Wednesday, November 7, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas — A son of Depression-era Oklahoma, Darrell Royal came to Texas to take over a sleeping giant. Over 20 years, his folksy approach to sports and life, his inventive wishbone offense and a victory in the "Game of the Century," made him an icon of college football.

Mr. Royal, who won two national championships and turned the Longhorns into a national power, died Wednesday at age 88 of complications from cardiovascular disease, school spokesman Bill Little said. Mr. Royal also suffered from Alzheimer's disease and recently fell at an assisted living center.

Known for their stout defenses and punishing running attacks, Mr. Royal's Texas teams boasted a 167-47-5 record from 1957 to 1976, the best mark in the nation over that period.

"It was fun," Mr. Royal told the Associated Press in 2007. "All the days I was coaching at Texas, I knew this would be my last coaching job. I knew it when I got here."

It almost didn't happen. Texas was coming off a 1-9 season in 1956 and wanted a high-profile coach. The Longhorns were rebuffed by Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd and Michigan State's Duffy Daugherty, but both encouraged Texas to hire the 32-year-old Mr. Royal, who led the Longhorns to a 6-3-1 record in his first season.

Under Mr. Royal, Texas won 11 Southwest Conference titles, 10 Cotton Bowl titles, and national championships in 1963 and 1969, going 11-0 each time. The Longhorns also won a share of the 1970 national title. Mr. Royal was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

On Saturday, the Longhorns will honor Mr. Royal at their home game against Iowa State by lining up in the wishbone for their first offensive snap.

"Today is a very sad day. I lost a wonderful friend, a mentor, a confidant and my hero. College football lost maybe its best ever and the world lost a great man," current Texas coach Mack Brown said. "His counsel and friendship meant a lot to me before I came to Texas, but it's been my guiding light for my 15 years here."

Mr. Royal and assistant Emory Ballard changed the landscape in 1968 with the development of the wishbone, which features a fullback lined up behind the quarterback and a step in front of two other backs.

The innovation nearly flopped. After a tie and loss in the first two games, a frustrated Mr. Royal inserted backup James Street to take over.

"Coach Royal grabbed me and he looked for a minute as if he were having second thoughts about putting me in. Then he looked me straight in the eye and said, 'Hell, you can't do any worse. Get in there,' " Street said.

Texas won its next 30 games, and soon other schools started using the wishbone.

The national title season in 1969 included what was dubbed the "Game of the Century," a come-from-behind, 15-14 victory by the top-ranked Longhorns over No. 2 Arkansas.

Bowling Green 26, Ohio 14: Anthon Samuel ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons (7-3, 5-1 Mid-American) beat the host Bobcats (8-2, 4-2) for their sixth straight victory. Samuel reached 100 yards for the 10th time in his first 18 games.

Times staff
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

TODAY

Autos

Nationwide: Great Clips 200 practice, noon, Speed

Sprint Cup: AdvoCare 500 practice, 2 p.m., Speed

Nationwide: Great Clips 200 practice, 3:30 p.m., Speed

Trucks: Lucas Oil 150 qualifying, 4:30 p.m., Speed

Sprint Cup: AdvoCare 500 qualifying, 6 p.m., Speed

Trucks: Lucas Oil 150, 8 p.m., Speed

College basketball

Women: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State, 4 p.m., NBCSN

Michigan State vs. Connecticut, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

Georgia State at Duke, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Gardner Webb at North Carolina, 7 p.m., Sun Sports

South Alabama at Florida State, 7 p.m., 1040-AM

Ohio State vs. Marquette, 7 p.m., NBCSN; 1010-AM

Bryant at Indiana, 8 p.m., Big Ten

Maryland vs. Kentucky, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

South Dakota State at Alabama, 9 p.m., ESPNU

Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M, 9 p.m., Sun Sports

Florida vs. Georgetown, 9 p.m., NBCSN; 620-AM

Indiana State at UCLA, 11 p.m., FSN

College football

Pittsburgh at Connecticut, 8 p.m., ESPN2

College soccer

Big East semifinal: Marquette vs. Georgetown, 5 p.m., CBSSN

Brown at Dartmouth, 7 p.m., FSC

Big East semifinal: Notre Dame vs. Connecticut, 7:30 p.m., CBSSN

Golf

PGA: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, 1 p.m., Golf

PGA Europe: Singapore Open, 10 p.m., Golf

Hockey

QMJHL: Halifax at Gatineau, 7 p.m., NHL

High school football

Lakeland at Lakeland Kathleen, 7 p.m., BHSN

NBA

Nets at Magic, 7 p.m., FSN

Rockets at Grizzlies, 8 p.m., NBA

Jazz at Nuggets, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

Soccer

Mexican: Santos at Monarcas, 10:25 p.m., ESPND

Tennis

ATP: World Tour Finals , 7 a.m., Tennis

ATP: World Tour Finals (taped), 2 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday HIGHLIGHTS

Autos

Nationwide: Great Clips 200, 4 p.m., ESPN

College basketball

Women: Stetson at USF, 2 p.m., 1010-AM

UCF at USF, 7 p.m., BHSN; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

College football

Miami at Virginia, noon, Ch. 28; 1040-AM

Northwestern at Michigan, noon, ESPN

Wisconsin at Indiana, noon, ESPN2

Army at Rutgers, noon, ESPNU

Purdue at Iowa, noon, Big Ten

Cincinnati at Temple, noon, BHSN

Kansas at Texas Tech, noon, FSN

Arkansas at South Carolina, noon, Ch. 10; 98.7-FM

Harvard at Penn, noon, NBCSN

Louisiana-Lafayette at Florida, 12:20, Ch. 38; 620-AM

Georgia Tech at North Carolina, 12:30, Ch. 44

Colgate at Lehigh, 12:30, CBSSN

Colorado at Arizona, 1:30, FX

Oregon State at Stanford, 3, Ch. 13

Wake Forest at N.C. State, 3, Sun Sports

Penn State at Nebraska, 3:30, Ch. 28

Texas A&M at Alabama, 3:30, Ch. 10; 98.7-FM

West Virginia at Oklahoma State, 3:30, ESPN2

Maryland at Clemson, 3:30, ESPNU

Air Force at San Diego State, 3:30, NBCSN

Baylor at Oklahoma, 3:30, FSN

Minnesota at Illinois, 3:30, Big Ten

Tulsa at Houston, 5, CBSSN

Mississippi State at LSU, 7, ESPN; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

