Monday, November 12, 2012

TALLAHASSEE — Apparently, the Florida State Seminoles who took the Donald L. Tucker Center floor Friday night were a figment of the college basketball universe's imagination.

One game after a stunning five-point loss at home to South Alabama, the Seminoles returned to action Monday with a 95-68 win over Buffalo the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament, showing the skills many believed existed during preseason.

FSU coach Leonard Hamilton was pleased his team took a step in the right direction, but he knows that if it continues to play defense the way it has early on, this season could be long and arduous. The Bulls shot 50 percent against a defense that has ranked among the nation's best the past four years.

"As a coach, it's obvious to me that we have a long ways to go," Hamilton said. "We still have the makings of a pretty good team, but right now, we're a team that's young, inexperienced and talented that has a lot of different areas that we need to improve in."

The Seminoles' improved play followed a players-only meeting and workout Sunday. Veterans such as Michael Snaer and former Clearwater High standout Okaro White were upset by Friday's performance. In the words of junior Terrance Shannon, the team's elder statesmen were "embarrassed."

"We had a heart-to-heart," White said. "We let down the guys who helped build the Florida State legacy. To come out on the first home game of the season, it was embarrassing. That will stick with us all season."

Snaer said: "This is a learning curve that we are trying to go through."

Times wires
Monday, November 12, 2012

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers escaped with a victory. The health of their franchise quarterback is another matter.

The Steelers edged the woeful Chiefs 16-13 in overtime Monday night but lost Ben Roethlisberger for most of the second half — and perhaps a lot longer — with a right shoulder injury.

Roethlisberger left early in the third quarter after getting slammed to the turf by Kansas City linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. Coach Mike Tomlin said he was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

ESPN reported that Roethlisberger had a sprained shoulder.

Pittsburgh went on to its fourth consecutive victory. Shaun Suisham hit a 23-yard field goal 51 seconds into OT, one play after linebacker and former Florida State standout Lawrence Timmons intercepted Kansas City's Matt Cassel and returned it to the 5.

Jamaal Charles ran for 100 yards and a score for the Chiefs, who have lost six straight.

The Chiefs rallied in the final 2 minutes. Cassel led Kansas City 52 yards — converting on fourth and 15 in the process — to set up a 46-yard field goal by Ryan Succop as time expired.

Kansas City's only other win this season came in overtime in New Orleans in September. Any chance at a repeat faded when Timmons picked off Cassel and returned it 23 yards.

Byron Leftwich, playing for the first time in two years, was rusty in relief of Roethlisberger. The former Jaguars starter completed 7-of-14 for 73 yards but produced a second-half drive that led to a Suisham field goal and a 13-10 lead.

The Chiefs quickly erased one bit of misery in their season, taking their first lead since Jan. 1 in a spirited first half.

With Charles gashing Pittsburgh's defensive line and Cassel avoiding mistakes, Kansas City raced in front 10-0. Cassel hit Tony Moeaki for 38 yards on the Chiefs' second drive, setting up a 12-yard touchdown run by Charles for Kansas City's first lead 494 minutes and 51 seconds into its season.

It was 10-0 after an Isaac Redman fumble deep in Pittsburgh territory led to a 22-yard field goal. The last team to go so deep into a season without leading was the 1929 Buffalo Bisons.

Jim Tomlin, Times staff writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bowl projections

Dec. 15

New Mexico: Albuquerque, 1 p.m., Mountain West vs. Pac-12. Projection: Fresno State vs. Arizona

Idaho Potato: Boise, 4:30 p.m., MAC vs. WAC. Projection: Toledo vs. Louisiana Tech

Dec. 20

Poinsietta: San Diego, 8 p.m., Mountain West vs. BYU. Projection: Boise State vs. BYU

Dec. 21

Beef O'Brady's: St. Petersburg, 7:30 p.m., Big East vs. C-USA. Projection: Ball State* vs. Houston

Dec. 22

New Orleans: Noon, C-USA vs. Sun Belt. Projection: San Jose State* vs. Louisiana-Monroe

Las Vegas: 3:30 p.m., Mountain West vs. Pac-12. Projection: San Diego State vs. Washington

Dec. 24

Hawaii: Honolulu, 8 p.m., C-USA vs. Mountain West. Projection: UCF vs. Nevada

Dec. 26

Little Caesars: Detroit, 7:30 p.m., Big Ten vs. MAC. Projection: Arizona State* vs. Northern Illinois

Dec. 27

Military: Washington, 3 p.m., ACC vs. Army. Projection: Middle Tennessee* vs. Utah State*

Belk: Charlotte, N.C., 6:30 p.m., ACC vs. Big East. Projection: Virginia Tech vs. Rutgers

Holiday: San Diego, 9:45 p.m., Big 12 vs. Pac-12. Projection: West Virginia vs. USC

Dec. 28

Independence: Shreveport, La., 2 p.m., ACC vs. SEC. Projection: Utah* vs. Bowling Green*

Russell Athletic: Orlando, 5:30 p.m., ACC vs. Big East. Projection: N.C. State vs. Cincinnati

Meineke of Texas: Houston, 9 p.m., Big Ten vs. Big 12. Projection: Minnesota vs. TCU

Dec. 29

Armed Forces: Fort Worth, Texas, 11:45 a.m., C-USA vs. Mountain West. Projection: East Carolina vs. Air Force

Fight Hunger: San Francisco, 3:15 p.m., Pac-12 vs. Navy. Projection: UCLA vs. Navy

Pinstripe: Bronx, 3:15 p.m., Big East vs. Big 12. Projection: Pittsburgh vs. Iowa State

Alamo: San Antonio, Texas, 6:45 p.m., Big 12 vs. Pac-12. Projection: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford

Buffalo Wild Wings: Tempe, Ariz., 10:15 p.m., Big Ten vs. Big 12. Projection: Michigan State vs. Texas Tech

Dec. 31

Music City: Nashville, noon, SEC vs. ACC. Projection: Mississippi vs. Central Michigan*

Sun: El Paso, Texas, 2 p.m., ACC vs. Pac-12. Projection: Duke vs. Oregon State

Liberty: Memphis, 3:30 p.m., SEC vs. C-USA. Projection: Mississippi State vs. Tulsa

Chick-fil-A: Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., ACC vs. SEC. Projection: Miami vs. LSU

Jan. 1

Heart of Dallas: Dallas, noon, Big Ten vs. C-USA. Projection: Purdue vs. Ohio*

Gator: Jacksonville, noon, SEC vs. Big Ten. Projection: Vanderbilt vs. Northwestern

Capital One: Orlando, 1 p.m., SEC vs. Big Ten. Projection: Florida vs. Wisconsin

Outback: Tampa, 1 p.m., SEC vs. Big Ten. Projection: South Carolina vs. Michigan

Rose: Pasadena, Calif., 5 p.m., BCS vs. BCS. Projection: Nebraska vs. Oklahoma

Orange: Miami, 8:30 p.m., BCS vs. BCS. Projection: Florida State vs. Louisville

Jan. 2

Sugar: New Orleans, 8:30 p.m., BCS vs. BCS. Projection: Alabama vs. Notre Dame

Jan. 3

Fiesta: Glendale, Ariz., 8:30 p.m., BCS vs. BCS. Projection: Georgia vs. Clemson

Jan. 4

Cotton: Arlington, Texas, 8 p.m., SEC vs. Big 12. Projection: Texas A&M vs. Texas

Jan. 5

BBVA Compass: Birmingham, Ala., 1 p.m., Big East vs. SEC. Projection: Syracuse vs. Western Kentucky*

Jan. 6

GoDaddy.com: Mobile, Ala., 9 p.m., MAC vs. Sun Belt. Projection: Kent State vs. Arkansas State

Jan. 7

BCS Championship: Miami, 8:30 p.m., BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2. Projection: Oregon vs. Kansas State

* — Fills in as an at-large replacement where a conference is short on bowl-eligible teams.

