By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Fab five

1. Falcons 2. Texans

3. Giants 4. 49ers

5. Ravens

Best bet

Broncos (3-3) over Saints (2-4)

The Saints have bounced back with two wins following an 0-4 start, but Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will continue his fourth-quarter magic.

Numbers game

57 Games decided by seven or fewer points, the most at this point in NFL history.

Eagles on the brink

One head has rolled in Philly. Longtime coach Andy Reid — himself on the hot seat — fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo on Oct. 16. Could benching quarterback Michael Vick, left, be next?

Vick has 13 turnovers, and the Eagles have lost three of four. Though rookie Nick Foles and veteran Trent Edwards aren't enticing options, the Eagles rank 30th in scoring offense at 17.2 per game.

Vick said Castillo's firing "sent a message" to players that if you're not performing up to standards, "you are just going to be sitting beside him."

Streaks of the week

Redskins linebacker London Fletcher's iron man streak of 231 games played is in jeopardy. Fletcher injured his hamstring last week against the Giants and also is dealing with a balance problem that led him to see a neurologist. Fletcher's streak spans 15 seasons and, entering today, is tied for first among active players with Bucs S Ronde Barber. Meanwhile, Titans left tackle Michael Roos' streak will end at 119 games after his appendicitis on Monday. And Jets linebacker Bart Scott's streak also might end at 119. He's doubtful with a hyperextended big toe.

The race question

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton continues to come under fire, last season's offensive rookie of the year scuffling and sulking after a 1-5 start. And Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, a former mentor of Newton, believes some of the criticism is race-related.

"I heard somebody compare him to Vince Young," Moon told Yahoo Sports. "It's the same old (stuff). It's always a comparison of one black to another black. I get tired of it. I get tired of defending it. I think people are overreacting. How can he be a bust? He just had one of the great years a rookie has ever had. And now he can't play? Come on."

Most disappointing team

The Lions were a popular playoff pick. And why not? They reached the postseason a year ago, when they started 5-0, with the potent combination of quarterback Matthew Stafford, left, and receiver Calvin Johnson having them look like a team on the rise. But Motor City is moping after a 2-4 start. All four losses are by eight points or fewer, but it doesn't take the sting away.

"There's no way I would've thought this," offensive lineman Rob Sims said. "We returned everybody on offense. We had one of the best offenses in the league last year. The work ethic is there. The fight is there. You figure that we're going to beat Tennessee. We're going to beat the other teams we've lost to. It's just ridiculous."

What they're saying

"We didn't like losing that first game at home. All the bright lights shined on us, and they came here and whupped our butt fair and square. They were definitely the better team that night, and we will show them who is the better team come (today)."

Giants safety Antrel Rolle, on today's game with the Cowboys, who beat them 24-17 in the season opener at the Meadowlands

Poll of the week

Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is racking up negative accolades. In a recent poll of fans conducted by Nielsen and E-Poll Market Research, Suh was named the league's most disliked player with just 19 percent appeal, according to Forbes.com. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was second and Eagles quarterback Michael Vick third. The most likeable was Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

Times wires, the Detroit Free Press and USA Today contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt's trash talk apparently matches up with his larger-than-life play on the field.

Last week, after Ravens 5-foot-8, 212-pound running back Ray Rice tried to block him, Watt quipped, "I've eaten burritos bigger than you."

Watt, 23, a second-year pro out of Wisconsin, has been one of the NFL's biggest stars this season. His league-leading 91/2 sacks and overall disruptive play make him an early MVP candidate.

"It's been a long journey, but it's been a lot of fun," he told USA Today.

Five years ago, Watt, 23, was taking classes at a community college in Waukesha, Wis., and working at a Pizza Hut when he had an epiphany. A 10-year-old boy asked the 6-5, 295-pound delivery guy why he wasn't playing football.

"That was a powerful day in my life, a humbling moment that reiterated my drive to be great and get to the top as a football player," Watt said.

Watt went on to star for the Badgers for two seasons before being the 11th overall pick in 2011 by Houston. And with end Mario Williams leaving via free agency and linebacker Brian Cushing lost for the season due to a torn ACL, Watt has been the driving force for the Texans defense.

With his large hands, long arms and leaping ability, Watt has 10 passes defended, and ESPN analyst Jon Gruden nicknamed him "J.J. Swatt."

"That J.J. Watt's the real deal," Jets coach Rex Ryan said. "You'd think the Knicks would pick him up, too, with all the shot blocking he did."

Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who has coached Reggie White and Bruce Smith, gave Watt the highest praise, saying he had Hall of Fame potential: "The only players I've seen that can do what he can do, with his intensity, can be found in Canton."

By Doug Hemmer, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 27, 2012

What's hot: The Internet is a great place to look for areas that have the best water temperature. My favorite site is Rutgers. Go to Google and click on sea surface water temperatures for the Gulf of Mexico. Click on the site that has the Rutgers imcs coastal ocean observation lab. Click on the square that covers our area. There will be multiple maps and dates that have different clarity. Depending on cloud cover, some will have color and others won't. Click on the one that has the best color lines. This works best for kingfish that like to hang out in 72-degree waters. At this time, most kings are north of our area. The water temperature off our coast is in the upper 70s. The 72-degree zone is 40 miles north. A cold front will move through today and drop morning temperatures into the 50s. This should drop the water temperatures and start the kings moving south to our area. Look for areas of dark blue that are surrounded by warmer water. These will be the best place to look for schooling kingfish.

Pro tips: You also can use Google to get fishing reports for areas north of us. You might find a report of great kingfish action off Hudson. You will then have a good idea where the run is. After a front, keep checking the water temperatures south of the area. The front will bring strong winds that dirty nearshore waters. Look for the magical 72 degrees farther offshore. If the winds stay out of the east, fish areas close to the beach.

Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 347-1389.

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Offensive MVPs

Trent Crawford, Anclote: The junior running back scored the winning touchdown on an 18-yard run in the fourth quarter that helped the Sharks stay in the playoff race with a 21-14 victory over Wesley Chapel.

Tyler Mahla, Springstead: The junior quarterback rushed for a career-high 151 yards on 15 carries. He ran for two touchdowns and threw for another in a 35-0 win over Mitchell.

Defensive MVPs

Jeremiah Jackson, Hernando: The junior linebacker had two sacks and a game-changing fumble recovery in a 14-7 win over Nature Coast. Jackson also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown.

