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Ducks end wait with frantic win

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Times wires
Monday, January 2, 2012

PASADENA, Calif. — Oregon's incredible offense busted up Wisconsin and the record books on the way to its first Rose Bowl victory in 95 years.

Darron Thomas passed for three touchdowns, De'Anthony Thomas scored on runs of 91 and 64 yards, and the No. 6 Ducks earned their first bowl win under coach Chip Kelly, beating the Badgers 45-38 Monday night in the highest-scoring Rose Bowl ever.

And it wasn't over until a video review confirmed the Badgers (11-3) ran out of time at the Oregon 25, out of timeouts and unable to spike the ball in time for a last-gasp fling.

Lavasier Tuinei caught eight passes for 158 yards and two TDs for the Ducks (12-2) in the 98th Rose Bowl. Oregon hadn't won the West Coast's biggest game since 1917, when the Ducks defeated Penn 14-0.

"It's been 95 years since you could say: Oregon Ducks, Rose Bowl champions," Kelly said of his first bowl win in his three seasons in Eugene.

This game broke the record of 80 points in the Granddaddy of Them All, set when Washington beat Iowa 46-34 in 1991.

The Ducks, wearing mirrored helmets and playing at their usual frantic pace, racked up 621 total yards, just shy of the Rose Bowl record.

Montee Ball rushed for 122 of his 164 yards in the first half for the Badgers (11-3), who lost the Rose Bowl for the second straight year despite gaining 508 yards. Ball tied Barry Sanders' Division I-A record with his 39th touchdown of the season and Russell Wilson passed for 296 yards and two scores.

On the final drive Wilson connected on two long passes, but ran out of time when video review confirmed that his spike came after the clock hit zero.

"It would have been nice to have a chance there," said Wilson, who passed for 296 yards and two scores. "With 1 second left, I think we could have capitalized."

Ducks freshman running back De'Anthony Thomas had the longest scoring run in Rose Bowl history with a 91-yarder in the second quarter, then had a 64-yard scoring run to open the second half.


Sports in brief: Serena Williams wins in return from four-month layoff

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Times wires
Monday, January 2, 2012

tennis

serena wins in return from layoff

BRISBANE, Australia — After winning the first match she has played since her U.S. Open final defeat in September, Serena Williams admitted she's dreading another season of grueling workouts but still can't live without tennis.

Williams, 30, had her service broken in the opening game Monday before settling in and beating Chanelle Scheepers 6-2, 6-3 at the Brisbane International. Williams needed just 68 minutes to advance, firing seven aces and taking advantage of eight double faults by Scheepers.

She was asked after the match whether her four-month layoff indicated she may have fallen out of love with tennis.

"It's not that I've fallen out of love … I've never really liked sports, I never understood how I became an athlete," Williams said.

She added, laughing, that she has never liked working out and "I don't want anything that has to do with working physically."

"If it involves sitting down or shopping I am excellent at that. I don't love tennis today … but I can't live without it so I am still here."

Top-seeded Tampa resident Samantha Stosur, advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Anastasiya Yakimova and sixth-seeded Jelena Jankovic defeated Carla Suarez Navarro 6-4, 6-2. Former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic beat Tamira Paszek 6-3, 6-3.

et cetera

Dakar Rally: Defending bike champion Marc Coma won the second stage of the Dakar Rally and took the category lead after the 185-mile leg in San Rafael, Argentina. In cars, defending champion Nasser Al-Attiyah captured the stage while Stephane Peterhansel pulled into the overall lead. This year's rally, has claimed three lives. Argentine bike rider Jorge Martinez Boero died in a crash in Sunday's first stage. On the same day, the pilot of an ultralight plane and his son died when the aircraft went down while following the race.

Cycling: Alejandro Valverde will make his comeback from a two-year doping ban at this month's Tour Down Under, the opening event of the 2012 ProTour in Adelaide, Australia. Valverde was stripped of his No. 1 world ranking and banned for two years from January 2010 after being implicated in Operation Puerto, a blood-doping ring involving more than 50 riders. Valverde never tested positive for a banned drug.

Baseball: Hanley Ramirez says he'll accept a position switch to third base so Marlins newcomer Jose Reyes can play shortstop. Reyes signed a $106 million, six-year deal with Miami last month.

Times wires

more tennis

U.S. falls to Denmark in Hopman Cup

The United States lost to Denmark 2-1 at the Hopman Cup, with late-arriving Caroline Wozniacki and Frederik Nielsen beating Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Mardy Fish 7-5, 6-3 in the deciding mixed doubles match in Perth, Australia.

Fish gave the United States an opening victory in this Australian Open tuneup, defeating Nielsen 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. The top-ranked Wozniacki made it to the tournament only four hours earlier on a flight from Thailand. She beat Mattek-Sands 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 to tie the best-of-three series before the Danish pair combined to win mixed doubles.

Pressure doesn't melt Lundqvist

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Times wires
Monday, January 2, 2012

Rangers0123
at Flyers0202
PHILADELPHIA — Alone in the cold, it was up to Henrik Lundqvist to preserve a classic comeback in the Winter Classic.

His signature moment came with 19.6 seconds left and the Rangers leading the Flyers 3-2. New York defenseman Ryan McDonagh was whistled for covering the puck in the crease, and Philadelphia got a penalty shot.

Flyers center Danny Briere streaked down the ice — a replica of the Liberty Bell and bundled-up fans behind his back — trying to send the game into overtime.

Lundqvist dropped to his knees and stoned Briere with his pads when the center tried to sneak the puck through his legs.

