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Scoreboard
College Football
Top 25
No. 1 Florida 23, Tennessee 13
No. 2 Texas 34, Texas Tech 24
Washington 16, No. 3 USC 13
No. 4 Alabama 53, North Texas 7
No. 5 Penn State 31, Temple 6
No. 5 Mississippi 52, SE Louisiana 6
Florida St. 54, No. 7 BYU 28
No. 8 California 35, Minnesota 21
No. 9 LSU 31, La.-Lafayette 3
No. 11 Ohio State 38, Toledo 0
No. 12 Oklahoma 45, Tulsa 0
No. 13 Va. Tech 16, No. 19 Nebraska 15
No. 15 TCU 56, Texas State 21
No. 16 Oklahoma State 41, Rice 24
No. 17 Cincinnati 28, Oregon State 18
Oregon 31, No. 18 Utah 24
No. 22 Kansas 44, Duke 16
No. 23 Georgia 52, Arkansas 41
No. 24 N. Carolina 31, East Carolina 17
No. 25 Michigan 45, Eastern Michigan 17
Baseball
American League
Oakland 8, Cleveland 4
Minnesota 6, Detroit 2
Chicago White Sox 13, Kansas City 3
Texas 3, L.A. Angels 2
Tampa Bay 4, Toronto 0
Boston 11, Baltimore 5
N.Y. Yankees 10, Seattle 1
National League
San Diego 2, Pittsburgh 1
N.Y. Mets 3, Washington 2
St. Louis 2, Chicago Cubs 1
L.A. Dodgers 12, San Francisco 1
Atlanta 6, Philadelphia 4
Florida 3, Cincinnati 2
Milwaukee 7, Houston 2
Colorado 10, Arizona 4
NHL
Preseason
Results, schedule, Pages 58-59
COLLEGE BASKETBALL > 60
Twins tighten it up
Stun Verlander to cut
Detroit’s A.L. Central
lead to two
Page 50
SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
SEE A DIFFERENT GAME
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 60
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Washed away
USC latest top team to take a tumble
BY DAVE CURTIS | dcurtis@sportingnews.com
USC lost to a team that didn’t win a game all last year. BYU appeared to
overlook Florida State. Texas’ offense didn’t find the end zone for a half;
Georgia’s offense could have scored all weekend.
Even by college football’s ridiculous standards, Saturday ranked as a crazy
day. Here are a few highlights:
USC’s annual flop: The No. 3 Trojans,
three-touchdown favorites at Wash-
ington, stunk up Seattle with a 16-13
loss to the Huskies. It’s a fourth-
straight season with a head-scratch-
ing Pac-10 loss for USC, which played
without injured starting QB Matt
Barkley. “Clearly, we have superior
athletes,” Trojans RB Joe McKnight
told reporters afterward. “But hard
work beats athleticism any day.”
Sweating it out: The rest of the top
3 played only a little bit better than
USC. Florida’s anticipated annihila-
tion of Tennessee and loudmouth
Lane Kiffin never materialized:
Gators 23, Vols 13. Texas needed a
full four quarters to exterminate
NBA > 60
pesky Texas Tech, 34-24. Watch for
Alabama to steal some of UF’s
first-place poll votes and maybe
jump UT for No. 2.
Back to reality: The Mountain
West received a reality check from
the big boys in BCS automatic
qualifying leagues. No. 7 BYU saw
its 18-game home win streak
snapped with a 54-28 spanking from
Florida State. “Their preparation
exceeded ours,” BYU coach Bronco
Mendenhall said in Provo, “and it
showed.” Utah, winners of a nation’s
best 16 in a row, fell 31-24 at Oregon.
Seats get more toasty: Mark down a
bad day for ACC coaches on the hot
seat. Ralph Friedgen and Maryland
NASCAR > 61
Washington QB Jake Locker, center, is embraced by his father, Scott Locker, after Saturday’s upset.
lost to Middle Tennessee State, Al
Groh and Virginia blew a 17-point lead
and lost at Southern Miss. Credit
Charlie Weis with a good day, as his
Irish rallied past Michigan State to
prevent a 1-2 start and calls for his job.
Saturday’s stars: Cal RB Jahvid
Best (five touchdowns at Minnesota
push him into Heisman Trophy
chatter), the Georgia and Arkansas
offenses (Dawgs 52, Hogs 41) and
Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor
(last-minute TD pass lifts Hokies
over Nebraska).
NFL
Week 2 primer
Torn triceps ends
season for Chargers NT Jamal
Williams, Page 44
Falcons’ Michael Turner: ‘There’s
no denying me,’ Page 40
An inside look at the best
matchups, Page 42
BILL KOSTROUN / AP
Giants QB Eli Manning
Patriots, Giants
too tough for rivals
When looking for drama in Week
2, you can’t go wrong with Patriots
vs. Jets at the Meadowlands and
Giants vs. Cowboys in the first
regular-season game at Cowboys
Stadium. All four teams won their
opening games. They are division
rivals. They do not like each other.
Who will prevail in today’s
matchups?
Why the Patriots
will beat the Jets:
You can’t expect Jets quar-
terback Mark Sanchez to play as
well against the Patriots as he did
against the Texans. Patriots coach
Bill Belichick will have some tricks
DREW PERINE / AP in store for Sanchez. And if it comes
down to the final five minutes, Tom
Brady will be the difference-maker.
INSIDE Why the Giants
will beat the Cowboys:
Hayes: Is Florida really the best
team in the country? Page 10 Dallas surrendered 174 yards
Curtis: It’s time for Cal to start rushing against the Buccaneers. The
thinking BCS, Page 13 Giants’ running game, featuring
Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad
Crossman: Hokies’ Taylor saves
his lone highlights for last, Page 12 Bradshaw, figures to get more.
Meanwhile, Giants defensive ends
Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck
COMING MONDAY: Exclusively in
have a meeting scheduled with
Sporting News Today: 17 coaching
greats cast their votes in the first
Dallas quarterback Tony Romo.
Legends Poll of 2009.
When Romo goes down often, the
Cowboys usually go down, too.
— Clifton Brown
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com See a Different Game SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 2

Tune In Today
A quick look at the best sports on TV Record-setters Rice, Smith lead Hall candidates
OFF THE FIELD

— all times Eastern

Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith headline
the preliminary list of modern-era
BASEBALL nominees for induction next year in
the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Angels at Rangers The list released Saturday includes
1 p.m., TBS 131 players, coaches and contributors.
Texas will wrap up a disastrous nine- Hall of Fame selectors will chose 25
game homestand, while Los Angeles semifinalists by Nov. 27 and 15 final-
will complete a seven-game road trip
ists by Jan. 7. Voting will take place
(before heading home for 10 games). After
scoring 31 runs in a three-game sweep Feb. 6, the day before the Super Bowl.
at Cleveland, the Rangers forgot to pack Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading
their bats for the trip back to Texas. Their rusher with 18,355 yards. Rice is the ERIC RISBERG / AP TONY GUTIERREZ / AP
offense has completely vanished during league’s all-time leading receiver with Jerry Rice is the NFL’s all-time leading receiver. Emmitt Smith has more rushing yards than anyone else.
their recent slide, and things don’t figure
22,895 yards. Rice also is No. 1 on the
to improve much today against Angels
righthander John Lackey. Lackey has a 0.80 career touchdowns list (208), with Tim Brown, Herschel Walker, Cris Carter, Andre going to appeal for Chicago, which is
ERA in his past four starts. Smith second (175). Reed and Sterling Sharp. Former commis- bidding to host the Olympics in 2016.
— Chris Bahr Other modern-era nominees include sioner Paul Tagliabue is also on the list. He spoke on condition of anonymity to
discuss the sensitive plans.
NFL Presidential trip
The White House says it is sending an Brand remembered
Giants at Cowboys YOUR TURN advance team to Copenhagen to check College football paused Saturday to
8:15 p.m., NBC out the possibility of a personal appear- remember Myles Brand, the first univer-
This has really become the NFL’s premier What’s it like playing alongside Ray Lewis
prime-time matchup, as both teams have or rushing Peyton Manning in practice? ance by President Barack Obama before sity president to lead the NCAA.
If you have a question for Baltimore’s
been beasts of the NFC East in recent Terrell Suggs, Indianapolis’ Dwight the Olympic committee. Moments of silence were observed at
seasons. Starting with high-profle QBs Tony Freeney, Tampa Bay’s Byron Leftwich or A senior adviser to Obama confirmed games across the country, the first
Romo and Eli Manning and continuing Minnesota’s Jared Allen, we want to hear
it. Send your question, along with your Saturday night to The Associated Press weekend of college football since Brand
with two of the league’s elite pass-rushing name and hometown, to yourturn@ that the advance team would only be died of pancreatic cancer Wednesday at
defenses, expect another classic chapter to sportingnews.com and we’ll have them
be added to this rivalry. answer the best ones in a future issue of making sure Obama has the option of 67.
— Vinnie Iyer Sporting News magazine.
MORE COVERAGE from sportingnews.com
NASCAR Sporting Blog: sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/
Sylvania 300
2 p.m., ABC Classic, final round, at 4 p.m. Madrid vs. Xerev at
If Jimmie Johnson wins a fourth consecu- GUIDE EXTREME SPORTS MAJOR LEAGUE
tive Sprint Cup title during this year’s Chase, 2 p.m. Conover, N.C. BASEBALL FOX—Regional Madrid
NASCAR will have to change the name of its AUTO RACING NBC—Dew Tour, 4 p.m. 1 p.m. coverage 2:55 p.m.
playoff format to the Chase to Beat Jimmie 2 p.m. Toyota Challenge, at NBC—LPGA, TBS—L.A. Angels at 4:15 p.m. ESPN2—Spanish
Johnson. Johnson undoubtedly will be part ABC—NASCAR, Salt Lake City Samsung World Texas CBS—Regional cov- Primera Division,
of today’s story line, but so will a number Sprint Cup Series, Championship, final 8 p.m. erage, doubleheader Valencia vs. Sporting
of others. Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Jeff Sylvania 300, at GOLF round, at La Jolla, ESPN—Chicago game at Valencia
Gordon and Denny Hamlin all could knock Loudon, N.H. 8 a.m. Calif. Cubs at St. Louis 8:15 p.m.
off Johnson in these final 10 races, and all of 7 p.m. TGC—European 7 p.m. NBC—N.Y. Giants at WNBA
them have enjoyed at least one win at New ESPN2—NHRA, PGA Tour, Austrian TGC—Nationwide NFL Dallas 5 p.m.
Hampshire. Carolinas Nationals, Open, final round, at Tour, Boise Open, 1 p.m. ESPN2—Playoffs,
— Roger Kuznia final eliminations, at Vienna, Austria final round, at Boise, CBS—Regional cov- SOCCER Western Conference
Concord, N.C. (same- 3:30 p.m. Idaho (same-day erage, doubleheader 12:55 p.m. semifinals, game
day tape) TGC—Champions tape) FOX—Regional ESPN2—Spanish 3, Los Angeles at
Tour, Greater Hickory coverage Primera Division, Real Seattle
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
YOUR TURN
Want to sound off on a sports topic
in the news? Sporting News Today
welcomes reader-submitted stories
of 150 words or less. E-mail them
to yourturn@sportingnews.com
and be sure to include your name
and hometown. We’ll pick the best
ones and run them regularly in
the world’s most comprehensive
daily sports section.
QUICK HITS
Snapped out of it
Longest regular season losing streaks
by N.L. champs:
2008 Phillies lost 6 straight (one time)
2007 Rockies lost 8 straight (one time)
2006 Cardinals lost 8 straight (two times)
2005 Astros lost 7 straight (one time)
2004 Cardinals lost 4 straight (one time)
2003 Marlins lost 6 straight (two times)
Damage control
Longest regular season losing streaks
by A.L. champs:
2008 Rays lost 7 straight (one time)
2007 Red Sox lost 4 straight (three times)
2006 Tigers lost 5 straight (two times)
2005 White Sox lost 7 straight (one time)
2004 Red Sox lost 5 straight (one time)
2003 Yankees lost 5 straight (one time)
Source: World Features Syndicate
My Profile SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 3
Ryan Diem THE WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL
DAILY SPORTS NEWSPAPER
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My bucket list: Skydive! ON NEWSSTANDS NOW
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In need of a college basketball fix amid all
the baseball and football? The new issue
MARK CHRISTIAN/ SN of SN Magazine ranks the nation’s top 10
players at all five positions.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Next Gen: Recruiting SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 4
RECRUITING DISH CLASS OF 2010

One of Texas’s top 2011 TOP 25 RECRUITS

QBs sitting on two offers 1. Marcus Lattimore, RB
6-0/207, 8. Jackson Jeffcoat, DL
6-4/233, 14. Xavier Grimble, TE
6-5/245,
J.W. Walsh is a football coach’s son, so he’s a bit familiar
Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) Plano West Senior Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
with the game of recruiting. Yet, when the quarterback Considering: North Committed to: USC
(Plano, Texas)
received his first written scholarship offer from Ari- Carolina, Oregon, South Considering: USC, Texas,
zona, he about flipped his lid. Carolina, Penn State,
“It felt good; it felt real good actually,” Walsh told
Sporting News Today. “I had a big smile on my face the
Auburn
Oklahoma, Arizona State,
Houston 15. Jake Heaps, QB
6-2/195,
Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.) COURTESY OF DEVIN GARDNER
whole time. It’s just one of those things you get real
happy about. Then you try to go on with the rest of your 2. Lache Seastrunk, RB
5-10/183,
Temple (Texas)
9. Demarco Cobbs, WR
6-2/200
Committed to: BYU Devin Gardner

day. I didn’t frame it or anything.”

Walsh—a 6-2, 185-pound signal caller at Guyer (Den-
ton, Texas)—is one of just three 2011 Texas-based quar-
Considering: Auburn,
Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas,
Tulsa Central (Tulsa, Okla.)
Committed to: Tennessee 16. Christian Jones, LB
6-4/215,
Lake Howell (Winter Park, Fla.)
21. Eduardo Clements, RB
5-11/185,
Booker T. Washington (Miami)
USC
terbacks who have drawn scholarship offers from
Division I-A schools so far. Along with his scholarship 10. Trey Hopkins, OL
6-4/260,
Considering: Florida State,
Alabama, Florida, USC
Considering: Miami,
Georgia, Michigan
offer from Arizona, Walsh also has a verbal offer from 3. Seantrel Henderson, OL
6-8/301,
North Shore
Kansas. Texas and Oklahoma are just two of the schools
keeping a close eye on him this year, too.
Cretin-Derham Hall
(St. Paul, Minn.)
(Galena Park, Texas)
Committed to: Texas 17. Chris Martin, DL
6-4/222,
The Hun School
22. Lamarcus Joyner, DB
5-9/162,
St. Thomas Aquinas
He gave an idea of his style of play. Considering: Florida, Ohio
“I really like Joe Montana. I’m not saying I play like
him, because there’s not really a guy I would say I play
State, USC, Oklahoma, Notre
Dame, Minnesota 11. Malcolm Jones, RB/LB
6-0/210,
Oaks Christian
(Princeton, N.J.)
Committed to: Notre
Dame
(Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Considering: Florida State,
Ohio State, Florida
like, but I like the way he handled himself on the field,”
(Westlake Village, Calif.)
Walsh said. “Also, I can escape and make plays with
my feet. One thing I definitely want to work on is being
in the pocket longer and being more of an NFL-type COURTESY OF J.W. WALSH
4. Matt Elam, DB
6-1/205,
Dwyer (Palm Beach
Considering: Stanford,
UCLA 18. Brennan Clay, RB
6-0/190, 23. Devin Gardner, QB
6-4/196,
Scripps Ranch (San Diego) Inkster (Mich.)
quarterback; I tend to leave the pocket too early As a sophomore, J.W. Walsh passed for 1,142 yards and six TDs. Gardens, Fla.)
sometimes.” Committed to: Florida
12. Michael Dyer, RB
5-10/195,
Committed to: Oklahoma Committed to: Michigan

As a sophomore, Walsh rushed for 871 yards and

seven touchdowns, while also passing for 1,142 yards
and six touchdowns—with only two interceptions.
maybe an opportunity to play early and I will be play-
ing in the SEC. I really didn’t have to think that much
on it when it came down to it.” 5. Justin McCay, WR
6-4/200,
Little Rock Christian
Academy (Little Rock, Ark.)
Considering: Arkansas,
19. Phillip Sims, QB
6-2/215,
Oscar Smith
24. Jamel Turner, DE
6-2/205,
Ursuline (Youngstown, Ohio)
Simmons has returned a kickoff for a touchdown in Bishop Miege Auburn, Oklahoma, Notre (Chesapeake, Va.) Committed to: Ohio State
Vanderbilt has landed its 21st commitment of the both of his last two games this year, only to have both (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) Dame Committed to: Alabama
Committed to: Oklahoma
class of 2010, as South County (Lorton, Va.) DB Andre called back by penalty.
Simmons has given his word to the Commodores. The
6-1, 195-pound safety had also seriously considered
Rutgers and Boston College, while Illinois, Northwest-
Sporting News Top 100 TE Xavier Grimble caught a
77-yard touchdown in his team’s 62-6 win over Sierra
6. Corey Nelson, LB
6-1/200,
13. Zack McCray, DL
6-4/235,
Brookville (Lynchburg, Va.)
20. Erik Kohler, OL
6-5/265,
Oaks Christian
25. Blake Bell, QB
6-6/215,
Bishop Carroll
Skyline (Dallas) Committed to: Virginia
ern, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia had also Vista (Las Vegas). Grimble is committed to USC and is Committed to: Texas A&M (Westlake Village, Calif.) (Wichita, Kan.)
Tech Committed to: Committed to: Oklahoma
offered scholarships. rated the No. 1 tight end in the nation.
Washington
“I think the most important thing was that I felt com-
fortable with the people down in Nashville and all of
that,” Simmons told Rivals.com. “I think that was the
SN 100 RB Dillon Baxter rushed for 308 yards on
only 16 carries, while adding four touchdowns, in lead-
7. Gabe King, DL/LB
6-5/260,
Northern Guilford
— Brian McLaughlin

most important factor. There was something about ing Mission Bay (San Diego) to a 43-28 win over (Greensboro, N.C.)
each school, but I just felt comfortable at Vanderbilt. It Parker. Considering: Alabama, MORE COVERAGE from sportingnews.com
just made sense. I will get an elite education, have — Brian McLaughlin California, Oregon, Tennessee Top 100 recruits: sportingnews.com/blog/TheRecruitnik/tag/160168/sn100
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Overnight Report SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 5
BASEBALL / AMERICAN LEAGUE BOXING
N.Y. Yankees 10, Seattle 1 Yankees 10, Mariners 1
New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Mayweather pummels Marquez in ring return
Jeter ss 4 1 1 0 1 1 .329
LAS VEGAS—Floyd Mayweather
Teixeira powers Sabathia to 18th R.Pena ss
Damon lf
a-S.Duncan ph
0 0
4 2
1 0
0
3
0
0 0
1 0
0 0
0 .284
0 .290
1 .167 Jr. returned to the ring with
Hairston Jr. 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 another emphatic victory.
Teixeira 1b 5 2 4 5 0 0 .289
Albaladejo p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Maybe next time he’ll pick
A.Rodriguez 3b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .285 on somebody his own size.
Gardner cf 1 1 1 0 0 0 .283
H.Matsui dh 3 1 1 1 1 2 .280 Mayweather overpowered
b-Miranda ph-1b 1 0 1 0 0 0 1.000 the smaller, lighter Juan Man-
Swisher rf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .254
c-F.Guzman ph-lf 0 0 0 1 0 0 --- uel Marquez for an unanimous
Cano 2b 5 2 4 0 0 0 .323 decision Saturday night, main-
Me.Cabrera cf-lf-rf 5 0 1 1 0 1 .275
Cervelli c 4 1 2 1 0 0 .279 taining his perfect record in his
Totals 40 10 18 10 3 5 return from retirement and a
Seattle AB R H BI BB SO Avg. 21-month ring absence.
I.Suzuki rf 4 0 1 0 1 1 .357 Mayweather knocked down
F.Gutierrez cf 5 1 2 0 0 1 .278
Jo.Lopez 1b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .268 Marquez in the second round
M.Sweeney dh 4 0 2 0 0 0 .281 and then peppered him with
Beltre 3b 4 0 1 0 0 3 .260
Johjima c 4 0 0 0 0 0 .250 countless damaging shots to
Hall lf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .231 remain unbeaten (40-0, 25
M.Saunders lf 1 0 1 0 0 0 .216 KOs).
Tuiasosopo 2b 2 0 0 0 2 1 .167
Jo.Wilson ss 4 0 0 0 0 1 .230 “Marquez is tough as nails,”
TED S. WARREN / AP Totals 35 1 7 0 3 10 Mayweather said. “He’s a great
Mark Teixeira has four multi-HR games this season after hitting two on Saturday night. New York 100 141 012 — 10 18 1 little man. He was really hard
Seattle 000 010 000 — 1 7 0 to fight, and he kept taking
SEATTLE—CC Sabathia ignored a scary One night after closer Mariano a-struck out for Damon in the 8th. c-hit a sacrifice fly for Swisher some unbelievable shots.” LAURA RAUCH / AP
in the 9th. E: A.Rodriguez (9). LOB: New York 7, Seattle 10. 2B:
comebacker off his chest for his 18th Rivera was stunned by a game-win- Damon (34), Cano 3 (45), Beltre (24). 3B: Teixeira (3). HR: H.Matsui
Marquez (50-5-1) was a Floyd Mayweather Jr. landed 59 percent of his punches, including this one..
victory, Mark Teixeira homered twice ning, two-run home run in the bottom (26), off Fister; Teixeira (36), off Fister; Teixeira (37), off French. 130-pounder just 18 months
RBIs: Damon (77), Teixeira 5 (118), H.Matsui (86), F.Guzman
and drove in a season-high five runs of the ninth by Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki, (1), Me.Cabrera (64), Cervelli (11). SB: Beltre (12). SF: F.Guzman.
ago, but the Mexican champion astonishing edge in punch of fighters.
and the New York Yankees resumed the Yankees reduced their magic Runners left in scoring position: New York 4 (Swisher, Jeter, moved up two weight classes to stats, landing 290 of his 493 “I’ve been off for two years,
S.Duncan, Me.Cabrera); Seattle 5 (Jo.Wilson, Beltre, M.Sweeney,
their cruise to the A.L. East title with a number to nine for clinching the Johjima, F.Gutierrez). DP: Seattle 3 (Tuiasosopo), (Tuiasosopo,
be Mayweather’s hand-picked blows (59 percent) while so I felt like it took me a couple
10-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. division. Jo.Wilson, Jo.Lopez), (Jo.Wilson, Tuiasosopo, Jo.Lopez). comeback opponent at the allowing just 12 percent of of rounds to really know I was
Sabathia (18-7), who was 1-3 in early Teixeira’s five RBIs leaves the MVP New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA MGM Grand Garden. At Fri- Marquez’s 583 punches to back in the ring again,” May-
May, allowed four hits and one run in candidate with 118, most in the A.L. Sabathia W, 18-7 7 4 1 0 2 8 105 3.31 day’s weigh-in, he was four land. Mayweather landed weather said. “I know I’ll get
Bruney 1 2 0 0 0 2 18 4.24
seven innings to bolster his candidacy He ended up a double short of the Albaladejo 1 1 0 0 1 0 21 4.60 pounds lighter than May- more jabs in each round than better.”
for the A.L.’s Cy Young Award. He cycle, hitting his 37th homer instead. Seattle IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA weather, who paid a $600,000 Marquez landed total punches, Judge Burt Clements gave
Fister L, 2-3 4 9 6 6 2 1 79 4.37
walked two, struck out eight and tied “Guys were kidding him to stop at J.Vargas 2 2 1 1 0 2 22 4.96 penalty for missing the bout and just 16 percent of Mar- every round to Mayweather,
Adam Wainwright of St. Louis for the second on the second home run,” Messenger 1 1 0 0 0 1 11 4.66 weight of 144 pounds. quez’s power shots even got to 120-107. Dave Moretti threw
C.Silva 2⁄3 2 1 1 1 0 27 8.59
major league lead in wins. manager Joe Girardi said about Teix- French 1 1⁄3 4 2 2 0 1 25 5.21 The size disparity was pain- Mayweather. the eighth round to Marquez
He also kept New York six games eira’s blast to left-center in the ninth fully obvious from the opening Mayweather often appeared for a 119-108 total, while Wil-
Fister pitched to 5 batters in the 5th. Inherited runners-scored:
ahead of second-place Boston for the inning. “(Derek) Jeter was screaming, J.Vargas 1-0, French 2-0. Umpires: Home, Mike Reilly; First, Chuck bell, but Marquez stayed on his to be toying with Marquez, liam Lerch gave two rounds to
division lead, with 13 games left in the ‘Get down ball.’ ” Meriwether; Second, Laz Diaz; Third, Eric Cooper. T: 3:08. A: 43,173 feet for 12 one-sided rounds. who’s generally considered Marquez, 118-109.
(47,878).
regular season. — The Associated Press Mayweather had an among the world’s top handful — The Associated Press

