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USF Bulls football coach Skip Holtz being pursued by North Carolina, according to report

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

Report: North Carolina targeting Holtz

TAMPA — The Bulls may lose coach Skip Holtz to North Carolina, according to a report from Yahoo Sports. Charles Robinson, who broke news of Miami's NCAA scandal, posted on Twitter that UNC was "locking onto" Holtz, citing "heavy hitter in coach representation." Robinson later wrote that a "vital internal advocate" was pushing for Holtz. New UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham has been friends with Holtz for 25 years, since both attended Notre Dame. Holtz is finishing the second year of a five-year deal at USF, and while he might hesitate to leave for a school likely facing major sanctions, USF's uncertain position with the Big East in limbo could make him give the Tar Heels a longer look. Holtz did not respond to a call and text message seeking comment.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer


UCF's shot at bowl fizzles in late loss

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

GREENVILLE, N.C. — East Carolina put together a string of big plays Saturday to come away with a 38-31 win over UCF and keep their bowl hopes alive while dashing those of the Knights.

"This is a resilient bunch," East Carolina coach Ruffin McNeill said.

Pirates running back Torrance Hunt broke free for a winning 56-yard touchdown run with 2:10 left, and quarterback Dominique Davis threw for four touchdowns for the second time this season, including a pair to Reese Wiggins.

The defense had a goal-line stand late in the third quarter that saw UCF fail to score on four straight plays, starting with a first and goal at the 2.

Later, on UCF's final possession, Damon Magazu intercepted a pass by Blake Bortles in the end zone.

"It's disappointing because we didn't make plays when we needed them," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "We had our opportunities, and we didn't take advantage of them. The big plays really hurt us."

East Carolina (5-6, 4-3 Conference USA) ended a two-game losing streak and will try to become bowl-eligible this coming Saturday against Marshall. UCF (4-7, 2-5) lost its third in a row and was knocked out of bowl contention.

UCF rallied from a 17-7 deficit in the second quarter to tie the score at 24 with 1:32 left in the third on a 4-yard run by Latavius Murray.

After East Carolina went up 31-24 on Wiggins' second touchdown catch with 8:20 left, the Knights tied the score again. Bortles hit J.J. Worton for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 3:49 left.

FAU's misery hits high for its coach

TROY, Ala. — Corey Robinson threw for 396 yards and three touchdowns as Troy beat Florida Atlantic 34-7 to send the Owls to their school-record 13th consecutive loss.

It's the first time in FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger's 27-year career that his team has lost 10 games in a season. The Trojans (3-7, 2-4 Sun Belt) ended a five-game skid and FAU (0-10, 0-7) is the only winless team in Division I-A.

Robinson threw touchdown passes of 57 and 25 yards to Eric Thomas, who caught six passes for 128 yards.

Robinson, whose 396 yards were just eight off his career high of 404 set last year at Alabama-Birmingham, also threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Khary Franklin.

For FAU, Alfred Morris ran for 101 yards and a touchdown.

FIU 28, La.-Monroe 17: Wesley Carroll came off the bench to throw three touchdown passes to lead the visiting Golden Panthers to their seventh regular-season victory, a program high. Carroll, who passed for 213 yards, came in after starter Jake Medlock was injured on the second play of the game. Carroll had touchdowns of 13 yards to Colt Anderson, 27 yards to Glenn Coleman and 58 yards to T.Y. Hilton as the Golden Panthers (7-4, 4-3 Sun Belt) built a 21-7 lead in the first half.

San Diego 23, J'ville 14: Kenny James rushed for 122 yards and scored two touchdowns as the host Toreros grabbed a share of the Pioneer League title with idle Drake by beating the Dolphins (7-4, 6-2). Josh McGregor was 22 of 36 for 214 yards for the Dolphins, but he threw an interception and lost two fumbles.

florida st.

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sept. 17

Okla. 23, FSU 13

(2-1, 0-0)

Sept. 10

FSU 62,

Charleston South. 10

(2-0, 0-0)

Sept. 3

FSU 34,

Louisiana- Monroe 0

(1-0, 0-0)

Oct. 15

FSU 41, Duke 16

(3-3, 1-2)

Oct. 8

W. Forest 35, FSU 30

(2-3, 0-2)

Sept. 24

Clemson 35, FSU 30

(2-2, 0-1)

Nov. 3

FSU 38, Boston College 7

(6-3, 4-2)

Oct. 29

FSU 34,

N.C. State 0

(5-3, 3-2)

Oct. 22

FSU 41, Maryland 16

(4-3, 2-2)

Nov. 26

at

Florida

7, ESPN2

Nov. 19

Virginia 14, FSU 13

(7-4, 5-3)

Saturday

FSU 23, Miami 19

(7-3, 5-2)

X

X

COLLEGEEXTRA

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sunday, November 20, 2011 , Section X | A

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Virginia Cavaliers stun No. 23 Florida State Seminoles 14-13

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By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Add another Wide Left to Florida State fans' nightmare list.

After leading for the majority of the game, No. 23 Florida State let it slip away with 1:13 remaining as Virginia drove 75 yards in 37 seconds for the go-ahead touchdown in a 14-13 upset victory on homecoming and senior night at Doak Campbell Stadium.

FSU still had a chance to win, but a last-second 42-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins sailed outside the left upright.

"Very, very disappointing," Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said. "We had some great opportunities. That's for sure."

Indeed, the Seminoles (7-4, 5-3 ACC) were given opportunities on their final drive. First, a fourth-down sack of EJ Manuel was negated by a face mask penalty.

Later, after a lengthy replay review, officials ruled a pass to Bert Reed on the right sideline incomplete. The original call was a catch, and because Reed did not get a first down, the clock ran out. (Virginia had left the field and had to return.) Instead, Hopkins set up for a 47-yard field goal with eight seconds left.

Finally, the Cavaliers were called for encroachment, moving the ball up 5 yards.

Hopkins entered the game 5-for-5 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards this season.

But the kick missed.

"That play did not lose the football game," Fisher said. "It was capable of winning the game. But (Hopkins) is our guy. And I'd take him again next week."

The Seminoles appeared to be set to attempt a field goal to extend their 13-7 lead with about four minutes remaining as they had the ball on the Virginia 30. Manuel, though, took a 14-yard sack on third and 11, and FSU was forced to punt.

Virginia QB Michael Rocco made quick work of the Seminoles defense, completing four consecutive passes before Kevin Parks scored on a 10-yard run through the middle of the line. Rocco finished 22-of-31 for 238 yards.

