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Football: Osceola 31, Northeast 14

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Lauren Burg, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

SEMINOLE — Osceola scored a touchdown right before halftime Friday night then kept the momentum with a third-quarter interception to record its third consecutive win, 31-14 over Northeast.

"We played well and practiced well all week," Osceola coach George Palmer said. "The momentum shifts were key."

Osceola (4-6) got contributions on both sides of the ball. Backs Daviel Clarke (11 rushes, 130 yards, one touchdown) and Zach Bashoor (13 rushes, 95 yards, one touchdown) combined for 225 of the team's 317 rushing.

Bashoor also caught a 19-yard touchdown from quarterback Andrew Matyk.

The Osceola defense was led by senior defensive back Kurt Suominen, whose third-quarter interception of Northeast's Charlie Krasuski gave the Warriors back the momentum.

Northeast (4-6) was led by sophomore running back Keith Harrington, who rushed 16 times for 131 yards and a touchdown.

Lauren Burg, Times correspondent


No. 2 Kentucky wakes up

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Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Terrence Jones said he worked hard to show he was a leader on the court this season for Kentucky. He's the reason the second-ranked Wildcats will have less free time off it.

Jones, a sophomore, came off the bench for eight points in Kentucky's 108-58 season-opening win over Marist on Friday after the university said he was involved as a passenger in an early morning car accident.

Coach John Calipari said earlier in the day that he would institute a curfew for the Wildcats.

"I felt I was doing a great example on the court. I still believe that way," said Jones, who like the rest of his teammates will be forced to be back in their rooms at 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. "I take blame for being out that late, but I mean, it's just something that happened to cause all that."

Anthony Davis had 23 points and 10 rebounds to join Jones and Sam Bowie as the only freshmen in Kentucky history with 20-10 games in their debuts.

Davis attacked the rim in the opener, finishing 10-of-13 with eight dunks as Kentucky shrugged off a slow start with a dominant second half that turned a single-digit lead into a 50-point blowout in their first game of the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off tournament.

Fellow freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Kentucky's next stop is New York where the Wildcats face No. 13 Kansas in the State Farm Champions Classic on Tuesday. "I really think we'll be fine," Calipari said. "I just don't know if we're ready to play a team like Kansas."

No. 4 UConn 70, Columbia 57: Jeremy Lamb scored a career-high 30 and Shabazz Napier added 21 as the host Huskies began defense of their national title with an easy victory. Lamb hit 11 of 17 shots and was 5-of-8 from behind the arc as the Huskies try to replace the scoring and leadership of Kemba Walker. "I'm not trying to be Kemba," Lamb said. "This is a whole new team. I think I have to score a little more, but like I said there are a lot of weapons."

No. 9 L'ville 83, Tenn.-Martin 48: Senior Kyle Kuric scored 14 in the first half for the host Cardinals as Rick Pitino earned his 600th college win. Pitino is the 38th coach to reach 600 wins. He is the 15th fastest to the milestone, doing it one game quicker than former Louisville coach Denny Crum.

No. 10 Pitt 89, Albany 56: Travon Woodall scored a career-high 25 and the host Panthers remained unbeaten in nine season debuts under coach Jamie Dixon.

No. 13 Kansas 100, Towson St. 54: Thomas Robinson had a double double of 18 points and 11 rebounds as the host Jayhawks romped in the opening round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational.

No. 14 Xavier 74, Morgan St. 63: Mark Lyons, taking over at point guard for suspended senior Tu Holloway, scored 22 as the host Musketeers rolled.

No. 18 Mich. 59, Ferris St. 33: Stu Douglass scored 14 after making a surprise start at point guard, and the host Wolverines overcame early shooting struggles with 13-2 and 19-0 runs.

No. 19 Alabama 64, N. Fla. 44: JaMychal Green scored 18 for the host Crimson Tide, which held the Ospreys to 13-for-56 shooting (23.2 percent).

No. 25 Missouri 83, SE Missouri 68: Ricardo Ratliffe and Marcus Denmon had 20 points apiece as the host Tigers won in coach Frank Haith's debut.

Ga. Tech 92, FAMU 59: Brandon Reed scored 16 as the host Yellow Jackets, under new coach Brian Gregory, beat the Rattlers, who got 15 from Avery Moore.

FSU women beat USF

DAYTONA BEACH — Tay'ler Mingo scored a career-high 12 to lead No. 14 Florida State to a 62-49 victory over USF in the Women's Basketball Invitational Tipoff, the season opener for both teams.

FSU's Alexa Deluzio, Cierra Bravard and Chelsea Davis each scored 11, while Natasha Howard had a double double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

"I thought our offensive balance was huge for us," said Seminoles coach Sue Semrau, whose team had a 50-36 rebound advantage. "Each individual player was extremely selfless."

USF, led by Caitlyn Rowe's game-high 19 points, went ahead 14-7 before FSU went on a 15-0 run.

Michigan 66, UF 66: Florida senior Jordan Jones hit a career-high-tying five three-pointers and scored 21, but the Wolverines toppled the host Gators.

No. 1 Baylor 82, Howard 28: Brittney Griner had 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks as the host Bears scored the first 28 points in a preseason WNIT win.

No. 2 Notre Dame 81, Akron 61: Skylar Diggins scored 21 as the host Irish, who committed 26 turnovers, won a sloppy preseason WNIT opener.

No. 7 Miami 83, Texas-Pan Am 37: Shenise Johnson finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, and the Hurricanes got their 25th straight home win, the longest home streak in program history.

No. 10 Georgetown 56, Longwood 45: Sugar Rodgers went only 2-for-10 from the field and managed 13 points as the host Hoyas sputtered through a closer-than-expected win over Longwood.

No. 11 MD. 84, Loyola, Md 46: Alyssa Thomas scored 20 and the host Terrapins never trailed in a season-opening win over the in-state foe Greyhounds.

No. 12 Penn St. 72, Wash. St. 60: Maggie Lucas and Alex Bentley each scored 22 for the host Nittany Lions.

No. 13 Georgia 83, TCU 60: Anne Marie Armstrong scored a career-high 22 as the host Bulldogs rolled.

No. 18 Ky. 96, Morehead St. 60: Kastine Evans scored a career-high 23 and the visiting Wildcats pulled away.

No. 19 DePaul 96, St. Mary's 68: Anna Martin scored 17 as the Blue Demons won their 20th in a row at home. DePaul faces Samford in today's Maggie Dixon Classic title game.

No. 22 UCLA 67, McNeese St. 59: Rhema Gardner scored a career-high 18 as the host Bruins won their preseason WNIT opener.

Duke survives Belmont scare

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Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

DURHAM, N.C. — Seth Curry scored 16 and No. 6 Duke held off Belmont 77-76 Friday night in the first round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational to move coach Mike Krzyzewski within one victory of tying Bob Knight atop the Division I men's career list.

