by Hemingway. On the opening drive of the second half, the Warhawks went back up by nine.

On the next series, a long completion from Keegan Oberholzer to Jones helped set up the third of Hemingway's four touchdowns.

Anthony Salveggi, Times correspondent

The Herald
Saturday, October 22, 2011

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Lakewood Ranch overcame two quick Dixie Hollins scores and got three touchdowns from Mac Hathaway in a 35-21 district win Friday night.

After the Mustangs were flagged for running into punter Ladarian Houston near midfield, the Rebels got a 12-yard run by Dana Harrington and a 21-yard run by Demondre Lambert to reach the Mustangs' 12. The Mustangs appeared to have Harrington stopped for a loss, but he threw to Lambert for a touchdown.

Dixie Hollins tackled the Mustangs punter at the 4-yard line and scored two plays later on Brandon Bell's 6-yard run.

But Hathaway scored on runs of 48, 36 and 11 yards out to rally Lakewood Ranch.

Officials called the game with 2:08 to play due to safety concerns. Two players were ejected in a first-quarter fight and another Rebel was tossed in the second half.

The Herald

Daniel Feingold, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Osceola at Tarpon Springs

TARPON SPRINGS — With a lead for all but a few minutes in Friday's game, Osceola upset Tarpon Springs 25-22.

The Warriors were led by backup quarterback Josh Townsend, who started in place of Andrew Matyk. Coach George Palmer said Matyk was sidelined by a "minor injury".

Townsend only needed to throw the ball three times, but did so with great efficiency. He was perfect for 77 yards and two touchdowns, hooking up with Kurt Suominen for both scores.

"Everybody this time of year is going to have a few people banged up," Palmer said. "We try not to make any excuses there, and it really was nice for the kids to prepare well and get the win here."

The rushing attack for both teams were only similar in the resulting touchdowns. Osceola (2-5, 1-2) ran the ball 44 times for 244 yards and two scores, while Tarpon attempted just nine carries for 28 yards and two scores.

Despite a solid effort by Spongers quarterback Louis Pappas, a late interception proved costly.

With their first and only lead of the game late in the fourth quarter, Pappas threw a pick that led to the Warriors' winning touchdown. He finished 30 of 39 for 285 yards and a touchdown. He also had a rushing touchdown.

Down by three and in the two-minute offense, the Spongers (5-3, 1-2) drove the ball effectively across the field into Osceola territory. As the drive stalled, Tarpon opted for a 41-yard field goal instead of going for it on fourth down. The kick from freshman Louis Zervos fell just short, sealing the victory for Osceola.

Both teams will be on the road next week, as Tarpon Springs faces Boca Ciega and Osceola plays at Dixie Hollins.

Phillip Haywood, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — With just more than a minute remaining, Keswick Christian's Ryan Broaderick kicked a 30-yard field goal to give the Crusaders a 28-25 victory over Calvary Christian on Friday.

Calvary led 18-12 at halftime, but Keswick (4-3, 3-3) came out firing. Adam Foster found an opening and went 24 yards untouched to put the Crusaders up 19-18.

Kristian Craig then scored his second touchdown on a 2-yard run to put Keswick up 25-18.

Later in the third quarter, Stephen Rice's 30-yard score for the Warriors (3-4, 2-4) tied the game at 25.

But with little time remaining in the game, Broaderick — who had missed several extra points earlier — connected for the winner.

"We kept our opposition off balance and mixed and matched formations very well," Crusaders coach Rick Sanson said.

Phillip Haywood, Times correspondent

By Jamal Thalji, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG

The legend of Dan Wheldon already has been writ large: the British prodigy who couldn't break into Formula 1 but won two Indy 500s, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the affections of his adopted hometown. The story ended at age 33 when he died doing what he did best: racing some of the world's fastest cars. • When his family and friends gathered Saturday with the IndyCar elite to say goodbye to Wheldon, they opened the doors to the public. • Then they opened up about the Wheldon they knew.

The dashing, confident Brit. The cool guy with the quick wit. The clean freak. The son and brother, the husband and father who enjoyed his children, a good cup of tea and staying up late cleaning with a fellow neatnik, his sister Holly.