Virginia (8-3, 5-2) hosts Virginia Tech next weekend in a game that will decide who faces Clemson in the ACC championship game.

The Seminoles travel to Gainesville to finish the regular season against Florida.

"Any loss is tough, and we'll find out what we're made of," Fisher said. "If you can't get up to play Florida, there's something wrong."

After Florida State failed to score in the opening quarter for the first time this season, Virginia struck first, capitalizing on the only turnover of the game and driving 82 yards for a touchdown.

The Seminoles had the ball on the Virginia 12, but Manuel dropped back and was hit from his blind side by end Billy Schautz. Linebacker LaRoy Reynolds recovered at the Virginia 18.

Eleven plays later, Rocco found Perry Jones in the left corner of the end zone in between two FSU defenders. Replay upheld the call, and Virginia took a 7-0 lead.

The Seminoles answered with a touchdown of their own midway through the quarter. On the Cavaliers 1, Manuel found senior Ja'Barris Little on a play-action pass for his third career catch (and first touchdown).

Hopkins added a 26-yard field goal to give FSU a 10-7 lead at halftime.

A 68-yard catch by Reed, who caught four passes and moved up to fourth in school history with 168 receptions, moved the ball to the Virginia 1 midway through the third quarter. The Seminoles, who struggled on short-yardage runs throughout, settled for another Hopkins field goal, this one from 21 yards.

That made the score 13-7, which stood until Virginia's final drive.

Virginia Cavaliers stun No. 23 Florida State Seminoles 14-13

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By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Add another Wide Left to Florida State fans' nightmare list.

After leading for the majority of the game, No. 23 Florida State let it slip away with 1:13 remaining as Virginia drove 75 yards in 37 seconds for the go-ahead touchdown in a 14-13 upset victory on homecoming and senior night at Doak Campbell Stadium.

FSU still had a chance to win, but a last-second 42-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins sailed outside the left upright.

"Very, very disappointing," Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said. "We had some great opportunities. That's for sure."

Indeed, the Seminoles (7-4, 5-3 ACC) were given opportunities on their final drive. First, a fourth-down sack of EJ Manuel was negated by a face mask penalty.

Later, after a lengthy replay review, officials ruled a pass to Bert Reed on the right sideline incomplete. The original call was a catch, and because Reed did not get a first down, the clock ran out. (Virginia had left the field and had to return.) Instead, Hopkins set up for a 47-yard field goal with eight seconds left.

Finally, the Cavaliers were called for encroachment, moving the ball up 5 yards.

Hopkins entered the game 5-for-5 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards this season.

But the kick missed.

"That play did not lose the football game," Fisher said. "It was capable of winning the game. But (Hopkins) is our guy. And I'd take him again next week."

The Seminoles appeared to be set to attempt a field goal to extend their 13-7 lead with about four minutes remaining as they had the ball on the Virginia 30. Manuel, though, took a 14-yard sack on third and 11, and FSU was forced to punt.

Virginia QB Michael Rocco made quick work of the Seminoles defense, completing four consecutive passes before Kevin Parks scored on a 10-yard run through the middle of the line. Rocco finished 22-of-31 for 238 yards.

Virginia (8-3, 5-2) hosts Virginia Tech next weekend in a game that will decide who faces Clemson in the ACC championship game.

The Seminoles travel to Gainesville to finish the regular season against Florida.

"Any loss is tough, and we'll find out what we're made of," Fisher said. "If you can't get up to play Florida, there's something wrong."

After Florida State failed to score in the opening quarter for the first time this season, Virginia struck first, capitalizing on the only turnover of the game and driving 82 yards for a touchdown.

The Seminoles had the ball on the Virginia 12, but Manuel dropped back and was hit from his blind side by end Billy Schautz. Linebacker LaRoy Reynolds recovered at the Virginia 18.

Eleven plays later, Rocco found Perry Jones in the left corner of the end zone in between two FSU defenders. Replay upheld the call, and Virginia took a 7-0 lead.

The Seminoles answered with a touchdown of their own midway through the quarter. On the Cavaliers 1, Manuel found senior Ja'Barris Little on a play-action pass for his third career catch (and first touchdown).

Hopkins added a 26-yard field goal to give FSU a 10-7 lead at halftime.

A 68-yard catch by Reed, who caught four passes and moved up to fourth in school history with 168 receptions, moved the ball to the Virginia 1 midway through the third quarter. The Seminoles, who struggled on short-yardage runs throughout, settled for another Hopkins field goal, this one from 21 yards.

That made the score 13-7, which stood until Virginia's final drive.

Tampa Bay Bucs fall to Green Bay Packers 35-26

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Times staff
Sunday, November 20, 2011

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Better effort. Same result.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put up an impressive fight against the undefeated defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers but still fell 35-26 on Sunday.

The Bucs dropped to 4-6 with their fourth consecutive loss, and their fifth out of six after starting 3-1. Tampa Bay is now three games behind the Saints (7-3, who have a bye week) in the NFC South.

Green Bay scored on its opening drive, a 15-play, 88-yard march that was its longest of the season. It appeared as if the Bucs had held the Packers to three and out deep in their own territory. But when Tampa Bay's Jacob Cutrera broke through the middle of the Green Bay line on the punt, punter Tim Masthay aborted the kick and scrambled to his right for a first down.

Aaron Rodgers completed a 34-yard pass to Jordy Nelson to the Bucs 34, and the Packers converted on two third-down plays from there, including a 6-yard run by Rodgers to the Bucs 6. Two plays later, defensive lineman B.J. Raji, usually a blocking back in goal-line situations, took the handoff and scored his 1-yard touchdown with 2:51 left in the opening quarter.

The Packers added another touchdown on their second possession, driving 49 yards behind a 26-yard reception by Nelson and a 17-yard pickup on a screen pass to running back James Starks to the Bucs 5. One play later, Rodgers faked a handoff and spotted tight end Tom Crabtree wide open on the right side of the end zone for the touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

The Bucs offense showed signs of life on the ensuing drive. Josh Freeman found Arrelious Benn for a 28-yard gain to the Bucs 46 on the drive's first play. And LeGarrette Blount did the rest, breaking through the middle of the Packers defense, shedding numerous tackles and rambling 54 yards for the longest touchdown run of his career. Blount's score pulled the Bucs within 14-7 with 12:45 left in the half.

