By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

GAINESVILLE — What appeared in the first 15 minutes to be one of Florida's most embarrassing losses ever — much less of this tumultuous season — turned into a bowl-clinching victory Saturday afternoon.

Florida fell behind 22-7 in the first quarter, then scored 20 consecutive points to close the first half, eventually pulling away for a 54-32 win over Division I-AA Furman at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The victory allowed the Gators (6-5) to become bowl-eligible and ensured they finish the regular season no worse than .500.

"As ugly as the victory may be for us, in my opinion the most pleasing part of the win was the fact that nobody panicked on the sidelines," Florida coach Will Muschamp said. "We just kept playing, kept hanging in there and made the adjustments defensively. We kept playing on offense. The special teams did a nice job. We just continued to hang in.

"Nothing's easy. We certainly don't make it that way."

To earn the win, UF did two things well that it hadn't all season: get consistent big plays on offense and come from behind.

Furman (6-5) scored 22 points in a span of 7:08 during the first quarter, including two on a safety following an errant snap by Jonotthan Harrison.

But Florida's struggling offense rebounded in the second quarter.

Down 22-7, freshman fullback Hunter Joyer, a former Wesley Chapel and Tampa Catholic standout, scored on a 1-yard run.

On the Gators' next possession senior John Brantley connected with sophomore Andre Debose for an 80-yard touchdown pass to pull within 22-20 with 5:42 remaining in the half. Brantley and Debose later hooked up for a 64-yard touchdown pass.

"We needed to be able to hit some chunk plays to get the defense off of us a little bit and help out with other areas," Muschamp said. "Certainly John being able to do that was critical."

Brantley finished with career highs of 329 yards and four touchdowns and said it was a satisfying day after so much turmoil.

"You have to give Furman a lot of credit," Brantley said. "They came in here and played us hard, played us well. We just kept fighting. We knew things would go our way if we kept calm and collected, and it did."

After giving up 196 yards of offense in the first quarter, including touchdown passes of 31 and 47 yards, the Gators made some adjustments. The players credited Furman for using an offensive scheme they hadn't shown before.

"They came out and schemed us pretty good and caught us off guard," junior nose tackle Omar Hunter said. "We definitely weren't ready for them and some of the stuff they came out and ran. They executed very well. But the coaches got together, talked about it, and we made the proper adjustments."

The Gators gave up 446 yards but forced turnovers when they needed them. Leading by just eight points, freshman safety De'Ante Saunders returned an interception 25 yards to make it 47-32 2:08 into the fourth quarter. Then with four minutes remaining, linebacker Jelani Jenkins returned an interception of Jeff Forcier 77 yards to seal the win. It was the second-longest interception return by a Gator linebacker, behind Darren Hambrick's 81-yarder in 1994.

The victory came in front of a much smaller crowd than Florida's players are accustomed to. While the official attendance was listed as 84,674, the stadium actually resembled a spring game — with thousands of empty seats.

"It was weird," Hunter said. "I can't remember a time where it's been that empty. But we're struggling a little bit right now, and that's what happens when you struggle."

Antonya English can be reached at aenglish@tampabay.com. Read her blog at tampabay.com/blogs/gator.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Power rankings

1. Packers 2. 49ers

3. Saints 4.Steelers

5. Ravens 6. Giants

Upset special

Bengals (6-3) at Ravens (6-3)

The legend of Andy Dalton continues as the quarterback leads the Bengals into a first-place tie with the Steelers in the AFC North.

Tim Tebow take of the week

While Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, a former Gators star now 4-1 as a starter, defies a few NFL conventions, Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty believes it's good that he forces the league to think "outside the proverbial box." "Let's imagine Tebow is who Kordell Stewart could not be, who Mike Vick no longer is capable of being," he writes. "Think of the box of wrenches that'd throw into NFL orthodoxy. I'm fascinated by Tebow. I think he's giving the league a much-needed shot of Different."

Rooting for rivals

With the surprising Bengals facing the Ravens today, the winner ties the idle Steelers for first in the AFC North. And that makes Pittsburgh, which lost both matchups to Baltimore this season, backers of the Bengals, whom it beat. "I've got to be pulling for the Bengals this weekend, don't I?" Steelers linebacker James Farrior told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We need the Bengals to mix it up a little bit. We're going to shake up this race, try to keep it close to the end and win it at the end."

The Texans couldn't have felt any better leaving Tampa last week. They had whipped the Bucs 37-9, entering their bye week on a roll and alone atop the AFC South. They boasted the league's top-ranked defense, a two-headed monster at running back in Arian Foster and Ben Tate and soon-to-return star receiver in Andre Johnson. But one day later, it was revealed quarterback Matt Schaub could be lost for the season with a mid foot sprain sustained against Tampa Bay. It's now up to Matt Leinart to lead Houston to its first division title. Leinart's career hasn't gone the way most predicted since he was picked 10th overall by Arizona in 2006. But with a favorable schedule, including the Jaguars, Panthers and Colts, and a strong supporting cast, the Texans aren't asking him to steal the show. And his teammates believe Leinart is ready to fulfill his promise. "He has been waiting for this moment," right tackle Eric Winston told SI.com. "Obviously, this isn't ideal, losing your starting quarterback while you're in a serious playoff chase. But I really believe he can … execute our offense and keep us on track."

Speculation of the week

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who hasn't played all season due to a neck injury, said last week he doesn't mind if the franchise selects a quarterback of the future (see: Stanford's Andrew Luck) in April's draft. NFL.com's Jason Smith speculates Manning has played his last down as a Colt and broke down the odds of where he lands next. The winner? The Jets. Smith writes: "New York is built to win now. (Jets coach Rex) Ryan will hold a telethon or some other such nonsense if he thought the Jets could get (Manning). … He's brash, wants to make bold moves, and this would be the boldest thing he could do."