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SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
POSTGAME REPORT: WEEK 3
PLAYERS/PERFORMANCES
Sporting News Today’s Derek
Samson covers the best and worst
performances of the week.
Game balls
1. Jahvid Best, Cal RB. Best
rushed for 131 yards and a modern
school-record five touchdowns to
help the No. 8 Golden Bears beat
Minnesota. He scored on runs of
33, 27 and 2 yards in the first half,
then added a pair of 2-yarders in
the second half.
2. Dwight Dasher, Middle
Tennessee QB. Dasher completed
27-of-44 passes for 324 yards and
two touchdowns, plus he ran for
a score in knocking off Maryland
32-31 (side note: Maryland-Vir-
ginia ought to be a thriller, huh?).
But most impressive, Dasher
went 4-for-4 for 69 yards on the
game-winning drive—an eight-
play, 73-yard drive that began
with 1:30 left.
3. Jake Locker, Washington QB.
He went 4-for-4 for 56 yards,
including a 21-yard pass on
third-and-15, on the decisive final
drive as the Huskies stunned
No. 3 USC 16-13.
4. Donovan Travis, Army FS.
Travis intercepted two passes in
the fourth quarter, returning the
second one 18 yards for the
go-ahead touchdown as the Black
Knights defeated Ball State 24-17.
5. Andre Dixon, UConn RB.
Dixon ran for 149 yards and
three touchdowns in the 30-22
win at Baylor, proving that
despite rumors to the contrary,
Baylor is still Baylor.
California’s Jahvid Best, left, went airborne to score on this 33-yard touchdown run.
Good hands award
Minnesota WR Eric Decker
continues to prove he’s one of the
best—if not the best—college wide
receiver. He caught eight passes
for 119 yards and two touchdowns
(and threw a TD pass). That gives
him 27 catches for 415 yards
through three games. But it was
his touchdown in the first quarter
worthy of multiple replays.
Decker caught a fade at the pylon
just as he was getting drilled in
the chin. Somehow, his head
College Football
PAUL BATTAGLIA / AP
stayed attached to his body and
the ball stayed attached to his
hands.
Good hands, Part 2
Arkansas WR Greg Childs’
fully-extended, diving, fingertip
catch to put the Hogs up 21-10 on
Georgia in the first quarter could
have been the highlight of the day.
Bad news for Cats
Arizona star TE Rob Gronkowski
will miss the rest of the season
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 6
Hayes’ Heisman watch
Sporting News Today college football
columnist Matt Hayes sizes up the Heisman
Trophy race after Week 3.
What’s next
After three gimme
putts, Penn State
plays host to Iowa
next week, and TB
Evan Royster’s candi-
1. QB Tim Tebow, Sr., Florida: If Tebow is forced to lug it 24 times a game, he
won’t last the season—and Florida won’t repeat as national champions. dacy can take off.
2. QB Colt McCoy, Sr., Texas: McCoy’s efficient play hasn’t changed from last
fall. Big numbers equal big wins.
Closing in
Playtime is over
3. RB Jahvid Best, Jr., California: While everyone else looked average, Best
got five touchdowns in a tough road environment for surging Bears.
for Ole Miss. Here
comes the SEC
season: Time for
4. QB Jacory Harris, So., Miami: Welcome to the Heisman race, Mr. Cool.
Harris needs signature win on the road. QB Jevan Snead to
elevate his play.
5. QB Case Keenum, Jr., Houston: Just because Cougars were idle doesn’t
mean Keenum slips.
up another victory for the MAC
over the Big Ten. Bolden was
Making history averaging 178.5 rushing yards
after two games. But he wasn’t
SMU WR Emmanuel
even the best back on the field
Sanders
Caught a school-record 18 Saturday, as NIU’s Me’co Brown ran
passes for 178 yards in a loss for 150 yards.
to Washington State. His QB
with three first names, Bo Injury report
Levi Mitchell, completed 40 Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd
of 57 passes for 424 yards and likely broke a collarbone in the
DEAN HARE / AP
two touchdowns, but also four first half against Michigan State.
SMU WR Emmanuel Sanders caught 18 passes.
interceptions. Coach Charlie Weis said the training
Kentucky RB Derrick Locke staff told him “clavicle,” and he
Returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to become the first Wildcats player assumes that means it’s broken.
in history to return two 100-yard kickoffs for TDs (he also did it last year against It’s unclear how long Floyd might
Western Kentucky). Locke ran for another TD in the 31-27 win over Louisville. be out, though it wouldn’t be
Oklahoma QB Landry Jones surprising to see him miss six
Filling in for injured Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, Jones set a school weeks if it is broken.
record with six touchdown passes as No. 12 Oklahoma beat Tulsa 45-0 for its
second straight shutout. Bounceback kid
Clemson K Richard Jackson Consider Ohio State QB Terrelle
Tied a school record with six field goals. Pryor recovered from the USC loss:
262 yards passing and 110 rushing
vs. Toledo.
because of a strained back. Ari- catches for 672 yards and 10 TDs. Quote of the day
zona coach Mike Stoops said after the “Clearly, we have superior
Wildcats’ 27-17 loss at Iowa that Bolden Corral athletes. But hard work beats
Gronkowski will have back Purdue’s Ralph Bolden, the athleticism every time. That’s
surgery next week. Gronkowski, a nation’s leading rusher heading what happened today.”
junior, was a third-team All-Amer- into the weekend, was held to 64 — USC RB Joe McKnight, who ran for 100 yards on 11
ican last season after making 47 yards as Northern Illinois chalked carries with a touchdown in the loss at Washington.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY
POSTGAME REPORT: WEEK 3
Basketball’s another story, but Kansas QB Todd Reesing made it look easy to score on Duke’s defense.
TEAMS/LEAGUES
Sporting News Today’s Derek
Samson covers the best and worst
performances of Week 3 in college
football.
So we all know how USC reacts
after big wins.
A big ol’ bellyflop.
Saturday made it five times in the
past four years—Oregon State
(2006, 2008), UCLA (2006),
Stanford (2007), Washington
(2009)—the Trojans have been
ranked in the top three and fallen
to an unranked conference foe.
Three of those astonishing upsets
followed a major USC win.
Not so well-documented is how
the Trojans react after those
cover-your-eyes losses.
Well, here’s how: They get quite
angry.
www.sportingnews.com
ORLIN WAGNER / AP
In 2006, they followed the
Oregon State loss by blanking
Stanford 42-0 and the UCLA
defeat by pasting Illinois 49-17 in
the Rose Bowl. The Stanford loss in
2007 was the exception, as the
Trojans beat Arizona the following
week in a tight one and then
walloped Notre Dame in the
ensuing game.
And last season, after falling to
the Beavers, USC responded by
spanking 23rd-ranked Oregon
44-10.
In other words, Washington
State might want to call in sick on
Saturday.
Making history
Florida’s win over Tennessee
set a school record for consecutive
victories, giving the Gators 13.
College Football
Curtis’ top 5
1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. California
5. LSU
Numbers of the day
4-2: Southern Miss’ record
in home games
against BCS conference opponents
since 2001. On Saturday, the
Golden Eagles beat Virginia, which
has opened the season with three
straight losses to non-BCS teams.
Meanwhile, the nation’s
longest winning streak ended at 16
games when Oregon knocked off
Utah 31-24. It marked the Utes’ first
loss since Nov. 24, 2007, at BYU.
Notre Dame beat Michigan
State in Notre Dame Stadium for
the first time since 1993.
State of change
Washington and Washington
State both won Saturday, which
hasn’t happened on the same day
since Sept. 8, 2007. Utah and BYU
both lost on Saturday, which hasn’t
happened on the same day since
Sept. 8, 2007. Spooky, huh?
Unit Watch
Michigan running backs. The
Wolverines ran for 380 yards in a
45-17 win over Eastern Michigan,
their best rushing total since 392
Curtis’ Poll Vault
RISING
1. No. 8 California: Whipping Maryland and
winning at Minnesota make Bears top five-
worthy.
2. No. 9 LSU: Looks like a victory at Washington
isn’t so easy after all.
3. No. 17 Cincinnati: Big East’s best impress again
by beating up Oregon State.
against Houston in 2003. Carlos
Brown accounted for 187 of those
yards.
In need of a hug
A week after Texas College, an
NAIA school, lost 92-0 to Stephen
F. Austin, it was edged 75-6 by
Texas Southern on Saturday. The
Steers fell to 0-4 and have now
been outscored 300-12.
Final Four, Part II
A week after North Carolina
knocked off UConn in a dream
basketball matchup turned hideous
by football, Kansas and Duke took
their turn. This one wasn’t quite as
ugly, at least not for the Jayhawks,
who used three Todd Reesing TD
passes for an easy 44-16 win over
the Blue Devils. Duke, however,
owns a 6-2 edge in hoops.
Coach quote of the day
“I don’t know if we played very
good, but we played hard.” —
Washington coach Steve Sarkisian
after his Huskies, winless a year
ago, upset No. 3 USC.
Coach quote II
“It’s a big win for Notre Dame, it’s
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 7
Sporting News Today’s college football columnist Dave Curtis gives his view
of how Week 3’s results should impact today’s Top 25 voting.
FALLING
1. No. 3 USC: Fixtures of fall—Halloween,
pennant races, what-the-heck losses for
the Trojans.
2. No. 7 BYU: Did we see the real Cougs in the
season opener or on Saturday night?
3. No. 18 Utah: Stumble at Oregon marks Utes’
first loss since Nov. 24, 2007.
not a big win for Charlie Weis.” twice—a sign from upstairs that
— Weis, on whether the victory over Michigan State even He couldn’t watch another
will lessen the heat he has been feeling. moment of that offense?
Get over it Red-in-the-face Zone
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez says Nebraska, up 12-10 late in the
he will ask the Big Ten to punish third quarter, had a first-and-goal
any player for a non-football act at the Virginia Tech 6-yard line and
after the conference suspended wound up punting. Yep, you read
Jonas Mouton for punching a Notre that correctly. The Huskers were
Dame player. Mouton did not play called for two holding penalties
Saturday in the 45-17 win over (one negated a TD) and two false
Eastern Michigan. starts, then tacked on a sack and
Rodriguez told commissioner Jim suddenly found themselves facing
Delany he will tell the Big Ten to fourth-and-goal from the 37.
hold other players to the same Think that’ll come back to bite
standard as it did Mouton for ya? Sure did: Virginia Tech 16,
non-football acts such as his jab. Nebraska 15.
Amber Alert
If you spot the missing Boston
College offense, please contact your
BCS standings
Nonconference standings after
local authorities. Somehow, the
three weeks for the BCS leagues:
school that produced Matt Ryan a
couple years ago mustered just four LEAGUE VS. BCS
OVERALL
first downs, 29 rushing yards, five NONCONFERENCE
completions against three intercep- SEC 5-2 19-2
tions, 25 passing yards and 27 Pac-10 6-4 19-6
return yards. Big Ten 5-5 24-7
BC had one first down in the first Big 12 4-4 23-9
43 minutes, which came on a Big East 3-5 16-5
penalty. Of course it did. ACC 3-5 17-10
Lightning halted this game
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 8
Top 25 Results
Florida (3-0) def. Tennessee 23-13 EAST South Dakota 51, Drake 21
1. Next: at Kentucky (2-0) Albany, N.Y. 20, Maine 16 South Dakota Mines 41, Dakota St. 7
Army 24, Ball St. 17 St. Cloud St. 28, Northern St., S.D. 17
Texas (3-0) def. Texas Tech 34-24 C.W. Post 51, Cheyney 0 St. John’s, Minn. 31, Concordia, Moor. 17
2. Next: vs. UTEP (0-2) California, Pa. 52, Gannon 10 St. Norbert 45, Lawrence 3
Southern Cal (2-1) lost to Washington 16-13 Capital 46, Heidelberg 32 St. Thomas, Minn. 27, St. Olaf 16
3. Next: vs. Washington State (1-2) Clarion 24, Lock Haven 0 St. Xavier 58, Olivet 20
Colgate 34, Dartmouth 15 Stephen F.Austin 40, W. Illinois 30
Alabama (3-0) def. North Texas 53-7 Columbia 40, Fordham 28 Taylor 38, St. Francis, Ill. 23
4. Next: vs. Arkansas (1-1) Cornell 33, Bucknell 9 Trine 40, Defiance 9
Penn State (3-0) def. Temple 31-6 Cortland St. 24, Rowan 14 W. Michigan 48, Miami (Ohio) 26
5. Next: vs. Iowa (3-0)
Curry 7, Westfield St. 6 Wabash 48, Chicago 10
Dayton 21, Robert Morris 14 Walsh 23, Ohio Dominican 16
Mississippi (2-0) def. Southeastern Louisiana 52-6 Delaware 27, Delaware St. 17 Wartburg 30, Cornell, Iowa 7
5. Next: at South Carolina (2-1), Thursday Dickinson 45, Franklin & Marshall 43 Wayne, Mich. 35, Findlay 21
Edinboro 28, Slippery Rock 24 Westminster, Mo. 51, Minn.-Morris 14
BYU (2-1) lost to Florida State 54-28 Holy Cross 27, Harvard 20 Wheaton, Ill. 54, Concordia, Wis. 3
7. Next: vs. Colorado State (3-0) Ithaca 41, Widener 17 Winona St. 45, Concordia, St.P. 24
California (3-0) def. Minnesota 35-21 John Carroll 43, Baldwin-Wallace 29 Wis. Lutheran 27, St. Scholastica 13
8. Next: at Oregon (2-1)
Kean 31, W. Connecticut 24 Wis.-Eau Claire 52, Hope 45, 2OT
Liberty 19, Lafayette 13 Wis.-Oshkosh 31, Huntingdon 13
LSU (3-0) def. Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 Lycoming 37, Susquehanna 23 Wis.-River Falls 20, Northwestern, Minn. 17
9. Next: at Mississippi State (2-1) Maine Maritime 41, W. New England 21 Wis.-Stevens Pt. 21, Missouri S&T 17
Massachusetts 30, Rhode Island 10 Wisconsin 44, Wofford 14
Boise State (3-0) def. Fresno State 51-34 (Friday)
10. Next: at Bowling Green (1-2)
Mercyhurst 20, Indiana, Pa. 16 Wooster 37, Ohio Wesleyan 20
Monmouth, N.J. 17, Duquesne 10 SOUTHWEST
Ohio State (2-1) def. Toledo 38-0 Montclair St. 52, Morrisville St. 0 Angelo St. 29, East Central 9
11. Next: vs Illinois (1-1) Muhlenberg 17, Union, N.Y. 7 Connecticut 30, Baylor 22
N.Y. Maritime 28, Merchant Marine 21, OT Delta St. 48, Harding 10
Oklahoma (2-1) def. Tulsa 45-0 Penn St. 31, Temple 6 E. Texas Baptist 33, Sul Ross St. 20
12. Next: at Miami (2-0), Oct. 3 Pittsburgh 27, Navy 14 Georgia 52, Arkansas 41
Virginia Tech (2-1) def. No. 19 Nebraska 16-15 Plymouth St. 28, Coast Guard 17 Howard Payne 56, Bacone 7
13. Next: vs. No. 20 Miami (2-0)
Rutgers 23, Fla. International 15 Louisiana College 28, Hardin-Simmons 7
Shippensburg 38, East Stroudsburg 14 ERIC GAY / AP Mary Hardin-Baylor 59, Texas Lutheran 7
Georgia Tech (2-1) lost to No. 20 Miami 33-17 (Thurs.) St. Anselm 17, Pace 13 Mississippi College 61, McMurry 14
14. St. John Fisher 35, Rochester 33
Texas’ Fozzy Whittaker, left, and Adam Ulatoski got the hype of another big Texas-Texas Tech game started by carrying the American flags onto the Oklahoma 45, Tulsa 0
Next: vs No. 24 North Carolina (3-0) field through the pregame smoke. Texas Tech upset Texas on the last play last year but the Longhorns got their revenge Saturday, winning 34-24.
Stony Brook 21, Brown 20 Oklahoma St. 41, Rice 24
TCU (2-0) def. Texas State 56-21 Syracuse 37, Northwestern 34 Ouachita 24, Valdosta St. 14
15. Next: at Clemson (2-1) The Citadel 38, Princeton 7
Florida 23, Tennessee 13 North Alabama 55, West Georgia 7 Bethel, Minn. 42, Carleton 7 Lake Erie 31, St. Joseph’s, Ind. 21
TCU 56, Texas St. 21
Georgetown, Ky. 21, Webber International 14 North Carolina 31, East Carolina 17 Black Hills St. 50, Mayville St. 12 Loras 45, Simpson, Iowa 21
Oklahoma State (2-1) def. Rice 41-24 Towson 21, Coastal Carolina 17 Georgia Southern 27, W. Carolina 3 North Dakota 27, Northwestern St. 20 Butler 42, Hanover 21 Macalester 52, Maranatha Baptist 12 Tarleton St. 35, Cent. Oklahoma 17
16. Next: vs. Grambling State (2-1) Tusculum 45, Urbana 35 Grambling St. 27, Jackson St. 17 Old Dominion 28, Jacksonville 27 CSU-Pueblo 28, Chadron St. 17 Mary 37, Minn.-Crookston 14 Texas 34, Texas Tech 24
Ursinus 31, Juniata 0 Greensboro 26, Washington & Lee 20, OT Richmond 47, Hofstra 0 California 35, Minnesota 21 Michigan 45, E. Michigan 17 Texas A&M 38, Utah St. 30
Cincinnati (3-0) def. Oregon State 28-18 Villanova 14, Penn 3 Hampden-Sydney 51, Sewanee 7 Samford 31, Miles 12 Carroll, Wis. 28, Grinnell 21 Millikin 30, Albion 13 Texas Southern 75, Texas College 6
17. Next: vs. Fresno State (1-2) Washington & Jefferson 56, Thiel 16 Hampton 24, N. Carolina A&T 14 Shepherd 40, Seton Hill 27 Carthage 50, Lakeland 34 Minn. Duluth 42, Augustana, S.D. 21 W. Texas A&M 41, SW Oklahoma 15
Utah (2-1) lost to Oregon 31-24 Wesley 31, Delaware Valley 13 Jacksonville St. 45, Alabama A&M 13 South Carolina 38, Florida Atlantic 16 Cent. Michigan 48, Alcorn St. 0 Minn. St., Mankato 37, Wayne, Neb. 34 FAR WEST
18. Next: vs. Louisville (1-1)
West Chester 63, Millersville 10 James Madison 44, VMI 16 South Florida 59, Charleston Southern 0 Central 41, Dubuque 27 Minot St. 21, Valley City St. 17 Air Force 37, New Mexico 13
William Paterson 20, King’s, Pa. 6 Kentucky 31, Louisville 27 Southern Miss. 37, Virginia 34 Centre 34, DePauw 24 Missouri 52, Furman 12 Arizona St. 38, Louisiana-Monroe 14
Nebraska (2-1) lost to No. 13 Virginia Tech 16-15 Yale 31, Georgetown, D.C. 10 Kentucky St. 30, Kentucky Wesleyan 25 Southern U. 21, Tennessee St. 17 Coe 19, Luther 6 Missouri St. 35, Murray St. 10 Cincinnati 28, Oregon St. 18
19. Next: vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (2-1) Youngstown St. 38, Northeastern 21 LSU 31, Louisiana-Lafayette 3 St. Augustine’s 27, Virginia St. 14 Crown, Minn. 63, Trinity Bible 14 Mount Union 30, Ohio Northern 10 Colorado 24, Wyoming 0
SOUTH Lambuth 28, Campbellsville 13 Thomas More 47, Waynesburg 24 Dakota Wesleyan 44, Dana 14 N. Dakota St. 59, Wagner 28 Colorado St. 35, Nevada 20
Miami (2-0) def. No. 15 Georgia Tech 33-17 (Thursday) Alabama 53, North Texas 7 E. Washington 16, N. Colorado 0
20. Next: at No. 13 Virginia Tech (2-1) Alabama St. 38, Edward Waters 6
Lenoir-Rhyne 32, North Greenville 16 Trinity, Texas 40, Rhodes 19 Dickinson St. 19, Jamestown 7 N. Illinois 28, Purdue 21
Florida St. 54, BYU 28
Louisiana Tech 48, Nicholls St. 13 Troy 27, UAB 14 E. Illinois 23, SE Missouri 14 N. Iowa 30, St. Francis, Pa. 0
Houston (2-0) was idle Apprentice 67, George Mason 13 Marshall 17, Bowling Green 10 Tuskegee 31, Clark Atlanta 21 Eureka 41, Martin Luther 34 N. Michigan 48, Michigan Tech 16 Idaho 34, San Diego St. 20
21. Next: vs. Texas Tech (2-1)
Ark.-Pine Bluff 27, MVSU 7 Maryville, Tenn. 23, LaGrange 6 UCF 23, Buffalo 17 Grand Valley St. 17, Ferris St. 10 NW Missouri St. 37, Nebraska-Omaha 27 Montana 49, Portland St. 17
Auburn 41, West Virginia 30 McDaniel 21, Catholic 17 Union, Ky. 44, Faulkner 6 Greenville 19, Rose-Hulman 18 Nebraska-Kearney 44, Adams St. 6 N. Arizona 42, S. Utah 39
Kansas (3-0) def. Duke 44-16 Averett 28, Guilford 3 McNeese St. 56, Savannah St. 0 Virginia Tech 16, Nebraska 15 Hamline 30, Gustavus 24, 2OT Northwestern, Iowa 24, Nebraska Wesleyan 20 Oregon 31, Utah 24
22. Next: vs. Southern Miss (3-0) Carson-Newman 35, UNC-Pembroke 22 Memphis 41, Tenn.-Martin 14 Wake Forest 35, Elon 7 Hillsdale 23, Indianapolis 0 Notre Dame 33, Michigan St. 30 San Diego 17, Marist 10
Cent. Arkansas 28, W. Kentucky 7 Middle Tennessee 32, Maryland 31 William & Mary 27, Norfolk St. 15 Illinois St. 38, Austin Peay 7 Ohio 28, Cal Poly 10 Stanford 42, San Jose St. 17
Georgia (2-1) def. Arkanasas 52-41
23. Next: vs. Arizona State (2-0)
Chattanooga 29, Presbyterian 13 Mississippi 52, SE Louisiana 6 MIDWEST Illinois Wesleyan 52, Aurora 6 Ohio St. 38, Toledo 0 UCLA 23, Kansas St. 9
Christopher Newport 27, Salisbury 21, 3OT Mississippi St. 15, Vanderbilt 3 Adrian 41, Bluffton 7 Indiana 38, Akron 21 Otterbein 38, Muskingum 21 UNLV 34, Hawaii 33
North Carolina (3-0) def. East Carolina 31-17 Clemson 25, Boston College 7 Morehead St. 13, N.C. Central 10, OT Alma 51, Rockford 3 Iowa 27, Arizona 17 S. Dakota St. 41, Indiana St. 0 UTEP 38, New Mexico St. 12
24. Next: at No. 14 Georgia Tech (2-1) Cumberlands 28, Bethel, Tenn. 17 Morgan St. 16, Winston-Salem 10, OT Ashland 41, Tiffin 14 Iowa St. 34, Kent St. 14 S. Illinois 59, SW Baptist 7 W. Oregon 17, Dixie St. 16
Davidson 24, Campbell 7 Mount Ida 23, Gallaudet 6 Augustana, Ill. 31, Wis.-Platteville 12 Kalamazoo 48, Manchester 37 SW Minnesota St. 52, Upper Iowa 24 Washington 16, Southern Cal 13
Michigan (3-0) def. Eastern Michigan 45-17 E. Kentucky 17, Tennessee Tech 7 N.C. State 45, Gardner-Webb 14 Bemidji St. 38, Minn. St., Moorhead 13 Kansas 44, Duke 16 Saginaw Valley St. 32, Northwood, Mich. 27 Washington St. 30, SMU 27, OT
25. Next: vs. Indiana (3-0) Emory & Henry 36, N.C. Wesleyan 34 Weber St. 44, Idaho St. 17
Newberry 20, Cumberland, Tenn. 3 Benedictine, Ill. 27, North Park 17 Kenyon 45, Hiram 27 Sioux Falls 49, Hastings 19
SPORTING NEWS TODAY
Washington 16, No. 3 Southern California 13
Seattle shocker: Late drive seals USC upset
Washington’s K Erik Folk (17) and holder Ronnie Fouch celebrate Folk’s game-winning field goal with 3 seconds remaining.
www.sportingnews.com College Football
TOP 25
SEATTLE—Southern California
was leveled by another post-
Ohio State funk, taken down
by upstart Washington with a
late drive that must have
looked familiar to the Trojans.
Erik Folk kicked a 22-yard
field goal with 3 seconds remain-
ing and the Huskies’ fired-up
defense stymied fill-in quarter-
back Aaron Corp and No. 3 USC
in a 16-13 victory Saturday.
Trojans quarterback Matt
Barkley, who directed an epic
game-winning drive to beat
the Buckeyes 18-15 last week,
could only watch the latest
stunning upset loss by the Tro-
jans from the sideline. The
19-year-old freshman was out
with a sore shoulder.
It was Washington quarter-
back Jake Locker’s time to
shine and the Huskies’ turn
pull out a win that will stand
among the most memorable in
the once-proud program’s his-
tory. Locker drove the Huskies
63 yards on 10 plays to set up
the winning kick.
USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac-10) was
nearly a three-touchdown
favorite. Washington (2-1, 1-0)
came in riding a 10-game los-
ing streak in Pac-10 games and
had broken a 15-game overall
skid last week against Idaho.
But again the Trojans were
toppled by a team that seemed
to be no match for all their blue
ELAINE THOMPSON / AP chip recruits and future NFL
draft picks. USC has now lost
Biggest upsets in Husky history
1960 Rose Bowl Washington 17, No. 1 Minnesota 7
1978 Rose Bowl Washington 27, No. 4 Michigan 20
1990 Washington 31, No. 5 USC 0
1994 Washington 38, at No. 5 Miami 20
Saturday Washington 16, No. 3 USC 13
to an unranked team each of
the last four seasons.
“Washington wasn’t the bet-
ter team. They just outplayed
us,” said Trojans running back
Joe McKnight, who ran for 100
yards on 11 carries with a touch-
down. “Clearly, we have supe-
rior athletes. But hard work
beats athleticism every time.”
Last season, USC lost to Ore-
gon State on the road the week
after beating Ohio State, a loss
that ultimately kept the Tro-
jans from playing for the
national title.
The year before that it was
Stanford and the year before
that it was UCLA when USC
had a chance to play for the
national title.
“We didn’t get any better
from last week. I’m not doing a
good enough job of making the
points of how we win,” said
USC coach Pete Carroll, whose
team went 0-for-10 on third
down and had three turnovers
inside the Washington 35.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
— The Seattle Times
Carroll began warning his
team to avoid another post-
Buckeyes letdown last Satur-
day night—in the locker room
at Ohio State.
This time it was an old friend
upsetting his powerful team.
Washington coach Steve Sarki-
sian was Carroll’s staff for
seven years and was his offen-
sive coordinator before taking
over in Seattle in January, try-
ing to rebuild a team that had
the Pac-10’s first 0-12 season
last year.
“Our kids played very hard.
I don’t know if we played very
good, but we played hard,”
Sarkisian said. “It’s unbeliev-
able. It’s what we were hoping
for. We’re trying hard.”
Corp, making his first career
start, was 13-for-22 for 110
yards with one interception.
USC (2-1, 0-1) was held to its
lowest point total since a 13-9
loss to UCLA on Dec. 2, 2006.
The Trojans were also with-
out All-American safety Taylor
9
Mays, who missed his first
career game because of a right
knee ligament sprain.
After gaining 223 yards in
the first half, USC had just 80
in its first three drives after
halftime against a defense that
allowed 412 yards last week
while beating Idaho—and one
of which its own coordinator,
former Trojans defensive coor-
dinator Nick Holt, said this
week: “There are deficiencies
there with personnel.”
Not this week.
— The Associated Press
Southern Cal 10 0 0 3 — 13
Washington 7 3 0 6 — 16
First Quarter
USC: McKnight 7 run (Congdon kick), 12:28.
USC: FG Congdon 42, 4:36.
Wash: Locker 4 run (Folk kick), :11.
Second Quarter
Wash: FG Folk 28, 4:09.
Fourth Quarter
Wash: FG Folk 46, 9:53.
USC: FG Congdon 25, 4:07.
Wash: FG Folk 22, :03.
A: 61,889.
USC Wash
First downs ..................................... 16 ..............................20
Rushes-yards ...........................33-250 ........................33-56
Passing .......................................... 110 ............................237
Comp-Att-Int .........................13-22-1 .................... 21-35-0
Return Yards.................................... 42 ................................5
Punts-Avg. ................................4-41.0 .......................7-38.0
Fumbles-Lost .................................4-2 ............................1-0
Penalties-Yards ............................8-75 ........................10-69
Time of Possession.....................25:49 .........................34:11
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Southern Cal, McKnight 11-100, S.Johnson
10-64, Havili 6-59, Bradford 4-18, Corp 2-9. Washington,
C.Polk 25-71, Locker 8-(minus 15).
PASSING: Southern Cal, Corp 13-22-1-110. Washington,
Locker 21-35-0-237.
RECEIVING: Southern Cal, Havili 4-36, Williams 3-40, McK-
night 3-6, Butler 1-11, McCoy 1-11, Ausberry 1-6. Washing-
ton, J.Johnson 7-72, Kearse 3-70, C.Polk 3-22, Aguilar 2-17,
Middleton 2-16, Fogerson 1-18, Homer 1-12, Goodwin 1-11,
Ossai 1-(minus 1).
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 1 Florida 23, Tennessee 13
Gators exposed as Kiffin gets last laugh, even in loss
GAINESVILLE, FLA.—Let me paint the picture for you: At some point
Saturday, as time wound down in The Beatdown That Wasn’t, Nick
Saban sat and watched from the comfort of home and saw this:
Florida, exposed.
USC, exposed.
Is there any doubt now about the most complete team in col-
lege football? It certainly isn’t defending national champion
Florida, which opened up a big can of boring in
the most anticipated game between Florida
and Tennessee in years.
Florida fans wanted blood. They got sweat.
And nearly tears.
It wasn’t so much the pedestrian 23-13 vic-
tory over outclassed rival Tennessee as it was
Matt Hayes
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
the way it unfolded: It’s 2007 all over again in
Gainesville. The Tim Tebow Show on offense—
and nothing else.
“It wasn’t how we envisioned or hoped,”
Tebow said. “But it’s a win, and it’s good enough for all of us.”
Not everyone. With or without a change today atop of the
polls—why not Alabama?—the team to beat in 2009 suddenly
has become very beatable and very, well, ordinary.
“I would think in (Florida’s) locker room there are some frus-
trated guys,” said Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. “Because they
had high expectations about what they were supposed to do.”
Even in defeat, the mouth that started and stirred this nonsen-
sical offseason hype for months couldn’t have been more right.
While Tennessee played without a quarterback—what else can
you call Kiffin’s conservative play-calling strategy?—and played
keep-away the entire game, Florida couldn’t stop the 30-point
underdog Vols from running the ball or running clock.
While Tennessee sat in two-deep zone on defense and begged
Florida to run, the Gators could muster next to nothing from
their tailbacks and didn’t have enough speed on the outside to
stretch the defense in the passing game.
Here, everyone, is the essence of the game: With three minutes
to go and trailing by 10, the Vols were running the ball to hurry
up and get it over with.
And Florida still was playing as if it never started.
Kiffin, of all people, summed up the enormity of the situation
without bluster or bravado, but with simple mathematics. Flor-
ida, he said, has been together as a team for four years. Tennes-
see has been together for three games.
Not much separated the two on this day.
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 10
TOP 25
Q&A with ... Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin
‘We did the best that we could do’
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin coached in his first
SEC game Saturday, and the 30-point underdog
Vols made No. 1-ranked Florida sweat for four quar-
ters. After the game, Kiffin met with Sporting News
Today’s Matt Hayes and other reporters and discussed
Tennessee’s performance, Florida quarterback Tim
Tebow and more.
Q: What are your thoughts on your
team after your first SEC game?
A: I really thought we had a great game
together. We have a physical team; I
knew we would play physical, tough and
JOHN RAOUX / AP
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, left, said his team just
couldn’t stop Superman—Gators QB Tim Tebow, right.
smart in a hostile environment. Only (three)
penalties, and our guys were pounding it the game close?
out. We lost a game which I thought we had
a really good chance to win. A: We came here to win. I was hired to win
here; I wasn’t hired for stats. We
wanted to do the best thing, and that was to
Q: Talk about the job the defense
did on Florida’s offense.
control the clock. It’s frustrating, but we did the
best that we could do. I started slowing down
A: Florida has the best offense in the
country, so talented and so fast.
Superman is always there with the ball, and
getting the plays to take time off the clock. I
didn’t want to tell our players what the plan
was. Too many times teams come in here and
we had to figure out how to tackle him. I try to throw it around, and the next thing you
don’t how we do that. If they get to third and know, you’re on the wrong end of a bad game.
less than four (yards to go), forget about it;
he’s going to run it up the middle and get the
first down. He’s not only physical, but he Q: Do you have a lack of confidence
in the passing game now?
PHIL SANDLIN / AP
Eric Berry (14) and the Vols lost but made things difficult for the Gators.
doesn’t wear out. We were going to try and
pound him, but we couldn’t stop him. I
guess the answer is, we need to find a Tim
A: It’s not no confidence; it’s a risk vs.
reward. It was just a different game
plan. This won’t be the same game plan
Tebow in recruiting. every week.
“Obviously,” said Florida coach Urban Meyer, “I think we
could’ve played better.”
After the game, after his team extended its winning streak to a Q: Was (Tennessee safety) Eric
Berry the best player on the field? Q: There were a lot of recruits in
the stands considering both
school-record 13 games, Meyer admitted he had to “lighten the
mood” of his players in the locker room. Meanwhile, outside Ben
Hill Griffin Stadium, about 100 loyal Tennessee fans lined the
A: No, Tebow was. Eric is a phenom-
enal player, but Eric doesn’t touch
the ball every snap. Tim does. The differ-
Florida and Tennessee watching this
game. Do you feel like this game was a
statement to them?
walkway to the team’s buses and let out a roar when the coach-
ing staff walked by.
“There’s a lot of pressure on these guys and I felt it in there,”
ence is Eric can make a phenomenal two or
three plays, which is a good game for him.
Tim catches all the snaps; he’s the most
A: I think we have a powerful message
around the country about what’s
going on in Tennessee football. I think you’ll
Meyer said. “I’d rather be on that end than on, boy, great job, we valuable player on the field. see a lot of kids who just came here like (UT
lost by 10.” tailback) Bryce (Brown) and Janzen Jackson
He may be on that end sooner than he thinks.
mhayes@sportingnews.com Q: Do you feel like your team
gained a little respect by keeping
who played every snap on defense. If you
come here, you’re going to play.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 1 Florida 23, Tennessee 13
Gators take only small bite out of Vols
GAINESVILLE, FLA.—Tennessee coach
Lane Kiffin jogged to midfield,
briefly shook hands with Florida’s
Urban Meyer and then darted
toward the locker room.
Kiffin kept his head up the whole
way. Who could blame him? After
all, he had more reason to be
encouraged than embarrassed after
his Southeastern Conference
opener against the Gators.
Tim Tebow ran for 76 yards and a
touchdown, Caleb Sturgis kicked
three field goals and Florida eked
out a 23-13 win over the Volunteers
on Saturday.
It wasn’t the beatdown many
expected. It gave Kiffin reason to
believe Tennessee (1-2, 0-1) is on the
right track. It gave Meyer a big
enough scare that it could help the
defending national champions the
rest of the way.
“It wasn’t how we envisioned or
hoped,” said Tebow, whose streak
of games with a TD pass ended at
30. “But it’s a win, and it’s good
enough for all of us.”
The Gators (3-0, 1-0) won their
fifth straight in the series and set a
school record with their 13th con-
secutive victory.
Florida started counting down
the days for this one more than nine
months ago, right after Kiffin
vowed to sing “Rocky Top” all night
long after being the Gators. Kiffin
also riled up Florida with his false
allegations of NCAA violations by
Meyer.
Kiffin ran out of the tunnel just
before the opening kick and had
90,000 Florida fans screaming at
him. One guy even tried to torment
JOHN RAOUX / AP
Florida QB Tim Tebow (15) had two rare
turnovers vs. the Vols, including this fumble.
Kiffin with a poster of Oakland
Raiders owner Al Davis, Kiffin’s
former boss. Kiffin said afterward
that his plan from Day 1 was to take
the focus of his players and put it on
him.
“It worked perfectly,” Kiffin said.
“It took all the pressure off the play-
ers. We played the No. 1 team in the
nation with no pressure on them. ...
It was all on me. We were 30-point
underdogs in this place and it really
helped them go out and play ball.”
Kiffin refused to claim a moral
victory, though. So singing “Rocky
Top” will have to wait at least
another year. He didn’t even con-
sider humming the tune.
“No, we lost a game,” Kiffin said.
“Maybe I’ll come back here for
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 11
TOP 25
No. 13 Virginia Tech 16, No. 19 Nebraska 15
Taylor dazzles at right time
basketball and sing it for (coach)
Bruce (Pearl).”
Tebow completed 14-of-19 passes Work to do
for 115 yards, although he also had With its loss to Virginia Tech,
Nebraska has lost nine consecutive
two turnovers that Tennessee
games against teams ranked in the
turned into 10 points. Brandon Top 25, with the most recent four
James returned three kickoffs for coming during Bo Pelini’s tenure as
97 yards, but he also dropped a pass Cornhuskers coach. The results of
in the end zone. the quartet under Pelini:
Florida’s defense harassed Jona-
Sept. 19, 2009:
than Crompton and twice held the No. 13 Va Tech 16, No. 19 Nebraska 15
Vols to short field goals when they Nov. 1, 2008:
were in position for touchdowns. No. 4 Oklahoma 62, Nebraska 28
Ahmad Black intercepted Cromp- Oct. 11, 2008:
No. 7 Texas Tech 37, Nebraska 31, OT
ton on fourth down with about 2
Oct. 4, 2008:
minutes to play, ending Tennessee’s No. 4 Missouri 52, Nebraska 17
last chance at pulling off the upset.
— The Associated Press
STEVE HELBER / AP
Tennessee 3 3 0 7 — 13 Danny Coale (19) races down sideline 80 yards, setting up the Hokies’ final touchdown. Nebraska 3 9 0 3 — 15
Florida 3 10 10 0 — 23 Virginia Tech 7 3 0 6 — 16
First Quarter BLACKSBURG, VA.—With pressure After being sacked on the first First Quarter
Fla: FG Sturgis 37, 11:33. VT: R.Williams 1 run (Waldron kick), 11:15.
coming and Virginia Tech desper- play from the 3 for an 8-yard loss Neb: FG Henery 40, :56.
Tenn: FG Lincoln 24, 3:00.
Second Quarter ate, Tyrod Taylor’s eyes worked and then rushed into throwing the Second Quarter
Fla: Tebow 1 run (Sturgis kick), 12:48. Neb: FG Henery 27, 12:49.
quickly from the left side of the ball away, Taylor scrambled Neb: FG Henery 19, 5:23.
Tenn: FG Lincoln 20, 5:56.
Fla: FG Sturgis 29, :51. field to the right, just fast enough. around for what the school said VT: FG Waldron 39, 2:30.
Third Quarter Neb: FG Henery 38, :18.
The Hokies quarterback found was nine seconds before rifling Fourth Quarter
Fla: FG Sturgis 35, 9:33.
Fla: Demps 7 run (Sturgis kick), :07. Danny Coale running alone down the ball to Roberts in the end zone Neb: FG Henery 38, 4:33.
Fourth Quarter VT: Roberts 11 pass from T.Taylor (pass failed), :21.
the left sideline and hit him for an with 21 seconds left. A: 66,233.
Tenn: Hardesty 17 run (Lincoln kick), 8:11.
A: 90,894. 80-yard completion, setting up “That’s the game,” cornerback
Neb VT
Taylor’s 11-yard TD pass to Dyrell Rashad Carmichael said. “Some- First downs ...............................................18.............................. 11
Tenn Fla
First downs ...............................................13....................................20 Roberts three plays later and res- times you’ve got to pull something Rushes-yards ....................................36-207.........................37-86
Rushes-yards ....................................32-117............................44-208 Passing ....................................................136............................192
cuing the Hokies against Nebraska out of some body part.” Comp-Att-Int ...................................11-30-2.....................12-27-0
Passing ......................................................93................................. 115
Comp-Att-Int ...................................11-19-2..........................14-19-1 for a 16-15 win Saturday. The Hokies (2-1) had struggled Return Yards..............................................86.................................9
Return Yards................................................0......................................0 Punts-Avg. .........................................6-41.5........................8-46.9
“Once I saw that he was open, I all day against the Nebraska Fumbles-Lost ...........................................0-0.............................0-0
Punts-Avg. .........................................3-39.3.............................1-55.0
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-0..................................1-1 just had to let it go,” said Taylor, defense. Penalties-Yards ..................................... 9-60...........................7-53
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 3-40................................4-25 Time of Possession...............................29:46.........................30:14
who was hit just after he released But the Huskers had plenty of
Time of Possession...............................27:20.............................. 32:40
the ball. missed chances, like the five drives INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING: Nebraska, Helu 28-169, Lee 8-38. Virginia Tech,
Coale hauled it in cleanly, but that stalled in Hokies territory, all R.Williams 21-107, Oglesby 3-7, Roberts 1-(minus 2), D.Wilson
RUSHING: Tennessee, Hardesty 20-96, B.Brown 8-21, Crompton 3-6,
Moore 1-(minus 6). Florida, Tebow 24-76, Rainey 9-64, Moody 3-33, was forced out of bounds at the 3 leading to field goals. On another 3-(minus 4), T.Taylor 9-(minus 22).
Demps 4-31, James 3-4, Team 1-0. PASSING: Nebraska, Lee 11-30-2-136. Virginia Tech, T.Taylor
with 1:11 left. drive, Nebraska had a first-and- 12-27-0-192.
PASSING: Tennessee, Crompton 11-19-2-93. Florida, Tebow 14-19-
1-115. “That’s kind of what you play goal at the 6—and ending up punt- RECEIVING: Nebraska, Helu 4-33, Brooks 2-16, Gilleylen 1-35,
RECEIVING: Tennessee, B.Brown 3-34, Jones 2-25, Cooper 2-16, Paul 1-19, Burkhead 1-16, Me.Holt 1-13, McNeill 1-4. Virginia
for, moments like that,” he said. ing after several penalties. Tech, Boykin 4-43, Coale 2-89, Boyce 1-21, Wheeler 1-14, Roberts
Hancock 1-5, Oku 1-5, Cottam 1-4, Hardesty 1-4. Florida, Hernandez
4-26, Cooper 3-25, James 3-23, Nelson 2-26, Demps 2-15. But Taylor wasn’t finished. — The Associated Press 1-11, Jefferson 1-7, Boone 1-5, R.Williams 1-2.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 13 Virginia Tech 16, No. 19 Nebraska 15
Taylor makes up for horrific day with magic moment
BLACKSBURG, VA.—When great quarterbacks
gain experience, they say the game starts to
move in slow motion. For most of Satur-
day’s game against Nebraska, that was a
bad thing for Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor.
Nobody wants to struggle and have it
take forever.
The Hokies scored a
touchdown on their first
drive (and even that
covered only 24 yards)
but did almost nothing
else until the last min-
Matt
ute. They committed
three formation penal-
Crossman
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
ties and a false start in
the first quarter alone.
“You just put (mis-
takes) behind you. Keep
throwing the football. That happens in
the game of football. You can never get
down,” Taylor said.
Spoken like a man who won despite
mounds of evidence that he shouldn’t
have. When the elation of this win wears
off, the Hokies will have a long day in the
film room picking apart their thrilling-
but-ugly 16-15 win.
“This is one of those games that could
turn things around, if you build on it and
learn from it,” coach Frank Beamer said.
“All those little things in between, we
need to get better at those.”
The Cornhusker defense harassed Tay-
lor all day, coaxing him into bad throws.
And, of course, he also made bad throws
for no apparent reason, and a handful of
his good throws were dropped.
Known as much—if not more—for his
running than his passing, Taylor couldn’t
even get it clicking in that department. His
rush stats: nine carries for minus-22 yards.
It was a nightmare of an afternoon at
Lane Stadium.
Tyrod Taylor made many mistakes, but his winning 11-yard TD strike will be what Hokie fans remember.
And then, two plays erased all of it.
With 1:11 left in the game and Virginia
Tech trailing 15-10, wide receiver Danny
Coale broke open, alone, down the sideline
to Taylor’s right. Scrambling in the back-
field, Taylor swiveled his eyes toward Coale,
saw him, released the ball—and it floated …
Took its own sweet time …
Floated some more …
Talk about slow motion …
Coale had enough time to collect his
thoughts.
“Make a play.”
He hauled in the pass and, in a foot race,
reached the 3-yard line before stepping
out of bounds.
So Taylor would have to make another
play.
Three snaps later, Taylor scrambled …
close your eyes, count to five, open them,
close them and count to five again—open
them again, and the ball is in the air,
screaming like the whistle those yahoos
College Football
TOP 25
STEVE HELBER / AP
at Lane Stadium blow.
While you weren’t looking, Taylor ran
back and forth, waving his arms at his receiv-
ers, trying to tell them where to go, as if they
were playing in a sand lot. Wide receiver
Dyrell Roberts completed his route, so he ran
around in the end zone, playing the obedient
car to Taylor’s pointing traffic cop.
Roberts needed to create just a sliver for
Taylor to sling the ball through. Finally,
Roberts zigged when Nebraska corner-
back Prince Amukamara zagged—thus
creating that sliver. The ball whistled into
his right shoulder and stuck there.
“That play was the longest play I’ve ever