Georgia at Auburn, 7, ESPN2

Vandy at Ole Miss, 7, ESPNU

Boise State at Hawaii, 7, NBCSN

Southern Miss at SMU, 7, FSN

UCF at UTEP, 7, 1350-AM

Kansas State at TCU, 7, Ch. 13

Notre Dame at Boston College, 8, Ch. 28

Mississippi State at LSU (in progress), 9, 98.7-FM; 1010-AM

Idaho at BYU, 10:15, ESPNU

Oregon at California, 10:30, ESPN

UCLA at Washington State , 10:30, ESPN2

Fresno State at Nevada, 10:30, NBCSN

Sunday HIGHLIGHTS

Autos

Sprint Cup: AdvoCare 500, 3 p.m., ESPN

College basketball

Alabama State at Florida, 3:30 p.m., Sun Sports; 1250-AM

NFL

Chargers at Bucs, 1 p.m., 103.5-FM, 620-AM

Titans at Dolphins, 1 p.m., Ch. 10

Cowboys at Eagles, 4:25 p.m., Ch. 13; 1040-AM

Rams at 49ers, 4:25 p.m., 1010-AM

Jets at Seahawks (in progress), 5 p.m., 98.7-FM

Texans at Bears, 8:20 p.m., Ch. 8; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

TV: BHSN: Bright House Sports Network; CBSSN: CBS Sports Network; ESPND: ESPN Deportes; FSC: Fox Soccer Channel; FSN: Fox Sports Net; NBCSN: NBC Sports Network

Associated Press
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor is stepping down immediately.

Taylor is leaving with two games remaining in a disappointing season for the Rattlers. Defensive coordinator Earl Holmes will be the acting head coach for Saturday's homecoming game against North Carolina Central and the season finale in Orlando on Nov. 17 against league-leading Bethune-Cookman.

Taylor had originally announced plans Saturday to retire at the end of the season, but said Thursday that he changed his mind so the decision wouldn't be a distraction for the team as it finishes what has been a disappointing season. Florida A&M (3-6, 3-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) is out of contention for a MEAC championship.

Taylor, 62, concludes his coaching career with a 233-96-4 record that includes a 35-19 mark in five seasons at FAMU.

Times staff
Thursday, November 8, 2012

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had less than 9,000 tickets to sell on Monday to reach the 85 percent threshold to lift the blackout and failed to do so, so Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers will be blacked out on local television.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 8, 2012

TAMPA — John McEnroe rarely held back during his playing days, the colorful and combustible tennis legend's oncourt outbursts earning him the nickname "Superbrat."

But the sassy and brassy New Yorker backed it up as one of the game's best players of all time. At age 53, McEnroe remains a big part of the sport, whether it's promoting it to youth or providing insightful or irreverent commentary on television.

McEnroe also continues to compete. He joins Michael Chang, Jim Courier and Mats Wilander tonight at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in the Champion's Challenge, part of the 12-city PowerShares Series tour.

To preview the event, McEnroe chatted about his style of play and the state of the sport today:

You've been part of this tour for a while now; with your busy schedule, what keeps you playing?

It's sort of a no-brainer. It keeps me close to the game so I can get an appreciation for how tough it is while you're commentating. I'm not pretending it's the same, but at the same time you get a sense for what nerves can do to you. Also, just for me as a person, it just physically makes me feel better.

Most people identify you — other than being a great player — by those animated arguments with the umpires (not to mention the line, "You cannot be serious!"). Where did that come from?

I think that basically I grew up in an environment where being loud and noisy just seemed common. Growing up in New York City, I've said to people before, I take a cab from the airport, you'd be lucky if 10-15 people weren't calling you an a-hole on the way home. There's such an energy, it's incomparable to most places I've been to. In some ways, it's a culture thing. My parents are still together. They loved each other, but it's a loud dinner table. Let's just say that. It's almost like it was second nature. And then when I finally started having to have umpires, all of a sudden these calls were so bad, at least to me, why wouldn't you go up there and question it? The guys I was really watching at that time, the best guys were (Jimmy) Connors, that were questioning authority more. It didn't seem like an abnormal thing to do.

Who is the best men's player of all time?

If I had to pick one person, I'd pick Roger (Federer). Generally, I put (Rafael Nadal) as the greatest claycourt player, I put Roger all-around, I put Pete Sampras the greatest grasscourt player, and Rod Laver was my idol. Those would be the top four. But I think Roger is the best all-around. He's the most beautiful player I've ever seen. While he has a losing record against (Nadal), he's been so consistent, has DiMaggio-like records, incredible streaks like 22 semis in a row. … Roger, he can do everything, and makes it look easy. That's always the first step of a great player.

Are we in a "golden era" of men's tennis right now?

I believe so. I think in the last five, six years, when (Nadal) came along, they pushed each other to a lot higher level. (Novak) Djokovic started to storm through, and (Andy) Murray finally made the break — you're looking at a very special period. Then again, I wouldn't have expected someone to break Pete's records. I don't think Pete did either, that someone would come along as quick as Roger did and annihilate his records. You never know, but it seems like this is one of the golden periods we're seeing.

How would the current players have held up in your era?

They would have been terrible (joking). It's hard to compare, but (Bjorn) Borg was the Nadal of my time. He was a phenomenal athlete. I still think he's faster than Nadal, not stronger but faster. … (Ivan) Lendl would have fared very well, and I think the style I play would have unnerved a lot of those guys. They're so used to seeing the same thing all the time, they wouldn't have got the same old thing. I would have forced them out of their comfort zone. It would have been incredibly difficult against those guys, Federer and Nadal, those guys are incredible players. It would have been a tall order, all the top guys. But I would love to see how would they do, my best against their best.

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

By Jay Mastry, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 8, 2012

What's hot: While the northwest winds associated with each of these passing cold fronts has an adverse effect on nearshore mackerel and kingfishing for a few days, it can also create new opportunities. Mullet have begun to gather in larger bunches ahead of their spawning ritual in another month or so. Already, schools have started to stage well inside Tampa Bay, and they can be found along the undeveloped shoreline north of the Gandy and Howard Franklin bridges. Those looking to cast net a few for the smoker can find them along seawalls and many of the residential canals throughout the mainland. Sheepshead don't mind a cold front, and as each one passes and water temperatures drop, we'll see more of those fish. Through the next couple of months, sheepshead will flourish as they too beef up for their spawn. Pieces of shrimp, fiddler crabs, mussels and oysters are among the favorite baits.

Tips: Another winter mainstay is silver trout. As it gets colder, huge schools will settle just off the beaches. From the swim buoys to about 17 feet off Redington Beach is a go-to spot for catching them on tandem rigged jigs.

What else: Kingfishing for a few hours on Thanksgiving morning has become a tradition. A few of my most memorable trips have been at the Clearwater hard bottom off Sand Key, the Blind Pass drop in 20 feet and the "parking lot" in 28-30 feet off St. Pete Beach.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 8, 2012

TONIGHT

No. 10 Florida vs. Georgetown

When/where: 9; aboard the USS Bataan, Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville.