Freshman Austin Rivers added 16 points in his college debut for the Blue Devils (1-0). They shot 43 percent and overcame 19 turnovers to avoid their first nonconference home loss since 2000 and put their Hall of Fame coach one step closer to history.

Krzyzewski started his 37th season as a head coach by improving his record to 901-284. He can tie his college coach and mentor's record today when Duke plays host to Presbyterian.

Belmont, which returns four starters from a team that made its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006, erased most of a 16-point deficit in the second half and pulled to 72-71 on Ian Clark's three-point play with 51 seconds left.

No. 2 Ky. 108, Marist 58: Terrence Jones came off the bench to score eight in the host Wildcats' easy win after the university said he was involved as a passenger in an early morning car accident.

Coach John Calipari said earlier in the day that he would institute a curfew for the Wildcats.

"I felt I was doing a great example on the court. I still believe that way," said Jones, who like the rest of his teammates will be forced to be back in their rooms at 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. "I take blame for being out that late, but I mean, it's just something that happened to cause all that."

Anthony Davis had 23 points and 10 rebounds to join Jones and Sam Bowie as the only freshmen in Kentucky history with 20-10 games in their debuts.

Davis attacked the rim in the opener, finishing 10-of-13 with eight dunks as Kentucky shrugged off a slow start with a dominant second half that turned a single-digit lead into a 50-point blowout in their first game of the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off tournament.

No. 3 Ohio St. 73, Wright St. 42: Preseason All-American Jared Sullinger scored 19 to go with nine rebounds in leading the host Buckeyes to victory in the Global Sports Shootout. Ohio State faces No. 8 Florida next week. "Florida is obviously a very, very talented basketball team," coach Thad Matta said. "They've got more guys back off of last year's team than us. We'll be able to tell a lot about ourselves coming out of Tuesday night."

No. 4 UConn 70, Columbia 57: Jeremy Lamb scored a career-high 30 and Shabazz Napier added 21 as the host Huskies began defense of their national title with an easy victory. Lamb hit 11 of 17 shots and was 5-of-8 from behind the arc as the Huskies try to replace the scoring and leadership of Kemba Walker.

No. 7 Vandy 78, Oregon 64: John Jenkins scored 24 as the host Commodores pulled away.

No. 9 L'ville 83, Tenn.-Martin 48: Senior Kyle Kuric scored 14 in the first half for the host Cardinals as Rick Pitino earned his 600th college win. Pitino is the 38th coach to reach 600 wins. He is the 15th fastest to the milestone, doing it one game quicker than former Louisville coach Denny Crum.

No. 10 Pitt 89, Albany 56: Travon Woodall scored a career-high 25 and the host Panthers remained unbeaten in nine season debuts under coach Jamie Dixon.

No. 13 Kansas 100, Towson St. 54: Thomas Robinson had a double double of 18 points and 11 rebounds as the host Jayhawks romped in the opening round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational.

No. 14 Xavier 74, Morgan St. 63: Mark Lyons, taking over at point guard for suspended senior Tu Holloway, scored 22 as the host Musketeers rolled.

No. 18 Mich. 59, Ferris St. 33: Stu Douglass scored 14 after making a surprise start at point guard, and the host Wolverines overcame early shooting struggles with 13-2 and 19-0 runs.

No. 19 Alabama 64, N. Fla. 44: JaMychal Green scored 18 for the host Crimson Tide, which held the Ospreys to 13-for-56 shooting (23.2 percent).

No. 22 Marquette 91, Mount St. Mary's 37: Darius Johnson-Odom scored 16 and the host Golden Eagles rolled.

No. 25 Missouri 83, SE Missouri 68: Ricardo Ratliffe and Marcus Denmon had 20 points apiece as the host Tigers won in coach Frank Haith's debut.

Ga. Tech 92, FAMU 59: Brandon Reed scored 16 as the host Yellow Jackets, under new coach Brian Gregory, beat the Rattlers, who got 15 from Avery Moore.

FSU women beat USF

DAYTONA BEACH — Tay'ler Mingo scored a career-high 12 to lead No. 14 Florida State to a 62-49 victory over USF in the Women's Basketball Invitational Tipoff, the season opener for both teams.

FSU's Alexa Deluzio, Cierra Bravard and Chelsea Davis each scored 11, while Natasha Howard had a double double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

"I thought our offensive balance was huge for us," said Seminoles coach Sue Semrau, whose team had a 50-36 rebound advantage.

USF, led by Caitlyn Rowe's game-high 19 points, went ahead 14-7 before FSU went on a 15-0 run.

Michigan 66, UF 66: Florida senior Jordan Jones hit a career-high-tying five three-pointers and scored 21, but the Wolverines toppled the host Gators.

No. 1 Baylor 82, Howard 28: Brittney Griner had 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks as the host Bears scored the first 28 points in a preseason WNIT win.

No. 2 Notre Dame 81, Akron 61: Skylar Diggins scored 21 as the host Irish, who committed 26 turnovers, won a sloppy preseason WNIT opener.

No. 5 Stanford 72 , No. 24 Texas 59: Chiney Ogwumike shrugged off early foul trouble with 16 points and 14 rebounds to lead the visiting Cardinal with her rebounding on the offensive end in a season-opening clash of two powerhouse programs.

No. 7 Miami 83, Texas-Pan Am 37: Shenise Johnson finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, and the Hurricanes got their 25th straight home win, the longest home streak in program history.

No. 8 Duke 61, BYU 55: Chelsea Gray scored 13 of her 15 in the second half and added a career-high six steals to lead the visiting Blue Devils.

No. 10 Georgetown 56, Longwood 45: Sugar Rodgers went only 2-for-10 from the field and managed 13 points as the host Hoyas sputtered through a closer-than-expected win over Longwood.

No. 11 MD. 84, Loyola, Md 46: Alyssa Thomas scored 20 and the host Terrapins never trailed in a season-opening win over the in-state foe Greyhounds.

No. 12 Penn St. 72, Wash. St. 60: Maggie Lucas and Alex Bentley each scored 22 for the host Nittany Lions.

No. 13 Georgia 83, TCU 60: Anne Marie Armstrong scored a career-high 22 as the host Bulldogs rolled.

No. 18 Ky. 96, Morehead St. 60: Kastine Evans scored a career-high 23 and the visiting Wildcats pulled away.

No. 19 DePaul 96, St. Mary's 68: Anna Martin scored 17 as the Blue Demons won their 20th in a row at home. DePaul faces Samford in today's Maggie Dixon Classic title game.

No. 22 UCLA 67, McNeese St. 59: Rhema Gardner scored a career-high 18 as the host Bruins won their preseason WNIT opener.

No. 23 So. Cal 65, Fresno St. 57: Jacki Gemelos had 18 points and 10 rebounds as the host Trojans overcame a sluggish start.