Teams in bold accepted an invitation.

Jim Tomlin, Times staff writer

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

TAMPA — Two days after suffering a serious neck injury that left him with possible nerve damage to his left arm, Bucs linebacker Quincy Black was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season.

Black, 28, was carted off the field Sunday after tackling Chargers running back Ryan Mathews in the third quarter of the Bucs' 34-24 victory.

He was released from St. Joseph's Hospital on Sunday night after evaluation.

Coach Greg Schiano said Monday that Black had no spinal cord damage and has "full function," but is experiencing some complications with his left arm. Doctors are treating him with anti-inflammatory medicine and are expected to re-evaluate his condition this week.

Black has use of his left arm but doctors believe there could be some nerve damage and are waiting for the swelling to go down before ordering further tests, agent Marc Lillibridge said.

"Quincy is upset, he's never been on IR before, so that's always tough," Lillibridge said Tuesday. "As far as the time frame, he'll get a second MRI sometime this week and get some more drugs and help him heal up. I talked to him earlier and he was of course bummed, but at the same time, he knows it's probably best to err on the side of caution.

"He's flexing (the arm) and moving it but they don't know how much damage there is, they don't know what it is yet. … Knowing Quincy, he'd suck it up and play next week if they would let him."

Schiano was relieved that Black walked out of the hospital but did not sound hopeful of his return to the team.

"The spine is fine," Schiano said Monday. "It's the nerves and things coming off that. Overall, it's a serious injury."

A third-round pick in 2007, Black played all nine games this season, starting five. He had 32 tackles, three for a loss. He also contributed three special teams tackles and a fumble recovery.

Black is the fourth Bucs starter on injured reserve, joining Pro Bowl guards Davin Joseph and Carl Nicks and defensive end Adrian Clayborn.

The Bucs have some depth at linebacker. Adam Hayward replaced Black against the Chargers and had two tackles. Dekoda Watson is listed as Black's strongside backup.

Also Tuesday, the Bucs also signed defensive end Ernest Owusu and wide receiver Diondre Borel to their practice squad and released tight end LaMark Brown and receiver Dale Moss.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

TAMPA — Big East commissioner Mike Aresco is excited about the week his conference has had, first with the news that an automatic slot in the new top six bowls will go to the highest- ranked champion out of five conferences, including the Big East.

It's not exactly an automatic bid, but in seven of the past eight football seasons, a school from the Big East's 12-team 2013 lineup would have earned such a top bid under the new guidelines.

"We have clear access," he said by phone Tuesday on his way home from a meeting of conference presidents and athletic directors in Chicago. "I think they're going to have an outstanding opportunity at the highest level if we can have the highest ranked champ, and I don't think there's any reason we shouldn't."

Aresco followed that news by unveiling the Big East's new football divisions for 2013-14, with USF in the East with four other returning schools — Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville and Rutgers — as well as newcomer Central Florida. The divisions might as well be called New and Old, as the West lineup has five newcomers (Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, SMU and Memphis) and Temple, which rejoined the league this fall.

Aresco likes that the divisions highlight both the national footprint of the league and the regional rivalries, like USF-UCF, Cincinnati-Louisville, Rutgers-Connecticut, Houston-SMU and the West Coast duo of Boise State-San Diego State. Each league team will face the other 11 within the first two years, with opponents likely to be unveiled in the first week of December.

That leaves one huge item on Aresco's agenda — negotiating a lucrative new TV deal, having entered into an open market this month with NBC seen as the top challenger to ESPN.

"Anybody that has our package is going to have a conference that's elevating its brand and its presence. I think we offer an awful lot to anybody who is interested in our rights, and believe me, there are plenty of people who are," he said. "We've talked to a number of networks and other entities. We're looking at all sorts of fun things. There's a lot of interest in our product, as we thought there would be."

HALF-DOZEN: Stan Heath picked up the sixth commitment of his 2013 recruiting class Tuesday night when Dre Clayton, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound forward from Orlando Evans, decided to sign with the Bulls today, when the early signing period begins. Clayton's high school coach is former Bulls standout Chucky Atkins, who was inducted into USF's Athletic Hall of Fame this fall while Clayton made a campus visit.

START ANEW: The USF men's soccer team, which missed the Big East tournament after a rough, injury-riddled finish, made the NCAA Tournament and will host Florida Gulf Coast in a first-round match at 7 Thursday at Corbett Stadium. The Bulls (8-5-4) defeated four RPI top-30 opponents, including Tulsa, which could be a second-round home match Sunday if the Bulls advance. You won't catch coach George Kiefer looking beyond his next opponent, however.

"I've been doing this long enough where, with the NCAA Tournament, teams that are looking at how many home games they have, they typically play one," Kiefer said.

THIS AND THAT: The volleyball team opens play in the Big East tournament Friday as the No. 6 seed in Milwaukee. The Bulls have a tough draw against Notre Dame, the only team to sweep USF since the first of September. … Thanks to help from the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, USF is making general admission tickets for Thursday's NCAA soccer match free to all fans. The Bulls topped 3,000 fans for last year's NCAA Tournament games and another strong crowd is expected at Corbett Stadium.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — For many Rays fans, a sidelight to the 2012 season was the fall of the once-mighty Red Sox.

There will be a residual benefit, as part of the Rays' Tuesday announcement that prices for nearly 75 percent of their seats have been maintained or cut for next season includes a reclassification of most Red Sox games — eight of nine — to a lower pricing category.

Overall, the Rays will again have four categories, but they reduced the games in the top two, Diamond and Platinum, from 26 to 18, with an increase in Gold level from 29 to 35 and the same number, 28, of Silver.

All details were not released, but the Rays raised some prices, such as cheapest seat from $9 to $10, and cut others, such as outfield seats for Silver games from $16 to $13 and Gold games from $22 to $17.

Season tickets, at a discount, are available now; single-game sales start in February.

The Rays twice in the past four years were ranked the most affordable team in pro sports by ESPN The Magazine.

Also, the Rays will keep game times at 7:10 for weekdays and 1:40 for Sundays and continue programs for limited free parking and allowing fans to bring in food.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

TAMPA — The ongoing battle for USF's quarterback nod Saturday at Miami could be simple coaching gamesmanship as much as anything. The uncertainty keeps pressure and attention off the eventual starter and forces the Hurricanes to prepare for both possibilities this week.

It's likely that coach Skip Holtz will announce his starter Saturday — maybe minutes before kickoff. That's what Holtz did before USF's bowl win against Clemson in 2010, and against Louisville last season, going so far as to have both quarterbacks in the huddle on the sideline before sending out the starter.