TV/radio: NBC Sports Network; 620-AM

Notable: With the announcement Thursday morning that Florida coach Billy Donovan has suspended junior PG Scottie Wilbekin indefinitely for disciplinary reasons, the Gators will open the season down three scholarship players — Wilbekin; F Cody Larson (left the team last month), and junior F Casey Prather (concussion). Donovan said he was unsure of his starting lineup for tonight, but senior G Kenny Boynton most likely will see time at point guard. Donovan also said he expects his freshmen, among them Tampa's Michael Frazier, to see playing time. Frazier, a former Plant High standout, had 21 points off the bench in an exhibition victory last week. Georgetown has four starters who are 6 feet 8 or taller, so the Gators will have a challenge in the paint and on the glass. Donovan said Thursday that the Gators were honored to be a part of this unique type of game. "We're not just playing for the state of Florida and the University of Florida, we're playing for the United States of America," Donovan said.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Making news

Narrow gap between top king Mackerels

Jack Vasilaros and his Team Squidders won the $10,000 first-place prize at last weekend's Fall King of the Beach tournament with a 36.98-pound king mackerel. Lynn Zirkle and the Bob Evans/Bull Bay Rods team was second with a 36.54-pound king worth $3,000, followed by Chris Clark's Team Jupiter (35.70). Joel Brandenburg's Team Anna Banana won the Single Engine Division with a 35-pound kingfish. Brittany List of Reel Darlins/Delosa's took the Ladies Division with a 23.34-pounder. Kevin Long won the Junior Division with a 18.82-pounder. For more results, go to oldsaltfishing.org.

Regulations

Check hunt zones for seasons, limits

General gun season started last Saturday and runs through Jan. 20 in Zone C, which includes most of the public hunting lands north of the Tampa Bay area. Hunters hoping to stay closer to home can hit the woods Dec. 1 to Feb. 17 in Zone B.

Hunters can take bucks having at least one antler 5 inches or longer, but anyone hunting deer in Florida must have the $5 deer permit. On private lands, the daily bag limit for deer is two, but during some quota hunts in wildlife management areas, the bag limit is one, and in some cases, there may also be antler restrictions. Consult the WMA brochure for the area you plan to hunt.

On private lands, hunters can take wild hogs year-round with no bag or size limits. On most, but not all, WMAs there's also no bag or size limit on wild hogs. Again, consult the brochure for specific regulations.

For more information on upcoming seasons, go to myfwc.com.

Youth licenses fund conservation

Even though youngsters are not required to have a license to hunt and fish in Florida until they turn 16, you can buy them a special license that will help fund conservation efforts and remain valid until their 17th birthday, no matter how young they are when they buy it. All three types of licenses — freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing and hunting — cost just $17.

Another opportunity for youths is the $100 Gold Sportsman's license, which authorizes the holder to take game and freshwater or saltwater fish and provides the deer, management area, archery season, muzzleloading season, crossbow season, turkey, waterfowl, snook and spiny lobster (crawfish) permit privileges. More information is available at myfwc.com.

Send news Terry Tomalin at ttomalin@tampabay.com or call (727) 893-8808.

Solunar chart

AM PM

Minor Major Minor Major

11/9 1:00 7:00 1:10 7:30

11/10 1:45 7:45 1:55 8:10

11/11 2:25 8:35 2:55 9:00

11/12 3:15 9:25 3:35 9:50

11/13 4:05 10:15 4:25 10:50

11/14 5:05 11:25 5:35 11:55

11/15 6:10 0 6:45 12:30

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Dartin' Martin?

Mighty Mouse?

Cannonball Martin?

Seldom has Tampa Bay fallen in love with a name so fast, and rarely has it wanted to give an athlete another option so fast. Doug Martin, a running ba ck who cannot wait to get to the end zone, has run straight into the open arms of Bucs fans.

Dougie Fresh?

Skid Marks Martin?

The D-Train?

And on it goes. The radio-show calls are all filled with suggestions, and the email is stacking up, and everyone you know is name-dropping. Martin tells the world he doesn't care for the nickname he has — the Muscle Hamster — and suddenly, Tampa Bay is playing a new game show. Name That Zoom.

Tugboat Martin?

The Buccaneer Bullet?

The Pocket Rocket?

It has been some time since an athlete has made such a quick impact on Tampa Bay, maybe since the days of Cadillac Williams, who, as you know, brought his nickname with him. In a half-season, Martin has made such an impact that you cannot help but want to throw your arm around him and give him an affectionate little moniker.

Personally, I can't figure out why the Muscle Hamster bothers Martin so much. No, it isn't the Galloping Ghost, and no, it isn't Crazy Legs, and no, it isn't Sweetness.

It is, however, unique. If Martin wanted, it could also be lucrative. He could hire an artist to draw a nice caricature, he could sell a half-million T-shirts and caps and make a fortune. Remember how much Honey Badger gear was sold last year? And face it, a Muscle Hamster could take the lunch money away from a Honey Badger.

Still, Martin tends to make a face every time he hears someone ask about the Muscle Hamster. By nature, Martin is a quiet guy who smiles a lot, but when it comes to a nickname, you get the feeling he would rather be called something silly, like Sparkles or Donald Trump, than something about a hamster.

So call him Flash. Call him Runaway. Call him Dig-Doug. If you are the Bucs, call on him 30 times a game.

Meanwhile, the suggestions keep flowing across ESPN and NBC and local radio. Some are sincere. Some are silly. Some are a case of a fan trying too hard. Every pun referring to Doug and every reference anywhere close to Martin have been mentioned.

Rollin' Martin.

Swoosh Martin.

The Martin Chronicles.

Funny thing, nicknames. They were born of a long-ago period when fans were forced to only hear about the athletes they followed because the games weren't on television. You know, like Bucs games. They were a glimpse into the characters of dynamic athletes whose styles fascinated fans. You know, like Martin.

To this day, fans love nicknames. The best ones are lyrical: The Iron Horse. Shoeless Joe. Joe Cool. Magic. Tiger. Bear. The worst ones are punch lines: He Hate Me. The Big Donkey. The Big Fundamental. The Worm.

The easy observation is this: If the nickname doesn't fit, don't force it.

Look, Barry Sanders ran just fine without a nickname. Dick Butkus' given name was intimidating enough. No one had to think of a fancy way to describe Jerry Rice on his way to the end zone.

In other words, Doug Martin seems to be a fine name for Doug Martin.

The D-Train? That's too close to Mike Alstott's A-Train. Mighty Mouse? Interesting, because the names of cartoon characters have been borrowed before (Lance Alworth was Bambi, and Ralph Garr was the Road Runner). But is "mighty" that much different than "muscle," and is a mouse better than a hamster? Dartin' Martin? Pretty good, but it's more of an adjective than a name.

