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College Football Schedule

2009-11-09T10:58:00.002-05:00

All Times EST

Tuesday, Nov. 10

EAST

Ohio at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 11

MIDWEST

Toledo at Cent. Michigan, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 12

EAST

South Florida at Rutgers, 7:30 p.m.

SOUTH

Texas Southern at Grambling St., 8 p.m.

MIDWEST

Bowling Green at Miami (Ohio), 6 p.m.

Ball St. at N. Illinois, 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13

MIDWEST

West Virginia at Cincinnati, 8 p.m.

Temple at Akron, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14

EAST

VMI at Army, Noon

St. Francis, Pa. at Bryant, Noon

Monmouth, N.J. at Cent. Connecticut St., Noon

Penn at Harvard, Noon

Rhode Island at Maine, Noon

Indiana at Penn St., Noon

Wagner at Robert Morris, Noon

Duquesne at Sacred Heart, Noon

James Madison at Massachusetts, 12:05 p.m.

Dartmouth at Brown, 12:30 p.m.

Columbia at Cornell, 12:30 p.m.

Lafayette at Holy Cross, 12:30 p.m.

Bucknell at Colgate, 1 p.m.

Lehigh at Fordham, 1 p.m.

Richmond at Georgetown, D.C., 1 p.m.

Hofstra at Northeastern, 1 p.m.

Yale at Princeton, 1 p.m.

Villanova at Towson, 1 p.m.

Delaware at Navy, 3:30 p.m.

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.

SOUTH

Georgia Tech at Duke, Noon

Butler at Jacksonville, Noon

Syracuse at Louisville, Noon

Tennessee at Mississippi, Noon

Clemson at N.C. State, Noon

Houston at UCF, Noon

Florida St. at Wake Forest, Noon

Kentucky at Vanderbilt, 12:20 p.m.

Presbyterian at Coastal Carolina, 12:30 p.m.

Marist at Davidson, 1 p.m.

Norfolk St. at Delaware St., 1 p.m.

W. Carolina at E. Kentucky, 1 p.m.

Florida A&M at Hampton, 1 p.m.

Bethune-Cookman at Howard, 1 p.m.

Tennessee Tech at Jacksonville St., 1 p.m.

Virginia Tech at Maryland, 1 p.m.

UAB at Memphis, 1 p.m.

San Diego at Morehead St., 1 p.m.

N.C. Central at Winston-Salem, 1 p.m.

Stony Brook at Charleston Southern, 1:30 p.m.

Liberty at Gardner-Webb, 1:30 p.m.

Morgan St. at S. Carolina St., 1:30 p.m.

New Hampshire at William & Mary, 1:30 p.m.

Samford at Wofford, 1:30 p.m.

Jackson St. at Alabama A&M, 2 p.m.

The Citadel at Chattanooga, 2 p.m.

Furman at Georgia Southern, 2 p.m.

Northwestern St. at Nicholls St., 2 p.m.

Prairie View at Alcorn St., 3 p.m.

Appalachian St. at Elon, 3 p.m.

Miami at North Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Stephen F.Austin at SE Louisiana, 3 p.m.

Florida at South Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Alabama St. vs. Southern U. at Mobile, Ala., 3:30 p.m.

Boston College at Virginia, 3:30 p.m.

Arkansas St. at Florida Atlantic, 4 p.m.

W. Kentucky at Louisiana-Monroe, 4 p.m.

Lincoln, Mo. at MVSU, 4 p.m.

Louisiana-Lafayette at Middle Tennessee, 4:15 p.m.

Southern Miss. at Marshall, 4:30 p.m.

Tennessee St. at Austin Peay, 5 p.m.

Webber International at Savannah St., 5 p.m.

North Texas at Fla. International, 7 p.m.

Auburn at Georgia, 7 p.m.

Alabama at Mississippi St., 7 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at LSU, 7 p.m.

MIDWEST

Northwestern at Illinois, Noon

S. Dakota St. at Minnesota, Noon

Michigan St. at Purdue, Noon

Michigan at Wisconsin, Noon

N. Dakota St. at Indiana St., 12:05 p.m.

Missouri at Kansas St., 12:30 p.m.

W. Michigan at E. Michigan, 1 p.m.

Illinois St. at Youngstown St., 1 p.m.

Colorado at Iowa St., 2 p.m.

Murray St. at SE Missouri, 2 p.m.

Campbell at Valparaiso, 2 p.m.

Tenn.-Martin at E. Illinois, 2:30 p.m.

Missouri St. at S. Illinois, 3 p.m.

Nebraska at Kansas, 3:30 p.m.

Iowa at Ohio St., 3:30 p.m.

Dayton at Drake, 4 p.m.

W. Illinois at N. Iowa, 7:35 p.m.

SOUTHWEST

Texas at Baylor, Noon

UTEP at SMU, 3 p.m.

Cent. Arkansas at Sam Houston St., 3 p.m.

Tulane at Rice, 3:30 p.m.

Texas A&M at Oklahoma, 7 p.m.

McNeese St. at Texas St., 7 p.m.

Troy at Arkansas, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Texas Tech at Oklahoma St., 8 p.m.

FAR WEST

Arizona at California, TBA

Arizona St. at Oregon, TBA

UCLA at Washington St., TBA

N. Colorado at Montana, 2 p.m.

BYU at New Mexico, 2 p.m.

N. Arizona at Weber St., 2 p.m.

Sacramento St. at Montana St., 2:05 p.m.

E. Washington at S. Utah, 3 p.m.

San Jose St. at Utah St., 3 p.m.

Idaho at Boise St., 3:30 p.m.

Washington at Oregon St., 3:30 p.m.

Stanford at Southern Cal, 3:30 p.m.

North Dakota at UC Davis, 4 p.m.

Fresno St. at Nevada, 4:05 p.m.

Portland St. at Idaho St., 5:35 p.m.

UNLV at Air Force, 6 p.m.

South Dakota at Cal Poly, 9:05 p.m.

Wyoming at San Diego St., 10 p.m.

New Mexico St. at Hawaii, 10:05 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15

SOUTHWEST

East Carolina at Tulsa, 8:15 p.m.

TCU moves into 4th place in BCS standings

2009-11-09T10:52:00.001-05:00

All those blowouts have carried TCU to unprecedented heights in the BCS standings, giving the Horned Frogs hope -- however slim -- of becoming the first BCS buster to break into the national championship game.

TCU took over fourth place in the Bowl Championship Series standings Sunday behind Florida, Alabama and Texas. It's the highest BCS ranking ever for a team from a conference without an automatic bid to the big-money bowl games. No potential BCS buster had ever done better than sixth in the BCS standings.

Florida is first for the fourth straight week, and Alabama and Texas switched spots for the second week in a row.

The Gators and Crimson Tide have clinched their respective divisions in the Southeastern Conference and will meet Dec. 5 in the league championship game. One of them is all but guaranteed a spot in the BCS title game on Jan. 7 in Pasadena, Calif., if they can get through the next month without a loss.

The same goes for Texas, which has three regular-season games and possibly the Big 12 championship remaining.

The other undefeated teams -- TCU, Cincinnati and Boise State -- need the top three to stumble to have any shot of reaching the title game.

The Horned Frogs (.8620) moved up two spots and are just ahead of Cincinnati (.8579) and Boise State (.8125). Each is 9-0 with three games left.

TCU has been rising by racking up lopsided victories. The Horned Frogs have won their last four games by an average score of 44-8.

Meanwhile, Boise State has played close games against Tulsa and Louisiana Tech in the last month, two teams with losing records. Cincinnati struggled to put away Connecticut in a wild 47-45 victory on Saturday night.

TCU is ranked fourth in both the Harris and coaches' polls, and in the compilation of six computer rankings used by the BCS. Cincinnati is fifth in the two polls and third in the computer ratings, while Boise State is sixth across the board.

BCS analyst Jerry Palm said TCU, even if the teams in front of it lose and the Frogs keep winning, still could have a hard time getting into the BCS title game.

Cincinnati from the Big East has a tougher schedule down the stretch and could pass the Horned Frogs. Plus, there's no guarantee that in the end a one-loss team would not get more support from poll voters than TCU.

"If they have to vote for No. 2 are they going to vote for a TCU team ahead of an 11-1 Georgia Tech or a 12-1 Alabama if their only loss is to Florida," Palm said.

The Horned Frogs and Broncos are also competing to earn the one automatic bid that non-automatic bid conferences can earn by finishing in the top 12 of the final standings.

TCU plays Mountain West Conference rival Utah on Saturday. A win there for the Horned Frogs could provide even more separation between them and Boise State, which does not have another ranked team on its schedule.

Lawrence Taylor arrested in Fla. crash

2009-11-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

Former football star Lawrence Taylor has been released on bond following his arrest in a Miami-area traffic accident.

According to Miami-Dade County jail records, Taylor was charged Sunday with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, a second-degree misdemeanor. He was released on $500 bond later that night. It was not immediately clear if Taylor has an attorney.

A Florida Highway Patrol spokesman says Taylor was involved in a hit-and-run crash Sunday in Hialeah. Taylor told investigators he thought he had hit a guard rail. There were no injuries and troopers didn't conduct a sobriety test.

Taylor is a former New York Giants linebacker. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1999. He also competed in ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" this year.

Monday Morning Re Caps

2009-11-09T08:50:00.013-05:00

Rookie Josh Freeman passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, including a 7-yard throw to Sammie Stroughter on fourth-and-4, leading the previously winless Bucs to a 38-28 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

In his first pro start, the 17th pick in the draft out of Kansas State completed 14 of 31 passes with just one interception. A critical second pick was wiped out by a Green Bay penalty during the go-ahead drive.

The Bucs (1-7) were the last team in the NFL to win this season. It was also the first victory for the league's youngest head coach, 33-year-old Raheem Morris, who replaced Jon Gruden after Tampa Bay went 0-4 in December and missed the playoffs last year.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns for the Packers (4-4). He also threw three interceptions and had one returned for a TD that put the game out of reach in the final minute.

Rodgers was also sacked six times, hiking Green Bay's NFL-worst total to 37 takedowns in eight games.

The Bucs wore throwback creamsicle uniforms and made Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon the first inductee into the Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium.

Tony Romo threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Miles Austin midway through the fourth quarter and the Cowboys won the 100th meeting between the division rivals.