Whether it's 6-foot-1 redshirt freshman Matt Floyd stepping in for injured senior B.J. Daniels, or 6-5 junior Bobby Eveld, the Bulls will be taking their first steps toward finding a starter for next season. Floyd won the backup job in preseason but has played sparingly; Eveld has two career starts and has played against Miami in each of the past two seasons but is on course to redshirt, so playing him gives up a future year of eligibility. That's something he and Holtz are willing to do if it's in the team's best interests.

"Right now, we have two young players that each have strengths," Holtz said Tuesday with an elusiveness normally reserved for Daniels. "We're going to let it roll … until a clear-cut starter is defined. Right now, that really hasn't been the case. They're both doing an excellent job. They're both completing about 63 percent of their passes. You're waiting for, statistically, one of them to just take it, but right now, it's a great, competitive battle."

Holtz has portrayed the competition as Eveld's "leadership and command of the huddle" vs. Floyd's "feet and the elusiveness that he brings to the quarterback position," two assets prevalent in Daniels, whose season ended in the win against Connecticut when he broke a bone at the base of his left leg.

"That, probably, ultimately, is the decision we're going to have to make," said Holtz, whose official depth chart lists the QBs as Eveld "or" Floyd, the edge there perhaps as simple as an alphabetical one.

Neither has had many positive statistics over the past two seasons; Eveld had one touchdown against four interceptions last season, while Floyd has passed for 22 yards on 10 attempts this season. Coming in for one play against Florida State in late September when Daniels needed a quick breather after a hard hit, Floyd was sacked and his fumble was recovered and returned for a crucial touchdown; in his first play stepping in for Daniels against UConn, Floyd fumbled the snap, though tight end Jeff Hawkins recovered for USF. The QB-center exchange was precarious enough that USF ran out its "victory" formation with Floyd in shotgun.

"That's something you have to put into the equation," Holtz said Sunday. "(Eveld) definitely has more game experience in his hip pocket than Matt does, and it's something you're a little bit concerned about, when you watch Matt go in last week and the very first play he's under center, we fumble the ball. … That will definitely be something you have to lean towards Bobby on, with game experience."

Asked for what edges Floyd would bring to the position, offensive coordinator Todd Fitch pointed to the repetitions he has gotten as the top backup and some of his mechanics as a passer.

"(Floyd) has gotten a little more reps this fall … he's a little bit more mobile, gets the ball out a little quicker," Fitch said. "He's a little more athletic, has a very good knack of getting the ball out on time, bang-bang-bang. I think the mobility and the ability to get the ball out a hair quicker is where I see his edge. He can probably improvise, make some plays on his own more so than Bobby can, athletically."

There's a history of USF redshirt freshman quarterbacks inheriting the starting job from an injured senior. Daniels stepped in when Matt Grothe injured his knee in 2009, just as Grothe took over for Pat Julmiste in 2006 and never gave the job up.

Coaches and players have generally addressed the position as up for grabs in interviews this week, though there was one glaring exception. Asked about USF football without Daniels, senior linebacker Sam Barrington had this to say: "It's very different. I try to get in Matt Floyd's ear, just tell him he's ready, he's going to do a great job. It's his time now."

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

There are numbers.

There are moments.

There is eyesight.

Tonight, the proponents of all three categories should all shout out the name of David Price.

Add it all up, the decimal points and the pressure and the nights without run support, and this time, the Cy Young Award should belong to Price. This time, he accomplished more than any other pitcher in the game. This time, he should take home the hardware that proves it.

Yes, Justin Verlander was outstanding. Yes, Jered Weaver was excellent. Nothing wrong with either of those guys.

This season, however, Price was better.

Start after start, you saw it. Price pitched like a man who was outnumbered. There were always better bats in front of him than behind, and there always seemed to be a very good opponent with a very good pitcher of its own across the way, and the Rays almost always needed him to be great. And still, Price turned very little support into a very large season.

After this year, how could anyone vote for anyone else?

Statistics? Not this time. When Price finished second to Felix Hernandez two years ago, it was a reminder that today's voter counts a great many statistics more than victories. Price won six more games than Hernandez, but Hernandez dominated in categories such as ERA and strikeouts.

This year? Price not only had 20 victories, he led the American League with an ERA of 2.56, and he had 205 strikeouts. Of the 46 previous Cy Young winners, only eight could match those numbers.

He started 15 games against teams that made the playoffs and was 9-3 in them. He was 10-2 in the AL East.

He allowed two earned runs or fewer in 23 of his starts.

In his final 18 starts, as the Rays were scrambling toward the playoffs, Price was 12-1.

And so on.

Would you prefer to argue moments? Really?

Baseball will always be a game of numbers, and in recent years, there have been new and creative ways of measuring performances.

I have argued this before though, and I'll argue it again. Wins are not the only measuring stick of a pitcher, but yes, they do matter. Holding a 2-1 lead in the eighth with a runner on second and the pressure mounting does matter. Making a key pitch in a key situation is important. And pitchers know it.

Go back to a cool Friday night in September, when the Rays were trying to hold on against the Yankees. The season was slipping away from Tampa Bay by then, but Price went out and shut down the Yankees. For a night, at least, he kept the possibilities alive.

Do you want to argue the eye test, perhaps?

There is always a degree of difficulty pitching for a team that hits as little as the Rays. Verlander? He had a Triple Crown winner driving in runs for him. Price had a bunch of bargains behind him. Every start, it was Price and the price-breakers.

Consider this. In the six games in which Price didn't get a decision, his ERA was a glittering 1.62. Three times, the Rays were shut out in games Price started. Twice, he took a shutout into the eighth while allowing three hits or fewer; both times, he left with a no-decision.

Game after game, it was like that. Price pitched on a tightrope; any slip, and he was done. That's pressure. Of his 31 starts, 15 were against teams that reached the playoffs. That's pressure, too.

Given all of that, you could argue that Price doesn't need a trophy to convince you of how good he was. But, yeah, he does. For the history. For the reputation. For the franchise.

It's a cool award, the Cy Young. Realistically, it isn't much different than, say, the NFL defensive player of the year (won by Tampa Bay's Lee Roy Selmon, Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks) or the NHL MVP (won by Marty St. Louis). But it resonates louder. You can probably name a lot more Cy Young winners than MVPs.

Besides, Price deserves the thing. No other pitcher did more with fewer bats behind him. No one else improved his team's chances more on a nightly basis.

It should be Price's night.

His trophy, too.

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

David Price speaks with reverence and humility of the American League Cy Young Award, which he is in position to win tonight.

"To be voted the best pitcher for your league that year, it would be very special," Price said. "That's an award I would love to win, and I would be very humbled by it."

The Rays' ace left-hander, from all indications and analysis, has a strong chance to win, votes cast before the playoffs by 28 members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. The other finalists are Detroit's Justin Verlander and Los Angeles' Jered Weaver.

Price's primary credentials are obvious: He led the AL, and was second in the majors, with a 2.56 ERA, and he, along with Weaver, topped the AL with 20 wins.

But beyond that, the best reason for Price to win is whom he pitched against.

Consider:

• Price was 10-2, 2.51 in 16 starts against AL East teams, representing four of the league's top eight offensive teams by on-base plus slugging percentage, or OPS.