She wrote a letter to her brother, then held IndyCar driver Scott Dixon's hand as he read it aloud at the service.

"We are here because of what happened on a race track," her letter said. "But my brother was born to race. Dan without racing was like a cup of tea without milk. And Dan loved his tea."

Dan Wheldon started racing at age 4 and became a phenom. He dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 driver. But it required money that his family did not have.

So in 1999 he came to America, and St. Petersburg, to chase fame and fortune. He had earned it by 2005, when he won his first Indianapolis 500. That year he won six races total — including the inaugural Grand Prix of St. Petersburg — on his way to the series championship.

He also became a celebrity. But in his new hometown he was more of a fixture, trading a Gandy Boulevard apartment for a posh Snell Isle home.

"I think for the city and a race car driver it was love at first sight," St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster told the funeral crowd.

Wheldon burnished his resume with a second Indy 500 win in May, taking the lead on the last lap. He again sipped milk in the winners circle and dedicated the race to his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

He died Oct. 16. A massive pile-up on the 11th lap sent his car airborne at the series finale in Las Vegas.

Many of Wheldon's neighbors and fans lined up outside First Presbyterian Church to pay their respects Saturday. More than 1,200 attended the service.

• • •

Business partner Adrian Sussmann recalled all the elements that made Wheldon so compelling: He was a fierce competitor, a loving father, a doting husband and a bit of a TV showman.

"According to him, he never gave a bad interview," Sussmann said, "and he always looked impeccable."

Holly Wheldon wrote in her letter about how much her brother meant to the entire family. She also shared an amusing scene involving the world-famous race car driver:

"Everyone knew my brother was a clean freak," she wrote. "I shared his compulsive disorder. It wasn't unusual for us to have (rags) in hand, cleaning the floor together with a cup of tea as a reward."

• • •

Dan Wheldon married Susie Behm in 2008. They had two children: Sebastian, 2, and Oliver, seven months. Just before the funeral, she wrote a letter to her husband. Family friend Michael Johnson read it aloud.

"My heart is scattered in a million pieces. I just want to wake up and hear your reassuring voice. ... I keep praying that it's all a bad dream, that I'll wake up and you'll be lying by my side.

"Each day that passes takes me further and further away from you. Everything is moving so quickly and I can't make it stop."

She recalled the first time she laid eyes on her future husband: "Look at that cool, stylish Brit." Then she got to know him.

"I asked you what your back-up plan was if you didn't make it in racing. You looked me straight in the eye and said, 'I don't need one. I'm going to make it.' "

Then she recalled their last moments together before Wheldon's last race.

"You were a true lionheart, my love. I will never forget our final moments together on the grid before you climbed into your car.

"I love you, Daniel Clive Wheldon. Thank you for sharing your love and your life with me."

• • •

The IndyCar world also came to St. Petersburg to say goodbye.

Founder Tony George, CEO Randy Bernard and racing legend-turned-owner Roger Penske were all in attendance.

Wheldon's pallbearers included Dixon and fellow IndyCar drivers Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan. Brothers Austen, Elliott and Ashley Wheldon completed the pallbearers. Their father, Clive Wheldon, cradled his son's racing helmet as they escorted the casket to a hearse.

Driver Danica Patrick was also there, as was Franchitti's wife, actor Ashley Judd. Her half-sister, country music singer Wynonna Judd, sang I Can Only Imagine and Amazing Grace during the ceremony.

She apologized if she choked up during the performance. But her voice did not waver until the last verse: "I can only imagine," she whispered.

Wheldon was to be buried at a private ceremony, according to the city. IndyCar would not comment on the driver's final arrangements.

• • •

After the ceremony, Wheldon's fans recalled what made him one of IndyCar's most popular drivers: He always had time for them.

Margo Riddlebaugh, 64, attended the funeral with her daughter, Angela Chase, 33, who brought her three sons: Joshua, 16; Justin, 10; and Aaron, 16 months. They've all seen Wheldon race since the very first Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

"He was one of the kindest people ..." Chase began to say.

"... You could ever meet," added her son, Justin, finishing the thought.

He was so kind, in fact, that one day during the 2009 Grand Prix, Riddlebaugh stepped out into traffic — and right in front of Wheldon's scooter.

He had to slam on his brakes. And what did he do next?