Football: Clearwater Central Catholic 31, Indian Rocks Christian 0

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Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

CLEARWATER — With nothing on the line, this was supposed to be the night Clearwater Central Catholic and Indian Rocks Christian wore out the bulbs on the scoreboard.

But when the final game of the regular season ended, the Marauders were full of confidence while the Golden Eagles were just worn out.

CCC rushed for 296 yards, 160 from senior Justin Goodloe, and held IRC to 110 total yards Friday in a 31-0 win. The Marauders (8-2) secured their first eight-win season since 2005.

The Golden Eagles (6-4), who were averaging 42 points per game, suffered their first shutout of the season.

"We've run the ball pretty well all year," Marauders coach John Davis said. "We've got four running backs who can play so (Goodloe) doesn't get the carries of some other guys. But he's a heck of a football player."

Goodloe scored twice, including on the first play from scrimmage. He took a pitch to the right, followed a block and went 70 yards down the sideline untouched.

"Our left guard just pancaked somebody and it was all green grass from there," Goodloe said.

Goodloe scored from 48 yards early in the second quarter. Blair Vaughn added a 2-yard run late in the quarter. And after a Devon Garnett interception, David Campbell hit a 23-yard field goal with one second left for a 24-0 halftime lead.

The only drama in the second half was whether Golden Eagles tight end Sean Culkin would 1,000 yards receiving. He needed 133 yards but he was held to 24 on four catches.

Indian Rocks quarterback Casey Woods was harassed all night, held to seven completions in 19 attempts.

"It was their last game of the season and I heard they were treating this like their bowl game," Goodloe said. "That kind of pumped me up. I didn't want them to beat us."

The Marauders held IRC to three punts and two fumbles in the second half. Vaughn put the final touches on the scoring with a 10-yard run on fourth and 1 in the third quarter.

Football: Citrus 28, Fivay 20

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John Coscia, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

INVERNESS — The Fivay Falcons flew into Citrus County soaring with confidence Friday night. But it didn't take long for them to realize they had flown into a strong head wind in the Citrus Hurricanes.

By the time the Falcons (7-3) got their bearings, the Hurricanes (5-5) had put up 14 points in the first 11 minutes and held a 21-6 lead at the break.

Fivay, however, emerged for the second half a different team. Unfortunately three big penalties and two turnovers eventually grounded the Falcons. And none was bigger than the final dagger that came with 58 seconds left in the game, when Citrus cornerback Paris Wilcox intercepted Fivay quarterback Tyler Degen's pass in the end zone.

The interception, which sealed a 28-20 win for Citrus, was exceptionally sweet for Wilcox, who was playing in the final game of his prep career. The Hurricanes were led by Darius Chapes, who rushed for a game-high 201 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns.

"We came into this game tonight extremely overconfident and they knocked us around really good in the first half," Fivay coach Chris Taylor said. "Give them all the credit. They came out and punched us straight in the mouth in that first half and it wasn't until then that we woke up. We fought back and made it a football game in the second half."

On Fivay's second possession of the third quarter, Degen engineered an eight-play scoring drive that ended on a 1-yard touchdown run by Zach Russell (11 carries for 79 yards). With the Falcons fighting to get back in the game the Hurricanes' special teams came up with a blocked punt that was recovered by Kyle Tobin, who scampered in to the end zone to give Citrus a 28-12 lead.

Fivay answered on the ensuing kickoff when James Bullock broke containment and returned the ball to the Citrus 24. Five plays later Degan forced his way into the end zone on a 1-yard run. The Falcons converted the two-point conversion and found themselves down by just one score.

With time running out Vic Taylor stripped the ball from a Citrus runner on the 37-yard line with 2:35 left. Degen delivered two great passes that gave the ball to Fivay in Citrus territory. When Davion Sutton broke free on two big runs the Falcons appeared poised to score.

Wilcox thwarted those plans when he read Degen's pass perfectly and cut in front of the Falcons receiver in the end zone.

USF

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Friday, November 11, 2011

Sept. 17

USF 70,

FAMU 17

(3-0, 0-0)

Sept. 10

USF 37,

Ball State 7

(2-0, 0-0)

Sept. 3

USF 23,

Notre Dame 20

(1-0, 0-0)

Oct. 15

UConn 16, USF 10

(4-2, 0-2)

Sept. 29

Pitt 44, USF 17

(4-1, 0-1)

Sept. 24

USF 52, UTEP 24

(4-0, 0-0)

FRIDAY

USF 37,

Syracuse 17

SATURDAY

Rutgers 20, USF 17 (OT)

(4-4, 0-4)

oct. 22

Cincinnati 37,

USF 34

(4-3, 0-3)

Dec. 1

vs.

West Virginia

8 p.m., ESPN

Nov. 25

vs.

Louisville

TBA

Nov. 19

vs.

Miami

TBA

USF Bulls defeat Syracuse Orange 37-17

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — This time, USF was finally able to hold onto a lead in the fourth quarter, and for the first time since September, the Bulls found a way to win.

USF ended a four-game losing streak and got its first Big East win of the season Friday night, getting two red-zone stops in the fourth quarter and pulling away for a 37-17 win over Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.

The Bulls (5-4, 1-4 in Big East) converted a fourth down inside the 5 to set up their first touchdown, then stopped Syracuse (5-5, 1-4) when the Orange tried the same twice in the red zone in the fourth quarter. Quarterback B.J. Daniels had more than 350 yards of total offense, running for more than 100 and throwing well without making mistakes, and Demetris Murray put the game away with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Up 3-0 in the second quarter, the Bulls got a spark from a rare fourth-down gamble, going for it on fourth and 1 at the Syracuse 5. Murray converted with a 1-yard run from a three-back set, then Marcus Shaw scored a 4-yard touchdown from the same look on the next play for a 10-0 lead.

Both teams scored 10 points in the final four minutes of the first half, with Syracuse getting a touchdown, then Daniels answering with a 43-yard pass to freshman Andre Davis and a 3-yard scoring run of his own. Syracuse got a field goal to cut the lead to 17-10, and USF answered in the final 1:20, with Daniels driving the Bulls 52 yards for a Maikon Bonani field goal from 46 yards as the half ended.

USF hurt itself with penalties on the opening drive of the second half, drawing three flags for 25 yards in the red zone after getting to the Syracuse 13. The Bulls settled for another Bonani field goal, then did worse on the next drive, as Daniels hit a wide-open Victor Marc, who dived for a touchdown but fumbled out the back of the end zone for a touchback. That was a potential 11 points left on the field instead of putting the Orange out of reach.

Double-digit leads in the second half weren't going to mean much to USF fans, who saw the Bulls squander a 10-point fourth-quarter lead in a loss to Cincinnati, then a 14-point fourth-quarter lead last week in a loss at Rutgers.