Tampa Bay scored on its next drive as well, picking up five first downs to set up Connor Barth's 23-yard field goal. Freeman completed passes to Kellen Winslow (13 yards), Erik Lorig (10 yards) and Mike Williams (15 yards), and Blount added another 23 yards on three rushes as the Bucs pulled within 14-10.

The Bucs tried a little trickery after Barth's field goal, hoping to surprise the Packers with an onside kick. But Michael Koenen's kick didn't travel the required 10 yards and Green Bay gained possession at the Tampa Bay 38. After an offensive interference penalty, Rodgers hit Jermichael Finley for a 30-yard gain, and two plays later found Randall Cobb for another 11 to the Bucs 5. Rodgers connected with Nelson one play later on a slant pattern from the right for the touchdown and a 21-10 lead.

The Bucs put together a nice drive late in the third quarter, picking up four first downs (including a 21-yard reception by Williams) and facing third and 3 at the Green Bay 4. But Freeman's apparent touchdown pass to Winslow was taken off the board when Winslow was called for offensive pass interference, costing the Bucs 10 yards and forcing them to settle for Barth's second field goal.

Tampa Bay nearly tied the score, driving 91 yards for another touchdown, this one coming on a 9-yard pass to Williams. Winslow had receptions of 37 and 15 yards but dropped what would have been a tying two-point conversion pass, leaving the Bucs trailing 21-19 with 13:07 to play.

Green Bay responded with an 85-yard touchdown drive. Three penalties against the Bucs secondary — including a pass interference call against E.J. Biggers at the Packers 2 — helped Green Bay extend its lead to 28-19. Fullback John Kuhn scored the touchdown with 7:42 left in the game, one play after the Biggers penalty.

Tampa Bay's first defensive turnover, an interception of a Rodgers pass by Elbert Mack at midfield, led to another Buccaneers touchdown. The big play was a 37-yard completion to Benn to the Green Bay 2, with Freeman hitting an open Dezmon Briscoe for the touchdown, pulling the Bucs within 28-26 with 4:25 to play.

But Bucs coach Raheem Morris again called for an onside kick, and again it failed, this time giving the ball to Green Bay at the Tampa Bay 46. On the drive's third play, Rodgers found Nelson well behind Bucs defensive back Myron Lewis down the left sideline and connected on the 40-yard touchdown. The score increased Green Bay's lead to 35-26 with 2:37 left in the game.

Any hopes of another Bucs comeback ended on their ensuing possession when, on first down from the Packers 32, Freeman's pass bounced off Winslow's hands and was intercepted by Tramon Williams and returned to the Bucs 13. Green Bay missed the ensuing field goal attempt.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fall 35-26 to Green Bay Packers

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 20, 2011

GREEN BAY, Wis. — If you kept a checklist of what the Bucs needed to do Sunday to upset the defending Super Bowl champion Packers and white-hot quarterback Aaron Rodgers, there weren't many boxes unchecked.

• Play physical? LeGarrette Blount, who rushed for 107 yards, plowed through six Packers on his way to a 54-yard touchdown.

• Compete for the football? Tight end Kellen Winslow (nine catches for 132 yards) and receivers Mike Williams (seven for 83) and Arrelious Benn (five for 75) helped Josh Freeman throw for a career-high 342 yards and two touchdowns.

• Pressure Rodgers? The Bucs had two sacks and an interception.

• Give a better effort? They trailed the undefeated Packers — on the road — by a missed two-point conversion with 4:25 left.

• Play smart? Uh-oh.

The Bucs' 35-26 loss might be remembered as the day sanity took a knee, including the decision by coach Raheem Morris that will be the No. 1 watercooler topic today in Tampa Bay.

Instead of kicking it deep after Freeman's 2-yard touchdown pass to Dezmon Briscoe cut the Packers' lead to 28-26 with 4:25 to play, Morris ordered his second onside kick of the game.

For the second time, it failed.

The Packers got the ball at the Bucs 46 and three plays later clinched the game with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Jordy Nelson.

"We're not going to apologize for being aggressive," Morris said of the second onside kick. "When you play the Green Bay Packers, you've got to play aggressive. You've got to … try to steal possessions."

It wasn't Tampa Bay's only miscue.

The Bucs committed nine penalties. (Their 83 for the season are fourth most in the league.) One nullified an interception. One nullified a touchdown. And one kept alive a Packers drive that ended with a touchdown.

Playing the Packers (10-0) tough wasn't much consolation for the Bucs (4-6), who lost their fourth straight (fifth in the past six) and have matched their defeats of all of 2010.

"We gave ourselves an opportunity to win," cornerback Ronde Barber said. "We knew we were going to play (man-to-man defense); we were going to blitz; we were going to do everything everybody else is scared to do to (Rodgers). We felt good about it until … Jordy's touchdown.

"If we get one more third down stop on their (last) touchdown, I think we win this game."

The Bucs wasted tremendous performances one week after Morris questioned their effort in a 37-9 loss to the Texans. Trailing 14-0, Blount set the tone, knocking Packers down like bowling pins on his way to the end zone during the second quarter.

"He ran with passion," Morris said.

Sunday marked the first time since Dec. 2, 2007, the Bucs had a 100-yard rusher, 100-yard receiver and 300-yard passer in the same game, and they outgained the Packers 455-378.

But twice, the Bucs settled for field goals in the red zone, and Winslow was involved in two critical plays: He was called for pass interference, erasing his third-quarter touchdown catch, and he dropped a two-point conversion pass that would have tied the score 1:53 into the fourth.

Rodgers passed for 299 yards and three scores but came away disappointed after missing on 11 throws, including a late interception with his team up 28-19.

"I didn't throw the ball very well," he said. "I'm not trying to be ridiculously humble."

The trouble for the Bucs came on third downs. The Packers converted 7 of 12, including Rodgers completions of 34, 26, 35, 19 and 40 yards. (The 40-yarder was the clinching touchdown to Nelson.)

"We asked them to go out there and play man-to-man against the Green Bay Packers; versus (Greg) Jennings, versus Jordy Nelson, versus James Jones, versus Jermichael Finley, versus some really good wideouts," Morris said. "You're going to have up-and-down moments."

So the Bucs lost another game, but in the process, they might have found a formula for success.

"We put some things together and got back to some stuff we saw last year in 2010," center Jeff Faine said. "We saw LeGarrette get off a little bit and run. We saw the wide receivers make some plays, and Josh had a hell of a day. He had a career day. It just wasn't enough.