"He signed autographs for us," Riddlebaugh said.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

TAMPA — However disappointing the Pittsburgh loss was, however frustrating the Connecticut loss was, Saturday's 37-34 loss to Cincinnati might have been worse for USF, which lost a lead in the final seconds and dropped to 0-3 in conference play for the first time.

USF (4-3, 0-3 Big East) already had blown a 10-point fourth-quarter lead. But starting with 3:37 left, it marched 83 yards, retaking the lead when B.J. Daniels hit Andre Davis for a 10-yard touchdown with 1:27 to play.

Staked with closing out a win in front of a Raymond James Stadium crowd announced at 44,248, USF's defense let Cincinnati do its own marching. The Bearcats went 70 yards in 75 seconds and won on a 2-yard run by quarterback Zach Collaros with 12 seconds left.

"I'm at a loss. It's like a burning feeling in your heart. It's empty," said USF end Ryne Giddins, part of a defense that allowed 20 fourth-quarter points.

It was the largest fourth-quarter lead the Bulls have blown in a loss. And USF had its share of missed opportunities.

Two touchdowns were wiped out by holding penalties during the same drive, which ended with a field goal. A field goal — after failing to punch it in from the 3 — was botched when the snap went through the holder's hands. And USF allowed about 20 seconds to run off the clock just before halftime, surrendering a shot at the end zone to be sure of a tying field goal.

"My heart breaks for our players," Bulls coach Skip Holtz said. "The guys competed their tails off. I thought they put it all out on the field. It's disheartening because I look at how hard they played and how hard they worked."

The loss spoiled a strong game by Daniels, who set his career high in passing yards for the third time this season. He finished with a school-record 409 and three touchdowns, though he also had an early fumble and an interception in Cincinnati territory in the fourth quarter.

"It was an up-and-down, gut-wrenching feeling," Daniels said of seeing Cincinnati's final drive. "I definitely didn't feel good. It's just a tough situation."

USF committed 10 penalties for 109 yards, resetting the high for yards under Holtz for the second week in a row. The second-year coach declined to criticize his players about the flags until he saw video of the game, saying the Big East acknowledged making mistakes among last week's nine penalties against the Bulls.

"I don't know what a penalty is anymore," Holtz said.

USF's defense caught breaks early when Cincinnati (6-1, 2-0) made it inside its 20 twice without scoring points thanks to an end zone interception by cornerback JaQuez Jenkins and a missed field goal. Tied at the half, the teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter. Then USF scored 10 points, Victor Marc's 40-yard punt return setting up a Daniels touchdown to tight end Andreas Shields for a 27-17 lead.

Daniels stepped up on the 83-yard touchdown drive to retake the lead. But USF's defense couldn't close the door. Collaros (389 yards, three touchdowns) completed a 33-yard pass to the USF 22 then a 21-yard pass to the 6. And after a pass interference flag in the end zone with 20 seconds left, he went up the middle for the winning score.

USF's three-game losing streak matches the longest in the program's 15-year history. And now the Bulls have a bye week before going to Rutgers on Nov. 5. At 4-3, the Bulls need two wins among their final five games just to be bowl eligible for the seventh year in a row.

"It's hard to say we're ready to win when we're 0-3 in the last three weeks. We've had our opportunities. There are a lot of growing pains going on right now," Holtz said. "As I told the team, when we are tired enough of losing and we are willing to correct some of the mistakes we are making, we have a great opportunity to win."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Power rankings

1. Packers 2. Patriots

3. Ravens 4. 49ers

5. Lions 6. Bills

Upset special

Panthers (1-5) over Redskins (3-2)

Quarterback Cam Newton sparks a fourth-quarter comeback to spoil Redskins quarterback John Beck's first start of the season.

Debut of the day?

The Raiders made huge news last week by acquiring quarterback Carson Palmer, a deal that could net the Bengals two first-round picks for a player who vowed to retire rather than play for them. Palmer, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, certainly bolsters the Raiders' playoff chances. But with reports surfacing Palmer could start today for the injured Jason Campbell after just three days of practice, San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News columnist Mark Purdy asks what that would say about the Raiders (notice "brilliant" is not an option):

A. Crazy B. Crazier than that C. Desperately premature D. Prematurely desperate E. Risking injury to their new most valuable asset F. Risking a greater chance of defeat, which ultimately trumps all of the above

Milestone watch

Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez already has racked up many impressive numbers. And with four catches today, he would move into second in league history. Gonzalez ranks fourth with 1,099 catches and could pass Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison (1,102). But Gonzalez, 35, likely won't be able to catch Jerry Rice (1,549) before he hangs it up.