This time USF got a strong game from Bonani, who missed a potential winner last week but went 3-for-3 on field goals as the Bulls built a 23-10 lead early in the second half.

The Bulls got a key stop on the goal line early in the fourth quarter. Syracuse had second and goal at the 2 and was stopped twice, then opted to go for it on fourth and goal from the 3. Nassib got off a desperation pass as he was pressured, but it fell incomplete to end the drive.

Four minutes later, Syracuse got to the USF 12, but was backed up after a penalty and went for it again on fourth and 13, missing incomplete in the end zone again. Had Syracuse settled for the field goal each time, it would have been within a touchdown with 9:49 left.

USF put the game away in the fourth with an 83-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by a 30-yard Daniels run and capped by a 2-yard touchdown by Murray, who filled in for an injured Darrell Scott (concussion).

Syracuse struck for a 58-yard touchdown — the second scoring connection from Ryan Nassib to Alec Lemon — with 3:41 left to cut the Bulls' lead to 13. Bulls receiver Evan Landi recovered Syracuse's onsides kick and Murray added another touchdown run with 1:01 left.

USF now needs just one win in its final three home games — against Miami, Louisville and West Virginia — to become bowl-eligible and likely extend its streak to seven straight bowl appearances. USF improved to 4-0 at the Carrier Dome, having won in all four trips since joining the Big East in 2005.

Football: Largo 42, Gibbs 21

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Nathan Cowan, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — With Largo tuning up for the playoffs and Gibbs closing its season, both teams wanted to finish the regular season on a high note. Largo dominated from the start Friday en route to a 42-21 victory.

"Tonight was a night to get rid of the mistakes," Packers running back Derrick Doss said. "We had some, but we have to get better."

Largo opened the scoring on its opening possession. Harry Brown finished the drive with a 2-yard run. The teams traded kick returns as Gibbs' Gary Simon tied the game with a 75-yard return. Doss took the ensuing kickoff back 95 yards.

After Largo got a stop, Juwan Brown found Lakeif Daniels for a 78-yard touchdown pass to give Largo a 21-7 lead. Then Juwan Brown ran in a 5-yard touchdown, and Doss scored on a 13-yard run.

For the second time, Simon returned a kickoff for a touchdown, this time for 95 yards.

The Packers answered as Juwan Brown found Reggie Moore for a 75-yard touchdown pass.

Nathan Cowan, Times correspondent


Football: East Lake 40, Clearwater 15

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Andy Warrener, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

EAST LAKE — Coach Bob Hudson was concerned his team might overlook a talented, yet under-achieving Clearwater squad.

"My biggest concern going in was all the distractions," Hudson said. "With playoffs next week and homecoming this weekend, we preached all week about it."

Hudson's team listens. East Lake scored on all four possessions in the first half of a 40-15 win Friday night. Clearwater got a little momentum at the beginning of the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 26-15 and recovered a fumble. But the Eagles got it right back, scoring two TDs in two minutes to shove the game out of reach.

"We lost our focus for a few minutes there in the fourth quarter but I'm proud of the way the boys responded," Hudson .

Eagle quarterback Pete DiNovo was an efficient 19 of 23 passing for more than 200 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a TD. Tyler Lane gained more than 120 yards on 12 carries and scored on a big 45-yard run.

Branden Leston contributed 40 yards and a receiving touchdown for Clearwater. On defense, he recovered two fumbles, recorded a sack and broke up a pass. He also returned kickoffs.

Andy Warrener, Times correspondent

Football: St. Petersburg 37, Lakewood 14

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Anthony Salveggi, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 12, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Led by an efficient rushing attack, St. Petersburg rebounded from last week's loss to Countryside and celebrated its homecoming with a 37-14 win over the Lakewood Spartans.

After the Green Devils (7-3) forced a safety on Lakewood's opening drive, QB Keegan Oberholzer hooked up with Jeremy Kerr for a 38-yard catch and run to the end zone.

Later in the first quarter, the Spartans (6-4) took advantage of good field position and put together a five-play drive that ended with QB Tracy Johnson's 3-yard TD run.

St. Petersburg responded with its own five-play drive, capped by David Jones' 8-yard run, giving the home team a 16-6 advantage at halftime.

Jones, who added a 40-yard score in the third quarter, finished with 17 carries for 153 yards.

After a 4-yard TD run by Oberholzer, Lakewood cut the deficit to two scores when Johnson found Javaris Little for a 46-yard TD, bringing the Spartans within 28-14.

The Green Devils ran down the clock by running. After a bad snap to Johnson led to another St. Petersburg safety, running back Corey D'Angelo scored from 1 yard to finish the scoring.

Green Devils coach Joe Fabrizio called D'Angelo the unsung hero of the game, as he was the lead blocker for fellow running backs Maurice Hemingway and Jones, who together racked up 230 yards rushing. For Fabrizio, the running attack was key to victory.

"We had to keep the ball," said Fabrizio. "They (Lakewood) have an explosive offense."

With the loss, the Spartans, who had started 6-0, dropped their final four games of the season.

Football: Palm Harbor University 14, Pinellas Park 13

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Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 12, 2011

PALM HARBOR — The question wasn't whether Palm Harbor University could bounce back from a devastating one-point loss to East Lake a week ago. The real question was: Could the Hurricanes handle another game-deciding extra point?

This time, PHU was on the other side.

Pinellas Park sailed an extra point wide left Friday, allowing PHU (6-4) to conclude its regular season with a 14-13 upset.

"This team's going to give me a heart attack," PHU coach Matt Lepain said.

On the second play of the game, PHU quarterback Billy Pavlock received a toss sweep out of the tailback position and launched it to a wide-open Hunter Beam, who raced 63 yards for the touchdown.

Pinellas Park's Tahrelle Mosley and PHU's Ryan Myers exchanged long touchdown runs, ending the first quarter 14-7.

The Patriots had chances to tie but the Hurricanes' defense emerged for the occasion.

"(The defense) finally came out into a game and didn't fold and they just went out and played," Lepain said. "This defense is starting to finally realize that they're pretty good."

In the second quarter, Pinellas Park (7-3) threatened inside the 10 until Tyler Modlin forced a sack, followed by a Pavlock interception. PHU also forced a fumble.

"Defense carried it for us," Pavlock said. "We knew (Pinellas Park) was going to be physical, and we were ready."

Pinellas Park scored midway through the fourth quarter on a 1-yard sneak from Brandon Hames, then the extra point was missed.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers look for answers on defense

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

TAMPA — Raheem Morris was clowning before practice one day last week when he strolled up to 6-foot-6, 350-pound defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth during stretching exercises.

"After this, we're going to do your conditioning test," Morris said before breaking into a big smile.