• Price was 13-3, 2.27 in 19 games (and 62 percent of his innings) against teams that finished .500 or better, matching Weaver for the most such wins. (Verlander was 8-4, 2.63.)

• Price faced hitters with the highest aggregate OPS, as compiled by Baseball Prospectus, of the finalists, .763 (fifth among AL starters), compared to Verlander, .758 (15th) and Weaver .749 (29th).

"Strength of schedule," Price said. "That's part of it, being in the AL East, you face those tough teams all the time."

Furthermore

There are other reasons, of course.

Take consistency: In 23 of Price's 31 starts (74.2 percent), he went seven or more innings, most in the majors. (Verlander did so in only 21 of 33, 64 percent; Weaver 16 of 30, 53 percent.)

Take competitiveness: In 23 starts, Price allowed two earned runs or fewer, most in the AL. (Weaver and Verlander each had 22.)

Take resilience: Price twice pitched eight shutout innings with nothing to show for it, part of six total no-decisions in which he had a 1.62 ERA. (Though Price had better overall run support than Verlander, it was extreme — there were six games when the Rays didn't score while Price was in, and three others with one or two runs.)

Opposing view

A strong case certainly can be made for Verlander, from as simple as basic stats that, aside from wins, weren't much different than last year when he was the unanimous winner (and AL MVP) to some advanced sabermetric stats such WAR, which attempts to quantify a player's value; ERA-plus, which factors in the ballpark; and FIP and DIPS, which seek to define a pitcher's performance independent of his team's defense.

But the primary argument is that Verlander threw more innings than Price, struck out more batters and finished more games.

Weaver, though pitching less, matched Price's 20 wins, allowed the lowest average against, .214, and had the best average of walks and hits per innings pitched, 1.02.

"I know where the numbers stand," Verlander said. "I think the only thing that really kind of hurts me is the win total, but I think we've seen … in recent years past the voters have kind of started to look beyond win totals and really kind of dove into the numbers a little bit more, and I think that might be beneficial toward me."

Price knows what he means. In 2010, Price was 19-6, 2.72 with pretty good peripheral stats but finished a disappointing second in the Cy Young vote to Seattle's Felix Hernandez, who had an AL-best 2.27 ERA and AL-most 249 2/3 innings but was only 13-12.

From the field

What do the players think? When asked in mid September to vote for the league's "Outstanding Pitcher" for the Players Choice awards, they voted for Price — and didn't have Verlander in their top three, with Weaver and Chicago's Chris Sale the other finalists.

Historical context

Leading the league in ERA and wins has traditionally been worthy of a Cy Young. Since the leagues went to separate awards in 1967, 19 pitchers led (outright or shared) in both categories and 18 were voted winners. (In 1984, Baltimore's Mike Boddicker finished fourth in the AL vote as Detroit closer Willie Hernandez won.)

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

What's hot: Speckled sea trout are a reliable target this time of year. The grass flats are usually empty because of extreme low tides. This will cause higher concentrations of fish on edges, and in deeper grass flats that still have water over them. The nice thing about trout fishing? No live bait is needed. A few select artificial baits are all I need.

Favorite artificial baits: A number of lures work great for sea trout. A red quarter-ounce jig head with eyes painted on it, rigged with a soft plastic tail, is my favorite. A heavier jig sinks too fast, a lighter jig doesn't cast as far, and so I have grown to like a quarter-ounce jig head. My choices of colors for tails are root beer, white, electric chicken and chartreuse. The tail can be a shrimp lookalike, eel type, paddle tail grub, or a minnow type with a swimming tail. Trout like to shake their head vigorously out of the water when they are hooked, so I use super glue to keep the tail in place. Top water plugs are my next favorite. They provide an impressive strike on the surface, but there are a lot of misses. Fish get lazy and don't strike again if they miss the plug. I remove the front treble hook on the lure to prevent it from snagging the main line and to provide an easier release.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit captainrobgorta.com.

Times wires
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas — Former Texas coach Darrell Royal was remembered Tuesday as a humble champion who built a powerhouse football program and a Longhorn brand known around the world.

About 1,500 people attended a campus memorial service for the coach who led Texas to national championships in 1963 and 1969 and a share of a third in 1970. Royal also revolutionized college football when he introduced the wishbone offense in 1968.

Royal died in Austin on Nov. 7 at the age of 88. He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery in a private service Monday.

Royal grew up chopping cotton in Dust Bowl-era Oklahoma and was a standout player for the Sooners in the 1940s. It was Royal who determined Texas would wear not wear "just orange" but burnt orange, and put the Longhorn logo on the players' helmets, Texas president Bill Powers said.

"The rarest of creatures: an Oklahoma Sooner who brought glory and unprecedented success to the University of Texas," Powers said. "He was the real creator of the Longhorn brand that defines our institution around the world today."

Royal was 32 when Texas hired him before the 1957 season. Over the next 20 years, Texas won 167 games and 11 Southwest Conference titles and played in 16 bowl games. Royal, who never had a losing season, retired in 1976.

The 90-minute service drew dozens of Royal's former players and coaching friends and rivals, including former Arkansas coach Frank Broyles, a close friend, and former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer, a fierce rival toward the end of Royal's career. Former Heisman Trophy running back Earl Campbell, whom Royal recruited to Texas, former Texas A&M Heisman winner John David Crow and former Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum also attended.

"It didn't matter if you were a starter or on the fifth team, he loved you," said James Street, quarterback of Texas' 1969 national championship team.

REFS REPRIMANDED: The Sun Belt Conference reprimanded two replay officials after they failed to properly review calls in two separate games. The conference did not identify the officials.

CAL: Coach Jeff Tedford said he expects to meet next week with athletic director Sandy Barbour to discuss his future after the Golden Bears (3-8, 2-6 Pac-12) finish their worst season in his 11-year tenure.

NEBRASKA: Running back Rex Burkhead is hopeful he'll be able to play Saturday on senior day. Burkhead has missed five games and left three early with a sprained left knee.

Times wires
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

MIAMI — The Marlins' spending spree a year ago didn't work, so now they're trying another payroll purge.

Rebranded in a new ballpark at the start of 2012, the Marlins were up to their old ways Tuesday, swapping stars for prospects. Miami traded SS Jose Reyes, LHP Mark Buehrle and RHP Josh Johnson to the Blue Jays as part of a blockbuster deal.

Toronto reportedly sent major-league SS Yunel Escobar, RHP Henderson Alvarez and C Jeff Mathis and minor-league SS Adeiny Hechavarria, LHP Justin Nicolino, OF Jake Marisnick and RHP Anthony DeSclafani to Miami.

The deal came less than a year after the Marlins added Reyes, Buehrle and closer Heath Bell in an uncharacteristic $191 million spending binge as they moved into a new ballpark. The acquisitions raised high hopes, but the Marlins instead finished last in the NL East.

The latest salary purge actually began in July, when the Marlins parted with star SS Hanley Ramirez, 2B Omar Infante and RHP Anibal Sanchez, among others. Bell, the team's high-profile bust, was traded to Arizona last month.

Under owner Jeffrey Loria, the Marlins have usually been among baseball's thriftiest teams. Management pledged that would change with the new ballpark, but team officials were disappointed with attendance in 2012, and revenue fell far short of their projections.

Even so, the blockbuster deal came as a shock. The players involved must take physicals before the trade becomes final.

Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton tweeted that he was angry about it "Plain & Simple."

The deal gave an immediate boost to the Blue Jays, who finished fourth in the AL East for the fourth straight season.

TOP MANAGERS: Davey Johnson was picked as NL manager of the year after guiding the Nationals to the best record in baseball. Oakland's Bob Melvin won the AL award, beating out Baltimore's Buck Showalter after leading the Athletics to a 20-win improvement and the AL West title.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tonight

No. 10 Florida vs. No. 22 Wisconsin

When/where: 7, Stephen C. O'Connell Center, Gainesville

TV/radio: ESPN2; 620-AM

Records: Florida 1-0, Wisconsin 1-0

Notable: Florida is 1-1 all time against Wisconsin, both teams winning at home. Their last meeting was Dec. 21, 1968. The Badgers have been the Big Ten's best road team during coach Bo Ryan's tenure. Since 2001, Wisconsin has the most road wins (62) and has the best road winning percentage (.508) among Big Ten teams. Senior guard Kenny Boynton needs 13 points to tie the late Dwayne Schintzius of Brandon for sixth on Florida's all-time scoring list at 1,624.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

ORLANDO — Carmelo Anthony scored 25 and J.R. Smith and Raymond Felton each added 21 as the Knicks held off the Magic 99-89 Tuesday night.

The Knicks are 5-0 for the first time since opening the 1993-94 season 7-0 and reaching the Finals.

J.J. Redick scored 18 and Arron Afflalo added 13 for the Magic, which had 20 turnovers that led to 24 New York points. Orlando has lost five straight.

GAME highlights: The visiting Raptors beat the Pacers 74-72 despite setting franchise lows in the fourth quarter with one field goal and five points.

AROUND the league: Commissioner David Stern estimates revenue will be a record $5 billion this season, an increase of about 20 percent from the last full season in 2010-11. He also said expansion to Europe is probably at least a decade away and predicted adding several clubs there at once. … Grizzlies assistant GM Kenny Williamson, 65, died of cancer. He also worked for the Bobcats and Knicks, and his 21 years as a college assistant included FSU from 1988-94. … First-round pick Royce White is not with the Rockets and said they have been "inconsistent" in their agreement to help him cope with anxiety disorder. The team said "Royce is not available now" and that it supports him.

Knicks 99, Magic 89

NEW YORK (99): Brewer 1-3 1-2 3, Anthony 11-22 2-3 25, Chandler 4-6 4-4 12, Kidd 2-4 0-0 5, Felton 9-23 0-0 21, J.Smith 9-14 1-2 21, Prigioni 2-3 0-0 5, Novak 1-2 0-0 3, Wallace 2-7 0-0 4, Camby 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 41-84 8-11 99.

ORLANDO (89): Afflalo 4-14 3-5 13, Davis 5-5 0-0 10, Vucevic 6-10 0-0 12, Moore 5-14 0-0 12, Redick 7-13 3-4 18, McRoberts 1-2 1-2 3, Harkless 5-7 0-2 10, I.Smith 0-2 0-0 0, Ayon 0-1 0-0 0, Nicholson 4-7 3-4 11. Totals 37-75 10-17 89.

New York 27 22 28 22— 99

Orlando 23 30 23 13— 89

3-Point Goals—New York 9-24 (Felton 3-7, J.Smith 2-2, Prigioni 1-1, Kidd 1-2, Novak 1-2, Anthony 1-4, Brewer 0-1, Wallace 0-5), Orlando 5-14 (Afflalo 2-4, Moore 2-6, Redick 1-3, I.Smith 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—New York 41 (Anthony 8), Orlando 50 (Vucevic 10). Assists—New York 15 (Felton 5), Orlando 28 (Moore 8). Total Fouls—New York 14, Orlando 9. Technicals—Anthony, Orlando defensive three second. A—18,846 (18,500).

Raptors 74, Pacers 72

TORONTO (74): McGuire 1-1 0-0 2, Bargnani 3-13 0-0 8, Valanciunas 4-8 1-2 9, Calderon 5-10 1-1 13, DeRozan 5-13 5-6 15, A.Johnson 2-9 3-4 7, Kleiza 2-9 6-6 10, Lucas 1-3 0-0 3, Davis 0-1 0-0 0, Ross 3-5 0-0 7. Totals 26-72 16-19 74.

INDIANA (72): George 3-14 4-4 12, West 3-12 5-8 11, Hibbert 3-9 0-0 6, Hill 8-20 2-2 18, Stephenson 3-6 0-0 7, Green 2-7 1-2 6, T.Hansbrough 0-2 5-6 5, Mahinmi 1-3 1-2 3, Augustin 1-2 1-1 4. Totals 24-75 19-25 72.

Toronto 29 17 23 5— 74

Indiana 21 15 22 14— 72

3-Point Goals—Toronto 6-12 (Calderon 2-2, Bargnani 2-6, Lucas 1-1, Ross 1-1, Kleiza 0-1, A.Johnson 0-1), Indiana 5-15 (George 2-6, Augustin 1-1, Stephenson 1-2, Green 1-2, Hill 0-4). Rebounds—Toronto 51 (Calderon 10), Indiana 55 (George, Hibbert 9). Assists—Toronto 13 (Calderon 10), Indiana 14 (George 4). Total Fouls—Toronto 23, Indiana 16. Technicals—Kleiza, Toronto defensive three second, Indiana defensive three second. A—11,947 (18,165).

Bobcats 92, Wizards 76

WASHINGTON (76): Ariza 7-18 3-4 19, Booker 4-8 0-0 8, Okafor 1-2 6-6 8, Price 2-12 1-2 6, Beal 1-11 5-5 8, Seraphin 2-4 1-2 5, Crawford 3-10 1-3 7, Singleton 1-3 0-0 2, Pargo 0-4 0-0 0, Webster 1-5 3-4 6, Vesely 0-0 0-4 0, Martin 1-4 0-0 2, Barron 2-3 1-2 5. Totals 25-84 21-32 76.

CHARLOTTE (92): Kidd-Gilchrist 6-11 3-3 15, Mullens 3-8 2-4 9, Haywood 4-6 0-0 8, Walker 5-13 6-7 17, Taylor 2-7 2-2 6, Thomas 2-7 6-6 10, Sessions 7-18 6-8 21, Biyombo 0-1 0-0 0, Williams 2-4 2-2 6, Higgins 0-2 0-0 0, Diop 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 31-78 27-32 92.

Washington 27 12 22 15— 76

Charlotte 23 29 18 22— 92

3-Point Goals—Washington 5-31 (Ariza 2-8, Webster 1-2, Beal 1-6, Price 1-7, Singleton 0-1, Martin 0-2, Crawford 0-2, Pargo 0-3), Charlotte 3-13 (Sessions 1-2, Mullens 1-3, Walker 1-4, Taylor 0-2, Williams 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Washington 64 (Okafor, Crawford 9), Charlotte 58 (Haywood 11). Assists—Washington 18 (Price 6), Charlotte 17 (Mullens, Taylor 4). Total Fouls—Washington 24, Charlotte 20. Technicals—Thomas, Charlotte defensive three second. A—11,139 (19,077).