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

They say the backup quarterback is the fans' favorite player. After all, it's easy to criticize the starting quarterback, the most-scrutinized and, arguably, most important player on a team. Several coaches already have used a quick hook this season. Previously, Kerry Collins was replaced by Curtis Painter in Indianapolis and fellow veteran Luke McCown by Blaine Gabbert in Jacksonville. Today, three more veterans head to the bench.

Something to Ponder

Donovan McNabb's plan to resurrect his career hit a wall for the second straight season. After three years of trying to cull magic out of aging veterans (see: Brett Favre), Minnesota is giving the keys to 2011 first-round pick Christian Ponder. He will be the first quarterback since the 49ers' Steve Spurrier in 1967 whose first start comes against an unbeaten team with six or more wins, according to Elias Sports Bureau. McNabb, who turns 35 on Nov. 25, had a 60.3 completion percentage and just two interceptions. But the Vikings blew double-digit leads in their first three games. "I have a lot of football left," he said. "At the end of the year, that will be something I look at and see what's next. The focus is now; how I can prepare myself and get ready as well as continue to get better."

Tebow Time

For all the drama and legend that has surrounded Tim Tebow during his career, today could be another storybook moment for the former Gators star. Tebow, a first-round pick in 2010, replaces Kyle Orton, who turns 29 on Nov. 14, for the Broncos. He has made for increased jersey sales and a large crowd in Miami, where he led Florida to a national title in January 2009. And with that Gators team set to be recognized at halftime, Tebow could steal the show with a great performance. And South Florida Sun-Sentinel writer Craig Davis points out it could be an embarrassment for the struggling Dolphins: "It could be the final dagger for the Tony Sparano/Jeff Ireland regime and cue the chorus of crickets at Sun Life for the remainder of the season."

Beck's Break

John Beck and Rex Grossman battled throughout Redskins training camp for the starting job with Grossman, 31, getting the nod. But as Beck says, "Things change in the blink of an eye." And with Grossman tossing nine interceptions over the first five games — tied for the NFL lead — coach Mike Shanahan made the switch to the 2007 second-round pick. Beck will make his first start since his rookie season with the Dolphins. "I have a lot of confidence in John Beck because he does have that mobility, that strong arm," Shanahan said. "I'm not going to be putting him in the Hall of Fame yet, but I really do believe he's got a lot of talent."

Times staff
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Bucs vs. Bears

1 p.m., Wembley Stadium, London

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

Line/over-under: Bears by 1; 43½

Who was most instrumental in the Bucs' win over the Saints? Total: 710 votes

Tanard Jackson: 11 percent

Quincy Black: 4 percent

Connor Barth: 4 percent

Other: 2 percent

By the numbers

74 Consecutive passes the Bears' Jay Cutler has thrown without an interception dating to Oct. 2

19 Times Cutler has been sacked this season, second most in the NFL

0 Sacks for the Bucs defense over the past two games

18-35 Bucs' record against the Bears, although they have won nine of the past 14 meetings

908 Yards from scrimmage for Bears running back Matt Forte, who has accounted for 46.2 percent of the their offense this season

What they're saying

If only the Bucs could play the Saints six times a season. Tampa Bay has its flaws, but Raheem Morris' club knows how to beat dem Saints. The Bucs have been responsible for three of New Orleans' past nine regular-season defeats dating to late 2009. And after this week's trip to London and next week's bye, guess who Tampa Bay faces in Week 9? The Saints, in the Superdome, where the Bucs have won in each of the past two seasons and three times in the past four years.

Don Banks Sports Illustrated

One of the things that hasn't been easy for Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson as he prepares for the game is sorting out the Bears secondary. That's what five starting safety combinations in six games will do.

Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune

The picks

Welcome to jolly old England, where the NFL is importing another game involving the only team in the league interested in playing there (the Tam U Glazers). And in the midst of the rootin'-tootin'est offensive season in history, two defenses actually carry the day. Cheerio! Bucs, 19-17.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

The Bucs were impressive in beating the Saints last week as Josh Freeman had his best day of the season. The Bears also bounced back against the Vikings. The key here will be the Bears offensive line against the Bucs defensive front. Both units played better last week. I look for Jay Cutler to have a good day and the Bears to win consecutive games. Bears, 28-21.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sportsline

Bears still not good enough to control their destiny. Their success is dependant on homefield, weak opponents or both. But the Bucs are in that same boat, so this game is the ultimate toss-up. Bears are more used to handling distractions. Bears, 13-10.

Mark Potash Chicago Sun-Times

Earnest Graham: 56 percent

Josh Freeman: 23 percent

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Joseph Randle scored four times as No. 6 Oklahoma State stayed perfect by ending Missouri's 10-game home win streak 45-24 on Saturday.

"This place will get kind of rowdy if you let it," said Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden, who was 33-of-49 for 338 yards and three touchdowns (19-of-25 for 214 and two during the first quarter). "Any time you get them out of their seats and headed to the exits, that's huge."

Randle had 138 yards on 14 carries, scored on runs of 16, 59 and 12 yards and caught a 13-yard touchdown.

"He's a big play waiting to happen," Weeden said.

"The guy is explosive."

Oklahoma State is 7-0 for the third time (2008 and 1945). A major reason: It has forced 22 turnovers over its past five games. Missouri's James Franklin committed four during the second half, three interceptions and a fumble at the Oklahoma State 4.

"(Missouri) gave us what we had been working on all week," defensive end Jamie Blatnick said. "When we see what we've prepared for, it works out for us."

The Cowboys held a comfortable lead throughout despite losing their starting receivers.

All-American Justin Blackmon sat out the second half as a precaution after taking a blow to the head. But Hubert Anyiam is out for the season with a broken left foot. Isaiah Anderson caught a career-high five passes, and Tracy Moore matched his career high with seven.

"It's interesting how young men will play when they know they have to play," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said.

Down 31-17 late in the third, Missouri gained momentum when E.J. Gaines intercepted Weeden in the end zone (ending his string of 194 passes without one) and returned it 54 yards. But Franklin lost the fumble. And three plays later, Randle's 59-yard run made it 38-17.

All four of the Tigers' losses this season have come against ranked teams, including Oklahoma, Kansas State and Arizona State.

"We had opportunities," coach Gary Pinkel said. "Against a team like this — a really, really good team — we have to take advantage of every single opportunity."

Times wires


Saturday, October 22, 2011

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Keith Nichol caught a 44-yard Hail Mary for a touchdown on the game's final play, giving No. 15 Michigan State a 37-31 win over No. 4 Wisconsin on Saturday.

With the score tied and four seconds left, Kirk Cousins rolled to his right and threw a pass toward the end zone. The ball caromed off a Michigan State receiver to Nichol, who caught it just outside the end zone and struggled for the goal line, fighting two Wisconsin defenders.

The former backup quarterback was initially ruled short of the end zone, but officials overturned the call after a review, allowing the Spartans to hand the Badgers their first loss of the season.

Russell Wilson had led Wisconsin from 14 points down in the fourth quarter, tying the score with 1:26 left on a 2-yard pass to Montee Ball.

Michigan State then survived a harrowing moment when Cousins fumbled deep in Spartans territory. Offensive lineman Dan France fell on the ball with 42 seconds left.

At that point, Wisconsin was eager to use timeouts, trying to get the ball back. But on second and 20 from the Michigan State 24, Cousins found B.J. Cunningham for a 12-yard gain. The Spartans picked up a first down on an 11-yard shovel pass to Keshawn Martin.

Michigan State looked overmatched early, allowing two first-quarter touchdowns, but it recovered thanks to special teams and defense.

Mike Sadler's punt pinned Wisconsin at its 5. Two plays later, Wilson was called for intentional grounding in the end zone for a safety.

Michigan State then scored on a slow-developing reverse. Martin avoided a tackler in the backfield and found running room to the outside for a 34-yard run.