C.C. Schroder, Hudson: The senior safety intercepted two passes in a 30-0 win over Gulf. Schroder has five interceptions this season.

Playoff picture

Class 5A, District 6: Pasco (8-0, 6-0) already has clinched its sixth consecutive trip to the playoffs, and the winner of the Pirates-Zephyrhills matchup wins the district championship. If Pasco wins, the runnerup spot is trickier. A Zephyrhills loss sends the Bulldogs into a three-way tie for second with Anclote and Fivay. That's assuming the Sharks and Falcons beat Hudson and Ridgewood, respectively. Got it?

Class 6A, District 6: This one is simple. Springstead clinched the district title with a 35-0 win over Mitchell. Hernando locked up the No. 2 seed and a third consecutive playoff appearance by beating Nature Coast.

New Seahawks record

Sunlake QB Josh Zifer broke his team's single-game rushing record set by teammate Eddie Burgos earlier this year. Zifer ran for 210 yards in a 35-9 win over River Ridge. That's 3 yards more than Burgos' 207 against Hudson. Coach Bill Browning said it's the first time in his 35 years of coaching that he can remember one of his players breaking a teammate's record set earlier in the year.

Weeki's district win

Weeki Wachee rallied from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Interlachen 29-22 in overtime in one of Friday's most entertaining games. Marcus Allen threw three touchdown passes to Jon King, and Jacob Cimino rushed for the winning score. The Class 4A, District 4 victory was the first district win in Hornets history.

In case you missed it

Land O'Lakes snapped a six-game losing streak, its worst since 1995, with a 31-14 win over Central. The Gators have struggled this fall but showed a promising future. Sophomore Larenz Scroggins rushed for a score and caught two touchdown passes from another sophomore, QB James Pensyl. Scroggins also had an interception late in the first half playing defense.

Unsung heroes

• Springstead RB Latavious Hannah rushed for 101 yards and a score in place of starter Daniel Wright (illness).

• Zephyrhills WR Jaylen Pickett racked up 100 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns in a must-win game.

• Fivay lost despite 100-yard nights from RB Davion Sutton (29 carries, 149 yards, one TD) and WR Andrew Meyer (10 catches, 157 yards, two TDs).

• Pasco's Janarion Grant (two TDs) and David Emmanuel (151 yards on seven carries) continue to shine, and so does the defense. Phillip Wilson and Jajuan Henry both returned interceptions for touchdowns in a 45-0 win over Ridgewood.

Injury update

Nature Coast senior RB Matt Breida said in a text message that doctors told him he should be able to play in the season finale against Springstead. Breida, Tampa Bay's No. 2 rusher, strained his back in the second half of a 14-7 loss to Hernando and did not return for precautionary reasons. The back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher has college offers from Toledo, Akron, UMass, Georgia Southern and others.

Three thoughts looking ahead

1. The 9-Mile War will be big. As always. The Pasco-Zephyrhills winner gets the Class 5A, District 6 championship, in addition to bragging rights in east Pasco County. The Pirates have looked unstoppable but haven't faced a team with Zephyrhills' athleticism. The Bulldogs have scored at least 34 points in five of their last six games but will have a hard time getting into the end zone against Tampa Bay's stingiest defense.

2. Class 6A, District 6 calms down. The playoff positions are set, but there are still interesting stories. Can Matt Breida and Nature Coast end Springstead's perfect season? Can River Ridge beat Land O'Lakes for the first time since coach Ryan Benjamin was a player? Will Hernando's defense crack down on Mitchell's run game?

3. Don't assume a three-way tie in Class 5A, District 6. Zephyrhills will be a big underdog against Pasco, but Fivay and Anclote aren't guaranteed victories. The Sharks face a much-improved Hudson team led by RB Noah Siegrist (154 yards, three TDs against Gulf) that has found confidence under coach Mark Kantor. Fivay faces Ridgewood, which nearly upset Zephyrhills this month and would love to spoil the Falcons' playoff hopes.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Lindback to Finland

Lightning goalie Anders Lindback will play for Ilves Tampere in Finland during the lockout, agent Michael Deutsch said Saturday. Lindback, whom Deutsch said is "chomping at the bit" to play with Tampa Bay, played just 38 games the past two seasons as backup to Nashville's Pekka Rinne. Lindback, acquired last summer, is the third Lightning player to head for Europe, after Victor Hedman (KHL's Astana Barys) and Adam Hall (Germany's Ravensburg).

Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer

Times wires
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Former commissioner Paul Tagliabue postponed the appeals hearing for the Saints' bounty scandal previously set for Tuesday because of the threat posed by Hurricane Sandy, ProFotoballTalk.com and CBSSports.com reported. Both reported Tagliabue hopes to set a new date Monday.

The Saints, with linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive lineman Will Smith, play tonight in Denver. But with the storm expected to hit the East Coast early this week, it might be impossible for the pair to travel to New York for the hearing. Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, who went on season-ending injured reserved last week, and defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, who remains a free agent, would not have been affected.

Tagliabue received the case after current commissioner Roger Goodell recused himself.

Until they meet with Tagliabue, Vilma and Smith are allowed to play.

Jaguars: Ex-Alabama standout John Parker Wilson was promoted from the practice squad, giving Jacksonville three active quarterbacks. Blaine Gabbert has an injured nonthrowing shoulder. The backup is Chad Henne.

Jets: Tight end Hayden Smith, an Australian who had played rugby and basketball but not football before signing in April, was activated from the practice squad. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder played basketball at Denver's Metropolitan State.

Ex-Buc sentenced: Running back Michael Bennett, who spent parts of 2007 and 2008 with the Bucs, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for wire fraud. Bennett, 34, who also spent time with the Vikings, Chiefs, Chargers and Raiders, pleaded guilty in Fort Lauderdale. Prosecutors say Bennett, ex-Hurricanes defensive tackle William Joseph and another man cashed about $500,000 in fraudulent tax refund checks. The other two pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

Times wires
Saturday, October 27, 2012

EJ Manuel threw for two touchdowns and Devonta Freeman ran for 104 yards and scored twice as the No. 11 Florida State Seminoles rolled to a 48-7 victory over the Duke Blue Devils Saturday in Tallahassee.

Manuel completed 8 of 16 passes for 282 yards, hitting Rashad Greene and Kelvin Benjamin for scores.

Freeman, who scored touchdowns of 9 and 14 yards, teamed with former Plant High star James Wilder Jr. to replace injured running back Chris Thompson.