Nets 114, Cavs 101

CLEVELAND (101): Gee 2-7 0-0 4, Thompson 6-11 2-5 14, Varejao 16-21 3-3 35, Irving 9-19 14-14 34, Waiters 3-16 1-2 8, Leuer 2-7 0-0 4, Gibson 0-1 0-0 0, Sloan 0-2 2-2 2, Samuels 0-3 0-0 0, Casspi 0-0 0-0 0, Walton 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 38-87 22-26 101.

BROOKLYN (114): Bogans 0-3 0-0 0, Humphries 4-5 4-6 12, Lopez 10-14 3-5 23, Williams 10-20 5-5 26, Johnson 9-16 4-5 25, Watson 2-7 2-2 7, Childress 1-2 0-0 2, Evans 0-0 2-2 2, Blatche 4-7 5-6 13, Stackhouse 2-3 0-0 4, Shengelia 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 42-77 25-31 114.

Cleveland 30 12 33 26— 101

Brooklyn 29 35 21 29— 114

3-Point Goals—Cleveland 3-14 (Irving 2-6, Waiters 1-5, Gee 0-1, Gibson 0-1, Sloan 0-1), Brooklyn 5-22 (Johnson 3-9, Watson 1-3, Williams 1-6, Stackhouse 0-1, Bogans 0-3). Rebounds—Cleveland 48 (Varejao 18), Brooklyn 46 (Evans 8). Assists—Cleveland 16 (Irving 8), Brooklyn 27 (Williams 10). Total Fouls—Cleveland 26, Brooklyn 23. A—17,032 (18,103).

Times wires
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger has a sprained right shoulder. When the two-time Pro Bowl pick will be ready to play again is anybody's guess.

Coach Mike Tomlin called Pittsburgh's franchise quarterback "questionable" Tuesday but otherwise offered little detail. Monday, Roethlisberger was pounded into the ground by Chiefs linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston in the third quarter of Pittsburgh's 16-13 overtime victory.

"He is being evaluated," Tomlin said.

Roethlisberger left the game and went to the hospital for an MRI exam. He had more tests Tuesday to determine the severity of the sprain to the sternoclavicular (SC) joint in his throwing shoulder. The SC joint connects the collarbone to the sternum.

If he can't play Sunday against the Ravens, backup Byron Leftwich will play, as he did Monday after Roethlisberger left.

Steelers safety Ryan Clark also sustained a concussion, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

PETERSON CHARGE DISMISSED: A grand jury in Houston dismissed a misdemeanor resisting arrest charge against Vikings running back Adrian Peterson after hearing from the four-time Pro Bowl pick and other witnesses. Derek Hollingsworth, one of Peterson's attorneys, said the case is expected to be formally dropped today.

BEARS: With Jay Cutler's status uncertain after a concussion, the team signed veteran backup quarterback Josh McCown.

CHIEFS: Coach Romeo Crennel said he plans to speak to his team about discipline issues in Monday's loss, including one instance in which Kansas City was flagged 15 yards for a group celebration on a touchdown that wound up being reversed on replay. "It was a surprise to me," Crennel said of the sudden celebration.

FALCONS: Tight end Tommy Gallarda (shoulder) went on injured reserve and the team signed wide receiver Tim Toone and tight end Chase Coffman.

JETS: Newsday reported that linebacker Aaron Maybin, a former first-round draft pick in Buffalo, was waived.

PATRIOTS: They signed guard Mitch Petrus, who played six games in 2012 with the Giants.

VIKINGS: Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton criticized the team for considering extra fees on season tickets to help cover the team's share of a new $975 million stadium. Team owners said that option was a key part of the deal.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

GAINESVILLE — The Florida basketball team is 1½ games into its season and already coach Billy Donovan has had to create lineup adjustments he might not normally need until at least midseason.

The No. 10 Gators host No. 22 Wisconsin in a nonconference, heavyweight matchup both coaches hope will reveal more about their squads.

But Donovan isn't sure which squad that will be, thanks to injuries and attrition. Junior forward Casey Prather (multiple concussions) and guard Scottie Wilbekin (suspension) are out. Tonight, senior forward Erik Murphy might join the list. Murphy has had nausea and headaches for two days because of an illness.

With junior transfer forward/center Damontre Harris out with a torn labrum, Gators' practices now consist of eight scholarship players, two walk-ons and a transfer.

"We're going to find out more about who we are, and where we've got to get better and where we have to improve," Donovan said. … "We've had to battle things early here in the year. There's been some things that have thrown some wrinkles for us right before the season started of being able to make adjustments. So I think this is a game that gives us a chance to see what kind of adjustments we need to make as a team and where we need to get better."

For those that remain, the lineup continues to be shuffled — including early playing time for freshmen Michael Frazier II, DeVon Walker and Braxton Ogbueze — though Donovan admits the three-guard lineup often leaves him with too many inexperienced players.

Senior guard Mike Rosario said the Gators are adjusting as well as can be expected.

"Coach just has been telling us to focus on the guys that we have and continue to come with the same mind-set every day," he said. "When we get everyone back, that'll be good, but for now we just focus on getting better every day and getting ready for our next opponent."

Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan acknowledged it's tough to find other big-time programs willing to play home-and-home games, but now that this series is scheduled, he believes both programs will benefit.

The Gators expect an extremely physical game with Wisconsin, known for its slow-down, smash-mouth style. But after playing Friday night's first half against a physical Georgetown team, Florida believes its up to the challenge.

"Wisconsin is a really good team, so it will be a big challenge for us because we haven't played a ranked team this season," junior forward Will Yeguete said. "Physically, they are big, they have good size, especially inside. So I think it will be a good battle for us. Rebounding is going to be key."

Wisconsin is expecting the Gators to bring an up-tempo, pressure-style in order to counter its slower pace.

"They can bring some heat, especially at home," Ryan said. "They've turned a lot of teams over many times, and I'm sure they're planning on doing the same with us, and we just have to not fall into the traps very often. Make sure we're reading the traps before they come, retreat dribbles, not one-dribble pickups, not — there's a list of about 20 things that, in my mind, you go over about half court, where to catch a ball in relationship to half court, how close to the sideline. You got the 10-second clock on. If you think about it too much, you start to sweat. You get nervous. But it's all read and react."

Times wires
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

ARENA LEAGUE

STORM, LEAGUE TO BE SEEN ON CBS SPORTS NET

The Arena League announced both its new schedule and a new television partner Tuesday.

The Tampa Bay Storm will open the 2013 schedule at home against Jacksonville on March 23 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Storm also faces the Sharks to close the season, July 27 in Jacksonville.

Also, the league is moving to the CBS Sports Network cable channel on a two-year deal. CBS Sports Network will broadcast 19 regular-season games in 2013 with a Saturday night package, along with two playoff games. The main CBS network will air the ArenaBowl in August. The AFL had been airing on NFL Network.

The Storm's complete schedule: March 23, Jacksonville; March 30, Cleveland; April 6, at Utah; April 12, San Antonio; April 19, at Orlando; April 27, at Spokane; May 4, New Orleans; May 11, at San Jose; May 18, at Pittsburgh; May 25, Philadelphia; June 1, at Iowa; June 8, Orlando; June 15, at New Orleans; June 22, Chicago; July 6, Spokane; July 13, at San Antonio; July 20, Pittsburgh; July 27, at Jacksonville.