On the final day of the 2008 regular season, the Eagles dominated Dallas 44-6 in a do-or-die game for both teams. Philadelphia earned a wild-card berth with that victory, won two playoff contests on the road and advanced to the NFC championship game, losing at Arizona.

The Cowboys (6-2) spent the whole offseason thinking about that horrendous ending. They got their revenge and took over sole possession of first place in the NFC East with their fourth straight victory.

The Eagles fell to 5-3 and the New York Giants are 5-4 after a 5-0 start.

The Saints moved to 8-0 for the first time in club history when Drew Brees overcame two early turnovers to pass for 330 yards and a touchdown.

While the Saints' defense did not intercept a pass for the first time all season, the unit forced three turnovers on fumbles. The last produced New Orleans' seventh defensive touchdown of the season on Anthony Hargrove's strip, recovery and 1-yard return late in the fourth quarter.

DeAngelo Williams rushed for 149 yards and two TDs, and Carolina gained 182 on the ground. However, it was Williams' fumble at his 1 with just more than 2 minutes left that led to New Orleans' clinching TD.

It was the first time Carolina lost in Louisiana since 2001 and quarterback Jake Delhomme's first loss in the Louisiana Superdome. The Panthers blew a 17-3 lead.

Running back Joseph Addai scored the go-ahead touchdown with 7:11 left and Houston's Kris Brown missed a 42-yard field goal as time expired, keeping Indianapolis undefeated.

Indy is the fourth team in league history with 17 straight wins. New England has done it twice and Chicago did it in 1933-34. Jim Caldwell became the first rookie coach to go 8-0 since Potsy Clark in 1930.

The Colts now have a 3½-game lead over Houston (5-4) in the AFC South.

Indianapolis blew a 13-0 first-half lead and trailed 17-13 when Steve Slaton opened the fourth quarter with a 1-yard TD run. But Addai answered with a 2-yard TD run to rally the Colts.

Peyton Manning also became the first quarterback in league history to throw for 40,000 yards within a decade.

Philip Rivers capped an 80-yard drive with an 18-yard pass to Vincent Jackson with 21 seconds to play and the Chargers handed New York its fourth straight loss.

Rivers was 24 of 36 for 209 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Jackson, in helping San Diego (5-3) win its third straight.

The Giants are 5-4 heading into a bye week and not looking very much like a playoff team.

In the first meeting between Rivers and Giants quarterback Eli Manning since they were dealt for each other on draft day 2004, Terrell Thomas intercepted Rivers' pass late in the fourth quarter and returned it 33 yards to the San Diego 4. A holding penalty on first down pushed New York back 10 yards, and it had to settle for a short field goal and a 6-point lead that Rivers and Jackson erased.

Six plays after his 81-yard touchdown run was overturned, Chris Johnson took a pitch from Vince Young and ran 2 yards for a go-ahead score.

Young showed his comeback is legitimate, outplaying fellow first-round draft pick Alex Smith down the stretch. Young has been clutch twice in as many weeks, getting the Titans (2-6) in the end zone when it mattered.

Johnson converted on fourth-and-inches for his TD, making up for those six points negated only a few minutes earlier after video replay determined he stepped out of bounds on the long run. Johnson ran for 135 yards and has 959 halfway through the season.

Stunned San Francisco (3-5) has lost four straight following a 3-1 start -- and the 49ers have little time to recover. The Bears come to town for a Thursday night game.

Tom Brady and Randy Moss connected on two highlight-reel plays. Moss set up the Patriots' first touchdown with a one-handed, 36-yard grab at the Dolphins 1-yard line, then scored on a 71-yard play after catching the ball about 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.

Miami's two touchdowns came on possessions on which it used the wildcat most extensively -- after gaining just 36 yards on 21 wildcat plays in its previous two games. But New England's quick-strike ability took back the momentum.

The Patriots (6-2) lead the idle New York Jets (4-4) and Miami and Buffalo (both 3-5) in the AFC East. The win was especially important because Miami had been 3-0 in division games and New England only 1-1.

Moss caught six passes for 147 yards, while Brady went 25 for 37 for 332 yards, his third straight game with more than 300 yards and team-record 27th of his career.

Miami's Ted Ginn Jr. was held in check after kickoff returns of 100 and 101 yards in last Sunday's 30-25 win over the Jets.

With Cedric Benson topping 100 yards again, the Bengals got ahead early and ground one out. Cincinnati scored on its first three possessions, then spent the rest of its time chasing Baltimore's Joe Flacco around the field.

The Bengals (6-2) can take control of the division by winning next Sunday at Pittsburgh; the Steelers (5-2) play Denver on Monday night. Cincinnati has won all four games in the division, including a sweep of the Ravens (4-4), who started fast but have self-destructed into mediocrity.

They've been at their worst against the Bengals, who took advantage of three Ravens penalties to pull off a winning drive in Baltimore on Oct. 11 for a 17-14 win.

Benson was coming off the best game of his career: 189 yards against his former Bears team, a dominating performance that sent Cincinnati into its bye on an upbeat note. Refreshed by a weekend off, he was at it again, running for 117 yards and a touchdown.

One week after throwing five interceptions, Kurt Warner tied a career high by throwing five touchdown passes. Larry Fitzgerald added 123 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Warner was at his best after a miserable performance in a 34-21 loss to Carolina. He handled a team that had a chance to sign him as a backup four years ago, matching the record for TD passes by a Bears opponent without getting picked off.

Warner completed 23 of 32 for 261 yards and threw touchdown passes on the first four possessions. Neil Rackers added field goals on the next two, sending Arizona (5-3) to an easy win and Chicago (4-4) to a damaging loss.

Tim Hightower ran for 77 yards, Beanie Wells added 72 rushing and the Cardinals' offense racked up 438 yards even though Arizona was missing wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Michael Turner ran for a season-high 166 yards, breaking away from former Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall on a 58-yard touchdown that finished off Washington early in the fourth quarter.

Hall, who made two Pro Bowls playing for the Falcons from 2004-07, yapped away all week about how Atlanta treated him unfairly before a trade to Oakland. He didn't even make it through one season with the Raiders and landed in Washington.

Turner and the Falcons (5-3) got the last laugh. The burly running back broke off two long touchdown runs, also scoring from 30 yards as the Falcons built a 24-3 halftime lead.

Washington (2-6) looked down and out, losing running back Clinton Portis to an apparent concussion, and Hall lost his cool after LaRon Landry delivered a late hit to Matt Ryan along the Falcons sideline. As flags flew, the outspoken cornerback jumped into the middle of things, surrounded by Atlanta players and coach Mike Smith. Hall was yanked away before any punches were thrown.

David Garrard threw for 264 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown to Mike Sims-Walker.

The Jaguars (4-4), up and down all season, responded in similar fashion following losses to Arizona and Seattle earlier this season. The latest turnaround after a defeat came after coach Jack Del Rio ripped his team's defensive effort in a 30-13 loss at the Titans, calling it "insulting, ugly and embarrassing."

It worked, at least against Kansas City (1-7). Playing without running back Larry Johnson, the Chiefs managed little offense until late in the fourth quarter.

With left tackle Branden Albert and center Rudy Niswanger back in the lineup, Matt Cassel threw for 262 yards and two scores -- both to newcomer Chris Chambers, claimed off waivers Tuesday from San Diego.

Matt Hasselbeck rallied the Seahawks from a 17-0 deficit with a franchise-record 39 completions, and Seattle avoided the embarrassment of being the first home team to lose to the Lions in 25 months.

Hasselbeck threw an interception on his first play, but finished with the first 300-yard passing game in two seasons for the Seahawks (3-5). He was 39 of 51 for 329 yards.

Josh Wilson returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown with 22 seconds left, the last of five interceptions by rookie Matthew Stafford, the top overall pick playing his second game since missing two weeks with a knee injury. That kept the Lions (1-7) from finally flying home happy.

Seattle's first six plays included an interception by Hasselbeck on the first snap; a lost fumble by Justin Griffith forced by former Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson on the second; two negative-yardage runs by Julius Jones; then another for no gain on a fourth-and-inches gamble in their end.

The Vick Karma wreck rolls on in Philly

2009-11-09T06:40:00.008-05:00

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, left, is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive ends Darren Howard (90), Trent Cole, top, and Juqua Parker in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton stiff-arms Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin, right, pulls in a 49-yard touchdown pass as Philadelphia Eagles safety Sean Jones defends in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb greet after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. Dallas won 20-16. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

Dallas Cowboys' Keith Brooking, from left, Tony Romo and Bradie James react as they walk off the field after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. Dallas won 20-16. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb covers his mouth in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. Dallas won 20-16. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Miles Austin punctuated his touchdown catch by emphatically firing the ball into the stands.

Tony Romo threw a 49-yard TD pass to Austin midway through the fourth quarter and the Dallas Cowboys beat the Eagles 20-16 Sunday night in the 100th meeting between the division rivals.

On the final day of the 2008 regular season, the Eagles dominated Dallas 44-6 in a do-or-die game for both teams. Philadelphia earned a wild-card berth with that victory, won two playoff contests on the road and advanced to the NFC championship game, losing at Arizona.

The Cowboys (6-2) spent the whole offseason thinking about that horrendous ending. They got their revenge and took over sole possession of first place in the NFC East with their fourth straight victory.

"Our last loss against them really motivated us to come out and play good," Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware said.

The Eagles fell to 5-3 and the New York Giants are 5-4 after a 5-0 start.

Romo finished 21 of 34 for 307 yards, one TD and one interception.

"We executed," Romo said. "I think the coaches put together a good plan. You just have to keep fighting and getting better."

Donovan McNabb was shaky after a strong performance in a 40-17 rout of the Giants last week. McNabb threw for 227 yards, one TD and was intercepted twice for the first time this season.

"We have to eliminate mistakes," McNabb said.

The Cowboys began their go-ahead drive after stopping McNabb on fourth-and-inches at their 45. The Eagles challenged, but a replay upheld the original spot.

On third-and-14, Romo fooled Sheldon Brown with a pump-fake and hit a wide-open Austin down the left sideline to give Dallas a 20-13 lead.

"I gave them a little pump," Romo said. "I thought they'd been jumping it a little and they went for it."

Austin leads the Cowboys with seven TD catches, three fewer than Terrell Owens had last season. Unlike T.O., Austin only gives defenses headaches instead of his QB.