Wilder finished with 70 yards on 13 carries. He scored on a 1-yard second quarter run.

With a head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over Clemson, the Seminoles (8-1, 5-1 ACC) moved into position to win the ACC Atlantic division because of N.C. State's loss to North Carolina.

Duke (6-3, 3-2) has never beaten FSU in 18 meetings.

The Seminoles have next Saturday off as the prepare to play at Virginia Tech Nov. 8.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

JACKSONVILLE — The realization quickly set in as the dejected Gators gathered in the locker room Saturday night: Now is when they will find out what they're made of.

No. 3 and undefeated Florida stumbled, struggled and made uncharacteristic mistakes that led to a 17-9 loss to No. 12 Georgia in front of 84,644 at EverBank Field.

It was Georgia's second straight win in the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" and the first time since 1988 (26-3) the Gators lost to the Bulldogs without scoring a touchdown.

Instead of earning their first SEC East title since 2009, the Gators' fate now rests in the hands of Georgia (7-1, 5-1 SEC). The Gators (7-1, 6-1) need a win over Missouri in their final conference game this week and a Georgia loss to Ole Miss or Auburn to reach the SEC title game.

Also gone will be the No. 2 ranking in the BCS standings.

What's left is four games and many questions about where this team goes from here.

"I told the team in the locker room: 'You've won well together. Now we'll find out how you handle adversity as a football team,' " Florida coach Will Muschamp said. "We've done that very well in my time. We've got a bunch of down guys in the locker room, and I totally understand that. But we've got to regroup here.

"We have good leadership on our football team, and I think we'll be fine. We just need to push through this. There's no question there's a lot of football to play. Very disappointed with the outcome of the game but not disappointed with the effort. We've got to move forward."

Despite all of its mistakes, Florida was in the game until the final two minutes. When junior tight end Jordan Reed caught a pass from sophomore Jeff Driskel and ran toward the end zone, the team that had come from behind in five of its seven games seemed poised to do it again.

But as Reed leaped toward the end zone, linebacker Jarvis Jones knocked the ball loose at the 5 and cornerback Sanders Commings recovered with 2:05 left, sealing Georgia's win.

Reed was in tears after the game, but his teammates rushed to his defense.

"He wasn't the only one that had tears in his eyes. Everybody had tears," junior right guard Jon Halapio said. "Everybody was disappointed. But the biggest difference between this team and last year's team is that we're actually pulling together during this adversity.

"We're not pointing fingers at each other. We're not blaming this person for losing the game. It wasn't one play that lost the game for us."

It was, as linebacker Jon Bostic said, "just not meant to be" for the Gators. Florida entered the game with four turnovers all season, then committed six against Georgia. Driskel was 14-of-26 for 185 yards but had two interceptions and two fumbles that led to 10 points for the Bulldogs.

Yet the Gators were never more than one touchdown from the lead until late in the game. With Georgia leading 10-9, Aaron Murray threw a 5-yard pass to Malcolm Mitchell that was ruled incomplete. The play was overturned upon review. On the next play, Murray connected with Mitchell for a 45-yard touchdown with 7:11 remaining.

Georgia held the Gators to 266 total yards and Jones, who had four sacks in last year's 24-20 win, finished with 13 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Now the challenge of moving on begins for Florida, which saw its eight-game winning streak, dating to the Gator Bowl in January, snapped.

"The game of football is about overcoming adversity," Driskel said. "You're going to have tough times. It's never going to be that perfect picture in front of you. We're going to have to look at ourselves in the mirror and tighten things up this week and go out next week and play a good game."

By Joey Knight and Joel Anderson, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sunday morning quarterback: Super 7

1. Plant (7-1): Panthers topple Armwood for the first time since 2009 and strengthen their hold on top spot.

2. Robinson (8-0): Knights cross the bay and come back with their record unblemished and contender credentials established.

3. Hillsborough (7-1): Have to feel for Terriers, who won the district title on the field but may have to compete in a tiebreaker (see story at left).

4. Durant (8-0): Cougars clinch 7A, District 8 title and appear headed for 10-0.

5. Armwood (6-3): Even in defeat, the Hawks are encouraged by their offensive progress against Plant.

6. Wharton (6-2): Wildcats host Alonso next with a playoff berth at stake.

7. Jefferson (4-4): Dragons finally get back to .500 (on the field) after enduring a rugged slate to start the season.

In the conversation: Tampa Bay Tech (6-2), Sickles (5-3), Alonso (5-3), Tampa Catholic (6-2), Gaither (6-2)

Ticket punched

County teams that have clinched playoff spots:

• Plant (8A-6 champion)

• Durant (7A-8 champion)

• Hillsborough (6A-8 champion)*

• Armwood (6A-8 runnerup)*

• Robinson (5A-8 champion)

* If Jefferson is found to have used an ineligible player and forfeits wins, Hillsborough and Armwood may have to play a tiebreaker involving Sickles.

Unsung

Guys we should've appreciated more:

Armwood DL Zeric Coleman. He had two sacks, a handful of QB pressures and generally wreaked havoc on Plant's usually prolific offense. Armwood held the Panthers to 169 yards, fewer than half their average.

Hillsborough CB/RB Jeremiah Green. The senior made the most of his few opportunities on offense in a 46-7 rout of King. Green had four touches, scoring three times: a 35-yard run, a 27-yard catch and a two-point conversion.

Spoto RB Andrew Henry. Filling in for injured starter Eric Moate, the senior fullback rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in a 13-3 win over Lennard.

Steinbrenner LB Logan McKnight. He made a one-handed interception at the Wiregrass Ranch 10 and returned it for a TD.

Tampa Bay Tech K Austin Miller. The senior made field goals of 22, 27 and 42 yards in a 37-point romp over Freedom.

By the numbers

18 Combined margin of victory in the last four Chamberlain-Gaither games (each has won two)

156 Games Armwood has played since it last lost consecutive games, dating to September 2001

339 Yards by which Tampa Bay Tech outgained Freedom by in its 37-0 win. The Titans finished with 410 yards of offense and held the Patriots to 71.

