Anthony Salveggi, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 2, 2012

PINELLAS PARK — For the first time in 15 years, Pinellas Park can boast that it's a district champion, taking the Class 7A-9 title with a 35-14 win over Seminole.

"It's great for the kids," coach Ken Crawford said. "They did a great job. They played so hard."

Pinellas Park (6-3) led 21-0 in the second quarter after TD runs of 30 and 52 yards by Tahrelle Mosley.

The Warhawks (2-7) got a 21-yard TD run by Justin Coley in the third quarter. But Garrett Nevitt answered with a 15-yard TD. He finished with 117 yards.

The game was delayed for a half hour in the third quarter when Patriots defensive back Josh Dallas hit Seminole's Brandon Haley as he reached for a pass. Haley, whose head appeared to take the brunt of the collision, left on a stretcher but gave a thumbs-up sign.

Anthony Salveggi, Times correspondent

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 2, 2012

SPRING HILL — A berth in the postseason may not be in the cards for Nature Coast, but the next best thing for the Sharks was going into Booster Stadium and denying rival Springstead its perfect season.

The Eagles were upset Friday night by Nature Coast 14-7 in front of a capacity crowd on hand to witness history.

Playing in his final prep contest, Sharks star tailback Matt Breida bounced back from a back injury sustained last week against Hernando to shoulder the load. The stout Springstead defense had stopped the best running backs the North Suncoast has had to offer, but Breida became only the second player to rush for 100 yards against the Eagles, carrying the ball 17 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

"We wanted to have some diversity in the running game between (Dominique) Rawlins, (Dylan) Savoury and Breida," Nature Coast coach Charles Liggett said, "and I think we did a good job of that."

Springstead (9-1) didn't have much success offensively, with quarterback Tyler Mahla struggling. Although he rushed for 100 yards on 17 carries, Mahla's two interceptions caused the Eagles to lose the turnover battle.

"We moved the ball well, but we made some bad decisions at times," Springstead coach Bill Vonada said. "They have a lot of speed on defense so you can't make those kinds of mistakes."

Liggett did a solid job of preparing Nature Coast (6-4) defensively for the Springstead option attack. Defensive end Rohan Blackwood was seemingly always in the best position to make a play and got his 14th sack of the season, among the state leaders.

The Eagles were shut out the first three quarters, and a 67-yard touchdown run from Breida with 4:20 left seemed to be the nail in the coffin for Springstead's hopes at 10-0. Mahla bounced back with a four passes downfield and a 3-yard touchdown run from Nic Pasarela to give the team and fans hope.

The onside kick failed, but Springstead held Nature Coast and got the ball back for one last gasp with just more than one minute left to play. A few completions from Mahla set up a Hail Mary opportunity with 3.5 seconds on the clock. The ball was tipped by tight end Luke McLeod at the 3, who held his head in his hand in disappointment.

Colby Cole, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 2, 2012

TARPON SPRINGS — Largo defeated Tarpon Springs 49-7 to remain perfect behind a strong effort Friday on both sides of the ball. The Packers outgained the Spongers 302-121. The Spongers (3-7, 1-4) got 82 yards against Largo's backups.

Juwan Brown led the offense with 131 yards passing and three touchdowns. His top targets were Reggie Campbell and Raheem Harvey. Campbell caught a 33-yard touchdown and had 58 yards on three receptions. Harvey had three catches for 52 yards. Largo (9-0, 5-0) led 35-0 at halftime.

Largo lost a fumble on the opening kickoff, which was recovered at Largo's 30. Tarpon gave it right back on the first play on a fumble.

Jarvis Stewart got the Packers on the board with a 5-yard run in the first quarter.

Colby Cole, Times correspondent

By Todd Foley, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 2, 2012

TAMPA — Nobody would have guessed eight years ago when coach Robert Weiner took the Plant job that Friday night would be his 100th win for the program. But even then, Weiner had an idea Plant could make waves.