"I made sure I caught it first," Austin said of his only reception in the game. "A bunch of the guys were making fun of me because I took so long to see it in my hands."

David Akers kicked a 52-yard field goal to cut it to 20-16, but the Eagles never got the ball back. The Cowboys maintained possession the final 4:27.

"I thought we could hold them, get the ball back and win the game," Eagles coach Andy Reid said.

Trailing 10-6, the Eagles seemingly went ahead when Ellis Hobbs returned the second-half kickoff 96 yards for a score. But a holding call on Moise Fokou nullified the TD.

No matter, McNabb drove Philadelphia 77 yards for the go-ahead score.

LeSean McCoy turned a short pass into a 45-yard gain. One play later, McNabb escaped the rush and found Brent Celek in the corner of the end zone to put Philadelphia ahead 13-10.

On Dallas' ensuing possession, Brown intercepted Romo's off-target pass to Jason Witten and returned it 54 yards. An illegal block by Fokou negated the return to the Cowboys 35, and the Eagles' drive stalled near midfield after starting at their 12.

Mike Jenkins intercepted McNabb to set up Nick Folk's tying 33-yard field goal 8 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Gerald Sensabaugh's interception on Philadelphia's first possession ended McNabb's streak of 118 straight passes without a pick. McNabb's pass on third-and-5 to a wide-open Jeremy Maclin hit him in the hands and bounced to Sensabaugh.

Six plays later, Tashard Choice ran in from the 2 after taking a shotgun snap with Romo lined up wide to the right. Romo completed two third-down passes to keep the drive going, including a 21-yard gain to Kevin Ogletree on third-and-9.

Romo tossed a 64-yard catch-and-run pass to Patrick Crayton late in the second quarter to set up Folk's 22-yard field goal that made it 10-6. Tracy White made a diving, TD-saving tackle to trip up Crayton.

Akers kicked a 45-yard field goal early in the second quarter to put the Eagles on the board. He nailed a 48-yarder late in the quarter to cut it to 7-6.

The Eagles played without star running back Brian Westbrook for the second straight game because of a concussion and strongside linebacker Chris Gocong sat out with hamstring and quad injuries. Fokou, a seventh-round pick, made his first start in Gocong's place.

Westbrook was expected to play, but he started experiencing symptoms of a mild headache on Friday. Westbrook then underwent more tests and the Eagles held him out as a precaution. McCoy started for Westbrook.

The Cowboys held receiver DeSean Jackson to just two catches through three quarters. Jackson has six TDs this season, all for 50-plus yards. He has four TD catches and he's scored on a run and a punt return.

"We didn't let him get behind us," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "Both our corners played well."

Vick to The Bills.......See ya

2009-11-08T21:22:00.002-05:00

Tony Dungy says Michael Vick could potentially wind up in Buffalo, which he says previously discussed signing the quarterback.

Dungy has served as an adviser to Vick since the Super Bowl-winning coach retired from the Colts after last season. Now a commentator for NBC, Dungy confirmed during the pregame show Sunday night before Philadelphia hosted Dallas that the Bills and Vick "talked originally" when Vick was searching for a team after serving 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.

The Eagles signed Vick to a $1.6 million contract for 2009, with a team option for the second year at $5.2 million. But he has played sparingly.

"I told Michael to just worry about this year," Dungy said. "It's technically up to Philadelphia. If they want him back, he has to stay there. If they don't, there are some teams looking for quarterbacks: Cleveland, St. Louis and Washington.

"But I think a dark horse is Buffalo. They talked originally. There was some communication there. I think that could be a good spot."

Bills starter Trent Edwards struggled this season before sustaining a concussion. Ryan Fitzpatrick, a career backup, has been the starter with Edwards out of the lineup.

Vick has completed 2 of 6 passes for 6 yards and rushed 11 times for 25 yards, mostly out of the wildcat formation.

AP Expanded Top 25

2009-11-08T18:37:00.002-05:00

The Top Twenty Five teams in The Associated Press expanded college football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Nov. 7, points based on 25 points for a first place vote through one point for a 25th place vote, previous ranking, record vs. top 25 teams at time of game, record of opponents played, and extra points:

Vs. Opp.

Record Pts Pv T25 Rec. Extra Points

1. Florida (39) 9-0 1,467 1 1-0 40-25 22-4-3 vs. Gamecocks

2. Texas (10) 9-0 1,430 2 2-0 43-29 72-22-2 vs. Bears

3. Alabama (11) 9-0 1,422 3 4-0 43-29 14-4 at Starkville

4. TCU 9-0 1,271 6 1-0 38-29 Had a 10-0 start in 2003

5. Cincinnati 9-0 1,263 4 1-0 35-28 2-14-1 vs. Mountaineers

6. Boise St. 9-0 1,228 5 1-0 29-34 10 straight wins over Idaho

7. Georgia Tech 9-1 1,127 10 1-1 41-33 Five straight wins vs. Duke

8. Pittsburgh 8-1 945 14 0-0 35-28 Highest rank since 10-17-89

9. LSU 7-2 904 9 1-2 45-29 17-1 vs. La. Tech

10. Ohio St. 8-2 898 15 1-1 50-35 Allowed 14 pts over last 3

11. Southern Cal 7-2 834 12 2-1 40-31 59-25-3 vs. Cardinal

12. Miami 7-2 805 16 3-1 40-26 Largest ACC win since 2005

13. Houston 8-1 783 13 1-0 35-28 Hogan's FG at 0:00 won it

14. Oregon 7-2 752 7 3-1 46-27 7-3 last 10 vs. Sun Devils

15. Iowa 9-1 741 8 1-0 47-29 QB Stanzi injured ankle

16. Utah 8-1 706 17 0-0 29-44 5-1 vs. Horned Frogs

17. Oklahoma St. 7-2 492 18 1-1 39-26 4-6 last 10 vs. Red Raiders

18. Arizona 6-2 476 21 0-0 34-23 Half-game behind Ducks

19. Penn St. 8-2 467 11 0-1 46-31 12-0 vs. Hoosiers

20. Virginia Tech 6-3 275 22 2-2 55-18 14-15 vs. Terrapins

21. Wisconsin 7-2 274 24 0-2 45-25 Frosh Borland making noise

22. BYU 7-2 219 25 1-0 36-38 42-14-1 vs. Lobos

23. South Florida 6-2 167 -- 1-2 29-18 1-3 vs. Scarlet Knights

24. Clemson 6-3 149 -- 1-2 44-22 Was 2-3 on Oct. 3

25. Stanford 6-3 107 -- 2-0 33-37 Last rank: Final 2001 Top25

Others receiving votes: Oregon St. 95, Auburn 54, West Virginia 54, Texas Tech 24, Navy 19, Tennessee 12, Rutgers 11, Nebraska 9, Temple 7, Kansas St. 5, Notre Dame 3, Fresno St. 2, Mississippi 2, Troy 1.

Rookie QB leads Bucs to first victory

2009-11-08T17:20:00.005-05:00

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) watches as teammates Kellen Winslow (82) and Sammie Stroughter (18) celebrate Stroughter's touchdown-reception against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Ryan Sims (98) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the fourth quarter . (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) is ushered off the field following the Buccaneers' win over the Green Bay Packers (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) is congratulated by Green Bay Packers quarterback (12) Aaron Rogers following the Buccaneers'(AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman, right, hugs Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris (31) after the Buccaneers defeated the Packers 38-28 during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saluted their past, then rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling franchise hope for the future.

Freeman passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns today, including a 7-yard throw to Sammie Stroughter on fourth-and-4, leading the previously winless Bucs to a 38-28 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

In his first pro start, the 17th pick in the draft out of Kansas State completed 14 of 31 passes with just one interception. A critical second pick was wiped out by a Green Bay penalty during the go-ahead drive.

The Bucs (1-7) are the last team in the NFL to win this season. It was also the first victory for the league's youngest head coach, Raheem Morris, who replaced Jon Gruden after Tampa Bay went 0-4 in December and missed the playoffs last year.

Bucs induct Lee Roy Selmon into Ring of Honor

2009-11-08T16:01:00.001-05:00

Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneer LeRoy Selmon waves after being inducted into the team's Ring of Honor during half time of the Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon is the first inductee into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium.

The 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was saluted Sunday during halftime of the game against the Green Bay Packers.

Selmon was the top pick in the 1976 draft, the first-ever selection by the Bucs, who lost every game in their inaugural season. Three years later, he helped lead the team to the NFC championship game.

Thirty players and coaches from the 1979 team, including Doug Williams and Selmon's brother Dewey, attended today's ceremony. The Bucs wore throwback jerseys.

Selmon retired after the 1984 season. He finished with 78½ career sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

Bears' Tommie Harris ejected

2009-11-08T15:57:00.002-05:00

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris was ejected from today's game against Arizona after just 65 seconds of play for slugging Cardinals offensive tackle Deuce Lutui.

At the end of an Arizona running play, Harris and Lutui ended up on the ground and a replay showed Harris hitting Lutui near the face.

The Bears got a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and Harris got a quick shower after referee Ed Hochuli announced he had slugged Lutui and was ejected.

NFL Injury Report

2009-11-08T07:34:00.000-05:00

The updated National Football League injury report, as provided by the league:

SUNDAY

WASHINGTON REDSKINS at ATLANTA FALCONS -- REDSKINS: OUT: TE Chris Cooley (ankle), P Hunter Smith (groin), CB Byron Westbrook (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB H.B. Blades (knee), S Chris Horton (knee). PROBABLE: T Stephon Heyer (knee). FALCONS: QUESTIONABLE: DE John Abraham (foot), DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), T Sam Baker (ankle), WR Brian Finneran (ankle), DT Thomas Johnson (calf), LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle), RB Jerious Norwood (hip), RB Jason Snelling (hamstring), WR Eric Weems (ankle), WR Roddy White (knee). PROBABLE: TE Keith Zinger (back).