Compiled by Joey Knight and Joel Anderson, Times staff writers

Audibles

"I tell you what, our defense has been maligned over the last couple of years, but they were big today. … Our defense came up huge in this game." — Lane McLaughlin, Carrollwood Day coach, whose team allowed one fourth-quarter first down to Indian Rocks Christian

"We had seven or eight players quit, we were without our middle linebacker, (leading rusher) Xavier (Johnson) went down in the first half and we just kept believing. The next man needed to step up and that's what we do." — D.J. Mayo, Chamberlain coach, on his team's 19-17 upset of Gaither

"This is the game I've been looking forward to more than John Curtis, more than Jesuit, more than all those other teams. I'm happy to go out as a senior beating Armwood," — Reeves Rogers, Plant S/LB after the Panthers notched their first win over Armwood since 2009

Saturday, October 27, 2012

More online: seminoles.tampabay.com

Who: Miami

SCORE: FSU 33-20

RECORDS: FSU 7-1, 4-1 ACC Miami 4-4, 3-2 ACC

Who: Duke

SCORE: FSU 48-7

RECORDS: FSU 8-1, 5-1 ACC Duke 6-3, 3-2 ACC

Who: Va. Tech

Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Va.

When: 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Maryland

Where: Byrd Stadium, College Park, Md.

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Florida

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Boston College

SCOre: FSU 51-7

RECORDS: FSU 6-1, 3-1 ACC Boston College 1-5, 0-3 ACC

Who: N.C. St.

SCOre: N.C. State 17-16

records: FSU 5-1, 2-1 ACC N.C. State 4-2, 1-1 ACC

Who: Murray State

Score: FSU 69-3

Records: FSU 1-0, 0-0 ACC Murray State, 0-1, 0-0 Ohio Valley

Who: Savannah State

Score: FSU 55-0

Records: FSU 2-0, 0-0 ACC Savannah State, 0-2, 0-0 MEAC

Who: Wake Forest

Score: FSU 52-0

Records: FSU 3-0, 1-0 ACC Wake Forest 2-1, 1-1 ACC

Who: Clemson

Score: FSU 49-37

Records: FSU 4-0, 2-0 ACC Clemson 3-1, 0-1 ACC

Who: USF

score: FSU 30-17

records: FSU 5-0, 2-0 ACC USF 2-3, 0-1 Big East

Times wires
Saturday, October 27, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Bo Van Pelt flirted with a rare 59 in a third round that was close to impeccable until the last hole at the CIMB Classic.

Van Pelt had four birdies in the first six holes then five in a row from the eighth. He had two more birdies on the par-71 Mines Resort and Golf Club course on Saturday and needed one more to join an elite club to go under 60. Only five players have done it in a PGA Tour sanctioned event.

But he hit his approach into the greenside bunker and needed three putts, finishing with double bogey for 9-under 62 and a share of the third-round lead with Robert Garrigus at 16 under.

"Obviously disappointed to finish with a double bogey," Van Pelt said, "but I'm really proud of the 171/2 holes I played and hopefully that'll carry over into (today), and not the last half."

Van Pelt was seven strokes behind overnight leader Garrigus going into the third round but got his CIMB title defense back on track with a superb round.

"I don't think I missed a fairway on the front nine," he said. "My irons were pretty sharp, and the putter, I had been close all week, and today they were going in. They weren't burning the edge."

Garrigus, who had a two-stroke lead after the second round, opened with two bogeys but finished with three birdies for 69 and a 54-hole total of 197.

Tiger Woods started with five birdies in the first eight holes but had three bogeys and double-bogey on the back nine and finished at 69 to be in a group of five players tied at 11 under.

CHAMPIONS: Mark Calcavecchia shot 3-under 69 to increase his lead to four strokes after the second round of the AT&T Championship in San Antonio. Calcavecchia, three strokes ahead after the completion of the rain-delayed first round, had an 8-under 136 total. Kenny Perry was in second place after his second straight 70.

LPGA: Inbee Park of South Korea shot 8-under 64 to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the Taiwan Championship in Yang Mei. Park had two eagles and five birdies and was at 18-under 198 at the Sunrise Golf and Country Club. Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse and Tampa resident Kristy McPherson both shot 72 and are at 2-over 218.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Hubris and hurt feelings. That is pretty much what the NHL lockout has come down to.

The owners, taking a page from the 2004-05 lockout, are confident if they play hardball long enough, the players will cave. The players, still seething about the 24 percent pay cut they swallowed after the last lockout, recoil at the thought of another 12 percent cut.

Commissioner Gary Bettman, the unyielding face of the league's squash-'em-like-a-bug effort, has the support of at least the most militant owners.

Union head Donald Fehr has sold his members on solidarity, reminding them fractures among players during the last lockout sapped their strength to resist.

It seems a lot to overcome. Really, though, the sides are not that far apart, and that is what makes this so maddening.

Both agree the split of league revenue is going to be 50-50. The owners want it immediately. The players, who took 57 percent of revenue last season, want the decrease to be gradual. Players also want contracts honored. That's reasonable, given that owners were sufficiently flush in the two days before the lockout began to sign players to contracts worth about $200 million.

For the most part, that's it. Canada's Globe and Mail reported the difference in the opposing positions in a five-year collective bargaining agreement might be as little as $300 million — relative chump change.

Even President Barack Obama, on television with NBC's Jay Leno, chided the very wealthy owners and very well-paid players for being unable to carve up a record $3.3 billion in revenue during a time of national economic stress.

Yet, we have this: games canceled through Nov. 30 — that's 600 to 800 part-time workers at the Tampa Bay Times Forum out of game-day jobs — no negotiations since Oct. 18, none planned and both sides blaming the other in the media.

Sad.

It's difficult to have sympathy for the owners. Their initial offer of a 43 to 46 percent revenue share for players was unnecessarily hostile. Their unwillingness to meet with the players association last week was unnecessarily petulant. And they failed to tell the union leadership they recently provided a 48-hour window during which owners and general managers could speak to players. That simply amped up the players' already substantial distrust of their employers.

It is the players, too, who are proposing plans that would cost themselves hundreds of millions of dollars over the life of an agreement. And you can't help but wonder if this whole thing could have been avoided had owners been more charitable with revenue sharing to help financially troubled franchises.

That said, the union didn't help matters by waiting until Aug. 14, one month before the old agreement expired, to make its initial proposal. And perhaps the recently received escrow checks of about 8 percent of last season's salaries have provided it just enough cushion to call the bluff of owners who hoped a lack of paychecks would cause players to submit.