"This should definitely be the caliber of play that we should come with every day."

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com.


North Suncoast boys basketball preview

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Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Sunday, November 20, 2011

BROOKSVILLE

It would be easy to talk about the star of Nature Coast. But that isn't what is going to get the Sharks over the hump in 2012. • After consecutive trips to the region final and consecutive losses in that round, Nature Coast knows the opportunity to make it further is starting to slip away. • Tyler Bergantino, the star center, is in his final season and will attend Massachusetts next fall. He has done his job over the past two seasons, averaging a double double and getting better each time he takes the floor.

At 6 feet 9, Bergantino is a dominating presence and owns the paint against almost every opponent the Sharks play. He averaged 17.9 points and 12.6 rebounds as a junior to go with 4.8 blocks in 33 games. Although he had a tough game in the season-ending loss to Leesburg, he had a career-defining game in the previous contest at Wiregrass Ranch.

The Bulls and Sharks had become rivals over the course of the season. And Bergantino stepped up his game to go for 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting with 13 rebounds and two blocks. The center willed his team to that victory.

He has the same kind of attitude entering this season.

"Our end to last season was difficult," Bergantino said. "We know everyone is aiming at us, but we also know that this (season) is our best chance. We need to be mentally tough."

If the Sharks are going to have that chance, then Bergantino isn't going to be the reason they push through.

The supporting cast is going to have to play at a level above where it has in past seasons. The names and talent Nature Coast coach David Picarsik has on the roster suggest that is more than a possibility.

At the point, the Sharks will start fellow senior and Florida Southern commitment Blake Lowman. Known for his solid decision-making and plus-shooting ability, Lowman stretches the floor and can find the open man, whether it's Bergantino or another threat.

"We work well together," Lowman said. "We have a good chemistry, and I think that helps us on and off the court."

Caleb Martin is another tall, athletic power.

Last season as a sophomore, Martin showed touch from beyond the arc despite his 6-7 frame. He led the club in 3-pointers with 31 over the course of the season and averaged 8.6 points, fourth on the team. Although he was third on the team last season in rebounding (5.1 per game), he will be asked to step up in that area with the graduation of Matt Dennis.

A lot of talk has gone into the addition of Gulf transfer Rohan Blackwood. A former star scorer for the Buccaneers, the 6-5 sophomore averaged 13.1 points last season in a system that relied more on ability than organization.

Now that he is being asked to show some discipline, Blackwood has a great deal of work to do, and he will come off the bench to start the schedule.

Picarsik is as aware of his team's position as anyone. He wants success for all of his players, but mostly for his seniors.

"I don't think we'll be rebuilding next season," he said.

"But the window is definitely closing."

Teams to watch

Wiregrass Ranch

The Bulls advanced to the region semifinal last season before falling to Nature Coast. To get back there, Wiregrass will have to overcome the loss of eight seniors, including stars Tanner Carey and Michael Chase.

Anclote

The Sharks have a deep team and could be in for a breakout season. Senior Sevy Galati has led Anclote in rebounding and blocks the past two seasons while Brandon McWhorter will be a key contributor at guard.

Zephyrhills

The Bulldogs struggled through a one-win season last winter. They lost seven seniors and will try to turn the program around with senior guards Jose Baez and Joey Norman.

Players to watch

Ethan Haslam, Academy at the Lakes: The 6-foot-2 guard led his team in scoring last season as an eighth-grader. Much will be expected of him this winter with a season of high school experience under his belt.

Jake Driscoll, Mitchell: The 6-foot senior guard averaged 23 points and seven rebounds last season. A strong AAU season attracted the attention of recruiters from a few small Division I programs.

Tony Hays, Ridgewood: The 6-foot-2 senior forward has improved steadily each season and could be ready to break out. He shot 44 percent from the field last season and averaged 5.2 rebounds.

Times staff writer Matt Baker contributed to this report.

Hillsborough boys basketball preview

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By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 20, 2011

As you might have noticed, the college basketball season recently commenced, including a game on an aircraft carrier. Around here, we'd settle for a heliport. With football playoffs in full swing and no classes for public schools this week, the boys hoops season is tipping off with only modest buzz. Things should heat up in a week or so (see Chamberlain at Wharton on Nov. 29) and really get going next month (see City of Tampa Championships). Us? We're set for takeoff now. Here's our county preview, bracketology style. (Teams are listed with last season's records.)

Final four contenders

Berkeley Prep (20-8): Any team facing the Bucs early should be grateful. They'll be far more dangerous by February. An extended football season could keep some of coach Bobby Reinhart's key components (Nelson Agholor, Reggie Barnes) off the court until mid December. But when the Bucs hit their full stride in early 2012, they'll be able to compete with anyone around.

Jesuit (24-5): Even coach Neal Goldman, never known for his hyperbole, acknowledges this could be the best team of his quarter-century tenure. The Tigers, undefeated in the local summer league, possess no obvious deficiencies. They'll be strongest on the perimeter, where 6-foot-5 junior sharpshooter Jack Fleming (67 treys last season) will be flanked by 6-1 junior Joey Galvis and sleek 6-3 point guard Devin Harris. The frontcourt is huge and will get even bigger when 6-4 junior Travis Johnson arrives from football.

Tampa Prep (25-4): The Terrapins return four starters and three prominent reserves from last season's Class 2A final four squad and welcome at least two impact newcomers. The Terps' strength is the perimeter, where Butler signee Devontae Morgan and point guard Josh Heath worked tirelessly on their jump shot during the offseason. Now they're essentially interchangeable at the two guard spots.

Wharton (23-6): The departure of Division I signees Xavier Owens and A.J. Astroth, while a significant blow, wasn't a mortal one. Quick and athletic, the Wildcats' strength is a backcourt featuring no fewer than six quality guards. Among them is point man C.J. McGill, a starter as a freshman who missed all of last season with a torn ACL. The frontcourt, pretty solid right now, will be even more daunting when 6-foot-6 sophomore Chase Litton arrives from football.

In the Sweet 16

Could win a playoff game:

Chamberlain (24-3): The Chiefs are talented. But two things are working against them: Times 2011 county player of the year Eric Storts has graduated, and they're going to sneak up on no one this time around.

Seffner Christian (13-14): The Crusaders return their top two scorers, including senior Garrett Saunders.

Sickles (23-7): The Gryphons return significant talent from last season's playoff team, including 6-7 low-post force Eric Floyd.