ARIZONA CARDINALS at CHICAGO BEARS -- CARDINALS: QUESTIONABLE: CB Michael Adams (hamstring), WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), LB Gerald Hayes (back), DE Kenny Iwebema (knee), WR Sean Morey (illness, head). PROBABLE: WR Steve Breaston (knee), DT Darnell Dockett (ankle), T Herman Johnson (back), K Neil Rackers (right hamstring), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (finger), S Antrel Rolle (foot), TE Stephen Spach (ankle), G Reggie Wells (thumb), RB Jason Wright (thumb). BEARS: OUT: LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR Devin Hester (ankle), S Danieal Manning (back). PROBABLE: LB Lance Briggs (shoulder), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Israel Idonije (knee), DE Adewale Ogunleye (ankle), TE Greg Olsen (ankle), S Craig Steltz (biceps), DT Matt Toeaina (calf).

BALTIMORE RAVENS at CINCINNATI BENGALS -- RAVENS: QUESTIONABLE: S Haruki Nakamura (chest), NT Haloti Ngata (ankle), S Tom Zbikowski (illness). PROBABLE: LB Prescott Burgess (illness), TE Todd Heap (ankle), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), C Matt Katula (elbow), RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder), CB Frank Walker (illness). BENGALS: QUESTIONABLE: T Andre Smith (foot), S Roy Williams (forearm). PROBABLE: RB Jeremi Johnson (knee), DT Tank Johnson (foot), S Tom Nelson (shoulder), RB Bernard Scott (knee).

HOUSTON TEXANS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS -- TEXANS: OUT: S Dominique Barber (ankle), TE James Casey (knee). QUESTIONABLE: DT Shaun Cody (back), DT DelJuan Robinson (knee). PROBABLE: LB Xavier Adibi (ankle), LB Kevin Bentley (shoulder), DT Tim Bulman (ribs), LB Brian Cushing (foot), TE Joel Dreessen (ankle), S Nick Ferguson (knee), C Chris White (ankle), DE Mario Williams (shoulder). COLTS: OUT: WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), K Adam Vinatieri (right knee). QUESTIONABLE: RB Donald Brown (shoulder), WR Pierre Garcon (ankle), DT Fili Moala (concussion), S Jamie Silva (hip).

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS -- CHIEFS: DOUBTFUL: S Jon McGraw (thigh). QUESTIONABLE: G Mike Goff (shoulder). PROBABLE: T Branden Albert (ankle), C Rudy Niswanger (knee), CB Mike Richardson (illness). JAGUARS: OUT: CB Scott Starks (hamstring). PROBABLE: CB Rashean Mathis (finger), T Maurice Williams (knee), CB Brian Witherspoon (hamstring).

MIAMI DOLPHINS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- DOLPHINS: DOUBTFUL: LB Channing Crowder (shoulder), DT Jason Ferguson (elbow). PATRIOTS: OUT: WR Julian Edelman (forearm), DE Jarvis Green (knee), T Matt Light (knee), RB Sammy Morris (knee), RB Fred Taylor (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: DT Ty Warren (ankle), TE Benjamin Watson (back), CB Jonathan Wilhite (illness). PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), WR Randy Moss (shoulder).

GREEN BAY PACKERS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS -- PACKERS: OUT: LB Brandon Chillar (hand), TE Jermichael Finley (knee), WR Jordy Nelson (knee), C Jason Spitz (back). QUESTIONABLE: WR Jake Allen (quadricep), RB Korey Hall (calf), G T.J. Lang (oblique), S Derrick Martin (concussion). PROBABLE: T Chad Clifton (ankle), WR Donald Driver (neck), QB Aaron Rodgers (feet), CB Charles Woodson (hip). BUCCANEERS: QUESTIONABLE: WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (wrist), CB Elbert Mack (ankle). PROBABLE: CB Aqib Talib (ankle), G Jeremy Zuttah (shoulder).

CAROLINA PANTHERS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -- PANTHERS: OUT: RB Brad Hoover (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: RB Tony Fiammetta (concussion), S Charles Godfrey (ankle), LB Landon Johnson (shoulder), K John Kasay (left groin), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), TE Dante Rosario (knee), RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles). PROBABLE: QB Jake Delhomme (chest). SAINTS: OUT: DT Kendrick Clancy (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee), WR Lance Moore (ankle). DOUBTFUL: K Garrett Hartley (left ankle). PROBABLE: C Jonathan Goodwin (knee), CB Malcolm Jenkins (ankle), LB Marvin Mitchell (foot).

DETROIT LIONS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS -- LIONS: QUESTIONABLE: RB Jerome Felton (ankle), WR Calvin Johnson (knee), RB Kevin Smith (shoulder). PROBABLE: LB Jordon Dizon (foot), DT Sammie Hill (ankle), DE Jason Hunter (ankle), DT Grady Jackson (knee), QB Matthew Stafford (knee), DE Dewayne White (elbow). SEAHAWKS: QUESTIONABLE: WR Ben Obomanu (oblique). PROBABLE: S Jordan Babineaux (hip), QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib), LB Will Herring (shoulder), T Sean Locklear (ankle), CB Ken Lucas (neck).

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at NEW YORK GIANTS -- CHARGERS: OUT: C Nick Hardwick (ankle). DOUBTFUL: LB Tim Dobbins (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB Kevin Burnett (ankle), DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle). PROBABLE: TE Antonio Gates (foot), S Steve Gregory (ankle), NT Travis Johnson (groin), LB Shawne Merriman (foot), P Mike Scifres (groin). GIANTS: OUT: CB Aaron Ross (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: LB Michael Boley (knee), DT Chris Canty (calf). PROBABLE: TE Kevin Boss (ankle), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot), QB Eli Manning (foot), WR Mario Manningham (shoulder), WR Sinorice Moss (foot).

TENNESSEE TITANS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -- TITANS: OUT: RB Javon Ringer (back). QUESTIONABLE: S Vincent Fuller (groin), CB Nick Harper (forearm), DE Jevon Kearse (knee), T Mike Otto (knee), T David Stewart (hamstring), LB David Thornton (hip). 49ERS: OUT: CB Nate Clements (shoulder), DE Demetric Evans (shoulder), T Joe Staley (knee). PROBABLE: CB Reggie Smith (groin), LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder).

DALLAS COWBOYS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -- COWBOYS: OUT: CB Allen Rossum (hamstring). PROBABLE: RB Marion Barber (thumb), DT Jay Ratliff (knee), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb), LB DeMarcus Ware (foot). EAGLES: OUT: WR Kevin Curtis (knee). DOUBTFUL: DE Victor Abiamiri (knee), LB Chris Gocong (quadricep, hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee), CB Macho Harris (ankle), CB Dimitri Patterson (quadricep, hand), RB Brian Westbrook (concussion). PROBABLE: DE Chris Clemons (shoulder, elbow), C Nick Cole (knee), G Todd Herremans (foot), DE Darren Howard (ankle), WR DeSean Jackson (foot), G Max Jean-Gilles (shoulder), WR Jeremy Maclin (foot), T Jason Peters (ankle).

MONDAY

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at DENVER BRONCOS -- STEELERS: DNP: DE Travis Kirschke (calf), LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle). BRONCOS: No report sent.

Top 25 Re-Caps

2009-11-08T07:13:00.013-05:00

Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark (17) scrambles during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009. Ohio State won 24-7. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Washington's Jermaine Kearse, center, tries to jump over UCLA's Alterraun Verner, left, and Andrew Abbott during a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009.(AP Photo/Francis Specker)

Tennessee's Eric Berry, right, celebrates with fans after an NCAA college football game against Memphis, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 56-28. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Cincinnati defensive end Curtis Young, top, tackles Connecticut quarterback Zach Frazer (10) to stop a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won the game 47-45. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

Florida State's quarterback Christian Ponder (7) looks on from the sidelines as he is pulled out in the fourth quarter during their NCAA college football game against Clemson Saturday, Oct. 7, 2009, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Clemson defeated Florida State 40-24. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

Clemson's quarterback Kyle Parker (11) throws down field during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game against Florida State Saturday, Oct. 7, 2009, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Clemson defeated Florida State 40-24. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

Oklahoma's quarterback Landry Jones (12) looks at teammate Chris Brown (29), during the first half of their NCAA college football game against Nebraska, in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009. Matt O'Hanlon had three of Nebraska's five interceptions against Landry Jones and the Cornhuskers squeezed enough production out of their struggling offense to upset No. 20 Oklahoma 10-3. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Houston quarterback Case Keenum watches fourth quarter action against Tulsa during an NCAA college football game in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009. Houston defeated Tulsa 46-45 on a last second field goal. (AP Photo/David Crenshaw)

Hawaii running back Alex Green runs through the Utah State defense during the second quarter of the NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

From left, Will Harris,Taylor Mays and Kevin Thomas vie for an interception in the last minute of the fourth quarter of the NCAA college football game against Arizona State on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Tempe, Ariz. USC's Will Harris came down with the interception. (AP PhotoEast Valley Tribune, Darryl Webb)

Utah State wide receiver Eric Moats pulls in a catch during the third quarter of the NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

No. 8 Iowa finally ran out of magic.

Northwestern's Dan Persa threw a touchdown pass and Marshall Thomas recovered a fumble for another score to help the Wildcats snap the Hawkeyes' 13-game winning streak with a 17-10 victory Saturday.

It was the first win over a top-10 opponent for the Wildcats (6-4, 3-3 Big Ten) since knocking off then-No. 6 Ohio State 33-27 in overtime in 2004. It also ended the nation's second-longest winning streak.

Iowa played without starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi after he sustained an apparent ankle injury early in the second quarter. Freshman James Vandenberg was just 9 of 27 for 82 yards and couldn't lead the Hawkeyes (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) to any points after Stanzi left the game.

Northwestern scored twice off turnovers in the second quarter. Thomas recovered a fumble in the end zone after the hit that knocked Stanzi out of the game, and Drake Dunsmore caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Persa after another Iowa miscue.

No. 1 Florida 27, Vanderbilt 3

No. 1 Florida didn't do much to erase all the negative vibes from rough week for the defending champions.

Tim Tebow accounted for two touchdowns, Caleb Sturgis kicked two field goals and the Gators beat Vanderbilt 27-3 in a lackluster effort Saturday night at The Swamp.

Florida fans looking for something positive following linebacker Brandon Spikes' one-game suspension for dirty play and coach Urban Meyer's hefty fine for criticizing officials may have been disappointed.

The Gators (9-0, 7-0 Southeastern Conference) extended their winning streak to 19 games overall -- and their streak against Vandy (2-8, 0-6) to 19 games, too -- but struggled on offense for the fifth time in seven league games.