Striking gold

The 49ers are 8-1 for the first time since 1997, and the hype in the bay area is building. Just ask former San Francisco Pro Bowl tight end Brent Jones, who was on that 1997 team and won three Super Bowls with it. Jones told the San Jose Mercury News the "electricity is back — in a big way. You name it: Starbucks, the gas station, the supermarket. People stop me and say, 'How 'bout our 49ers?' It's so much fun. I haven't had that for 10 years or so. For a long time, I was just getting the occasional, 'Our team stinks' or 'You could come back and play right now.' "

What they're saying

The Bills appear to have come back to earth after their surprising 4-1 start, getting blown out by the Jets and Cowboys in consecutive weeks. Even coach Chan Gailey admitted last week. "We're more a pretender than a contender right now." But Buffalo News columnist Jerry Sullivan argues they're not even that good. "Playoffs? Are you kidding? Only a fool would take the Bills seriously as a playoff contender after the last two weeks," Sullivan writes. "Okay, they're 5-4, still technically in the playoff hunt. But by the (Cowboys) game's merciful conclusion, I had the same feeling about the Bills as I had a year ago when they were 1-8: They're a bad team."

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

Times staff
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Bucs at Packers

1 p.m., Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.

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

Line/over-under: Packers by 14; 48½

The poll

Which postgame comment rings truest to you?

"I refuse to believe that our guys are that bad.'' — Raheem Morris: 52 percent

"Tackling. That's our only problem.'' — Michael Bennett: 30 percent

"We didn't get down. We didn't blink.'' — Brian Price: 6 percent

"I feel like I'm a better QB this year than I was last year.'' — Josh Freeman: 6 percent

"I think we've got a good team.'' — Albert Haynesworth: 6 percent

Total: 575 votes

By the numbers

21-30-1 Bucs' record against the Packers

2 Teams that have not scored an offensive touchdown during the first quarter this season, the Bucs and Browns

130.7 Passer rating of the Packers' Aaron Rodgers, better than Peyton Manning's NFL record of 121.1 set in 2004

0-2 Rodgers' record against the Bucs; in those two games, he has thrown four touchdowns and six interceptions

7-1 Bucs' record when LeGarrette Blount carries the ball at least 18 times

What they're saying

This is a surprising outcome for a team that had such high expectations entering the season. Josh Freeman hasn't been himself all year. Receivers are dropping easy passes, and the young defensive front has been underwhelming.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

Josh Freeman isn't the only member of the Bucs offense whose statistics suffer by comparison to last season. Tampa Bay's quarterback isn't responsible for the lack of production turned in by second-year running back LeGarrette Blount or second-year receiver Mike Williams. If you're going to point fingers at Tampa Bay's underachieving offense, you need at least three of them to get the job done.

Don Banks Sports Illustrated

The picks

Tampa's only chance — heck the only chance for any team playing Green Bay these days — is to hit Aaron Rodgers early and often and clog the running lanes. It's not happening. Rodgers' release is so good and his timing so perfect, he shredded the Vikings even with Jared Allen in his face half the night Monday. And have you seen anyone make the back shoulder throw better than Rodgers? Packers, 33-17.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

The Bucs were so bad last week against the Texans, coach Raheem Morris had them in pads twice last week. The Bucs didn't tackle at all. That's suicide against the Packers and their quick passing game. The Packers will get their points. Can Tampa Bay keep up? No, but they do keep it closer than some think. Packers, 31-21.

Pete Prisco CBSSports.com

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

5 questions Assistant coach Dan Lacroix

Why are you a Billy Joel fan?

The first song I did on the harmonica was Piano Man.

How old were you?

Probably 14, 15.

Why the harmonica?

When you're poor and can't afford a guitar or piano, that's the cheapest thing on the market, other than playing the spoons.

Do you play the spoons?

No.

Have you kept up with the harmonica?

I have one at home. I don't play, but just for fun you can get all the notes you want.

Looking good

Growing a mustache for the month of "Movember" to raise awareness of men's cancer issues has been a ritual among NHL players for several years. The dramatic Fu Manchu displayed this season by C Nate Thompson is worthy of note. "Me being able to grow a Fu Manchu, you don't get a chance to do that very often," he said. "And raising awareness for cancer, there's no better time to do that." The mustache is one thing, but the coupling with Thompson's gap-toothed smile, as he said, "really sells it."

Pitching in

The house, LW Cory Conacher said, reeked of dried urine. "It's like they had dogs or cats and humans peeing in the corner," he said. "It was disgusting."

Such were the conditions players from the Lightning's AHL affiliate in Norfolk, Va., met at a Habitat for Humanity house they helped clean up in Chesapeake, Va. The team split into two groups and also visited a home in Portsmouth. "It opens your eyes on what living conditions are like before people make enough money to maintain their house," Conacher said.

In Chesapeake, he said, a couple expecting its first child bought the dilapidated property. Players removed carpeting and appliances, painted interiors and did yard work. Vinegar, Conacher said, got rid of the smell. "It was nice to help," he said.

Quote to note

"We have to find a way, take a cold shower, do something. Coaches can yell and scream, be calm, be patient, write on the board, not write on the board all they want. It's us as players who go out there and perform. We have to take it upon ourselves."

C Steven Stamkos, on how to fix Tampa Bay's woes on the road, where it is 3-6-2

Number of the day

.934 Save percentage for former Lightning G Mike Smith, who entered Saturday 8-3-3 for the Coyotes.

tampabay.com

GAINESVILLE — If former Florida coach Urban Meyer plans on taking the Ohio State head coaching job, he's not letting on right now.

Meyer, an analyst for ESPN, said during the network's broadcast of the Nebraska-Michigan game Saturday afternoon that he has neither been offered nor has he accepted any job.

Former Buckeye and current ESPN analyst Chris Spielman said as far as he knows, talk of Meyer being offered and ready to accept the Ohio State job is strictly rumor at this point.

Contacted last week by the Associated Press, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said no deal had been struck with Meyer.

Meyer, 47, a native of Ohio, has been rumored to be heading for Columbus since Jim Tressel resigned almost six months ago over a scandal involving impermissible benefits and players exchanging tattoos for memorabilia. (Interim coach Luke Fickell is signed only through this season.) Meyer began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Buckeyes in 1986.

Meyer resigned as Florida's coach on Dec. 8, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and later citing health reasons. He won 104 games and two national championships over 10 years with the Gators, Utah and Bowling Green.

Florida coach Will Muschamp, who replaced Meyer in December, said he isn't buying the Ohio State rumors.