Around Tampa Bay, we have laughed at nicknames before. We've seen Batman and the Sandman and the Throwin' Samoan, Kenyatta the Piñata and Toast and Hardware, Acab Talib and Iggy Pop and the Crime Dog, Big Game James and Zorilla.

D-Rex?

The Dougernaut?

Dynamite Doug?

If there is one Martin likes, he can have it. Tampa Bay fans will simply leave it in the end zone for him to pick up.

Listen to Gary Shelton weekdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 98.7-FM the Fan.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 8, 2012

TAMPA — When it comes to how they reached their current stations in the NFL, Bucs receivers Arrelious Benn and Tiquan Underwood could not have taken more dissimilar paths.

Benn was an early second-round pick, the fourth receiver selected in 2010. He has started 24 of his 36 games and been said to possess elite potential.

Meanwhile, Underwood nearly became "Mr. Irrelevant" for being the final pick of the draft. Just three players were selected after him in 2009. And he has bounced around, now on his third team in four seasons.

Can you guess which receiver has been the bigger contributor for Tampa Bay?

It's Underwood, who has carved out a role in recent weeks — after being released on Aug. 31 and re-signed on Sept. 20.

"In the summer and in the preseason, I think I showed the coaches that I can learn this offense and they can trust me," he said.

"I got a few opportunities early when I got here, and fortunately, I made the play."

As a result, the opportunities keep coming, primarily at the expense of Benn.

Early this season, after the release of Preston Parker, Benn lined up in the slot — essentially the No. 3 wideout. Now Benn is limited to kickoff returns and the occasional snap at receiver. He has just four receptions after a combined 55 in 2010-11. For a heralded Big Ten player among Illinois' career receiving leaders, this has required considerable adjustment.

"It's a challenge when you're used to something but then you have to deal with something different," Benn said. "It gets tough. But you have to be a professional about it and know how to go about it the right way. You can't let it get to you."

Coaches love competition because it tends to make players better. So the Bucs are a long way from souring on Benn.

"It's all relative, and it's all competitive," coach Greg Schiano said. "But (Benn is) a good football player, and I'm glad he's on our team."

Meanwhile, Underwood, who played for Schiano at Rutgers, is a more competitive player than he once was. He played only sparingly in two seasons with the Jaguars, who drafted him in the seventh round. Jacksonville released him in 2011, and Underwood caught on with the Patriots, who dumped him at final cuts.

That's when reality set in.

"That was the first time I was on the street," Underwood said. "And it was months, too. It was shocking. But I just kept working out and stayed ready. I had five workouts and didn't get signed. But it really showed me that once I got back in not to take it for granted."

The Patriots brought him back, and Underwood tried to make up for lost time. But he failed to make good on some chances and lasted just eight games (including the postseason), released infamously the night before February's Super Bowl.

"Tom Brady throws me a ball down the seam, wide open, and for whatever reason, I don't make the play," Underwood said. "Things might have turned out different there. I still remember that play to this day. To capitalize on the opportunities here, it's been amazing."

In Tampa Bay, Underwood has a career-best 12 receptions in six games, including his first touchdown, and an average of 15.7 yards.

Unlike Underwood, Benn arrived not just hoping to catch on but to shine. It took only six weeks for him to carve out a starting role, and he had a career-best 15.8 yards per catch for the season.

Two injuries since have proved substantial obstacles. Benn tore his left ACL in the final game of 2010, the rehab limiting him throughout the following offseason. Then in the first practice of this season's camp, he sprained his right knee ligament and was out until Week 2. Now he's healthy, ready and continuing to adapt to his role.

"I just have to keep doing my job," Benn said. "Wherever the coaches want me to go or want me to do, that's what I do. I just have to stay ready. Whatever comes, I'll take it."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 8, 2012

TAMPA — You could argue Josh Freeman is going through the best four-game stretch of his career.

The Bucs quarterback has 11 touchdowns and just one interception and a rating of above 100 in each game.

"I'm a more confident quarterback than I've ever been," he said.

Freeman said it's a product of maturing since last season, when he admittedly tried to do too much and tallied 22 interceptions. There have been some mechanical adjustments, including how he holds the ball, his movements and a better pocket presence, and a focus on eliminating turnovers.

"It's part of the growing-up process," he said. "I'm more in control of whether it is emotions as far as going out and feeling those urges to make something big happen rather than letting it happen, letting the defense give it to you. There are going to be plays where you have an opportunity for a shot and you take it. I've got a lot of confidence in the guys on the outside to go and make those plays. It's definitely a different feeling."

Midway through his fourth season, Freeman has as many touchdowns (16) as all of last season with twice as many completions of 40 yards or more (10) and a 95.1 rating that's fifth in the NFC.

He credited the weapons around him, including WR Vincent Jackson, WR Mike Williams, TE Dallas Clark and rookie RB Doug Martin. His line, which has suffered season-ending injuries to G Davin Joseph and G Carl Nicks, has protected him. The Bucs' 12 sacks allowed are tied for the fourth fewest in the league.

But coach Greg Schiano said, "Most of it is Josh."

"The weapons around him are great, but he has to do all the work," Schiano said. "This guy has worked from the first day we got hired. This guy has just wanted to do everything he possibly can to become the quarterback that he sees himself as. He's not where he wants to be; not where we want him to be — not even close — because his upside is way up there. But if he keeps working the way he is, he's going to get there."

SCHIANO'S SMILE: Schiano showed a sense of humor in reacting to the recent Sporting News poll that named him the coach players would least like to play for.

The magazine asked 103 players from 27 teams. They were not allowed to select their coach. Schiano received 20 votes, one more than the Patriots' Bill Belichick and three more than the Jets' Rex Ryan.

"Sixty-one guys. That's the only ones I care (about), the ones back in that locker room," Schiano said.

He smiled then said jokingly: "Now if they voted? We're going to ship them off to Buffalo or something."

Injury report: WR Arrelious Benn (shoulder), the primary kickoff returner, did not practice. Schiano said there's plenty of time for him to be ready for Sunday but others such as PR Roscoe Parrish and WR Tiquan Underwood could be used if needed.

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor
Thursday, November 8, 2012

APALICHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST — Darry Jackson didn't believe there were bears in Florida.

"I've lived here for 64 years and I have never seen one," he said. "I think all this bear talk is just a bunch of hype designed to entertain tourists."

Jackson, a veteran outdoorsman, has spent his share of time in the woods. But as I explained to my friend, just because he hasn't encountered a black bear in the wild does not mean they don't exist.

"I've never seen Santa Claus," I said. "But he still brings me presents on Christmas."

But if we were going to encounter a black bear while we paddled the Ochlockonee River through the heart of bear country, a cool October morning was the time to do it.

Big eaters

Bears can be found year-round throughout the state, but these opportunistic omnivores are especially active in the autumn. Florida bears don't hibernate the same way their northern cousins do, but during the fall months, they will consume around 25,000 calories a day (the equivalent of about 45 Big Macs) in order to put on fat for the winter when food is more scarce.