Lundqvist stopped 34 shots, Brad Richards scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the Rangers rallied from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at Citizens Bank Park on Monday.

"I was just trying to be patient and do my thing," Lundqvist said. "(Briere is) a sneaky guy, and there was a lot of pressure on me."

More pressure than any other regular-season games in January. The Classic, in its fifth season, now gets as much attention as the Stanley Cup final. NBC televised it, and HBO had 12 camera crews filming for its 24/7 series documenting the game and its buildup.

Rangers coach John Tortorella wondered if the game officials wanted time in the spotlight to build the drama.

"They called a penalty shot, which I still don't understand," he said. "I'm not sure if NBC got together with the refs to turn this into an overtime game. I thought the game was reffed horrible. I just thought in that third period, it was disgusting."

Lundqvist agreed with Tortorella's drama angle and said he "couldn't believe" the call. He and McDonagh said the puck wound up under Lundqvist's pad.

Mike Rupp scored twice as New York won for the third time this season against Philadelphia.

Rupp's first goal, late in the second, was capped by a salute toward the Flyers' bench, the move Philadelphia's Jaromir Jagr makes after scoring. Rupp smiled as his teammates mobbed him along the boards, and the crowd booed.

"It was just a moment of excitement," Rupp wrote on a game blog he did for NHL.com. "I was really just excited to contribute offensively and hopefully at that time get us back in the game."

Jagr, third on the team in points, left the game after playing a minute in the second. He said he hurt his left leg in the Flyers' last game, against the Penguins, but expected to be back playing soon.

around the league: Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban and center Tomas Plekanec exchanged punches during a one-on-one drill at practice until teammates stepped in. "It was an intense practice, and this kind of thing can happen sometimes," Plekanec said. Also, general manager Pierre Gauthier apologized to fans upset with the team for not hiring a coach who speaks French after Jacques Martin was fired last month. The hiring of Randy Cunneyworth sparked an uproar in majority French-speaking Quebec. … The Coyotes' Raffi Torres was suspended for two games for an illegal hit on the Wild's Nate Prosser on Saturday.

world juniors: Finland beat Slovakia 8-5 in the quarterfinals at Calgary to get a semifinal matchup with Sweden. Lightning defense prospect Adam Janosik had an assist for Slovakia.

Rangers0123
at Flyers0202

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesCarle, Phi (slashing), 16:58; Richards, NYR (tripping), 17:47.

Second Period1, Philadelphia, Schenn 1 (Carle), 12:26. 2, Philadelphia, Giroux 18 (M.Talbot, Hartnell), 14:21. 3, N.Y. Rangers, Rupp 2 (Prust, Mitchell), 14:51. PenaltiesNone.

Third Period4, N.Y. Rangers, Rupp 3 (Prust, Mitchell), 2:41. 5, N.Y. Rangers, Richards 14 (Dubinsky, Callahan), 5:21. PenaltiesMcDonagh, NYR (delay of game), 14:48; Callahan, NYR (holding stick), 18:54; Timonen, Phi (interference), 18:54; Hartnell, Phi, minor-misconduct (cross-checking), 20:00. Missed Penalty ShotBriere, Phi, 19:40 third. Shots on GoalN.Y. Rangers 9-8-16—33. Philadelphia 12-14-10—36. Power-play opportunitiesN.Y. Rangers 0 of 1; Philadelphia 0 of 2. GoaliesN.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 17-7-4 (36 shots-34 saves). Philadelphia, Bobrovsky 8-3-1 (33-30).

at Senators00213
Devils02002

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesKarlsson, Ott (tripping), 4:53.

Second Period1, New Jersey, Zubrus 11 (Sykora), 7:47. 2, New Jersey, Clarkson 14 (Zajac, Tedenby), 14:18. PenaltiesKovalchuk, NJ (slashing), :39; Zajac, NJ (tripping), 2:16; Salvador, NJ (holding), 11:03; Boulton, NJ, major (fighting), 14:20; Neil, Ott, major (fighting), 14:20.

Third Period3, Ottawa, Spezza 14 (Karlsson, C.Anderson), 1:21. 4, Ottawa, Condra 7 (Kuba), 13:17 (sh). PenaltiesSpezza, Ott (tripping), 11:20.

Overtime5, Ottawa, Alfredsson 12 (Karlsson, Spezza), 4:00 (pp). PenaltiesClarkson, NJ (hooking), 2:58. Shots on GoalNew Jersey 9-9-8-3—29. Ottawa 9-9-10-4—32. Power-play opportunitiesNew Jersey 0 of 2; Ottawa 1 of 4. GoaliesNew Jersey, Brodeur 11-9-1 (32 shots-29 saves). Ottawa, C.Anderson 18-12-3 (29-27).

Oklahoma State defeats Stanford 41-38 in overtime to win Fiesta Bowl

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

PHOENIX — Oklahoma State ended the regular season arguing that it belonged in the national championship game.

It took a long time for the Cowboys to back it up with a victory Monday night.

Quinn Sharp hit a 22-yard field goal in overtime, after his Stanford counterpart missed one chance to win it and one to take the lead in OT, and the Cowboys (12-1) won the Fiesta Bowl, 41-38

Stanford kicker Jordan Williamson, a redshirt freshman, missed a 35-yard kick that would have won it on the final play of regulation, then missed a 43-yarder on the Cardinal's possession in overtime. The sophomore pulled both kicks wide left.

The Cowboys took over and Brandon Weeden hit Colton Chelf on a pass to the right and the officials initially indicated that the former walk-on scored a touchdown.