No. 2 Texas 35, Central Florida 3

Jordan Shipley set a Texas record with 273 yards receiving, including an 88-yard touchdown, and the No. 2 Longhorns shook off a slow start for a 35-3 win over Central Florida on Saturday.

The sixth-year senior broke the previous best of 242 yards set in 1987 by Tony Jones. The touchdown came early in the fourth quarter on a drive that started at the 1.

Colt McCoy passed for 470 yards with two touchdowns. He was just shy of current Texas running backs coach Major Applewhite's school-record 473 yards in the 2001 Holiday Bowl.

Texas (9-0) led 14-3 at halftime on two touchdown runs by Cody Johnson. McCoy hit James Kirkendoll with a 14-yard TD pass in the third before the big strike to Shipley, who also shattered the previous regular-season mark of 198 set in 1979 by Johnny "Lam" Jones.

Central Florida (5-4) managed just 151 total yards.

No. 3 Alabama 24, No. 9 LSU 15

No. 3 Alabama picked up another dramatic win and a second straight trip to the SEC championship game.

Julio Jones caught a 73-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and Leigh Tiffin booted a 40-yard field goal with 3:04 left to seal it.

The Tide (9-0, 6-0 Southeastern Conference) earned a rematch with No. 1 Florida for the league championship in a physical game that left the Tigers (7-2, 4-2) without quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott for most of the second half.

The win touched off another big celebration for Alabama, which survived a 12-10 win over Tennessee two weeks ago with Terrence Cody's two blocked field goal attempts in the fourth quarter. Tiffin came up big in that one, too, with four field goals.

No. 4 Cincinnati 47, Connecticut 45

Zach Collaros, starting his third game in place of the injured Tony Pike, threw for 480 yards and a touchdown, ran for two more scores and led a clinching touchdown drive in the closing minutes of a wild victory.

Cincinnati (9-0, 5-0 Big East) is off to its best start since 1951, when it won the Mid-American Conference title.

Collaros went 4 for 4 for 33 yards on the final drive, completed by Isaiah Pead's 14-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 with 1:52 left that made it 47-38. Cincinnati finished with a school-record 711 yards on offense.

Zach Frazer threw a 9-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left that cut it to 47-45 and Cincinnati recovered the onside kick to finish it off. Frazer was 19 of 32 for 261 yards.

No. 6 TCU 55, San Diego State 12

Andy Dalton threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more as No. 6 TCU won its 11th straight with a 55-12 win over San Diego State on Saturday.

TCU (9-0, 5-0 Mountain West) remained in the chase for a BCS bowl berth by staying undefeated.

The Horned Frogs jumped in front with touchdowns on five of their first six possessions. Dalton scored on runs of 13 and 7 yards as TCU held a 31-6 halftime lead. He also hit Ryan Christian on TD passes of 44 and 29 yards.

San Diego State (4-5, 2-3 MWC) struggled against TCU's top-ranked defense, managing just a 30-yard TD pass from Ryan Lindley to DeMarco Sampson and two field goals by Lane Yoshida.

Stanford 51, No. 7 Oregon 42

Toby Gerhart bowled over the Oregon defense to make the Cardinal bowl eligible for the first time in eight years.

Gerhart ran for a school-record 223 yards and three scores, Andrew Luck threw for two touchdowns and Stanford held on for sixth win of the season.

The loss by Oregon (7-2, 5-1 Pac-10) just a week after beating Southern California 47-20 opened up the conference race and cost the Ducks a shot at a berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Oregon rallied with two late touchdowns to cut a 20-point lead down to six, but Stanford (6-3, 5-2) recovered an onside kick with 2:38 to go and tacked on Nate Whitaker's third field goal with 11 seconds left. The students rushed the field as the game ended.

No. 10 Georgia Tech 30, Wake Forest 27, OT

Josh Nesbitt scored on a 3-yard run in overtime after Georgia Tech pulled off a gutsy play on fourth down, leading the No. 10 Yellow Jackets another step closer to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.

Jonathan Dwyer rushed for a career-best 189 yards and went over 1,000 yards for the season, but it was Nesbitt and the guys on the defensive side who bailed out the Yellow Jackets (8-1, 6-1) at the end.

After the defense stifled Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4) on the first possession of OT, forcing a field goal, Georgia Tech drove to the 5 where it faced fourth-and-less-than-a-yard. The Yellow Jackets (8-1, 6-1 ACC) initially tried to draw Wake offsides, but was forced to burn a timeout when that didn't work.

Instead of sending on Scott Blair for a chip-shot field goal to extend the game, coach Paul Johnson decided to go for the win right there. Nesbitt powered up the middle for a 2-yard gain and scored on the very next play.

No. 12 USC 14, Arizona State 9

Will Harris returned an interception 55 yards for a score, Matt Barkley threw a 75-yard pass to Damian Williams and USC held on for its 10th straight victory over Arizona State.

Coming off the worst loss in the Pete Carroll era, the Trojans (7-2, 4-2 Pac-10) barely survived on a night they produced little on offense. The victory kept the Trojans in the hunt for an eighth straight Bowl Championship Series berth.

USC's defense was the reason the Trojans beat ASU (4-5, 2-4) for the 10th straight time.

Sun Devils freshman Brock Osweiler came off the bench and threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Chris McGaha. But Harris ended ASU's upset bid by picking off Osweiler's last-gasp pass in the end zone as time expired.

No. 13 Houston 46, Tulsa 45

Matt Hogan kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired, finishing off another thrilling Houston comeback led by quarterback Case Keenum.

After getting sacked on a potential tying 2-point conversion with 21 seconds left, Keenum added to his Heisman Trophy resume by getting the Cougars (8-1, 4-1 Conference USA) into field goal range after they recovered an onside kick.

Hogan hadn't made a field goal of longer than 34 yards before his game-winner.

Keenum finished with 522 yards on 40 for 60 passing with three touchdown passes. It was the second straight game with more than 500 yards passing for the nation's most prolific passer.

Charles Clay ran for two scores and also caught two touchdown passes, and G.J. Kinne threw for a career-best 334 yards and three touchdowns for Tulsa (4-5, 2-3).

No. 14 Pittsburgh 37, Syracuse 10

Greg Williams' 51-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the first half got slow-starting Pittsburgh going, and the No. 14 Panthers extended their best start to a season since 1982.

Dion Lewis ran for 110 yards and a touchdown for the freshman's sixth 100-yard game, tight end Dorin Dickerson caught his 10th touchdown pass this season and the Panthers (8-1, 5-0 in Big East) won their fifth in a row heading into next Saturday's game against No. 19 Notre Dame.

Bill Stull was 16 of 23 for 225 yards and no interceptions as the Panthers, who last were 8-1 during Dan Marino's senior season 27 years ago, set themselves up for a possible Big East title-deciding game against No. 4 Cincinnati on Dec. 5.

If the Bearcats defeat Connecticut on Saturday night and West Virginia on Friday, the Cincinnati-Pitt game will determine the conference's BCS bowl participant regardless of what happens in the Pitt-West Virginia game on Nov. 27.

No. 15 Ohio State 24, No. 11 Penn State 7

The Ohio State Buckeyes are back in control of the Big Ten title race.

Terrelle Pryor threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in his return to his home state, Ray Small burned No. 11 Penn State (8-2, 4-2) with two long punt returns and No. 15 Ohio State won a duel of the league's top two defenses in a 24-7 victory Saturday.

The Buckeyes (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten) got an added bonus, too: a tie for the conference lead with Iowa after Northwestern handed the Hawkeyes its first loss of the season earlier Saturday.

No. 16 Miami 52, Virginia 17

Graig Cooper rushed for a career-best 152 yards and a touchdown, Damien Berry ran for a pair of second-half scores.

Thearon Collier had a 60-yard punt return for the go-ahead touchdown, and Jacory Harris finished 18 of 31 for 232 yards with two TDs for the Hurricanes (7-2, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). The 35-point margin of victory was Miami's biggest in an ACC game since beating Duke 52-7 in 2005.

Rashawn Jackson had a 34-yard rushing touchdown for Virginia (3-6, 2-3), which has lost 10 of 13 starting with an overtime defeat to Miami last season, a slide that's placed coach Al Groh's future at his alma mater in doubt. The Cavaliers were outgained 515-149 and played without starting quarterback Jameel Sewell, who warmed up but was eventually ruled out with a shoulder injury.

No. 17 Utah 45, New Mexico 14

Jordan Wynn passed for 297 yards and two touchdowns in his first college start and Eddie Wide set a school record with his sixth straight 100-yard rushing game.

The Utes (8-1, 5-0) won their sixth straight and scored their most points since a 48-24 win over BYU last year to end the regular season. Utah also remained unbeaten in the Mountain West Conference, setting up a first-place showdown next week at No. 6 TCU.

Wide gained 122 yards in the third quarter alone as the Utes blew open the game with three touchdowns.

New Mexico (0-9, 0-5) lost its 13th straight, the second-longest streak in school history.

No. 18 Oklahoma State 34, Iowa State

Keith Toston ran for a career-high 206 yards and three touchdowns, Zac Robinson threw a touchdown pass and the Cowboys bounced back from their drubbing by Texas.

Oklahoma State (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) controlled the game with a solid performance on both sides of the ball and reached seven victories for the fourth straight season, the first time in school history that has happened.

After throwing four interceptions in the 41-14 loss to Texas, Robinson was on the mark in this one and replaced his coach, Mike Gundy, as Oklahoma State's career passing leader.

Iowa State (5-5, 2-4) was outgained 334-145 through three quarters and didn't score until 11:50 remained in the game.

Navy 23, No. 19 Notre Dame 21

Navy did it to Notre Dame again -- and this loss to the Midshipmen is even more costly.

Craig Schaefer sacked Jimmy Clausen in the end zone with 60 seconds left Saturday and Navy held on for a 23-21 victory, its second straight at Notre Dame Stadium.

No. 19 Notre Dame (6-3) scored with 24 seconds left on a 31-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen to Golden Tate to cut the lead to two, but the ensuing onside kick went out of bounds.

The win sends Navy into the Texas Bowl and effectively ends any hope Notre Dame (6-3) had for a Bowl Championship Series berth.

Nebraska 10, No. 20 Oklahoma 3

Matt O'Hanlon had three of Nebraska's five interceptions against Oklahoma's Landry Jones.