The NFL season is a test of endurance, but the Bucs' acquisition of the vagabond Haynesworth off waivers from the Patriots on Wednesday is the latest example of how far their defense has fallen off its pace since Morris took over the play-calling from fired coordinator Jim Bates after 10 games in 2009.

Tampa Bay ranks 29th overall (398.9 yard per game) in the league, allows 6.3 yards per play and ranks 31st in sacks with 12 despite investing a pair of first- and second-round draft picks on the defensive line over the past two years.

Those numbers are worse than the ones hung around Bates' neck at the time of his dismissal, when the defense ranked 26th overall (332.7), allowed 5.4 yards per play and had 17 sacks.

Morris' coaching style always has been hands-on. But is he losing his grip as defensive coordinator?

For now, at least, there's no reason to expect a change.

"When he took over when we played the Atlanta Falcons back in 2009, I think everybody saw we had the six-sack performance and it was like an immediate impact," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. "But I can't sit here and say the play-calling is the reason we're not being productive on defense. I don't think that's a fair assessment at all. And I know how much time and effort he puts into it because I see that on a day-to-day basis.

"If people could see that, they'd say I feel like it's going to come around. I don't know why, but as an organization, we've been a notoriously better team the second half of the season. Whether it's been weather or whatever it is, I'm hoping that's the case again this year."

At 4-4 entering today's game against Houston (6-3 and first in the AFC South), Tampa Bay can ill-afford another loss before a trip to Green Bay next week, where it will be huge a underdog against the defending Super Bowl champion.

That's why the Bucs claimed Haynesworth, who will play for his third team in a year after running out of favor with the Redskins and Patriots amid complaints about a lack of effort.

The season-ending torn right biceps to Gerald McCoy, last year's No. 3 overall pick, precipitated the move for Haynesworth, who fills the void for a disruptive defensive tackle.

But the Bucs have other problems that have contributed to the demise of the defense. Tampa Bay's offense has failed to score a touchdown in the first quarter this season and has rarely held a lead.

"We're working too hard to get wins right now," Morris said. "We've got to find a better way to get wins, and it's more with a team concept rather than whether it's the offense's fault or the defense's fault. It's both of our faults. We've got to get off on defense. We've got to keep the ball on offense, and we've got to create turnovers and things of that nature.

"There's nothing wrong structurally on either offense or defense. When you miss on four touchdowns (in a game at New Orleans), it creates a problem for your defense. When you give up big plays on defense and give them 17 points, now that creates problems for your offense. So it all ties together."

It might be too simplistic to blame the collapse on the loss of McCoy, who will have missed 12 of his first 32 games as a pro by season's end. But a penetrating undertackle in Tampa Bay's 4-3 scheme is critical. The Bucs also have not gotten good play from weakside linebacker Geno Hayes, who was benched last week at New Orleans.

"At the halfway point, I'm disappointed," Dominik said. "I think we all are disappointed. We want to be a better and more consistent football team, and that includes the talent I bring in. It's all across the board. I'm not trying to look for a scapegoat. I'm trying to look for answers."

It's rare for head coaches to also serve as defensive coordinators. Former Cowboys coach and current Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips did it for part of a season in Dallas. Patriots coach Bill Belichick does it as well.

"Well, it's a little bit tougher, I think, because you still have to control game situations and you have to make those decisions, too," Phillips said. "But once you've done it for a while, I don't think it's a big problem."

As they say in football, sometimes it's not about the X's and O's, it's the Jimmys and the Joes.

"As your team gets better, you'll see equilibrium," Morris said. "Last year, as we got better on offense, we got better on defense. We started to finish strong. We were a hot team in football. That's got to happen again — right now — in these next eight games."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers look for answers for poor defense

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

TAMPA — Raheem Morris was clowning before practice one day last week when he strolled up to 6-foot-6, 350-pound defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth during stretching exercises.

"After this, we're going to do your conditioning test," Morris said before breaking into a big smile.

The NFL season is a test of endurance, but the Bucs' acquisition of the vagabond Haynesworth off waivers from the Patriots on Wednesday is the latest example of how far their defense has fallen off its pace since Morris took over the play-calling from fired coordinator Jim Bates after 10 games in 2009.

Tampa Bay ranks 29th overall (398.9 yard per game) in the league, allows 6.3 yards per play and ranks 31st in sacks with 12 despite investing a pair of first- and second-round draft picks on the defensive line over the past two years.

Those numbers are worse than the ones hung around Bates' neck at the time of his dismissal, when the defense ranked 26th overall (332.7), allowed 5.4 yards per play and had 17 sacks.

Morris' coaching style always has been hands-on. But is he losing his grip as defensive coordinator?

For now, at least, there's no reason to expect a change.

"When he took over when we played the Atlanta Falcons back in 2009, I think everybody saw we had the six-sack performance and it was like an immediate impact," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. "But I can't sit here and say the play-calling is the reason we're not being productive on defense. I don't think that's a fair assessment at all. And I know how much time and effort he puts into it because I see that on a day-to-day basis.

"If people could see that, they'd say I feel like it's going to come around. I don't know why, but as an organization, we've been a notoriously better team the second half of the season. Whether it's been weather or whatever it is, I'm hoping that's the case again this year."

At 4-4 entering today's game against Houston (6-3 and first in the AFC South), Tampa Bay can ill-afford another loss before a trip to Green Bay next week, where it will be huge a underdog against the defending Super Bowl champion.

That's why the Bucs claimed Haynesworth, who will play for his third team in a year after running out of favor with the Redskins and Patriots amid complaints about a lack of effort.

The season-ending torn right biceps to Gerald McCoy, last year's No. 3 overall pick, precipitated the move for Haynesworth, who fills the void for a disruptive defensive tackle.

But the Bucs have other problems that have contributed to the demise of the defense. Tampa Bay's offense has failed to score a touchdown in the first quarter this season and has rarely held a lead.

"We're working too hard to get wins right now," Morris said. "We've got to find a better way to get wins, and it's more with a team concept rather than whether it's the offense's fault or the defense's fault. It's both of our faults. We've got to get off on defense. We've got to keep the ball on offense, and we've got to create turnovers and things of that nature.

"There's nothing wrong structurally on either offense or defense. When you miss on four touchdowns (in a game at New Orleans), it creates a problem for your defense. When you give up big plays on defense and give them 17 points, now that creates problems for your offense. So it all ties together."

It might be too simplistic to blame the collapse on the loss of McCoy, who will have missed 12 of his first 32 games as a pro by season's end. But a penetrating undertackle in Tampa Bay's 4-3 scheme is critical. The Bucs also have not gotten good play from weakside linebacker Geno Hayes, who was benched last week at New Orleans.

"At the halfway point, I'm disappointed," Dominik said. "I think we all are disappointed. We want to be a better and more consistent football team, and that includes the talent I bring in. It's all across the board. I'm not trying to look for a scapegoat. I'm trying to look for answers."