Black bears will eat just about anything, including fruits, nuts and berries. They also like insects such as termites, ants and yellow jackets, as well as a variety of meats: possums, armadillos, raccoons and, of course, carrion or roadkill.

Black bears also eat human food and will consider anything we eat fair game, even if it has been left to rot in a garbage can.

In fact, during my boyhood summer camping trips in the backwoods of Maine, there was nothing my family enjoyed more than sitting on the roof of our station wagon, watching bears pick through the refuse at the local dump.

Tread carefully

We knew, however, to give these animals a wide berth. So if you are traveling in bear country, don't take anything for granted.

For starters, bears are not as rare as you might think. The state's bear population has grown from a historic low of 300 in the 1970s to more than 3,000 today.

These mammals live mostly in isolated populations (on the North Suncoast, you'll find bears in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge), but they often wind up on the side of the road, including busy highways such as U.S. 19 in Citrus County.

While Florida black bears are not as large as their counterparts in other parts of the country, they can still do extensive damage to the front end of an automobile. The typical Florida black bear weighs between 150 and 300 pounds. But there have been exceptions; the largest adult male black bear on record in Florida weighed 624 pounds.

Fleet afoot

Just because bears are big does not mean they are slow. An adult bear can run in short bursts up to 35 mph, more than twice as fast as the quickest human.

If you come across a bear in the woods, don't run. It will only trigger the animal's natural chase response and you will find yourself in a footrace you cannot win.

Climbing a tree is also a bad idea. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a black bear can climb 100 feet in 30 seconds. It is also common for momma bears and their cubs to nap in trees, where they assume they will not be disturbed.

If you do disturb a bear and it paws the ground, huffs and puffs, clacks and snorts, or charges, it is probably just trying to scare you off. Even though this might sound a little crazy, stand your ground and chances are the bear will move along.

Raise your arms over your head (you will look bigger) and yell, shout and even sing if you think it will scare it off. While black bears have been known to kill (and even eat) people in other parts of North America, according to the FWC, there has never been a "predatory" attack in Florida.

If you do find yourself in a wrestling match with one of these animals, put up a fight. Punch, kick or beat it with rocks, sticks or anything you can get your hands on.

Bear basics

As previously stated, bears will eat just about anything that smells like food, including toothpaste, deodorant, suntan lotion etc. So in bear country, pack everything in air-tight containers and hang it from a tree, well away from your campsite.

The safest course of action is to cook and sleep in different places. Ensure that your tent is a food-free zone. And clean up before going to sleep.

Forest rangers love to tell the stories about sleeping campers who have been awakened by a bear licking a hot chocolate moustache off their face. Play it safe and assume there are bears in the woods, even if you are like my friend Darry and have never actually seen one.

Which brings us back to the Ochlockonee on a recent Saturday morning: "There's your bear," I yelled as Jackson paddled by a mother and a cub relaxing in a tree a few feet from the water.

Branches snapped as the pair scampered out of the tree, one of them falling the last few feet and landing with a tremendous thud.

The bear issued a half-grunt half-growl, as if to say, "That hurt …" before sauntering off into the woods.

"Well I'll be," Jackson said. "There are bears in Florida."

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Eckerd

Men

Coach: Tom Ryan (315-158, 17th season at Eckerd)

Last season: 21-9 (11-5 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: Lance Kearse and Wayne Sears, who started all 30 games last season, have graduated. But the Tritons return five players who saw plenty of action last season. Junior G Alex Bodney started 29 games and averaged 9.4 points. Senior F Darrien Mack was the sixth man in 2011-12 and was second on the team with 12.2 ppg. Senior G Woody Taylor, senior F Walade Wade and junior G Josh Snodgrass all saw significant playing time last season. The Tritons seem to have a good mix of youth and experience that could get them over the 20-win mark again this season.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

10 Woody Taylor 6-1 G Sr.

11 Josh Snodgrass 6-5 G Jr.

12 Alex Bodney 6-2 G Jr.

15 Sammy O'Garro 6-5 G Jr.

20 Kendall Roberts 6-3 G Fr.

21 E.J. Moody 6-3 G Fr.

22 Malcolm Brunner Jr. 6-5 F So.

23 Jerrick Stevenson 6-4 G/F Fr.

24 Darrien Mack 6-7 F Sr.

30 Dino Tabokovic 6-3 G So.

32 Walade Wade 6-7 F Sr.

33 Junior McLeod 6-6 F Jr.

40 Ray Darnell 6-6 F Fr.

42 Nemo Rmus 6-5 C So.

Schedule: Nov. 23 — Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 7:30; Nov. 24 — Clark Atlanta, 7:30; Dec. 1 — at Rollins, 4; Dec. 15 — Shaw, 4; Dec. 17 — Johnson C. Smith, 7:30; Dec. 19 — Tuskegee, 7:30; Dec. 29 — Paine (Ga.) College (Tampa), 2; Dec. 30 — Miles (Ala.) College (Tampa), 2; Jan. 5 — Nova Southeastern, 4; Jan. 9 — Tampa, 7:30; Jan. 12 — at Florida Tech, 4; Jan. 16 — at Florida Southern, 7:30; Jan. 19 — Barry, 4; Jan. 23 — Saint Leo, 7:30; Jan. 26 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 4; Jan. 30 — at Lynn, 7:30; Feb. 2 — Rollins, 4; Feb. 6 — at Nova Southeastern, 7:30; Feb. 9 — Florida Tech, 4; Feb. 13 — at Tampa, 7:30; Feb. 16 — at Barry, 4; Feb. 20 — Florida Southern, 7:30; Feb. 23 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 4; Feb. 27 — at Saint Leo, 7:30; March 2 — Lynn, 4

Women

Coach: Paul Honsinger (81-84, seventh season)

Last season: 15-11 (8-8 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: Replacing Linsey Niles, Taylor Young and Kati Rausberg will not be easy. All three averaged more than 10 points per game. The leading returning scorer is senior F Krystal Charles, who averaged 10 ppg last season. Sophomore G Kayla Bowlin played in all 26 games last season and likely will become a starter. Sophomore G Taylor Bestry, junior G Amy Buccilla and sophomore G Rana Thomas also saw action in more than 20 games last season. Junior C Kristiana Stauere, a 6-foot-4 center transfer from Indiana, could be a player to watch.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