"Yeah, it would," Muschamp said when asked if Meyer taking the job would surprise him. "I think it would be great for college football. Urban is an outstanding football coach. He does it the right way. He did a phenomenal job at Bowling Green and Utah and then, obviously, here at Florida. He's a first-class guy. But with his deteriorating health and his family, as important as that is to him, I wouldn't think he would. That's just my opinion."

Florida junior NT Omar Hunter wouldn't comment on if he believes Meyer will take the Ohio State job but said he expects him to return to coaching one day.

"I know he loves the game," he said. "I think when it's the right opportunity and the right place for him, he'll come back and coach. Given all his health issues, when he gets that straightened out, he'll be back."

CUNNINGHAM'S BIG DAY: Zephyrhills High alumnus Sederrik Cunningham had a big day for Furman.

The senior's only catch came on a 47-yard touchdown from TE Colin Anderson (who had taken a lateral from QB Jeff Forcier). He recorded a game-high 234 all-purpose yards, including 170 on kick returns and 17 yards on his only carry.

"I'm just blessed to have had this opportunity," Cunningham said.

STURGIS MOVES UP: Caleb Sturgis' 55-yard field goal 1:52 into the fourth gave him five of 50 yards or longer, most in Florida history. He had been tied with Berj Yepremian. He is the only Gator with two 55-yard field goals.

Sturgis went 2-for-4 on the day. His 43-yarder during the third marked the 44th field goal of his career, second in school history to Jeff Chandler's 67.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

TAMPA — When USF quarterback B.J. Daniels went down with a shoulder injury early in the third quarter of a 3-3 stalemate, had there been any lingering doubt, Saturday officially became a game USF's defense would have to win.

And as well as USF's defense had played, holding a potent Miami offense in check on its first 12 drives, the Bulls found themselves in a terribly familiar position in the fourth quarter, needing to make a stop in the closing minutes of a tight game.

The Bulls had the same result as in last-minute losses to Cincinnati and Rutgers. Miami went from its 20-yard line to the Bulls' 19 over the final 5:43, kicking a winning 36-yard field goal as time expired for a 6-3 win at Raymond James Stadium.

"We, as a defense, have to just finish it. We have to go out when they have the ball and close it out," said defensive tackle Cory Grissom, who had one of USF's six sacks. "When a starting quarterback goes down, when anybody goes down, we have to put it on our backs, just hold them."

The Bulls (5-5) remain one win from bowl eligibility, while Miami (6-5) now has at least that consolation in a season of close losses. Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris, who threw for 259 yards, engineered a 15-play drive, converting three third downs to set up Jake Wieclaw's kick.

"It's exciting," Miami coach Al Golden said. "We've played a tough schedule. … We've had as much adversity as anybody could possibly have and withstand in one year, and our kids just hung together. This is a team win against a very good team and, obviously, an excellent defense. We knew coming in they were excellent."

Miami had scored at least 19 points each game this season, and six is the fewest points the Bulls have ever allowed in a loss.

"This one certainly doesn't fall on the defense," Holtz said. "You give up three points during the course of the game, especially when the offense was going three and out predominantly the entire second half. I certainly don't put this on the defense."

The Bulls had yards — 216 in the first half — but few points with Daniels at quarterback. And without his dual threat to run or pass, USF couldn't move with any consistency under backup Bobby Eveld, who had not taken a snap in more than two months.

Eveld, coincidentally, replaced Daniels at halftime last year against Miami, rallying the Bulls to an overtime victory. Saturday, there was no such marching, as USF totaled 75 yards on 17 plays after Daniels' injury, getting no closer than the UM 39-yard line.

"It's a heartbreaking deal every time it happens. This time is no exception," senior center Chaz Hine said. "It's very disappointing. My heart goes out to the defense and to all the players. We didn't play well enough to win."

The defense, however, had held Miami — immediately after Daniels' injury, the Hurricanes drove from their 19 to the USF 15, only to be driven back with a key sack, then Wieclaw's 41-yard field goal was partly blocked by defensive end Ryne Giddins.

On the next three series, USF forced a three-and-out from Miami's offense, but the Bulls offense couldn't answer with so much as a field goal to win.

"I thought our defense played a great game. Unfortunately, offensively we weren't able to move the ball much in the second half after B.J. went out," Holtz said. "We couldn't get anything going. We said we'd try not to turn the ball over, punt it away, make them drive 80 yards and play an old-school field-position football game. I felt like we did that."

The Bulls stay home for their final two games, but they're against two teams — Louisville on Friday, then West Virginia on Dec. 1 — battling for the Big East championship. Win one of those and USF has the consolation of bowl eligibility, but even that will be a challenge if Daniels is out.

By Jim Huddleston, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 19, 2011

What's hot: As the sun rises a little earlier with the time change, anglers can take advantage of the low light to catch speckled trout and redfish. With sardines getting scarce, get to the bait shops early to ensure the best select shrimp. Larger shrimp mean longer casts, helping anglers stay far off the oyster bars these gamefish are invading. Use long fluorocarbon leaders in 15- to 20-pound test to help disguise the presentation. On higher tides, use an adjustable cork to keep the bait at the desired depth. Popping the cork will stimulate trout to feed.

Tackle: Working the large mullet schools that cover the grassflats, anglers can still pick up some quality redfish. Darker jerkbaits, bucktails and spoons are great artificials that can be tossed into the muds left behind from flushing mullet. Freelining a medium-sized pinfish (about 4 inches long, rigged with a #4 split shot just above the hook) will make the bait try to flee upward and draw strikes from reds. On the wintertime negative tides, work the sandy potholes just off the shallowest flats where land is exposed. These dropoffs will hold the biggest fish as it is a staging area before the tide swings back in and spreads the fish out again.

Tip: Pick up a couple of bags of frozen shrimp. Most of the time, this is the leftover smaller selection. But it pays dividends when working the shallows this time of year. Spreading out a few handfuls of these chummers will draw in nearby gamefish that may not be on the agenda, like flounder and sheepshead.

Jim Huddleston charters out of Tampa, Palm Harbor and Clearwater and can be reached at (727) 439-9017 or at jim@captainhud.com.