The Badgers responded with a long drive, but Darqueze Dennard blocked a 30-yard field goal. The Spartans then capitalized with an 80-yard scoring drive. Cousins found Cunningham over the middle on fourth and 2, and the senior turned it into a 35-yard touchdown, giving Michigan State a 16-14 lead with 1:20 left in the half.

Times staff
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Sprint Cup scouting report

Talladega

After five weeks of jockeying for position, any driver in the Chase for the Championship can see his title chances dented by one bad moment — and not of his own doing. That's the way things always are at Talladega, the fastest and longest track in NASCAR, and a place so unpredictable that poring through statistics and history trying to find a pattern is tricky. Still, a couple of thoughts are relevant. Tony Stewart finally conquered the Alabama superspeedway with a win in 2008, but has finished out of the top 15 in five races since. Stewart/Haas teammate Ryan Newman has fared little better — four straight finishes out of the top 20 including a couple of wicked crashes — yet the team is strong at restrictor-plate tracks. If those two can hook up they might both change the trend and, at least for Stewart, charge back up the standings. Also, if NASCAR needs a shocking winner, a restrictor-plate track is the place to go. Brad Keselowski pulled off such a victory here in 2009 for Phoenix Racing and parlayed that into a ride with Penske and a spot in this year's Chase, where he's now a favorite at this track.

Times staff

Times staff
Saturday, October 22, 2011

EJ Manuel threw for a touchdown and ran for one as the Florida State Seminoles rolled to a 41-16 victory over the Maryland Terrapins Saturday in Tallahassee.

The Seminoles (4-3, 2-2 ACC) won for the second week in a row after a three-game losing streak.

Manuel finished 18 of 26 for 264 yards. His 26-yard first-quarter pass to Kenny Shaw helped FSU take 14-0 lead.

Devonta Freeman ran 12 times for 107 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown.

Maryland fell to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the ACC.

FSU hosts North Carolina State next week.

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

SHADY HILLS — Wiregrass Ranch has dominated since bursting onto the cross country scene six years ago and, cold weather notwithstanding, Saturday at Crews Lake Park was no different.

The sixth-year school swept the Sunshine Athletic Conference races with the girls claiming their fourth straight crown and the boys their third consecutive. In all, 10 Bulls (six girls, four boys) cracked the top 10 as All-SAC first-teamers.

"Our goal was to put six in the top 10 and we did it," girls coach Don Howard said.

Added Chris Loth, the Bulls' boys coach, "This is the second most important meet for us, so we put a big emphasis on it."

Gulf was runnerup and Mitchell placed third in the girls race while the Land O'Lakes boys took second and Mitchell third.

Gulf's Kari Grippo won the girls race in 18 minutes, 31 seconds, but felt adversely affected by temperatures in the low 50s.

"It was bad, very bad," said Grippo. "I couldn't feel my legs when I was running."

Added Wiregrass Ranch's Nikita Shah, the girls runnerup in 19:05, "I do so bad in the cold. I have no body fat."

Shah did not run a personal best but her five teammates that cracked the top 10 did. That group included Elise Cedre, third, 19:58; Chelsea Davis, fifth, 20:00; Berlin Waters, seventh, 20:29; Emily Payne, eighth, 21:13; and Savannah Goode, ninth, 21:17.

Mitchell's Cancello sisters, Claudia and Elaina, and Gulf's Mia Savino also finished in the top 10.

Wiregrass Ranch's Sam Hippely won his first SAC boys title in 16:19, a school record. Teammates Ermias Bireda, Tyler Mattera and David Hill joined him in the top 10.

Travis Nichols of Land O'Lakes was runnerup in 16:31.

"Sam had a really good race," Nichols said. "He finished strong that last mile."

Rounding out the top 10 boys were Land O'Lakes' Tyler Stahl, Mitchell's Nicholas Kostakis, Sunlake's Kenneth Fessel, Anclote's Christopher Sorrick and Nick Buliga of Gulf.

By Larry Blue, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Strong winds: The front that moved through gave us less-than-ideal conditions for offshore fishing. Strong west winds will silt the water column with suspended sand; fish don't like it and will move farther offshore until conditions improve in a few days.