Either way, watching billionaires and millionaires fight over how to split a gigantic pot of money has been unseemly. And what likely will be either a shortened season or no season at all is a permanent stain for the league.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

More online: blogs.tampabay.com/gators

Who: South Carolina

Result: UF 44-11

Records: UF 7-0, 6-0 SEC

South Carolina 6-2, 4-2 SEC

Who: Georgia

Result: Georgia 17-9

Records: UF 7-1, 6-1 SEC

Georgia 7-1, 5-1 SEC

Who: Missouri

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

When: TBA

TV: ESPN, ESPN2 or Ch. 10

Radio: 620-AM

Who: La.-Lafayette

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 620-AM

Who: Jacksonville State

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 620-AM

Who: FSU

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee.

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 620-AM

Who: Bowling Green

RESULT: UF 27-14

RECORDS: UF 1-0, 0-0 SEC;

Murray State 0-1, 0-0 MAC

Who: Texas A&M

RESULT: UF 20-17

RECORDS: UF 2-0, 1-0 SEC;

Texas A&M 0-1, 0-1 SEC

Who: Tennessee

RESULT: UF 37-20

RECORDS: UF 3-0, 2-0 SEC;

Tennessee 2-1, 0-1 SEC

Who: Kentucky

RESULT: UF 38-0

RECORDS: UF 4-0, 3-0 SEC;

Kentucky 1-3, 0-1 SEC

Who: LSU

RESULT: UF 14-6

RECORDS: UF 5-0, 4-0 SEC;

LSU 5-1, 1-1 SEC

Who: Vandy

Result: UF 31-17

Records: UF 6-0, 5-0 SEC

Vandy 2-4, 1-3 SEC

By Bob Putnam and Rodney Page, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, October 27, 2012

Super 7

1. Largo (8-0, 4-0): Clinched eighth straight district title and won 30th straight district game with dominating performance against Lakewood Ranch.

2. Countryside (3-6, 2-2): Sure, the Cougars had to forfeit six games, but it's hard to knock them down in this ranking considering what they've done on the field.

3. Lakewood (7-1, 6-1): Can't see dropping the Spartans after staying with a state championship-caliber Robinson team in a district loss.

4. East Lake (6-2, 2-0): Eagles have the week off to prepare for Class 8A, District 7 showdown with Palm Harbor University.

5. CC Catholic (7-1, 2-0): Another strong defensive effort against Lemon Bay gives Marauders their fourth shutout this season.

6. Palm Harbor University (6-2, 2-0): Used the bye week trying to devise ways to slow East Lake's passing game with district title on the line.

7. Osceola (6-3, 3-1): Secured a winning season with a win over Dixie Hollins and now plays Lakewood Ranch for the runnerup spot in Class 6A, District 7.

Offensive MVP

Derek Barnes, Calvary Christian: The running back scored four rushing touchdowns, all on runs of 40 yards or longer, to help his team beat Bradenton Christian and keep its playoff hopes alive in Class 2A, District 5.

Defensive MVP

Robert Hedgeman, Dunedin: Led defense that held Middleton to negative yards on offense and one first down via a penalty. He had six tackles, three for loss, and caused a fumble.

Breakout player

Denzal Dillard, Boca Ciega: Had two touchdown runs against Tarpon Springs, one for 38 yards and one for 15, to help lead Boca Ciega to its second win of the season.

Five things we learned

1. Largo is on a run that deserves notice. The Packers secured their eighth straight district championship with a 38-0 win over Lakewood Ranch.

2. Osceola can make the playoffs with a win next week, thanks to a formidable running attack. The Warriors rushed for 296 yards and six touchdowns against Dixie Hollins. Do that again and the playoffs are a lock.

3. Clearwater Central Catholic can win with defense. The Marauders have four shutouts and have now held two teams to fewer than 100 yards of offense.

4. Dunedin is turning it around. After starting 1-3, the Falcons have won three of their past four and should finish with a winning record considering they play Lennard and Dixie Hollins the last two weeks.

5. Northeast took advantage of its second chance at the playoffs. With Countryside's forfeits, the Vikings needed a win against Seminole. They won 35-0. And how about this second quarter: Northeast scored on runs of 97 and 77 yards by Keith Harrington, and 95 yards by Ryan Davis.

District look-ahead

Friday is the last week of district play. A look at how they shape up:

Already decided

8A-7: Palm Harbor U. and East Lake are atop the four-team district. The only thing left to decide is who is champ. That will be answered Friday.

5A-8: Robinson is the champ, Lakewood is the runnerup. Even if Lakewood were to lose Friday, it still has the tiebreaker over Jesuit.

Battle for second

6A-7: Largo is the champ. What matters is Friday's game between Osceola and Lakewood Ranch. The winner goes to the playoffs, the loser does not.

3A-5: Clearwater Central Catholic is the champ. Tampa Catholic and Berkeley Prep play Friday for the second playoff spot.

Up for grabs

7A-9: Countryside's forfeits confuse things. Northeast and Pinellas Park are both 3-1 in the district with winnable games Friday. Northeast plays at Clearwater and Pinellas Park is at Seminole. Assuming both win, Pinellas Park is champion, Northeast is second. If Pinellas Park were to lose and Countryside beats St. Petersburg, then Countryside could slip into the second playoff spot. If Northeast were to lose and Pinellas Park wins, Northeast still gets the second playoff spot. It will take another week to figure this one out.

2A-5: Admiral Farragut plays Cambridge Christian on Friday. If the Blue Jackets win, they are the champs. Carrollwood Day plays Calvary Christian. If the Warriors win they are in the playoffs because they own tiebreakers over Indian Rocks Christian and Carrollwood Day. If Carrollwood Day wins, it will be guaranteed no worse than a runnerup spot.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

tom jones' two cents

The NBA season tips off Tuesday, so here's Two Cents' preview of the 2012-13 season.

Three teams to beat in the East

Miami Heat

The defending champs return the Big Three — Dwyane Wade (above right), Chris Bosh (far left) and, yep, the best player on the planet in LeBron James (second from left) — then added to it by signing super shooter Ray Allen (second from right). If you think Allen was effective in Boston, wait till you see the open shots he'll get playing with James and Wade slashing to the hoop. Some are wondering if this team can win 73 to break the NBA record. That won't happen, but pencil it into the Finals. Actually, go ahead and use a pen.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics might not really be the second-best team in the conference, but they are second here because they are the one team that might actually challenge the Heat because they match up well. The downside is they lost Ray Allen. Worse, they lost Allen to the Heat. But Rajon Rondo, left, gives the Celtics a big edge at point guard. The big concern is whether Boston can squeeze one more healthy season from its old men — 36-year-old Kevin Garnett and 35-year-old Paul Pierce.