Times staff
Saturday, November 19, 2011

.TODAy

No. 25 FSU vs. South Alabama

When/where: 3; Donald L. Tucker Center, Tallahasee

Radio: 1040-AM

Records: South Alabama 1-1, FSU 3-0

Notable: The Seminoles close a four-game homestand before heading to the Bahamas for the three-game Battle4Atlantis. … FSU seems to be covering for the departure of star forward Chris Singleton with depth. At least three players have scored in double figures in all three games. … Clearwater's Okaro White scored 18, one off his career best, in Wednesday's win over Stetson. … The last time the Jaguars played a ranked team, they beat No. 18 Florida 67-66 Dec. 22, 2009, in Gainesville.

Times staff

By Tyler Jett, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 19, 2011

GAINESVILLE — When Florida sopho­more Andre Debose looked past the man in front of him, he was surprised by what he saw: nothing.

Debose split out wide with 1:02 left in the third quarter, ready to run a go route (straight down the field) against Furman cornerback Derrick Murray. At the snap, he took off and beat Murray. Still, no safety moved toward him.

The Paladins were playing him one on one for the second time Saturday afternoon. And for the second time, Debose beat his man, jumping over Murray to catch an underthrown pass and taking it 64 yards for a touchdown during the Gators' 54-32 victory.

The catch put Florida up 37-25 over I-AA Furman in a game that was tighter than anyone expected. It also helped him record career highs in yards (151) and touchdowns (two).

"As long as they give you the right coverage and you throw a decent ball, just give him a chance," Florida quarterback John Brantley said. "He's coming up with it more times than not."

Florida coaches noticed early in the game Furman was playing man-to-man defense against Debose when the Gators lined up with a tight end and two running backs. Brantley did not take advantage, however, until midway through the second quarter.

Down 22-14, Debose ran a go route past Ryan Steed, hauling in a career-long 80-yard touchdown and swinging the momentum.

Florida's defense then forced a three-and-out. Sophomore Dominique Easley blocked a punt, and Brantley found Quinton Dunbar in the end zone to give the Gators the lead for good.

Debose has shown game-breaking ability in the past. He scored on go routes against Alabama and LSU, the two best defenses in the nation entering Saturday. Debose leads Florida with 423 receiving yards and four touchdown catches this season.

But coach Will Muschamp wants Debose to be consistent. Last season, he rarely played because he couldn't learn the playbook, according to coaches.

This season, Muschamp says Debose doesn't bring the same effort each day. Before Saturday, he had caught only 12 passes all season.

But consistent or not, Debose has flashed potential, and that alone fuels his confidence.

"I come out to the field, and I feel like no one can stop me," he said. "That's just the way I've been playing since I was in high school. Once the ball's in the air, I just attack it. That's my mentality."

By Mike Scandura, Special to the Times
Saturday, November 19, 2011

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — One clutch play worked.

One clutch play didn't.

Combine that with 21 USF turnovers that resulted in 24 Old Dominion points and the result was a 68-66 overtime victory for the Monarchs in a Nais­mith Memorial Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament game Saturday at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

USF (3-1) will play at 2:30 p.m. today in a bracket final against Penn State, which was crushed 85-47 by No. 2 Kentucky in the other semifinal.

ODU (3-1) led 63-60 with the clock ticking down in regulation, but Shaun Noriega buried a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to force overtime.

Then, with ODU leading 67-66 in OT, Blake Nash fed Augustus Gilchrist (18 points) in the lane only to have Gilchrist miss a 4-footer, and the ball went out of bounds off a Bull.

After ODU's Marquel De Lancey sank a free throw with 1.7 seconds remaining, Victor Rudd Jr. (16 points) heaved a shot from near midcourt that clanged the front rim as time expired.

"I thought our guys in late-game situations executed extremely well," USF coach Stan Heath said. "Before the overtime, we got the 3 from Noriega which was a great play.

"Then, we wanted to run a high-ball screen and get Gilchrist in the middle of the paint. He's one of our best players. We got the ball 3 or 4 feet from the rim. We thought we could either get a score or get fouled but we came up empty."

USF also "came up empty" in the ball-handling department which, as much as anything, is why it lost the game.

"We've been very good at that throughout the early part of the season," Heath said. "We were playing a more athletic, more aggressive team in Old Dominion. I thought some of it was them, but some of it was nonchalant, careless plays that you don't want to have.

"By that I mean feeding an entry into your offense or not meeting your pass or not working to get open. Just some fundamental things we've got to tighten up."

Kent Bazemore, who's just rounding into form after an operation on a fractured ankle, led ODU with 23 points, including 11 in the last 6:18 of regulation that kept his team in front until Noriega drained his 3.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Probable starters

BUCS OFFENSE

WR: Mike Williams 19

LT: Donald Penn 70

LG: Jeremy Zuttah 76

C: Jeff Faine 52

RG: Davin Joseph 75

RT: Jeremy Trueblood 65

TE: Kellen Winslow 82

WR: Arrelious Benn 17

QB: Josh Freeman 5

RB: LeGarrette Blount 27

FB: Erik Lorig 44

BUCS DEFENSE

DE: Michael Bennett 71

DT: Albert Haynesworth 95

DT: Brian Price 92

DE: Adrian Clayborn 94

LB: Quincy Black 58

LB: Mason Foster 59

LB: 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

Packers offense

WR: Greg Jennings 85

LT: Marshall Newhouse 74

LG: T.J Lang 70

C: Scott Wells 63

RG: Josh Sitton 71

RT: Bryan Bulaga 75

TE: Jermichael Finley 88

WR: Donald Driver 80

WR: Jordy Nelson 87

QB: Aaron Rodgers 12

RB: Ryan Grant 25

Packers defense

DE: Ryan Pickett 79

NT: B.J. Raji 90

LB: Clay Matthews 52

LB: A.J. Hawk 50

LB: Desmond Bishop 55

LB: Erik Walden 93

CB: Charles Woodson 21

CB: Tramon Williams 38

CB: Sam Shields 37

SS: Charlie Peprah 26

FS: Morgan Burnett 42

Special Teams

P: Tim Masthay 8

PK: Mason Crosby 2

KO: Mason Crosby 2

PR/KR: Randall Cobb 18

Injury report

Bucs — Questionable: S Tanard Jackson (hamstring), LB Dekoda Watson (groin). Probable: DE Michael Bennett (groin), C Jeff Faine (illness), QB Josh Freeman (right thumb), DT Albert Haynesworth (knee), DT Frank Okam (calf), T Donald Penn (foot). PACKERS — Out: T Chad Clifton (hamstring), LB Frank Zombo (hamstring). Questionable: DE Mike Neal (knee). Probable: S Morgan Burnett (hand), RB Ryan Grant (knee), LB Clay Matthews (ankle), G Josh Sitton (knee).