 5 Taylor Bestry 6-0 G So.

10 Kayla Bowlin 5-5 G So.

11 Kristiana Stauere 6-4 C Jr.

12 Rachel Temple 5-6 G Fr.

13 Kaitlin Jackson 5-8 G Fr.

14 Amy Buccilla 5-11 G Jr.

15 Rana Thomas 5-9 G So.

21 Liga Vente 6-3 F Jr.

25 Annie Armstrong 5-8 G Fr.

32 Krystal Charles 6-1 F Sr.

33 Katia Kotnik 6-4 C Sr.

Schedule: Tonight — at Armstrong Atlantic State, 6; No. 14 — at Northwood, 5:30; Nov. 23 — Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 3; Nov. 24 — North Georgia, 3; Nov. 28 — Ava Maria, 5:30; Dec. 1 — at Rollins, 2; Dec. 14 — at Valdosta St., 7; Dec. 30 — Adelphi, 2; Jan. 5 — Nova Southeastern, 2; Jan. 9 — Tampa, 5:30; Jan. 12 — at Florida Tech, 2; Jan. 16 — at Florida Southern, 5:30; Jan. 19 — Barry, 2; Jan. 23 — Saint Leo, 5:30; Jan. 26 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 2; Jan. 30 — at Lynn, 5:30; Feb. 2 — Rollins, 2; Feb. 6 — at Nova Southeastern, 5:30 p.m.; Feb. 9 — Florida Tech, 2; Feb. 13 — at Tampa, 5:30; Feb. 16 — at Barry, 2; Feb. 20 — Florida Southern, 5:30; Feb. 23 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 2; Feb. 27 – at Saint Leo, 5:30; March 2 — Lynn, 2

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Saint Leo

Men

Coach: Lance Randall (18-12, second season at SLU)

Last season: 18-12 (10-6 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: The Lions had their best season in program history last season, finishing third in the Sunshine State Conference. The league selected Saint Leo as preseason favorite, and the Lions are currently ranked No. 14 in the preseason National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II poll. Saint Leo returns four starters, including conference newcomer of the year Trent Thomas (15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds per game) and Marcus Ruh, who led the Lions with an average of 2.7 assists last season.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

 3 Marcus Ruh 6-4 G Sr.

 4 Shaun Adams 6-6 F Sr.

 5 Tom Neary 6-7 F Sr.

11 Dominick Robinson 6-0 G Sr.

12 Jaylon Bell 5-11 G Fr.

15 Chim Kadima 6-4 G Jr.

20 Taylor Bassett 6-3 G So.

22 Trey Griseck 6-6 G Fr.

24 Cale Girten 6-6 F So.

25 Jerrel Harris 5-10 G Jr.

32 Spenser Mitchell 6-8 F Jr.

33 Stephane Beneche 6-8 C Fr.

34 Trent Thomas 6-4 G Sr.

Schedule: Tonight — Shorter, 7:30; Nov. 14 — Tuskegee, 7:30; Nov. 23 — Lincoln at Milwaukee, TBA; Nov. 24 — TBA; Nov. 30 — Armstrong, 6; Dec. 1 — Fort Valley State, 4:30; Dec. 11 — Nova Southeastern, 7; Dec. 15 — at Virginia Union, 4; Dec. 17 — at Elizabeth City State, 7; Jan. 2 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 7; Jan. 5 — Lynn, 4; Jan. 9 — Florida Southern, 7:30; Jan. 12 — at Barry, 4; Jan. 16 — at Tampa, 7:30; Jan. 19 — Florida Tech, 4; Jan. 23 — at Eckerd, 7:30; Jan. 26 — Rollins, 4; Jan. 30 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 7:30; Feb. 2 — at Nova Southeastern, 4; Feb. 6 — at Lynn, 7:30; Feb. 9 — Barry, 4; Feb. 13 — at Florida Southern, 7:30; Feb. 16 — at Florida Tech, 4; Feb. 20 — Tampa, 7:30; Feb. 23 — at Rollins, 4; Feb. 27 — Eckerd, 7:30

Women

Coach: Nikki Jessee (7-19, second season)

Last season: (7-19, 1-15 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: The Lions have only two seniors and are loaded with talented youngsters. They return four of their five leading scorers from last season — juniors Chelsea Williams (12.8 points per game) and Chelsea Connelly (8.3 ppg, 7.8 rebounds per game), sophomore Kinnara Lewis (7.3 ppg) and senior Christina Granville (5.5 points, 1.2 steals). All seven of Saint Leo's wins last season came at home. Connelly finished in the top five in the league with 1.2 blocks per game.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

00 Kinnara Lewis 5-6 G So.

 3 Sarah Winans 5-8 G So.

 5 Abbey Steudler 5-7 G Fr.

10 Teresa Manigrasso 5-8 G Sr.

12 Elise Clyburn 5-5 G Sr.

13 Chelsea Williams 6-0 F Jr.

15 Christina Granville 5-10 F Sr.

21 Artigua Kilpatrick 5-8 G Jr.

22 Marcedes Caver 5-4 G Jr.

23 Erin Higgins 5-6 G So.

24 Chelsea Connelly 5-10 G Jr.

32 Keishara Green 5-11 F Jr.

34 Colby Ryan 5-10 G So.

Schedule: Tonight — Virginia Intermont at Tampa, 1; Saturday — Ave Maria at Tampa, 6; Nov. 16 — Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 5:30; Nov. 17 — Lindenwood, 7:30; Nov. 21 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 4; Nov. 26 — Warner, 7; Dec. 1 — Nova Southeastern, 2; Dec. 10 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 6; Dec. 19 — at Valdosta State, 7; Dec. 29 — Ursuline, 4; Dec. 30 — Trevecca Nazarene, 4; Jan. 5 — Lynn, 2; Jan. 9 — Florida Southern, 5:30; Jan. 12 — at Barry, 2; Jan. 16 — at Tampa, 5:30; Jan. 19 — Florida Tech, 2; Jan. 23 — at Eckerd, 5:30; Jan. 26 — Rollins, 2; Feb. 2 — at Nova Southeastern, 2; Feb. 6 — at Lynn, 5:30; Feb. 9 — Barry, 2; Feb. 13 — at Florida Southern, 5:30; Feb. 16 — at Florida Tech, 2; Feb. 20 — Tampa, 5:30; Feb. 23 — at Rollins, 2; Feb. 27 — Eckerd, 5:30

Matt Baker, Times staff writer

Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

TONIGHT

No. 25 FSU vs. South Alabama

When/where: 7; Tucker Center, Tallahassee

Radio: 1040-AM

Notable: Before their season opener, the Seminoles will raise last season's ACC Tournament championship banner. … FSU has won four consecutive games against South Alabama, beating the Jaguars 80-39 last season in Tallahassee. The Seminoles are 10-2 all-time against the Jaguars. … Former Clearwater High standout Okaro White, a junior, is FSU's leading returning rebounder (career-high 4.4 in 35 games last season). … This is the first time the Seminoles open against a team from the state of Alabama. FSU is 10-0 in openers under coach Leonard Hamilton. … Last season South Alabama was 17-12 overall and finished second in the East Division of the Sun Belt with an 8-8 conference record.