Tampa Catholic (21-9): The last time coach Don Dziagwa had a sophomore group this talented, he won a state title. Guard Isiah Thomas and forward Chivarsky Corbett have Division I potential.

Bracket busters

Could surprise:

Durant (21-5): Don't sleep on this squad. The emergence of junior guard Kyle White and arrival of Milwaukee move-in Trent Robertson will help offset the graduation of James Madison signee Andre Nation.

Strawberry Crest (9-17): The transfer of Jacksonville University signee Brandon Channer from Blake instantly makes the Chargers a tough out.

Brandon (10-14): The Eagles return four starters, and 6-7 sophomore Roderick Davis is a blossoming star.

Robinson (16-9): The Knights quietly posted a respectable season in 2011, and a lot of size in the frontcourt returns.

East Bay (18-10): We see the Indians building on their breakthrough season of '11.



Preseason all-county

First team

G Reggie Hart, Jr., Chamberlain: The Chiefs' new go-to guy now that Eric Storts has graduated.

G Devontae Morgan, Sr., Tampa Prep: Butler signee nearly averaged a double double last season.

G Jack Fleming, Jr., Jesuit: Could break James Bunn's school season record of 78 treys.

G Brandon Channer, Sr., Strawberry Crest: Blake transfer had a double double in state tourney.

G Nelson Agholor, Sr., Berkeley Prep: Nearly as dazzling on the court as he is in the backfield.

Second team

G Devin Harris, Jr., Jesuit: Coach Neal Goldman never has had a point guard with this size (6-3).

G Josh Heath, Jr., Tampa Prep: Son of USF coach averaged more than five assists as a sophomore.

G Troy Holston, Jr., Wharton: Freedom's top scorer in '11 now at school for which he's zoned.

G Isiah Thomas, So., Tampa Catholic: Exceptional shooter should emerge as a floor general.

G Kyle White, Jr., Durant: Tallied a double double in a preseason victory last week.

New districts

8A-7: Alonso, Bloomingdale, Durant, Newsome, Plant, Wharton

7A-8: Brandon, East Bay, Hillsborough, Plant City, Riverview, Tampa Bay Tech

7A-9: Chamberlain, Freedom, Gaither, Steinbrenner, Wiregrass Ranch

6A-11: Armwood, Jefferson, King, Leto, Sickles, Strawberry Crest

5A-11: Blake, Jesuit, Lennard, Middleton, Robinson, Spoto

4A-9: Berkeley Prep, Sarasota Booker, Tampa Catholic

3A-8: Bishop McLaughlin, Brooks-DeBartolo, Carrollwood Day, Seffner Christian, Tampa Prep

2A-8: Academy at the Lakes, Bayshore Christian, Cambridge Christian, Citrus Park Christian, Tampa Bay Christian

Captains Corner: Flounder a frequent visitor to potholes

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By Jackie Otto, Times Correspondent
Sunday, November 20, 2011

What's hot: Flounder fishing has been the best I have ever seen in Tampa Bay. The Fort De Soto grass flats are spotted with white, sandy potholes, and the flounder are thick in these areas. Use a small jig (1/8-ounce) with a dark-colored soft body or a small shrimp imitation. Cast into the potholes and let the lure sit before bouncing it on the bottom. When you come to the edge of the sand, you will be in trout territory over the grass, so retrieve the lure slowly, keeping it just above the grass.

Techniques: If you are not successful in one pothole, move to the next one, the deeper the better. Going out on a low tide will expose these deeper potholes, so store their locations for the future. Tidal movement is important; it can flow in either direction, as long as the tide is moving it will trigger fish to eat.

Tips: Flounder snap up bait then move slowly, and sometimes not at all. When you feel something heavy on your line, set the hook. Scent the lures with shrimp or crab oils or use scented soft plastics that help the flounder locate the lure. This time of year live shrimp yield more pinfish than game fish.

Jackie Otto can be reached at Betts Fishing Center at (727) 518-7637 or jackieotto@msn.com.

Florida Gators guard Mike Rosario excited to play again after year off following transfer

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 20, 2011

GAINESVILLE — Nearly two years ago, Mike Rosario left the comfortable confines of New Jersey and Rutgers University in search of a better situation for himself with Florida coach Billy Donovan and the Gators.

After a year of practicing without the benefit of playing in games, of cheering his teammates so hard from the sideline that he was sometimes as exhausted as if he had played, Rosario is more appreciative than ever of the game he loves.

"It was tough because I never sat no longer than two weeks of playing basketball," Rosario said. "It was hard for me at first to adapt to the whole situation and really figure it out, like, 'Okay, I'm not playing this year, so what can I do that's productive for my team and myself?'

"And I figured it out. I figured I would go as hard as I can in practice and be the biggest cheerleader I could possibly be. So that was my whole focus. I can tell you this, I was emotional about the fact that I couldn't play because I'm an emotional guy. But I know the decision I made was for the better."

Rosario transferred to Florida in 2010 after becoming only the second sophomore in Rutgers history to score 1,000 career points, finishing ninth in the Big East in scoring and third in 3-pointers per game in his second season.

He is now on a roster with Kenny Boynton, Erving Walker, Scottie Wilbekin and freshman Bradley Beal to combine for what Florida hopes will become one of the most formidable guard combinations in the nation.

Each is a proven shooter, but getting their chemistry together is a major point of emphasis.

"You can see he's going to find his way, Mike's a great talent," Walker said. "Myself and Kenny have been playing with each other for a while now, and we know what Coach Donovan is looking for, and we know the system. Mike's been here in practice, but he's been out of the game for a year. He'll definitely get in; he's doing just fine. He'll get there."

A pure shooter who can play point or two-guard, Rosario is currently No. 3 in the SEC in 3-point field-goal percentage (62.5) but acknowledges that his biggest weakness is what the Gators need to be a strength: defense.

"I'd like to see him guard better, and I'd like to see him not turn it over as much," Donovan said. " … Mike's a pretty smart player, and he understands the game. I still think he's a guy, offensively, who can provide a lot more for our team other than making shots."

At 22, Rosario's body is adorned with tattoos that are emotional reminders of family, love, personal loss and a lost home (his housing project torn down and replaced by townhouses). In Florida's media guide, he lists his favorite childhood memory as "Growing up in the projects and making it out.'

He has begun the process of making new memories in his new home.

"It feels good," Rosario said about being with the Gators. "My first two years in college weren't so good. So to be in this atmosphere and what we're trying to strive for is a great experience.