It's rare for head coaches to also serve as defensive coordinators. Former Cowboys coach and current Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips did it for part of a season in Dallas. Patriots coach Bill Belichick does it as well.

"Well, it's a little bit tougher, I think, because you still have to control game situations and you have to make those decisions, too," Phillips said. "But once you've done it for a while, I don't think it's a big problem."

As they say in football, sometimes it's not about the X's and O's, it's the Jimmys and the Joes.

"As your team gets better, you'll see equilibrium," Morris said. "Last year, as we got better on offense, we got better on defense. We started to finish strong. We were a hot team in football. That's got to happen again — right now — in these next eight games."

Florida Gators fall to No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks 17-12

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. — With the clock ticking close to the final six minutes and trailing South Carolina by five points, Florida lined up on a first down at the South Carolina 44, primed for a drive that could put it ahead.

Then quarterback John Brantley called an audible.

Brantley went to the right. Running back and fellow senior Chris Rainey went to the left. Brantley lost 6 yards. The Gators lost the momentum and, ultimately, the game.

"It was just some miscommunication," Brantley said. "It was originally run to the left, and I changed it to run to the right."

This is the Gators' season in a nutshell — heading one way when it should be the other. Close but not good enough.

Florida's 17-12 loss to No. 15 South Carolina in front of 80,250 at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday afternoon was another example during a season filled with mistakes, untimely penalties, lost opportunities and late-game letdowns.

It was Florida's fifth loss in its past six games. And it leaves the Gators (5-5, 3-5 SEC) still one game shy of becoming bowl eligible. It is the first time Florida has finished with a losing record in SEC play since 1986 — before the conference went to division play in 1992.

Three of Florida's past four losses have been by 11 points or fewer, and two came down to late drives.

"We had three ball games where we had our opportunities," said Florida coach Will Muschamp, whose team lost two fumbles. "It comes back to turnovers, critical errors. It's when you've got to make a play on the ball or down the field, a situation where it's a field goal game, and we've got to execute in those situations.

"And that comes back on me. We've got to do a better job coaching; better job in those critical downs and those critical situations. Four of our last games, three have come down to the last drive of the game. And we've got to win in those situations."

Saturday's game was another reminder of how this team often looks as if it has no idea what's going on — or who it's supposed to be. And a team that ultimately can't seem to find its way.

Florida made it inside the Gamecocks 5 three times but twice had to settle for field goals by Caleb Sturgis. One drive was hampered by a false start penalty on the 5.

Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett scored the Gators' only touchdown, a 2-yard run with 11:23 remaining in the game to pull within 14-12. (Brissett was intercepted on the two-point conversion.)

"Very frustrating," Brantley said about the Gators' red zone issues. "You want to be able to finish the game strong, and it starts with finishing drives. You get down there. We get points, and that's great. But you want to be able to punch it in."

The Gators gained just 84 first-half yards and 261 for the game. The defense struggled against the run: South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw gained 71 yards on 11 carries in the first half (16 for 88 for the game), many on scrambles. The Gators defense was on the field for 32:04 and allowed 215 rushing yards (compared with just 84 passing).

"We gave Connor a game ball for running it," said coach Steve Spurrier, who led the Gamecocks to an undefeated SEC East record for the first time in school history.

Florida had an opportunity to get the ball back with just more than four minutes remaining. But the Gators were penalized for offside as the Gamecocks (8-2, 6-2) faced third and 2 at their 28. South Carolina then held possession until 42 seconds remained.

"Like I've said all year, in the SEC you've got to score in the red zone," Rainey said. "You can't turn the ball over, and certain penalties will kill you, especially in the red zone."

"We're the same as everybody else (talent-wise). It's just penalties, turnovers and all that stuff keeps killing us all the time. And we've got to finish strong."

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

Offensive line powers USF Bulls in win over Syracuse

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Another game without allowing a sack, another game with more than 200 rushing yards, and USF's offensive line continues to fortify its status as the Bulls' most consistent position this season.

"The offensive line is really to be commended, and Demetris Murray and B.J. Daniels, the guys who carried the bulk of the load in the running game," coach Skip Holtz said. "We were able to run the ball. Even the last score, that was just running the ball up the middle. Those guys were coming off the ball and making holes. At halftime, they were very emotional. It was, 'Coach, put it on our backs. We'll carry it.' They wanted it, and I thought that offensive line and the running game did a great job."

As Syracuse threatened to pull closer in the fourth quarter, USF grinded out an 83-yard, nine-play drive that used up four and a half minutes. Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder recognized how much that sustained drive helped his defense.

"They took the game and the clock and didn't put us in harm's way," Snyder said. "They did a tremendous job."

All this without leading rusher Darrell Scott, who missed the game with concussion-like symptoms. Murray stepped up with a career-high 17 carries for 86 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns to help the Bulls (5-4, 1-4 Big East) pull away.

"Just a steady football player, just a really good football player," offensive coordinator Todd Fitch said of Murray. "The thing I worried about was how would (backup Marcus Shaw) react. We put Marcus in there a couple of times and he scored a touchdown, got that thing north-south."

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: USF's defense again struggled in the fourth quarter, allowing 171 yards (161 passing) after holding Syracuse to 234 total in the first three quarters. That included a 58-yard touchdown pass to WR Alec Lemon, leaving Holtz a reminder that the secondary remains a concern.

THIS AND THAT: This week's game against Miami will start at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and air on ESPNU. … USF is 4-0 at the Carrier Dome. Since joining the Big East in 2005, the Bulls have eight road wins by 14 points or more — half of those at Syracuse. … Daniels had just one game in his first two seasons as starting quarterback in which he totaled 350 yards or more of total offense. He has done it four times this season, including Friday's 371-yard effort. … USF continues to struggle with penalties, committing 10 for 84 yards. Syracuse returned the favor, giving the Bulls four first downs on penalties and totaling seven flags for 86 yards.


Around the NFL

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

For all of Jets coach Rex Ryan's talk about not kissing Bill Belichick's Super Bowl rings to his bold predictions of winning it all, the Patriots have always been a pain in his side. Not to mention the team they have, literally, had to look up to — at least, in the standings. But with the AFC East rivals set to play tonight for first place, New York Post columnist Mark Cannizzaro argues the Patriots' stronghold on the division (having won eight of the past 10 seasons) "is as set up to be taken down as it has ever been in the last decade."

New England has lost two straight games, including a home defeat to the Giants last week in which it took a late lead only to give up a touchdown. Its defense has been shaky, allowing 416 yards per game (32nd in league), including 314 in the air.

The Jets, meanwhile, have a lot of momentum with consecutive wins over the Chargers and Bills, another team they will have to hold off for the division title.

Whether or not it's time for a changing of the guard, a win over the Patriots tonight could go a long way.