Stat pack

1 p.m., Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. | TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: Packers by 14; 48½

The Bucs have been bleeding yardage on defense as of late, and now they play the most synchronized offense in the NFL. The Bucs also have been unable to hurry quarterbacks, and that could be a problem. The Green Bay defense is capable of being exploited, but the Bucs have been inconsistent on offense.

Packers' best offensive player

Aaron Rodgers, right, has the hottest hand in football right now. He has the highest passer rating in NFL history (103.4) and has thrown a touchdown in a Packers-record 26 consecutive games at Lambeau Field.

Packers' best defensive player

Linebacker Clay Matthews, left, has 28½ sacks, second in club history for a player's first three seasons. He leads the Packers with five this season.

Prediction

Packers 31, Bucs 21

What the Packers do best

The Packers throw the ball with effortless precision, a product of Aaron Rodgers' smooth, quick delivery and his receivers' ability to run crisp routes. As a result, Green Bay leads the league with 35.6 points per game.

You can beat the Packers if …

You get consistent pressure on the quarterback. Green Bay has been a bit concerned with its offensive line lately, and so much of the offensive success is a result of great timing. The defense must disrupt that timing.

The Bucs must avoid …

Another big early deficit. Their best chance is to pressure the quarterback and run the ball to sustain long, time-consuming drives. LeGarrette Blount has been rendered useless by recent early deficits because the Bucs have had to go into passing mode.

avg. Rushing yards

avg. passing yards

avg. total yards

avg. Rushing yards allowed

avg. passing yards allowed

avg. total yards allowed

Bucs

packers

97.2 (25th)

102.8 (21st)

138.2 (29th)

100.4 (8th)

263.0 (28th)

284.4 (31st)

233.8 (15th)

306.9 (3rd))

401.2 (31st)

384.8 (28th)

331.0 (16th)

409.7 (4th)

Times wires
Saturday, November 19, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles quarterback Michael Vick won't play today against the Giants because of two broken ribs. Vince Young, with one pass attempt this season — an interception — will make his first start of the season in his place with Mike Kafka, a second-year player out of Northwestern, backing him up.

Vick didn't practice last week after sustaining the injury on the second play of last week's loss to Arizona. He got up slowly after taking a hard hit but didn't tell anyone the extent of the injury and played the rest of the game. He went 16-of-34 for 128 yards and two interceptions.

Vick was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report but ruled out after Saturday's walkthrough.

Young went 30-17 as a starter and went to two Pro Bowls in five seasons with the Titans.

Also, Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin is out with shoulder and hamstring injuries. Former Florida and Clearwater Central Catholic standout Riley Cooper likely will start in his place.

Dolphins: Kicker Shayne Graham signed and will go if Dan Carpenter, who strained his groin Thursday, cannot. Graham, an 11-year veteran, kicked most recently last season for New England.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Bengals (6-3) at Ravens (6-3)

1 p.m., Ch. 10

Ravens by 7, 40½

So the Ravens, considered Super Bowl contenders, can credit two of their three losses to the Jaguars (3-6) and Seahawks (3-6). Huh? This season never disappoints when it comes to surprises, with Baltimore losing at Seattle last week. The Ravens can't afford another letdown given the tight AFC North. They likely will be without LB Ray Lewis (toe), but there's something to be said for QB Joe Flacco, above, and his 23-5 home record. The D is a big reason, but that's impressive.

Ravens 23, Bengals 17

Panthers (2-7) at Lions (6-3)

1 p.m.

Lions by 7, 47½

Are the Lions tailing off? Since starting 5-0, they have lost three of four, including last week — in a blowout — at the Bears. This might not be a crisis, but with games against the Packers and Saints in the next two weeks, now might be a good time to figure things out. QB Matthew Stafford, above, didn't respond well to Chicago's pass rush. Part of the problem is Stafford misses RB Jahvid Best (concussion), the poor man's Matt Forte. The defense must pick up the slack.

Lions 27, Panthers 20

Jaguars (3-6) at Browns (3-6)

1 p.m.

Browns by 1, 34

It's hard to have any real convictions about a game that is so thoroughly inconsequential. Anyhow, here goes nothing. One question worth asking: What in the world has happened to Browns QB Colt McCoy? It's not so much the numbers of McCoy, above, as it is his inability to generate points. The Browns have averaged 10 over their past four games. And the Jacksonville defense is better than most believe, DE Jeremy Mincey posting 3½ sacks over his past three games.

Jaguars 16, Browns 13

Bills (5-4) at Dolphins (2-7)

1 p.m.

Dolphins by 2, 43

This game will provide some clarity for both teams. Are the Bills, once 4-1, as ordinary as their 44-7 loss to the Cowboys last week suggests? Is the Dolphins' two-game win streak a mirage? Right now, the Bills are giving us more reason to wonder than the Dolphins. Miami is tough against the run and makes teams work for their points. The running game is going well with Reggie Bush, above, and Daniel Thomas, creating some high-percentage throws for QB Matt Moore.

Dolphins 21, Bills 20

Raiders (5-4) at Vikings (2-7)

1 p.m.

Vikings by 1, 45½

Suddenly, the Raiders seem to be rising to the top of the AFC West. That's largely because of QB Carson Palmer, above. Give him credit for his superb play against San Diego last week. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns. That's as efficient a game as you'll see in the NFL (a 125 QB rating). The Vikings cannot seem to put anything together and are back to the drawing board after their uncompetitive outing against the Packers on Monday.

Raiders 23, Vikings 17

Cowboys (5-4) at Redskins (3-6)

1 p.m.

Cowboys by 7, 41½

The 'Skins have lost five straight, and they're losing in unsightly fashion. They've scored just 20 points over their past three games, and the quarterback carousel is in full swing. The Cowboys are trying to pull things together and can make a run at the NFC East title at this rate. Rookie DeMarco Murray, above, has rushed for 274 yards over his past two games, and now he faces a defense that has allowed 100-yard rushing performances in two of its past three games.