been associated with in my life,” Roberts
said. “That play felt like it took the whole
fourth quarter.”
In real speed, the play took 12 seconds—
most of it being Taylor scrambling. The
Hokies will remember it forever. And
they need to forget the rest of the day.
mcrossman@sportingnews.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 12
Q&A with ... Virginia Tech WR Dyrell Roberts
‘That’s one of the fastest
balls Tyrod’s ever thrown’
Dyrell Roberts opened Virginia Tech’s game against
Nebraska with a 76-yard kickoff return and ended it
(for all intents and purposes) with an 11-yard touch-
down catch with 21 seconds to go. In between, he
dropped a pass on fourth down in the fourth quarter
that appeared to doom the Hokies. But the defense
held, and Roberts got his chance at redemption. The
sophomore talked with Sporting News Today’s Matt
Crossman and other media after his touchdown catch
won the game for Virginia Tech.
Q: After dropping the fourth down
pass, you caught the game winner.
A: That fourth-down catch, once I came
out of my break, I wasn’t expecting it
to be there that fast. I tried to get my hands on STEVE HELBER / AP
it as fast as I could. I just couldn’t come down Dyrell Roberts, top, caught a bullet from QB Tyrod
with the catch. After that, I kind of got down Taylor for the game-winning touchdown vs. Nebraska.
on myself. But my teammates picked me back
up, which they do a good job of doing. seemed like forever.
Going back out there, I was going to try
my best to make a play for my team. We get
out of there for a win, which we’re very
A: When I was running my route, I saw
(Virginia Tech QB) Tyrod (Taylor)
scramble. I saw he was in trouble. I knew
thankful for. We’ve got to get back to work ‘scramble drill’ was in play because he was
and get ready for Miami. buying all the time in the world. I’m just glad
he’s got the footwork to be able to do that.
Q: How tough was that catch? It
looked like it was right at your
shoulder.
I wanted him to see me. After that fourth-
down drop, I really, really got down on
myself, so I really wanted to make a play. I
A: It was really tough. But I knew,
coming in after dropping that fourth
down catch, no matter how tough it was, I
was really hoping he was looking at me on
every single play, so I could make up for
myself. Luckily, he saw me on that last play,
had to make that catch. and we got away with a ‘W.’
Q: That’s the biggest catch of your
life, right? Q: When the ball was coming at
you, did it look like 100 mph or
A: It’s the biggest game I’ve ever been in
in my life. To come away with the
win, I’m just thankful I was a part of it.
slow motion?
A: He fired that one. He put something
on it. That’s one of the fastest balls
Tyrod’s ever thrown to me. That’s good to
Q: That last play, you were running
around in the end zone for what
know—if he needs to throw it, he can throw
it like that.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 8 California 35, Minnesota 21
Time for Cal to think big—as in BCS big
MINNEAPOLIS—Cal had beaten Minnesota
35-21 early Saturday afternoon, and a few
of the Bears started talking about how
this year would be different. More talent
and better team chemistry, they said,
would ensure the team wouldn’t fold as it
had the past two seasons.
By the time the team
charter touched tarmac
back home, this year
was more different than
they ever could have
imagined.
Cal started Saturday
as an afterthought in the
Dave Curtis national picture. It
COLLEGE FOOTBALL ended the day as the
conference favorite and
the Pac-10’s best hope to play for a national
championship.
USC tanked at Washington. Oregon
punched out of the national rankings in
the opener at Boise State. That leaves Cal,
with the stud at tailback and the SEC
speed on defense and the history of greet-
ing success with something bad or some-
thing bonehead.
In 2008, it was four road losses—
including head-scratchers at Maryland
and Arizona—that spoiled a perfect home
record.
In 2007, a clock-management melt-
down against Oregon State started a slide
that saw Cal, then 5-0 and No. 2 in the
nation, devolve to 7-6 and unranked. Keep
reflecting on recent years, keep finding
similar examples.
This year, the Bears can’t fail. They are
thriving. The league’s elite teams are reel-
ing. Everything is set for California—tal-
ented and balanced and veteran
California—to reach the Rose Bowl for the
first time in 51 years.
“It’s been building,” athletic director
California, behind dynamic RB Jahvid Best, center, is trying to earn its first Rose Bowl berth in 51 years.
Sandy Barbour said after Saturday’s win.
“This team has more depth than any team
we’ve had before. That will put us in good
position to get through a long season.”
The long season. Ask USC about the
perils of navigating nine Pac-10 games.
But the Bears showed here they have the
package to deal with the all the traps from
Seattle to the Sun Devils. Here’s what
jumps out:
Jahvid Best: The nation’s best running
back scored five touchdowns, most by a
Bear since 1922, and emerged as a legiti-
mate Heisman trophy candidate.
“He’ll never think about that,” safety
Mike Mohamed said. “But we know what
we’ve got.”
A passing game: QB Kevin Riley, author
of the aforementioned Oregon State deba-
cle, looks capable of championship-cali-
ber football. He led two fourth-quarter
College Football
TOP 25
PAUL BATTAGLIA / AP
TD drives on the road and has thrown 71
passes without an interception this
season.
“He’s playing really solid,” Cal coach
Jeff Tedford said.
Decent defense: Cal struggled with
potential All-American receiver Eric
Decker (119 yards, two TD receptions, a
TD pass), but held the Gophers to 270
yards of total offense and turned the game
with four forced turnovers.
Cal has visited this place before, always
with the chance to reach its goals. The
Bears’ next two appointments—at Ore-
gon, USC at home—will provide a better
barometer for that Rose Bowl trip. But
Saturday, a sweep of those teams moved
from possibility to expectation.
And this Cal team is equipped to handle
those expectations.
dcurtis@sportingnews.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 13
Q&A with ... Cal QB Kevin Riley
‘My game has improved tremendously’
Jahvid Best’s five rushing touchdowns for Cal on
Saturday overshadowed another solid outing for
Bears QB Kevin Riley. The junior went without an inter-
ception for a third straight game and completed the
game’s biggest play—a 35-yard pass to Jeremy Ross
that helped set up the winning score in a 35-21 victory
at Minnesota. Riley spoke with reporters, including
Sporting New s Today’s Dave Curtis, after the game.
Q: What happened on that big
third-down play?
A: They were just playing their Tampa
2, and the safety stuck with the
inside route. The shot was there, and
Jeremy made a good play cutting inside the PAUL BATTAGLIA / AP
safety and making some yards. Cal QB Kevin Riley (13) was a solid 16-for-25 for 252 yards.
Q: Do you guys feel like you need a
game like this?
Coach Ludwig, we see eye to eye on the
plays and the reads. It makes you that much
A: Absolutely. I was almost glad that
the situation came up where they
tied it up. Last year and the year before,
more comfortable back there in the pocket
and makes the game easier.
when a team would come back and tie it or
take the lead by a touchdown, we didn’t win Q: Are games called differently?
How so?
those games. But we stayed strong offen-
sively and defensively and came out with a
win.
A: Yeah, they are. It’s more of a rhythm
thing. With Coach calling plays right
now, I’m just getting into a better rhythm of
the game. I’m not getting iced. I’m feeling
Q: What’s different this year? the flow.
A: Last year, people know, we struggled
with the pass game at times in Q: What do you think about Jahvid
today?
games like this. We’d have a game where we
would run the ball well, but we’d get into
pass situations, and we wouldn’t be able to
A: I think he stole a couple touchdowns
from me (laughter). He just did his
job. He does that every week. Like he said,
make plays. But we’ve gotten better at it, we’ve just got to prepare for next week.
and it’s made our team much better.
Q: How are things different since Q: What was the mood of the team
when it was 21-21?
offensive coordinator Andy
Ludwig arrived (in February)? A: The offense was relaxed. We just
needed a play to get going, and we
A: My game has improved tremen-
dously. Footwork, which I’ve
worked on with Coach Ludwig, and my
got it on that third down. After that,
everybody on the team knew we’d win the
game. It was like, “All right, here we go.”
technique with Coach (Jeff) Tedford. With We just needed that one play.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 8 California 35, Minnesota 21
Behind Best, Cal ends road woes Longhorns survive hard-hitting game
MINNEAPOLIS—The California
Golden Bears were on their heels
again in a game away from home,
tied with Minnesota going into the
fourth quarter with a hostile crowd
breathing down their necks.
As thoughts of “Here we go
again” entered the minds of Cal
backers everywhere, Jahvid Best
couldn’t wait to show them that
this year will be different.
“I’m kind of glad they came back
and tested us a little bit,” Best said.
Best rushed for 131 yards and a
modern school-record five touch-
downs to help the No. 8 Golden
Bears vanquish a road curse in a
35-21 victory over scrappy
Minnesota.
Best scored on runs of 33, 27 and
2 yards in a breathtaking first half,
but his most important runs of the
game came on a pair of 2-yard
sprints to the corner of the end
zone to hold off Minnesota and
snap a four-game road losing
streak.
“I see him as a complete player,”
offensive coordinator Andy Lud-
wig said. “I don’t see him as a role
player. That guy, we’re asking him
to do a lot and he accepts his work-
load and responsibility.”
Kevin Riley overcame a shaky
start to finish with 252 yards for
Cal (3-0), which had lost eight of its
last nine on the road.
“We tried to make a statement
that we’re going to be road war-
riors this year,” defensive end
Tyson Alualu said. “It’s a different
team than last year.”
Eric Decker caught eight passes
PAUL BATTAGLIA / AP
California RB Jahvid Best ran for 131 yards
and scored a school-record five touchdowns.
for 119 yards and two touchdowns,
and threw another TD for the
Golden Gophers (2-1), who gave
Cal everything it could handle in
their shiny new stadium.
But Adam Weber threw a costly
interception late in the game and
Best had too much speed for the
Gophers, who were in search of
their first victory over a top-10
team at home since beating No. 1
Michigan in 1977.
“What I’m really disappointed in
is we didn’t find a way to win the
game,” Gophers coach Tim
Brewster said. “When you play a
great opponent like you’re playing
today, the team that’s going to win
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 14
TOP 25
No. 2 Texas 34, Texas Tech 24
AUSTIN, TEXAS—Texas fans will line of scrimmage and knocked
is the team that makes the plays at call it revenge. The Longhorns his helmet off.
the end of the football game.” were more likely to describe it as Jordan Shipley’s 46-yard punt
Best’s historic day gives Cal some relief. return in the first quarter for
momentum heading into a tough Colt McCoy threw a 3-yard Texas was the only time either
stretch that includes games at Ore- touchdown pass to Dan Buckner team reached the end zone in the
gon, against USC and at UCLA in in the fourth quarter that gave the first half that ended 10-3.
the next four weeks. Longhorns some room and No. 2 Shipley’s momentum from the
“It is great to play a tough game Texas beat feisty Texas Tech and run took him all the way to the
and to be able to play well in the their prolific new passer 34-24. massive live Longhorn mascot
fourth quarter and make plays The pass to Buckner with nine Bevo, and he startled the big fella.
when you need to make plays in all minutes left put Texas ahead 31-17, “Bevo surprised me. I looked up
phases of the team,” Cal coach Jeff but it was an otherwise shaky out- and there he was,” Shipley said.
Tedford said. “I think it will give ing for last season’s runner-up for “I’m going to try to avoid Bevo
us a boost and give us a little bit of the Heisman Trophy. from now on.”
confidence.” McCoy finished with 205 yards — The Associated Press
— The Associated Press and two interceptions on 24-of-34
passing for the Longhorns (3-0, Texas Tech 3 0 14 7 — 24
Texas 7 3 14 10 — 34
1-0 Big 12). After the game, the
California 14 7 0 14 — 35 First Quarter
Minnesota 0 14 7 0 — 21 senior revealed he missed practice TT: FG Mat.Williams 41, 11:06.
on Tuesday because of flu-like Tex: Shipley 46 punt return (Lawrence kick), 7:02.
First Quarter Second Quarter
Cal: Best 33 run (D’Amato kick), 9:51. symptoms that he was dealing Tex: FG Lawrence 43, 14:51.
Cal: Best 2 run (D’Amato kick), 7:09. with most of the week. Third Quarter
Second Quarter Tex: Newton 19 run (Lawrence kick), 11:22.
Minn: Decker 26 pass from Weber (Ellestad kick), 14:52. “We had to keep fighting as a TT: Leong 14 pass from Potts (Mat.Williams kick), 6:27.
Cal: Best 27 run (D’Amato kick), 3:47. team. Not everything is going to ERIC GAY / AP Tex: C.Johnson 1 run (Lawrence kick), 4:20.
Minn: Decker 12 pass from Weber (Ellestad kick), :40. TT: Leong 10 pass from Potts (Mat.Williams kick), 1:35.
Third Quarter go our way,” said McCoy, who Colt McCoy battled illness earlier in the Fourth Quarter
Minn: Gray 7 pass from Decker (Ellestad kick), :29. completed 15 of 18 in the second week but still led Texas to victory. Tex: Buckner 3 pass from McCoy (Lawrence kick), 9:11.
Fourth Quarter TT: Swindall 22 pass from Potts (Mat.Williams kick), 6:58.
Cal: Best 2 run (D’Amato kick), 7:14. half, but also threw an intercep- Tex: FG Lawrence 33, 3:49.
Cal: Best 2 run (D’Amato kick), 2:59. tion in the red zone. not let the Longhorns pull away. A: 101,297.
A: 50,805.
After Texas Tech (2-1, 0-1) “Survival,” Texas coach Mack TT Tex
Cal Minn spoiled the Longhorns’ national Brown said. “I’m proud of the way First downs ...................................25..........................................20
First downs ...............................................18....................................14 Rushes-yards ........................ 18-(-6)..................................41-135
Rushes-yards ....................................44-163..............................21-37 title hopes with a 39-33 win in our guys grew up, the way they Passing ........................................420........................................205
Passing ....................................................252................................. 233 Lubbock last season—on a touch- worked, and fought and hit.” Comp-Att-Int .......................46-62-1................................24-34-2
Comp-Att-Int ...................................16-25-0..........................22-34-3 Return Yards..................................10..........................................44
Return Yards..............................................10......................................8 down with 1 second to play—a Potts, the latest gunslinging Punts-Avg. ............................. 5-38.4...................................5-38.8
Punts-Avg. .........................................6-41.7.............................7-42.1 record crowd of 101,297 was look- quarterback to guide Texas Tech’s Fumbles-Lost ...............................5-2........................................1-0
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................3-1..................................1-1 Penalties-Yards ..................... 14-108......................................9-76
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 4-45................................3-34 ing to whoop it up for a 4-hour passing wizardry, finished with Time of Possession...................30:34.................................... 29:26
Time of Possession...............................33:26.............................. 26:34 blowout behind McCoy & Co. 420 yards and three touchdowns.
What they got was a hard-hit- But he also had two fourth quar- INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING: Texas Tech, Stephens 9-27, Batch 4-23, Team 1-(minus
RUSHING: California, Best 26-131, Vereen 8-27, Ross 1-7, Sofele 1-2, ting first half in which neither ter turnovers, including a fumble 2), Potts 4-(minus 54). Texas, Newton 20-88, Chiles 2-29, McGee
Riley 6-1, Team 2-(minus 5). Minnesota, Eskridge 7-21, Carpenter 4-9, Monroe 2-6, McCoy 8-5, C.Johnson 2-4, Team 3-(minus 6).
2-17, Bennett 7-16, Gray 1-2, Weber 4-(minus 19). team scored an offensive touch- on a sack by Sergio Kindle to set PASSING: Texas Tech, Potts 46-62-1-420. Texas, McCoy 24-34-2-
PASSING: California, Riley 16-25-0-252. Minnesota, Weber 21-32-3- down. When the fireworks finally up McCoy’s TD pass. 205.
226, Decker 1-2-0-7. RECEIVING: Texas Tech, Britton 8-69, Torres 7-59, Leong 6-80,
RECEIVING: California, Tucker 3-78, Ross 3-73, Best 3-17, Boateng cranked up in the second half, McCoy took his share of lumps Zouzalik 5-73, Swindall 5-67, Franks 4-35, Lewis 4-22, Batch 3-1,
2-30, Vereen 2-17, Miller 1-25, Curran 1-11, Marv.Jones 1-1. Min- they watched as Red Raiders too. On one of his first runs of a James 2-15, Stephens 2-(minus 1). Texas, Shipley 11-73, Buckner
nesota, Decker 8-119, Green 3-39, Ni.Tow-Arnett 3-26, Stoudermire 6-75, Chiles 3-30, Kirkendoll 1-11, M.Williams 1-10, Newton 1-3,
3-19, Hoese 2-5, Carpenter 1-18, Gray 1-7, Bennett 1-0. quarterback Taylor Potts would game, a defender met him at the G.Smith 1-3.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 4 Alabama 53, North Texas 7
Tide ready for Hogs, SEC opener Lions well enough to handle Owls
A swarming Alabama defense held North Texas RB Jeremi Mathis (24) to seven yards rushing.
TUSCALOOSA, ALA.—Alabama coach
Nick Saban was waiting for his
team to play solid ball for the full 60
minutes.
Well, 55 minutes and 40 seconds
isn’t too bad.
Greg McElroy fumbled on the
game’s first play but just about
everything else went well for the
fourth-ranked Crimson Tide in a
53-7 victory over North Texas on
Saturday.
McElroy passed for two touch-
downs and rushed for another
before sitting out most of the second
half.
“Until today, I wondered, ‘Was
this team really going to fulfill its
full potential?’ ” Saban said. “I just
wasn’t pleased with the lack of
DAVE MARTIN / AP
consistency we played with in the
first two games. We played really
well at times and at other times we
didn’t, but I feel like we were much
more solid today and we made some
improvement.”
Good timing.
Mark Ingram ran for 91 yards
and a TD on eight carries, and
scored on a 29-yard reception for
the Tide (3-0) in their final pre-con-
ference tuneup before Arkansas
visits last year’s SEC West champi-
ons. Freshman Trent Richardson
added 87 yards and a touchdown,
and Terry Grant scored twice and
gained 79 yards.
It was the highest-scoring game
for Alabama since a 56-7 win over
UTEP in 2001.
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 15
TOP 25
No. 5 Penn State 31, Temple 6
STATE COLLEGE, PA.—The flu couldn’t 205 yards, and was able to move
North Texas 0 0 7 0 — 7 slow down Evan Royster, and nei- the ball well at times on the Nit-
Alabama 14 16 14 9 — 53
ther could Temple. tany Lions’ tough defense.
First Quarter After two pedestrian weeks, the Illness and all, Penn State still
Ala: McElroy 2 run (Tiffin kick), 7:47.
Ala: Maze 34 pass from McElroy (Tiffin kick), 2:52. shifty tailback put on one of his overwhelmed the Owls with
Second Quarter trademark performances in side- talent.
Ala: Richardson 1 run (Tiffin kick), 11:56.
Ala: Ingram 29 pass from McElroy (kick failed), 3:56. stepping around tacklers and Lee finished with 12 tackles and
Ala: FG Tiffin 35, :00. bouncing off defenders for 134 a sack, while Odrick added
Third Quarter
Ala: Ingram 5 run (Tiffin kick), 12:26. yards and a touchdown in No. 5 another sack. Safety Drew Asto-
Ala: Grant 1 run (Tiffin kick), 4:29. Penn State’s 31-6 win Saturday rino recovered a fumble forced by
NT: Dunbar 34 pass from Tune (Knott kick), 2:11.
Fourth Quarter over the Owls. tackle Ollie Ogbu.
Ala: FG Tiffin 20, 11:42. And to think, just two days ear- Penn State hasn’t given up more
Ala: Grant 9 run (kick failed), 5:59.
A: 92,012. lier, Royster was laid up with what than seven points in each of its
he thought was the flu. three wins—the first time that has
NT Ala
First downs .................................................7....................................28 “The first quarter was kind of happened since the first four
Rushes-yards ......................................26-61............................45-260 tough for me, my legs kind of felt games of 1996.
Passing ....................................................126................................. 263
Comp-Att-Int ...................................16-23-0..........................22-28-0 like they were gone,” Royster said. — The Associated Press
Return Yards................................................0....................................90 “They just felt more tired than
Punts-Avg. .........................................9-42.1.............................1-49.0
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-0..................................4-1 they usually are, but I went out Temple 3 0 3 0 — 6
CAROLYN KASTER / AP Penn St. 7 14 3 7 — 31
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 3-27................................2-15 there and just kept playing.”
Time of Possession...............................29:17.............................. 30:43 Penn State RB Evan Royster fought off
Temple couldn’t stop him in a flu-like symptoms to rush for 134 yards. First Quarter
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS PSU: Shuler 1 pass from Clark (Wagner kick), 7:35.
first half in which Royster ran for Tem: FG McManus 25, :00.
RUSHING: North Texas, J.Hamilton 7-31, Montgomery 7-8, Tune
1-7, Mathis 4-7, Dunbar 5-5, Carey 1-3, Mosley 1-0. Alabama, 119 yards, leading the Nittany including Royster, were isolated at Second Quarter
Ingram 8-91, Richardson 11-87, Grant 19-79, McElroy 3-16, Goode PSU: Royster 7 run (Wagner kick), 5:46.
Lions to a 21-3 lead. times from the rest of the team. PSU: Moye 4 pass from Clark (Wagner kick), 1:03.
1-14, Team 3-(minus 27).
PASSING: North Texas, Tune 16-23-0-126. Alabama, McElroy 13-15- Later, coach Joe Paterno said “We worried about it. ... We Third Quarter
0-176, S.Jackson 9-13-0-87. Tem: FG McManus 35, 12:06.
about 15 or 16 players had fallen ill tried to space their time a little bit,” PSU: FG Wagner 27, 6:23.
RECEIVING: North Texas, Carey 5-34, Jama.Jackson 4-1, Montgom-
ery 3-17, Dunbar 2-40, Outlaw 2-34. Alabama, Maze 4-49, Ingram during the week with flu-like Paterno said about the illness. “It Fourth Quarter
3-38, McCoy 3-38, Grant 2-29, Hanks 2-28, Peek 2-26, Smelley 2-13, PSU: Green 3 run (Wagner kick), 11:25.
symptoms, though most were able was a hit-or-miss kind of thing.” A: 105,514.
Gibson 1-21, Alexander 1-11, Bowman 1-7, Richardson 1-3.
to play Saturday. Five or six play- The illnesses might explain
Tem PSU
ers had fevers, while Royster was some of Penn State’s choppy play First downs ...............................................12.............................. 21
Star receiver Julio Jones missed one of the other Lions who other- against overmatched opponents to Rushes-yards ......................................29-46.......................36-186
Passing ....................................................205............................173
the game with a bruised right knee, wise “felt lousy,” Paterno said. open the season. The trend contin- Comp-Att-Int ...................................15-34-0.....................17-29-1
tailback Roy Upchurch was out Others sickened earlier in the ued against Temple: Return Yards..............................................14.................................2
Punts-Avg. .........................................6-36.2........................4-47.8
with a high ankle sprain and the week were tight end Mickey Shuler Quarterback Daryll Clark Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1.............................1-0
subs got plenty of action after ’Bama and star linebacker Sean Lee, who finished 16-for-26 passing for 167 Penalties-Yards ..................................... 8-65...........................6-55
Time of Possession...............................29:01.........................30:59
raced to a 30-0 halftime lead. With limped off the field in the fourth yards with an interception and
starting quarterback Riley Dodge quarter with what was later two touchdowns, but didn’t look INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Temple, Griffin 11-42, Pierce 7-24, McPherson 1-0,
out with a separated non-throwing termed a minor left leg injury. sharp and took some big hits from Charlton 5-(minus 1), Nixon 1-(minus 9), Stewart 4-(minus 10).
shoulder, North Texas (1-2) was Teammate Josh Hull said Lee had Temple defenders. Penn St., Royster 19-134, Powell 1-24, Green 6-19, Newsome
1-15, Suhey 2-7, Smith 1-5, Carter 3-5, Clark 2-(minus 6), Drake
outgained 523-187. a cramp and would be OK. Kick coverage still needs work 1-(minus 17).
“Our goal was to dominate for 60 Standout defensive tackle Jared after allowing Temple an average PASSING: Temple, Charlton 15-33-0-205, J.Jones 0-1-0-0. Penn
St., Clark 16-26-1-167, Newsome 1-2-0-6, Drake 0-1-0-0.
minutes,” said McElroy. “We were Odrick also said he had felt ill the of 25 yards per return. RECEIVING: Temple, J.Jones 4-75, McPherson 2-27, Harper 2-20,
able to do that.” last few weeks, but was feeling Temple quarterback Vaughn Maneri 2-17, Nixon 1-29, Campbell 1-23, Griffin 1-11, Rodriguez
1-2, Balasavage 1-1. Penn St., Powell 4-40, Moye 4-31, Quarless
— The Associated Press better. Some of the sick players, Charlton was 15 of 33 passing for 3-45, Green 2-28, Zug 1-12, Drake 1-10, Szczerba 1-6, Shuler 1-1.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Florida State 54, No. 7 BYU 28
Seminoles’ speed overwhelms BYU
PROVO, UTAH—Florida State ran
away with No. 7 BYU’s BCS hopes.
The Seminoles were too fast for
the Cougars on Saturday, scoring
every time they got inside the 20
and forcing five turnovers in a
54-28 win that crushed BYU’s BCS
hopes.
Christian Ponder threw for two
touchdowns and ran for another,
Ty Jones ran for 108 yards and a
score and Greg Reid returned an
interception 63 yards for a TD in a
rout by the Seminoles.
“It shows us what we can do,”
said Ponder, who passed for 195
yards and ran for 77 more. “It’s the
first time in a while we played as
whole team. The defense played
great. The offense played
incredible.”
Three weeks after upsetting
Oklahoma in the season opener,
BYU’s Bowl Championship Series
aspirations faded a little bit on each
drive by the Seminoles.
Florida State (2-1) converted on
its first nine third downs, pounced
for 10 points in the final 24 seconds
of the second quarter and added
two touchdowns in the third, run-
ning away and spoiling the most
anticipated home opener at BYU
(2-1) in years.
“I think Florida State was more
prepared in general than we were
tonight, really from beginning to
end,” BYU coach Bronco Menden-
hall said. “I think their preparation
exceeded ours and it showed—
especially on third down.”
Florida State looked nothing like
the team that needed to rally in the
Florida State QB Christian Ponder threw two touchdown passes and ran for another.
final minute a week ago in a 19-9
win over Jacksonville State.
The Seminoles finished 12-for-15
on third down conversions and
scored all eight times they got inside
the BYU 20. They scored often
enough, starting with a 13-0 lead
that BYU was trying to catch up
and only continued to fall farther
behind with mistakes.
Max Hall completed 20-of-31
passes for 306 yards and two touch-
downs for BYU, but also threw
three interceptions. Harvey Unga
College Football
TOP 25
GEORGE FREY / AP
ran for 97 yards and a touchdown
for the Cougars.
“Any loss is devastating, regard-
less of if you’re ranked,” Unga said.
“Hats off to those guys. They came
here ready to play.”
The Seminoles outran the Cou-
gars 313 yards to 108. FSU didn’t
punt until about a minute remained
in the third quarter and avoided
starting the season 1-2 for the first
time since 1989.
“I’ve been through this thing so
many times, I knew we had an
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 16
No. 5 Mississippi 52, Southeastern Louisiana 6
Rebels use five turnovers
advantage,” Florida State coach
Bobby Bowden said. “We went out
to pull away from Lions
there and made some plays, which OXFORD, MISS.—Houston Nutt’s fumble recoveries as well.
we hadn’t done lately, and we also reputation as an offensive coach The group, playing without all-
forced some crucial turnovers.” may need some reworking. America candidate Greg Hardy
The Seminoles took advantage of Sure, fifth-ranked Mississippi because of a sprained ankle, pro-
two giveaways while scoring 24 keeps putting up big numbers pelled the Rebels to their eighth
straight points, including Reid’s when it starts with the ball. But straight win, the longest streak
interception return that put Florida those stats pale compared to what since Ole Miss won 10 in a row in
State up 37-14 with 12:52 left in the the Rebels are doing on defense, 1971-72. They held the Lions to
third quarter. as they showed again Saturday. 302 yards and didn’t allow a
— The Associated Press True freshman linebacker D.T. third-down conversion in 14
Shackelford scored on a 58-yard attempts.
Florida St. 7 23 14 10 — 54
BYU 0 14 7 7 — 28 interception return and recovered — The Associated Press
two fumbles as Ole Miss forced
First Quarter
FSU: T.Jones 4 run (Hopkins kick), 10:05. five turnovers in a 52-6 win over SE Louisiana 0 0 3 3 — 6
Second Quarter Southeastern Louisiana. Mississippi 7 17 14 14 — 52
FSU: Pryor 1 run (kick failed), 14:25.
BYU: Unga 12 run (Payne kick), 9:39. An impressive performance First Quarter
FSU: Pryor 9 run (Hopkins kick), 8:25. going into the Rebels’ Southeast- Miss: E.Davis 2 run (Shene kick), 11:13.
BYU: Tonga 3 pass from Hall (Payne kick), 5:11. Second Quarter
FSU: Piurowski 5 pass from Ponder (Hopkins kick), :24. ern Conference opener Thursday Miss: Hartmann 5 pass from Snead (Shene kick), 14:55.
FSU: FG Hopkins 33, :00. night against coach Steve Spur- Miss: FG Shene 42, 10:36.
Third Quarter Miss: Hodge 4 pass from Snead (Shene kick), 1:25.
FSU: Reid 63 interception return (Hopkins kick), 12:52. rier and South Carolina. Third Quarter
FSU: Ponder 6 run (Hopkins kick), 5:11. “Defensively you have to prove SELa: FG Turner 28, 11:31.
BYU: Jacobson 80 pass from Hall (Payne kick), 4:59. Miss: Eason 8 run (Shene kick), 6:33.
Fourth Quarter it every day,” free safety Kendrick Miss: Patterson 29 pass from Snead (Shene kick), 2:40.
FSU: FG Hopkins 35, 10:21. Lewis said. “What we did tonight Fourth Quarter
FSU: Fortson 16 pass from Ponder (Hopkins kick), 7:32. SELa: FG Turner 32, 9:24.
BYU: Di Luigi 29 pass from R.Nelson (Payne kick), 3:13. doesn’t mean anything at South Miss: Grandy 46 run (Rose kick), 8:38.
A: 64,209. Carolina.” Miss: Shackelford 58 interception return (Rose kick), 4:50.
Turnovers led to 21 points for A: 58,119.
FSU BYU
First downs ...............................................27....................................20 the Rebels (2-0). They’ve run back SELa Miss
Rushes-yards ....................................49-313............................19-108 First downs ...............................................12...............................25
Passing ....................................................199................................. 365 interceptions for TDs in the three Rushes-yards ......................................30-86.......................35-258
Comp-Att-Int ...................................22-28-0..........................23-34-3 straight games and have allowed Passing ....................................................216.............................242
Return Yards..............................................97......................................0 Comp-Att-Int ...................................21-34-2......................18-31-0
Punts-Avg. .........................................1-38.0.............................1-43.0 just 11.2 points per game in their Return Yards................................................0...............................53
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-0..................................2-2 last five. Punts-Avg. .........................................7-31.9........................ 5-28.4
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 9-74................................3-24 Fumbles-Lost ...........................................4-3..............................2-2
Time of Possession...............................39:51.............................. 20:09 Like last week against Mem- Penalties-Yards ..................................... 8-69............................4-50
phis, the defense bailed out a Time of Possession...............................30:49..........................29:11
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Florida St., T.Jones 12-108, Ponder 11-77, Pryor 7-50, sloppy offense that again got off to INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Pressley 7-25, Thomas 6-23, Givens 1-11, Manuel 1-8, C.Thompson a herky-jerky start. Jevan Snead, RUSHING: SE Louisiana, J.Ducksworth 11-36, Babin 11-25,
1-5, Fortson 1-4, Owens 1-3, Reed 1-(minus 1). BYU, Unga 10-97, Beatty 5-22, Z.Jones 3-3. Mississippi, Bolden 13-105, Grandy
Kariya 4-12, Di Luigi 1-2, Tonga 2-2, Hall 2-(minus 5). however, recovered to throw three 2-57, D.Davis 3-30, E.Davis 9-27, Snead 3-25, Eason 3-14, Greer
PASSING: Florida St., Ponder 21-26-0-195, Manuel 1-2-0-4. BYU, touchdown passes. 1-1, Team 1-(minus 1).
Hall 20-31-3-306, R.Nelson 3-3-0-59. PASSING: SE Louisiana, Babin 17-26-1-188, Beatty 4-8-1-28.
RECEIVING: Florida St., Fortson 6-62, Piurowski 5-38, Owens 3-35, An early interception by Cas- Mississippi, Snead 16-28-0-209, Stanley 2-3-0-33.
Reed 3-34, Goodman 1-20, Reliford 1-6, Little 1-4, Givens 1-1, sius Vaughn ended one scoring RECEIVING: SE Louisiana, Yarborough 9-60, Z.Jones 3-27, Lanaux
T.Jones 1-(minus 1). BYU, Pitta 5-60, Chambers 5-32, Tonga 4-39, 3-24, Theodore 2-16, C.Wilson 2-12, Cryer 1-57, Moneaux 1-20.
Jacobson 2-111, Di Luigi 2-32, George 2-22, Kariya 1-41, Ashworth opportunity for the Lions (2-1) and Mississippi, Hodge 5-59, Patterson 4-79, McCluster 3-48, Allen
1-20, Hafoka 1-8. Shackelford came up with two 3-29, Breaux 1-19, Hartmann 1-5, Eason 1-3.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 9 LSU 31, Louisiana-Lafayette 3
Jones in flow, but offense is not Pryor responds with quality numbers
BATON ROUGE, LA.—Chad Jones
turned in his best performance
since the College World Series,
helping ninth-ranked LSU remain
undefeated on the football field
heading into the meat of its South-
eastern Conference slate.
The two-sport athlete had two
interceptions on Saturday night,
leading a dominant defensive per-
formance by the Tigers in a 31-3 vic-
tory over Louisiana-Lafayette.
“I definitely feel like I am more in
the flow now,” Jones said. “I’ve been
trying to watch a little extra film
with the coaching staff to try and
have the best season I could possi-
bly have. I’m looking forward to
that.”
Jones was a relief pitcher on LSU’s
2009 national champion baseball
team, but if he’s to play for his sec-
ond national title in football (he was
part of the 2007 squad), LSU’s
offense may need some
improvements.
The Tigers (3-0) were hampered
by sloppiness as Jordan Jefferson
again struggled to complete deep
passes and instead threw his first
interception of the season. The
Tigers also failed to convert a
fourth-and-1 on a handoff to Charles
Scott.
“Our quarterback was not neces-
sarily in a groove early, but we have
some talent and we have the ability
to make plays,” LSU head coach Les
Mile said. “We’re not hitting on all
cylinders just yet.”
It may have been a troubling sign
for Tigers fans with SEC matchups
on the road against Mississippi
State and Georgia, followed by a
BILL HABER / AP
Chad Jones picked off two passes as LSU’s
defense held the Ragin’ Cajuns without a TD.
home date with No. 1 Florida, loom-
ing in the next three weeks. It didn’t
affect the outcome of this game,
however.
Jefferson’s 165 yards passing and
two touchdown tosses to Brandon
LaFell were enough against the
overmatched Ragin’ Cajuns (2-1).
Scott and Trindon Holliday also
scored for LSU, who improved to
22-0 against Louisiana-Lafayette.
“Playing on the road is going to be
difficult and we know that we are
going to have to play better if we
want to win,” Jefferson said. “We
are just so close to busting some
really big plays you can see that on
the playing field. You really can.”
— The Associated Press
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 17
TOP 25
No. 11 Ohio State 38, Toledo 0
CLEVELAND—When people said who was sandwiched by defensive
No. 11 Ohio State had no offense, backs but pulled in the ball to make
Tough Tigers quarterback Terrelle Pryor took it 14-0.
With its win over the Ragin’ offense. “(Terrelle is) a perfectionist. He’s
Cajuns, LSU improved to 22-0 The sophomore threw for a never completely satisfied with his
all-time against UL-Lafayette. Other career-high 262 yards and ran for performance,” Tressel said. “I
prominent streaks held by the 110 yards to help the Buckeyes think he had more fun (than last
Tigers include: rebound from a disheartening loss week). When you succeed and
32-game winning streak in and the criticism that went with it score points, it’s a lot more fun
Saturday night games in Tiger and beat Toledo 38-0 on Saturday playing offense.”
Stadium at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Ohio State’s defense held Tole-
23 straight wins over teams “I’m just here to win,” said Pryor, do’s Aaron Opelt, leading the
from Louisiana who threw three TD passes and nation in total offense with 437
21 straight nonconference wins, ran for another score. “Whether yards a game, to 181 yards.
the nation’s longest current streak it’s 100 yards passing or 100 yards “That was our focus, to get to
12 consecutive wins in rushing ... it’s not always realistic. him and make him throw it
September Of course I want it, but I’ll still do quickly,” defensive end Thaddeus
whatever I can to get a win.” Gibson said.
It was a resounding response by — The Associated Press
the Buckeyes (2-1) a week after a
La-Lafayette 0 3 0 0 — 3 Ohio St. 14 10 7 7 — 38
LSU 7 10 7 7 — 31
crushing 18-15 loss to No. 3 South- AMY SANCETTA/ AP
Toledo 0 0 0 0 — 0
ern California. The Rockets are no Terrelle Pryor, left, threw for 262 yards and
First Quarter two TDs and ran for another 110 yards. First Quarter
LSU: LaFell 16 pass from Jefferson (Jasper kick), 3:09.
Trojans, but Pryor and the Buck- OSU: Sanzenbacher 76 pass from Pryor (Pettrey kick), 13:13.
Second Quarter eyes got the confidence-boosting OSU: Sanzenbacher 18 pass from Pryor (Pettrey kick), 5:51.
LSU: Holliday 11 run (Jasper kick), 14:52. Second Quarter
ULL: FG Albrecht 40, 11:26.
performance they needed. pro-Buckeyes crowd of 71,727 OSU: Herron 4 run (Pettrey kick), 12:31.
LSU: FG Jasper 52, :00. Pryor set career bests in comple- roared its approval as their team OSU: FG Pettrey 47, :00.
Third Quarter Third Quarter
LSU: LaFell 20 pass from Jefferson (Jasper kick), 10:53.
tions and attempts (17-for-28) and steamrolled the Rockets (1-2), who OSU: Pryor 1 run (Pettrey kick), 7:59.
Fourth Quarter tossed TD passes of 76 yards and had hopes of adding another big Fourth Quarter
LSU: Scott 1 pass from Lee (Jasper kick), 5:48. OSU: Posey 4 pass from Pryor (Pettrey kick), 7:10.
A: 92,443.
18 yards to Dane Sanzenbacher on upset to their resume after beating A: 71,727.
the Buckeyes’ first two posses- Michigan 13-10 a year ago.
ULL LSU OSU Tol
First downs ...............................................18....................................23
sions to set the tone against a On third-and-7 from his own 24 First downs ...............................................23.................................9
Rushes-yards ....................................29-109............................36-164 Toledo defense that came in giving on Ohio State’s first possession, Rushes-yards ....................................46-247.........................13-13
Passing ....................................................163................................. 166 Passing ....................................................275............................197
Comp-Att-Int ...................................17-37-2..........................17-26-1
up 45 points and almost 500 yards Pryor flipped a pass over the mid- Comp-Att-Int ...................................18-32-2.....................22-45-1
Return Yards..............................................24....................................77 a game. dle to a wide-open Sanzenbacher. Return Yards................................................5.................................6
Punts-Avg. .........................................4-39.5.............................3-44.0 Punts-Avg. .........................................4-42.8......................11-37.0
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1..................................1-0
“I thought he threw the ball He split the secondary and raced Fumbles-Lost ...........................................0-0.............................1-1
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 3-27................................5-50 much better than he had in previ- the distance. Penalties-Yards ..................................... 6-35...........................6-50
Time of Possession...............................28:01.............................. 31:59 Time of Possession...............................37:00.........................23:00
ous weeks,” said Toledo (1-2) coach Pryor—who was hesitant to run
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Tim Beckman, a former Ohio State and seldom threw longer than 10 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Louisiana-Lafayette, Sails 17-48, Masson 4-25, Y.Walker RUSHING: Ohio St., Pryor 12-110, Saine 9-45, J.Hall 7-44, Herron
3-17, McGuire 3-14, Booker 1-4, Dupre 1-1. LSU, Scott 12-63,
assistant. yards in the first two games— 15-42, Bauserman 1-7, Gantz 1-1, Martin 1-(minus 2). Toledo,
K.Williams 10-41, Jefferson 8-25, Shepard 4-21, Holliday 2-14. In the wake of the loss to USC, rushed for two first downs and Collins 7-22, M.Williams 3-7, Opelt 3-(minus 16).
PASSING: Louisiana-Lafayette, Masson 16-36-2-159, McGuire 1-1- PASSING: Ohio St., Pryor 17-28-2-262, Bauserman 1-4-0-13.
0-4. LSU, Jefferson 16-25-1-165, Lee 1-1-0-1.
Ohio State fans were critical of passed 12 yards to Duron Carter for Toledo, Opelt 22-45-1-197.
RECEIVING: Louisiana-Lafayette, Green 6-64, Lee 3-16, Aubrey 2-22, coach Jim Tressel, complaining another the second time Ohio State RECEIVING: Ohio St., Sanzenbacher 5-126, Posey 5-46, Small
Sails 2-20, A.Joseph 2-16, Desormeaux 1-13, Miller 1-12. LSU, Toliver 2-47, Carter 2-21, Saine 2-18, Stoneburner 1-13, Ballard 1-4.
6-68, LaFell 3-57, Dickson 3-27, K.Williams 2-(minus 6), Randle 1-15,
about his conservative approach had the ball. That helped set up a Toledo, Page 6-54, Noble 5-35, S.Williams 3-30, Collins 3-25,