Indiana Pacers

I was tempted to put the Knicks in this slot, but there is something about the Pacers, who gave the Heat fits in last season's playoffs. Roy Hibbert, left, is a major force down low and Danny Granger and David West are nice scorers. The bench was revamped, and the Pacers will be a tough out for anyone come playoff time. This is a good team in the true sense of the word, but I'd feel even better about the Pacers if they had that elite star who could take over when the rest of the team needs him.

Three teams to beat in the West

Los Angeles Lakers

The Heat has the Big Three and the Lakers now have the Big Four: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and new additions Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, left. But just like the Heat, the Lakers might need some time to mesh. It remains to be seen if Howard can coexist with Bryant, but if everyone checks his ego and lets Nash do his thing and distribute the ball, this team is good enough to win it all, provided Bryant stays healthy.

Oklahoma City Thunder

With all the offseason moves around the league, particularly with the Lakers, you almost forget that the Thunder reached the Finals last season. All the talent remains, including stars Kevin Durant, left, and Russell Westbrook. But the big question is this: Will last season's loss in the Finals fuel the Thunder, or will the Thunder spend half the season thinking about last season's Finals?

San Antonio Spurs

Don't count the Spurs out just yet even though Tim Duncan (above left) is 35, Manu Ginobili is 35 and Tony Parker (right) is now 30. But maybe you've already forgotten that the Spurs, counted out last season, too, tied for the best record in the league, and that was during a compressed season. They didn't do a lot in the offseason, but don't underestimate the heart of these veterans.

Three on the rise

Brooklyn Nets

A new building, new uniforms, a new name and a new attitude make for a whole new team. In fact, it feels like a whole new team as the Nets move from New Jersey to Brooklyn, N.Y. The Nets didn't land Dwight Howard as they hoped, but they picked up Joe Johnson, who should blend in nicely with leader Deron Williams. Brook Lopez is vastly underrated in the post, and this team plays excellent defense. They still have to earn some postseason stripes, but this is a solid little team.

Golden State Warriors

This is a team that went 23-43 last season. Don't expect a complete turnaround. In fact, this team will struggle to make the playoffs. It all comes down to health. Andrew Bogut hopes to play at some point after ankle surgery last season and Stephen Curry has missed most of the preseason. But if this team can get healthy, it has a chance to be a bubble team. There's a lot to like about this team, including former Gator David Lee.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers went 46-20 last season, so it seems odd to consider them a team on the rise. But they have a chance to be even better than last season because Blake Griffin gets better every day and the team added Grant Hill and Lamar Odom. The Clippers still remain the second-best team in Los Angeles, but they aren't a laughingstock anymore.

Three on the decline

Orlando Magic

This is a no-brainer, right? The Magic parted ways with Dwight Howard and seems headed straight for a lottery pick. In fact, there's already a buzz that the Magic will start trading off what few decent parts it has left as the season rolls along. Such a shame because Magic fans and that beautiful Amway Center deserve better than a rebuilding project that likely will take several seasons to come to fruition.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls will make the playoffs, but they won't go in tied with the best record in the league, as they did a season ago. That's because former MVP Derrick Rose likely won't play until after the All-Star break. There's plenty of talent left, but the uncertainly of Rose's health makes this a team that isn't as good as last season when it was very good.

Phoenix Suns

Losing Steve Nash cripples the Suns. Goran Dragic will try to step in as point guard, and he's not bad. But he's no Nash. Actually, who is? Nash still ranks as one of the game's top point guards and improves every player he plays with. Dragic can't be expected to do the same. Plus, how good is he supposed to make Michael Beasley?

Awards

MVP: LeBron James, Heat

Coach of the year: Avery Johnson, Nets

Rookie of the year: Anthony Davis, Hornets (left)

Defensive player of the year: Dwight Howard, Lakers

Playoffs

East: Heat, Celtics, Pacers, Knicks, Nets, 76ers, Bulls, Hawks

West: Lakers, Thunder, Spurs, Clippers, Nuggets, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Warriors

Finals: Heat over the Lakers

Times wires
Saturday, October 27, 2012

NBA

Thunder sends harden south to rockets

OKLAHOMA CITY — Unable to work out a contract extension with guard James Harden, the Thunder traded last season's sixth man of the year to the Rockets on Saturday night, breaking up the young core of the defending Western Conference champion.

The Thunder acquired guards Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb, two first-round draft picks and a second-round pick in the surprising deal. Oklahoma City also sent center Cole Aldrich, and forwards Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward to Houston.

The Oct. 31 deadline to extend Harden, 23, or allow him to become a restricted free agent in July had been hanging over the Thunder.

"Our ownership group again showed their commitment to the organization with several significant offers," GM Sam Presti said in a statement. "We were unable to reach a mutual agreement."

Around the league: The Magic waived forwards Quentin Richardson, Justin Harper and Chris Johnson, and exercised the contract option on 7-footer Nikola Vucevic. … Adam Morrison, the No. 3 pick in the 2006 draft by the Bobcats, was waived by the Blazers.

Tennis

Serena to meet Sharapova in final

Serena Williams cruised into the final of the WTA Championships at Istanbul by beating Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2, 6-1 and plays Maria Sharapova for her third title in the season-ending event today.

Sharapova beat Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-2 a day after Azarenka had made sure of finishing the year as the top-ranked player. Sharapova will finish No. 2.

Radwanska spent more than eight hours on the court in her previous three matches. Williams required less than five to win her three round-robin matches.

"I definitely had an idea that she was tired," Williams said.

Swiss Indoors: Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro advanced to the final in Basel. Top-ranked Federer brushed aside Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5, 6-4 after Del Potro eased to a 6-2, 6-2 win over third seed Richard Gasquet.

et cetera

alpine skiing: Tina Maze of Slovenia, runnerup to American Lindsey Vonn for last season's overall World Cup title, won the season-opening giant slalom at Soelden, Austria. Vonn went out of the race in the second run after hooking a gate and sliding off the course.

Figure skating: Spain's Javier Fernandez won the men's title at Skate Canada in Windsor, Ontario, upsetting two-time world champion Patrick Chan of Canada.

greyhounds: Flying Dimarco, Flying Observer, Flying Soriano and Lily Rose won first-round races in the $20,000 Fall Sprint Juvenile Stakes at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. Qualifying resumes Wednesday night.