"I want to play against the best of the best, that's why I came to this school and that's why I surrounded myself around the players that I'm around right now, to get better every day. This is a big opportunity for all the guys, including myself, to really accomplish our goals."

Antonya English can be reached at aenglish@tampabay.com.

U.S. picks vindicated in Presidents Cup win

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Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

MELBOURNE, Australia — A winning point for Tiger Woods. A perfect record for Jim Furyk.

And validation for U.S. captain Fred Couples.

The Americans won the Presidents Cup as a team, 19-15, avenging their worst loss in any cup competition 13 years ago at Royal Melbourne.

Yet even as they gathered for the closing ceremony Sunday, it was hard to ignore individual achievements.

Couples was criticized for picking Woods, who had fallen out of the top 50 for the first time in 15 years and had gone two years without winning. Even International team captain Greg Norman said he would have taken PGA champion Keegan Bradley.

But it was Woods who blasted out of a deep bunker on the 15th hole to within 2 feet to put away Aaron Baddeley and give the Americans the point they needed to win the Presidents Cup.

Couples was among the first to greet him, shadow boxing with the guy he called "the best player in the world forever."

"I'm thankful that he picked me," Woods said. "Greg is probably not happy about it after I closed out the cup (Sunday). But it's great to be a part of this team."

A bigger concern might have been Furyk, who had his worst full season since he was a rookie. Yet he teamed with Phil Mickelson three times and Nick Watney once and beat Ernie Els one-on-one to become the fourth player to go 5-0 in the Presidents Cup.

"I'm guessing (Mickelson) asked to play with me, because I struggled so much this year and played poorly, the worst of anyone sitting up here right now," Furyk said. "I assume that he asked to play with me because he felt like he could get a lot out of me this week, that maybe he could pump some confidence into me. And he did that."

LPGA: South Korea's Hee Young Park won the season-ending Titleholders in Orlando for her first tour victory, closing with 2-under 70 to hold off Paula Creamer and Sandra Gal by two. Park finished at 9-under 279 at Grand Cypress and earned $500,000. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome (74) tied for 21st at 4 over.

College basketball preview: No. 7 Florida Gators vs. Wright State Raiders, 7 p.m. Monday, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 20, 2011

. FAST facts

Tonight: No. 7 Florida vs. Wright State

When/where: 7; St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM

Records: Florida 2-1, Wright State 2-1

Notable: The Gators return to the arena where they won second- and third-round NCAA Tournament games last season on the way to the Sweet 16. … This is the Gators' first game against a member of the Horizon League. "They're a team that has got a lot of depth, a lot of size across the front line," UF coach Billy Donovan said. "They've got a very good point guard that's a lot like Erving (Walker) (5-9 Reggie Arceneaux) that leads them in scoring, undersized, quick, heady, got good speed. (Julius) Mays is a transfer from N.C. State that we saw a couple of years ago when we went there and played when he was a freshman. He's a good scorer and player. … You look at them, it's like 10-11 guys who are playing double-figure minutes and based on how they are playing is probably based on how their minutes are going. But they have a lot of different lineups and a lot of things they can do based on the way the game is going." … The Gators said they don't mind playing away from home this time of year. "I like the St. Pete Times Forum, I like that arena," junior forward Erik Murphy said. "I was there when I was little for the ACC tournament. I've always liked it. It's nice to go back there."

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Pinellas County boys basketball preview: Change in the air

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By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 20, 2011

The stars

Gibbs' Gary Simon, an athletic guard, is the county's top returning player. Last season, he helped the Gladiators reach the state semifinals for the first time since 1991. Most Gibbs starters graduated. The biggest loss was Quincy Ford, the Times player of the year last season. Simon will be a primary ball handler, as well as the go-to-guy. Boca Ciega's Dallas Moore is the county's best shooter and will be counted on to provide points on the perimeter. Moore's teammate, D.J. White, is coming back from a torn ACL and is still working back to becoming a dominant player.

The boys basketball season begins today with plenty of changes. There are new coaches, players and districts. Some of the established powers will still be strong, but emerging teams could become contenders. Here is a guide to all the moves.

The coaches

The biggest change in the county is at Lakewood, where Anthony Lawrence takes over for legendary Dan Wright, the county's all-time winningest coach who retired in the spring after 35 years. Lawrence played for Wright and has been an assistant with the program. Lakewood, which missed the playoff last season, has a young team led by Jacobi Boykins and Earnest Clayton. James Margarella, who guided a resurgent Tarpon Springs program, takes over at Clearwater Central Catholic. Two Marauders playmakers transferred.

The players

Movement within the county could impact some rosters. Dayon Griffin transferred from Clearwater to St. Petersburg. He will team with David Jones and Demontre Adams to give the Green Devils three solid scorers to go along with a frontcourt that averages 6 feet 6. Joe Lampley transferred from Admiral Farragut to Clearwater and will help fill the scoring void left by Jon Hogan, who graduated.

The districts

The Florida High School Athletic Association re-shuffled classifications and districts. The most competitive will be in Class 5A, District 12, which features south county powers Boca Ciega, Gibbs and Lakewood. Class 7A-10 has strong contenders in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, and sleepers such as Pinellas Park and Northeast. The 3A-9 district will be tough with Admiral Farragut, Calvary Christian, Indian Rocks Christian, Shorecrest and St. Petersburg Catholic all vying for postseason contention.

The sleepers

Osceola showed signs of contending last season and have some confidence after beating Lakewood in a recreational league game this fall. Pinellas Park, led by guard Cory Edwards, can knock off some of the county's top teams. Northeast lost leading scorer Andres Sanchez, who graduated. But the Vikings still have an enforcer in the middle, Auggie Sanchez, and will get strong guard play. And Largo will be near the top with an young team led by freshmen Donava Hale and Jamal Crawford.

The contenders

Gibbs is still the team to beat. The Gladiators, despite fielding several new starters, played well in the summer leagues and beat St. Petersburg by seven in a preseason game. The Green Devils have one of the tallest frontcourts in the county, as well as several scoring options. Clearwater is always solid. Admiral Farragut has enough playmakers, led by Alvin Cunningham, to make another postseason run.

. fast facts

For the fans

Regular season: Starting today, schools play 25 games maximum, including all regular-season tournament games.

Playoffs: District tournaments are Feb. 6-11, followed by the region quarterfinals (Feb. 16), semifinals (Feb. 21) and finals (Feb. 25). The state tournament is Feb. 28 to March 3 at the Lakeland Center.