C.Mitchell 1-4, Scott 1-1. and play-calling. But a decidedly quick look-in pass to Sanzenbacher, M.Williams 2-14, Cortazzo 1-29, Bailey 1-9, Thomas 1-1.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 12 Oklahoma 45, Tulsa 0
Bradford’s backup has record day Horned Frogs stumble past Texas State
NORMAN, OKLA.—Game by game,
Landry Jones is mastering his role
as a stand-in for Heisman Trophy
winner Sam Bradford.
In just his second career start,
Jones threw for 336 yards and set a
school record with six touchdown
passes, and No. 12 Oklahoma
recorded its second straight shutout
in a 45-0 win against Tulsa on
Saturday.
“It’s just kind of wild right now,
kind of like you’re living a dream,”
said Jones, who also matched the
NCAA record for touchdown passes
by a freshman in a single game.
Ryan Broyles caught a career-high
11 passes for 128 yards and three
touchdowns, and Brandon Caleb
emerged as a potential second viable
target with 104 yards on five catches
and two scores.
Sooners coach Bob Stoops mar-
veled at Jones’ performance and
even gave Bradford trouble about it
in the locker room.
“It is kind of ironic how all that
happened, but it’s pretty neat for
him. ... He is really playing well and
handling it all, taking it in stride in a
really good way,” Stoops said.
As good as he was, Jones just
might lose his job after the record-
setting outing. The Sooners’ next
game is Oct. 3 at Miami, right at the
end of the two- to four-week win-
dow when Bradford is expected to
return from a sprained AC joint in
his right, throwing shoulder.
“At this point, I’m just taking
every start I can,” Jones said. “If
Sam comes back versus Miami,
that’s fine. And if he doesn’t, I’m
going to step in there and play to the
ALONZO ADAMS / AP
Freshman QB Landry Jones threw a record six
TD passes in his second career start.
best of my abilities.”
Whenever Bradford comes back,
he’ll be playing opposite a defense
that keeps getting stingier. The Soon-
ers have recorded back-to-back shut-
outs for the first time since 1987. That
year, Oklahoma did it against North
Carolina (28-0) and Tulsa (65-0).
“Sam’s a very good player, a great
player actually. And we’ve got con-
fidence in Landry,” defensive end
Jeremy Beal said. “As a defense as a
whole, we feel like no matter who
we have, we’ve got to come out and
play great every week.”
The win also extended the Soon-
ers’ winning streak on Owen Field
to 26, breaking a school record in
existence since 1953.
— The Associated Press
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 18
TOP 25
No. 15 TCU 56, Texas State 21
FORT WORTH, TEXAS—A perfect vic- football team here, and there is a
Freshman phenom tory for No. 15 TCU and coach reason why they are ranked where
Gary Patterson: a lopsided score they are,” Bobcats coach Brad
Two Oklahoma quarterbacks
and still plenty of teaching Wright said. “We got a lot to learn
have won the Heisman Trophy this
decade, but both are now looking points. from this game.”
up at a freshman in the school’s Joseph Turner ran for 129 yards Andy Dalton, the Frogs’ third-
record book. and three touchdowns on 13 car- year starting quarterback as a
Freshman Landry Jones broke ries and Jerry Hughes had three junior, was 18 of 24 for 222 yards
the school mark with six TD passes sacks as the Horned Frogs won and a 36-yard TD to Jimmy Young
in Saturday’s win over Tulsa while their home opener 56-21 over in his 19th career victory—one
subbing in for starting QB Sam Texas State, a Division 1-AA oppo- more than Davey O’Brien, 10
Bradford. The reigning Heisman nent that stayed close into the third fewer than TCU leader Sammy
Trophy winner who is out with a quarter because of TCU mistakes. Baugh.
shoulder injury, Bradford watched
“We didn’t play the way we — The Associated Press
as Jones broke his record of five
needed to, we didn’t have the emo-
TD passes in a game that he
shared with 2003 Heisman winner tion we needed to,” Patterson said.
“We just came out and did what Texas St. 0 14 7 0 — 21
Jason White and 2000 Heisman TCU 7 21 7 21 — 56
runner-up Josh Heupel. we needed to do.”
With a looming trip to Clemson, First Quarter
TCU: Wesley 13 run (Evans kick), 10:47.
that was for TCU (2-0) to get the Second Quarter
Tulsa 0 0 0 0 — 0 expected outcome against a lower- DONNA MCWILLIAM / AP TxSt: Reddic 1 run (Garelick kick), 14:26.
Oklahoma 10 21 14 0 — 45 TCU: Turner 3 run (Evans kick), 11:47.
division team on the same day TCU coach Gary Patterson said his team TCU: Young 36 pass from Dalton (Evans kick), 6:59.
First Quarter Mountain West Conference foes didn’t play with enough emotion. TxSt: Canady 62 pass from George (Garelick kick), 4:50.
Okl: FG Stevens 25, 9:08. TCU: Turner 1 run (Evans kick), :25.
Okl: Caleb 7 pass from L.Jones (Stevens kick), :35. and fellow hopeful BCS busters Third Quarter
Second Quarter No. 7 BYU and No. 18 Utah lost. early in the second quarter, put TCU: Hicks 4 run (Evans kick), 12:15.
Okl: Caleb 63 pass from L.Jones (Stevens kick), 10:54. TxSt: Dillard 16 pass from Hawkins (Garelick kick), 6:47.
Okl: Murray 13 pass from L.Jones (Stevens kick), 5:57. Patterson said he was ultimately TCU ahead to stay 2½ minutes Fourth Quarter
Okl: Broyles 10 pass from L.Jones (Stevens kick), :34. happy with the victory, but knew after the Bobcats (1-1) tied the game TCU: Turner 6 run (Evans kick), 14:21.
Third Quarter TCU: Tucker 1 run (Evans kick), 6:14.
Okl: Broyles 14 pass from L.Jones (Stevens kick), 12:58. he was going to be upset with his 7-all on Frank Reddic’s fourth- TCU: Fort 9 run (Evans kick), 5:35.
Okl: Broyles 35 pass from L.Jones (Stevens kick), 8:02. team by Sunday morning after down plunge from a yard out. A: 35,249.
A: 84,803.
Tlsa Okl reviewing the film. Texas State’s 16-play drive started TxSt TCU
First downs ...............................................16....................................27 “They already know that. I after an interception, was extended First downs ...............................................15.............................. 28
Rushes-yards ....................................36-116............................45-193 Rushes-yards ......................................24-30.......................46-286
Passing ....................................................153................................. 336 didn’t have to say anything in the with a fake punt and aided by a Passing ....................................................219............................222
Comp-Att-Int ...................................16-37-2..........................25-37-2 locker room, they already know pass interference penalty in the Comp-Att-Int ...................................18-39-1.....................18-24-1
Return Yards..............................................10....................................55 Return Yards..............................................11.............................. 71
Punts-Avg. .........................................7-40.6.............................3-42.3 how this is going down,” Patterson end zone. Punts-Avg. .........................................8-44.3........................3-40.0
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1..................................1-0 said. “We have to have attention to When asked about Hughes’ Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1.............................2-1
Penalties-Yards .................................11-110................................8-85 Penalties-Yards ..................................... 9-75...........................7-50
Time of Possession...............................29:46.............................. 30:14 detail, we have to communicate. ... three sacks, Patterson mentioned Time of Possession...............................28:34.........................31:26
We have the potential to be what the offside penalty against Hughes
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Tulsa, Williams 9-39, Beaver 6-35, Carter 4-27, D.Johnson we want to be. The key to it is we during that drive. RUSHING: Texas St., Reddic 6-28, Canady 9-11, Follis 1-4, Hawk-
2-23, Bower 3-14, T.Johnson 1-0, Kinne 11-(minus 22). Oklahoma, have to go play.” Hughes smiled, then added that ins 4-0, George 4-(minus 13). TCU, Turner 13-129, Tucker 11-57,
C.Brown 16-73, Murray 10-60, Calhoun 9-32, J.Miller 7-30, Madu Dalton 8-35, Wesley 6-26, C.Smith 4-21, Fort 2-11, Hicks 1-4,
1-2, Broyles 1-1, Team 1-(minus 5). A week earlier, Patterson was Patterson being upset “is a whole Christian 1-3.
PASSING: Tulsa, Kinne 12-26-2-106, Bower 4-10-0-47, Beaver 0-1- upset about giving up two late new creature out there. It will be PASSING: Texas St., George 16-37-1-199, Hawkins 2-2-0-20. TCU,
0-0. Oklahoma, L.Jones 25-37-2-336. Dalton 18-24-1-222.
RECEIVING: Tulsa, T.Johnson 4-50, D.Johnson 3-20, Whitmore touchdowns in a 30-14 victory at good for us, will get us to focus RECEIVING: Texas St., Griggs 5-56, Canady 4-93, Dillard 4-34,
2-14, Clay 2-13, Williams 2-11, Shelley 1-24, Sears 1-13, Carter 1-8. Virginia. more.” Garcia 3-21, C.Alexander 1-11, Bolden 1-4. TCU, B.Johnson 7-70,
Oklahoma, Broyles 11-128, Caleb 5-104, Murray 2-38, Kenney 2-23, Kerley 4-52, Young 2-42, Clay 2-26, Hicks 1-19, J.Jones 1-7, Turner
C.Brown 2-11, Madu 1-14, Mensik 1-10, Hanna 1-8. Turner’s first TD, a 3-yard run “Our players played a very good 1-6.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 17 Cincinnati 28, Oregon State 18
Pike’s late-game poise leads Bearcats
CORVALLIS, ORE.—Drawing on last
season’s experience, Tony Pike
steadied Cincinnati against Oregon
State.
The senior quarterback com-
pleted 31-of-49 passes for 332 yards
and two touchdowns in the No. 17
Bearcats’ 28-18 victory over the
Beavers on Saturday.
Pike hit Mardy Gilyard with an
18-yard scoring pass in the fourth
quarter to stop a second-half Ore-
gon State comeback bid.
“He was under a lot of pressure
early but he kept at it and we got it
going,” Cincinnati coach Brian
Kelly said. “He learned a lot today
and coming into Corvallis and get-
ting the win is good for him.”
Last season Pike wasn’t even on
the depth chart in fall camp but
climbed his way into a starting role
for the Bearcats, who won 11 games
and the Big East title and played in
the Orange Bowl.
“Our team has a lot of confidence,”
Pike said. “We have great running
backs and wide receivers and we’re
real deep. Our O-line has done a
great job and we have all the confi-
dence we’re going to make plays.”
The Bearcats (3-0) snapped Ore-
gon State’s streak of 26 straight
nonconference victories at Reser
Stadium, dating back to a 67-28 win
over Northern Illinois on Nov. 16,
1996.
Sean Canfield completed 29-of-
45 passes for 240 yards and an
interception for the Beavers (2-1).
Jacquizz Rodgers’ 9-yard scoring
run to open the second half was
Oregon State’s lone touchdown.
Cincinnati QB Tony Pike had another big day with 332 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Cincinnati built up a 21-8 half-
time lead but didn’t score again
until Gilyard’s TD catch. He fin-
ished with nine catches for 65
yards.
“Pike did a good job of dropping
it in,” Gilyard said about the scor-
ing catch. “I chased it down, caught
it and I was so relieved.”
Last week Gilyard scored four
touchdowns in a 70-3 victory over
Southeast Missouri State, becom-
ing the first Division I-A player to
score on a punt return, a run and a
catch in the same game since
UCLA’s Maurice Drew (now Jones-
College Football
TOP 25
DON RYAN / AP
Drew) did it in 2005.
Oregon State’s Rodgers appeared
bothered by a sore ankle that lin-
gered from last weekend’s 23-21
victory over UNLV. Quizz, as he is
known, insisted all week his ankle
was fine.
But his 31 yards rushing in the
first half raised questions. Then he
came out in the second half with his
usual elusiveness for a 9-yard
touchdown run that narrowed Cin-
cinnati’s lead to 21-15,
Quizz was the Pac-10’s offensive
player of the year last season as a
freshman. He and big brother James
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 19
No. 16 Oklahoma State 41, Rice 24
Don’t criticize this QB:
Rodgers, a flanker, had scored six
of Oregon State’s seven touchdowns
Gundy defends Robinson
through two games this season, and STILLWATER, OKLA.—Zac Robinson’s after a touchdown with 12:24 left,
accounted for 597 yards in total performance against Rice on Satur- but Dan Bailey hit field goals of 28
offense. day might not quiet the Oklahoma and 42 yards in the final 9:02 for
Against Cincinnati, Quizz had 73 State quarterback’s critics. the Cowboys.
for the game, and admitted after- Coach Mike Gundy is not one of That the Cowboys needed those
ward that his ankle was indeed them. points and defensive stops to feel
“tender.” James Rodgers ran for 67 Robinson rushed for one touch- comfortable at the end of the game
yards and caught 11 passes for 90 down and threw for two others— was a credit to the perseverance of
yards. both to Dez Bryant—as No. 16 Rice, which trailed 28-3 after Rob-
“We’re only going to get better,” Oklahoma State rebounded from a inson’s 1-yard touchdown run with
Gilyard said. “I’m glad we have had home loss to Houston to beat Rice 11:14 left in the third quarter.
these tough games early, so we 41-24. — The Associated Press
could get it rolling.” “He had a couple passes that I
— The Associated Press thought he could have thrown bet- Rice 0 3 14 7 — 24
ter,” Gundy said. “I thought he ran Oklahoma St. 7 14 14 6 — 41
Cincinnati 0 21 0 7 — 28 the ball and played better. He took First Quarter
Oregon St. 6 2 7 3 — 18 OkSt: Bryant 23 pass from Z.Robinson (D.Bailey kick), 10:15.
care of it. Overall, I thought it was Second Quarter
First Quarter the best he had played” this season. OkSt: Booker 51 fumble return (D.Bailey kick), 14:44.
OrSt: FG Kahut 46, 12:13. Rice: FG Fangmeier 34, 5:50.
OrSt: FG Kahut 39, 6:11. Oklahoma State (2-1) didn’t OkSt: Bryant 10 pass from Z.Robinson (D.Bailey kick), 3:30.
Second Quarter exactly get its offense rolling— Third Quarter
Cin: T.Pike 7 run (Rogers kick), 14:27. OkSt: Z.Robinson 1 run (D.Bailey kick), 11:14.
OrSt: Safety, 12:13. which Gundy attributed to a lack of Rice: Ross 2 run (Fangmeier kick), 9:09.
Cin: Pead 1 run (Rogers kick), 6:40. snaps—but the Cowboys did Rice: Ross 1 run (Fangmeier kick), 6:46.
Cin: Woods 45 pass from T.Pike (Rogers kick), :18. OkSt: B.Johnson 2 run (D.Bailey kick), 1:56.
Third Quarter enough to beat Rice (0-3). Fourth Quarter
OrSt: Jac.Rodgers 9 run (Kahut kick), 12:36. Robinson completed 14-of-20 Rice: Ross 3 run (Fangmeier kick), 12:24.
Fourth Quarter OkSt: FG D.Bailey 28, 9:02.
OrSt: FG Kahut 23, 13:22. passes for 227 yards—about nine OkSt: FG D.Bailey 42, 4:30.
Cin: Gilyard 19 pass from T.Pike (Rogers kick), 8:03. yards below last season’s per-game A: 51,803.
A: 41,909.
average—against a defense that Rice OkSt
Cin OrSt entered the game ranked last First downs ...............................................23.............................. 18
First downs ...............................................18....................................21 Rushes-yards ......................................32-76.......................36-124
Rushes-yards ......................................23-76............................36-104 against the pass. And Bryant had Passing ....................................................301............................227
Passing ....................................................332................................. 240 nine catches for 161 yards, includ- Comp-Att-Int ...................................28-51-1.....................14-20-0
Comp-Att-Int ...................................31-49-1..........................29-45-1 Return Yards..............................................29.............................. 80
Return Yards..............................................16....................................36 ing touchdown grabs of 23 and 10 Punts-Avg. .........................................6-45.8........................3-52.7
Punts-Avg. .........................................6-36.3.............................7-40.7 yards. Fumbles-Lost ...........................................2-1.............................2-2
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................0-0..................................2-0 Penalties-Yards ..................................... 8-60...........................6-54
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 6-51................................7-65 Their play helped Oklahoma Time of Possession...............................34:26.........................25:34
Time of Possession...............................24:16.............................. 35:44 State overcome the absence of star
running back Kendall Hunter, who INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING: Rice, Goodson 12-55, Fanuzzi 4-42, Ross 6-7,
RUSHING: Cincinnati, Pead 11-46, Ramsey 5-19, T.Pike 6-15, Team missed the game with a sprained Knox 1-(minus 3), Shepherd 7-(minus 5), Team 2-(minus 20).
1-(minus 4). Oregon St., Jac.Rodgers 20-73, Jam.Rodgers 11-67, Oklahoma St., Toston 18-75, B.Johnson 12-28, Z.Robinson 5-19,
Canfield 5-(minus 36). right ankle. T.Miller 1-2.
PASSING: Cincinnati, T.Pike 31-49-1-332. Oregon St., Canfield Rice opened the season with PASSING: Rice, Fanuzzi 16-28-1-182, Shepherd 12-23-0-119.
29-45-1-240. Oklahoma St., Z.Robinson 14-20-0-227.
RECEIVING: Cincinnati, Gilyard 9-65, Woods 7-117, Binns 6-61, Pead three straight road games, includ- RECEIVING: Rice, Dixon 9-120, Wardlow 5-29, McDonald 4-36,
3-39, Alli 3-38, Ramsey 2-11, Guidugli 1-1. Oregon St., Jam.Rodgers ing two against Big 12 Conference Goodson 3-40, Randolph 2-27, Maginot 2-23, Dupree 1-12,
11-90, Adeniji 5-57, Jac.Rodgers 5-19, Halahuni 4-32, Nichols 2-20, Jammer 1-8, Clark 1-6. Oklahoma St., Bryant 9-161, Cooper 2-36,
Catchings 1-18, Croom 1-4. foes. The Owls were within 35-24 Youman 1-14, B.Johnson 1-8, Toston 1-8.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Oregon 31, No. 18 Utah 24
Ducks end nation’s longest win streak
EUGENE, ORE.—Kyle Whittingham
wishes that Utah’s ride would have
gone on forever. The Ducks were
more than happy to bring it to a
screeching halt.
LaMichael James rushed for a
career-high 152 yards and a touch-
down, and Oregon overcame four
turnovers and an abysmal perfor-
mance by quarterback Jeremiah
Masoli to beat the No. 18 Utes 31-24
and snap the nation’s longest win-
ning streak.
Utah (2-1) had won 16 straight
games, including their stunning
31-17 upset of heavily favored Ala-
bama in the Sugar Bowl last Janu-
ary. Their last loss was on Nov. 24,
2007, in the regular-season finale
against BYU.
“It’s been almost two calendar
years since we’ve been in this situa-
tion,” Whittingham said. “Twenty-
two months or whatever the time
frame is. You know we all wish this
could’ve gone on for infinity, but
that wasn’t the case.”
Masoli ran for two touchdowns,
but had two fumbles and an inter-
ception in the second half that
allowed Utah to rally from a 21-7
deficit to within 28-24 by the end of
the third quarter.
An interception by linebacker
Eddie Pleasant set up a 31-yard field
goal by Morgan Flint with 3:30 left
in the game, giving the Ducks (2-1) a
31-24 lead. The Utes drove to the
Oregon 37 with under two minutes
to play, but John Boyett picked off a
pass from Terrence Cain at the 5 to
preserve the victory.
Cain finished 20 of 41 for 178
Walter Thurmond III, right, returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown that got the Ducks started.
No place like home
Utah’s five longest win streaks have each ended on the road:
STREAK DATES OF STREAK
18 Nov. 1, 2003-Sept. 10, 2005
16 Nov. 29, 1928-Nov. 27, 1930
16 Dec. 20, 2007-Sept. 12, 2009
11 Oct. 15, 1904-Oct. 28, 1905
9 Nov. 8, 1952-Oct. 24, 1953
Source: 2009 Utah football media guide
yards with a touchdown and two
interceptions. He also had 68 yards
on the ground, but didn’t get much
help from an offense that struggled
to move the ball all game. Matt Asi-
ata managed only 54 yards on 15
College Football
TOP 25
GREG WAHL-STEPHENS / AP
LOSS (DATE)
at TCU, 23-20 (Sept. 15, 2005)
at Washington, 7-6 (Sept. 26, 1931)
at Oregon, 31-24 (Saturday)
at Colorado, 46-5 (Nov. 4, 1905)
at Washington, 21-14 (Oct. 31, 1953)
carries.
“Our defense played unbeliev-
able,” Oregon coach Chip Kelly
said.
The offense, however, was a
mixed bag. While Masoli struggled,
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 20
No. 22 Kansas 44, Duke 16
Reesing leads Kansas
James recorded his first 100-yard
game and his first touchdown. The
rout after early Duke jolt
redshirt freshman, making his first LAWRENCE, KAN.—When it comes to Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl
start, led an Oregon ground attack beating Kansas, Duke better stick to in January 2008.
that netted a season-best 217 yards. basketball. “He did a great job of hiding,”
“It’s exciting when you do some- Catching the No. 22 Jayhawks on Lewis said. “I didn’t see him at all.”
thing good for the team,” he said. what Todd Reesing called his best On Duke’s first play, Lewis
Oregon’s Walter Thurmond III day so far this year, the underdog flipped the ball to Austin Kelly on a
returned a punt 78 yards following Blue Devils jumped on their hosts shallow crossing pattern and caught
a three-and-out on Utah’s opening with a long two-play touchdown the defense flowing the wrong way.
drive to put the Ducks ahead 7-0 at drive on their first possession. But After Kelly took it 66 yards to the
raucous Autzen Stadium. It was after that it was all Reesing and Kansas 21, Lewis sprinted into the
Thurmond’s fifth career touch- Kansas as the senior threw for 338 end zone on a quarterback draw on
down and second of the season. yards and three touchdowns in a the next play.
— The Associated Press 44-16 romp on Saturday. — The Associated Press
“I felt a lot sharper in the passing
Duke 7 0 3 6 — 16
game,” Reesing said. “I was able to Kansas 7 13 17 7 — 44
make some plays with my legs in
Utah 7 0 17 0 — 24 First Quarter
Oregon 14 7 7 3 — 31 the running game, some scrambles. Duke: Lewis 21 run (Maggio kick), 9:46.
I’m definitely a lot more pleased.” Kan: Briscoe 14 pass from Reesing (Branstetter kick), 7:10.
First Quarter Second Quarter
Ore: Thurmond 78 punt return (Flint kick), 12:46. Beefy freshman Toben Opurum Kan: Sharp 7 pass from Reesing (kick blocked), 4:59.
Utah: Cain 19 run (Phillips kick), 6:34. rushed for 73 yards and two touch- Kan: Meier 6 pass from Reesing (Branstetter kick), 1:16.
Ore: James 3 run (Flint kick), :57. Third Quarter
Second Quarter downs, filling in for Jake Sharp, Kan: Onyegbule 48 interception return (Branstetter kick), 12:58.
Ore: Masoli 22 run (Flint kick), 4:39. who was injured and limited after Duke: FG Snyderwine 37, 11:21.
Third Quarter Kan: Opurum 4 run (Branstetter kick), 7:30.
Utah: FG Phillips 22, 11:20. rushing for more than 100 yards Kan: FG Branstetter 31, :23.
Ore: Masoli 4 run (Flint kick), 8:34. each of the first two games. Fourth Quarter
Utah: Brooks 22 pass from Cain (Phillips kick), 4:03. Duke: Varner 11 pass from Renfree (pass failed), 9:22.
Utah: Johnson 28 fumble return (Phillips kick), 3:46. The lopsided victory gave Kansas Kan: Opurum 3 run (Branstetter kick), 2:14.
Fourth Quarter A: 50,101.
perhaps a small measure of revenge
Ore: FG Flint 31, 3:30.
A: 58,017. for the 2-6 record that Duke holds Duke Kan
over the Jayhawks’ beloved basket- First downs ...............................................22.............................. 23
Utah Ore Rushes-yards ......................................33-95.......................31-152
First downs ...............................................15....................................15 ball program. It also made the Jay- Passing ....................................................299............................338
Rushes-yards ....................................33-119............................51-217 hawks 3-0 for the third time in five Comp-Att-Int ...................................30-50-2.....................28-41-0
Passing ....................................................178....................................95 Return Yards................................................0.............................. 91
seasons.
Comp-Att-Int ...................................20-42-2............................ 4-16-1 Punts-Avg. .........................................6-42.0........................5-39.8
Return Yards..............................................33................................. 137 The Blue Devils (1-2) came in as Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-0.............................0-0
Punts-Avg. .........................................9-37.8.............................7-33.7 Penalties-Yards ..................................... 4-45...........................5-40
one of 21 teams in the country that
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................2-0..................................3-3 Time of Possession...............................31:16.........................28:44
Penalties-Yards .................................10-100................................6-45 had not thrown an interception. But
Time of Possession...............................33:28.............................. 26:32 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
early in the third quarter, defensive RUSHING: Duke, Hollingsworth 9-38, Kurunwune 8-28, Lewis
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS end Maxwell Onyegbule snared 8-14, Renfree 4-8, Boyette 4-7. Kansas, Opurum 17-70, Reesing
RUSHING: Utah, Cain 16-68, Asiata 15-54, Wide 2-(minus 3). 8-51, Pick 1-18, Sharp 5-13.
Oregon, James 27-152, Masoli 12-47, Barner 9-17, Holland 1-3, Thad Lewis’ pass just beyond the PASSING: Duke, Lewis 16-27-2-184, Renfree 14-23-0-115.
Crenshaw 2-(minus 2). line of scrimmage and rumbled 48 Kansas, Reesing 28-41-0-338.
PASSING: Utah, Cain 20-41-2-178, Team 0-1-0-0. Oregon, Masoli RECEIVING: Duke, Williams 8-75, Kelly 5-98, Varner 3-40, Boyette
4-16-1-95. yards into the end zone. It was Kan- 2-23, Bell 2-15, Trezvant 2-7, Kurunwune 2-1, Hollingsworth 2-0
RECEIVING: Utah, Reed 5-48, Smithson 5-33, Brooks 4-28, Peel sas’ first interception return for a Parker 1-16, Huffman 1-12, B.King 1-6, Watkins 1-6. Kansas,
2-30, Asiata 2-24, Key 2-15. Oregon, Maehl 1-58, Holland 1-27, Meier 8-64, Briscoe 6-117, McDougald 6-37, J.Wilson 4-63,
Dickson 1-7, James 1-3. TD since Aqib Talib victimized Opurum 3-50, Sharp 1-7.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 23 Georgia 52, Arkansas 41
Cox erupts as Bulldogs win shootout
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK.—In his third
game as Matthew Stafford’s succes-
sor, Joe Cox joined him in the Geor-
gia record book.
Cox threw five touchdown
passes, tying a school mark and
leading the No. 23 Bulldogs to a
wild 52-41 victory over Arkansas
on Saturday night. Georgia turned
the ball over three times in the first
half but moved the ball pretty much
at will after that.
Stafford, the No. 1 pick in this
year’s NFL draft, is one of three
other Georgia players to throw five
touchdown passes in a game.
“It’s pretty cool,” Cox said. “It’s
definitely not something I expected
to happen. We didn’t know it was
going to be a shootout like that, but if
a team wants to make it a shootout,
we’ve got to find a way to answer.”
Cox was 18 of 26 for 375 yards with
an interception. It was the second
straight high-scoring win for Geor-
gia, which edged South Carolina
41-37 last weekend.
Ryan Mallett set two school
records for Arkansas, throwing for
408 yards and five touchdowns.
The Razorbacks (1-1, 0-1) led 35-34
in the third quarter, but the Bull-
dogs’ struggling defense held
Arkansas to two short field goals the
rest of the way.
“Especially in games like that,
when we know we’re moving the
ball and we can score points, when
the defense holds them to a field goal
that’s a win for us,” Cox said. “Those
stops are huge.”
The teams fell short of the South-
eastern Conference record of 104
Georgia senior QB Joe Cox had a breakout day, tying a school record with five TD passes.
points in a non-overtime game, set
when South Carolina beat Missis-
sippi State 65-39 in 1995. The lead
changed hands four times in the
third quarter alone.
After Mallett’s 2-yard touchdown
toss to D.J. Williams put Arkansas
up 35-34, Georgia needed only two
plays to take the lead for good when
Cox threw a 44-yard scoring pass to
Orson Charles. After that, the Bull-
dogs (2-1, 2-0) lined up to go for 2. A
penalty pushed the ball back, but
with the Arkansas defense offering
College Football
TOP 25
DANNY JOHNSTON / AP
no resistance, Georgia went for 2
anyway from the 8-yard line.
Cox found A.J. Green open in the
corner of the end zone for a 42-35
lead.
Green put the Bulldogs ahead
49-38 with a 28-yard touchdown
catch with 10:46 left in the game. He
finished with seven catches for 137
yards.
Georgia improved to 25-4 under
coach Mark Richt in SEC oppo-
nents’ stadiums, although the Bull-
dogs looked shaky early, losing two
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 21
No. 24 North Carolina 31, East Carolina 17
Freshmen, power back
fumbles and an interception.
“We’ve got to do a lot of things
help Heels hold off ECU
better,” Richt said. “We really need CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—One freshman Highsmith had a 16-yard catch
to stop turning the ball over and ran with the steady confidence of for UNC’s first score, and made
putting our defense in a bad spot.” being the go-to guy. The other his biggest plays in the fourth
The Bulldogs gained 201 yards in managed a juggling 59-yard quarter after the Pirates had
the second quarter and took the touchdown for his first collegiate closed to within 24-17. First he
lead on a 25-yard pass from Cox to catch. It turns out No. 24 North took a quick out from T.J. Yates
Green one play after Georgia con- Carolina just might have some and sprinted 43 yards for first
verted on fourth down. The Bull- receivers after all. down. Two plays later, Yates
dogs led 27-21 at halftime. Erik Highsmith had six catches rolled to his left and found High-
— The Associated Press for 113 yards and a touchdown smith again for a 10-yard gain and
while Jheranie Boyd hauled in another first down that ultimately
Georgia 10 17 15 10 — 52 that long first-half TD Saturday to led to Houston’s second score.
Arkansas 21 0 17 3 — 41
help North Carolina beat East — The Associated Press
First Quarter Carolina 31-17.
Ark: Adams 18 pass from Mallett (Tejada kick), 12:23.
Geo: A.White 21 pass from Cox (Walsh kick), 9:56. Bruising tailback Ryan Houston East Carolina 7 7 0 3 — 17
Ark: J.Wright 48 pass from Mallett (Tejada kick), 9:37. (6-2, 245 pounds) also ran for a pair North Carolina 7 14 3 7 — 31
Geo: FG Walsh 35, 2:26.
Ark: Childs 30 pass from Mallett (Tejada kick), :13. of touchdowns for UNC, which fin- First Quarter
Second Quarter ished with 433 total yards and put ECU: Bryant 7 pass from Pinkney (Hartman kick), 7:07.
Geo: Samuel 80 run (Walsh kick), 10:56. NC: Highsmith 16 pass from Yates (Barth kick), 4:44.
Geo: Green 25 pass from Cox (Walsh kick), 1:51. the game away with a clock-drain- Second Quarter
Geo: FG Walsh 37, :00. ing drive that ended with Hous- NC: Boyd 59 pass from Yates (Barth kick), 8:09.
Third Quarter ECU: Harris 6 run (Hartman kick), 6:22.
Ark: Childs 40 pass from Mallett (Tejada kick), 9:37. ton’s 5-yard run with 1:58 left. NC: Houston 1 run (Barth kick), 2:57.
Geo: T.King 50 pass from Cox (Walsh kick), 7:51. Not bad for an offense trying to Third Quarter
Ark: D.Williams 2 pass from Mallett (Tejada kick), 5:15. NC: FG Barth 28, 9:21.
Geo: Charles 44 pass from Cox (Green pass from Cox), 4:34. replace three receivers who were Fourth Quarter
Ark: FG Tejada 23, 1:20. NFL draft picks in the spring. ECU: FG Hartman 22, 6:21.
Fourth Quarter NC: Houston 5 run (Barth kick), 1:58.
Geo: Green 28 pass from Cox (Walsh kick), 10:46. “We’re a work in progress,” A: 58,000.
Ark: FG Tejada 23, 7:21. coach Butch Davis said. “Let’s
Geo: FG Walsh 31, 2:10. ECU NC
A: 74,210. don’t make any mistakes about it. First downs ...............................................13.............................. 22
... But our kids believe in each Rushes-yards ......................................30-55.......................37-148
Geo Ark Passing ....................................................192............................285
First downs ...............................................20....................................17 other and the coaches believe in Comp-Att-Int ...................................20-31-0.....................21-26-0
Rushes-yards ....................................36-155..............................24-77 the kids and they just keep trying Return Yards................................................4.............................. 44
Passing ....................................................375................................. 408 Punts-Avg. .........................................6-48.8........................4-31.3
Comp-Att-Int ...................................18-26-1..........................21-39-0 to find a way to fight and give us Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1.............................1-1
Return Yards................................................0......................................9 the best chance to play as well as Penalties-Yards ..................................... 7-42...........................6-56
Punts-Avg. .........................................4-55.3.............................7-37.3 Time of Possession...............................30:46.........................29:14
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................2-2..................................2-1 we can each Saturday.”
Penalties-Yards ...................................14-93............................11-100 North Carolina hasn’t been 3-0 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Time of Possession...............................31:52.............................. 28:08 RUSHING: East Carolina, Jackson 12-35, Harris 4-15, J.Williams
since Mack Brown’s last team 4-7, G.Ruffin 4-6, Pinkney 5-(minus 1), Freeney 1-(minus 7).
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS started 8-0 in 1997. North Carolina, Draughn 19-84, Houston 12-41, Boyd 2-16, Yates
RUSHING: Georgia, Samuel 16-104, C.King 11-59, Smith 1-4, 2-5, Blue 2-2.
Thomas 1-2, Wooten 1-0, Team 2-(minus 3), Cox 4-(minus 11). ECU knocked off Virginia Tech PASSING: East Carolina, Pinkney 19-30-0-157, Harris 1-1-0-35.
Arkansas, M.Smith 8-59, Johnson 6-16, Mallett 6-4, Wingo 1-(minus and West Virginia last season on North Carolina, Yates 19-24-0-227, Blue 1-1-0-24, Draughn 1-1-
1), Green 3-(minus 1). 0-34.
PASSING: Georgia, Cox 18-26-1-375. Arkansas, Mallett 21-39-0-408. the way to the Conference USA RECEIVING: East Carolina, Taylor 5-46, Womack 4-66, Harris
RECEIVING: Georgia, Green 7-137, Moore 6-91, T.King 2-64, Charles championship, but the Heels held 4-45, Bryant 4-27, J.Williams 2-3, Jackson 1-5. North Carolina,
2-62, A.White 1-21. Arkansas, Childs 5-140, J.Wright 4-108, D.Williams Highsmith 6-113, Little 5-59, Draughn 4-16, Elzy 3-11, Boyd 1-59,
4-58, Adams 3-55, M.Smith 3-33, Hamilton 1-9, Johnson 1-5. the Pirates (1-2) to 247 total yards. Adams 1-23, J.White 1-4.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
No. 25 Michigan 45, Eastern Michigan 17
‘It was a good thing we could run’ Irish get late break, but Floyd injured
ANN ARBOR, MICH.—Michigan got a
very freshman-like performance
from quarterback Tate Forcier.
The 25th-ranked Wolverines’
running game more than made up
for a bad day passing by Forcier and
fellow freshman Denard Robinson.
Carlos Brown ran for a career-
high 187 yards and two scores,
including a 90-yarder, and Michi-
gan ran for 380 yards in a 45-17 win
Saturday over Eastern Michigan.
“We weren’t particularly sharp
throwing the ball, so it was a good
thing we could run,” coach Rich
Rodriguez said.
The Wolverines had their highest
rushing total since getting 392
against Houston in 2003.
“I’m giving all the credit to the
offensive line,” Brown said.
Forcier had a lackluster day after
two spectacular games for Michi-
gan (3-0), which matched its win
total from last season, a dismal 3-9
slog in Rodriguez’s first season as
coach.
The true freshman was 7 of 13 for
68 yards, had 5 yards rushing and
left the game briefly in the second
half with bruised ribs. Robinson
scored on a pair of TD runs, but also
threw two interceptions on just four
attempts—the only passes he had
caught all day.
“We had the intention of throw-
ing a little bit more,” Rodriguez
said. “But why would you when you
don’t have to?”
Michigan won, but may have lost
a starting offensive lineman for the
second straight week and a key
running back.
TOP 25
RB Carlos Brown (23) helped the Wolverines to their biggest rushing day in six years.
Off and running
187: Michigan running
back Carlos Brown
rushed for 187 yards Saturday—65
yards more than he gained all of
last year, when he had to miss
several games because of injury.
Center David Molk injured a foot
seriously enough for Rodriguez to
be concerned and Brandon Minor
aggravated an ankle injury. Right
guard David Moosman didn’t face
Eastern Michigan because of a dis-
located shoulder.
Michigan hosts Indiana next
before going on the road for the first
time at Michigan State and at Iowa.
Eastern Michigan quarterback
Andy Schmitt hurt his right knee
in the fourth quarter after he was 13
of 22 for 97 yards and scored on a
run. He will have an MRI today.
— The Associated Press
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 22
BIG TEN
Notre Dame 33, Michigan State 30
Michigan St. 3 14 6 7 — 30
Notre Dame 13 3 10 7 — 33
First Quarter
ND: Allen 13 run (Tausch kick), 12:21.
MSU: FG Swenson 43, 7:11.
ND: Floyd 22 pass from Clausen (kick failed), 4:59.
Second Quarter
MSU: B.White 30 pass from K.Martin (Swenson kick), 9:30.
ND: FG Tausch 22, 3:14.
MSU: Caper 1 run (Swenson kick), 1:01.
Third Quarter
ND: Parris 5 pass from Allen (Tausch kick), 11:49.
ND: FG Tausch 46, 5:34.
MSU: Caper 7 run (kick blocked), 1:24.
Fourth Quarter
MSU: B.White 17 pass from Cousins (Swenson kick), 9:33.
ND: Tate 33 pass from Clausen (Tausch kick), 5:18.
A: 80,795.
MSU ND
First downs ...............................................27.............................. 25
Rushes-yards ....................................25-105.......................37-133
CARLOS OSORIO / AP Passing ....................................................354............................304
Comp-Att-Int ...................................26-40-1.....................24-34-1
Return Yards................................................0.............................. 43
Punts-Avg. .........................................3-45.0........................3-41.3
E. Michigan 3 14 0 0 — 17 Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1.............................1-0
Michigan 10 14 14 7 — 45 Penalties-Yards ..................................... 6-40.........................11-99
First Quarter MICHAEL CONROY / AP
Time of Possession...............................25:30.........................34:30
Mich: FG Olesnavage 37, 10:46.
EMU: FG Carithers 43, 5:32.
Mich: C.Brown 9 run (Olesnavage kick), 2:30.
Second Quarter
WR Golden Tate, right, snags the winning touchdown catch for Notre Dame. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Michigan St., Caper 12-51, C.Ray 3-23, Ke.Nichol 2-14,
Winston 6-14, Cousins 2-3. Notre Dame, Allen 23-115, J.Gray 4-24,
EMU: Schmitt 11 run (Carithers kick), 11:16. Tate 1-(minus 1), Clausen 7-(minus 1), Team 2-(minus 4).
SOUTH BEND, IND.—Kyle McCarthy second chance and paid for it. PASSING: Michigan St., Cousins 23-35-1-302, Ke.Nichol 2-4-0-22,
Mich: Shaw 5 run (Olesnavage kick), 9:20.
Mich: C.Brown 90 run (Olesnavage kick), 7:15. saved Notre Dame from another Michigan State’s Larry Caper K.Martin 1-1-0-30. Notre Dame, Clausen 22-31-0-300, Crist 1-2-1-
EMU: Priest 5 run (Carithers kick), 2:05. (minus 1), Allen 1-1-0-5.
last-minute loss, one play after slipped through the Irish defense RECEIVING: Michigan St., Cunningham 7-74, Dell 6-121, B.White
Third Quarter
Mich: Odoms 13 run (Olesnavage kick), 4:47. Michigan State cut the Fighting and was all alone in the back of the 6-75, Linthicum 3-34, Gantt 2-31, C.Ray 1-14, Sims 1-5. Notre
Mich: D.Robinson 13 run (Olesnavage kick), 3:06. Dame, Tate 7-127, Rudolph 6-95, Kamara 3-23, Parris 3-16, Floyd
Irish a break. end zone. Caper got his hands on 2-38, Allen 2-6, Hughes 1-(minus 1).
Fourth Quarter
Mich: D.Robinson 36 run (Olesnavage kick), 7:14. McCarthy’s interception at the it, but it was high and he couldn’t
A: 107,903. 4-yard line with 57 seconds sealed pull it down. Central Michigan that gave the
EMU Mich Notre Dame’s 33-30 win after The play was reminiscent of Chippewas a second chance at the
First downs ...............................................17....................................17 Jimmy Clausen threw for 300 Tate Forcier’s game-winning TD winning field goal.
Rushes-yards ....................................48-179............................39-380
Passing ....................................................106....................................68 yards, including the game-win- pass with 11 seconds left the week The Irish beat the Spartans in
Comp-Att-Int ...................................15-26-1............................ 7-17-2
Return Yards..............................................29..................................(-2) ning score on a 33-yard touchdown before at Michigan. Notre Dame Stadium for the first
Punts-Avg. .........................................7-42.4.............................4-45.5 to Golden Tate with 5:18 left. “After last week, how bad every- time since 1993, but lost star wide
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1..................................1-0
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 4-30................................2-20 “I think this is a huge step for body felt in a very similar situation receiver Michael Floyd to what
Time of Possession...............................40:02.............................. 19:58 our guys. Not necessarily for the in the ending of the game, to make may be a broken collarbone.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS program, but for the guys in the a play to change the outcome in Floyd was hurt in the first half
RUSHING: E. Michigan, Priest 27-91, Gillett 6-36, Schmitt 5-26, locker room,” said McCarthy, who favor of us, I’m really, really happy and Weis said the training staff
Blevins 5-22, White 1-5, Sherrer 2-3, Team 1-(minus 1), Welch
1-(minus 3). Michigan, C.Brown 13-187, D.Robinson 3-60, Shaw has an interception in each game for those kids in there,” said coach told him “clavicle” and he assumes
9-53, Cox 2-31, Minor 3-21, Odoms 1-13, V.Smith 2-10, Forcier 6-5. this season. “We deserve this Charlie Weis. they meant that it’s broken. Floyd
PASSING: E. Michigan, Schmitt 13-22-1-97, Gillett 2-4-0-9. Michi-
gan, Forcier 7-13-0-68, D.Robinson 0-4-2-0. win.” Instead, the unforced error finished with two catches for 38
RECEIVING: E. Michigan, Sanders 4-32, Thayer 4-31, Gage 2-14, It was the second straight week evoked memories of Michigan yards.
Bonner 2-4, Priest 1-9, Welch 1-9, Sherrer 1-7. Michigan, Odoms
2-33, Kel.Grady 2-14, Stonum 1-10, Hemingway 1-7, Webb 1-4. the Spartans gave an opponent a State’s offside penalty against — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 23
Northern Illinois 28, Purdue 21