Soccer: Manchester City and Arsenal responded to midweek Champions League setbacks with 1-0 wins in the English Premier League over Swansea and winless Queens Park Rangers, respectively. The City-Swansea match was the longest since the league's inception in 1992, with more than 12 minutes of stoppage time after injuries to Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm and City defender Micah Richards. … In MLS, San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski scored his 27th goal of the season in a 1-1 tie with host Portland, tying the league season record set by Roy Lassiter of the now-defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times wires

Times staff
Saturday, October 27, 2012

SPRINT CUP SCOUTING REPORT

Martinsville Speedway

What/where/when/TV: Tums Fast Relief 500; Martinsville, Va.; 2 today; ESPN

Brad Keselowski's Chase lead over Jimmie Johnson held steady at seven points last weekend after neither got the result he wanted at Kansas. Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne all stayed within striking distance. Johnson owns six victories at Martinsville, and Hamlin has won there four times in the past nine Cup races. Jeff Gordon leads active drivers with seven wins at NASCAR's shortest track but the last was in 2005. He and the other drivers currently out of the top five in points are running out of time to be serious Chase contenders in the final three races. Even after two wins in the past three races, Matt Kenseth is still having a tough time overcoming his slow Chase start and is ninth, 65 points back.

Times staff

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

DETROIT — Max Scherzer spoke enthusiastically, and convincingly, Saturday of his excitement to pitch tonight for the Tigers in the World Series.

"The start of a lifetime," he called it.

But Scherzer will also do so with sadness, as he has 20 other times this year since the devastating June news that his younger brother, Alex, had killed himself.

"That was the most difficult time of my life," Scherzer said, softly. "For me, I just learned to live life as happy as I can. Put a smile on everybody's face. For my family, when I play baseball, it puts a smile on everybody's face."

That was why two days after, Scherzer rejoined the Tigers in Pittsburgh and pitched. Painfully, more so than he imagined, Alex on his mind literally with each of his 100 pitches. His family had told him he should go, that it would be good for him. He said he'd do it, but only if they came, too, so his parents, an aunt and a cousin went with. That he lost, 4-1, far from mattered.

"I'm glad I pitched," he said. "That was the most difficult start I ever made. … (But) it was an important thing at that time for my family for me to be able to go out there and do that."

Three days later, Max spoke for the first time about his brother, who was 24 and had recently earned an MBA from the University of Missouri and begun working for Morgan Stanley in St. Louis.

He read from a statement about Alex's brilliance and great sense of humor. Of how he always knew how to leave Max with a smile on his face, or laughing out loud. Of their regular debates — over sports, politics, or anything else — and how Alex always insisted he was right.

"Alex made this world a better place and anybody I have ever talked to that knew him could only say how much fun they had being around him," Scherzer said. "Alex was the best brother I could have asked for and he will always be missed."

Scherzer, 28, started two days later at the Trop and beat the Rays, headed home to St. Louis for a memorial service and has been back with the team ever since.

Despite some minor injuries — a hamstring he tweaked running at the Trop, a sore shoulder, an ankle he tweaked in the Tigers' division-clinching celebration — he has pitched incredibly well: 10-2, 2.61 from the Rays win on, plus two strong playoff starts, going 1-0, 0.82 with 18 strikeouts vs. the A's and the clincher against the Yankees. He says the difference is better fastball location.

His teammates marvel at how he has gone forward.

"It's a testament to him and his family," DH Delmon Young said. "That's one of the hardest things you'll ever have to deal with in life, and it can destroy you throughout the whole season. Especially being gone on the road, sitting in your room, and dwelling on it. But I think since that point on he's been one of the best pitchers in baseball."

"I commend him for being able to pull through and perform the way he has," starter Doug Fister said. "Finding a sense of normalcy is a big thing, and I think coming to work every day and being able to come to the ballpark has really helped him out."

As horrible as the experience has been, Scherzer said he, too, has found some solace.

"I'm playing the game I love," Scherzer said. "Life goes on no matter what happens. And the sun always comes up, so you better have a positive outlook on life, and a positive outlook on what to do with your life. So for me, right now, playing baseball puts a smile on everybody's face."

Times wires
Saturday, October 27, 2012

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Gio Bernard fielded the punt, saw nothing but blue jerseys to his right and headed that direction with the final seconds ticking away. He didn't stop until he reached the end zone — and halted North Carolina's five-year losing streak to its biggest rival.

Bernard returned a punt 74 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 13 seconds left Saturday to give the Tar Heels a 43-35 win against N.C. State.

"I still can't believe it," Bernard said. "I'm still shaking right now."

North Carolina hadn't beaten the Wolfpack since 2006, one year before Tom O'Brien took over in Raleigh. It still hasn't lost six straight in the series that began in 1894.

"This wasn't just a regular win," senior defensive tackle Sylvester Williams said. "This wasn't us going out and playing against any other school. This was a team we wanted to beat and we've been harping on beating all year."

Mike Glennon threw for 467 yards and five touchdowns for the Wolfpack, which led 35-25 after his 55-yard pass to Bryan Underwood with 39 seconds left in the third. The Tar Heels tied it on Casey Barth's 34-yard field goal with 1:24 left. Then they forced a three-and-out.

"I think I've never heard it that quiet (in the locker room) in my five years here," said Wolfpack cornerback C.J. Wilson, whose team had won two straight, including an upset of Florida State. "It hurts. People are upset."

BC 20, Maryland 17: Chase Rettig hit Johnathan Coleman for a 14-yard touchdown with 52 seconds left to lift the host Eagles. Boston College's only other win this season came against I-AA Maine. "It's a confirmation to me of what we believe in and what those kids have in them," coach Frank Spaziani said. "They're young, and they need to have (a win) like that." Caleb Rowe, a freshman playing because of injuries to Maryland's three other quarterbacks, rallied it from down 13-0 and hit Stefon Diggs for a 66-yard score midway through the fourth to give it the lead. "We're down 13-nothing, and the kids really could have packed it in and mailed it in," coach Randy Edsall said. "But they didn't."