The Sooners (5-4, 3-2 Big 12) failed to score a touchdown for the first time since a 29-0 loss to Texas A&M in 1998.

The Cornhuskers (6-3, 3-2) won despite getting just seven first downs and 180 total yards. . Zac Lee threw a 1-yard TD pass to Ryan Hill for Nebraska's fourth offensive TD in four games.

Oklahoma's last two possessions ended on interceptions, including O'Hanlon's third, which he grabbed at the Nebraska 7 with 27 seconds left.

Nebraska beat Oklahoma for the first time in five meetings.

Jones finished 26 of 58 for 245 yards.

No. 21 Arizona 48, Washington State 7

Travis Cobb returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown to set the tone for No. 21 Arizona.

The Wildcats scored the first seven times they had the ball.

Arizona led 34-0 at the half, then William "Bug" Wright returned a punt 86 yards for a score the first time the Wildcats touched it in the third quarter.

Arizona (6-2, 4-1 Pac-10), the only Pac-10 team never to go to the Rose Bowl, pulled within a half-game of first-place Oregon after the Ducks lost at Stanford. Arizona and Oregon both have one conference loss. Everyone else has at least two.

Washington State (1-8, 0-6) lost its starting quarterback, freshman Jeff Tuel, when he sprained his right knee in the second quarter.

Oregon State 31, No. 23 California 14

Sean Canfield threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score, while No. 23 California lost star tailback Jahvid Best to a concussion after he took a scary fall.

Cal (6-3, 3-3 Pac-10) couldn't recover from seeing Best land on his head in the end zone after a leaping touchdown over a defender in the second quarter. The Golden Bears, who had won three straight to get back in the Top 25 for the first time following a four-week absence, lost their fifth straight at home to the Beavers -- and this one made Oregon State (6-3, 4-2) bowl eligible.

Canfield completed 29 of 39 passes with nine to Jacquizz Rodgers and six each to James Rodgers and Joe Halahuni. It was the third straight game Cal gave up more than 300 yards in the air. Damola Adeniji had five catches for Oregon State, which leads the Pac-10 in passing.

No. 24 Wisconsin 31, Indiana 28

No. 24 Wisconsin followed the same old script to grind down Indiana.

John Clay ran for 134 yards and a touchdown, Montee Ball scored two TDs and the Badgers held off the Hoosiers' fourth-quarter rally.

The Badgers (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) have now won two straight and still have not lost to an unranked team this season.

Indiana's fading bowl hopes took another hit. The Hoosiers (4-6, 1-5) must now win their final two games -- at No. 11 Penn State and home against rival Purdue -- to become eligible. They have lost three straight and six of seven.

No. 25 BYU 52, Wyoming 0

Max Hall threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns in just over two quarters, and No. 25 BYU won its sixth straight over Wyoming, 52-0 on Saturday.

BYU (7-2, 4-1 Mountain West) recorded its first shutout of the season and second consecutive against the Cowboys. The Cougars beat Wyoming 44-0 last year.

Hall now has 28 career wins, one behind the school record held by Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer, who played at BYU from 1988-91.

Against Wyoming (4-5, 2-3), he was 20 of 22 and had TD passes of 44, 2, 79 and 15 yards. He completed passes to seven different receivers before taking a seat midway through the third quarter.

Fox NFL pregame show to be aired from Afghanistan

2009-11-07T12:31:00.002-05:00

The Fox NFL pregame show will be broadcast from a military installation in Afghanistan on Sunday.

The six-man announcing team traveled to an undisclosed location in the country this week to honor servicemen and women three days before Veterans Day. The two-hour special begins at 11 a.m. EST.

"It's been so surreal, it's hard to describe," Fox analyst Michael Strahan said of the trip. "To witness so many young, smart, committed and capable men and women is inspiring. We're here to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice, and all they want to do is show their appreciation to us for coming here."

The idea for the show came about when Fox Sports chairman David Hill was passing through the airport in Dallas last spring. He noticed military personnel walking through the terminal were going mostly unnoticed, and he wanted to do something about it.

The commentators participated in a humanitarian aid drop as part of the trip.

"We're flying over the mountains of Afghanistan in a C17 loaded with pallets of essential supplies, and to see that cargo roll out the back of the plane and the parachutes deploy was quite an experience," analyst Jimmy Johnson said. "I'll never forget it."

Air Force to honor Texas victims before Army game

2009-11-06T13:06:00.001-05:00

The Air Force Academy will hold a moment of silence in honor of the shooting victims at Fort Hood before Saturday's Army-Air Force game.

Academy spokesman Troy Garnhart says the observance will also honor soldiers from nearby Fort Carson who've been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The academy and Fort Carson are on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. Saturday's game is at the academy's Falcon Stadium.

Fort Carson spokeswoman Brandy Gill says a pep rally for the Army football team is still planned Friday night at the post. It's not yet clear how the Fort Hood tragedy will be recognized.

Turner the Burner, running with more determination

2009-11-06T08:31:00.002-05:00

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) heads for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009.

Michael Turner did some self-scouting last week to find out why he wasn't breaking off big runs for the Atlanta Falcons.

What was wrong with the Pro Bowl running back?

"I just had to run with the same determination I had last year," Turner said Thursday. "Run with kind of a chip on my shoulder."

After rushing 20 times for 151 yards and one touchdown in a Week 8 loss at New Orleans, Turner is feeling confident again.

The sixth-year NFL veteran was noticeably more upbeat in the locker room than he seemed the previous two weeks after totaling just 80 yards on a combined 31 carries during a win over Chicago and a loss at Dallas.

"It's been pretty frustrating because you work hard every week and you want to see the results," Turner said. "You go back and say, 'What am I doing wrong? What am I doing differently?' The touchdowns have been there. I just had to get the big running plays in."

All that's missing now is for Turner to produce big results in an Atlanta win. Just once in the first six games did he rush for 100 yards -- when the Falcons beat Carolina in Week 2.

Scoring, however, has come easier for Turner, who has eight rushing touchdowns. Atlanta (4-3) could find it tough to getting into the end zone Sunday against Washington (2-5), particularly considering that Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown seven interceptions over the last three games.

The Redskins have the NFC's toughest scoring defense and are fifth overall in allowing an average of 17.6 points.

Turner's biggest gains against the Saints covered 37, 24 and 22 yards, but just one of them resulted in a touchdown. In his first season with the Falcons last season, Turner gained 1,699 yards -- second only to Minnesota's Adrian Peterson -- and scored 17 touchdowns.

"The guys needed me to spark 'em, and I haven't been satisfied with the way I've been playing, so I had to go back and look at it to see what was different, see what was missing," he said. "Just little things that make a difference, you know?"

Inconsistency on the ground has bothered second-year coach Mike Smith all season. In their first season with the Falcons, the rushing attack finished second overall, but now they rank 17th with 111 yards per game.

Hip injuries and a concussion have slowed No. 2 running back Jerious Norwood, who will miss his third straight game this week. Jason Snelling, who ran seven times for 68 yards at Dallas, is trying to return against Washington after sitting out the New Orleans game with a strained hamstring.

Atlanta's offensive line also hasn't done as good a job as last year in extending blocks and forcing opponents to try to use a defensive back to tackle the 256-pound Turner.

"We've been evaluating and we've been trying to tweak it and get the running game going," Smith said. "When you can run the football effectively, even though we didn't get the outcome we wanted, it gives us an opportunity to get the outcome. I thought that was evident against the Saints."

Losing to New Orleans marked just the first time in Turner's 10 games that he rushed for 100 yards and the Falcons failed to win. In his career, Turner's teams are now 14-2 when he goes for 100 or more.

"Yeah, I've got to bring that element back to the team," he said. "Hopefully, last week was just a start."

Former first-round pick DE James arrested

2009-11-06T07:08:00.001-05:00

Former Vikings first-round pick Erasmus James was arrested early Thursday after punching a friend in the face at a bar in Madison.

Authorities say the 27-year-old James began fighting with a friend after James tried to order a drink at a popular bar near Wisconsin's campus after closing time.

The Wisconsin State Journal first reported the arrest.

James was released from the Dane County Jail. A prosecutor will decide if a battery charge is warranted.

A former Wisconsin standout at defensive end, James played three injury-plagued seasons for the Vikings after being picked 18th overall in 2005. He was traded to Washington last year and played in five games before being cut in December.

QBs Smith, Young work their way back

2009-11-05T19:36:00.003-05:00

Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to throw a pass during their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field on November 1, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith

Alex Smith and Vince Young have crossed paths on several occasions at NFL functions. They've offered each other some encouraging words during the difficult times, like after each lost his starting job.

The once highly touted quarterbacks' NFL fates have taken a similar bumpy road, and now they're both back behind center, ready to square off Sunday when Young's Tennessee Titans come to San Francisco to take on Smith and the 49ers.

"That's how we are as quarterbacks. We stick together," Young said. "I have much respect for Alex. I saw him a while back and he always has inspiring words for me, and I give him the same inspiring words when I see him. I know what he was going through, and I'm pretty sure he knows what I was going through. We both were being very patient and just waiting for when coach makes that move. And when we get in there, we want to make the best of it."

Young watched last season as Kerry Collins led the Titans to a 13-3 record, then worked his way back to starting just last week when coach Jeff Fisher made the anticipated switch after Tennessee's awful start.

For Smith, same thing. He started the year behind Shaun Hill before coach Mike Singletary made a change at halftime in Houston on Oct. 25.

Both QBs are resurrecting their careers, or at least have started the process.

Through their ordeals and during the slow road to their comebacks, they've learned patience and how to stay within themselves and not do too much. There's a different perspective that's developed from all those weeks on the sideline.

Smith missed all of last season after reinjuring his surgically repaired throwing shoulder three days before the season opener. He was set to be the backup to J.T. O'Sullivan.

Smith would rather not compare his situation to what Young went through, though he knows it's an interesting topic this week.

"It is really about what each of us can do to help our team win," Smith said. "In the end that's all that matters, especially from the quarterback position. That's all anyone is going to remember about this. ... Every situation, especially for early draft pick quarterbacks, they are all different. Every circumstance is different from the next and I don't think that you can judge any two alike. With that, you still have ups and downs that you have in common as well."