Times wires

By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Tampa

Men

Coach: Richard Schmidt (576-274, 30th season at UT)

Last season: 6-20 (2-14 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: Schmidt finds himself with somewhat of a reclamation project entering his fourth decade at UT. The Spartans, coming off the worst season of the Schmidt era, were picked to finish last in the conference in a poll of SSC coaches and sports information directors. Three starters are back, including former Bloomingdale standout Callum Townsend (8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds per game).

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

 0 Ben Tumas 6-5 F Sr.

 3 Jon Riles 6-1 G So.

 4 Tariq Mackey 6-3 G Jr.

 5 Anthony Griffis 6-5 G Sr.

10 Ryan Kidd 6-3 G Jr.

11 Bastien Motte 6-4 G Fr.

12 Terrell Pritchett 5-10 G So.

15 Da'Markco Foster 6-3 G Jr.

20 Eric Moraes 6-5 G Jr.

22 Stefon Barfield 6-6 F Jr.

23 Austin Rettig 6-5 G Fr.

30 Vincent Cornu 6-7 F Jr.

32 Callum Townsend 6-6 F Sr.

33 Tyler Zacur 6-3 G So.

35 Jason Brown 6-8 F So.

Schedule: Nov. 17 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 4; Nov. 20 — Southeastern, 7; Nov. 23 — Clark Atlanta at Eckerd, 5:30; Nov. 24 — Puerto Rico-Bayamon at Eckerd, 5:30; Nov. 30 — Fort Valley State at Saint Leo, 8:30; Dec. 1 — Armstrong at Saint Leo, 6:30; Dec. 13 — Shaw, 7; Dec. 16 — at Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 6; Dec. 17 — Puerto Rico-Piedras at San Juan, 7; Dec. 19 — Puerto Rico-Mayaguez at San Juan, 7; Dec. 29 — Miles, 4; Dec. 30 — Paine, 4; Jan. 5 — Rollins, 4; Jan. 9 — at Eckerd, 7:30; Jan. 12 — at Lynn, 4; Jan. 16 — Saint Leo, 7:30; Jan. 19 — Nova Southeastern, 4; Jan. 23 — at Florida Southern, 7:30; Jan. 26 — at Barry, 4; Jan. 30 — Florida Tech, 7:30; Feb. 2 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 4; Feb. 6 — at Rollins, 4; Feb. 9 — Lynn, 4; Feb. 13 — Eckerd, 7:30; Feb. 16 — at Nova Southeastern, 4; Feb. 20 — at Saint Leo, 7:30; Feb. 23 — Barry, 4; Feb. 27 — Florida Southern, 7:30; March 2 — at Florida Tech, 4

Women

Coach: Tom Jessee (206-93, 11th season at UT)

Last season: (11-16, 4-12 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: Jessee overhauled his roster in the offseason, adding six incoming freshmen and four transfers (two from junior college, two from Division I). Junior G Illyssa Vivo (12.0 points per game) is back along with frontcourt standout Moriah Hodge (10.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg). Among the newcomers is former Tampa Catholic star Kai Jones, who finished her prep career with 1,300 points and 1,100 rebounds.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

 3 Nina Krstic 5-10 G Fr.

11 Angela Alvarez 5-10 F Fr.

12 Jenny Taptich 5-7 G So.

14 Greta Bartkute 6-3 F Jr.

15 Sadie Oyer 6-1 C Jr.

20 Kai Jones 5-8 G Fr.

22 KeAla Jones 5-9 G Jr.

23 Shamika Williams 5-7 G Jr.

24 Illyssa Vivo 5-8 G Jr.

25 Juliana Cavallaro 5-9 G Fr.

33 Britny Taylor 5-10 F So.

34 Moriah Hodge 6-1 F Sr.

35 Catherine Matthews 6-1 G So.

50 Melissa Levy 5-10 F Fr.

Schedule: Today — Ave Maria, 3; Saturday — Virginia Intermont, 8; Nov. 16 — Lindenwood at Saint Leo, 5:30; Nov. 17 — Puerto Rico-Bayamon at Saint Leo, 5:30; Nov. 23 — Cal State-San Bernardino in San Diego, TBD; Nov. 24 — at UC-San Diego, TBD; Dec. 1 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 2; Dec. 18 — Alabama-Huntsville at Florida Southern, TBD; Dec. 19 — TBA at Florida Southern (tourney), TBD; Jan. 5 — Rollins, 2; Jan. 9 — at Eckerd, 5:30; Jan. 12 — at Lynn, 2; Jan. 16 — Saint Leo, 5:30; Jan. 19 — Nova Southeastern, 2; Jan. 23 — at Florida Southern, 5:30; Jan. 26 — at Barry, 2; Jan. 30 — Florida Tech, 5:30; Feb. 2 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 2; Feb. 6 — at Rollins, 5:30; Feb. 9 — Lynn, 2; Feb. 13 — Eckerd, 5:30; Feb. 16 — at Nova Southeastern, 2; Feb. 20 — at Saint Leo, 5:30; Feb. 23 — Barry, 2; Feb. 27 — Florida Southern, 5:30; March 2 — at Florida Tech, 2

Joey Knight, Times staff writer

Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

JACKSONVILLE — One of the first things Florida coach Billy Donovan did upon boarding the USS Bataan was ask about touring the gun turret.

Forget the wind, the open-air backdrop, the temperatures that are expected to dip into the 50s and potential court condensation. This was bigger than basketball.

"To be on this ship, sharing a moment like this, means more than I can ever express," Donovan said. "This is a game that is bigger than any game we've had the opportunity to play."

No. 10 Florida and Georgetown were thrilled to be part of tonight's season opener on the deck of an ambitious assault ship.

Both teams toured the 844-foot Bataan on Thursday, posing for pictures and talking to everyone wearing a uniform and taking part in the Navy-Marine Corps Classic. Donovan invited three former Navy basketball players assigned to the Bataan to help run shoot-around.

"For these kids to get the opportunity to come here and meet the sailors and the Marines," said Georgetown coach John Thompson III, "most of them, if not all of them, would never get this opportunity. Georgetown is a learning institute; that's part of our job."

NCAA questions at texas: Point guard Myck Kabongo will miss tonight's opener for Texas against Fresno State while the NCAA investigates his relationship with an agent.

The school did not project Kabongo's status beyond tonight. The Longhorns play again Monday. It was a university decision to withhold the sophomore.

"Until we hear from (the NCAA), we'll continue to keep him out of games," coach Rick Barnes said.

Forward Jaylen Bond, Texas' top rebounder, is also out tonight after injuring his right ankle in practice this week.

Last season Kabongo was third on the team with 9.6 points per game and averaged a team-best 5.2 assists. He is projected as a possible first-round pick in 2013.

Kabongo's absence likely means freshman Javan Felix will start at point guard.