BYU 41, Ga. Tech 17: Jamaal Williams scored four touchdowns for the visiting Cougars. The Yellow Jackets ran for 117 yards, 223 below their season average, and failed to score an offensive touchdown for the first time since 2008. "We worked overtime (during practice)," BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said of facing Tech's triple-option offense. "I give our players credit for the extra time and energy they spent to really be assignment-sound. I'm not sure I've ever been more proud of a defensive group." Williams' 39-yard touchdown catch put BYU up 38-17. Said Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson: "We flat out got our tails whipped."

Times wires
Saturday, October 27, 2012

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Brad Keselowski talks as though racing is still business as usual.

The 28-year-old leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase for the Championship. And while his margin over five-time champion Jimmie Johnson is a mere seven points, and Denny Hamlin is only 20 points out, Keselowski quickly dismisses talk that being chased in the Chase means pressure.

"I know in my shoes, I feel good about our situation," Keselowski said. "I love the way we performed over the last few weekends, really over the Chase. You want to win every race and obviously that hasn't happened, but that's not realistic either. But we've been fortunate to win two races and be in contention for others."

That might be harder to do today in the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway, where Johnson is on the pole, Hamlin starts fifth and the two have combined to win 10 times. Keselowski, meantime, has never finished better than ninth and will roll off 32nd, back where on-track mayhem can ruin a driver's day quickly.

Johnson and Hamlin, though, have both started back in the field here and rallied for good finishes. Just this spring Johnson started 22nd here and was in contention before fading to 12th.

He'd love to see Keselowski struggle early because the leader typically reaches the tail end of the field and starts lapping cars within 20 laps on the 0.536-mile track. That makes it critical for a contender starting near the back to get out of that situation as quickly as possible.

"You have got to go," Johnson said. "Everybody around you has that same mentality too, so it can be pretty cut throat back there. The priority is to get going."

Hamlin started 19th here in March 2010 and rallied for his second of three straight wins.

"Ultimately, at the start of races, when you start getting into each other, things happen a little bit worse back there because of the chain reaction," Hamlin said. "Usually if you have a good car, and you don't get in trouble, it takes your second or third run, you'll find yourself in the top five."

Even if Keselowski rallies to contend on NASCAR's oldest, trickiest and shortest oval, Hamlin figures the air of calm about the season's final three races will be harder to maintain the longer it lasts.

"You can put that iron-clad armor around you, and think that it's not going to affect you, but it will eventually," Hamlin said. "It doesn't matter whether you are going from the divisional game to the championship series, it just continues to build and get harder to block out everything that you hear.

"You are thinking about all of your dreams coming true in just a matter of weeks. That definitely will affect you. It's just how you let it affect you, whether it be a positive or negative," he said.

Hamlin was third in points in 2006 and second two years ago. He and Keselowski share the series lead with five victories and Hamlin thinks No. 6 would put him right in the thick of contention.

"This place will build momentum, or it will take (it away)," he said. "You just hope you are on the first side of that."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012

TAMPA

When Bucs players opened the door to their hotel rooms at the Depot Renaissance in Minneapolis on Wednesday, they found the televisions tuned to an analog station playing a continuous loop of the Vikings' first six games. The motivational device was ordered and arranged by coach Greg Schiano.

That is an example of the lengths to which Schiano will go to ensure every little detail is taken care of to prepare his team. (The room thermostat was set at 68 degrees, which may or may not have been his doing.)

The hardest thing to do in the NFL is to win on the road. It's even more difficult to win on the road during a short week. The Bucs did both with their 36-17 win Thursday night.

Before that, road teams were 1-5 in Thursday night games, the lone exception being in Week 2 when the Giants beat the Panthers.

For all the great performances against the Vikings — including Doug Martin's 214 total yards and two touchdowns, and Josh Freeman's three touchdown passes — the Bucs may have won the game between Sunday night and Wednesday.

Schiano, known for his rugged, uptempo practices and toes-on-the-line disciplinary tactics, did a very smart thing. He was just as concerned about giving his players time to physically recover from a tough 35-28 loss to the Saints as he was preparing them mentally for the Vikings.

"We took everything off them as far as helmet and shoulder pads, but they worked," Schiano said. "It wasn't full sprint, but they really paid attention to detail, and I think they prepared both in the meeting room, and you heard them talking throughout the week. … They did an excellent job in their preparation, and it showed.

"It's no mystery about the short week, going on the road and all that stuff. We got into that locker room right after the (Saints) game. Everybody was so disappointed. I'm just so happy for our players and our fans because (the Saints loss) was a hard one. … That game a week ago was really tough, so I'm happy for our fans back in Tampa (who) got to enjoy (the win)."

RUSHING BOWERS: The Bucs' defense needed a lift, and defensive end Da'Quan Bowers may be the guy who provided it.

Having made an impressive recovery from a torn right Achilles he sustained in May, Bowers was activated a few hours before kickoff Thursday. After losing defensive end Adrian Clayborn to a season-ending knee injury, the Bucs' pass rush stalled. Tampa Bay entered Thursday with only eight sacks and on pace to finish with fewer than the 23 that was worst in the NFL a year ago.

Bowers played a dozen snaps and was credited with one of the Bucs' three sacks Thursday when he jumped atop the Vikings' Christian Ponder after the quarterback mishandled a bad snap. The Bucs had a good plan of stunts and twists that produced one-on-one opportunities for tackle Gerald McCoy and end Michael Bennett, who recorded his fifth sack of the season.

But as Bowers gets into better shape, he should be a force and prevent teams from sliding protection toward McCoy.

"The pass rush was good," Bennett said. "We had a lot more one-on-ones this week. They did some chips but not as much as the Saints did.

"Bowers is Bowers. He did a great job coming off the injury, and they limited his snaps to get him back into the rotation. In a couple weeks he'll be right where he left off."

TRADE WINDS: The trading deadline is Tuesday. Will the Bucs be buyers or sellers? Most likely, they'll remain on the sideline.

However, there is speculation that running back LeGarrette Blount could be on the trading block.

Martin has established himself as the Bucs' premier back and didn't look any worse for wear after 29 carries Thursday. He also looked pretty determined and powerful during a 2-yard touchdown run. D.J. Ware is the Bucs' third-down back. Blount has had short yardage failures and wasn't used in goal-line situations Thursday.

Blount's role seems to have been reduced to spelling Martin and closing out games in the fourth quarter when the Bucs have a lead. Former Colts GM Bill Polian speculated a good landing spot for Blount would be the Raiders.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com and heard from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays on WDAE-AM 620. Follow him on Twitter at @NFLStroud.