After a video review, Weeden kneeled to place the ball at the center of the field, setting up Sharp's winning kick.

"Our players are very resilient," Cowboys coach Mike Gundy told ESPN after the game. "I felt like if it went into overtime, we'd find a way to win it. … Oklahoma State has come a long way. We have people who are willing to pay the price.''

Justin Blackmon had eight catches for 186 yards and three touchdowns for Oklahoma State. Immediately after the game the All-American, a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation's best receiver, told ESPN he intended to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

That the Cowboys' 38 regulation points weren't enough was down —- mostly — to the brilliance of Andrew Luck.

The Stanford quarterback, a two-time Heisman Trophy runnerup and consensus No. 1 prospect in April's NFL draft, went an incredible 27-of-31 for 347 yards and two touchdowns.

Luck appeared to have won the game by going 8-of-8 in the fourth quarter for the Cardinal (11-2), first putting his team up 38-31 with a 13-play, seven-minute drive and then the two-minute drill that set up Williamson for the missed field goal on the final play of regulation.

The most anticipated postseason game outside of the BCS championship, the Fiesta Bowl was an impressive offensive show, two of the nation's best teams trading big plays and scores.

Oklahoma State won in its first BCS bowl game, putting in one last bid to appeal for a chance to stake claim at being No. 1 in the Associated Press poll should Alabama beat undefeated LSU in the BCS title game.

Billionaire booster T. Boone Pickens says Oklahoma State should receive first-place votes in the AP poll if the Cowboys had romped.

But the Cowboys never led until the final play. Alabama, Oklahoma State and Stanford all had one loss entering the bowls.

Tom Jessee to coach against his wife, Nikki, when University of Tampa plays Saint Leo

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By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

TAMPA — When University of Tampa coach Tom Jessee looks to the opposing bench Wednesday, he'll see a familiar figure.

His wife.

Nikki Jessee, first-year coach at Saint Leo (6-5), will bring her women's basketball squad to the Bob Martinez Athletics Center, where she served as an assistant coach the previous two seasons, to face Tom and the Terrapins (6-5) at 5:30 p.m.

"My friends up North go, 'When's the divorce bowl going on?' " Tom said. "They've been poking at us more than we have each other. When it's all said and done, win, lose or draw, we want each other to be successful. That's obviously impossible when you play this game."

This will be the first time the Jessees have faced each other as a married couple, though they did square off while they were dating. Nikki was the coach at fellow Sunshine State Conference school Lynn University from 2007-09, and her team handed Tampa its first conference home loss in more than two years on Jan. 28, 2009. Overall, Tom leads the series 3-2.

The pair considers itself blessed to have another opportunity to go head-to-head. When Nikki chose to leave Lynn, move to Tampa to marry Tom and start a family, she thought she was giving up her career.

"I actually bawled talking to my players, and I'm not a really big crier," Nikki said. "When I made that decision, it was I was leaving coaching."

Nikki, a Lakeland native, played for another SSC school, Rollins, so she was returning to familiar territory when she came to Lynn in Boca Raton from Martin Methodist College, an NAIA school in Tennessee. In fact, she knew every coach in the conference except one: Tom Jessee.

After a few phone calls to discuss scheduling matters and an in-person meeting when the Terrapins went down and lost to Lynn, Nikki and her squad traveled to Tampa for their last regular-season game. That time, Tom's team won.

"We traveled with our men at the time, so I had to stay for the men's game," Nikki said. "I walk back in the gym, and he happened to be right there, so we started up a conversation, and we ended up talking for about two hours."

Nikki sent Tom a good luck text as the Terrapins went on to the NCAA Division II Tournament, and she met him in Tampa for the Women's Final Four. They started dating and were engaged about one year later.

The decision to move was Nikki's— — "The conversation was geared around two people in love, what are you going to do?" Tom said — and, despite her intention to leave coaching, Nikki accepted Tom's offer to assist him at Tampa.

About 12 years before, Tom had also given up his head coaching position at Bluefield State (W.Va.) University to follow his then-wife to the Tampa Bay area. Tom coached at Gulf and Mitchell high schools in Pasco County before getting the job at Tampa in 2002.

"I did what you weren't supposed to do," Tom said. "You weren't supposed to pick up your job. I had a really, really good job, good career there, established program, but, much like Nik did for me, I did that.

"We talked about it because, listen, I've already been down that path. I did the exact same thing that we're allowing you to do here. …That made me even more nervous because I know how difficult it is."

With a bit of persuasion from Tom, Nikki didn't miss a season as she joined the Terrapins as a volunteer assistant coach. In 2010, she gave birth to their daughter, Rudi, so practices became a family affair.

Players marveled at how Nikki attended to Rudi but still saw practice like a coach.

"It was just like, 'Oh, I didn't know you saw that," said Jaleesa Harmon, a senior. "She's superwoman for real. She's missed."

Assistant coaching, though, wasn't fulfilling.

"It's kind of like if you're a phenomenal chef and you get to tell someone else how to make everything, but you don't ever get to do the cooking yourself," Nikki said.

She was again considering leaving coaching for good. Then the post at Saint Leo opened.

"She was the best candidate available," said Saint Leo athletic director Francis Reidy. "Knowing our league, having played in our league, having been successful in our league, having been active at Tampa after being the head coach at Lynn, those were all positives on her resume."

Nikki's turnaround commenced quickly, as Saint Leo started 6-0, tying the program record for best start. And since the Terrapins are viewed as heavy favorites, Nikki told the Lions that they have nothing to lose.