TEAM
BIG TEN CONF. OVERALL NEXT
RISING
Ohio State defense
Don’t underestimate
shutting out Toledo,
Huskies join MAC’s Big Ten upset party
which has a strong
Indiana 0-0 3-0 at No. 25 Michigan, Saturday, noon offense and talented WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.—Northern Illinois
Iowa 0-0 3-0 at No. 5 Penn State, Saturday, 8 p.m. QB in Aaron Opelt. doesn’t have to say “almost” anymore.
Michigan 0-0 3-0 Indiana, Saturday, noon The Huskies had competed but fallen just
Penn State 0-0 3-0 Iowa, Saturday, 8 p.m. short against BCS teams Tennessee, Minne-
Wisconsin 0-0 3-0 Michigan State, Saturday, noon
FALLING
Indiana’s record sota and Wisconsin the last two seasons, and
Minnesota 0-0 2-1 at Northwestern, Saturday, noon
Run through JV NIU had grown tired of settling for moral
Northwestern 0-0 2-1 Minnesota, Saturday, noon
schedule is over, victories against bigger programs. The Mid-
Ohio State 0-0 2-1 Illinois, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Hoosiers. Welcome
Illinois 0-0 1-1 at No. 11 Ohio State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
American Conference school finally broke
back to reality next
Michigan State 0-0 1-2 at Wisconsin, Saturday, noon week vs. Michigan.
through Saturday, holding off a rally to beat
Purdue 0-0 1-2 Notre Dame, Saturday, 8 p.m. Purdue for its first victory over a Big Ten
school since 1988 and its first win against a
BCS program since 2003.
N. Illinois 0 21 7 0 — 28 Wofford 0 0 7 7 — 14 Arizona 7 3 0 7 — 17
Purdue 7 0 7 7 — 21 Wisconsin 3 28 6 7 — 44 Iowa 7 7 3 10 — 27 The Huskies entered the game 1-32-1 all time
against the Big Ten, but afterward they talked
First Quarter First Quarter First Quarter
Pur: Valentin 62 punt return (Wiggs kick), 5:19. Wis: FG Welch 36, 4:23. Iowa: Robinson 2 run (Murray kick), 10:49. like a team that expected to win all along.
Second Quarter Second Quarter Ari: Wade 38 interception return (Zendejas kick), “We came back against Wisconsin (in a
NIU: Spann 1 run (M.Salerno kick), 13:33. Wis: Kendricks 3 pass from Tolzien (Welch kick), 6:57.
NIU: M.Brown 67 run (M.Salerno kick), 8:21. 14:55. Second Quarter 28-20 loss), and we felt like we could beat
NIU: Cunningham 10 pass from Harnish (M.Salerno Wis: Gilbert 0 blocked punt return (Welch kick), Ari: FG Zendejas 20, 9:55. anybody at that time,” NIU quarterback
kick), :34. 12:50. Iowa: Robinson 1 run (Murray kick), 6:28.
Third Quarter Wis: E.Smith 4 run (Welch kick), 10:14. Third Quarter Chandler Harnish said. “We improved from
NIU: Spann 11 run (M.Salerno kick), 2:43. Wis: Graham 7 pass from Tolzien (Welch kick), Iowa: FG Murray 20, 1:47. Week 1 to Week 2 against Western Illinois.
Pur: Elliott 58 run (Wiggs kick), 2:24. 1:32. Fourth Quarter
Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Iowa: FG Murray 40, 14:52. The way we were playing, we felt we could
Pur: Elliott 6 run (Wiggs kick), 5:42. Wof: Palmer 7 run (C.Reed kick), 5:29. Iowa: Wegher 2 run (Murray kick), 4:40. play against anybody.”
A: 53,240. Wis: Brown 2 run (kick failed), 1:45. Ari: Criner 10 pass from Foles (Zendejas kick), 1:53.
Fourth Quarter A: 70,585. The victory came a week after fellow MAC
NIU Pur Wis: Brown 2 run (Welch kick), 9:37. member Central Michigan beat Michigan
First downs ...................................23..................14 Wof: Palmer 1 run (C.Reed kick), 2:24. Ari Iowa
Rushes-yards ........................ 57-280..........23-147 A: 78,253. First downs ..................................... 8..................19 State of the Big Ten.
Passing ........................................174................188 Rushes-yards ........................ 25-148..........42-133 The Huskies held Ralph Bolden, the
Comp-Att-Int .......................15-26-1.........20-33-0 Wof Wis Passing ........................................105................205
Return Yards.................................... 4..................82 First downs ...................................16..................21 Comp-Att-Int .......................10-26-1.........20-32-1 nation’s leading rusher after two games, to 64
Punts-Avg. ............................. 7-40.0...........6-47.5 Rushes-yards ........................ 55-214..........42-258 Return Yards..................................42..................65 yards.
Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-1.................3-3 Passing ..........................................45................172 Punts-Avg. ............................. 6-38.2...........5-51.0
Penalties-Yards ..........................6-51.............. 3-20 Comp-Att-Int ...........................3-7-1.........16-21-0 Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-0.................0-0
Time of Possession...................41:40.............18:20 Return Yards..................................11..................32
Punts-Avg. ............................. 4-29.0...........2-45.0
Penalties-Yards ..........................4-41.............. 5-35
Time of Possession...................22:04.............37:56 Iowa 27, Arizona 17 CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Fumbles-Lost ...............................4-3.................6-3
RUSHING: N. Illinois, M.Brown 26-150, Spann Penalties-Yards ..........................3-20.............. 6-63 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS IOWA CITY, IOWA—The motto for Iowa’s defense Iowa’s Brandon Wegher, right, goes head over heels for a two-yard touchdown run against Arizona.
18-80, Harnish 11-35, J.Anderson 1-11, Palmer Time of Possession...................31:04.............28:56 RUSHING: Arizona, Grigsby 11-75, Scott 7-39,
1-4. Purdue, Elliott 6-68, Bolden 12-64, J.Taylor 2-9, Antolin 1-34, Dean 2-8, Diaz 0-1, Crier 1-0, Team this season is “Six Seconds of Hell.” It must
Valentin 1-7, R.Adams 1-0, Crank 1-(minus 1). INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS 2-(minus 1), Foles 1-(minus 8). Iowa, Robinson have felt like 60 minutes to Arizona. Ten opponent. The defeat was especially bit- “I announced it at halftime, if anybody has
PASSING: N. Illinois, Harnish 15-26-1-174. Purdue, RUSHING: Wofford, Rucker 7-46, Allen 16-44, 18-101, Wegher 17-46, Chaney 3-16, Stanzi
Elliott 20-31-0-188, Team 0-2-0-0. Palmer 9-43, A.Parks 11-43, Davitte 3-19, Dun- 4-(minus 30). Freshman running back Adam Robinson ter for Stoops, who played for the Hawkeyes football exchange issues in the second half,
RECEIVING: N. Illinois, Lewis 4-49, Skarb 2-46, mire 3-8, Scott 2-7, Nocek 1-3, Youman 1-2, Lees PASSING: Arizona, Scott 4-14-1-50, Foles 6-11-0- rushed for a career-high 101 yards and two in the early ’80s. we’ll go out there and we’ll suspend the Fifth
M.Brown 2-22, Cox 2-17, Palmer 2-17, Cunningham 2-(minus 1). Wisconsin, Phillips 4-92, Clay 12-70, 55, Douglas 0-1-0-0. Iowa, Stanzi 20-32-1-205.
1-10, Ashford 1-7, Moore 1-6. Purdue, K.Adams Brown 12-63, E.Smith 10-54, Team 1-(minus 1), RECEIVING: Arizona, Grigsby 3-14, Roberts 2-44, touchdowns, and Iowa held Arizona to just “We knew defensively they’re as good as Quarter (band performance) and work on
5-42, Valentin 5-39, K.Smith 5-37, Bolden 4-62, Tolzien 1-(minus 7), Gilreath 2-(minus 13). Douglas 2-18, T.Turner 1-16, Criner 1-10, Wright eight first downs and 253 yards of offense, anybody we’ve played,” Stoops said. making sure we have ball security,” Bielema
Carlos 1-8. PASSING: Wofford, Allen 2-6-1-32, Davitte 1-1- 1-3. Iowa, Sandeman 5-47, Stross 4-37, Reisner
0-13. Wisconsin, Tolzien 15-20-0-159, Phillips 3-40, Chaney 3-22, McNutt 2-50, Wegher 2-7, spoiling coach Mike Stoops’ return to Kinn- said. “But because of NCAA rules, I can’t. So,
1-1-0-13.
RECEIVING: Wofford, D.Reed 1-26, Joslin 1-13,
Robinson 1-2. ick Stadium. Wisconsin 44, Wofford 14 we’ll get it tomorrow, I guarantee it.”
Inman 1-6. Wisconsin, Kendricks 6-70, Toon 6-70, “We said last week during practice, just go Wisconsin’s heralded running backs—
Graham 2-11, M.Moore 1-15, Turner 1-6. hard for six seconds every play, because that’s MADISON, WIS.—Wisconsin’s fumbles infuri- John Clay and Zach Brown—fumbled three
usually how much a play takes,” Iowa defen- ated coach Bret Bielema so much that he times in the first quarter alone before Scott
sive end Broderick Binns said. “That’s what threatened to put his players back on the field Tolzien got the Badgers’ offense off the
we did.” after the Badgers’ victory over Wofford for an ground.
Arizona lost its seventh straight to a Big impromptu practice. — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Clemson 25, Boston College 7
Tigers’ kicker finds his mojo
CLEMSON, S.C.—Clemson has
already showcased its offensive
speed and defensive power. Now,
the Tigers have unveiled a big-time
finisher in kicker Richard
Jackson.
Jackson had a school-record
tying six field goals as Clemson’s
defense held Boston College to 55
yards in a 25-7 victory Saturday.
“Stella found her groove; Rich-
ard Jackson’s found his groove,”
coach Dabo Swinney said.
Jackson connected on all his
kicks on day when Clemson’s
offense struggled to find the end
zone through two second-half rain
delays.
He hit field goals of 23, 33, 32, 52,
42 and 35 yards. He’s gone 8 of 8
the past two games and has nailed
one of at least 50 yards in each.
“It’s just confidence,” Jackson
said.
It was a long time coming.
Jackson signed with Clemson
(2-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference)
as a YouTube sensation, his
64-yard field goal as a senior at
Riverside High establishing a
South Carolina prep record.
But he struggled, causing his
coaches to lose faith.
“I had bought him a bus ticket
out of here,” Swinney said. “He
wasn’t doing things right.”
Jackson, his rhythm and self-
worth crumbling, thought about
finding a new school. Instead, he
decided he would work hard and
win his place on the team.
“It’s an honor to do what I’m
doing,” he said.
ACC
MARY ANN CHASTAIN / AP
Clemson’s C.J. Spiller finished with 219
yards, including a 77-yard TD punt return.
C.J. Spiller, meanwhile, did what
he typically does, finishing with
219 all-purpose yards, including a
77-yard punt return for a touch-
down—his first.
It was the fifth way Spiller has
accounted for a score with the
Tigers after collecting touchdowns
via rush, catch, kickoff return and,
last year against Virginia, throw-
ing on a halfback pass. Spiller has
15 touchdowns of 50 or more yards
in his career.
A foot injury kept him out after
the second of two rain delays that
stretched the game to nearly five
hours. But Spiller insisted he’d play
College Football
in next week’s game against 15th-
ranked TCU at Death Valley.
After crisp wins against North-
eastern (54-0) and Kent State (34-
7) its first two weeks, Boston
College (2-1, 0-1) could get little
through Clemson’s defense.
“They manhandled us, and I
would like to think we are better
than that,” said first-year Eagles
coach Frank Spaziani.
The Tigers’ defense held the
Eagles to just one first down—and
that came by penalty—in the first
43 minutes.
— The Associated Press
Boston College 0 0 0 7 — 7
Clemson 7 9 3 6 — 25
First Quarter
Clem: Spiller 77 punt return (Jackson kick), 11:33.
Second Quarter
Clem: FG Jackson 23, 10:48.
Clem: FG Jackson 33, 7:46.
Clem: FG Jackson 32, 1:57.
Third Quarter
Clem: FG Jackson 52, 9:16.
Fourth Quarter
BC: Jarvis 13 pass from Tuggle (Aponavicius kick), 13:56.
Clem: FG Jackson 42, 10:56.
Clem: FG Jackson 35, 2:01.
A: 77,000.
BC Clem
First downs .................................................4..................................15
Rushes-yards ......................................28-29..........................50-151
Passing ......................................................25................................102
Comp-Att-Int .....................................5-21-3.........................14-28-2
Return Yards..............................................27................................149
Punts-Avg. .......................................10-39.1........................... 5-44.8
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................2-1.................................2-1
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 3-22.............................. 5-46
Time of Possession...............................25:49.............................34:11
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Boston College, Tuggle 5-21, Harris 12-13, Haden 7-7,
Smith 1-1, Team 1-(minus 1), Shinskie 2-(minus 12). Clemson,
Spiller 17-77, Ellington 9-45, J.Ford 2-17, Harper 13-17, Parker 4-9,
Jones 1-(minus 2), Korn 2-(minus 6), Team 2-(minus 6).
PASSING: Boston College, Tuggle 4-20-3-23, Shinskie 1-1-0-2.
Clemson, Parker 13-27-2-103, Korn 1-1-0-(minus 1).
RECEIVING: Boston College, Anderson 2-10, Jarvis 1-13, Pantale
1-9, Harris 1-(minus 7). Clemson, J.Ford 6-36, Palmer 3-21, Jones
1-26, Ellington 1-8, Ashe 1-6, Harper 1-3, Spiller 1-2.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Middle Tennessee 32, Maryland 31
Raiders rally, upset Terps with field goal
COLLEGE PARK, MD.—Middle Tennessee’s
spread offense piled up yardage and its no-
huddle attack tired out Maryland’s defense.
Nothing the Blue Raiders did, however,
hurt as much as the mistakes the Terrapins
inflicted upon themselves.
Alan Gendreau made a 19-yard field goal as
time expired and Middle Tennessee rallied for
a 32-31 victory over turnover-prone Maryland
on Saturday.
“I would think this is the biggest win ever
for our program on the road,” said Blue Raid-
ers coach Rick Stockstill, whose team amassed
438 offensive yards. “To come into an ACC
stadium like this and beat a very, very good
Maryland team is a tremendous
accomplishment.”
Dwight Dasher completed 27-of-44 passes
for 324 yards and two touchdowns and ran for
a score for Middle Tennessee (2-1). Dasher was
4 of 4 for 69 yards on the decisive drive, an
eight-play, 73-yard march that began with
1:30 left after Maryland’s Nick Ferrara went
wide right on a 42-yard field goal attempt.
“I was (saying) everybody needs to pick up
their blocks and everybody needs to make
plays and we got to get down there and win
this game,” said Dasher. “I told the line to give
me some time so I could make some plays and
they did that.”
Da’Rel Scott rushed for 117 yards and a TD
for the Terps, but fumbled twice. Maryland
QB Chris Turner was 19-for-30 for 288 yards.
Overall, Maryland committed four turnovers
leading to 17 Blue Raiders points and offset-
ting 446 offensive yards.
N.C. State 45, Gardner-Webb 14
RALEIGH, N.C.—Russell Wilson had four
touchdown passes for the second straight
week, threw for a career-high 345 yards and
set an NCAA passing record in North Caro-
lina State’s rout of Gardner-Webb.
Toney Baker had two early scoring runs
before Wilson threw touchdown passes
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 25
ACC RISING
N.C. State’s D
Granted, opponents
last two weeks
TEAM CONF. OVERALL NEXT have been I-AA.
Still, the Wolfpack
ATLANTIC have allowed just 24
Clemson 1-1 2-1 No. 15 TCU, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. points total in three
games this season.
North Carolina State 0-0 2-1 Pittsburgh, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Wake Forest 0-0 2-1 at Boston College, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Maryland 0-0 1-2 Rutgers, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Boston College 0-1 2-1 Wake Forest, Saturday, 2 p.m.
FALLING
Florida State 0-1 2-1 South Florida, Saturday, noon Cavs’ chance for W
Circle Oct. 10, maybe
COASTAL Virginia’s only shot
Miami 2-0 2-0 at No. 13 Virginia Tech, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. at a win this season
Georgia Tech 1-1 2-1 No. 24 North Carolina, Saturday, noon with Indiana coming
North Carolina 0-0 3-0 at No. 14 Georgia Tech, Saturday, noon to town. Virginia has
Virginia Tech 0-0 2-1 No. 20 Miami, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. lost to I-AA, MWC
Duke 0-0 1-2 N.C. Central, Saturday, 7 p.m. and C-USA so far.
Virginia 0-0 0-3 at No. 24 North Carolina, Oct. 3, TBA
Middle Tennessee 0 13 10 9 — 32 Elon 0 0 0 7 — 7 Gardner-Webb 0 0 7 7 — 14
Maryland 7 7 7 10 — 31 Wake Forest 14 7 14 0 — 35 N.C. State 21 10 7 7 — 45
First Quarter First Quarter First Quarter
Md: Scott 48 run (Ferrara kick), 6:46. Wake: J.Williams 5 pass from Skinner (Newman NCSt: Baker 11 run (Czajkowski kick), 10:39.
Second Quarter kick), 10:09. NCSt: Baker 2 run (Czajkowski kick), 5:11.
MTSU: Dasher 3 run (kick blocked), 14:39. Wake: Rinfrette 1 run (Newman kick), :49. NCSt: Graham 24 pass from R.Wilson (Czajkowski
MTSU: McDonald 7 pass from Dasher (Gendreau Second Quarter kick), :49.
kick), 13:06. Wake: Givens 54 pass from Skinner (Newman kick), Second Quarter
Md: Meggett 1 run (Ferrara kick), 1:19. 3:20. NCSt: FG Czajkowski 41, 10:23.
Third Quarter
Third Quarter NCSt: Bryan 17 pass from R.Wilson (Czajkowski
Md: Smith 37 pass from Turner (Ferrara kick),
NICK WASS / AP 12:22. Wake: Adams 1 run (Newman kick), 12:19. kick), :52.
MTSU: Gee 6 run (Gendreau kick), 6:25. Wake: Ma.Williams 80 pass from Skinner (Newman Third Quarter
Blue Raiders K Alan Gendreau, getting a hug from teammate Evon Lettsome, made the decisive kick as time expired. kick), 4:14. NCSt: Bryan 12 pass from R.Wilson (Czajkowski
MTSU: FG Gendreau 27, :48.
Fourth Quarter Fourth Quarter kick), 10:17.
Md: Smith 64 pass from Turner (Ferrara kick), Elon: Hudgins 13 pass from Riddle (Shreiner kick), GWb: Sanders 18 run (Gates kick), 6:30.
covering 17 and 12 yards to George Bryan, 24 downs, and Wake Forest tuned up for its con- 13:01. 7:58. Fourth Quarter
yards to T.J. Graham and 16 yards to Jarvis ference schedule by beating Elon. MTSU: Andrews 32 pass from Dasher (pass failed), A: 31,454. NCSt: Ja.Williams 16 pass from R.Wilson
9:04. (Czajkowski kick), 14:56.
Williams for the Wolfpack (2-1). Not that they needed it, but even the officials Md: FG Ferrara 42, 6:14. Elon Wake GWb: Doolittle 1 run (Gates kick), 2:42.
For most of the game, the only question was helped the Demon Deacons (2-1) in the first MTSU: FG Gendreau 19, :00. First downs ...................................15..................19 A: 53,452.
A: 43,167. Rushes-yards .......................... 27-68..........45-132 GWb NCSt
whether Wilson would play long enough to meeting in 70 years between the neighboring Passing ........................................195................294 First downs ...................................13..................29
break the NCAA record of 325 consecutive schools. MTSU Md Comp-Att-Int .......................24-43-0.........15-24-1 Rushes-yards ........................ 36-101..........31-112
First downs ...................................22..................18 Return Yards..................................35....................0 Passing ........................................112................365
passes without an interception, a mark set by Skinner’s 54-yard touchdown pass to Chris Rushes-yards .......................... 36-87..........39-158
Punts-Avg. ............................. 9-33.0...........5-36.4 Comp-Att-Int .......................14-22-0.........29-40-0
Passing ........................................351................288
Kentucky’s Andre Woodson from 2006-07. Givens late in the second quarter came after Comp-Att-Int .......................28-46-2.........19-30-1 Fumbles-Lost ...............................0-0.................1-0 Return Yards.................................... 0..................47
Return Yards..................................15..................46 Penalties-Yards ..........................4-35.............. 2-10 Punts-Avg. ............................. 9-40.9...........2-38.0
He entered 32 attempts behind Woodson but back judge Tommy Pace inadvertently tripped Time of Possession...................29:04.............30:56 Fumbles-Lost ...............................2-0.................2-1
Punts-Avg. ............................. 8-35.1...........5-40.6
surpassed him late in the third quarter with a Elon cornerback Karlos Sullivan near the goal Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-1.................4-3 Penalties-Yards ..................... 11-106.............. 6-65
Penalties-Yards ..........................5-40.............. 4-25 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Time of Possession...................30:16.............29:44
13-yard dump-off over the middle to running line. Time of Possession...................28:49.............31:11 RUSHING: Elon, Shuman 19-54, A.Harris 5-20, INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
back James Washington. The blooper made it 21-0, and Skinner was Riddle 3-(minus 6). Wake Forest, Adams 11-25, RUSHING: Gardner-Webb, Peoples 9-36, Sanders
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS K.Harris 5-23, W.Dixon 7-21, Bohanon 4-13, Pend- 1-18, Hall 12-18, Montgomery 2-12, Doolittle 9-9,
Six plays later, Wilson threw his fourth through for the night after throwing an RUSHING: Middle Tennessee, Kyles 10-34, Dasher ergrass 6-13, Rinfrette 3-11, Skinner 2-10, Brown B.Jackson 3-8. N.C. State, Baker 10-71, Barnes 6-27,
touchdown pass—the strike to Williams that 80-yard touchdown to Marshall Williams 20-26, Gee 4-23, Beyah 1-4, Branton 1-0. Mary- 3-10, Givens 1-5, A.Williams 1-3, Team 2-(minus 2). Washington 6-25, R.Wilson 7-15, Glennon 1-(minus
land, Scott 13-117, Meggett 18-51, Smith 1-13, PASSING: Elon, Riddle 24-43-0-195. Wake Forest, 5), Team 1-(minus 21).
capped his night and extended the pick-free late in the third quarter. Jackson 1-5, Robinson 1-3, D.Campbell 1-(minus Skinner 14-20-1-289, McManus 1-4-0-5. PASSING: Gardner-Webb, Doolittle 14-22-0-112.
2), Turner 4-(minus 29).
streak to 329. Never threatened against the Phoenix PASSING: Middle Tennessee, Dasher 27-44-2-
RECEIVING: Elon, Hudgins 13-113, Labinowicz N.C. State, R.Wilson 26-36-0-345, Glennon 3-4-0-
4-15, A.Harris 3-47, Jeffcoat 2-12, Shuman 1-5, 20.
(2-1)—a Division I-AA program—the Demon 324, Gee 1-1-0-27, Team 0-1-0-0. Maryland,
Goldsberry 1-3. Wake Forest, Givens 3-68, J.Williams RECEIVING: Gardner-Webb, Perry 4-28, Miller
Turner 19-30-1-288.
Wake Forest 35, Elon 7 Deacons won their second straight. Wake For- RECEIVING: Middle Tennessee, McClover 7-110, 3-15, Ma.Williams 2-93, Ford 2-57, Brown 2-14,
Adams 1-28, Bohanon 1-14, W.Dixon 1-5.
3-28, Patmon 2-34, Melton 2-14, Sanders 1-8,
Lyndo.Leslie 1-5, Montgomery 1-(minus 5). N.C.
est plays at Boston College in its ACC opener Honeycutt 5-57, Andrews 4-83, Beyah 2-32, Jef-
ferson 2-21, McDonald 2-16, Gee 2-11, Kyles 2-8, State, Bryan 6-89, Graham 5-52, Davis 4-71, Baker
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Riley Skinner threw for next week. Caldwell 1-7, Delle Donne 1-6. Maryland, Meggett 3-36, Ja.Williams 2-49, T.Gentry 2-19, Bowens
6-63, Smith 5-165, Boykins 2-27, T.Galt 2-18, Tyler 2-17, Washington 2-16, Howard 1-7, Watson 1-6,
a career-high 289 yards and three touch- — The Associated Press 2-17, D.Campbell 1-5, Scott 1-(minus 7). Ritcher 1-3.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Auburn 41, West Virginia 30
Tigers survive early onslaught with strong finish Bulldogs outslug Vandy
AUBURN, ALA.—In a wild, rain-
delayed game in which Auburn
and West Virginia combined for
more than 900 yards, a defensive
player made the biggest play.
Craig Stevens intercepted a screen
pass by West Virginia and returned
it 16 yards for a touchdown with 3:41
left in the fourth quarter, and
Auburn defeated the Mountaineers
41-30 Saturday night.
“We had a feeling they were going
to run the screen sometime during
that series, so I ended up going on a
blitz that play,” Stevens said. “He
lobbed it just enough for me to tip it
and I got it in my hands. Once I got in
my hands I had to get in the end
zone.”
Chris Todd threw four touchdown
passes as Auburn (3-0) came back
from an early 14-0 deficit to take the
lead for good with 12:07 to play on
Todd’s 17-yard pass to Darvin
Adams. It was Todd’s third touch-
down pass to Adams, and it was set
up by defensive tackle Jake Ricks’
interception at the West Virginia 19.
Todd completed an 82-yard scor-
ing pass to Mario Fannin to tie the
game 27-27 midway through the
third quarter. West Virginia took a
30-27 lead late in the third quarter
on a 28-yard field goal by Tyler
Bitancurt.
Todd’s four TD passes were the
most by an Auburn quarterback
since Daniel Cobb had four against
Louisiana Tech in 2001.
Noel Devine rushed 15 times for
128 yards and three touchdowns for
the Mountaineers (2-1).
The Mountaineers rushed for 207
Auburn LB Craig Stevens (46) sealed the victory by returning this interception for a TD.
yards and passed for 302, but the
Auburn defense stiffened after tak-
ing the lead in the fourth quarter,
intercepting West Virginia quarter-
backs four times in the final period.
The start of the game was delayed
for more than an hour by a powerful
thunderstorm. Despite warnings
that people should leave their seats
because of the threat of lightning,
about 15,000 boisterous fans in the
Auburn student section, refused to
move.
Auburn Coach Gene Chizik said
the will showed by those fans gave
his players an emotional boost.
“I would like to say that I wish I
had 87,000 game balls because our
fans were a huge reason we won that
game and I want the to know it,”
College Football
SEC
BUTCH DILL / AP
Chizik said.
“I am so proud of our guys because
they had to fight and claw and
scratch back to win it,” he said.
West Virginia receiver Bradley
Starks said the Auburn crowd did
play a part in the game.
“It was real noisy. Don’t get me
wrong, 87,000 people, that’s a loud
one when they are all in one place
cheering,” Starks said.
West Virginia quickly silenced the
Auburn fans after the rain delay as
the Mountaineers jumped off to a
14-0 lead on their first two posses-
sions. On their third play from
scrimmage, Jarrett Brown con-
nected with Starks for 58 yards to
set up Devine’s 1-yard run.
On the Mountaineers next
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 26
Mississippi State 15, Vanderbilt 3
NASHVILLE—Mississippi State Fowler kicked a 20-yard field goal
West Virginia 21 0 9 0 — 30 coach Dan Mullen won his first to tie it in the second quarter.
Auburn 10 10 7 14 — 41 game in the Southeastern Confer- “The best way I can say this is
First Quarter ence and didn’t care much what it we got it handed to us,” coach
WVU: Devine 1 run (Bitancurt kick), 12:52. looked like. Bobby Johnson said. “They came
WVU: Devine 71 run (Bitancurt kick), 10:19.
Aub: FG Byrum 46, 7:24. “Any victory is an unbelievable out and just were more physical
Aub: D.Adams 16 pass from Todd (Byrum kick), 5:16. feeling,” Mullen said. than we were, executed better than
WVU: Sanders 6 pass from Brown (Bitancurt kick), 2:01.
Second Quarter Tyson Lee ran 22 yards for a we did, coached better than we
Aub: FG Byrum 42, 9:15. touchdown to seal a 15-3 victory did, played better than we did.”
Aub: D.Adams 4 pass from Todd (Byrum kick), 1:34.
Third Quarter Saturday against Vanderbilt for The Commodores allowed just
WVU: Devine 12 run (kick failed), 8:51. Mississippi State’s first-year two third-down conversions on 15
Aub: Fannin 82 pass from Todd (Byrum kick), 8:02.
WVU: FG Bitancurt 28, 1:07. coach. attempts.
Fourth Quarter Sean Brauchle made three field Brauchle made a 44-yard field
Aub: D.Adams 17 pass from Todd (Byrum kick), 12:07.
Aub: Stevens 15 interception return (Byrum kick), 3:41. goals for the Bulldogs, the longest goal on the first play of the second
A: 87,451. from 49 yards, and Anthony quarter and a 27-yarder with 2:14
WVU Aub Dixon rushed for 123 yards on 21 remaining before halftime.
First downs ...................................23................................................20 carries. Ten of Vanderbilt’s its first 11
Rushes-yards ........................ 39-207........................................41-100
Passing ........................................302............................................. 300 “We talked about relentless possessions ended with punts.
Comp-Att-Int .......................24-41-5......................................17-33-1 effort, and the fact that we had to — The Associated Press
Return Yards..................................13................................................83
Punts-Avg. ............................. 2-49.5.........................................5-44.0 keep punching and keep battling,”
Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-1..............................................1-0 defensive back Zach Smith said.
Penalties-Yards ..........................4-45............................................5-37 Mississippi St. 0 6 3 6 — 15
Time of Possession...................32:45.......................................... 27:15 That’s what we did which caused Vanderbilt 0 3 0 0 — 3
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
us to win.” Second Quarter
RUSHING: West Virginia, Devine 15-128, Brown 19-66, R.Clarke Christian Ducre had 62 rush- MSSt: FG Brauchle 44, 14:55.
2-10, Sanders 2-5, G.Smith 1-(minus 2). Auburn, Tate 19-75, McCa- ing yards on nine carries, and Van: FG Fowler 20, 11:28.
lebb 8-20, Burns 7-10, Zachery 1-9, Fannin 1-0, Todd 5-(minus 14). MSSt: FG Brauchle 27, 2:14.
PASSING: West Virginia, Brown 18-32-4-221, G.Smith 5-8-1-50, quarterback Chris Relf added 44 Third Quarter
Starks 1-1-0-31. Auburn, Todd 16-31-1-284, Burns 1-2-0-16. yards on nine attempts as the MSSt: FG Brauchle 49, :59.
RECEIVING: West Virginia, Sanders 12-115, Arnett 4-61, Lyons 3-30, Fourth Quarter
Starks 2-65, Devine 2-26, Austin 1-5. Auburn, D.Adams 6-80, E.Smith Bulldogs (2-1, 1-1 Southeastern) MSSt: Lee 22 run (pass failed), 3:20.
3-67, Trott 2-20, Fannin 1-82, Wisner 1-16, Zachery 1-15, Burns 1-8, gained 259 of their 340 yards on A: 31,840.
Bell 1-7, Tate 1-5.
the ground. MSSt Van
possession, Devine broke through “We were able to run the ball First downs ...................................18..........................................10
Rushes-yards ........................ 56-260....................................29-33
the middle of the Auburn line and well, and that’s a strong point with Passing ..........................................81........................................124
ran 71 yards untouched to the end our running backs,” said Mullen, Comp-Att-Int .......................10-18-0................................12-32-1
Return Yards..................................57............................................0
zone. Brown threw a 6-yard scoring who was offensive coordinator for Punts-Avg. ............................. 8-40.1.................................11-43.0
pass to Jock Sanders late in the first Florida’s last two national title Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-1........................................4-1
Penalties-Yards ..........................3-40......................................3-15
quarter. teams. “The defense was able to Time of Possession...................38:09.................................... 21:51
Auburn fought back after the get off the quickly and get our INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
quick West Virginia start and only offense right back out there.” RUSHING: Mississippi St., Dixon 21-123, Ducre 9-62, Relf 9-44,
trailed 21-20 at halftime. Todd threw Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-2) scored after Lee 6-18, Stallworth 5-16, Heavens 3-8, Team 2-(minus 3), Elliott
1-(minus 8). Vanderbilt, Norman 7-26, Stacy 7-9, van Rensburg
4-yard and 16-yard touchdown defensive end Tim Fugger recov- 1-3, Reeves 7-3, Smith 6-(minus 2), Team 1-(minus 6).
passes to Adams in the first half and ered a fumble at Mississippi State’s PASSING: Mississippi St., Lee 8-14-0-66, Relf 2-4-0-15. Vander-
bilt, Smith 12-32-1-124.
Wes Bynum kicked 46-yard and 6. RECEIVING: Mississippi St., Berry 3-17, Bumphis 3-15, Heavens
42-yard field goals for Auburn. The Commodores gained three 2-11, Green 1-23, Wilder 1-15. Vanderbilt, Cole 3-32, Umoh 3-21,
Monahan 2-20, Washington 1-29, Wimberly 1-11, Ashley 1-6,
— The Associated Press yards on three runs before Ryan Barden 1-5.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 27
Kentucky 31, Louisville 27