SKIING

Vonn in hospital for intestinal pain

Lindsey Vonn remained hospitalized in Colorado with "severe intestinal pain" that has affected her for two weeks. Vonn's spokesman, Lewis Kay, wrote in an email that the four-time overall World Cup champion awaited results from diagnostic testing. Vonn hasn't trained since going out in the second run of the season-opening giant slalom Oct. 27 in Austria, said her ski technician, Heinz Haemmerle.

AUTOS

Graham Rahal joins father's team

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will formally introduce Graham Rahal as its new 2013 driver today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rahal, 23, who won his IndyCar debut in St. Petersburg in 2008, will be paired with his father, Bobby, who co-owns the team with television talk show host David Letterman. Bobby Rahal won three IndyCar titles and the 1986 Indianapolis 500.

ET CETERA

TRACK AND FIELD: Two-time Olympic javelin champion and world record holder Barbora Spotakova, 31, will miss next season because she is pregnant.

GOLF: The PGA Tour trio of Jason Day, Nick Watney and Davis Love III won the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge in Henderson, Nev., when Day beat the LPGA's Stacy Lewis with birdie on the second hole of a playoff. Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis also played for the LPGA; the Champions Tour trio of Bernhard Langer, Fred Funk and Tom Lehman finished six strokes back.

TENNIS: The sport is considering whether to adopt blood-testing measures used by cycling and track to catch drug cheats, International Tennis Federation anti-doping manager Stuart Miller told AP.

Times wires

Times wires
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

ATLANTA — Looking to bounce back, Michigan State turned to its top returning scorer from last season.

Keith Appling came through.

Hitting two huge shots down the stretch — one a 3-pointer, the other on an acrobatic drive — Appling carried the No. 21 Spartans to a 67-64 upset of No. 7 Kansas on Tuesday night in a star-studded doubleheader at the Georgia Dome.

"The offense was kind of stagnant, so I wanted to make a play the best way I possible could," said Appling, who led Michigan State with 19 points. "From there, it was all she wrote."

The Spartans (1-1) were coming off of a surprising loss to Connecticut in Germany. The Jayhawks (1-1) led 59-54 with 5 minutes left, showing signs of taking control. But freshman Gary Harris, who scored 18, had back-to-back baskets in an 8-0 run.

NO. 9 DUKE 75, NO. 3 KENTUCKY 68: Seth Curry had 23 points as the Blue Devils held off a comeback against the national champions in the nightcap of the Atlanta doubleheader. Duke (1-1) had a 13-3 run, capped by Rasheed Sulaimon's 3-pointer for a 58-44 lead. But Kentucky (1-1) outscored Duke 17-6 in the next six minutes and had a chance to tie it; Julius Mays missed a 3-pointer with the Blue Devils clinging to a 64-61 lead.

NO. 5 MICHIGAN 77, CLEVELAND ST. 47: Tim Hardaway Jr. had 17 points and six rebounds for the host Wolverines (3-0) in the NIT Season Tip-Off quarterfinals.

NO. 14 MISSOURI 91, ALCORN ST. 54: Phil Pressey scored 21 and Laurence Bowers added 14, all in the second half, for the host Tigers (2-0).

NO. 23 UCONN 67, VERMONT 49: Shabazz Napier scored all of his 13 points in the second half as the Huskies (2-0) rolled in their home opener.

NO. 24 CINCINNATI 102, MVSU 60: Sean Kilpatrick scored 13 of his 20 points in the second half for the host Bearcats (2-0).

NO. 25 SAN DIEGO ST. 91, S.D. Chr. 57: Jamaal Franklin scored 28 in the first half for the Aztecs (1-1) against their suburban NAIA neighbor. The NCAA suspended Aztecs freshman forward Winston Shepard for three games for violating an unspecified rule.

FGCU 63, MIAMI 51: Sherwood Brown and Eric McKnight scored 14 apiece for Florida Gulf Coast (1-1) before the Eagles' first men's sellout, 4,552 fans at Alico Arena. Shane Larkin led Miami (1-1) with 14 points.

UCF 85, ALABAMA STATE 56: Isaiah Sykes had 23 points and Keith Clanton 20 for the host Knights (2-0).

LATE MONDAY: Gary Bell Jr. scored 15 as No. 19 Gonzaga crushed visiting West Virginia 84-50.

Bulls women win in OT

Andrea Smith scored five of USF's six points in overtime, and twin sister Andrell Smith had career bests of 26 points and six 3-pointers as the Bulls beat host Clemson 75-73. Andrell Smith scored 20 in the first half for USF (2-0). Her layup with 52 seconds left in regulation tied it at 69, the eighth and final tie of the second half. "I don't think we found her as much as we should have," USF coach Jose Fernandez said.

NO. 1 BAYLOR 85, NO. 6 KENTUCKY 51: Brittney Griner had 27 points and eight rebounds as the host Bears (2-0) routed the Wildcats (1-1) in what was expected to be a test.

NO. 22 OKLA. ST. 74, MISSOURI ST. 71: Liz Donohoe scored 24 and Tiffany Bias made four free throws in the final 24 seconds for visiting Oklahoma State (2-0).

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Shortly after Florida's dramatic win over Louisiana-Lafayette this past weekend, as Florida players gathered to discuss the game one phrase kept being repeated over and over.

"Man down, man up."

Florida starting quarterback Jeff Driskel sprained his right ankle in the third quarter, and backup Jacoby Brissett came in to help the Gators rally for a victory.

His teammates said they never doubted his ability to do so because he has been practicing and preparing for just that moment — as has the entire team. It's not a matter of if, but when. Brissett is just the latest player this season to find himself thrust into a pivotal role after another was injured.

"Man down, man up," senior nose tackle Omar Hunter said. "That's how we've been playing it the whole year. Someone goes down, someone has to step up, and I think he (Brissett) stepped up pretty well. Jacoby did a great job preparing every day in practice like he was going to be the starter. So if that situation ever did occur, he was going to step up in that situation nicely, and he did."

Having reserves ready to fill in isn't unusual in football. But Florida coach Will Muschamp's oft-repeated motto has been more than a nice catch-phrase. Multiple starters have been injured this season, but it's the way other players have responded that has helped the Gators to a 9-1 record.

It is, Muschamp said, a tough lesson learned from last year's disappointing season when injuries derailed the Gators because there were few ready to fill those positions.

"I've emphasized all along, knowing how our season went a year ago, we had injuries and I felt like at times we used that as an excuse," Muschamp said. "I went into this season with the mentality of our football team that is not going to be an excuse."

Brissett will be the starting quarterback when the Gators host Jacksonville State on Saturday. And while it's not an SEC-caliber opponent, Brissett has played about the equivalent of two quarters this season.

Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease said he won't make any drastic changes to the Gators' offense.

"I still think we stay within our philosophy," Pease said. "To get to 9-1 and work towards getting to 10-1 and hopefully 11-1, I think we've got a pretty good recipe. Is it totally what you want it to be in the big picture? No. There's things we've got to improve on. There's pieces you can put in. Jacoby has a great opportunity, and what he does to improve us and do a good job for himself, as well as his teammates, hey, it's his stage for this game. Step up and do what you've got to do. You're number's called, go carry the flag."

And what obstacles will the Gators face going from a run-oriented QB to a less-mobile passer in Brissett?