"It's frustrating being in their division and constantly chasing them," Jets safety Jim Leonhard told the Post. "That's the beauty of right now. They've slipped up a couple times, and now we have a chance to have them chase us.

"The easiest way to get to the Super Bowl is by taking care of your division. And we're right at that cusp. We're right there with that opportunity."

Times wires, the NFL, and the New York Post contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Comparison of the week

Cowboys rookie running back DeMarco Murray already had his hands full filling in for injured starter Felix Jones. But after Murray racked up 466 yards in three games, owner Jerry Jones delivered some high praise. "He kind of has a glide a little like (Eric) Dickerson used to," Jones told KRLD-FM. "He has a certain smoothness. He doesn't lift his feet as much as Dickerson did. But the other thing he reminds me of is he runs with such acceleration and power."

What they're saying

"When they put it together, the thing I was quoted saying is, 'You can't buy championships.' And what I meant by that is you've got to build chemistry. You can have all the talent in the world. But if you're not out there playing as one, if you're just 11 individuals, you're not going to beat anybody in this league."

Giants defensive end Justin Tuck on the Jim Rome Show about the star-filled but 3-5 Eagles

Poll of the week

Earlier this season, Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh alleged the Falcons' offensive line played dirty. But according to other NFL players, he tops the list. In a Sporting News poll of 11 players from each of the other 31 teams, Suh was named by 36 as the league's dirtiest player. Steelers linebacker James Harrison ranked second (nine) and Titans CB Cortland Finnegan third (eight).

High praise

"With half a season now in evidence, the Packers are more than the best team. They are the only elite team in the entire NFL."

Mark Kriegel, columnist for FoxSports.com

Number of the week

45 Yards from scrimmage yards the Jets' LaDainian Tomlinson needs to pass Barry Sanders for fifth all time. Tomlinson has 18,146 over 11 seasons, trailing just Sanders (18,190), Marshall Faulk (19,154), Walter Payton (21,264), Emmitt Smith (21,579) and Jerry Rice (23,540).

Power rankings

1. Packers

2. 49ers

3. Giants

4. Saints

5. Ravens

6. Texans

Upset special

Colts (0-9) over Jaguars (2-6)

The Colts' first win hurts their chances in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans: By the numbers, what they're saying

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

The poll

Which of the Bucs' nine penalties against the Saints last week was costliest?

Pass interference on Kellen Winslow: 19 percent

Tripping on Donald Penn: 11 percent

Defensive holding on Ronde Barber: 6 percent

Other: 5 percent

Total: 327 votes

By the numbers

1-1 Bucs' record against the Texans, a 16-3 win at home in 2003 and 28-14 loss at Houston in 2007

6-3 The Texans' record, their best ever after nine games and the first time in franchise history, which dates to 2002, they've been three games over .500

261 Rushing yards for the Texans in last week's 30-12 win over the Browns, a franchise record

132.4 Average rushing yards allowed by the Bucs, 26th in the NFL

68 Bucs penalties this season, fewer than only the Seahawks (70) and Raiders (91)

What they're saying

Size, athletic ability, can extend plays. He reminds me of (Ben) Roethlisberger a great deal. He's just a younger player. He's hard to tackle in the pocket and keeps the ball alive a lot; makes a lot of plays off schedule.

Gary Kubiak Texans coach in the Houston Chronicle on Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman

The Bucs are struggling to find the rhythm of last year when they ran the ball well, made big plays off of play-action passes and protected the ball. Their young defense is not progressing as well as head coach Raheem Morris had hoped. And once again, they lose young defensive lineman Gerald McCoy for the season to injury.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

The picks

Gained a lot of respect for the Texans this year. They used to be the guys who'd blow leads in the fourth quarter as regularly as Wimpy ate hamburgers. Now, without maybe their two best players — (receiver) Andre Johnson and (linebacker) Mario Williams — they've won three straight by 20.7 per game. This will be a tale-teller, though. The Bucs need this one badly to stay close in the NFC South race, and I'm picking the Texans because of their strong two-headed runner, Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Texans, 30-23.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

This is almost a have-to game for the Bucs. They have lost two consecutive and suddenly are in third in the division. The Texans are riding high behind the running game and their defense. The defense is tops in the NFL, which will make it tough for the Bucs to get anything going. Houston keeps rolling. Texans, 24-17.

Pete Prisco CBSports.com

Bucs vs. Texans

1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM

Line/over-under: Texans by 31/2; 451/2

Week 1 Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 9Week 10Week 11Week 12Week 13Week 14Week 15Week 16Week 17
Lions

Lions 27, Bucs 20

(0-1)

at Vikings

Bucs 24, Vikings 20

(1-1)

Falcons

Bucs 16, Falcons 13

(2-1)

Colts

Bucs 24, Colts 17

(3-1)

at 49ers

49ers 48, Bucs 3

(3-2)

Saints

Bucs 26, Saints 20

(4-2)

Bears

Bears 24, Bucs 18

(4-3)

at Saints

Saints 27 Bucs 16

(4-4)

Texans

1 p.m. today

at Packers

1 p.m. Nov. 20, Ch. 13

at Titans

1 p.m. Nov. 27, Ch. 13

Panthers

1 p.m. Dec. 4, Ch. 13 *

at Jaguars

1 p.m. Dec. 11, Ch. 13

Cowboys

8:20 p.m. Dec. 17, NFL

at Panthers

1 p.m. Dec. 24, Ch. 13

at Falcons

1 p.m. Jan. 1, Ch. 13



Unnecessary roughness on LeGarrette Blount: 59 percent

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans: Lineups, analysis

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

Probable starters

BUCS OFFENSE

WR: Mike Williams 19

LT: Donald Penn 70

LG: Ted Larsen 62

C: Jeff Faine 52

RG: Davin Joseph 75

RT: Jeremy Trueblood 65

TE: Kellen Winslow 82

WR: Arrelious Benn 17

QB: Josh Freeman 5

RB: LeGarrette Blount 27

FB: Erik Lorig 44

BUCS DEFENSE

DE: Michael Bennett 71

DT: Roy Miller 90

DT: Brian Price 92

RDE: Adrian Clayborn 94

SLB: Quincy Black 58

MLB: Mason Foster 59

WLB: Geno Hayes 54

CB: Aqib Talib 25

CB: Ronde Barber 20

SS: Sean Jones 26

FS: Tanard Jackson 36

Special Teams

P: Michael Koenen 9

PK: Connor Barth 10

KO: Michael Koenen 9

PR/KR: Preston Parker 87

Texans offense

WR: Jacoby Jones 12

LT: Duane Brown 76

LG: Wade Smith 74

C: Chris Myers 55

RG: Mike Brisiel 65

RT: Eric Winston 73

TE: Owen Daniels 81

WR: Kevin Walter 83

QB: Matt Schaub 8

RB: Arian Foster 23

FB: James Casey 86

Texans DEFENSE

DE: J.J. Watt 99

NT: Shaun Cody 95

DE: Antonio Smith 94

LB: Connor Barwin 98

LB: Brian Cushing 56

LB: DeMeco Ryans 59

LB: Brooks Reed 58

CB: Kareem Jackson 25

CB: Johnathan Joseph 24

SS: Glover Quin 29

FS: Troy Nolan 33

Special Teams

P: Brett Hartmann 2

PK/KO: Neil Rackers 4

KR: Sherrick McManis 33

PR: Jacoby Jones 12

Stat pack



1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: Texans by 31/2; 451/2

The Bucs are coming off their second-poorest performance against the run this season, giving up 195 yards last week at New Orleans (better only than the 213 at the 49ers on Oct. 9). Today, Houston's dual rushing attack and timely passing game will provide another test.