"I remember sitting in our auditorium with our staff (on) Day One saying we could have the pieces in place to win a state championship," he said. "But this run has exceeded anybody's expectations, including mine."

Forty-nine of those wins, three trips to state and two state titles have come with the current group of seniors who got Weiner's 100th win, soundly defeating Bloomingdale 51-20 at home. In Plant's 28-point second quarter, Aaron Banks threw TD passes of 49 and 73 yards and ran for a 36-yard score.

Todd Foley, Times correspondent

Max Martinez, Time Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

GULFPORT — Dixie Hollins took to the air against Class 6A, District 7 rival Boca Ciega, but turnovers doomed the Rebels, who fell to 0-9, 0-5 after a 24-12 loss.

Quarterback Tyrie Adams fumbled inside the Boca Ciega 30-yard line on the Rebels' opening drive. The Pirates (4-5, 2-3) took advantage as a leaping Devin Riley snagged Savion Smith's 34-yard pass, falling into the end zone. Caleb McCullough extended Boca Ciega's lead in the second quarter on a 2-yard run.

Trailing 14-6 in the third, Rebels defensive lineman Martez Smalls got an interception, but Adams' deep pass was picked off at the 1. Adams was 16-for-27 for 194 yards and one touchdown, a one-handed grab by James Redner-Gilmartin in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 21-12. But Adams was picked off again at midfield late.

Max Martinez, Times correspondent

Nathan Cowan, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

BRADENTON — Two seasons ago, Osceola went winless.

Last season, the Warriors were knocked out of playoff contention by Bradenton Lakewood Ranch. Friday, sitting in the same position, the Warriors reached the playoffs for the first time since 2006 with a 29-20 win.

"This is all the hard work paying off," quarterback Andrew Matyk said. "We were 0-10 one year, and now it's all coming together."

The Warriors scored on their first drive, going 68 yards on nine plays capped by Quadarius Patterson's 13-yard run.

Lakewood Ranch answered right back and added a two-point conversion to make the score 8-7.

Osceola again marched down the field, taking 16 plays to cover 75 yards. Again, Patterson scored, this time from a yard out. The Warriors went for two and converted to take a 15-8 lead.

The Warriors forced a three-and-out but gave the ball back after a drive stalled. The Mustangs scored just before halftime on a 19-yard run. But their conversion failed, and they trailed 15-14.

After a scoreless third, Osceola took over. After stopping Lakewood Ranch on fourth down, the Warriors used three plays to go 60 yards, including Austin Lawrence's 22-yard touchdown run.

The Warriors forced a three-an-out, and Matyk sealed it with an 11-yard touchdown run.

"I figured Coach would call it soon," Matyk said. "We had been setting it up all night."

The Mustangs scored on a hook-and-lateral but missed the conversion and did not see the ball again.

Said Warriors coach George Palmer: "It's nice when you set a goal at the beginning of the season and have to opportunity to make the playoffs."

Bobby Winsler, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

GIBSONTON — East Bay (4-5, 3-2) held on to an early seven-point lead to edge Brandon (1-8, 1-4) 7-6 Friday. However, Newsome's easy win over Plant City secured the Wolves' place ahead of the Indians for 7A-8 runnerup.

The game remained scoreless until the second quarter when East Bay's Chris Carpentier found Brandon Byrd for a 63-yard touchdown. Carpentier was perfect on his first four passes.

After not punting the first half, the Indians (4-5, 3-2) were forced to kick it away the first two series of the second and fumbled away the ball on the third series. Brandon had fourth and 4 at the 9-yard line with less than 61/2 minutes remaining trailing by four. The team settled for a field goal.

The Eagles defense held but the special teams let a punt bounce over the returner's head and roll to the 9. Brandon (1-8, 1-4) turned it over on downs at midfield.

Bobby Winsler, Times correspondent

Lauren Burg, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

CLEARWATER — Spencer Rice's interception led to Jordan Leston hitting Devijion Smith for the winning touchdown with 20 seconds remaining, propelling Clearwater to a 34-27 upset win over Northeast, but the Vikings still are the district runnerup.