Indiana: A bigger, stronger Cody Zeller leads the team into a season of big expectations starting tonight against visiting Bryant (8, Big Ten Network). A preseason favorite for player of the year, the 7-foot, 240-pound Zeller brings a newfound 3-point touch for a team that is the preseason No. 1 for the first time in 33 years. "We're not going to guarantee anything, we just want to play hard and see where it takes us," said Zeller, who didn't attempt a 3-pointer last season but worked on long-range shooting during the offseason.

Women: Sheryl Swoopes, the star of Texas Tech's 1993 national championship team, will be the TV analyst for eight Raiders home games. … The NCAA ruled that Eastern Michigan didn't monitor its team under then-coach AnnMarie Gilbert and put the program on an additional two years of probation.

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Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

LOS ANGELES — A disappointing season reached a weird low late Wednesday when No. 21 USC announced that a student manager was dismissed for underinflating several game balls used by the Trojans in a loss to Oregon last weekend, an act that earned the school a $25,000 fine and a reprimand from the Pac-12.

Deflated balls are thought to be easier to throw and catch.

Coach Lane Kiffin spent Thursday explaining why it was an isolated misdeed.

"I was just disappointed," he said. "It was a distraction that nobody knew about here, that had no effect on the game. If anything, it had a negative effect to be throwing two different types of balls for a quarterback."

Kiffin said his staff and quarterback Matt Barkley knew nothing about the actions of the manager, who was not identified. Officials apparently discovered three underinflated balls before the game and two at halftime. Kiffin had no thoughts about the motivation of the manager.

"I can assure you this will not happen again," USC athletic director Pat Haden said.

The Trojans have been criticized for other seemingly unethical things, including having a player change his number.

FAMU COACH LEAVING NOW: Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor announced he's stepping down immediately, with two games left in his fifth season. Defensive coordinator Earl Holmes, 39, a Tallahassee native and former NFL linebacker, will be acting coach for Saturday's game against North Carolina Central and the season finale Nov. 17 in Orlando against Bethune-Cookman. He will be considered for the full-time job. Taylor, 62, had said he would retire after the season but now wants to eliminate distractions.

No. 1 recruit up for grabs: The oral commitment to Clemson from the nation's top recruit as ranked by Rivals and ESPN appears to be loosening. Grayson (Ga.) defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche denied reports he had decommitted but acknowledged being undecided. Grayson coach Mickey Conn told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Nkemdiche has decommitted. Ole Miss, where his brother plays, and Florida reportedly are among schools under consideration.

Player dies: Tennessee State freshman defensive back William Wayne Jones III collapsed during practice and was declared dead at a hospital. The walk-on from Smyrna, Tenn., had just caught a ball and was throwing it to an assistant when he collapsed Wednesday.

Houston: Cornerback D.J. Hayden remained in "stable yet critical" condition after tearing the large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body to the heart, the inferior vena cava, in a collision with a teammate during practice.

ark. state 45, la.-monroe 23: Ryan Aplin threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Stockemer to break a tie early in the third quarter, David Oku ran for 131 yards and three scores, and the host Red Wolves (7-3, 5-1) held off the Warhawks (6-4, 4-2) to take the Sun Belt lead.

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Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

NEW YORK — The best that can be said about the NHL labor negotiations is that they will continue for a fourth straight day today.

The league and the locked-out players association got back together Thursday — the previously undisclosed location was determined to be the law offices of Proskauer Rose, where commissioner Gary Bettman used to work and which represents the league on legal matters — and the sides accomplished enough over five-plus hours to make plans to meet again today.

After the talks broke up, neither Bettman nor union executive director Donald Fehr would discuss them. Fehr didn't rule out talks stretching into the weekend.

Today is the lockout's 55th day, and this week is considered critical for the season to be saved. Even if an agreement is reached soon, it isn't clear if any of the games that have been called off through Nov. 30 can be rescheduled. The NHL has said a full 82-game season won't be played.

During a second consecutive day of marathon negotiations Wednesday, the union reportedly made an offer on team revenue sharing, in which richer teams would help poorer ones, and a proposal about the "make whole" provision that would guarantee full payment of all existing multiyear player contracts.

An earlier league proposal that immediately cut the players' share of league revenue from last season's 57 percent to 50 percent also reportedly reduced salaries by 12 percent. The league proposed a "make whole" program in which players would be reimbursed over the term of a new labor deal for immediate salary rollbacks. Players objected because the reimbursement would have come out of their revenue share. The league last week indicated it would absorb part of or all the reimbursement, reports said.

Part of the union's proposal Wednesday included a gradual reduction in its share of revenue that would hit 50-50 with the owners in the third year of a deal.

The league responded Thursday to the proposals, but it wasn't clear what the response was. It does still want an immediate 50-50 revenue split, ESPN reported.

Times staff, wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

TAMPA — When redshirt freshman Matt Floyd won USF's backup QB job in August, junior Bobby Eveld agreed with coach Skip Holtz's plan to redshirt him, giving him another season of eligibility after senior starter B.J. Daniels graduated.

But Daniels' season-ending ankle injury has potentially changed those plans, with Eveld now competing with Floyd after not playing in the first nine games. The Jesuit High grad, a former walk-on now on scholarship, said he'll be okay whether he wins the job next week or keeps his redshirt on.

"It would be fun to get back on the field. (But) it'd be nice to have an extra year," Eveld said. "Either way, whatever Coach Holtz decides, I know he's trying to make the best decision, not only for me but for the team."

Holtz said both players fared well in three days of nonpad practice this week.

"I feel like I had a really good three days, and I feel like Matt had a good three days, too," Eveld said. "It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out."

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

UF: Praise for Brissett

GAINESVILLE — Florida's Jacoby Brissett has acknowledged being very disappointed about getting beaten out by Jeff Driskel for starting QB. Coaches and teammates say Brissett has never let it show and praise his attitude.

Coach Will Muschamp said he has been "more than pleased" with Brissett and doesn't believe the sophomore is considering transferring.

"That kid has been a pure professional about it," offensive coordinator Brent Pease said. "He's had a good attitude. Even at halftimes, he has suggestions. At practice, he's into practice. I appreciate his support."

Times wires

UM: Surge for DE

CORAL GABLES — DE Shayon Green, limited to six games by injuries the previous two seasons, leads Miami in tackles with 57 this season.

The redshirt junior would be the first defensive lineman to finish a season as the Hurricanes' leading tackler if he can continue his pace.

"Any time a defensive lineman leads your team in tackles, it means he plays with tremendous effort because those plays don't just come to him," defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio said.

In a victory over Virginia Tech on Nov. 1, Green received a perfect grade from the coaches.

"When I was at the bottom and working my way up, I really didn't know how this would be," he said. "And now I see."

South Florida Sun Sentinel