As for her and Tom, one will win, one will lose, and they, along with Rudi, will celebrate Nikki's birthday the next day. It's all part of the balancing act.

"We have fun with this," Tom said. "We're a basketball family, no doubt about that."

Laura Keeley can be reached at lkeeley@tampabay.com.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers will interview former Green Bay Packers, Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The last time former Green Bay Packers and Texas A &M coach Mike Sherman made headlines in Tampa Bay, he was going after Warren Sapp for his hit on tackle Chad Clifton during an interception return by Brian Kelly in 2002.

Remember Sapp bellowing to Sherman, "Put a jersey on!''

Sherman has been contacted by the Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Times confirmed, and an interview is in the process of being scheduled.

The Bucs plan to interview multiple candidates for their vacant head coaching job after firing Raheem Morris Monday.

Although Joel Glazer said the team won't be pigeon-holed in their search, NFL head coaching experience may be preferred by the Bucs.

In six seasons with the Packers, Sherman went 57-39 and won three NFL North titles. He was 25-25 in four seasons at Texas A&M, including two bowl appearances.

The Bucs also plan to interview Tennessee defensive coordinator Jerry Gray but have not formally asked for permission from the Titans.

Gray, who played with the Bucs in '93 and worked under Jeff Fisher in Tennessee, would make the Bucs in compliance with the Rooney Rule.

Weeki Wachee High's Hornet Golf Outing is Feb. 25

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By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Weeki Wachee High School athletic department will have its second annual Hornet Golf Outing at Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks on Feb. 25.

The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m. Food and prizes will be provided during and after play. Current and former professional athletes will be among the participants. There will be time for autographs and pictures.

The cost for the event is $100 per person or $300 per foursome. Businesses may sponsors holes or prizes.

For information, call Weeki Wachee athletic director Mark Lee at (352) 797-7029, ext. 230, or send email to lee_m2@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

WOMEN'S SOCCER LEAGUE: The Hernando County Women's Soccer League will conduct registration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Jan. 13 at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, 3095 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill.

Credit card, check and cash payments all will be accepted. Personal checks will be held if needed, upon request.

Also, the league is hosting a womens 30-and-over Mother's Day tournament May 10-13. The format is 11-versus-11.

Twenty-two-player rosters play at Ernie Wever Park in Brooksville.

For information, call Alyson Kraft at (352) at 442-4540.

HIGH POINT LADIES GOLF: Members of the High Point Ladies Golf League competed on Dec. 26.

The nine-hole play was an exhibition, so scores were not recorded officially.

The players of 18 holes competed in a handicap game, where golfers dropped their two worst holes.

BiBi Arbona (60) took first place in Flight A, with Donna O'Keefe (61) a close second. Fran Lynch (54) took the crown in Flight B, with Linda Roper (56) as the runnerup.

SPRING HILL DIXIE SOFTBALL: Spring Hill Dixie Softball has scheduled registration at Anderson Snow Park for its spring season.

Volunteers will be present from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14 and 21 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at the park office.

A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The fees cover all games, insurance and trophies. Any signups after Jan. 21 are subject to a $20 late fee.

For information, send email to Paul McGee at paul.mcgee.iv@gmail.com.

SPRING HILL DIXIE BASEBALL: Spring Hill Dixie Baseball has scheduled registration at Anderson Snow Park for its spring season.

Volunteers will be present from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 and from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 12, 16 and 18 at the park office.

The county has instituted a $3 player fee for park maintenance this year, and the league has gained control of Little Red Schoolhouse field in Spring Hill. With Spring Hill Dixie handling all maintenance and costs for the field, there will be an increase in fees.

The cost is $105 for the first child and $100 for each additional child. On Jan. 12, a discounted rate of $95 per child will be available. A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The fees cover all games, insurance and trophies. Any signups after Jan. 18 are subject to a $20 late fee.

Each family is also being asked to work three hours in the concession stand during the season. In lieu of working, a family may make a $30 donation to the league.

For information, call Joe Abbadessa at (352) 263-4488 or send email to shdixiebaseball@gmail.com.

UMPIRE CLINICS: The Hernando-Sumter Umpires Association has scheduled a set of baseball/softball umpiring clinics.

The clinics are designed to train anyone who wants to become an umpire, and the sessions also can help seasoned umpires improve. Clinics will take place Sunday and Jan. 22 at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill and Jan. 29 at Ridge Manor Park in Ridge Manor.

The sessions are open to men and women age 16 and older. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the clinics starting at noon. There is a $20 charge for each participant, and everyone will receive a Major League Baseball rule book, along with other handouts.

Visit hernandosumterumpire.com to register. For information, call (352) 593-6998 or send email to clinics@hernandosumterumpire.com.

HERNANDO HURRICANES BASEBALL: The Hernando Hurricanes will have an open tryout Jan. 15 for its 13-and-younger travel baseball team. The tryout will be from noon to 2 p.m. at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

The Hurricanes, a select travel baseball organization, has its own training facility. The team competes in the West Coast Florida League in the spring and in tournaments around the state sanctioned by United States Speciality Sports Association and Nations Baseball.

For information, call Jeff Lewis at (352) 442-2370 or send email to lewis104315@yahoo.com.

FIRST TEE GOLF: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is holding its First Tee golf program starting Jan. 17 and running for six weeks at the Quarry Golf Course, Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks and Silverthorn Country Club.

First Tee focuses on golf and life skills instruction. The juniors program strives to instill in participants the organization's nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

The cost is $60 per child, with ages 5 to 17 eligible. Preregistration is required. The program is accepting up to 10 participants per class.