Leston was 12-of-25 passing for 183 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 67 yards and two TDs for the Tornadoes (3-6, 2-3). Smith had five receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns. He had the third and final interception of Northeast's Ryan Davis as well.

The Tornadoes held junior running backs Keith Harrington and Donterio Fowler to less than 100 yards rushing. Harrington (10 rushes, 73 yards) and Davis (20 for 79) each had a TD for the Vikings (7-3, 3-2) and Devon Neath returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown.

Lauren Burg, Times correspondent

Joe Polito, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

TAMPA — Two Cambridge seniors lead an offensive explosion that knocked 2011 state finalist Admiral Farragut out of the playoffs in a 68-45 stunner.

In their last game as Lancers, Brandon Park and Robbie Robertson combined for 10 TDs and 396 receiving yards. Each senior also had an interception and combined for 145 rushing yards.

Farragut (8-2, 6-2) couldn't keep up with the aerial attack of Cambridge (6-4, 4-4), led by sophomore Garrett Young's 419 yards on 21-of-28 passing and seven TDs. Todd Macon had touchdown runs of 42 and 37 yards, but was otherwise limited by the Cambridge defense. He finished with 137 yards on 17 carries, and Kevon Woods added 113 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

For the second year in a row, Cambridge coach Bob Dare fooled the Admiral Farragut defense with the same trick play. Park pretended to go to the sideline, but stayed in bounds. Young tossed him the ball, and he went 81 yards untouched for a touchdown that put the Lancers up 18 heading into halftime.

"Everything seemed to click — I don't think anything we called in the first half didn't work," Dare said. "Those two were the playmakers. It was pretty obvious."

Joe Polito, Times correspondent

Michael Paonessa, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

RIVERVIEW – Durant improved to 9-0 by routing Riverview 57-27.

Durant (5-0 in 7A-8) had 159 total yards by halftime as running back Chris Atkins had 124 yards and a score in building a 29-10 lead.

Running back Zach Hooper took over in the second half, scoring on a 22-yard run and a 48-yard reception. Hooper finished with 146 total yards and three TDs.

The Cougars forced four fumbles and the special teams added a 15-yard blocked punt return for a TD.

Durant turned the ball over three times and mishandling kick returns. "Despite the score and outcome we played a sloppy game," coach Mike Gottman said. "… We have to fix our mistakes."

Michael Paonessa, Times correspondent

Christian Sandler, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

TAMPA — On the first play from scrimmage Friday, sophomore Ray Ray McCloud took a handoff 42 yards for a touchdown, and Sickles defeated Leto 51-6.

McCloud rushed for 104 yards on five carries in the first half. Senior Nate Mills went 3 of 6 with a pair of touchdowns to receiver Bilal Salat in the first half. Six Gryphons (6-3, 4-2) found the end zone.

"We wanted to try to get guys that hadn't played all year in the game," coach Brian Turner said.

To open the second half, defensive back Anthony Janezic intercepted Adner Grajales and returned the ball 28 yards for a touchdown.

Amoreto Curraj provided the points for Leto (0-10, 0-6), making field goals of 29 and 46 yards.

Christian Sandler, Times correspondent

Miles Parks, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

TAMPA — Shaquille Speights scored his fourth touchdown Friday with five seconds remaining, pushing Jefferson (5-4, 4-2) to an emotional comeback win, 35-31 over Strawberry Crest (3-6, 1-5).

The Dragons overcame a pesky Chargers squad, but a looming FHSAA ruling that could result in three forfeited wins awaits.

"We knew going into the game that we were set up for an upset," Jefferson coach Jeremy Earle said. "As much as you try to avoid it, there we were. Staring at it right in our faces."

Strawberry Crest took a 31-28 lead with less than two minutes left. Dragons quarterback Deiondre Porter ran for 45 yards on the deciding drive and his toss to Speights sealed it. The senior tailback rushed for three other scores.