Cowboys 27, Redskins 14

Seahawks (3-6) at Rams (2-7)

4 p.m.

Rams by 3, 39

The last time these two played, the NFC West title was on the line in the regular-season finale. There's less at stake today. What decides this game? Well, it's hard to say because they are evenly matched. Both have struggling quarterbacks but capable running backs. But St. Louis' Steven Jackson, above, gets the nod over Marshawn Lynch. Jackson has averaged 139 yards over his past three games, in which the Rams are 2-1. Also notable, Brandon Lloyd has given QB Sam Bradford a legitimate No. 1 target.

Rams 21, Seahawks 17

Cardinals (3-6) at 49ers (8-1)

4 p.m.

49ers by 10, 40½

The 49ers look likely to sweep their division opponents this season, something that rarely happens in the league. This is one of five remaining NFC West games left on San Francisco's schedule, which makes one of the top playoff seedings and a first-round playoff bye very attainable for these winners of seven straight. The Cardinals hope to get QB Kevin Kolb back today, but Niners RB Frank Gore, above, won't give him many possessions. Gore has 11 touchdowns over his past nine games against Arizona.

49ers 28, Cardinals 17

Chargers (4-5) at Bears (5-3)

4:15 p.m.

Bears by 3½, 45

It's four straight wins and counting for the Bears. They weren't a team we took all that seriously a few weeks ago, but what they have done of late is undeniable. The defense has been playing inspired, which shouldn't be surprising when it comes to the Bears. But it's a bit unexpected given the defensive performances during the first few weeks of the season. With a veteran unit that includes the likes of LB Brian Urlacher, above right, it will give QB Jay Cutler enough chances to pull it out.

Bears 27, Chargers 24

Titans (5-4) at Falcons (5-4)

4:15 p.m., Ch. 10

Falcons by 6, 44

Welcome back, Chris Johnson. The Tennessee star, above, rushed for a season-high 130 yards against Carolina last week after a mystifyingly slow start. It's too soon to predict he'll do it again. But would anyone be surprised? On the other side, Falcons coach Mike Smith took heat for that fourth-and-inches failure in overtime against the Saints last week. But look for his players to respond positively to the second-guessing because the decision showed aggressiveness and affirmed they're playing for something.

Falcons 24, Titans 21

Eagles (3-6) at Giants (6-3)

8:20 p.m., Ch. 8

Giants by 5, 45½

A tough stretch for the Giants continues. The Eagles are 3-6, but this is a rivalry game within the NFC East. Considering this difficult portion of the schedule — it just played New England and San Francisco and takes on New Orleans and Green Bay in the next two weeks — New York needs to take care of business here. Soon, we'll know if it is a serious contender. Today, however, QB Eli Manning, above, just needs to be steady. Eagles QB Michael Vick has broken ribs, so Vince Young gets the call.

Giants 29, Eagles 20

Chiefs (4-5) at Patriots (6-3)

8:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN

Patriots by 15, 46½

This would have been a neat story featuring Chiefs QB Matt Cassel against his ex-team and QB Tom Brady. Except Cassel is out with an injury to his throwing hand, and Tyler Palko is Kansas City's quarterback. Yes, the Chiefs are going with a guy who has four career appearances (no starts) and none under the Monday night lights. As ragged as the Patriots defense tends to be (it's last overall), look for coach Bill Belichick, above, to get after Palko. That gives the ball back to Brady, and, well, that's trouble.

Patriots 33, Chiefs 17

Times wires
Saturday, November 19, 2011

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Freshman Jawan Jamison rushed for a career-high 200 yards and two touchdowns as Rutgers moved into a share of first place in the league with Saturday's 20-3 victory over Cincinnati.

Rutgers tied Louisville for first with Cincinnati, West Virginia and Pittsburgh half a game back. The Scarlet Knights need West Virginia to lose one of its last two; Rutgers does not control its destiny because of losses to Louisville and West Virginia.

"We gave up that right when we didn't do things earlier this year," Scarlet Knights coach Greg Schiano said.

Rutgers gained 385 yards, 212 rushing, and held the ball for 38:14. Cincinnati was held to a season-low 225 total yards with sophomore Munchie Legaux throwing for 158 in his first start for the injured Zach Collaros.

LOUISVILLE 34, UCONN 20: Teddy Bridgewater threw for 174 yards and ran for two scores for the visiting Cardinals, who became bowl eligible and would win at least a piece of the league title if they beat USF on Friday at Raymond James Stadium.

"We just have to hope it all falls in place," Louisville wide receiver Andrell Smith said. "Because we're going to win out."

Bridgewater's 5-yard TD run late in the third quarter put Louisville ahead 21-10.

Connecticut, the Big East's BCS representative last season, is mathematically out of the race.

Times wires
Saturday, November 19, 2011

MELBOURNE, Australia — The Americans set off today in their bid to win a fourth straight Presidents Cup in gorgeous weather and before a massive gallery at Royal Melbourne.

The Americans held a 13-9 lead over the International team going into the 12 singles matches. They needed to win five to keep the cup.

An International win would match the largest comeback in any team competition. The Americans came from four points down to win the 1999 Ryder Cup.

"It's always great to create history, isn't it?" International Team captain Greg Norman, smiling, told NBC before today's matches began.

"The message I gave the guys (Saturday) night before they went to bed was to think about the greatest come-from-behind victories in sports. I told them to think about that because it can be done."

The Americans built a big lead Saturday morning in the foursomes matches, with Tiger Woods finally rewarded with a point, then turned back a rally from the International team in the worst of the weather in the afternoon by capturing the final two matches.

"We needed those two points really bad," U.S. captain Fred Couples said. "And they got them for us."

Hunter Mahan delivered the most emotional moment of the week, holing a 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th right after Jason Day charged up the Australian crowd with an even longer birdie putt that he celebrated as if the match would be extended. Instead, Mahan and Bill Haas had a 2-and-1 win.

Couples wanted to be sure his players didn't let up today. "I told our guys that everybody needs a point," he said.