Volunteers are also needed. Donations are welcome, including youth golf clubs, bags and balls. For information, call Miles Groff at (352) 540-3835 or send e-mail to mgroff@cityofbrooksville.us.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

Texas basketball standout Zach LeDay commits to USF Bulls

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Hours after USF men's basketball picked up a commitment from one Texas standout, the Bulls got another late Monday night, as Zach LeDay, a 6-foot-7, 212-pound forward from The Colony, Texas, committed after enjoying a campus visit with his friend and AAU teammate, combo guard DeMarcus Holland.

"I just committed to the University of South Florida," LeDay said in a voice mail left just before 11 p.m., shortly after his plane landed in Dallas.

On Monday afternoon, LeDay was close to committing, saying he wanted to talk about his decision with his mother first. He chooses the Bulls over Missouri, Vanderbilt, Fresno State and George Mason.

USF coach Stan Heath has traditionally had to scramble to land players in the spring signing period or even in summer after players transfer out of the program, but now his Class of 2012 is complete, with two commitments already on board for the 2013 class, putting the Bulls more ahead of schedule than they've ever been in the Big East era.

LeDay will likely be a power forward at USF, capable of stepping out for the occasional 3-pointer, much like current junior Toarlyn Fitzpatrick. He and Holland make it a five-member 2012 class, with three players already on board in junior college center Waverly Austin, junior college combo guard Musa Abdul-Aleem and Michigan prep guard JaVontae Hawkins. Heath recently picked up commitments for 2013 from Georgia AAU teammates John Egbunu, a 7-foot center, and point guard Drew Davis.


Florida Gators hire former IMG expert Jeff Dillman as new strength coach

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Florida coach Will Muschamp has hired Jeff Dillman, former Head of Physical Conditioning at the IMG Performance Institute in Bradenton, as the Gators' new Director of Strength & Conditioning.

Dillman also worked at Appalachian State where he oversaw teams during back-to-back national titles as the head strength and conditioning coach at in 2006 and 2007, and also served on the staff at LSU for its SEC and BCS Championships in 2003.

"I'm excited to have Jeff join our staff. He is a perfect fit for what we were looking for," Muschamp said. "He has trained athletes at the highest caliber on every level - from high school, to college to the NFL. Jeff knows what physical and mental tools are needed to be successful and has a developmental plan to make every player better. He has a championship pedigree and his results speak for themselves. He will be the catalyst for kick-starting our off-season program with the number one goal of making our football program a tougher program. We will be a blue-collar program built with toughness and Jeff is the man to lead that charge."

As the Head of Physical Conditioning at IMG Academies, Dillman oversaw the strength and conditioning programs for all youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes who trained at the Academy. Prior to his time at IMG, Dillman was the Director of Strength & Conditioning at his alma mater, Appalachian State University. He has also served as an Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning at LSU and Louisiana-Monroe.

Frosh strikes fear in Mountaineers

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

MIAMI — When Sammy Watkins arrived on Clemson's campus last summer and reported for a workout with other incoming freshman receivers, quarterback Tajh Boyd sent him out for a pass.

"I told him to run a post route, and I threw it and thought I overthrew him," Boyd said. "But his speed was so ridiculous. I was like, 'It doesn't get any better than that.' "

That completion offered a hint of things to come. Watkins set a school record with 1,153 yards receiving, was chosen a first-team All-American and helped the Tigers earn their first major bowl berth in 30 years.

Clemson faces West Virginia in a chilly Orange Bowl tonight, and Watkins is the player who most concerns the Mountaineers.

"Clemson's offense runs through Sammy," defensive back Eain Smith said. "You eliminate Sammy's big plays, you eliminate their offense."

Well, not entirely. Boyd set school records for yards passing, passing touchdowns and total offense. All-American Dwayne Allen won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end. Andre Ellington has rushed for 1,062 yards and 10 scores.

But everyone agrees that Watkins, 18, was the catalyst for a team that scored at least 35 points eight times. His first touchdown came 26 seconds into the season, and he finished the season with 12 scores, 77 receptions, 229 yards rushing and a kickoff return average of 26.3.

He became only the third true freshman to be selected a first-team All-American, joining Herschel Walker and Adrian Peterson.

"Somebody had better check his birth certificate," Allen said, "because there's no way this kid is 18."

The Tigers plan a feature role for Watkins in what should be another high-scoring bowl game. The forecast calls for temperatures in the 50s at kickoff, but Clemson and West Virginia still are likely to heat up the scoreboard because both teams are potent on offense and suspect on defense.

Both teams will have plenty of support from friends and family, because both recruit heavily in Florida. Watkins grew up across Alligator Alley in Fort Myers and will be matched against a former high school teammate, defensive back Brodrick Jenkins.

Watkins crossed paths with Jenkins back home over the holidays.

"The first thing he said to me is, 'You better get ready,' " Jenkins said. "I said, 'Bring it.' "

Captain's Corner: Trout will bunch up in colder weather

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By Tyson Wallerstein, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Big change in weather: A dramatic drop in temperature that started Sunday will have a big effect on fishing. A big cold front like this should bunch big trout up. Look for flats that slowly transition from sand bottom to sparse grass to hold schools of trout. In the morning trout will usually be deep out in the sand; use soft plastics rigged on a jig head. As the afternoon sun warms the grass bottom, trout will move to the edge of the grass or sandy potholes just inside of it. They respond well to a lightly weighted weed-less jerk bait.