Miles Parks, Times correspondent

Phillip Haywood, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

LARGO — Before Friday's game, Shorecrest coach Dave Moore talked about playing for pride, since the Chargers are not affiliated with a district and can't make the postseason. And they listened, beating Indian Rocks Christian (6-3, 6-2) — which is in the playoffs as the Class 2A, District 5 runnerup — 34-32.

Aaren Johnson and Garrett Schulte paced the ground game for Shorecrest (6-3), combining for 212 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

"It was a great effort for our kids, and the whole staff did a great job." Moore said. "Tonight we really beat a good football team."

Indian Rocks Christian got two touchdowns and 129 yards rushing from Zeke McGaughy. Theo Anderson added 68 and a TD.

Phillip Haywood, Times correspondent

Andy Warrener, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

CLEARWATER — On a night when Carrollwood Day had it all on the line, star senior tailback Robert Davis delivered with 246 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries en route to a 54-28 victory over host Calvary Christian that clinched the Class 2A, District 5 title for the Patriots.

The Patriots (9-1) scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, jumping to a 28-7 halftime lead. The Warriors answered in the second half by scoring on their first two drives to get within 28-21 but that was as close as they came.

Davis got his first ever carries on an artificial surface and was unstoppable. Davis had 150 yards in just the first half. When he was in open space, it took all 11 Warriors to bring him down or chase him out of bounds.

Davis benefited from some good blocking up front as well. On his last touchdown run of the night, in the fourth quarter, of 16 yards, he got outside with senior Adam Morse in front of him.

"Adam was a bulldozer out there, that corner was afraid to get in front of him," Davis said. "I decided I was going to get on that pony and ride it."

Davis had plenty of help. Carrollwood Day senior quarterback Vidal Woodruff threw for three touchdowns and ran for two, senior Andy Embody caught two touchdowns and had an interception, senior Dominiq Sicardo scored and the Patriot defense stood tall in the fourth quarter, shutting out Calvary (5-4), which sought its first playoff appearance.

"Our defense was the difference this year, we scored all those points last year and didn't make the playoffs," McLaughlin said.

By virtue of Admiral Farragut's loss to Cambridge, CDS will host the program's first playoff game on Oct. 16 against Moore Haven.

Jacob Stewart, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

RIVERVIEW — Lakewood (8-1, 7-1) survived 16 penalties and four turnovers Friday night, defeating Spoto (3-6, 3-5) 34-17. The playoff-bound Spartans led just 20-14 at halftime and saw their lead trimmed to three before senior Rodney Adams took over. He finished with 52 yards passing and nine carries for 111 yards en route to three total touchdowns. Senior Laterian Latimer added 88 yards on 12 carries.

"They were saying to keep playing as brothers," said Adams. "We made some adjustments (at halftime) and kept playing together as a team."

Lakewood's defense caused four turnovers, assisting an offense that struggled early to remain disciplined. Senior Shane Allen picked off Spoto's Aaron Haynes to stop their opponent's final drive.

Jacob Stewart, Times correspondent

Mike McCollum, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

TAMPA — Gibbs quarterback Emmanuel Stewart threw a 30-yard touchdown heave to Kendrick Battle on the last play of regulation to tie, and then Stewart ran in a botched extra-point attempt hold to stun Blake 28-26.

Stewart bobbled the hold on the extra-point attempt, but he scooped up the ball and ran around the left side into the corner for two points and the victory.

Less than five minutes before, running back DeAndre James had given Blake a 26-13 lead with a 70-yard TD run.

But after a fourth-down penalty by Blake prolonged a Gibbs drive, Patric Jones threw a 25-yard TD pass to Battle to pull within six.

Due to poor clock management and penalties, Blake was forced to turn the ball back over to Gibbs with only a few seconds left.

Mike McCollum, Times correspondent

Times staff, wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor told his team Saturday he would retire at the end of the season.

Taylor, 62, is in his fifth season with the Rattlers, who finish the season Nov. 17 in the Florida Classic against rival Bethune-Cookman.