Texans' best offensive player

Receiver Andre Johnson easily fits the bill, but he remains out with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Arian Foster, right, has established himself as one of the finest running backs in the game and has a chance to display that today. Oh, and his backup, Ben Tate, is not bad, either.

Texans' best defensive player

Pass-rusher Mario Williams is on injured reserve. But the presence of linebacker Brian Cushing, left, has been obvious to opponents. He leads Houston with 61 tackles and is perpetually around the football. Prediction Texans 24, Bucs 20

What the Texans do best

They run the football with authority, but they also are proficient at defending the run. With the fourth-ranked run defense, Houston has rendered standout running backs such as Darren McFadden (51 yards), Maurice Jones-Drew (63) and Chris Johnson (18) nonfactors in recent games.

You can beat the Texans if …

You make them one-dimensional. The Texans, for several years, were known for offensive imbalance. In games when they've reverted to that, they've lost. Quarterback Matt Schaub's two biggest games this season have come in losses to the Saints and Raiders.

The Bucs must avoid …

Too many three-and-outs. Tampa Bay has been unable to sustain many drives, and continuing that trend against Houston will mean fewer opportunities to keep the game close. The Texans lead the NFL in average time of possession (33.43).



avg. Rushing yards

avg. passing yards

avg. total yards

avg. Rushing yards allowed

avg. passing yards allowed

avg. total yards allowed

Bucs

texans

98.1 (24th)

155.1 (2nd)

132.4 (26th)

91.4 (4th)

266.5 (28th)

182.6 (2nd)

245.4 (11th)

238.4 (14th)

398.9 (29th)

274.0 (1st)

343.5 (15th)

393.5 (8th)

Injury report

BUCS Doubtful: DT Frank Okam (calf). Questionable: LB Dekoda Watson (groin). Probable: QB Josh Freeman (thumb), S Tanard Jackson (hamstring), WR Mike Williams (thigh), G Jeremy Zuttah (knee).

Texans Out: WR Andre Johnson (hamstring), S Danieal Manning (ankle). Questionable: CB Sherrick McManis (groin), NT Earl Mitchell (ankle), DE Antonio Smith (shoulder), T Eric Winston (back). Probable: LB Mister Alexander (shoulder), CB Jason Allen (knee), G Thomas Austin (knee), LB Connor Barwin (Achilles), LB Bryan Braman (thigh), G Mike Brisiel (back), T Duane Brown (shoulder), G Antoine Caldwell (ankle), RB James Casey (pectoral), NT Shaun Cody (back), LB Brian Cushing (knee, hamstring), LB Tim Dobbins (hip), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring, abdomen), LB Jesse Nading (shoulder), G Wade Smith (ankle), RB Ben Tate (foot, ankle), WR Kevin Walter (knee, ankle).

Lorie Kane, Michele Redman lead LPGA Legends event at Innisbrook

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

PALM HARBOR — Lorie Kane is a full-time member of the LPGA Tour and plays as often as she can.

Michele Redman retired from the tour in mid August to become the women's golf coach at Minnesota.

They shot par 72 Saturday to share the lead after the first round of the LPGA Legends Tour Open Championship on Innisbrook's Island Course.

Legends Tour rookie Lori Atsedes, who teed off in the first group of the day, was second at 1 over. Liselotte Neumann, Val Skinner and Sherri Steinhauer were two back at 2 over.

Nancy Lopez was one off the lead after her first nine holes but faded to 3-over 75. Defending champ Rosie Jones, playing with Lopez, also shot 75.

Hall of Famer JoAnne Carner, 72, shot 15-over 85.

Kane, 46, last played a little over two weeks ago at the Taiwan Championship, where she made the cut. She played in 12 LPGA events this season and made 10 cuts. Being tournament tested against a field that plays sparingly is an edge, Kane said.

"I'm far, far from calling it a day out there," she said, referring to her career. "I plan to play many more years out there. I guess I'm a little more competitive tough because I've been able to play more competition."

Redman hasn't touched a club much since she retired. She squeezed in a practice round Friday and hoped for the best Saturday.

"I'm just trying to hit the center of the (club) face," said Redman, who finished second at Innisbrook last year as a Legends rookie. "I had no expectations at all. I just came down here for some fun. It's kind of a vacation for me."

None of the field of 44 broke par on a slightly windy but otherwise perfect day. Players said the reason was not the length of the course (6,200 yards) but the greens.

"These greens are the best I've played on all year, and I play on the big girls' tour," Kane said. "There weren't a lot of birdies made."

Steinhauer had a different word for the greens.

"They are treacherous," she said. "But they are fun to putt."

The surprise name near the top of the board was Skinner. She started her round with a quadruple-bogey 8 on the first hole. Over the next 17 holes, she played 2 under.

"At that point I'm thinking, 'Just don't embarrass yourself,' " Skinner said. " 'Have some pride in yourself and keep playing hard.' I did pretty well after that, except for a 3-putt on 17."

Steinhauer, who plans on shipping her clubs to California after today's second and final round and not use them again until January, said she will be watching the board all day today.

"I'll be aggressive from the beginning but not silly," she said. "There's times you can't go for it, but there is only one day left. You're probably going to have to fire a pretty low round."

Tee times begin at 8 a.m. today. For specific times and pairings, go to thelegendstour.com.

Florida State Seminoles 23, Miami Hurricanes 19

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By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 12, 2011

Greg Reid returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown and Dustin Hopkins kicked three field goals to help the Florida State Seminoles top the rival Miami Hurricanes 23-19 Saturday in Tallahassee.

The Seminoles (7-3, 5-2 ACC) also got a 21-yard touchdown pass from EJ Manuel to Rodney Smith.

The Hurricanes (5-5, 3-4) led in the game only once, 7-3 midway through the second quarter after a 2-yard Jacory Harris touchdown pass to Clive Walford. The closed the margin with a Mike James 3-yard touchdown run with 1:27 remaining in the game.

Florida State plays at home again next week against Virginia. Miami travels to Tampa to play USF.

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