Hide the injury is part of the NHL culture

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 20, 2011

Exactly where is the wrist located on one's body?

Is it part of the upper body because it is attached to the arm, which goes to the shoulder? Is it the lower body because when one's arm hangs down, the wrist is below the waist?

These are burning questions in the NHL because of the way teams report injuries.

Teams cannot falsify information, but specifics are not required. All they must do is indicate the injury is to the upper or lower body.

"And then Babcock throws out mid body," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said of Red Wings coach Mike Babcock. "What the hell is that?"

Reporting injuries always has been a touchy subject in the NHL. And the rules adopted by general managers in 2008 created a tug of war between secrecy and transparency.

Revealing injuries would give opponents a competitive advantage, some teams say. And if injuries are revealed, they might be targeted with a whack of a stick to get opponents out of a game.

Fans and reporters simply want more information.

They get it out of the NFL, which requires teams to report every hangnail. And specific injuries to NBA and Major League Baseball players are available on sports-related Internet sites.

Of course, basketball and baseball are not contact sports like hockey, and Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said of the NFL's rules: "It makes it better when you place your bets. You have more information.

"Because football does it doesn't make it right (for the NHL)," he added. "Why does disclosing injuries help us competitively? I don't feel there's any reason to disclose any injuries to anybody, forget upper body, lower body. There's nothing in it for us."

It can be dangerous for players, former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk said, even though the game is much less violent that it was.

"As a player I didn't want people to know what's wrong with me," Andreychuk said, and added, "If a guy has a sore right hand, that's just the way life is, I'm going to whack him on the right hand. Nobody likes to talk about that, but that's the reality."

"It happens," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said, "more than you think."

Perhaps, but it is difficult to believe video scouting would not reveal who is hurt and where regardless of a team's secrecy.

Besides, Hitchcock said, players can police that situation themselves: "If they're coming after one of your injured players, you have the obligation to do the same to them."

As for not revealing injuries, Hitchcock said, "It's stupid.

"All it does is make (reporters) … mistrust us. What's the big deal? A guy has a sore shoulder, he has a sore shoulder. We're playing games with this stuff. If a guy gets hurt and he has an injury, we'll tell you where it is and what it is. They do it every day in football. It's no big deal."

It is to some.

"Everyone is trying to look for a story. Everyone is trying to break something open," Lightning defenseman Eric Brewer said. "I think that's a detriment to the team and player. There's very few things that aren't exposed now. I don't know why we have to expose everything."

"The star players, especially, you want to keep their injuries behind closed doors," said left wing Ryan Malone, who has had two upper-body injuries this season. "Why put that information out there?"

Tampa Bay even declined to specify what illness kept right wing Teddy Purcell out of Wednesday's practice.

Joked Sun Sports play-by-play announcer Rick Peckham: "Inner body."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@tampabay.com.

Augustus Gilchrist injured as USF Bulls lose 53-49 to Penn State Nittany Lions

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By Mike Scandura, Special to the Times
Sunday, November 20, 2011

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Given the problems USF encountered in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament, the last thing the Bulls needed was an injury to a key player.

That's exactly what happened Sunday as Penn State prevailed 53-49 in the Naismith Bracket third-place game.

Augustus Gilchrist re-injured a shoulder after playing only 13 minutes and was sidelined for the duration.

"He's our primary go-to guy on the inside," coach Stan Heath said. "Not having him really hurt us in rebounding and on the offensive end in terms of having somebody inside that can make some things happen.

"It was a big loss for us, not having him for a portion of that first half and none of the second half."

Toarlyn Fitzpatrick almost picked up the slack created by Gilchrist's absence by posting a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

"I thought he really got some things going for us," Heath said. "Then he got into foul trouble. Foul trouble really hurt us. We played most of the last few minutes with four guys in foul trouble.

"We were playing cautiously. Because of that, I thought we gave up some baskets that we could have guarded a lot better."

USF (3-2) led 43-38 with 5:08 left when Tim Frazier, who had a career-high 27 points, ignited a 12-1 run that gave the Nittany Lions (4-1) a 50-44 lead that the Bulls were unable to overcome.

"We had some careless turnovers against their three-quarter-court pressure and that led to some baskets they got," Heath said, noting Penn State scored 22 off 19 USF miscues. "Frazier's an awfully good player. He's hard to keep out of the lane, he knows how to get fouled and he knows how to score."

Blake Nash was the only other Bull to hit double figures (14) as USF shot a mere 37.8 percent.

Griner, Baylor living up to high expectations

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Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

WACO, Texas — Brittney Griner and Baylor have clearly established themselves as the No. 1 team — for now.

Though the Bears can't reach their stated goal of a national championship for more than four more months, they are already proving they may be very capable of doing that.

Griner had 32 points and 14 rebounds, sophomore point guard Odyssey Sims had one of her best overall games after not starting and Baylor defeated second-ranked Notre Dame 94-81 in the preseason WNIT championship game Sunday.

"Just motivated altogether," said Sims, who had 25 points, six assists, six steals and two turnovers. "Playing against (Skylar Diggins), playing against the team, playing in front of the crowd, No. 1 vs. No. 2. All of that put together."

Sims played 38 minutes even though she wasn't in the starting lineup for a reason coach Kim Mulkey wouldn't specify or allow Sims to address.

The Bears (4-0) put it away with a 14-3 run, capped when Sims had a steal that she turned into a breakaway layup for a 70-58 lead with 9½ minutes left.

There was then a feisty play with 1:40 left after Diggins, a preseason AP All-America pick like Griner, lost her dribble.

When Diggins tried to recover the ball from the floor, she had her arm unintentionally around Sims' neck. Sims jumped up clearly angry, then went to the sideline where Mulkey gave her a quick hug to try to settle her down. But Sims was assessed a technical foul.

Cavs surprise Vols

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Tennessee learned the hard way that it can't wait until the second half to buckle down.

The third-ranked Vols (2-1) fell behind Virginia early in the second half, took the lead only briefly late and never managed to get control in a 69-64 overtime loss to the Cavaliers.

"What we do in the second half we have to do in the first half," forward Shekinna Stricklen said. "We have to really bring the energy from the start. We have to go to the boards from the start. We've got to bring our defense from the start of the game and not just for the second half."

The Vols turned a 47-40 deficit into a 48-47 lead with seven minutes left. But the Cavaliers, playing their fourth game under coach Joanne Boyle, steadied themselves with five straight points.