"We didn't want to announce it too early because I don't want a whole lot of fanfare," Taylor told the Tallahassee Democrat after the team meeting in Greensboro, N.C., where FAMU plays North Carolina A&T. "There are three games remaining, and I just want them to enjoy the last three."

FAMU entered the day 3-5 on the season, giving Taylor a 35-18 record at the school. His career mark is 233-95 with his longest stint at Hampton University (1992-2007).

Athletic director Derek Horne told the Democrat he was surprised by the decision.

"I've learned a lot from him," Horne said. "He has made an impact on a number of lives. He's thought about his decision, and we're going to celebrate what he's done; he's done a great job for young men and college athletics."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

GAINESVILLE — In the NCAA basketball tournament, coaches like to refer to it as "survive and advance." It's the philosophy of doing whatever it takes to ensure a victory. Doesn't have to be pretty. Fancy's not necessary either.

Saturday afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the Florida Gators had a little bit of that mentality — with survival as the ultimate goal.

First-year SEC member Missouri pushed No. 8 Florida to the brink, but once again the Gator defense rose to the occasion, holding off a threat in the final 26 seconds to secure a 14-7 victory in front of 90,496.

"That's actually a great feeling to know that at some point in time, with the game on the line, we're about to show: Is their offense better than our defense?" Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd said. "Can their offense make better plays than our defense coming in? I like that. And that's how we play."

With the Gators (8-1, 7-1 SEC) holding precariously to a 14-7 lead, Florida's opportunity to seal the win in the final 1:49 failed when Brad Phillips, in for injured kicker Caleb Sturgis, sailed a 24-yard field goal attempt wide right. Missouri (4-5, 1-5) took over and, led by quarterback James Franklin, drove to the Gators 21-yard line. But on fourth and 6, Florida senior safety Josh Evans intercepted Franklin with five seconds left.

"I always tell (defensive players) they are the firemen and they have to go put out the fire," Florida coach Will Muschamp said. "No matter how bad it is blazing, go put it out. When you go onto the field, your job is to stop them. … It is an opportunity for greatness when you have to make a stop on the goal line. If you want to be great, be put in that situation and do it."

The Gator defense battled out of difficult situations all day. In five of Missouri's final six drives, the Gators ended scoring threats with a blocked field goal, a sack, and three interceptions — by safety Matt Elam, linebacker Jon Bostic and Evans.

Missouri gained 335 yards, 99 rushing. But Franklin, who has battled arm and knee injuries all season, had four interceptions, and the Tigers were 1-for-2 in the red zone.

"We have all these plays in the red zone where we just didn't convert on them," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said.

As Florida's defense held things together, the offense again continued to try to find its way, finishing with 170 rushing yards and 106 passing.

The Gators trailed 7-0 at halftime, only the second time this season they were shut out in the first half. When tight end Omarius Hines scored on a 36-yard run with 9:03 remaining in the third quarter to tie the score, the Gators had gone six quarters without a touchdown. Quarterback Jeff Driskel's screen pass to running back Mike Gillislee, who took it in for a 45-yard score, gave Florida the go-ahead touchdown.

Muschamp said he realizes the offense isn't where it needs to be — UF has trailed at halftime in four of its eight wins, tied for most in Division I-A — but for now, "we're doing what we need to be doing to win football games."

Driskel agreed.

"I'm not apologizing for victories, not at all," Driskel said.

Florida has seven SEC victories for the 12th time — the most in the league since 1991. The Gators overcame the disappointment of last weekend's loss to Georgia and the absence of several key players on Saturday.

"It shows we're really going to play with heart, and not just go out there and try to play with just athleticism," center Jonotthan Harrison said. "We're going to play from deep down inside, and if we want to be a successful team, we have to play for each other."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Head of the class?

The day's biggest showdown might be the Giants and Steelers, where two of the league's best comeback artists, Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger, left, and New York QB Eli Manning, go head to head.

The two have been linked since getting drafted in 2004. Roethlisberger (taken 11th) admitted he tried to outshine the younger Manning (taken first) but appreciates their place in history.