Silver trout update: The beaches from John's Pass north to Indian Shores have been holding plenty of trout. Locate them by drifting with the wind and tide while bouncing brightly colored soft-plastic jigs off the bottom. In rough conditions, use a bottom machine. Schools typically hold near the bottom in 8 to 15 feet.

Fishing in the wind: Have a good stretch of docks where you can get out of the wind and get a rod bent. Sheepshead, black drum and redfish are under the docks. Often the south facing docks are most productive, as they get the most sunlight. Live shrimp and small split-shot are all you need here.

Tyson Wallerstein runs Inshore Fishing Charters in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area and can be reached at (727) 692-5868 and via email capt.tyson@hotmail.com.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coaching update: Day 1

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Top of the list

1. Jeff Fisher, former Titans coach

2. Mike Sherman, former Packers/Texas A&M coach

3. Mike Mularkey, offensive coordinator, Falcons

On the radar

1. Rob Chudzinski, offensive coordinator, Panthers

2. Jerry Gray, defensive coordinator, Titans

3. Tom Clements, quarterback coach, Packers

What's new

• Bucs arranging interviews with Sherman and Gray (who would satisfy the NFL rule requiring teams to interview a minority candidate).

• NFL Network's Jason La Canfora lists Sherman and Mularkey at the top of the Bucs' list. Suggests Fisher ends up in St. Louis and Chudzinski might be leading candidate in Jacksonville.

• Fisher interviewed with Miami on Tuesday and might be leading candidate in St. Louis.

• Fox analyst and former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson predicts via Twitter that Fisher will wind up with the Rams.

Our take

While the Bucs are open to coordinators and college coaches, it looks like they will lean toward candidates with NFL head coaching experience.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

Hunt for a head coach: Day 1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coaching update: Day 2

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Top of the list

1. Jeff Fisher, former Titans coach

2. Mike Sherman, former Packers/Texas A&M coach

3. Mike Mularkey, offensive coordinator, Falcons

On the radar

1. Rob Chudzinski, offensive coordinator, Panthers

2. Jerry Gray, defensive coordinator, Titans

3. Mike Zimmer, defensive coordinator, Bengals

What's new

• Gray reportedly to interview with Bucs today in Houston.

Miami Herald reports Dolphins are prepared to make Fisher a "lucrative" offer.

• Chiefs reportedly interview Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Dolphins might be interested in him as well.

• Rams reportedly interested in Todd Bowles, Miami's interim coach.

Our take

Interviews are about to commence, and the Bucs appear to be taking their search on the road (as they have in the past). There doesn't appear to be much of a rush or a designated front-runner.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

Hunt for a head coach: Day 2

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coaching update: Day 4

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Hunt for a head coach: Day 4

Top of the list

1. Mike Sherman, former Packers/Texas A&M coach

2. Mike Mularkey, offensive coordinator, Falcons

3. Jerry Gray, defensive coordinator, Titans

On the radar

1. Rob Chudzinski, offensive coordinator, Panthers

2. Mike Zimmer, defensive coordinator, Bengals

Our take

With Jeff Fisher out, the Bucs will watch the weekend games with interest since several potential candidates are employed by playoff teams.

What's new

Jeff Fisher told ESPN's Adam Schefter that he will make a decision between the Rams and Dolphins; not a candidate in Tampa Bay.

• Former Bucs coach Raheem Morris reportedly met with the Vikings about a position as defensive coordinator or assistant head coach/defense.

• Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schotten­heimer interviewed Friday with the Jaguars for their head coaching vacancy. Three more due in: Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.

• Reports say the Chiefs might have an interest in fired Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio.

• Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton interviews with the Rams, making them compliant with the Rooney Rule.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

Florida Gators hire former IMG official Jeff Dillman as director of strength and conditioning

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer and Times wires
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Will Muschamp hired Jeff Dillman, former head of physical conditioning at the IMG Performance Institute in Bradenton, as the Gators' director of strength and conditioning.

Dillman replaces Mickey Marotti, who left last month to join former coach Urban Meyer at Ohio State.

Dillman also worked at his alma mater Appalachian State, where he oversaw teams during back-to-back Division I-AA national titles as the head strength and conditioning coach in 2006 and 2007. He also served on the staff at LSU for its SEC and BCS championships in 2003.

"I'm excited to have Jeff join our staff," Muschamp said. "He is a perfect fit for what we were looking for. He has trained athletes at the highest caliber on every level — from high school, to college to the NFL. Jeff knows what physical and mental tools are needed to be successful and has a developmental plan to make every player better."

Around the nation

FAMILIAR PARTNERSHIP: Terry Bowden picked one of his dad's former assistants to help him revive Akron.

Bowden named former North Carolina State coach Chuck Amato as his defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Amato, 65, who took the Wolfpack to five bowl games from 2000-06, spent 21 seasons on Bobby Bowden's staff at FSU.

"I'm incredibly excited to be able to hire someone of Chuck Amato's caliber," Terry Bowden said. "When I interviewed for this job, I said that was the most important hire I could make would be bringing in a defensive coordinator that would have the experience, reputation and enthusiasm to build our defense. I will spend much of my time implementing the offense, so getting the right guy on defense was essential.

"From the very first moment, Chuck has been that guy."

ARIZONA ST.: Junior linebacker Vontaze Burfict will enter the NFL draft.

INDIANA: Former Arizona offensive coordinator Seth Littrell was hired for the same position.

KANSAS: Coach Charlie Weis tapped into his Notre Dame connections and hired Rob Ianello as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Ianello spent five seasons as an assistant under Weis in South Bend.