NO. 6 TEXAS A&M 93, MISS. ST. 47: Kelsey Bone had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the host Aggies (4-0), who gave coach Gary Blair his 600th victory. He has won 192 with A&M.

NO. 8 DUKE 80, W. KY. 54: Reserve Tricia Liston scored a career-high 22 after going scoreless in the first two games, and the visiting Blue Devils (3-0) forced 35 turnovers.

NO. 9 L'VILLE 62, XAVIER 44: Becky Burke scored 13, including three 3-pointers, and the host Cardinals (3-1) used a swarming defense to cruise.

NO. 11 PENN ST. 55, South Carolina 50: Maggie Lucas scored the final six of a game-closing 13-0 run as the visiting Nittany Lions (3-1) escaped.

NO. 12 GEORGIA 67, NO. 23 USC 60: Senior Meredith Mitchell scored a career-high 21 for the host Bulldogs (4-0), who took a 21-7 lead and held off the Trojans (1-2).

NO. 16 PURDUE 65, UT-MARTIN 39: The host Boilermakers (3-0) held the Skyhawks, who went in averaging 80 points, to 28.3 percent shooting.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers took too big a risk with second onside kick call

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Sunday, November 20, 2011

GREEN BAY, Wis.

Loved the daring.

Hated the decision.

It was late in the evening, and surprisingly, the previously dead Tampa Bay Bucs had a pulse. They had just closed to within two points of the undefeated Green Bay Packers, and with 4:25 to play, the biggest upset of the season seemed entirely possible.

Then the Bucs tried an onside kick.

Shortly afterward, the Packers finished kicking their backside.

An onside kick? Really? With 4:25 to go and two timeouts remaining? Why not play the percentages? All the Bucs needed was a defensive stop and a field goal, and the game was there for the claiming. Why give away 34 yards of field position to the NFL's most dangerous offense? Why set up the Packers for the kill shot, which came three plays later when Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for a 40-yard touchdown pass?

Hey, I like bold. We all like bold. For most of the years, the Bucs have been far too conservative as their season has landed far short of expectations. Too many 4-yard passes on third and 8. Too few throws into the end zone when within sight of the goal.

On the other hand, aggression is no good unless it is wrapped inside of reason. You can run an end-around on fourth and 17 and call it aggression, but that's just another way to describe silliness. Hey, the Titanic was aggressive. Amelia Earhart was aggressive. Spartacus was aggressive. And we all know what happened to those guys. They didn't make the playoffs, either.

"We were going to get it and win," coach Raheem Morris said, his words coming out quickly as if his strategy were beyond question.

Morris was asked how much discussion was there about whether to kick away and play field position or to try a second onside kick (they tried one in the first half that failed, too, and led to a Packers touchdown)?

"We discussed it Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week," Morris said.

The Bucs discussed being two points down with 4:25 to go last week? Gee, I would have thought that was kind of an on-the-spot decision.

"We wanted to get the ball," Morris said. "We're not going to apologize for being aggressive. When you play against the Green Bay Packers, you have to go out, you have to make plays, you have to steal possessions."

Again, however, recovering an onside kick — especially when the opponent knows it's coming — is a tricky thing. For instance, even if the Bucs had come up with this one, they wouldn't have gotten the ball. They were offside. That doesn't have anything to do with whether you think it's a good call or not, but it does point out that everything has to be perfect.

"The onside kick didn't have anything to do with it," cornerback Ronde Barber said. "We still had to make a stop."

Maybe. But if the Bucs had kicked away, the Packers probably would have been around their own 20. Maybe Green Bay plays it differently from there. Make a stop there, and the Bucs probably get the ball back around their own 30, and from there, it's 35 yards to field-goal territory. Aren't those odds better than those of recovering an onside kick?

When the Bucs tried their first onside kick, late in the second quarter, well, why not? Roll the dice. But with 4:25 to play, you are contending with the time left, with the field position, with the opponent. You are counting on one last possession, and where you take over is a big deal. Isn't it?

Let's admit this: The Bucs' effort was considerably better than last week, when even Morris questioned it. On the other hand, this is the NFL, and heads shouldn't be patted because a team lost by only nine points. The fact that you noticed the Bucs' effort was as troubling as it was pleasing. After all, why should it take practices in pads to get effort out of a team? Shouldn't paychecks do that?

Yes, it was good to find that the Bucs' triplets still play around here. Josh Freeman threw for 342 yards, and LeGarrette Blount ran for 107, and Mike Williams caught seven passes. That was good to see. With that kind of performance, maybe the Bucs could have won another game or two.

Still, the Bucs continue the maddening trend of getting in their own way with penalties (such as Kellen Winslow's offensive pass interference that wiped out his touchdown reception) and dropped passes (such as Winslow's slightly-behind-him-but-catchable drop on a two-point conversion that would have tied the score just before the onside kick).

Like the effort.

Hated the ending.

USF Bulls edge Central Florida in men's NCAA soccer tournament

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 20, 2011

TAMPA — USF freshman Wes Charpie led the team in assists this season, but he showed he can score Sunday night, putting in a diving header six minutes into overtime for a 2-1 victory over UCF that sent the Bulls into the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

"I can't even explain it — after I scored that goal, I just blacked out. I think I threw my shirt off, got piled by my teammates. It was the best feeling I've ever had," said Charpie, a Tarpon Springs High grad who heard the cheers of 3,029 fans at Corbett Soccer Stadium.

USF (13-3-3) took the lead on an own goal in the 70th minute, then UCF (12-6-3) tied it two minutes later. After USF missed a penalty kick and Bulls keeper Chris Blais made several late saves to force overtime, Sebastien Thuriere, given space out wide, sent a cross that Charpie headed in for his third goal of the season.

Next Sunday the Bulls host the winner of tonight's New Mexico-Duke game. General admission will again be free to the public, with 400 reserved seats on sale this morning.

fsu, ucf women win: The Florida State women advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight for the seventh straight season with a 2-0 victory over Louisville in Memphis. The Seminoles (17-6-1) host Virginia at 2 p.m. Friday. UCF also reached the Elite Eight with a shootout win in Gainesville over North Carolina after regulation ended in a tie at 1. Bianca Joswiak hit the winner. The Knights (14-4-5) play Wake Forest on Friday in Kennesaw, Ga.

tampa women ousted: Tampa's season ended with a 2-1 loss to Armstrong Atlantic State in the Division II quarterfinals in Savannah, Ga. Tampa (16-6-2) got a goal on Brittan Spence's penalty kick.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

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