TEAM
SEC CONF. OVERALL NEXT Wildcats nip rival Cards despite turnovers
EAST
Georgia 2-0 2-1 Arizona State, Saturday, 7 p.m.
LEXINGTON, KY.—When Derrick Locke was intercepted by Johnny Patrick. He
Florida 1-0 3-0 at Kentucky, Saturday, 6 p.m.
returned a first quarter kickoff unscathed completed 20-of-27 passes for 178 yards.
Kentucky 0-0 2-0 No. 1 Florida, Saturday, 6 p.m.
South Carolina 0-1 2-1 No. 5 Mississippi, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
for a 100-yard score, it almost seemed “When times were looking bleak today,
Tennessee 0-1 1-2 Ohio, Saturday, 7 p.m. Kentucky’s retention of the Governor’s I felt like we ended up responding well,”
Vanderbilt 0-2 1-2 at Rice, Saturday, 8 p.m. Cup would go as easily as advertised. Hartline said. “We were resilient. We
WEST But as Louisville and Kentucky have knew there was hope.”
LSU 1-0 3-0 at Mississippi State, Saturday, 12:20 p.m. proven time and again, all bets are off
Auburn 1-0 3-0 Ball State, Saturday, 7 p.m. when Bluegrass bragging rights are on South Carolina 38,
Mississippi State 1-1 2-1 No. 9 LSU, Saturday, 12:20 p.m. the line. Florida Atlantic 16
Alabama 0-0 3-0 Arkansas, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. The Wildcats needed some late heroics
Mississippi 0-0 2-0 at South Carolina, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
by Mike Hartline and Randall Cobb to COLUMBIA, S.C.—Brian Maddox scored
Arkansas 0-1 1-1 at No. 4 Alabama, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
overcome three third quarter turnovers three touchdowns and Jarvis Giles ran 11
Louisville 7 0 6 14 — 27 Florida Atlantic 3 13 0 0 — 16
and pull out a 31-27 victory, their third times for 113 yards to help South Carolina
Kentucky 10 7 0 14 — 31 South Carolina 10 7 21 0 — 38 straight in the series. to a win over Florida Atlantic.
First Quarter First Quarter
“These fourth quarter comebacks are The Gamecocks (2-1) scored on three
Ky: FG Seiber 26, 9:34. SC: Maddox 3 run (Lanning kick), 13:39. killing me,” said Rich Brooks, now in his straight possessions in the second half to
Lou: Anderson 6 run (R.Payne kick), 5:37. SC: FG Lanning 41, 6:16. seventh year as Wildcats coach. turn an uncomfortably close game at half
Ky: Locke 100 kickoff return (Seiber kick), 5:23. FAtl: FG Gornall 37, :55.
Second Quarter Second Quarter With less than five minutes left and into a rare blowout.
Ky: Conner 2 run (Seiber kick), 2:47. SC: Garcia 15 run (Lanning kick), 8:53. down 27-24, Kentucky got the ball back South Carolina may have found a pair
Third Quarter FAtl: Bonner 23 pass from Smith (Gornall kick),
Lou: FG R.Payne 23, 11:29. 4:28. courtesy of a fumbled kickoff return. Two of star freshmen runners.
Lou: FG R.Payne 42, 4:58. FAtl: Grant 3 pass from Smith (kick failed), :16. plays later, Hartline found Cobb—his one- While Giles averaged 10.3 yards a carry
Fourth Quarter Third Quarter
Lou: Graham 5 pass from Burke (R.Payne kick), SC: Maddox 3 run (Lanning kick), 13:47. time rival for the starting quarterback and got his first career touchdown, Kenny
14:16. SC: Maddox 6 pass from Garcia (Lanning kick), job—in the corner of the end zone, closely Miles looked just as impressive, running
Ky: Locke 2 run (Seiber kick), 8:55. 9:07.
Lou: Guy 66 pass from Burke (R.Payne kick), 7:49. SC: Giles 12 run (Lanning kick), 4:20. guarded. Cobb made the leaping grab. for 56 yards on five carries in one first
Ky: R.Cobb 12 pass from Hartline (Seiber kick), A: 72,017. “I knew when it was in the air I had to quarter series before sitting out the rest of
4:28. FAtl SC
A: 70,988. First downs ...................................21..................21 make a play,” Cobb said. the game with a shoulder injury.
Rushes-yards .......................... 35-96..........35-287 The game remained in the balance with Florida Atlantic quarterback Rusty
Lou Ky Passing ........................................211................229
First downs ...................................19..................18 Comp-Att-Int .......................22-38-1.........21-28-0 2 minutes when Louisville QB Justin Smith was 21-for-31 for 198 yards.
Rushes-yards ........................ 40-133..........33-168 Return Yards................................(-2)................(-9) Burke was driving for a potential win- Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier is
Passing ........................................245................178 Punts-Avg. ............................. 4-41.5...........3-44.3
Comp-Att-Int .......................15-29-1.........20-28-1 Fumbles-Lost ...............................2-2.................3-1 ning score. But he had a pass tipped by 37-0 in his career against teams not cur-
Return Yards.................................... 1..................17 Penalties-Yards ..........................3-30.............. 6-54 Corey Peters that was picked off by Sam rently in the Bowl Championship Series.
Punts-Avg. ............................. 2-43.5...........3-34.3 Time of Possession...................32:10.............27:50
Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-1.................2-2 Maxwell. Kentucky (2-0) had to punt the South Carolina has just five days to get
Penalties-Yards ..........................6-35.............. 8-95 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS ball back to Louisville, but Burke’s last- ready for No. 5 Mississippi.
Time of Possession...................32:32.............27:28 RUSHING: Florida Atlantic, Al.Morris 22-79, Rose
4-22, Stinson 6-16, Rolle 1-2, Smith 2-(minus 23). second Hail Mary was incomplete. Burke The Owls (0-2) trailed 17-16 at halftime,
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS South Carolina, Giles 11-113, Miles 5-56, M.Brown completed 15-of-28 passes for 245 yards but turned over the ball twice on their first
RUSHING: Louisville, Anderson 19-110, Burke 1-50, Maddox 10-23, E.Baker 2-22, Garcia 4-18,
8-17, Guy 1-4, Powell 12-2. Kentucky, Locke 15-72, Sherman 2-5. and two TDs. three drives after halftime. Stephon Gilmore ED REINKE / AP
A.Smith 10-45, Conner 3-28, Hartline 3-18, R.Cobb PASSING: Florida Atlantic, Smith 21-31-1-198, Van “We continued to attack,” said Burke. picked off Rusty Smith’s pass, and Eric
1-6, Allen 1-(minus 1). Camp 1-7-0-13. South Carolina, Garcia 20-27-0- Kentucky WR Randall Cobb pulled in the game-winning touchdown with 4:28 remaining.
PASSING: Louisville, Burke 15-28-1-245, Team 222, McCollum 1-1-0-7. “It shows it’s a game of resolve. We just Norwood sacked Smith to force a fumble.
0-1-0-0. Kentucky, Hartline 20-27-1-178, Team RECEIVING: Florida Atlantic, Bonner 6-57, Harmon kept coming back. We just killed our- The Gamecocks took advantage of the
0-1-0-0. 4-57, L.Jean 4-39, Holley 2-29, Rose 2-9, Stinson
RECEIVING: Louisville, Long 5-89, Beaumont 2-6, Da.Williams 1-11, Grant 1-3. South Carolina, selves, but we kept coming back.” short field both times. Gilmore later
3-33, Graham 3-24, Powell 2-21, Guy 1-66, Chich- Gurley 4-100, Barnes 3-40, M.Brown 3-20, A.Jeffery Kentucky (2-0) turned the ball over to recovered a fumble as South Carolina RISING FALLING
ester 1-12. Kentucky, R.Cobb 6-71, Matthews 6-34, 2-24, E.Baker 2-10, LeCorn 2-9, Maddox 2-8, Spur-
Locke 4-47, Roark 2-15, Drake 1-6, McCaskill 1-5. rier 1-13, Saunders 1-7, Moore 1-(minus 2). Louisville (1-1) on three straight third forced three turnovers in the second half Georgia offense Florida’s invincibility
quarter possessions. and stopped Florida Atlantic on a fourth Bulldogs in an SEC shootout for a Suddenly Florida doesn’t appear
second straight week? QB Joe Cox to be a lock. Perhaps it’s good the
Hartline committed two of those mis- down at the Gamecocks’ 5. looks like a legit starter after all. Gators realize it now.
cues on a fumbled snap and a pass that — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Syracuse 37, Northwestern 34
Paulus’ prediction comes true
SYRACUSE, N.Y.—Doug Marrone
needed some sort of validation.
Greg Paulus and Ryan Lichtenstein
provided Syracuse’s rookie head
coach with more than enough.
Paulus, the point guard-turned
quarterback, threw for two touch-
downs and ran for another and
Lichtenstein kicked a 41-yard field
goal on the final play of the game to
give Syracuse a 37-34 win Saturday
night against Northwestern.
Although the Carrier Dome
wasn’t as packed as it was in the
season-opening, overtime loss to
Minnesota, the orange-clad crowd
finally left the building with some-
thing to talk about after four sea-
sons that produced just 10 wins
under Greg Robinson.
“I’m excited,” Marrone said after
the first win at his alma mater.
“This helps chip away the monkey
on your back, the chip on your
shoulders.”
Max Suter set up the winning
points with an interception, return-
ing it to the Wildcats 39. Paulus
then guided the Orange into field-
goal range for the freshman kicker,
who had a field goal blocked in the
second quarter. Lichtenstein hit it
true, despite a huge case of nerves.
“It was a completely mind-numb-
ing experience,” said Lichtenstein,
who also kicked a 43-yard field goal
for the first points of the game. “I
didn’t see it.”
Paulus did, though. Heck, he
even predicted it.
“After the first one, I came up to
him and said, ‘You’re going to hit
the game-winning field goal,’” Pau-
lus said. “I said, ‘Start visualizing
KEVIN RIVOLI / AP
Ryan Lichtenstein’s 41-yard FG gave Doug
Marrone his first win as the Orange’s coach.
it, start practicing it. That’s what
you’re going to do, and I’ll be first
one to come and tackle you.’”
Paulus, who starred at point
guard for Duke for four years before
giving football a shot with his final
year of athletic eligibility, was elu-
sive, sharp, and in command from
the outset. He displayed a flair for
the deft fake, sidestepped the rush
when he had to, completed throws
on the run against blitzes, and even
scored on a nifty run.
If he had doubters when he trans-
ferred, there can’t be too many left
now. He was a star here in high
school five years ago, and he’s a
budding star now after just three
games with the Orange (1-2).
Paulus scored on a 10-yard run
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 28
BIG EAST
Pittsburgh 27, Navy 14
Fans let Stull have it—cheers, that is
and was 24-for-35 for 346 yards PITTSBURGH—Bill Stull found
and two touchdowns with one Henry Hynoski on a 13-yard com-
interception for the Orange, who pletion on his first pass attempt
started 0-3 the previous two sea- against Navy and, surprise, heard
sons under former coach Greg Rob- loud cheers.
inson. Mike Williams had 11 catches Right then, his Pitt teammates
for 209 yards and two TDs. knew it would be a much different
“It’s still always amazing to me. I game for a quarterback who wins
think we take it for granted because games, but has trouble winning
he was such a tremendous high over his own fans.
school player and a tremendous Dion Lewis and Ray Graham
basketball player,” Marrone said. each scored a touchdown, Stull
— The Associated Press effectively ran the Panthers’
offense and Pittsburgh turned a
Northwestern 0 21 7 6 — 34
bizarre failed punt by Navy into a
Syracuse 17 7 3 10 — 37 pivotal touchdown during a 27-14
First Quarter
victory over the Midshipmen. KEITH SRAKOCIC / AP
Syr: FG Lichtenstein 43, 12:33. The Panthers (3-0) held Navy’s Pittsburgh turned this botched punt into a touchdown to help beat Navy on Saturday.
Syr: Paulus 10 run (Lichtenstein kick), 9:33. trademark running game to 129
Syr: Williams 66 pass from Paulus (Lichtenstein kick), 1:17.
Second Quarter yards while improving to 3-0 for “Billy was putting the ball in the Navy 7 0 0 7 — 14
NU: Kafka 3 run (Demos kick), 14:13. Pittsburgh 7 14 3 3 — 27
NU: Brewer 39 pass from Kafka (Demos kick), 9:47.
the first time since 2000 and only right places,” Baldwin said. “It (the
NU: Dunsmore 22 pass from Kafka (Demos kick), 3:59. the fourth time since Dan Marino’s opening drive) helped his confi- First Quarter
Syr: D.Carter 3 run (Lichtenstein kick), 1:15. Pitt: Turner 6 pass from Stull (Hutchins kick), 8:31.
Third Quarter
senior season in 1982. The Pan- dence a lot. That first game, people Navy: Dobbs 1 run (Buckley kick), :19.
Syr: FG Lichtenstein 37, 4:52. thers, two spots out of the Top 25 were booing him and we just Second Quarter
NU: Kafka 24 pass from Brewer (A.Fields kick), :17. Pitt: Graham 15 run (Hutchins kick), 13:40.
Fourth Quarter
last week, might be ready to return encouraged him, we were telling Pitt: Lewis 6 run (Hutchins kick), 1:10.
NU: D.Fields 3 pass from Kafka (kick failed), 9:04. to the national rankings. him to just go out and execute and Third Quarter
Syr: Williams 13 pass from Paulus (Lichtenstein kick), 6:07. Pitt: FG Hutchins 29, 3:22.
Syr: FG Lichtenstein 41, :00.
Stull, booed loudly during a 38-3 they’ll be quiet then.” Fourth Quarter
A: 40,251. win over Youngstown State two Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt felt it Navy: Curry 4 run (Buckley kick), 11:27.
Pitt: FG Hutchins 18, 5:02.
NU Syr
weeks before, went 17 of 24 for 245 helped Stull to go on the road last A: 55,064.
First downs .........................................................25 .......................... 23 yards as Pitt outgained the Mid- week and get away from fans who Navy Pitt
Rushes-yards ................................................28-52 .................. 32-125 First downs .......................................................17.........................18
Passing ..............................................................414 ........................346
shipmen 369-218. The Panthers weren’t happy with his 7-of-24 Rushes-yards ............................................46-129.................37-126
Comp-Att-Int ............................................36-43-1 .................24-36-1 were coming off a 54-27 decision performance during a 3-0 loss to Passing ..............................................................89.......................243
Return Yards........................................................23 .......................... 20 Comp-Att-Int .............................................6-22-0...............19-26-0
Punts-Avg. ...................................................6-35.3 ....................5-47.2
over Buffalo in which they allowed Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. Return Yards......................................................11...........................0
Fumbles-Lost ....................................................2-2 .........................4-1 500 yards yet still won by 27. “He didn’t have to deal with the Punts-Avg. ................................................. 4-45.0..................4-29.0
Penalties-Yards ...............................................7-57 .......................6-64 Fumbles-Lost ...................................................2-0.......................2-1
Time of Possession........................................ 28:02 .....................31:58
Pitt didn’t need long to build off crowd,” Wannstedt said. “I was Penalties-Yards ..............................................5-39.....................6-94
its highest-scoring game in 10 real curious to see how he played Time of Possession.......................................29:45................... 30:15
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS years, using up nearly seven min- here. His confidence took a step
RUSHING: Northwestern, Schmidt 10-30, A.Fields 2-24, Persa 2-8, INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Concannon 1-(minus 3), Kafka 13-(minus 7). Syracuse, D.Carter utes at the start of the game on an forward.” RUSHING: Navy, Teich 12-80, Curry 6-34, Dobbs 26-21, Murray
18-84, A.Bailey 4-26, M.Jones 2-25, Davis 1-16, Paulus 7-(minus 1-2, Delahooke 1-(minus 8). Pittsburgh, Lewis 23-79, Hynoski
26).
89-yard drive that ended with Baldwin’s 18-yard reception and 3-23, Graham 3-18, Saddler 1-14, Harris 2-(minus 2), Stull
PASSING: Northwestern, Kafka 35-42-1-390, Brewer 1-1-0-24. Stull’s 6-yard scoring pass to tight end Nate Byham’s 24-yard 2-(minus 2), Team 3-(minus 4).
Syracuse, Paulus 24-35-1-346, Team 0-1-0-0. PASSING: Navy, Dobbs 6-21-0-89, Team 0-1-0-0. Pittsburgh, Stull
RECEIVING: Northwestern, Dunsmore 10-90, Markshausen 9-86,
Oderick Turner, one play after catch highlighted a 59-yard drive 17-24-0-245, Sunseri 2-2-0-(minus 2).
Brewer 4-73, Schmidt 4-46, D.Fields 4-30, Ebert 2-26, Kafka 1-24, Stull’s 22-yard completion to Jona- that ended with Graham’s 15-yard RECEIVING: Navy, Schupp 2-24, Teich 1-23, Washington 1-17,
Rooks 1-23, Frymire 1-16. Syracuse, Williams 11-209, Davis 6-73, Curry 1-13, Myers 1-12. Pittsburgh, Baldwin 6-111, Turner 3-32,
D.Carter 2-20, Catalina 2-10, M.Jones 1-14, A.Bailey 1-11, Lobdell
than Baldwin. Baldwin made six run and put Pitt up 14-7. Byham 2-39, Hynoski 2-17, Graham 2-(minus 2), Stull 1-23, McGee
1-9. catches for 111 yards. — The Associated Press 1-13, Dickerson 1-6, Lewis 1-4.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 29