Kings in the trap-line: The stone crab pots located just off the beach are filled with bait to attract crabs, but they also act, accidentally, as a chum slick. King and Spanish mackerel that were on the beach earlier last week were drawn in by the incidental chum and the abundance of baitfish. Trolling for Spanish mackerel was almost too easy, providing continuous action and outstanding catches. While trolling, larger king mackerel were free-jumping all around us as they chased smaller fish.

Shark bite: After filling a cooler full of mackerel, my clients wanted to try for shark; large sharks were seen harassing the mackerel schools. We anchored the boat and set out a freshly caught mackerel for bait. It wasn't long before an 85-pound spinner shark took the mackerel. The shark hit with such ferocity that the 4/0 reel was nearly spooled by the run. Soon, another strike came from a 14-pound kingfish.

Larry Blue charters the Niki Joe from Madeira Beach Marina. Call (727) 871-1058 or visit CaptainLarryBlue.com.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

TAMPA — In a game lost by three points, USF coach Skip Holtz defended his decision to allow about 20 seconds to run off the clock in the final minute of the first half, surrendering a shot at a touchdown to settle for a tying field goal on third down.

"I was not willing to roll the dice, call the timeout with 15 seconds, try to run a drop-back play, take a sack and all the sudden, you don't even get the three points out of it," Holtz said after Saturday's 37-34 defeat to Cincinnati.

"The decision I made at that second was, 'Don't get caught here without a point. Take your timeout. Kick the field goal. Make sure it's 10-10.' "

Facing second and goal at the 2 with 28 seconds left and one timeout, Holtz called for a quick pass. But QB B.J. Daniels chose to try to score on a keeper and was stopped for no gain. A timeout would have stopped the clock with about 23 seconds left, allowing for one pass into the end zone before, if necessary, settling for a short field goal on fourth down.

"If it wouldn't have been (incomplete) and something happened, we would have gotten zero points," Holtz said. "Then I'm sitting here answering questions, looking my team in the eye, saying, 'Why didn't you take the timeout and kick the field goal?' I felt like in a 10-7 football game, the three points were the most important thing.

"We had first and second down. We had our opportunities to get it in there."

Daniels said he was upset Cincinnati players didn't get off of him quickly — and that the officials didn't help.

"They just wouldn't let me get up. There's a big pile," Daniels said. "The refs, I don't want to say they weren't getting them off me, but I couldn't get up. That was running seconds off the clock, and that hurt. I was in the mix between trying to figure out if we should call a timeout — being that we had only one left — and being mad at the referees at the same time."

GRIFFIN HURT: Sophomore Sterling Griffin, USF's top receiver, left the game after injuring his right ankle, the same one he dislocated during the summer of 2010 that forced him to miss all of last season.

The severity of the injury has not been determined. Griffin has more than double his closest teammate in receptions (40) and receiving yards (493).

Two young receivers stepped up even before Griffin's injury. Redshirt freshman Deonte Welch had a career-best five catches for 130 yards, and freshman Andre Davis (Jefferson) had four for 60, including the go-ahead 10-yard touchdown with 1:27 to play.

THIS AND THAT: Sophomore CB JaQuez Jenkins made his first start as USF worked primarily out of its nickel package. LB Michael Lanaris, the Bulls' leading tackler entering the game, was out of the lineup. … WR Victor Marc took over punt-return duties and had a 40-yarder that set up the touchdown that gave the Bulls a 27-17 lead in the third quarter. … The 20 points allowed in the fourth quarter is the third most in USF history. … The only other time USF surrendered two fourth-quarter leads was in a 2009 loss at Connecticut.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Sept. 17

Okla. 23, FSU 13

(2-1, 0-0)

Sept. 10

FSU 62,

Charleston South. 10

(2-0, 0-0)

Sept. 3

FSU 34,

Louisiana-Monroe 0

(1-0, 0-0)

oct. 15

FSU 41, Duke 16

(3-3, 1-2)

Oct. 8

W. Forest 35, FSU 30

(2-3, 0-2)

Sept. 24

Clemson 35, FSU 30

(2-2, 0-1)

Nov. 3

at

Boston College

8 p.m., ESPN

OCt. 29

vs.