KENTUCKY: Coach Joker Phillips announced he has hired Mike Cassity to coach defensive backs to fill the spot left by Steve Brown. Cassity has 37 seasons of coaching experience, 22 as defensive coordinator.

MISSISSIPPI ST.: Junior defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, a first-team All-SEC pick, will enter the NFL draft.

NORTH CAROLINA: Coach Larry Fedora is bringing six members of his Southern Mississippi coaching staff with him to the ACC. Offensive assistants Blake Anderson, Walt Bell and Chris Kapilovic will join defensive assistants Deke Adams, Dan Disch and David Duggan with Fedora in his first season as head coach of the Tar Heels.

RUTGERS: Junior wide receiver Mohamed Sanu will enter the NFL draft after breaking Big East and school records with 115 catches.

STANFORD: Junior offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, projected as a high first-round pick, will enter the NFL draft.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.


Running back Darrell Scott to enter NFL draft after one year with USF Bulls

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

TAMPA — It is one-and-done for USF junior running back Darrell Scott, who said Tuesday he is forgoing his senior year with the Bulls to enter the NFL draft.

Scott rushed for a team-best 814 yards last season, but his best numbers came in September against lighter competition, with all six of his touchdowns coming in wins against Ball State, Florida A&M and UTEP. In eight games against BCS league competition, Scott did not rush for more than 100 yards in any game and did not score a touchdown.

Scott, who played only one season for USF after transferring from Colorado, is USF's third early-entry draft pick in as many years, following defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and receiver Carlton Mitchell in 2010. Scott has an NFL body at 6 feet 1, 239 pounds, but was limited by injuries in Big East play this season.

USF coach Skip Holtz addressed Scott's decision on Twitter.com, posting a simple "Good Luck Darrell Scott." Holtz hasn't had an underclassman who played for him leave for the NFL draft since Raghib "Rocket" Ismail at Notre Dame in 1991, when Holtz was wide receivers coach under his father, Lou.

The departure of Scott means USF will lean heavily on rising senior Demetris Murray and junior Marcus Shaw in 2012. Murray rushed for 503 yards and a team-best eight touchdowns in 2011, while Shaw had 38 yards in limited action.

Senior Victor Marc, who worked primarily at receiver last season, could see more time in the backfield as well. The Bulls also have seldom-used junior Bradley Battles and redshirt freshman Willie Davis as options that will get looks in spring practice.

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@tampabay.com and at (813) 226-3346.

College basketball preview: FSU Seminoles vs. Auburn Tigers

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Times staff
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

.TONIGHT

FSU vs. Auburn

When/where: 6; Donald L. Tucker Center, Tallahassee

Radio: 1040-AM

Records: Auburn 10-3, FSU 8-5

Notable: The Seminoles close out their nonconference schedule looking to snap their second skid of the season, including their second loss to an Ivy League school, 75-73 in triple overtime to Princeton on Friday. … The Tigers are one win shy of matching last year's total, though with a strength of schedule that ranks 337th in the nation.

Times staff

Bears ax GM Angelo, keep Smith as coach

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Bears borrowed a page from the Colts in end-of-season house cleaning: fire the GM and keep the coach.

Chicago won four division titles and reached the Super Bowl while Jerry Angelo was general manager. The Bears also crumbled in a big way this season.

So Angelo, a former Bucs director of player personnel, was fired Tuesday after 11 seasons. Coach Lovie Smith, a Bucs assistant from 1996-2000, will remain.

The Bears started 7-3 then finished 1-5, its fall marked by injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte and a drug scandal involving Sam Hurd.

One day after the Colts parted with vice chairman Bill Polian and his son, GM Chris, the Bears called for change after an 8-8 season.

Bears president Ted Phillips said Smith would keep his job, adding, "The one restriction that will be placed on any candidate is Lovie Smith's our head coach for 2012."

Phillips said he decided to let Angelo go on Monday and informed him the following morning.

"There's a lot of factors that I really don't want to get into all the delineation out of respect for Jerry because he's brought a lot to this team," Phillips said. "Ultimately, I want to bring in a general manager who understands Lovie's philosophy."

Angelo, signed through the 2013 season, also was an assistant coach at the University of Tampa when the Spartans had a football program.

The Bears also said offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Shane Day won't be back. Martz had an expiring contract, and there had been speculation he would be gone after two seasons.

Other comings and goings around the league:

• Chargers president Dean Spanos said coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith would be retained though San Diego missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

• Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said coach Andy Reid will return for his 14th season, though he left open the possibility for changes on the coaching staff. But owner Jeffrey Lurie said at a news conference: "If I didn't think next year would be substantially better, I'd be standing up here announcing a coaching change."

• The Vikings elevated Rick Spielman to general manager, promoting him from vice president of player personnel, which had been since May 2006.

• A San Francisco radio station reported that the Raiders fired defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan but the team denied it, according to Profootballtalk.com.

• The Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins recently contacted former Bucs coach Jon Gruden to gauge his interest in their coaching job — and that he was not interested.

BROWNS: Coach Pat Shurmur would not commit to quarterback Colt McCoy as his starter in 2012, leaving the team's plans open for speculation. McCoy started 13 games before sustaining a concussion and missing the last three.

JETS: The league is looking into an obscene gesture linebacker Bart Scott made toward a photographer in the locker room as the players cleaned out their lockers on Monday.

Ryan Malone latest Tampa Bay Lightning player sidelined by injury

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

TORONTO — Lightning coach Guy Boucher has talked about how this year has been marked with "tons of injuries, one after another."