After all, both have two Super Bowl rings.

"As I've gotten older, it's more neat to see (Manning's) success, to see him getting two Super Bowls, because I think it just adds to the legacy of our draft class," Roethlisberger told the Newark Star-Ledger.

"And all four quarterbacks — Matt Schaub, Philip (Rivers), myself and Eli — that were drafted there, I hope we can play well enough that one day they talk about us as maybe the best quarterback draft class of all time."

Roethlisberger makes an interesting point.

Their four combined rings are more than the much-hyped 1983 class of John Elway, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino and Ken O'Brien.

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

Midseason report

Throughout the first half of the season, there have been plenty of story lines and surprises. And, believe it or not, none involve Tim Tebow. The Saints have struggled to overcome the bounty scandal, but Peyton Manning has made a Mile High rise in his comeback with the Broncos. The real refs are back, but several stars, such as Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, have been lost to injury. A few more sat due to suspensions for (they say) using Adderall, which is apparently all the rage these days. Touted picks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III have been as advertised as has Bears combustible QB Jay Cutler, who is calling out linemen and carving up defenses for the NFC North leaders. The picks for the NFL's top awards.

MVP

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt deserves some consideration for his disruptive domination. But let's face it: This is typically an offensive award. The Broncos' Peyton Manning, who leads the league in quarterback rating (109.0) might get into this mix. But for now, this one goes to Falcons QB Matt Ryan, above, the best player on the league's best (and only remaining undefeated) team.

Offensive player of the year

The Vikings' Adrian Peterson is a "freak of nature," his QB, Christian Ponder, says, returning from reconstructive knee surgery to lead the league in rushing. The Texans' Arian Foster continues to be a workhorse back. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is carrying an injury-riddled, aging team on his back. But the Packers' Aaron Rodgers, above, the reigning MVP, gets the nod, leading the league with 21 touchdown passes and sitting right behind Manning in quarterback rating (107.9).

Defensive player of the year

This one is a slam dunk. Watt, above, has been larger than life for the Texans, racking up a league-high 91/2 sacks and 10 pass deflections. The second-year star out of Wisconsin has made Houston forget about its former top pick, end Mario Williams, who returns today for the first time since signing a megadeal with Buffalo.

Rookie of the year

The Bucs have exciting running back Doug Martin, above, the first-round pick from Boise State who earned offensive rookie of the month honors for October. The Redskins' Alfred Morris, as the Bucs can attest, is a handful. The seventh-round pick from Florida Atlantic leads rookies with 717 rushing yards. This award, however, is likely to go to Griffin or Luck. Both can seemingly do it all, and whoever ends up with more wins could get the top prize. On the defensive side, Patriots end Chandler Jones leads rookies in sacks (six) and forced fumbles (three).

Coach of the year

Lovie Smith has the Bears, surprisingly, on top of the NFC North with his defense a big reason. The Giants' Tom Coughlin could win this award more often than he does, and the defending Super Bowl champs have won six of seven. But while the Falcons' Mike Smith hasn't proved it in the playoffs yet, he knows how to win in the regular season and could get top honors if he keeps them on top.

Fab five

1. Falcons 2. Texans

3. Giants 4. 49ers

5. bears

Best bet

Eagles (3-4) over Saints (2-5)

Eagles QB Michael Vick's job could be on the line. And he plays like it, leading his team to a huge win in the Superdome on Monday.

Comparison of the week

Redskins rookie Robert Griffin III has been compared with the Panthers' Cam Newton since his college days.

The two exciting, dual threats won Heismans, were drafted high and dubbed franchise quarterbacks. But as Griffin (taken second overall in April) faces Newton (taken first overall in 2011) today, he would rather be compared with different kinds of quarterbacks: winners.

"We do run similar schemes," Griffin told the Washington Post. "But I'd rather be compared to Aaron Rodgers or a guy like that; someone who's won Super Bowls. You want to go out there and win, and that's our biggest goal. It's not about me versus Cam Newton. It's about us getting the win and getting to 4-5 going into the bye week."