There are several interesting parallels between the two. Young was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2006, when he was drafted third overall. Smith was the No. 1 draft pick a year earlier. Smith has thrown 23 touchdowns and 33 interceptions, and Young's line is identical. Young's longest completion is 73 yards to Smith's 75-yarder.

Young led the Titans (1-6) to a 30-13 rout of Jacksonville last Sunday to snap an eight-game losing streak dating back to Dec. 21 with Collins as the starter.

Smith, who hasn't started a home game since Oct. 28, 2007, and hasn't won at Candlestick Park since the '07 season opener, has the task of getting the San Francisco offense back on track after two lackluster performances. The Niners (3-4) have lost three straight after a 3-1 start, falling 18-14 to the Colts in Indianapolis last week.

That game was Smith's first start in more than two years.

"I thought Alex did very well. I was very pleased to see him make some throws," Singletary said. "I was very excited and anticipated this game for him because I knew the rush was going to be coming at him. I knew that it was just a situation where he wasn't going to sit back there and be comfortable and he got outside of the pocket a few times and he made some good decisions."

Smith and the offense will have to deal with the Titans' now-healthy secondary and constant pressure. Tennessee had four sacks against the Jaguars -- and this team regained some swagger by finally winning.

"It can help a lot," defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said. "That's one of the main things we were just missing through six weeks was confidence. Guys stepped up and playmakers made plays on Sunday, and that's the way it should be."

The 49ers, who still consider themselves a playoff team, are determined to get things turned around immediately.

"We do need a win. We must win," tight end Vernon Davis said.

Not that Singletary is sending that kind of message.

"It's very frustrating to have lost the four games that we have," he said. "When you do the math, it just comes down to winning the games that we need to win in order to win the division. That's our first goal. I'm not going to lose my mind and say, 'If we lose the next two, we're done. We might as well pack it up and go home."

Singletary and Fisher have their own connection. They were drafted the same year by the Chicago Bears in 1981, Singletary in the second round and Fisher in the seventh.

Titans linebackers coach Dave McGinnis worked with Hall of Famer Singletary in Chicago and he's talked about Singletary to his linebackers. Not that it provides any advantage going against Singletary's stingy 49ers in the Titans' first visit to Candlestick since their 1999 Super Bowl season.

"When you're playing somebody for the first time perhaps under new systems, you have to spend the extra time to get to know them," Fisher said.

Ginn tries to shake reputation

2009-11-05T19:07:00.003-05:00

Miami Dolphins' Ted Ginn Jr. scores a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.

Twice Ted Ginn Jr. left the New York Jets stumbling and lunging, grasping at and gasping for air.

With moves like that, maybe he can shake his reputation yet.

Ginn scored on consecutive kickoff returns of 100 and 101 yards, an unprecedented feat that took a total of 31 seconds. He's that fast. His many detractors might call him the fastest draft bust in Miami Dolphins history.

"He takes a lot of flak," teammate Justin Smiley said. "He deserves more respect than he gets."

Dolphins fans began booing Ginn the day he was drafted in 2007, and they've yet to stop. But he won at least a temporary reprieve last week when he helped Miami beat the Jets 30-25.

Ginn became the first player to have two scores of 100 yards or more in the same game, and the first in 42 years to have two touchdown returns in the same quarter. He had 299 yards on kickoff returns, second-highest total in NFL history.

"Wasn't that marvelous?" offensive coordinator Dan Henning said. "There can be no better human story than what happened last week around here and what Teddy was able to come up with. For him to do that is a great story."

Give Ginn credit for resisting any temptation to tell his critics, "Nyah, nyah, nyah."

"I still got to prove myself," he said. "It's better not to just talk. It's better to show action. Talking is cheap. The only thing I can do is go out and continue to make plays and put the naysayers away."

While Ginn resuscitated his career against the Jets, the performance reinforced the impression he has underachieved since being taken with the ninth overall choice in the draft. He wasn't a popular pick -- jeering fans at the Dolphins' draft party wanted Brady Quinn -- and he has struggled in the role of a No. 1 receiver.

Last week he lost his starting job. Then came his dramatic response against the Jets.

"This kid is a resilient guy," coach Tony Sparano said. "Some people rise up, some people don't. Teddy rose up."

When asked which TD return was better, Ginn said: "Both." On the first, he cut back to find an opening. On the second, he describes himself as a trapped mouse, braking before breaking to the outside. Both times he outran the coverage when in the clear.

"He's so doggone fast," Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff said. "Once he got to the edge, we can't get him then."

While Ginn's play on special teams was a game-changer, he didn't have a reception. The Dolphins (3-4) head into Sunday's game at New England ranked fourth worst in the NFL in passing, and they're last in yards per reception.

As a result, Ginn catches grief. The biggest raps are that he runs poor routes and shies away from contact.

"He has been taking a lot of scrutiny and has been the target of a lot of talk," teammate Ronnie Brown said. "We all know his athletic ability and what he's capable of doing. We saw it last week."

Yes, the potential's there. At Ohio State he tied an NCAA record with eight touchdown returns. But as an NFL receiver he has only five career TDs and two 100-yard games. This year he's averaging only 11.7 yards on his 18 catches.

Midway through his third pro season, he's not even the Dolphins' best receiver from Ohio State. Sparano replaced him in the lineup with another former Buckeye, rookie Brian Hartline.

Even in the wake of his electrifying effort against the Jets, Sparano hinted the Dolphins have given up on Ginn as an every-down wideout, at least for now.

"You have to understand what the player can do, and let him only do what he can do well," Sparano said.

At the same time, his big-play potential has never been more clear. He was on the field for 22 plays against the Jets and scored more points than the Dolphins' offense.

"Some of these other guys played 60, 70 plays out there and didn't have that kind of impact," Sparano said.

As the Dolphins seek to repeat last year's run to the AFC East title, a receiver to stretch the field is their biggest need. Wideouts have seven touchdown receptions in the past two seasons, and the lack of a downfield passing threat allows opponents to crowd the line of scrimmage against Miami's potent ground attack.

Ginn appeared on the verge of a breakthrough in the third game this season, when he had a career-high 11 catches for 108 yards against Indianapolis. Three weeks later, he made a fine catch on a long pass for a 53-yard score.

But he has only five receptions in the past five games.

"Ted has been a little streaky," Sparano said.

The Dolphins hope the big day against the Jets gives Ginn's confidence a jolt that spills over to his offensive production. He seemed to enjoy rehashing the kickoff returns this week, and conceded he had seen himself on the endless TV replays.

"It's hard to miss," he said. "The only thing you can do is don't get satisfied with it, but enjoy it while you can."

Hey, it beats being booed.

Jury convicts man in Richard Collier's shooting

2009-11-05T19:04:00.004-05:00

How's that Karma taste? Now you get to spend life (hopefully) with Big Bubba in an 8x8 cell, good luck with that!

A jury has convicted a man of attempted murder in the shooting of former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier.

The six-person jury deliberated 2 hours and 45 minutes before returning its verdict against 33-year-old Tyrone Hartsfield at the end of a nine-day trial.

Hartsfield faces up to life in prison. The jury will now be asked to determine if he was also guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Collier watched much of the closing arguments while seated in his wheelchair in the courtroom gallery. He was shot six times as he waited in his car outside a Jacksonville apartment house last year. Collier was paralyzed and his left leg was amputated.

Rams' kicker earns award with arm

2009-11-05T09:21:00.002-05:00

Daniel Fells #46 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates a touchdown off of a fake field goal with Josh Brown #3, Donnie Jones #5 and Billy Bajema #47 while playing the Detroit Lions on November 1, 2009 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

Josh Brown's first NFL pass was not a thing of beauty but he doesn't care about style points.

The St. Louis Rams' kicker was named the NFC's special teams player of the week Wednesday after a game that saw him kick a 41-yard field goal but also throw a 36-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Fells.

Well, throw might be overstating it a bit. It was more of a flip on a fake field goal attempt that helped the Rams end a 17-game losing streak with a 17-10 victory over Detroit.

Brown, who was a running back playing eight-man football at Foyil (Okla.) High School, said he considered trying to run for a first down. Instead, he sort of shot-putted the ball to Fells, who broke one tackle en route to the end zone.

"I didn't really even use my shoulder on that throw," Brown said. "I wasn't trying to make it pretty, just effective."

Brown, who is in his seventh season, to some razzing from his teammates.

"Everybody has been busting on me," Brown said. "If you're looking for style points, there were definitely none awarded. But, you know, we got six points out of it and results are the only thing that matters."

In about 30 years, Brown said the throw may look better when he's describing his touchdown pass to his grandkids.

"Nothing wrong with a little embellishment," Brown said.

Steelers to walk a thin defensive line in Denver

2009-11-05T06:51:00.003-05:00

Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Denver Broncos

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin

The thin air in Denver isn't as much of a concern to the Pittsburgh Steelers as their rapidly thinning defensive line.

The Steelers (5-2) already were without defensive end Aaron Smith, a premier run-stopper who is out for the rest of the season with a torn right rotator cuff. Now they're missing his replacement, Travis Kirschke, who has a torn left calf muscle that could sideline him another couple of weeks. He was injured during a 27-17 victory over Minnesota on Oct. 25.

One of the strengths of a Steelers defense that was the NFL's best the last two seasons is its depth, but that's all but vanished now that Smith and Kirschke are hurt. Now, the Steelers must depend on two rookies and a player who was cut last month.

Welcome to the NFL, Ziggy Hood and Sunny Harris. Welcome back, Nick Eason.

Hood, a first-round draft pick, won't start against the Broncos (6-1) on Monday night but is expected to get significant playing time because teams traditionally rotate linemen in Denver's high altitude. Eason, a former Broncos draft pick, will move from right defensive end, where he backs up Brett Keisel, to start at left defensive end. Harris is the other backup.

Only a month ago, Eason was let go so the Steelers could activate an extra running back. Suddenly, he is starting on the defense that allows the fewest rushing yards in the NFL.

"I was released the fourth game and the next thing you know I'm playing," Eason said Wednesday. "Now I'll be playing a lot more. My snaps have doubled in three weeks. It's amazing, but that's the life story in the NFL."

Harris, a sixth-round draft pick, has a similar story. He was released after training camp only to re-sign two weeks ago after spending time on Carolina's practice squad.