And the latest injury, to wing Ryan Malone, came in an odd way.

Malone missed Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs and is day to day after suffering an undisclosed lower body injury in a collision with C Nate Thompson in Monday's practice. Malone was on the ice for Tuesday's optional morning skate, but came off early, and did not speak with reporters. The injury was a bit of a surprise to many, including Boucher, with the collision appearing innocent and happening in a non-contact drill.

"It was one of the last drills," Thompson said. "Perfect timing."

It's bad timing for a team missing D Victor Hedman (concussion) indefinitely; he's not on this three-game road trip. And D Mattias Ohlund (knees) hasn't played all season. Missing Malone is big, considering his size (6 feet 4, 224 pounds), and because he plays a key role in front of the net on the power play. Rookie J.T. Wyman got power-play time in Malone's absence.

"Happy New Year! It's been that way since Day 1 this year, so we are not going to cry about it," Boucher said of injuries. "We are going to move forward and continue to find ways like we've been doing."

Thompson, who missed five games with a lower body injury, was excited to return.

"It's great seeing the team win and doing well, but at the same time, you want to be part of it and want to help out," Thompson said. "It's always tough to watch, it's one thing to watch games and see from another angle. But after a few games, you get kind of sick of it and want to play."

WAITING GAME: Ohlund said he's not close to getting back on the ice, much less the lineup.

Ohlund has continued to rehab, but hasn't skated since November as he recovers from surgery on both of his knees to remove loose bodies. He acknowledges that a lot if it is pain tolerance, as there's nothing more surgically that can be done.

"It is obviously going slower than everybody was hoping, but it is what it is," Ohlund said Monday. "We are still trying to figure something out about the rehab and find the right solution."

STEPPING IN: G Mathieu Garon continues to get the most work, starting seven consecutive games and appearing in 27 of the team's 38. Garon, who entered the year the backup for No. 1 Dwayne Roloson, has played more than initially anticipated, Boucher admits, but Roloson got a chance Tuesday night.

When Garon was pulled 13:43 into the second, Roloson got his first action since Dec. 21. Roloson allowed three goals in 21 shots, and could start Thursday.

"He's been battling hard, and has had great practices," Boucher said. "He'll get in soon and I'm sure he'll be back on track."

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

Seton Hall solves UConn

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Times wires
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

NEWARK, N.J. — Jordan Theodore had all 19 of his points in the second half and Seton Hall ended almost 11 years of frustration by stunning No. 8 Connecticut 75-63 on Tuesday night in coach Kevin Willard's biggest win since taking over the program last season.

Herb Pope had 15 points and Fuquan Edwin and Aaron Cosby 12 each as the Pirates beat Connecticut (12-2, 2-1 Big East) for the first time since March 3, 2001, a span of 11 games.

Jeremy Lamb had 19 points for Connecticut, playing its final game without coach Jim Calhoun, who served a three-game NCAA suspension.

Associate head coach George Blaney ran the team in Calhoun's absence and picked up a crucial technical foul early in the second half for arguing with the officials on a non-call on a shot with his team down 10.

Theodore made both free throws, and that seemed to get him on track after he had missed his first seven shots.

With the Pirates leading 45-36 with just more than 12 minutes left, Theodore hit three 3-pointers and Cosby added another in a 12-6 spurt.

NO. 2 KENTUCKY 73, ARK.-LITTLE ROCK 51: Freshman Anthony Davis had 22 points and 16 rebounds, and the Wildcats (14-1) overcame a slow start with a 23-1 run at Freedom Hall.

NO. 6 OHIO ST. 71, NEBRASKA 40: Jared Sullinger had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the host Buckeyes (14-2, 2-1 Big Ten), who had little trouble shaking off Saturday's loss at Indiana.

NO. 7 MISSOURI 87, OKLAHOMA 49: Kim English had 23 points and nine rebounds and the host Tigers (14-0) hit 12 of 21 3-pointers in their Big 12 opener.

NO. 10 MICH. ST. 63, NO. 18 WISCONSIN 60, OT: Ryan Evans' apparent tying 3-pointer for the Badgers (12-4, 1-2 Big Ten) was overturned on an officials' replay review, allowing the visiting Spartans (14-2, 3-0) to win their 14th straight game.

NO. 11 LOUISVILLE 73, ST. JOHN'S 58: Russ Smith scored 17, and the visiting Cardinals (13-2, 1-1 Big East) snapped a two-game losing streak in their visit to Madison Square Garden.

FORDHAM 60, NO. 22 HARVARD 54: Bryan Smith had 22 points for the host Rams, who held the Crimson (12-2) to 37 percent shooting in their first win over a ranked team since 1978.

Women

USF 58, CINCINNATI 55: Jasmine Wynne had 16 points, Kaneisha Saunders added 13 and visiting Bulls (9-6) rallied in their Big East opener. USF trailed 36-29 early in the second half before going on a 12-0 run. The Bulls led the rest of the way. "I was just really proud of our guys," coach Jose Fernandez said.

NO. 6 TENN. 90, CHATTANOOGA 47: Ariel Massengale scored a season-high 19 and made all six of her shots to lead the host Volunteers (10-3).

NO. 14 LOUISVILLE 70, MARQUETTE 53: Shoni Schimmel scored 17 for the host Cardinals (13-2, 2-0 Big East), who finished on a 16-6 run.

NO. 20 DEPAUL 59, NO. 15 G'TOWN 50: The visiting Blue Demons (14-2, 2-0 Big East) won their sixth straight game and snapped an 11-game run by the Hoyas (12-3, 1-1).

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