BIG EAST Rutgers 23, Florida International 15

Knights’ defense stout; Savage leaves with injury

TEAM CONF. OVERALL NEXT
Cincinnati 1-0 3-0 Fresno State, Saturday, noon PISCATAWAY, N.J.—Rutgers has some- finished 11 of 28 for 185 yards and no
Pittsburgh 0-0 3-0 at N.C. State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. thing to talk about other than Tom Sav- interceptions.
South Florida 0-0 3-0 at Florida State, Saturday, noon age. The Scarlet Knights’ defense Coach Greg Schiano said it was too
West Virginia 0-0 2-1 Colorado, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. stepped up on a day the freshman early to say whether he sustained a
Connecticut 0-0 2-1 Rhode Island, Saturday, noon
quarterback took a licking. concussion. Savage was not available
Louisville 0-0 1-1 at No. 18 Utah, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Linebacker Ryan D’Imperio scored for interviews after the game.
Syracuse 0-0 1-2 Maine, Saturday, 7 p.m.
Rutgers 0-1 2-1 at Maryland, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
on a 38-yard interception return in the However, he wasn’t needed.
fourth quarter to cap a magnificent The defense led the way, limiting FIU
effort by the defense and the Scarlet to 260 total yards, with 145 coming on
Charleston Southern 0 0 0 0 — 0 Fla. International 0 0 0 15 — 15
South Florida 21 14 14 10 — 59 Rutgers 3 10 0 10 — 23 Knights defeated Florida International its final two drives.
23-15 on Saturday. “Good defenses put points on the
First Quarter First Quarter
USF: Bogan 3 pass from Grothe (Alvarado kick), Rut: FG Te 39, 7:43. “We have a great group of kids, a lot board,” defensive end Alex Silvestro
8:12. Second Quarter of talent and a lot of depth,” said said. “We want to be a good defense, so
USF: Mitchell 50 pass from Grothe (Alvarado kick), Rut: Natale 2 run (Te kick), 2:42.
6:34. Rut: FG Te 29, :34. D’Imperio, whose touchdown was the that’s what we’re trying to do.”
USF: Allen 75 blocked field goal return (Alvarado Fourth Quarter difference in the game. “We came out
kick), 1:16. Rut: FG Te 27, 12:43.
Second Quarter Rut: D’Imperio 38 interception return (Te kick), there and we finally started getting South Florida 59,
USF: Ford 2 run (Alvarado kick), 13:54. 8:06. things rolling. We have to move on,
USF: Bogan 50 pass from Daniels (Schwartz kick), FlIn: Hilton 8 pass from McCall (Rivest kick), 6:51. Charleston Southern 0
:44. FlIn: Hilton 14 pass from McCall (Hilton pass from there are mistakes we have to correct,
Third Quarter McCall), :31. but we’re on our way.” TAMPA—Quarterback Matt Grothe
USF: Daniels 16 run (Schwartz kick), 9:44. A: 45,273.
USF: Daniels 7 run (Schwartz kick), :56. Rutgers (2-1) limited Florida Interna- directed three scoring drives before
Fourth Quarter FlIn Rut tional (0-2) to 99 yards in the first three leaving a South Florida victory over
USF: Lamar 2 run (Schwartz kick), 12:13. First downs ...................................14..................19
USF: FG Schwartz 37, 6:28. Rushes-yards .......................... 23-42..........41-160 quarters, forced three turnovers and Charleston Southern with a left knee
A: 38,798. Passing ........................................218................234 sacked quarterback Paul McCall five sprain on Saturday night.
Comp-Att-Int .......................26-40-2.........12-31-0
ChSo USF Return Yards.................................... 2..................64 times before giving up a two meaning- The Bulls (3-0) were ahead 28-0 late
First downs ..................................... 9..................26 Punts-Avg. ............................. 7-38.3...........5-43.0 less touchdowns in the final 6:51. in the second quarter when Grothe was
Rushes-yards .......................... 17-53..........46-249 Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-1.................1-0
Passing ........................................135................298 Penalties-Yards ..........................9-65............13-88 It was a far cry from the season hurt.
Comp-Att-Int .......................15-30-1.........21-27-0 Time of Possession...................26:06.............33:54 opener, when Cincinnati gained 564 He was tripped from behind by
Return Yards.................................... 0..................56
Punts-Avg. ............................. 7-30.6............. 0-0.0 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS yards and scored 47 points. defensive tackle David Jackson, then
Fumbles-Lost ...............................4-1.................0-0 RUSHING: Fla. International, Perry 11-45, “We still have a big chip on our shoul- was falling forward when he was jolted
Penalties-Yards ..........................5-40............10-85 W.Younger 4-5, Turner 2-2, Mallary 2-1, McCall
Time of Possession...................22:30.............37:30 4-(minus 11). Rutgers, Martinek 23-121, Lovelace der, and we’re going to carry it all sea- by defensive back Antwain Harvey.
3-34, Brooks 5-6, Natale 1-2, Savage 7-1, Young son,” said defensive end George Grothe, the Big East’s career leader
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS 1-0, Team 1-(minus 4).
RUSHING: Charleston Southern, Ivey 8-20, Moon PASSING: Fla. International, McCall 24-37-2-197, Johnson, who finished with a team- in total offense, completed 11-of-14
4-16, M.Jefferson 2-10, Trudnowski 1-4, Hackworth W.Younger 2-3-0-21. Rutgers, Savage 11-28-0-185, high 10 tackles, a half a sack and a passes for 149 yards and two touch-
2-3. South Florida, Daniels 8-105, Murray 11-59, Natale 1-2-0-49, Sanu 0-1-0-0.
Grothe 5-24, Ford 4-19, Lamar 6-17, Plancher 8-16, RECEIVING: Fla. International, Hilton 9-80, fumble recovery. downs, including a 50-yard strike to
Samuels 4-9. Frierson 7-26, Perry 5-33, Times 2-48, Anderson San San Te kicked field goals of 39, Carlton Mitchell.
PASSING: Charleston Southern, Toscano 13-24- 1-28, Ellingson 1-6, Mallary 1-(minus 3). Rutgers,
1-127, Trudnowski 2-6-0-8. South Florida, Grothe T.Brown 4-131, Sanu 3-35, Trahan 2-27, Young 2-6, 29 and 27 yards, Joe Martinek ran for The quarterback also rushed five
11-14-0-149, Daniels 10-13-0-149. Jefferson 1-35. 121 yards and backup quarterback times for 24 yards, the longest for 9 on MEL EVANS / AP
RECEIVING: Charleston Southern, Ivey 6-34,
Krakue 3-43, Stevenson 2-37, T.Jones 1-16, Neal Dom Natale capped a 94-yard drive the play that sidelined him. Rutgers’ Damaso Munoz, top, flies in the air as he tackles Florida International’s Darriet Perry.
1-6, Fiegel 1-5, Moon 1-(minus 6). South Florida, with a 2-yard run as the Scarlet Knights Redshirt freshman B.J. Daniels
Mitchell 4-63, Bogan 3-72, Griffin 3-29, Love 2-35,
Lamar 2-2, Ketchel 1-37, Richardson 1-15, Busbee posted their second straight since Sav- stepped in for Grothe, matching him
1-14, Ford 1-13, age was named the starter. with a 50-yard scoring pass to Donta- RISING FALLING
T.Wilson 1-8, Alcin 1-5, Erskin 1-5.
Savage struggled against an aggres- via Bogan. Tony Pike Kragthorpe’s job security
sive Golden Panthers’ defense and A.J. Toscano was 13-for-24 for 127 Cincinnati QB had another stellar It doesn’t help Steve Kragthorpe’s
day, giving him this line on the chances of seeing a fourth season
spent the final 12 minutes on the bench yards with one interception to lead in Louisville now that he remains
year: 75 of 106, 923 yards, 8 TDs.
after taking a blow to the head when he Charleston Southern (0-3). winless against rival Kentucky.
was sacked for the fourth time. He — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Colorado 24, Wyoming 0
Simple plan gets Buffs on track
BOULDER, COLO.—Colorado coach
Dan Hawkins used his team’s 24-0
win over Wyoming on Saturday as
a chance to fire back at his pro-
gram’s detractors.
“It’s easy to stand outside the
arena and point fingers and say
you’re not good enough and ... criti-
cize and be negative,” Hawkins said
after the game. “But when you’re in
the arena and you’re scrapping,
you’re never that far away from vic-
tory, you’re never that far away
from defeat.”
Linebacker Jeff Smart said this
win wasn’t really a response to the
critics who wondered what was
wrong with the Buffaloes when
they stumbled to an 0-2 start.
“We knew we had it in us,” Smart
said. “And if we’re showing any-
body, we’re showing ourselves.”
Quarterback Cody Hawkins
returned from a concussion and
directed four scoring drives, and
Rodney Stewart returned from a
hamstring injury to carry 32 times
for 127 yards and a two
touchdowns.
The Buffaloes (1-2) simplified
their defensive plan after allowing
77 points and 1,000 yards in their
losses to Colorado State and Toledo,
and it worked wonders.
Colorado’s quarterback said the
team did not feel a big weight on its
shoulders going into the game—
despite the public perception.
“I thought there was a lot of con-
fidence in the locker room in what
we could do,” Cody Hawkins said.
“And just because we didn’t we
didn’t go out and perform the way
we wanted to (in the first two
DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP
Colorado RB Rodney Stewart, center,
finished with 127 yards rushing and two TDs.
games), there’s no reason to slap the
panic button and start freaking
out.”
The Buffs played fewer personnel
groups, had fewer changes, fewer
defensive calls, and the Cowboys
(1-2) went three-and-out six times
in the first half. During the half
they managed just three first downs
and 61 yards of offense.
“Basically, we just didn’t think.
We ran around making plays,” Col-
orado linebacker Marcus Burton
said about the win. “Guys weren’t
worried about making mistakes.”
The Buffs led 17-0 at the half on
the way to their second shutout in
the Dan Hawkins era. The first was
a 42-0 whitewash of Miami-Ohio
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 30
BIG 12
Missouri 52, Furman 12
Senior duo grab spotlight for Tigers
two years ago. COLUMBIA, MO.—Jared Perry came controlled the ball for 11 more min-
After scoring just a field goal in to Missouri weighing under 150 utes than the Tigers.
the first half of each of their first pounds — a good-sized team man- But those numbers don’t reflect
two games, the Buffaloes scored a ager, but hardly sturdy enough for Missouri’s scoring ease after the
touchdown on their opening drive the rigors of Big 12 football. Tigers failed to gain a first down
Saturday. It took a heads-up play by Fellow wide receiver Danario on their first two possessions.
wide receiver Scotty McKnight, Alexander, at 6-foot-5 and 215 None of the Tigers’ four offensive
who scooped up tailback Demetrius pounds, had the physical tools but scoring drives in the first half
Sumler’s fumble at the 2 and bar- spent two of his first three seasons lasted longer than three minutes.
reled into the end zone. hindered by serious injuries. Perry’s second score came on the
The win helped the Cody Hawk- On Saturday, the seniors com- first play of the drive. Alexander’s
ins look forward to the remainder bined for 10 catches, four of which second TD catch capped a 59-sec-
Colorado’s schedule. went for touchdowns in Missouri’s ond drive.
“College football’s a long season, 52-12 defeat of Furman. They also — The Associated Press
and we haven’t even started confer- hooked up on the game’s signature
ence play yet,” Hawkins said. “And play, a 40-yard pass from Alexan- Furman 0 0 6 6 — 12
that’s going to be tough because we der to Perry that began with a Missouri 14 28 7 3 — 52
play a lot of great teams. But we’re a cross-field lateral to Alexander First Quarter
good team, too.” from quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Mo: Perry 40 pass from Alexander (Ressel kick), 4:47.
Mo: Perry 48 pass from Gabbert (Ressel kick), 2:42.
— The Associated Press “I’ve been waiting for this Second Quarter
opportunity,” said Perry, who had L.G. PATTERSON / AP Mo: Gabbert 40 run (Ressel kick), 12:05.
Mo: Alexander 13 pass from Gabbert (Ressel kick), 7:10.
Wyoming 0 0 0 0 — 0 37 catches as a freshman, but fal- Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert scores on a Mo: J.Smith 43 interception return (Ressel kick), 3:55.
Colorado 7 10 7 0 — 24 tered a year later with the arrival 40-yard run, one of his four TDs on the day. Mo: Alexander 17 pass from Gabbert (Ressel kick), :11.
Third Quarter
First Quarter of star receiver Jeremy Maclin and Fur: Maples 21 pass from Sorrells (kick failed), 6:44.
Col: McKnight 2 run (Goodman kick), 13:30. the emergence of tight end Chase TD passes, tying a career high set Mo: D.Washington 1 run (Ressel kick), 2:00.
Second Quarter Fourth Quarter
Col: FG Goodman 20, 13:35. Coffman. Both now play in the two weeks earlier against Illinois. Mo: FG Ressel 44, 12:28.
Col: Stewart 2 run (Goodman kick), 11:40. NFL. He completed 17 of 25 passes for Fur: Uhaa 2 run (pass failed), 7:19.
Third Quarter A: 61,617.
Col: Stewart 11 run (Goodman kick), 1:17. Alexander also took a step back 256 yards with no interceptions.
A: 50,535. after some early success, missing Perry, now listed at 180 pounds, Fur Mo
Wyo Col First downs ...............................................22.............................. 30
First downs ...............................................13....................................21 three games with a wrist injury in added a 48-yard TD catch and set Rushes-yards ......................................34-93.......................36-196
Rushes-yards ......................................35-76............................45-151 2007 before tearing his anterior career highs with seven catches Passing ....................................................305............................329
Passing ....................................................154................................. 175 Comp-Att-Int ...................................25-40-1.....................23-35-0
Comp-Att-Int ...................................15-36-0..........................17-31-0 cruciate ligament in that season’s for 161 yards. Alexander also Return Yards................................................0.............................. 63
Return Yards..............................................25......................................5 Big 12 title game against Okla- caught two touchdown passes in Punts-Avg. .........................................5-40.0........................3-40.0
Punts-Avg. .........................................9-39.0.............................6-47.7 Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1.............................1-0
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................3-1..................................4-1 homa. The severe knee injury—he the first half. Penalties-Yards ...................................10-94...........................9-75
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 8-86..............................10-86 had two more surgeries after the Missouri (3-0) led 42-0 at half- Time of Possession...............................35:31.........................24:29
Time of Possession...............................24:52.............................. 35:08
initial operation—continued to time before Furman (2-1) scored INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS hamper his effectiveness in 2008. on a 21-yard pass from Jordan Sor- RUSHING: Furman, J.Williams 14-53, Uhaa 15-36, Lenard 2-8,
RUSHING: Wyoming, Carta-Samuels 9-36, Alexander 6-22, Stewart Forcier 1-6, Team 1-(minus 1), Sorrells 1-(minus 9). Missouri,
7-17, Benjamin 6-6, McCoy 1-5, Caraway 1-1, Bolger 1-(minus 2), “They’ve had their injuries and rells to Tyler Maples midway Lawrence 10-77, D.Washington 15-45, Gabbert 2-44, Moye 6-35,
Terry 3-(minus 3), Sween 1-(minus 6). Colorado, Stewart 32-127, they’ve had their tough times,” through the third quarter. Sorrells J.Jackson 1-7, Costello 1-(minus 6), Team 1-(minus 6).
Sumler 8-37, Lockridge 2-12, McKnight 0-2, C.Hawkins 1-(minus 6), PASSING: Furman, Sorrells 24-39-1-250, Webb 1-1-0-55.
Team 2-(minus 21). said Missouri coach Gary Pinkel. completed 24-of-39 passes for 250 Missouri, Gabbert 17-25-0-256, Costello 5-9-0-33, Alexander
PASSING: Wyoming, Carta-Samuels 11-24-0-125, Sween 3-8-0-27, “Both of them had their ups and yards with one touchdown and an 1-1-0-40.
Benjamin 1-4-0-2. Colorado, C.Hawkins 17-31-0-175. RECEIVING: Furman, Mims 10-154, Maples 6-78, Webb 4-34,
RECEIVING: Wyoming, D.Leonard 6-49, O.Arnold 2-29, Bolger 2-15, downs.” interception. Uhaa 2-12, Cunningham 1-14, Hendrix 1-10, J.Williams 1-3. Mis-
McNeill 2-11, D.Morgan 1-37, Bolling 1-7, Stewart 1-6. Colorado, Gabbert, a sophomore, added a The Paladins compiled nearly souri, Perry 7-161, J.Jackson 4-64, Alexander 3-46, Moe 2-8, Jones
McKnight 5-77, Geer 4-26, Espinoza 3-18, Lockridge 1-17, Sumler 1-11, D.Washington 1-11, Egnew 1-8, Gerau 1-5, Kemp 1-5, Moye
1-16, Jefferson 1-9, J.Behrens 1-7, Stewart 1-5. 40-yard scoring run to his three 400 yards in total offense and 1-5, Woodland 1-5.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 31
Connecticut 30, Baylor 22

TEAM
BIG 12 CONF. OVERALL NEXT Dixon, Todman helping UConn move past Brown
NORTH
Kansas 0-0 3-0 Southern Miss, Saturday, noon WACO, TEXAS—Andre Dixon is bigger, carry, a major reason the Huskies held the
Missouri 0-0 3-0 at Nevada, Friday, 9 p.m. with better hair. Jordan Todman is ball nearly twice as long as Baylor (1-1).
Iowa State 0-0 2-1 Army, Saturday, 7 p.m. younger and faster.
Nebraska 0-0 2-1 Louisiana-Lafayette, Saturday, 7 p.m. Together, they’re doing a heck of a job Texas A&M 38, Utah State 30
Colorado 0-0 1-2 at West Virginia, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. replacing Donald Brown in the Connecti-
Kansas State 0-0 1-2 Tennessee Tech, Saturday, 2:10 p.m. cut backfield. COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS—Jerrod Johnson
SOUTH Dixon ran for 149 yards and three touch- threw three of his four touchdown passes
Texas 1-0 3-0 UTEP, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. downs and Todman ran for 103 yards, to freshman Uzoma Nwachukwu and
Texas A&M 0-0 2-0 UAB, Saturday, 7 p.m. sending the Huskies home from the far- Texas A&M overcame injuries to two of
Oklahoma 0-0 2-1 at No. 20 Miami, Oct. 3, TBA thest road trip in school history with a its top playmakers in a win over Utah
Oklahoma State 0-0 2-1 Grambling State, Saturday, 7 p.m. 30-22 victory over Baylor on Saturday and State.
Baylor 0-0 1-1 Northwestern State, Saturday, 7 p.m.
leaving their future foes wondering how Johnson completed 21-of-41 passes for
Texas Tech 0-1 2-1 at No. 21 Houston, Saturday, 9:15 p.m.
they’re going to slow this 1-2 combination. 322 yards and Nwachukwu also ran for a
Connecticut 3 10 14 3 — 30 Utah St. 14 0 3 13 — 30 The success of the running game made score for Texas A&M (2-0), which lost
Baylor 7 0 7 8 — 22 Texas A&M 14 10 7 7 — 38 it a lot easier for Cody Endres to fill in for sophomore receiver Jeff Fuller and fresh-
First Quarter First Quarter injured starter Zach Frazer. Endres was man running back Christine Michael to
Conn: FG Teggart 39, 10:22. USU: Turbin 50 run (Ulinski kick), 10:31. 12 of 23 for 147 yards with no turnovers as leg injuries. Fuller was coming off a
Bay: Finley 72 run (Parks kick), 8:49. TAM: Nwachukwu 35 pass from J.Johnson (Bullock
Second Quarter kick), 7:49. Connecticut bounced back from a tough career-best, 10-catch performance in the
Conn: Dixon 1 run (Teggart kick), 14:57. USU: Borel 1 run (Ulinski kick), 5:12. home loss to North Carolina. season opener against New Mexico and
Conn: FG Teggart 30, 7:40. TAM: Nwachukwu 39 run (Bullock kick), 3:38.
Third Quarter Second Quarter “It’s a good win because we came on the Michael rushed for 94 yards on Saturday
Conn: Dixon 10 run (Teggart kick), 13:39. TAM: FG Bullock 31, 6:24. road down to the Big 12,” UConn coach before he was hurt.
Conn: Dixon 1 run (Teggart kick), 10:49. TAM: Nwachukwu 16 pass from J.Johnson (Bullock
Bay: Griffin 5 run (Parks kick), 7:41. kick), 1:26. Randy Edsell said. “The Big East doesn’t Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman said
Fourth Quarter Third Quarter get a lot of respect but we beat a team that Fuller broke his right fibula and is out
Conn: FG Teggart 34, 5:45. USU: FG Ulinski 42, 13:36.
Bay: Griffin 1 run (Akers pass from Griffin), 3:06. TAM: Nwachukwu 50 pass from J.Johnson (Bullock a lot of people had a lot of promise with. It indefinitely. The coach said Michael suf-
A: 40,147. kick), 12:20. just feels good.” fered a minor left calf strain.
Fourth Quarter
Conn Bay TAM: Tannehill 10 pass from J.Johnson (Bullock And it made the 1,800-mile trip back to Diondre Borel threw for 334 yards with
First downs ...................................21..................11 kick), 14:51. Storrs seem a lot shorter. a touchdown and also ran for two scores
Rushes-yards ........................ 58-235..........21-147 USU: Sawyer 19 pass from Borel (run failed), 5:30.
Passing ........................................147................119 USU: Borel 2 run (Ulinski kick), :25. “It’s a far flight and we definitely would for Utah State (0-2), which has lost eight
Comp-Att-Int .......................12-23-0.........17-27-1 A: 73,599. have been miserable (with a loss),” Tod- straight road games and its last 10 games
Return Yards..................................88..................25
Punts-Avg. ............................. 5-43.0...........6-46.5 USU TAM man said. “Now we can go home with a against Big 12 opponents.
Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-0.................3-2 First downs ...................................31..................30 win and enjoy it.” — The Associated Press
Penalties-Yards ..........................8-52.............. 2-37 Rushes-yards ........................ 46-187..........44-251
Time of Possession...................39:44.............20:16 Passing ........................................334................322 The Huskies came into this season
Comp-Att-Int .......................24-48-0.........21-41-0 without a pair of 100-yard running backs
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Return Yards.................................... 2..................28
Punts-Avg. ............................. 7-40.1...........5-43.6 since November 2006, and these guys
RUSHING: Connecticut, Dixon 31-149, Todman
Fumbles-Lost ...............................4-2.................0-0
RISING
22-103, K.Moore 1-(minus 2), Team 1-(minus 2), have already done it twice in three games.
Endres 3-(minus 13). Baylor, Finley 8-121, Griffin Penalties-Yards ..........................9-66..........16-147 Sooners’ defense
10-20, Wright 2-4, Ganaway 1-2. Time of Possession...................32:03.............27:57 Todman was the bigger gainer in the first Oklahoma has outscored last two
PASSING: Connecticut, Endres 12-23-0-147. Bay- two games, and now Dixon led the way, opponents 109-0, including Tulsa
lor, Griffin 17-26-0-119, Wright 0-1-1-0. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RECEIVING: Connecticut, I.Moore 4-76, Todman RUSHING: Utah St., Turbin 13-121, Borel 22-34, showing they are more of a 1-a and 1-b (which was averaging 40.5 ppg).
3-34, Sherman 2-20, Kanuch 2-9, Dixon 1-8. Bay- M.Smith 6-21, Wiliams 2-10, Speight 1-3, Sawyer than starter and backup.
lor, Wright 6-67, Gettis 4-17, Salubi 2-14, B.Taylor 1-0, Butler 1-(minus 2). Texas A&M, Michael 17-94,
2-10, Finley 1-6, Akers 1-5, Sampson 1-0. J.Johnson 11-78, Gray 11-49, Nwachukwu 1-39, So much for the void supposedly cre-
Team 2-(minus 3), Stephens 2-(minus 6). ated when Brown, the nation’s leading FALLING
PASSING: Utah St., Borel 24-47-0-334, Team 0-1-0- Nebraska in big games
0. Texas A&M, J.Johnson 21-41-0-322. rusher last season, turned pro.
RECEIVING: Utah St., Morrison 6-126, Turbin 5-61, Dixon had 31 carries, one shy of his Huskers’ meltdown late in 16-15
Moats 3-41, Sawyer 3-38, Butler 2-16, Gwacham defeat at Virginia Tech marked
2-13, M.Smith 1-16, Alder 1-12, Bartlett 1-11. career best. He had a 10-yard touchdown their 21st loss in the past 22 games
Texas A&M, Tannehill 5-60, Gray 4-34, Nwachukwu run and a pair of 1-yarders. Todman ran against top 20 teams. ROD AYDELOTTE / AP
3-101, J.McCoy 3-66, Michael 2-26, Fuller 2-25,
McNeal 1-5, Morrow 1-5. 22 times. Each averaged nearly 5 yards per Connecticut’s Blidi Wreh-Wilson (5) breaks up a pass to Baylor’s Kendall Wright in the third quarter.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Washington State 30, SMU 27, OT
Two defensive TDs propel Cougars
PULLMAN, WASH.—Washington
State’s offense had been struggling
to score points all season. So the
defense lent a hand Saturday.
Linebackers Alex Hoffman-Ellis
and Myron Beck ran back intercep-
tions for touchdowns, and a third
pick set up a game-winning field
goal in overtime by Nico Grasu as
WSU (1-2) beat Southern Methodist
30-27 for its first win of the season.
“The defense kept us in the game
and put points on the board,” Grasu
said. “You can’t ask for anything
more.”
“They won that game for us,” said
receiver Jared Karstetter, whose
touchdown reception with 28 sec-
onds left tied the game in
regulation.
SMU (2-1) had a 24-7 lead in the
third quarter and seemed to be cruis-
ing to victory behind spectacular
performances by QB Bo Levi Mitch-
ell (424 passing yards) and receiver
Emmanuel Sanders (18 catches).
But the wheels came off when
Hoffman-Ellis picked off Mitchell
and ran 52 yards for the first TD of
his football career. “Just run, run like
hell,” Hoffman-Ellis recalled of his
reaction to his first interception.
The snap for the conversion was
fumbled, and the Cougars trailed
24-13. That missed extra point
would end up costing them a chance
to win in regulation.
Matt Szymanski kicked a field
goal early in the fourth for SMU.
Then Beck picked off Mitchell
and outran the Mustangs for a
67-yard touchdown that cut SMU’s
lead to 27-20 with 10:07 left.
DEAN HARE / AP
Cougars K Nico Grasu (18) celebrates his
winning field goal in overtime.
Shadowed by defeat
The indvidual effort of SMU
receiver Emmanuel Sanders
was overshadowed by the loss.
Sanders, a senior, caught a
school record 18 passes for 178
yards and also broke the school
record for career receiving yards
that stood for 30 years. Sanders
now has 2,844 receiving yards
with eight games to play.
Mitchell led SMU deep into WSU
territory on the next drive but was
picked off by Brandon Jones. The
Cougars’ offense went 3-and-out,
but SMU did the same and
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 32
PAC 10
Stanford 42, San Jose State 17
Cardinal use three returns to pull away
STANFORD, CALIF.—Stanford scored tonight, in every different way.”
Washington State got the ball back via kickoff return, interception Owen Marecic’s 34-yard catch
on its 20 with two minutes left. return and punt return. The Car- from Luck helped set up Gerhart’s
The Cougars benefited from a key dinal scored more conventionally, 3-yard TD run in the first quarter
pass interference call on fourth down too: via star running back Toby and Gerhart scored again in the
that gave them first down on SMU’s Gerhart. second on a 1-yard dive into the
34. Quarterback Marshall Lobbes- Chris Owusu opened the game end zone.
tael completed two passes to the 7. with a 94-yard kickoff return and Gerhart’s 11th career 100-yard
Then he hit a diving Karstetter in the also caught a touchdown pass, rushing game gave him 1,967
end zone with 28 seconds left. Gra- Gerhart ran for 113 yards and two career yards on the ground and
su’s extra point tied the game at 27. TDs and Stanford beat San Jose moved him into eighth place on
The 17-point deficit was the big- State 42-17 in its home opener the school’s all-time list.
gest WSU has overcome for a win Saturday night in the third annual Walsh, a Hall of Fame coach,
since they came back from 18 points Bill Walsh Legacy Game. died in July 2007 at age 75 follow-
down to beat California in 1994. “We take pride in our special ing a long battle with leukemia.
— The Associated Press teams,” Gerhart said. “It was huge — The Associated Press
SMU 7 10 7 3 0 — 27
today.”
Washington St. 0 7 6 14 3 — 30 Corey Gatewood added a San Jose St. 0 7 3 7 — 17
23-yard interception return for a Stanford 14 7 21 0 — 42
First Quarter
SMU: Wilkerson 46 pass from Mitchell (Szymanski kick), 7:10. touchdown and Richard Sher- First Quarter
Second Quarter man scored on a 48-yard punt PAUL SAKUMA / AP Stan: Owusu 94 kickoff return (N.Whitaker kick), 14:50.
SMU: FG Szymanski 29, 14:08. Stan: Gerhart 3 run (N.Whitaker kick), 7:59.
SMU: Line 4 run (Szymanski kick), 8:23. return for the Cardinal, who are Stanford RB Toby Gerhart (7) had 113 Second Quarter
WSU: Blackledge 3 pass from Lobbestael (Grasu kick), :30. determined to earn a bowl berth rushing yards and two touchdowns. SJS: Beauchman 1 pass from La Secla (Cope kick), 5:50.
Third Quarter Stan: Gerhart 1 run (N.Whitaker kick), :41.
SMU: Wilkerson 23 pass from Mitchell (Szymanski kick), 9:59. in coach Jim Harbaugh’s third Third Quarter
WSU: Hoffman-Ellis 52 interception return (pass failed), 1:16. season after a near miss last year. didn’t punt for the first time until Stan: Gatewood 23 interception return (N.Whitaker kick), 12:13.
Fourth Quarter SJS: FG Cope 30, 5:57.
SMU: FG Szymanski 45, 10:47. It gets tougher next week, when the 12:28 mark of the third quar-
WSU: Beck 67 interception return (Grasu kick), 10:07. Stanford (2-1, 1-0 Pac-10) hosts ter. Stanford, which has three
Stan: Owusu 22 pass from Luck (N.Whitaker kick), 1:44.
Stan: Sherman 48 punt return (N.Whitaker kick), :00.
WSU: Karstetter 7 pass from Lobbestael (Grasu kick), :28. Fourth Quarter
Overtime Washington. The Huskies will special teams touchdowns and a SJS: Muldrow 14 run (Cope kick), 11:11.
WSU: FG Grasu 39. surely be riding high after their 16-13 defensive TD this season, out- A: 33,560.
A: 22,319.
upset of No. 3 Southern California gained San Jose State (0-3) 382- SJS Stan
SMU WSU earlier Saturday. Stanford knows it 228. First downs ...............................................16.............................. 16
First downs ...............................................28....................................17 Rushes-yards ......................................28-24.......................40-211
Rushes-yards ......................................27-80..............................17-37 can’t afford the four turnovers the Andrew Luck completed 9-of- Passing ....................................................204............................171
Passing ....................................................424................................. 239 Cardinal committed Saturday. 12 passes for 170 yards, a touch- Comp-Att-Int ...................................23-39-1.....................11-15-1
Comp-Att-Int ...................................40-57-4..........................24-53-2 Return Yards..............................................27.............................. 95
Return Yards................................................3................................. 140 “They’re a different team than down and an interception. He Punts-Avg. .........................................7-46.3........................2-46.5
Punts-Avg. .........................................5-44.8.............................7-43.3 Fumbles-Lost ...........................................1-1.............................3-3
Fumbles-Lost ...........................................2-1..................................1-1 they were last year,” Gerhart said connected with Owusu on a
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 3-24...........................9-89
Penalties-Yards ..................................... 6-54................................4-45 of Washington. “They’re confi- 22-yard TD strike late in the third Time of Possession...............................29:37.........................30:23
Time of Possession...............................39:40.............................. 20:20
dent. They’re playing hard and quarter.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS they’re playing well. Coming off a Harbaugh asked Owusu before RUSHING: San Jose St., Muldrow 5-35, Island 3-29, Perry 5-8, Avila
RUSHING: SMU, McNeal 22-83, Line 2-11, Mitchell 3-(minus 14). 1-3, Reese 2-0, Team 1-(minus 3), K.Reed 4-(minus 4), Jurovich
Washington St., Tardy 8-33, Montgomery 6-10, Mitz 2-3, Forzani win over USC, their confidence the game for three explosive plays
2-(minus 19), La Secla 5-(minus 25). Stanford, Gerhart 24-113,
1-(minus 9). should be sky high.” from the sophomore and he Stewart 5-29, Taylor 4-28, Gaffney 2-20, Luck 4-19, Owusu 1-2.
PASSING: SMU, Mitchell 40-57-4-424. Washington St., Lobbestael PASSING: San Jose St., La Secla 17-30-1-155, K.Reed 5-8-0-38,
24-52-2-239, Team 0-1-0-0. Stanford should be feeling delivered.
Zavala 1-1-0-11. Stanford, Luck 9-12-1-170, Pritchard 2-3-0-1.
RECEIVING: SMU, Sanders 18-178, Beasley 8-69, Wilkerson 7-113, pretty good about itself, too. “Outstanding special teams RECEIVING: San Jose St., Jurovich 9-103, Otten 4-32, Muldrow
McNeal 5-34, A.Robinson 2-30. Washington St., Karstetter 5-63, The Cardinal scored on their play,” Harbaugh said. “I can’t say 4-22, Beauchman 2-19, Avery 2-15, Burns 1-11, Harrison 1-2.
Solomon 4-39, Montgomery 3-26, Blackledge 3-18, Forzani 2-50, Stanford, R.Whalen 3-63, Owusu 3-51, Marecic 2-48, Gerhart 1-8,
Tardy 2-15, To.Thompson 2-15, Mitz 2-2, Stormo 1-11. opening offensive series and enough about how those guys did Sherman 1-2, Patterson 1-(minus 1).
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Arizona State 38, Louisiana-Monroe 14
Bolden’s kickoff return for TD puts game away early
TEMPE, ARIZ.—Omar Bolden found a
seam on the opening kickoff and was
gone.
So were Louisiana-Monroe’s hopes for
an upset of Arizona State.
Bolden returned the opening kick 89
yards for a touchdown and picked off a
pass as the Sun Devils coasted to a 38-14
victory over the Warhawks on Saturday.
Now the Sun Devils will prepare for
their journey to Athens, Ga., to face a
Georgia squad that thumped them 27-10
in Tempe last year.
“It’s been a game we’ve had circled for
the whole time,” ASU quarterback Danny
Sullivan said. “We’re ready to take that
trip East.”
Playing in a half-empty Sun Devil Sta-
dium, Arizona State (2-0) turned in
another strong defensive performance,
with Travis Goethel also intercepting a
pass.
The Sun Devils have limited teams
from the Big Sky and Sun Belt Confer-
ences to a total of 17 points.
Trey Revell completed 10-of-23 passes
for 126 yards and two touchdowns but
also threw two interceptions for the War-
hawks (1-2).
The Sun Devils have yet to commit a
turnover while forcing eight in the first
two games.
“We haven’t turned the ball over, and
we’ve gotten a lot of turnovers,” Arizona
State coach Dennis Erickson said. “That’s
kind of the team we are right now.”
Bolden’s TD return was the 14th in
ASU history and its first since 2007,
when Rudy Burgess took one back 98
yards against USC. It was the second
time in three games that the Warhawks
had given up a kickoff return for a score.
“We didn’t give ourselves a chance in
this game,” Louisiana-Monroe coach
Charlie Weatherbie said. “Our kickoff
coverage was bad. Arizona State is a good
UCLA’s Taylor Embree, right, stretches but can’t make the one-handed catch in the end zone.
football team, but our team is better than
it showed tonight.”
Six minutes after Bolden’s jaunt, the
Sun Devils took a 14-0 lead on a 1-yard
run by Dimitri Nance. The 14 first-quar-
ter points tied for the most in coach
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 33
PAC-10
TEAM CONF. OVERALL NEXT
quarter.
Stanford 1-0 2-1 Washington, Saturday, 9 p.m.
Arizona State responded with a 9-yard
Washington 1-0 2-1 at Stanford, Saturday, 9 p.m.
touchdown pass from Danny Sullivan to
California 0-0 3-0 at Oregon, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Chris McGaha, and Bobby Wenzig hit a UCLA 0-0 3-0 at Stanford, Oct. 3, TBA
field goal to give the Sun Devils a 24-7 Arizona State 0-0 2-0 at No. 23 Georgia, Saturday, 7 p.m.
halftime lead. Arizona 0-0 2-1 at Oregon State, Saturday, 7:35 p.m.
Oregon 0-0 2-1 No. 8 California, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
UCLA 23, Kansas State 9 Oregon State 0-0 2-1 Arizona, Saturday, 7:35 p.m.
PASADENA, CALIF.—Kevin Craft made the USC 0-1 2-1 Washington State, Saturday, 10:15 p.m.
most of a second opportunity Saturday Washington State 0-1 1-2 at No. 3 USC, Saturday, 10:15 p.m.
night, passing for 186 yards and a touch-
down to lead unbeaten UCLA. Louisiana-Monroe 0 7 0 7 — 14 Kansas St. 3 0 6 0 — 9
Arizona St. 14 10 14 0 — 38 UCLA 7 6 0 10 — 23
Freshman Johnathan Franklin rushed
for a career-best 119 yards on 23 carries First Quarter First Quarter
ASU: Bolden 89 kickoff return (Wenzig kick), UCLA: Franklin 3 run (Forbath kick), 5:16.
and Kai Forbath kicked three field goals 14:48. KSt: FG Cherry 26, 2:03.
without a miss for the Bruins (3-0), who ASU: Nance 1 run (Wenzig kick), 8:21. Second Quarter
Second Quarter UCLA: FG Forbath 39, 14:51.
are off to their best start since 2005, ULM: McNeal 14 pass from Revell (Jabour kick), UCLA: FG Forbath 35, 5:00.
when they won their first eight games. 7:57. Third Quarter
ASU: McGaha 9 pass from Sullivan (Wenzig kick), KSt: Dan.Thomas 7 run (pass failed), 5:14.
They were 4-8 last season under first- 5:59. Fourth Quarter
year coach Rick Neuheisel. ASU: FG Wenzig 24, :37. UCLA: FG Forbath 40, 9:55.
Third Quarter UCLA: Austin 51 pass from Craft (Forbath kick),
Craft, filling in at quarterback for ASU: Nance 1 run (Wenzig kick), 7:59. 6:18.
Kevin Prince, completed 13-of-24 passes ASU: Sullivan 1 run (Wenzig kick), :35. A: 67,311.
Fourth Quarter
with one interception including a game- ULM: McCall 4 pass from Revell (Jabour kick), 1:03. KSt UCLA
clinching 51-yard scoring pass to Ter- A: 43,780. First downs ...................................19..................16
Rushes-yards .......................... 37-69..........34-173
rence Austin with 6:18 remaining. Prince, ULM ASU Passing ........................................199................186
a redshirt freshman who started the Bru- First downs ...................................14..................15 Comp-Att-Int .......................21-35-2.........13-24-1
Rushes-yards ........................ 33-136..........34-118 Return Yards..................................11..................66
ins’ first two games, broke his jaw late in Passing ........................................126................220 Punts-Avg. ............................. 5-40.4...........3-46.7
UCLA’s 19-15 victory at Tennessee on Comp-Att-Int .......................10-23-2.........19-33-0 Fumbles-Lost ...............................2-0.................1-1
Return Yards..................................15..................66 Penalties-Yards ..........................4-50.............. 8-80
Sept. 12 and is expected to be out two or Punts-Avg. ............................. 7-37.6...........5-46.2 Time of Possession...................34:03.............25:57
three more weeks. Fumbles-Lost ...............................2-1.................1-0
Penalties-Yards ..........................5-50..........12-122 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
— The Associated Press Time of Possession...................27:31.............32:29 RUSHING: Kansas St., Dan.Thomas 15-54,
K.Valentine 1-7, Coffman 20-6, Wilson 1-2. UCLA,
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Franklin 23-119, Coleman 8-46, Craft 2-9, Team
RUSHING: Louisiana-Monroe, Goodin 15-62, Rev- 1-(minus 1).
ell 8-54, Lovett 9-21, Team 1-(minus 1). Arizona St., PASSING: Kansas St., Coffman 20-34-2-193, Dan.
RISING Nance 17-82, Bass 6-35, Marshall 6-18, Osweiler Thomas 1-1-0-6. UCLA, Craft 13-24-1-186.
Steve Sarkisian in Seattle 2-(minus 3), Sullivan 3-(minus 14). RECEIVING: Kansas St., Banks 6-33, Dan.Thomas
PASSING: Louisiana-Monroe, Revell 10-23-2-126. 4-61, L.Brown 4-43, Mastrud 2-20, Vignery 2-14,
Think the new guy will ever buy his Arizona St., Sullivan 19-31-0-220, Osweiler 0-2- S.Smith 1-18, Snipes 1-6, Wilson 1-4. UCLA, Rosario
own dinner again in Seattle? Can 0-0. 3-45, Austin 2-58, Paulsen 2-23, Moya 2-22, Embree
FRANCIS SPECKER / AP he fix the Seahawks, too? RECEIVING: Louisiana-Monroe, McNeal 4-50, 1-17, Harkey 1-10, Moline 1-7, Moutra 1-4.
McCoy 1-23, Leonard 1-22, Sapp 1-16, Ambrose
1-9, McCall 1-4, A.Jordan 1-2. Arizona St.,
K.Williams 8-129, McGaha 6-48, K.Taylor 2-30,
J.Williams 2-8, Nance 1-5.
Dennis Erickson’s 27 games at Arizona FALLING
State; ASU scored a total of 22 points in Oregon State in nonconference
the first quarter last year. Beavers wasted a golden chance
for respect against a solid noncon-
The Warhawks trimmed the lead to ference foe, much like in 2008.
14-7 on a 14-yard pass from Revell to Dar-
rell McNeal midway through the second
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 34
Colorado State 35, Nevada 20
MOUNTAIN WEST Independents
TEAM CONF. OVERALL NEXT TEAM OVERALL NEXT
BYU 0-0 2-0 Colorado State, Saturday, 6 p.m.
Colorado State 0-0 2-0 at No. 7 BYU, Saturday, 6 p.m. Army 2-1 at Iowa State, Saturday, 7 p.m. RISING
Utah 0-0 2-0 Louisville, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Notre Dame 2-1 at Purdue, Saturday, 8 p.m. Army bowling
TCU 0-0 1-0 at Clemson, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Navy 1-2 Western Kentucky, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Plenty of wins
Air Force 0-0 1-1 San Diego State, Saturday, 2 p.m. remain on this
San Diego State 0-0 1-1 at Air Force, Saturday, 2 p.m. weak schedule;
surely Army
UNLV 0-0 1-1 at Wyoming, Saturday, 3 p.m.
can find four
Wyoming 0-0 1-1 UNLV, Saturday, 3 p.m.
more to go
New Mexico 0-0 0-2 New Mexico State, Saturday, 10 p.m. bowling.