Because of the injuries, the Steelers must go into one of their biggest games of the season with only one experienced backup defensive lineman in nose tackle Chris Hoke, who plays behind Casey Hampton. Hoke can play defensive end, but it's likely he'll get more playing time than usual in the middle as Hampton takes some plays off.

"We go through this every year," Keisel said. "Last year I was out for a few games and Aaron missed some games in 2007. We have a lot of guys who know how to play."

Or at least the Steelers think they know how to play.

Hood, a former star at Missouri, has taken a minimal number of snaps this season. He usually spends his practice weeks on the scout team that replicates the opposing defense.

"He's a tough guys to block on Wednesdays and Thursdays," coach Mike Tomlin said. "At some point, he's going to be a tough guy to block on Sundays. We'll see when that happens."

Hood said it's been a lot to absorb as a rookie, keeping up on the Steelers' ever-changing defense while also learning a different style each week during practice.

"Each day, I see I'm somewhat getting better, not only mentally but physically as well," Hood said. "I believe I've taken the necessary steps to get better. When the starters need to take a breather, I'll be able to fill in until they get better and go 100 percent every snap."

While the Steelers allow an average of 76.6 yards rushing, the Broncos are averaging 123.1, 11th best in the league. Rookie Knowshon Moreno has run for 420 yards and former Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter has gained 329 yards and averages 6 yards per carry.

"I've told a lot of young guys, 'The only way you can get prepared to play is to play," Eason said. "You can practice all week, but when you get in a game it's a different mentality.

"It's a lot more pressure, there's the fans, it's different -- it's 100 miles per hour and it's full-go tackling. And that's the only way that guys like Ziggy and Sunny can get playing experience."

Rivers-Manning showdown worth watching

2009-11-05T06:43:00.003-05:00

Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers pumps his fist after throwing for a touchdown during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 25, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts after he was pulled down by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole in the second quarter of their NFL football game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 1, 2009.

When Eli Manning and Philip Rivers play at Giants Stadium on Sunday, it'll be the first matchup between the two quarterbacks who were swapped for each other during the first round of the 2004 draft.

Be sure to watch, said Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, whose spot in San Diego was secured as part of a draft-weekend blockbuster trade, in 2001.

"There's a natural rivalry there with Philip and Eli, as it was with Michael Vick and myself from the trade," Tomlinson said. "Those two are going to be linked for their whole career. So, as a fan, that's something you want to watch."

Manning preferred the Giants to the Chargers, who took him anyway with the No. 1 pick, then dealt him to New York for Rivers and a handful of picks.

Two years ago, Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl victory.

"I don't have any regrets," he said.

Rivers said he's happy the Chargers acquired him and two future Pro Bowlers -- outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding.

"I think I like it here a whole lot better," Rivers said. "It certainly fits me out here."

Merriman said he doesn't sense the Chargers harbor any ill will toward Manning for choosing New York over San Diego.

"I just look at it as another quarterback I need to get on the ground, period, and he's a pretty good one," he said.

As for the Chargers jersey that Manning got on draft day? "I think my parents have it," Manning said. "I gave it to my mom. She put it in her purse that day, and she has it for a rainy day, I guess."

Side Notes:
ILBs Kevin Burnett and Tim Dobbins did not practice because of ankle injuries. ... Tomlinson said Giants fans will razz him, telling him that former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, a Hall of Famer, is the real L.T. "How can you argue?" Tomlinson said. Merriman wears No. 56 partly in honor of Taylor.

Oher makes an impression in Hollywood and NFL

2009-11-04T19:52:00.005-05:00

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (2nd R) is greeted by teammates Jared Gaither (L-R), Mark Clayton, and Michael Oher after rushing for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos late in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game in Baltimore, Maryland, November 1, 2009.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with Baltimore Ravens #23 draft pick Michael Oher at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City.

From left, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, first round draft pick Michael Oher, general manager Ozzie Newsome and director of player personnel Eric DeCosta smile during a news conference Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Owings Mills, Md. The Ravens traded up in the first round of the NFL draft to get Oher at No. 23 on Saturday.

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher is enjoying the kind of rookie season that might require Hollywood to make a sequel to a soon-to-be-released movie about his life.

Drafted with the 23rd overall pick out of Mississippi, Oher has started every game for the Ravens (4-3). The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder played right tackle for the first four games, then replaced an injured Jared Gaither at left tackle for two weeks before returning to the right side last Sunday against Denver.

"To come in here and play at a high level, that's always impressive. I don't care where you went to school," center Matt Birk said. "There's a mental and physical adjustment playing in the NFL. Physically, he's extremely gifted. And he plays with a great passion."

Oher has performed exceptionally well, but the path he took to get to the pros would be Hollywood-worthy even if he failed to get off the bench in Baltimore.

Oher's odyssey was detailed in the best seller "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis. Oher received little attention from his parents and eventually became homeless. Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy took the teenager into their Memphis home, eventually adopted him and provided him with a means of getting through high school to qualify for college.

Oher became a four-year starter and All-American at Mississippi. A movie based on the book, featuring Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, will open in theaters later this month.

"I am never ashamed of where I came from. Where I came from, a lot of people don't make it out," Oher said. "I think it has made me a tougher person, a better player."

Oher hasn't seen the movie, but anticipates his opinion of the film won't differ much from his take on the book.

"I read it, and some things in the book I didn't like and stuff like that," he said. "But in the end of the day, it all happened and it's one of those things you have got to live with -- and just keep growing every day."

Which is exactly what the 23-year-old Oher is doing on the football field.

"I have great respect for Mike. I don't know his whole story, but I certainly know I respect him, just the way he comes in here every day," Birk, 33, said. "A lot of times you see guys come in this league as if they're entitled and all that; Mike comes to work and is a gentleman. We have a lot of fun. He jokes around with me because I'm slightly older than he is. He's just a joy to have around."

Guard Chris Chester, who lines up next to Oher on the right side, said, "He's ahead of the curve, definitely, but I think that's just a tribute to Mike's maturity, his talent and his ability. He's done a great job of beginning to realize his potential."

Despite being the subject of a book, the focus in a major movie and the butt of many jokes in the locker room, Oher remains the quiet, businesslike player he was when the Ravens drafted him in April.

"He seems to be handling everything fine," Birk said. "He can be classified as a good rookie, a guy that works hard, keeps his mouth shut and is getting better. Obviously he's contributing and is a big reason for some of the success that we've had."

The release of the movie probably won't inflate Oher's humble opinion of himself.

"I think I will be the same," Oher said. "People don't recognize me now and I don't think they will in the next month."

Texans RB Slaton may lose starting role to Moats

2009-11-04T19:39:00.001-05:00

Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats scores a fourth quarter touchdown against the Buffalo Bills an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. , Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. Houston won, 31-10.

Steve Slaton became a key to Houston's offense as a rookie last year when he ran for a franchise-record 1,282 yards.

This season he's tied for the NFL lead in lost fumbles and his job as a starter is in jeopardy after Ryan Moats had a career day filling in for him.

Coach Gary Kubiak won't say who'll start in Sunday's AFC South matchup at Indianapolis. Regardless of who starts, coaches and players agree they'll need Slaton's playmaking ability against the Colts.

Clifton, Tauscher could return to Pack's O-line

2009-11-04T19:03:00.002-05:00

Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers

Fire up the DeLorean and cue the Huey Lewis music. The Green Bay Packers might be going back to the future to protect their ailing quarterback.

With sacks piling up at a record rate and quarterback Aaron Rodgers now hobbled by a pair of foot injuries, Packers coach Mike McCarthy strongly hinted today that recently re-signed veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher could start Sunday's game at Tampa Bay -- his first action since a major knee injury last December.

Veteran left tackle Chad Clifton might be ready to return from a nagging ankle injury, too.

"No substitute for experience, and Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have a ton of it," McCarthy said. "You see that just in the practice today, just some of the things that they do. Any time you add experience to your group, it's definitely a benefit."

Clifton and Tauscher both were active last Sunday but did not play against Minnesota.

Rookie T.J. Lang started in Clifton's place at left tackle for the second straight game Sunday, and Allen Barbre made his seventh straight start at right tackle. Vikings defensive ends Jared Allen and Ray Edwards combined for five of the Vikings' six sacks on Sunday.

Clifton went into this season as the Packers' starting left tackle, but hasn't played a full game since the season opener because of a right ankle injury. Tauscher tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last December and was out of football until re-signing with the team last month.

The Packers have allowed a league-worst 31 sacks and are on pace to break the dubious franchise record of 62 sacks allowed in 1990.

To make matters worse, Rodgers is now nursing a sprain on his right foot and a sprained big toe on his left foot. He expects to play Sunday, and doesn't believe the injuries will make him a slower-moving target.

"Thankfully there's this little thing called adrenaline that kicked in last week," Rodgers said. "So I'm hoping that kicks in early and won't be an issue."

Rodgers said seeing Tauscher and Clifton working their way back to health is encouraging. Rodgers said he's particularly happy that Tauscher is back with the team, if only because it gives him somebody to exchange smart-aleck remarks with.

Although he's been dodging pass rushers all season, Rodgers has been careful not to criticize his line.

"We're all in this together," Rodgers said. "I think as you've seen, nobody's pointing fingers at anybody. ... I know sometimes they would like to protect a little better and obviously I should have thrown a couple away, maybe."

There were no maybes about it for McCarthy, who reiterated that Rodgers must continue to work on his internal "time clock" -- getting a better feel for when it's time to get rid of the ball under pressure.

"That's the one area that has a red line under it, there's no question about it," McCarthy said.

McCarthy said Rodgers' ability to scramble out of trouble is a major asset, but the second-year starter still is learning when to extend a broken play and when to throw it away.

"You have to work through both scenarios," McCarthy said. "Because if he wasn't as productive with his feet and he was taking those sacks, now I think you have a legitimate issue with your quarterback. We're talking about an athletic quarterback that makes a lot of plays with his feet."

Rodgers acknowledged that he should have thrown the ball away on the first sack he took Sunday, a rollout to the left on third-and-5 at the Minnesota 16. Rodgers couldn't find an open receiver and was brought down by Edwards.

Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements said Rodgers needs to work on his reaction to pressure.

"It's a fine line," Clements said. "You have to see when you have the opportunity to extend the play by using your feet, or when it's better just to throw the ball away or get it out of your hand quicker."