Milestone watch

The Broncos' Peyton Manning could again put himself in the record books today against the Bengals. He seeks to pass for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns for the fifth consecutive game. That would tie Hall of Famer Steve Young for the longest streak in NFL history. Young did his in the first five games of 1998.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Times staff writer Greg Auman previews the men's college basketball season:

Five players to watch

1. Cody Zeller 7-0 C, Indiana

Here's that rare chip on the shoulder when a player misses being a unanimous preseason All-American by a single vote. By all accounts, the postseason vote won't be so divided. You know you've arrived in Indiana basketball when rival fans set up fake Twitter accounts for you, like @thebighandsome.

2. Nerlens Noel 6-10 F, Kentucky

From John Calipari's national title in New Orleans to his next great phenom. Last year's national high school player of the year won't turn 19 until two days after the national title game in Atlanta. He averaged 3.9 blocks as a high school senior in Massachusetts. Calipari will soon celebrate the final home game with "Freshman Day" to honor stars departing for the NBA draft.

3. Deshaun Thomas 6-7 F, Ohio State

Here's a Hoosier who got away from his home state after being Indiana Mr. Basketball 2010. He had the highest scoring average in last year's NCAA Tournament at 19.2 points per game. Though he's from Fort Wayne, expect a big deal when Ohio State plays in Bloomington on March 5 in a late-season showdown.

4. Isaiah Canaan 6-0 G, Murray State

He's prolific on Twitter, with more than 25,000 tweets @SiP03, and he's as dangerous on the court, having topped 30 points four times as a junior. He went 4-for-17 from the field in a second-round loss to Marquette, so this will be a motivated Racer leading the mid-major charge.

5. Shabazz Muhammad 6-6 G/F, UCLA

The coveted freshman might be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, but he's still waiting to hear from the NCAA if he's eligible to play this season. He and freshman point guard Kyle Anderson could be Ben Howland's return to the spotlight; if they're both on board, the Bruins become the team to beat in the Pac-12.

Five teams to watch

1. Indiana: Cody Zeller has two brothers in the NBA in former UNC star Tyler and Notre Dame's Luke, but the 7-footer could trump both this season as a potential national player of the year. Tom Crean's seniors — yes, they still exist in college basketball — such as Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls went 10-21 as freshmen and 12-20 as sophomores, but their experience is why Indiana will be even better than last year's 27-9 mark. Crean beat No. 1 Kentucky and No. 2 Ohio State last year as a precursor to this year's high expectations.

2. Louisville: Rick Pitino just got a five-year extension and gets his last battle with Syracuse's Jim Boeheim as a Big East rival. Center Gorgui Dieng is a game-changing defensive presence, and 6-0 point guard Peyton Siva is a third-year starter with plenty of options. Russ Smith is the top returning scorer, but watch out for sophomore Wayne Blackshear.

3. Kentucky: John Calipari has another stellar recruiting class of future one-and-done phenoms — the new names to learn are 6-10 Nerlens Noel, 6-7 Alex Poythress and 6-5 Archie Goodwin, all top-20 national recruits. Is it fair to ask Noel to be this year's Anthony Davis? Cal has shown he can forge chemistry quick, though he might not have six NBA draft picks on this roster.

4. Michigan: You'll feel old watching second-generation phenoms such as freshman forward Glenn Robinson III and junior guard Tim Hardaway Jr., and the star is sophomore Trey Burke of, yes, Columbus, Ohio. John Beilein's team was upset in the NCAA Tournament but can improve on last year's 24 wins and Big Ten regular-season title.

5. N.C. State: By now you've probably heard that the Wolfpack ranked ahead of ACC rivals Duke and North Carolina in the preseason AP Top 25 for the first time since David Thompson's heyday in 1975. Former Alabama coach Mark Gottfried took N.C. State to the Sweet 16 and has four starters back, led by 6-9 junior forward C.J. Leslie.