"Not a thing," senior wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. said. "Driskel is more of a mobile guy. He can get out of the pocket a little faster. But I don't think that will close anything as far as our offense is concerned. Jacoby does just as a good a job as Driskel does."

Muschamp said he's unsure of Driskel's status for the Nov. 24 showdown with Florida State, saying he expects him to be able to play, "but who knows?" Ankle injuries are hard to predict, Muschamp said. If Driskel can't go, Muschamp believes the man-down, man-up philosophy will continue to thrive.

"Injuries are a part of the game," he said. "And in the SEC, as physical of a league as it is, you are going to have injuries. When a guy goes down the other guy has to step up and play at a high level, and we're not going to use that as an excuse to say we had an injury. That's part of the game and you have to move on. It's something I came up with: just said man down, man up. You need to man up in this league and when you have an injury somebody else needs to step forward and play well for you."

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

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department's adult softball leagues have been competing on the fields at the Jerome Brown Community Center in Brooksville for a couple of months, and the season is beginning to wind down.

Last week, Watler Development Services played a doubleheader, defeating Pickett's Hardware 19-18 and Farm Bureau Insurance 17-7 to move to 8-1 in the standings, a half-game over Coney Island Drive Inn (7-1). Coney Island beat Beef 'O' Brady's 19-4 to keep pace in the men's league. Beef 'O' Brady's (6-3) is still within striking distance in fourth place, tied with Farm Bureau.

Defending women's league champion Spring Hill MRI continued its domination, moving to 12-0 last week with victories over Sommer Sensations (8-6) and Bene's Beauties (0-14). Spring Hill knocked off Sommer 7-6 and Bene's 16-9. Hair Studio One (6-8) is the final team in the fray, and it split its games with Sommer and Bene's. Sommer beat Hair Studio 17-5, while Bene's fell 15-9.

Coney Island Drive Inn (8-1) dominated its game with Don's Truck & Auto (3-5) last week in the co-ed league to maintain first place in the standings. Coney Island won 22-2. United Speed World (7-2) is still in second place after a close 9-8 win over Mighty Thunder (1-7). Print Shack (6-2) won 19-9 over Day Law Firm (3-6) to stay close as well.

HIGH POINT WOMEN'S GOLF LEAGUE: The High Point Women's Golf League is in full swing, now that most of the players are back from their part-time homes up north.

Players are divided into 18-hole and nine-hole divisions. In the first week of play, on Oct. 15, the 18-hole division competed in a gross-score-minus-putts contest. Delores Hartwick won Flight A with 59 strokes, and Joan Kaloustian (60) came in second. Flight B was won by Donna O'Keefe (71), with Anna McGovern (72) close behind.

The lone birdies came from Hartwick on the eighth hole and Nancy Reeves on the 17th.

The nine-hole players competed in a low-net round. The Flight A champion was Beverly Vauter (40). A three-way tiebreaker was needed in Flight B to crown Sharon Reidl (49) the winner over Freddie Worley and Grace Perkins. Flight C was won by Linda Mason (51), who finished one stroke better than Joyce Salisbury (52).

After a week off, the second week of play, on Oct. 29, featured the 18-hole division competing in a low-net and low-gross contest. Reeves (90) won low gross in Flight A, with O'Keefe (62) winning low net. McGovern (107) won the Flight B low-gross title, and Kathy Grenier (74) took low-net honors.

The nine-hole players competed in a low-net round. Vauter (42) won by two strokes over Ann Marie Hartnett (44) in Flight A, with Worley (43) winning Flight B by one stroke over Pat Goman (44). Gloria Corey (49) won the Flight C crown by two over Cecile Abbott (51).

On Nov. 5, the 18-hole division competed for the top number of pars. Reeves won Flight A with four pars. Kaloustian, O'Keefe, and Joy Brady had two pars each to place second. Flight B was won by Hartwick with two pars. Other than Hartwick, only Cindy Williams had a par in that flight.

Reeves knocked in the lone birdie of the round, carding a 3 on the par-4 first hole.

The nine-hole group competed in a low-net round, with Flight A being won for the third consecutive week by Vauter (26). Worley (29) took the Flight B title for the second time in three weeks. Abbott (25) took the Flight C title, winning by two strokes over Mason (27).

TOURETTE SYNDROME GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Plantation Golf Resort in Crystal River will host the inaugural Tee Off for Tourette Celebrity Golf Tournament on Feb. 1 and 2.

Proceeds will benefit the Tourette Syndrome Association of Florida, a volunteer organization dedicated to helping individuals and families living with Tourette's syndrome. The money will help send children to an annual camp, where they can be with other children with Tourette's syndrome and can make new friends.

The basic entry fee is $500 per four-player team, which includes a hole sign and recognition in the tournament program, as well as greens fees and a cart. Other sponsorship levels include gold, platinum and event.

For $1,000, a sponsor receives the same features as with the basic fee, plus a plaque commemorating the event. For a platinum fee of $2,500, a corporate sponsor gets two four-player teams. The event sponsor fee of $5,000 includes three four-player teams and the privilege of playing the round with one of the celebrities signed up to be on hand.

Individual hole sponsorships are $250. Individual players can play for a cost of $100 per golfer.

Among the celebrities expected to appear are former Buffalo Bills linebacker Darryl Talley, American Idol Season 9 contestant Dave Pittman, Kansas City Royals minor leaguer Nick DelGuidice and sports artist John Prince.

For more information, contact event chairman Gary D'Amico at (352) 527-2938 or gary78@tampabay.rr.com.

HOLIDAY GOLF TOURNAMENT: Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville will host the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce's annual holiday tournament Dec. 6.

Sponsored by Cemex, Dyno Nobel and Thunder Bay Builders, the event will feature PGA qualifying school conditions. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a continental breakfast served by Chick-fil-A. The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m.

The entry fee is $400 per four-player team. Hole sponsorships are also available. For those who wish to play as well as sponsor a hole, the cost for both is $450. Individual hole sponsorships are $100. The entry fee includes golf, cart, range balls and lunch.

For more information, call Dawn Badami at (352) 796-0697 or visit hernandochamber.com.

TOYS FOR TOTS GOLF TOURNAMENT: Marine Corps League Detachment 708 will have its Toys for Tots of Hernando County golf tournament Saturday at Hernando Oaks Country Club in Brooksville.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament will consist of 18 holes of golf in a four-person scramble format. Also included with the $75 fee are lunch, dinner coupons provided by Texas Roadhouse, gift bags and prizes. Prizes will be awarded for the longest drive and closest-to-the-pin.

Toys for Tots supports needy children of Hernando County, providing them with Christmas gifts when their parents are unable to afford them.

For more information, call Keith Ball at (727) 465-4815, Linda Black at (352) 596-2225 or Woody Marr at (352) 585-0975, or visit mcl708.org to register.

JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS: Ace Performance Tennis is holding registration and open play for the Fall/Winter U.S. Tennis Association Junior Team Tennis season on Tuesday at Nature Coast Technical High School, south of Brooksville.

Sign-ups for the 12-and-younger division will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Registration for the 13-to-18 division will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Fees are $60 per player.

Registration forms are available on the website. Players must be USTA members to participate in the sectional tournament in January.

Visit louisedowney.usptapro.com or call Louise or John Downey at (352) 666-0658 for information.

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