LPGA: Hee Young Park birdied three of the final four holes for 3-under 69 and a share of the third-round lead with Sandra Gal at 7-under 209 in the season-ending Titleholders at Orlando. Gal, who won the Kia Classic in March for her first tour title, shot 71 in tricky wind at Grand Cypress Resort. Suzann Pettersen (68) was a stroke back, and Paul Creamer (71), was at 5 under. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome (73) was at 2-over 218.

Times wires
Saturday, November 19, 2011

MELBOURNE, Australia — Tiger Woods beat Aaron Baddeley 4 and 3 in singles today to clinch a seventh Presidents Cup for the United States.

Just as he did two years ago at Harding Park in San Francisco, Woods won the decisive match to give the Americans an insurmountable lead.

The Americans held a 13-9 lead over the International team going into today's final 12 singles matches. They needed to win five to keep the cup. Woods, a captain's pick by Fred Couples, provided the necessary 18th point.

"It does feel good," Woods, who was in the day's penultimate match, told pgatour.com. "I was hoping it wouldn't come down to my match."

Woods blasted out of a greenside bunker to a foot on No. 15 at Royal Melbourne for a conceded birdie that would give the Americans the win. The win was assured after Baddeley was unable to hole a chip for a halve.

Woods was 5 under through 15 holes as he made six birdies. He took the lead in the match with consecutive birdies on Nos. 5 and 6. He never trailed and eventually built a 5-up lead with par at the 13th before Baddeley birdied the next to take the match to the decisive final hole.

The first four players International captain Greg Norman sent out — K.T. Kim, Charl Schwartzel, Ryo Ishikawa and Geoff Ogilvy — won their matches, but the team could not carry the momentum through the rest of its lineup.

The United States won the next two matches — Hunter Mahan 5 and 3 over Jason Day and Nick Watney 3 and 2 over K.J. Choi — and then Jim Furyk (4 and 3 over Ernie Els) and David Toms (7 and 5 over Robert Allenby) set up Woods for the clincher.

Two matches were unfinished when the United States clinched.

LPGA: Hee Young Park birdied three of the final four holes for 3-under 69 and a share of the third-round lead with Sandra Gal at 7-under 209 in the season-ending Titleholders at Orlando. Gal, who won the Kia Classic in March for her first tour title, shot 71 at Grand Cypress Resort. Suzann Pettersen (68) was a stroke back, and Paul Creamer (71) was at 5 under. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome (73) was at 2-over 218.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays appear to have crossed one thing off their offseason checklist, as they're reportedly close to a deal with free agent C Jose Molina.

If and when the deal becomes official, possibly this week, it's a move that would make sense for Tampa Bay.

Molina, 36, has been a backup primarily during his 12-year career, but he fits well with the kind of catching platoon the Rays desire. He's very strong defensively, ranking fourth among active catchers by throwing out 40 percent of attempted basestealers. He handles pitching staffs well, which is important with the Rays' prized rotation. Molina has a wealth of experience in the American League East, having played for the Yankees and Blue Jays the past five years, and could be a valuable mentor for rookies Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos. He has won two World Series, one with Anaheim in 2002 along with Rays manager Joe Maddon, who is a big fan.

And considering that Molina made just $1.2 million last year in Toronto, he falls in Tampa Bay's price range. Foxsports.com reported the discussed Molina deal would be for one year plus an option for 2013. The Rays declined C Kelly Shoppach's $3.2 million option for next season, and though both sides were open for a reunion, a signing of the right-handed hitting Molina would end that.

Like Shoppach, Molina isn't a big offensive threat (his career high is six homers), but he's coming off a strong season in which he hit .281 for Toronto in 55 games; Shoppach hit .176 last year. The most games Molina has started in a season is 81 (in 2008 with the Yankees), but executive VP Andrew Friedman said early last week it was more likely the Rays would go with a platoon situation anyway.

"It's just a demanding position," Friedman said. "Basically a 100-60/62 (split). Who knows? We might get into a situation 80-80. It depends on the players involved."

The Rays' other options are Lobaton, whom they like but who was hampered by a knee sprain and hit .118 in 15 games last season; Chirinos, who showed flashes but likely needs more minor-league time; and John Jaso, who took a step back last year.

The signing of Molina wouldn't be splashy, but it could be a solid one. Recent history has shown it doesn't hurt to have a Molina brother on your roster, as they've played for the past three World Series champions (Jose with the Yankees in 2009, Bengie with the Giants and Rangers in 2010 and Yadier with the Cardinals last season).

PITCHING IN: It was a big week for the Rays rotation, with RHP Jeremy Hellickson winning American League rookie of the year Monday and RHP James Shields finishing third in the AL Cy Young voting Tuesday. And though there will be speculation all offseason that the Rays will trade from their surplus of starting pitching, Friedman maintained that's not a foregone conclusion.

"It's something that I expect that we'll get a lot of inquiries," Friedman said. "It's not something that we're flippant about. We're not sitting in our internal meetings and talking about how we have too much starting pitching. Obviously if someone puts something forward that's compelling, we owe it to everyone to talk through it. But I wouldn't necessarily count on it."

RAYS RUMBLINGS: The Rays are still looking at options at first base and DH as well as finding a couple of relievers. … The Rays remain interested in talking with DH Johnny Damon and 1B Casey Kotchman, and potentially bringing them back: "They are very prominent in our discussions right now as we're going through things," Friedman said. "I expect that will continue." … According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, ex-Rays LHP Scott Kazmir will pitch in the Dominican Winter League with the Escogido Lions.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

X

X

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 (5-4, 1-4)

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

11 a.m., ESPN2

Nov. 19

Miami 6, USF 3

(5-5, 1-4)

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Who are the top coaches in sports right now? We got to thinking about that last week as Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski became the all-time leader in Division I victories and Rays manager Joe Maddon was named American League manager of the year for the second time. Both make our list of the top 20 coaches/managers in sports right now. For this list, we're sticking with the major sports. Those who coach college squash and wrestling and volleyball are fine coaches, but the competition isn't as stiff as it is in the major sports. With that in mind, here is the Two Cents list of the 20 best active coaches.

1. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke men's basketball

Last week Coach K became the all-time leader in Division I victories. He owns four national titles and a remarkable 11 Final Four appearances. What makes this amazing is Krzyzewski, 64, has done this during the most competitive era in college basketball history and in arguably basketball's best conference over the past 30 years.

2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

Of the four major North American professional leagues, Popovich, 62, has more championships than any active head coach or manager: four. And his Spurs have made the postseason every season except his first, 1996-97. He is still going strong. The Spurs have won division titles in two of the past three seasons.

3. Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

He is the finest football mind of the past 30 years. Belichick, 59, has three Super Bowl titles as head coach of the Patriots, and you can throw in two more from when he was the defensive coordinator of Bill Parcells' Giants. He is 132-53 with the Patriots, and his teams haven't had a losing record since 2000. The Pats are on their way to their ninth division title in 11 years.

4. Nick Saban, Alabama football

He's the best college football coach in the country. He is 143-54-1 at Michigan State, LSU and Alabama; counting just LSU and Alabama, he is 100-28. Saban, 60, has won national titles at LSU (split with USC in 2003) and Alabama, and has a shot at this year's title. His team has lost only six times in the past four seasons despite playing in the best conference in the country.

5. Jim Calhoun, UConn men's basketball

Calhoun is 606-228 at UConn since 1986. He has won nine Big East championships and three national titles. He is 69, but the game hasn't passed him by. His Huskies are the defending national champs.

6. Roy Williams, North Carolina men's basketball

Williams has two national championships at North Carolina, and his team is ranked No. 1 in the country. At Kansas he reached the NCAA final twice, losing by a combined 10 points. Think about that: Williams, 61, is a handful of possessions from having won four NCAA titles.

7. Les Miles, LSU football

His coaching is unorthodox, and occasionally he seems more lucky than good. But Miles, 58, is 72-17 at LSU, with one national title and another perhaps a couple of months away for his No. 1-ranked Tigers. In the past six seasons, his team has finished in the top 10 four times.

8. Tom Izzo, Michigan State men's basketball

In his 17th season at Michigan State, Izzo has reached six Final Fours. That has resulted in only one national championship, in 2000, but Izzo, 56, remains one of the brightest minds in the game.

9. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers

In his first four seasons, Tomlin led the Steelers to three division titles, two Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl title. At the moment, his team is tied for first in the AFC. The guy is only 39 years old.

10. Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers

Only one losing season in his first five seasons and McCarthy, 48, is guaranteed a winning season this year. The Packers won the Super Bowl last season and are the heavy favorite to win another this season. They are 9-0.

11. Jim Leyland, Detroit Tigers

The crusty manager won three division titles with the Pirates (that franchise's last three, by the way) and a World Series with the Marlins, and has made the playoffs twice with the Tigers. Leyland, 67 next month, won his first division title in 1990 and his most recent this year.

12. Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays

Everyone will think this is a homer pick because Maddon, 57, is the highest-rated coach/manager without a championship. But he has won two manager of the year awards and guided the Rays to the playoffs three times in the past four years despite a low payroll in the toughest division in baseball. Every team in baseball would consider bringing him aboard if he became available.

13. Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh Penguins

Bylsma, 41, who led the Pens to the Stanley Cup in 2009, has had to juggle his lineup while stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal have missed significant time the past two seasons. Yet, the Pens remain one of the best teams in the NHL.

14. Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks

Carlisle, 52, finally got his recognition last season by leading the Mavs past the Heat for the NBA championship. But his career was already packed with success: nine seasons, eight postseasons, four division titles.

15. Mike Babcock, Detroit Red Wings

In eight seasons with the Ducks and Wings, Babcock, 48, has reached the Stanley Cup final three times, winning in 2008 with the Wings. And in the two losses, Babcock's teams lost in Game 7. He also was the head coach of gold medal-winning Canada in the 2010 Olympics.

16. Geno Auriemma, UConn women's basketball

The numbers of Auriemma, 57, might be inflated because there isn't a lot of great competition in women's basketball. Still, it's hard to ignore seven national titles and four additional Final Four appearances. His team is ranked No. 4, which seems extremely low for UConn.

17. George Karl, Denver Nuggets

Last season Karl became the seventh coach in NBA history to reach 1,000 wins. In 23 seasons as a head coach with the Cavs, Warriors, Sonics, Bucks and Nuggets, Karl, 60, has missed the playoffs three times. The reason he isn't higher on the list is he has never won an NBA title.

18. Chris Petersen, Boise State football

He has only six losses in nearly six full seasons. Three of those losses came in one season. If Petersen, 47, had a field goal kicker, his career record could easily be 72-3 instead of 69-6. Boise's last three losses have been by a combined five points. In each game, Boise missed a field goal that could have won it.

19. Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks

Everyone questions whether this guy can coach in the NFL, and the jury remains out on that. But his defenders would argue that he has won two division titles in the NFL. At the college level — and this is why he is on this list — Carroll, 60, revived the program at Southern Cal with an 83-19 record from 2001-09 and won or shared two national titles.

20. Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

Harbaugh, 48 next month, is the surprise of the list, and fans might howl that he makes it over Super Bowl-winning coaches such as Sean Payton and Tom Coughlin. After leading the University of San Diego to back-to-back Pioneer League titles, Harbaugh took over a Stanford team that went 1-11 in 2006. He improved the Cardinal to four wins in 2007, five in 2008, eight in 2009 and a 12-1 record and a No. 4 ranking in the final poll last season. And his 49ers are the talk of this NFL season with an 8-1 record.

tom jones' two cents

Times staff
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sprint Cup scouting report

Homestead

The points standings favor Carl Edwards in his one-on-one fight with Tony Stewart for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship. Recent history at Homestead-Miami Speedway favors Edwards. And Saturday's qualifying definitely favored Edwards. The Roush Fenway Racing driver earned the pole for today's season finale, the Ford 400, with a lap of 175.467 mph around the 1½-mile track. Edwards leads Stewart by three points in the Chase for the Championship, with those two the only ones who can win the title. Both drivers have won twice at Homestead, but Stewart's victories were a long time ago — the first two Cup races at the track, in 1999 and 2000 — whereas Edwards has taken two of the past three there including last year, when he led 195 of 267 laps. Stewart qualified 15th for today's race, but he has been the hottest driver in the Chase with four wins.

Times staff