N.C. State

noon, ESPNU

saturday

FSU 41, Maryland 16

(4-3, 2-2)

Nov. 26

at

Florida

TBA

Nov. 19

vs.

Virginia

TBA

Nov. 12

vs.

Miami

TBA

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

TALLADEGA, Ala. — A promotion that promises a $100,000 bonus if there are 100 lead changes at Talladega Superspeedway is being scrutinized in the wake of Dan Wheldon's fatal accident.

Wheldon was killed in a 15-car accident last Sunday in the IndyCar season finale at Las Vegas. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner was in that race chasing a $5 million prize.

Last month, Talladega officials offered $100,000 to the Sprint Cup drivers if there were 100 lead changes in Sunday's race. If the number is hit, the driver who takes the lead the most times will win the bonus.

Because critics have wondered if Wheldon was "overmotivated" by the money, the Talladega promotion is raising eyebrows.

"It's a challenge, but it's a reachable challenge," Talladega chairman Grant Lynch said Saturday.

Lynch understands the timing is bad, but does not believe the promotion is outlandish. Two of the last three races at Talladega had a NASCAR-record 88 lead changes, and last year's race had 87 lead changes.

Talladega also holds NASCAR records for leaders (29), fastest average race speed (188.354 mph) and fastest qualifying speed (212.809 mph).

A two-car drafting system that developed last year and has taken off this season has led to all the lead changes. NASCAR has made two small rule changes designed to force the cars to swap spots more often, and Lynch said that was the reason for the promotion.

"Having 100 lead changes, it's within the realm of thought and possibility," Lynch said. "We wanted to have a goal that's not just some fictitious unattainable goal."

Promoters walk a fine line in marketing their events and how they use the constant element of danger. Fans love the door-to-door racing at Daytona and Talladega, two tracks that usually produce spectacular crashes.

The new tandem style of racing has eliminated the huge pack that racing fans loved. Fans have been vocal through the first three superspeedway races this season that they prefer the old style.

Lynch said it always has been a challenge to not exploit wrecks.

"Historically, we have used our crash footage less than everybody in the sport has used it," he said. "We know it's there, everybody in the sport knows it's there. We know this is not a place that's (the drivers') favorite race track. But what they do here, the TV numbers, the people in who see it in person, it sends chills down your spine like nothing else."

martin on pole: In Saturday's qualifying, Hendrick Motorsports swept the front row.

Mark Martin won the pole with a lap of 181.367 mph, followed by Jimmie Johnson's 181.360. Hendrick Motorsports has won the pole at all four superspeedway races this season, and swept the front row in all but one.

"Our qualifying on (restrictor) plate tracks this season has just been amazing," Johnson said.

Childress Racing's Clint Bowyer will start third, followed in qualifying by Trevor Bayne and Hendrick drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

That the Lightning might be without defenseman Mattias Ohlund (knees) for up to two months, and that the defensive corps generally has struggled, has led to speculation that general manager Steve Yzerman is looking to strengthen his blue line with a trade.

Yzerman said, "It certainly is cause for consideration."

And if the Lightning remains a playoff contender, you can bet it is a piece he tries to add before the deadline.

But Yzerman making an immediate move? Well, that's a different, more complicated story, one that Yzerman said normally doesn't include knee-jerk reactions after eight games.

"You don't just go out there and say, 'I'm going to make a trade.' That's not how I approach it," Yzerman said.

"If you're talking to people and there's an opportunity that makes sense — for me, regardless of how things are going, if there's an opportunity to make your team better, you do it. So, even if Ohlund is back in a month or six weeks, if something makes sense and it makes the team better, I'm going to do that.

"But to say I'm going to go out and definitely try to accomplish this, it's harder to do that, and you're not going to get a favorable deal."

Because it is early in the season, contracts are still mostly unpaid, so getting something likely would mean giving something so as not to blow budgets, and the Lightning's depth is such that giving up anything of value would hurt.

And after two weeks of the season, most teams aren't ready to bail, though the lowly Blue Jackets might believe otherwise.

Bottom line: Yzerman has to consider a basic equation when it comes to his blue line.

"We're expecting Mattias back at some point," he said, "so we go back and forth between trying to do something as far as making a change or standing pat with what you have and getting better and hope your team plays better."

It's a decision not yet made.