UNLV 34, Hawaii 33

FALLING
Navy run
Payne’s touchdown catch No chance
for Navy to
win if it runs

helps UNLV top Hawaii RICH ABRAHAMSON / AP

for only 129
yards, as it
did in loss to
Colorado State’s Klint Kubiak, left, celebrates after an interception agains Nevada’s Chris Wellington.
CRAIG RUTTLE / AP Pittsburgh.
LAS VEGAS—Phillip Payne caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Omar
Ball State’s Koreen Burch, bottom, bats away a
Clayton with 36 seconds left to give UNLV a 34-33 win over Hawaii on Sat-
urday night.
Clayton, who threw for a career
Morton relives prep days pass to Army’s Alejandro Villanueva.

high 340 yards, found Payne on the RISING FORT COLLINS, COLO.—Dion Morton fig- Morton said. “I do like to throw the Army 24, Ball State 17
right side of the end zone with an up- Air Force defense ured he had thrown his final pass in ball.”
for-grabs pass capping a 14-play
After giving up 327 yards
in a loss last week to
high school. Keep this up and the Travis’ TD pick seals victory
67-yard drive for the Rebels (2-1). Minnesota, the effort was Colorado State senior receiver may be Air Force 37, New Mexico 13
UNLV beat the Warriors (2-1) much better this time. flinging a few more. WEST POINT, N.Y.—Donovan Travis “I just read his eyes,” Travis
despite the efforts of Greg Alexander, Morton threw a touchdown pass ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Jon Davis inter- came up with two pivotal picks in said. “It gave us momentum, let us
who completed 31-of-48 passes for a FALLING and hauled in another, leading the cepted two passes, returning one for a the fourth quarter to make Army a waste some time off the clock and
career high 477 yards and three Hawaii’s hopes Rams to a 35-20 win over Nevada on touchdown, to lead Air Force. winning team—something that helped secure the win we got
touchdowns. Alexander’s final des- It’s just one loss, the first of Saturday. He has now thrown two The Falcons (2-1, 1-0 Mountain could rarely be said about the today.”
peration pass was batted down by the season, but the Warriors touchdown passes on two attempts West Conference) defense held the Black Knights in recent seasons. Army was outgained 375-265
UNLV wide receiver Ryan Wolfe as had some people talking on this season. Lobos (0-3, 0-1) to 290 total yards Travis returned his second and fumbled six times, losing only
the big island.
time expired. A standout quarterback at John W. and forced four turnovers in the con- interception 18 yards for the go- one, but four interceptions and a
Wolfe finished with 130 yards North High School in Riverside, ference opener for both teams. ahead touchdown in the fourth solid ground game (207 yards
receiving and Payne added 94. Calif., Morton didn’t receive many Air Force played most of the game quarter and Army defeated Ball rushing) allowed the Black
Clayton was 28 of 43 with two interceptions. scholarship offers for his arm, despite without starting quarterback Tim State 24-17 on Saturday. Knights to move above .500 under
The Warriors had taken the lead with 5:27 left on Alex Green’s 2-yard throwing 32 touchdown passes his Jefferson, who left in the first quarter Travis picked off Cardinals new coach Rich Ellerson, who is
touchdown run. senior season. with a sprained right ankle. He was quarterback Kelly Page with 6:41 trying to turn around a program
The Warriors (2-1) were coming off a 38-20 win at Washington State, the On Saturday, Morton harkened replaced by backup quarterback Con- remaining and sprinted into the that has languished through more
program’s first road victory over a BCS conference team. Hawaii will con- back to those high school days, toss- nor Dietz, who directed the Falcons to end zone to break a 17-all tie for the than a decade of losing.
tinue east with a game against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 30 ing a 25-yard strike to Eric Peitz on a a series of short scores. Black Knights (2-1). “It feels right. It feels like that’s
UNLV will go to Wyoming Saturday for a noon game. gadget play in the first quarter. Mor- “Obviously, he’s a great player on Earlier in the fourth, with the the way it should be,” Ellerson
— The Associated Press ton took a lateral from Stucker and this team,” Dietz said of Jefferson. score tied and Ball State in Army said. “But we don’t want to start
lofted it to a wide open Peitz. “We all look up to him. I just wanted territory, Travis picked off Page’s the celebration too soon. It abso-
Just like old times. to go in there and help out the team.” pass over the middle on a third- lutely is a process.”
“It is bringing me back a little bit,” — The Associated Press and-30. — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 35
Southern Mississippi 37, Virginia 34

TEAM
C-USA CONF. OVERALL NEXT
Eagles overcome double-digit deficit for eighth straight win
EAST
Southern Miss 1-0 3-0 at No. 22 Kansas, Saturday, noon HATTIESBURG, MISS.—Southern Mississippi, after fum- 109 yards receiving for the Falcons (1-2). Wright caught
UAB 1-1 1-2 at Texas A&M, Saturday, 7 p.m. bling and bumbling its way through the first half, five passes for 104 yards.
Marshall 0-0 2-1 at Memphis, Saturday, 8 p.m. returned to form late in the game to stretch its winning
East Carolina 0-0 1-2 Central Florida, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. streak with a 37-34 victory over struggling Virginia on Central Florida 23, Buffalo 17
Memphis 0-0 1-2 Marshall, Saturday, 8 p.m. Saturday.
Central Florida 0-1 2-1 at East Carolina, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. The Golden Eagles, after trailing by 17, scored two ORLANDO, FLA.—Nick Cattoi kicked a 22-yard field goal
WEST unanswered fourth-quarter touchdowns to make it eight with 6:02 remaining to break a tie in Central Florida’s
SMU 1-0 2-1 at TCU, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. straight, second only to Florida’s 13-game mark. win over Buffalo.
Tulsa 1-0 2-1 Sam Houston State, Saturday, 7 p.m. “I think it says a lot about our team,” Southern Miss Cattoi, who’s 42-yarder with 1:33 left to play completed
Houston 0-0 2-0 Texas Tech, Saturday, 9:15 p.m. coach Larry Fedora said. “I knew that we would not quit. the scoring, had three field goals in the second half.
UTEP 0-0 0-2 at No. 2 Texas, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. I knew we would play all the way to the end.” Brynn Harvey added a 4-yard touchdown run in the
Tulane 0-1 0-2 McNeese State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
The Southern Miss offense was averaging 507.5 yards second half to help the Golden Knights (2-1) rally from a
Rice 0-1 0-3 Vanderbilt, Saturday, 8 p.m.
per game coming into the game, but managed only 344 17-7 halftime deficit.
yards against Virginia, despite Damion Fletcher rushing The Golden Knights had an interception and two fum-
Virginia 13 14 7 0 — 34 for 115 and Tory Harrison for 101. Fletcher scored on a ble recoveries in a second half in which Buffalo had 101
Southern Miss. 0 10 14 13 — 37 RISING 6-yard run in the first quarter and a 10-yard run in the yards.
First Quarter SMU’s Sanders fourth quarter. Brett Hodges was 15 of 20 with 141 yards and Harvey
UVa: T.Smith 69 pass from Sewell (Randolph kick), WR Emmanuel
9:18. Sanders caught
Harrison capped Southern Miss’ rally with a 57-yard rushed for 98 yards on 25 carries for UCF.
UVa: FG Randolph 34, 7:46. touchdown run. The Bulls (1-2) broke a 7-7 tie when Naaman Roosevelt
UVa: FG Randolph 24, 5:25. 18 passes for 178
Second Quarter yards, giving him Austin Davis was 14 of 26 for 130 yards and a 2-yard threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jesse Rack on a dou-
USM: Fletcher 6 run (Estes kick), 11:08. 35 for 392 yards touchdown pass to Ryan Hanks in the third quarter. He ble reverse. Buffalo held UCF to just 24 yards in the first
UVa: Burd 29 pass from Sewell (Randolph kick), this season. And
7:38. was sacked twice. half after giving up a 68-yard scoring drive.
USM: FG Estes 27, 4:33. somehow, he only
has one TD.
Freddie Parham sparked the Golden Eagles’ rally in
UVa: Sewell 4 run (Randolph kick), :19.
Third Quarter the third quarter when he took a kick 3 yards deep in the Memphis 41, Tennessee-Martin 14
USM: Hanks 2 pass from A.Davis (Estes kick), end zone and sprinted the length of the field to cut Vir-
11:17.
UVa: Sewell 1 run (Randolph kick), 7:19. FALLING ginia’s lead to 34-24. MEMPHIS, TENN.—Tyler Bass threw four touchdown
USM: Parham 100 kickoff return (Estes kick), 7:05. Owl D “Clearly that was a momentum changer,” Virginia MATT BUSH / AP passes and ran for another, leading Memphis in a
Fourth Quarter At least the Rice
USM: Fletcher 10 run (Estes kick), 13:27. coach Al Groh said. “I saw it coming. We didn’t fit on the With his team trailing by 17 in the third quarter, Southern Miss’ blowout of Tennessee-Martin.
USM: Harrison 57 run (kick blocked), 8:01. defense is consis- Freddie Parham ignited the rally with this 100-yard kickoff return.
blocks properly at a number of spots.” Bass was 22-for-28 for 293 yards, four touchdowns
A: 31,170. tent—allowing 44,
55, 41 points in first Southern Miss’ unanswered scores by Fletcher and and an interception for the Tigers (1-2).
UVa USM
First downs ...................................25..................20
three games and Harrison did the rest. Marshall 17, Bowling Green 10 He also rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown on 16
Rushes-yards .......................... 43-78..........41-214 458 total yards per The Cavaliers, among the worst offensive teams in the HUNTINGTON, W. VA.—Darius Marshall rushed for 186 carries.
Passing ........................................312................130 game. nation this season, had 390 yards against the Golden yards, including an 80-yard touchdown run, to lead Duke Calhoun caught nine passes for 174 yards and
Comp-Att-Int .......................24-47-1.........14-27-1
Return Yards.................................... 5..................39 Eagles. Marshall to win over Bowling Green. a score, and Carlos Singleton had a pair of touchdown
Punts-Avg. ............................. 5-45.8...........5-35.4 Southern Miss (3-0), a 16½-point favorite, trailed until The Thundering Herd (2-1) trailed 7-0 at halftime after catches on 40 yards receiving.
Fumbles-Lost ...............................2-1.................3-2
Penalties-Yards ..........................6-49.............. 9-92 the fourth quarter, with fumbles and penalties allowing Bowling Green’s Chris Wright caught a 50-yard touch- The Tigers scored the first 31 points.
Time of Possession...................32:55.............27:05 the Cavaliers to surge to a 13-0 lead after one quarter. down pass from Tyler Sheehan, who completed 43-of-62 Bass threw touchdown passes of 19 yards to Single-
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Virginia (0-3) scored on a 69-yard pass from Jameel passes for 383 yards. ton and 85 yards to Calhoun, and also rushed for a
RUSHING: Virginia, Do.Wallace 11-35, Sewell Sewell to Tim Smith and had two field goals, thanks to But Marshall answered with 17 straight points and 7-yarder to stake Memphis to a 24-0 lead in the sec-
23-23, Jackson 7-15, Mack 2-5. Southern Miss.,
Fletcher 26-115, Harrison 3-101, A.Davis 11-0, Southern Miss fumbles. never fell behind again; Brian Anderson connected with ond quarter.
Team 1-(minus 2). A roughing the passer call on Southern Miss set up Antavio Wilson on an 11-yard touchdown, Marshall He connected with Singleton again, this time on a
PASSING: Virginia, Sewell 24-46-1-312, Team 0-1-0-0.
Southern Miss., A.Davis 14-26-0-130, Harrison 0-1-1-0. 4-yard TD run by Sewell to give the Cavaliers a 27-10 scored on his long run and Craig Ratanamorn made a 21-yard score for the 31-0 advantage to open the third.
RECEIVING: Virginia, Burd 6-79, Green 5-30, lead at halftime. 31-yard field goal. The Skyhawks (1-2) then scored consecutive touch-
Mack 4-16, T.Smith 3-76, Jackson 3-44, Brown
2-52, Torchia 1-15. Southern Miss., Harrison 3-34, Sewell was 24 of 46 for 312 yards and two touchdowns, Anderson completed 11-of-21 passes for 100 yards and downs to pull within 17 points, but Bass’ final touch-
Banks 2-39, Baptiste 2-14, D.Brown 2-7, Hanks 2-6, hitting Kris Burd for a 29-yard touchdown in the second threw one interception. Bowling Green’s Freddie Barnes down pass sealed the win.
Massey 1-16, Parham 1-8, Fletcher 1-6.
quarter. Sewell ran for 23 yards and two scores. broke a school record with 17 receptions, finishing with — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Indiana 38, Akron 21
Fisher, Hoosiers show up oddsmakers
AKRON, OHIO—Ray Fisher doesn’t think
Indiana is getting any respect, so he took
out his frustrations on Akron.
Fisher returned the opening kickoff 91
yards for a score, Ben Chappell threw two
touchdown passes and the defense forced
four turnovers in the Hoosiers’ 38-21 vic-
tory against Akron on Saturday.
Fisher was upset that the Zips, playing
at home, were favored by nearly a
touchdown.
“That bothered me a lot,” Fisher said.
“We’re a Big Ten team. That really made
me mad. I had to come out and set the
tempo.”
Indiana is 3-0 for the second time under
coach Bill Lynch and the third time in the
past five years. Prior to 2005, Indiana
hadn’t started a season 3-0 since 1994.
“People are going to start opening their
eyes about us,” Fisher said.
Akron (1-2) played without starting
quarterback Chris Jacquemain, who was
suspended indefinitely on Friday for a
violation of team rules.
Central Michigan 48,
Alcorn State 0
MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH.—Carl Volny
rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns
as Central Michigan beat Alcorn State.
After beating Michigan State with a
last-minute field goal last week, the Chip-
pewas (2-1) easily routed the Braves (0-2)
Volny scored on 5- and 2-yard runs in
the third quarter. Quarterback Dan LeFe-
vour completed 10-of-12 passes for 92
yards and rushed for two touchdowns.
Antonio Brown scored on a 55-yard
punt return, and Tim Phillips added a
2-yard touchdown run. Andrew Aguila
contributed two field goals.
The Chippewa defense held Alcorn
State to just 36 yards rushing. Braves
quarterback Tim Buckley was 7 of 16 for
College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 36
TEAM
MAC CONF. OVERALL NEXT
EAST
15-yard run in the third quarter, and Ohio 0-0 2-1 at Tennessee, Saturday, 7 p.m.
rushed for 143 yards on 23 carries for the Akron 0-0 1-2 at Central Michigan, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
fifth 100-yard rushing game of his Bowling Green 0-0 1-2 No. 10 Boise State, Saturday, 7 p.m.
career. Buffalo 0-0 1-2 at Temple, Saturday, noon
Kent State 0-0 1-2 Miami (OH), Saturday, 7 p.m.
Western Michigan 48, Temple 0-0 0-2 Buffalo, Saturday, noon
Miami (OH) 0-1 0-3 at Kent State, Saturday, 7 p.m.
Miami (Ohio) 26
WEST
KALAMAZOO, MICH.—Tim Hiller threw Western Michigan 1-0 1-2 Hofstra, Saturday, 7 p.m.
four touchdown passes and Jamail Berry Central Michigan 0-0 2-1 Akron, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
returned a fumble for a score seven sec- Northern Illinois 0-0 2-1 Idaho, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Toledo 0-0 1-2 at Florida International, Saturday, 7 p.m.
onds into the game as Western Michigan
Ball State 0-0 0-3 at Auburn, Saturday, 7 p.m.
topped Miami (Ohio).
Eastern Michigan 0-0 0-3 Temple, Oct. 3, 1 p.m.
The Broncos (1-2, 1-0 Mid-American),
who scored the game’s first 35 points,
capitalized on five turnovers by the Red- FALLING
RISING
Hawks (0-3, 0-1) while extending their Stan Parrish
Freddie Barnes
home winning streak to seven. Western Bowling Green WR No one expected
Michigan also has won 12 straight home has had double-digit this much of a drop
openers. grabs in each game under new Ball State
Eugene Harris caught six passes for 134 (17 vs. Marshall). coach.
yards and two touchdowns for Miami,
which scored its first points of the season Indiana 10 7 7 14 — 38 Iowa St. 17 10 7 0 — 34
with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter Akron 7 7 0 7 — 21 Kent St. 7 0 0 7 — 14
First Quarter First Quarter
on a 14-yard pass from Daniel Rauda- Ind: Fisher 91 kickoff return (Freeland kick), 14:45. ISU: FG Mahoney 20, 11:56.
baugh to Harris. Miami lost 42-0 to Ken- Ind: FG Freeland 25, 7:14. Kent: Archer 44 pass from Keith (Cortez kick), 8:45.
Akr: Bowser 49 pass from Rodgers (Iveljic kick), 5:51. ISU: Ja.Williams 22 pass from Arnaud (Mahoney
tucky and 48-0 to Boise State in its first Second Quarter
Akr: A.Williams 0 blocked punt return (Iveljic kick), 6:15.
kick), 4:57.
ISU: Arnaud 9 run (Mahoney kick), 2:52.
two games, respectively. Ind: Evans 10 pass from Chappell (Freeland kick), :37. Second Quarter
Third Quarter ISU: Arnaud 3 run (Mahoney kick), 12:42.
Ind: Dedmond 3 pass from Chappell (Freeland ISU: FG Mahoney 37, 1:49.
kick), 8:26. Third Quarter
Ohio 28, Cal Poly 10 Fourth Quarter ISU: Robinson 15 run (Mahoney kick), 10:10.
Ind: Burgess 5 run (Freeland kick), 14:23. Fourth Quarter
Ind: Willis 2 run (Freeland kick), 7:10. Kent: McBryde 8 pass from Keith (Cortez kick), 6:43.
ATHENS, OHIO—Theo Scott threw for a Akr: Rodgers 9 run (Iveljic kick), :35. A: 15,808.
career-high 236 yards and three touch- A: 18,340. ISU Kent
Ind Akr First downs ...................................16..................15
down passes to lead Ohio to victory. First downs ...................................22..................16 Rushes-yards ........................ 42-234............32-47
Rushes-yards ........................ 46-180..........30-106 Passing ........................................170................255
Scott had scoring strikes of 5 yards to Passing ........................................175................165 Comp-Att-Int .......................16-28-1.........21-32-1
Comp-Att-Int .......................20-31-1.........14-23-4 Return Yards................................(-7)....................7
PHIL MASTURZO / AP LaVon Brazill, 42 yards to Taylor Price Return Yards................................136..................61 Punts-Avg. ............................. 7-46.3...........9-37.1
Akron’s Matt Rodgers, left, didn’t fare too well in replacing suspended starting QB Chris Jacquemain. and 63 yards to Terrence McRae for the Punts-Avg. ............................. 3-31.0...........5-41.6 Fumbles-Lost ...............................5-3.................5-4
Fumbles-Lost ...............................1-1.................1-0 Penalties-Yards ..........................8-85.............. 8-69
Bobcats (2-1). He finished 14-for-27. Penalties-Yards ..........................4-45.............. 5-52 Time of Possession...................28:55.............31:05
Time of Possession...................34:51.............25:09
89 yards, including a 43-yard pass to ing streak in a win over Kent State. Price had nine catches for 135 yards and INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Anton DeJarnett. The victory was the Cyclones’ first road McRae had three receptions for 93 yards. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING: Iowa St., Robinson 23-143, Arnaud
RUSHING: Indiana, Willis 15-66, Burgess 13-59, 9-42, Schwartz 5-31, Blankenship 4-11, Tiller
win since defeating Texas A&M 42-14 in Errik Ejike started Ohio’s scoring with McCray 12-45, Doss 1-9, Payton 3-3, Evans 1-0, 1-7. Kent St., Flowers 21-45, Archer 6-20, Keith
Team 1-(minus 2). Akron, Torrence 2-32, Allen 8-29, 3-(minus 8), Anzevino 2-(minus 10).
Iowa State 34, Kent State 14 2005. his first career interception and touch- Shuford 5-18, Rodgers 10-18, Burney 2-14, Tuzze
1-0, D.Miller 1-(minus 2), Bruce 1-(minus 3).
PASSING: Iowa St., Arnaud 13-21-0-144, Tiller
3-7-1-26. Kent St., Keith 21-32-1-255.
“We’ve got a football team that’s very, down, a 23-yarder in the first quarter. PASSING: Indiana, Chappell 18-28-1-163, Evans 2-2- RECEIVING: Iowa St., Ja.Williams 4-51, Hamilton
KENT, OHIO—Austen Arnaud ran for two very thrilled to have a road victory,” Iowa Chris Garrett had 91 yards on 15 carries 0-12, Follett 0-1-0-0. Akron, Rodgers 14-23-4-165. 4-42, C.Franklin 2-15, S.Johnson 2-8, Schwartz
RECEIVING: Indiana, Doss 7-60, Belcher 5-49, Evans 1-30, Zitek 1-11, Catlett 1-9, Darks 1-4. Kent St.,
touchdowns and threw for another, help- State coach Paul Rhoads said. for the Bobcats. 4-43,T.Turner 2-12, Dedmond 2-11. Akron, Bowser Flowers 4-21, Bowman 3-46, Terry 3-46, Goode
3-86, Burney 3-26, LaFrance 3-10, D.Miller 1-17, 3-33, Archer 2-50, McBryde 2-17, Muldrow 1-14,
ing Iowa State break its 17-game road los- Alexander Robinson scored on a — The Associated Press Allen 1-12, Bruce 1-9, Torrence 1-3, Shuford 1-2. Garner 1-12, Kirkland 1-11, Konz 1-5.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Football SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 37
Troy 27, UAB 14 Louisiana Tech 48, Nicholls State 13

TEAM
SUN BELT Brown’s big day gives
CONF. OVERALL NEXT
Jenkins helps Bulldogs win first
Louisiana-Lafayette
Middle Tennessee
0-0
0-0
2-1
2-1
at No. 19 Nebraska, Saturday, 7 p.m.
at North Texas, Saturday, 4 p.m. Troy first win of year RUSTON, LA.—Ross Jenkins

WAC
Arkansas State 0-0 1-1 Troy, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. threw for 357 yards and two
Louisiana-Monroe 0-0 1-2 at Florida Atlantic, Saturday, 4 p.m. TROY, ALA.—Levi Brown threw for 413 for 114 yards and ran for 76 yards on 19 touchdowns to lead Louisi-
North Texas 0-0 1-2 Middle Tennessee, Saturday, 7 p.m. yards and two touchdowns to lead Troy carries for the Blazers (1-2). ana Tech to a 48-13 win over
Troy 0-0 1-2 at Arkansas State, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
to its first victory, beating UAB 27-14 “Webb, in my opinion, is a heck of a Nicholls State on Saturday TEAM CONF. OVERALL NEXT
Florida Atlantic 0-0 0-2 Louisiana-Monroe, Saturday, 4 p.m.
on Saturday. football player,” Blakeney said. “He night.
Florida International 0-0 0-2 Toledo, Saturday, 7 p.m.
Western Kentucky 0-0 0-3 at Navy, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
It was the second-most passing yards gets downhill running and moving The Bulldogs (1-2) never Boise State 1-0 3-0 at Bowling Green, Saturday, 7 p.m.
in school history. around throwing it. He’s very danger- trailed and claimed a 20-3 Idaho 1-0 2-1 at Northern Illinois, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
The Trojans rolled up 551 yards of ous and they dropped several balls and lead in the third quarter Hawaii 0-0 2-1 at Louisiana Tech, Sept. 30, 8 p.m.
RISING FALLING total offense, a far cry from last week’s it could have been a different story.” when D.J. Morrow scored on Louisiana Tech 0-0 1-2 Hawaii, Sept. 30, 8 p.m.
Dwight Dasher Division I-A joy Nevada 0-0 0-2 Missouri, Friday, 9 p.m.
139-yard effort at No. 1 Florida. Troy Troy did get linebacker Bear Woods a 9-yard run. Morrow fin-
Middle Tennessee QB W. Kentucky should Utah State 0-0 0-2 Southern Utah, Saturday, 8 p.m.
has cool name and is rethink this I-A biz
hadn’t scored a touchdown since the back after a two-game NCAA suspen- ished with 89 yards rushing
San Jose State 0-0 0-3 Cal Poly, Saturday, 8 p.m.
cool under pressure as after losing to Central second quarter of the season opener at sion. He played in one game in 2006, on eight carries, while New Mexico State 0-1 1-2 at New Mexico, Saturday, 10 p.m.
he showed vs. Terps. Arkansas (I-AA) by 21. Bowling Green. but Troy couldn’t produce documenta- Tyrone Duplessis added 71 Fresno State 0-1 1-2 at No. 17 Cincinnati, Saturday, noon
“We really were struggling a little bit tion for a medical redshirt. He was yards on the ground on eight
with our identity,” Troy coach Larry awarded a fifth year, but had to miss attempts.
Blakeney said. “We didn’t really know the first two games of the year. Louisiana Tech pushed its RISING FALLING
exactly what our chemistry was. We “He’s back and looked like the old lead to 34-3 in the third when Idaho Vandals Colin Kaepernick
thought we were decent and in spots, Bear to me,” Blakeney said. “Certainly Deon Young returned an They haven’t had a Nevada QB has been
we were really good.” he ties us and glues us together as a interception 32 yards for a winning record since disappointment: 37
1999, but they’re off of 61, 400 yds, 1 TD, 4
Brown threw touchdown passes of team and a defensive unit.” score. Dennis Morris then to solid start in 2009. INTs in two games.
20 yards to TeBiarus Gill and 63 to caught a 37-yard touchdown
Chip Reeves. Brown’s performance Central Arkansas 28, from Jenkins, who completed
was just the second 400-yard passing Western Kentucky 7 21-of-30 passes. returned an interception 74 as UTEP topped New Mex-
game in Troy history, behind Sim Jenkins also threw a yards for a first-quarter ico State following a nearly
Byrd’s 454-yard game in 1968. He com- BOWLING GREEN, KY.—Robbie Park threw 6-yard touchdown to Hous- touchdown. The Vandals three-hour lightning delay.
pleted 24-of-32 passes. for 177 yards and two touchdowns to ton Tuminello in the fourth. (2-1) outrushed the Aztecs Jeff Moturi completed
DuJuan Harris ran for a 22-yard lead Central Arkansas past Western Nicholls State’s Jacob Witt (1-2) 147-55. 15-of-32 passes for 182 yards
score to give Troy a 24-6 lead late in the Kentucky. was 9 of 20 with 107 yards San Diego State stayed for the Miners (1-2), who won
third quarter. The Bears (1-1), of the Football Cham- passing and three intercep- close with the help of two for the 50th time in the
The Trojans (1-2) took a 3-0 lead on pionship Subdivision, led throughout tions, including a 24-yard long field goals by Lane teams’ 87 meetings.
Sam Glusman’s 23-yard field goal with against the Hilltoppers (0-3), who are rushing score for the Colo- Yoshida—one from 47 yards, Seth Smith rushed for 100
7:18 left in the first quarter. Troy went in their first season as a member of the nels (1-2). Anton Robinson the other from 46—and yards on 13 carries for the
up 10-0 at the half on Brown’s touch- Football Bowl Subdivision and Sun finished with eight catches touchdown catches by Vin- Aggies (1-2).
down pass to Gill. Glusman hit a Belt Conference. for 101 yards. cent Brown and Robert Wal- Heavy rain and lightning
22-yarder in the fourth quarter. Park was 18-for-21 and the Bears had lace. But the Aztecs failed to swept into the area 15 min-
Troy held UAB’s dual threat quarter- 407 yards of offense, including 193 on Idaho 34, match Idaho’s touchdowns utes after kickoff, forcing
back Joe Webb in check until late in the the ground. San Diego State 20 with their own. both teams to retreat to the
game. Brent Grimes rushed for 91 yards locker room while most fans
Webb hit Anderson with a 17-yard and a touchdown and Leonard Ceasar MOSCOW, IDAHO—DeMaun- UTEP 38, left Aggie Memorial
touchdown pass and hooked up with added 81 rushing yards for Central dray Woolridge rushed for New Mexico State 12 Stadium.
Zach Lankford for a two-point conver- Arkansas. Ceasar had a 51-yard touch- 93 yards and two touch- Play eventually resumed
JOE IMEL / AP
sion to make it 24-14 early in the fourth. down run to open the scoring for the downs to lead Idaho. LAS CRUCES, N.M.—Donald just under three hours later
Central Arkansas RB Leonard Ceasar rushed for 81 yards and a Webb, who came in as Conference Bears. Idaho jumped ahead early Buckram rushed for 113 with the Miners leading 7-0.
touchdown in the Bears’ win over Western Kentucky. USA’s leading rusher, hit 14 of 27 passes — The Associated Press when Joseph Dickson yards and two touchdowns — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Remote access: A viewer’s guide to Week 2
10 a.m.
GameDay Morning Patriots at Jets
NFL Network CBS/DirecTV 706
Richard Seymour didn’t waste time in making an If you’re tired of the hype on
impact with the Raiders, and Marshall Faulk didn’t waste whether Sanchez is the next Tom
the opportunity to go one-on-one with the former Brady, you can finally see how he
Patriots Pro Bowler. Plus, it’s another trip for the “Super stacks up head-to-head against
Bowl Journey,” with a look at Redskins tight end Chris Brady. Actually, it will be most interest-
Cooley and Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. ing to see how Sanchez fares against
the scheming of Bill Belichick. The
winner gets the early lead in the AFC
11 a.m. East. Announcers: Greg Gumbel, Dan
Dierdorf.
Sunday NFL Countdown
Saints at Eagles
ESPN
Mark Sanchez had an auspicious debut, but Jeremy FOX/DirecTV 710
No quarterback in the league is hot-
Schaap finds out just how much pressure he has in New
York from past Jets quarterbacks. Other features include ter than Drew Brees, but the Eagles
will try to cool him down with their
how Drew Brees pumps up his teammates and how
ferocious pass rush and opportunistic
Adrian Peterson looks so good on film. And leave it to
Kenny Mayne to get to the bottom of the NFL Twitter secondary. With Donovan McNabb
controversy. likely out, Philadelphia can’t afford
to make this a shootout with either
Kevin Kolb or Jeff Garcia attempting
Noon to outduel New Orleans’ cool passer.
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman.
The NFL Today
Panthers at Falcons
CBS
Sanchez was featured on CBS’ “A” game against FOX/DirecTV 709
Considering Carolina’s mis-
Houston last week and delivered with a star-making per-
take-filled opening loss to the
formance. Now, with the Patriots at the Meadowlands
Eagles and Atlanta’s solid outing
for Week 2, the Jets’ rookie quarterback steps into the
against the Dolphins, there might
pregame spotlight. He is interviewed by the gang’s resi-
be growing separation between
dent former Jets quarterback, Boomer Esiason.
these teams in the NFC South. At
quarterback, the ever-improving
Fox NFL Sunday
Matt Ryan seemingly has the
FOX edge over a reeling Jake
If you like the X’s and
Delhomme.Announcers:
O’s of attack defenses, Dick Stockton, Charles
this is your show this
week. Pam Oliver inter-
Davis.
views Eagles new coor-
Texans at Titans
dinator Sean McDermott
and finds out just how CBS/DirecTV 707
Houston was a popular preseason
much his late predeces-
playoff pick, but the Texans’ opening
sor, Jim Johnson, meant
stumble against the Jets has created
to the team. Then Howie
doubt at a bad time. After playing on
Long takes the field to
opening night 10 days ago, Jeff Fisher’s
demonstrate the art of
team has had plenty of time to prepare
rushing passers who use
a three-step drop. FOX for its division foes. Announcers: Gus
Pam Oliver Johnson, Steve Tasker.
NFL
1 p.m.
Bengals at Packers
CBS/DirecTV 704
Chad Ochocinco had little to tweet
about after Cincinnati’s passing
game sputtered in the stunning loss
to Denver. Next on his list is Charles
Woodson and a strong Packers sec-
ondary. Green Bay has a kind early
schedule and should do plenty of
Lambeau leaping against the Bengals.
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon.
Vikings at Lions
FOX/DirecTV 711
As a Packer, Brett Favre had a habit
of haunting Detroit, especially around
Halloween or Thanksgiving. As a
Viking, he’s coming back to light up
the Lions a little bit earlier in the year.
With all due respect to No. 4, however,
Adrian Peterson is Minnesota’s real
ratings draw. Announcers: Ron Pitts,
John Lynch.
JEFF ROBERSON / AP
Are you ready for some wall-to-wall pro football?
Here’s some help before you click away today:
Cardinals at Jaguars
FOX/DirecTV 708
When Larry Fitzgerald and Maurice
Jones-Drew are on the screen, it’s
fun to check them out because they
are always good for jaw-dropping
plays. The playmaker who has a bet-
ter day will likely be on the winning
side. Announcers: Chris Myers, Trent
Green.
Rams at Redskins
FOX/DirecTV 712
For you Washington fans who think
this is a Week 2 cupcake, remember
that the Rams came up with a shocking
win at FedEx Field last October. With
the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants all
winning last week, the Redskins can’t
afford to overlook St. Louis again and
fall in a two-game hole. Announcers:
Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan.
Raiders at Chiefs
CBS/DirecTV 705
No matter where the teams are
in the standings, the rivalry remains
heated. Both teams fought superior
Week 1 AFC opponents to the end
last week and should remain inspired
f o r their archrivals. Oakland
has some exciting
young playmakers
to watch in Darren
McFadden, Zach
Miller and Louis
Murphy. Announcers:
Kevin Harlan, Solomon
Wilcots.
Matt Ryan appears
to have a big edge over
Carolina counterpart
Jake Delhomme.
4:05 p.m.
DAVID RICHARD / AP
Terrell Owens had two catches for 46 yards
in his Bills’ debut.
Buccaneers at Bills
FOX/DirecTV 713
The on-field version of the T.O. Show
had a quiet pilot episode against New
England. But after seeing his old team,
the Cowboys, light up Tampa downfield,
the Bills’ new go-to receiver might make
a big splash in Buffalo’s home opener.
For the Bucs, it’s just good to see Cadillac
back. Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl
Johnston.
Seahawks at 49ers
FOX/DirecTV 714
Yes, it’s true: This game will produce
a 2-0 team and the early leaders in the
weak NFC West. Both teams are look-
ing to build on Week 1 division wins,
with especially good showings from the
defenses and running games. It will be on
Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Hill to come
through in a tight one. Announcers:
Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick.
4:15 p.m.
Steelers at Bears
CBS/DirecTV 715
Expect millions to tune into this matchup
of popular teams, even with defensive
headliners Troy Polamalu and Brian Urlacher
out of action. Bears fans desperately want
to see Jay Cutler rebound from the Packers
debacle, and Pittsburgh will bank on Big
Ben gritting out another typical road win.
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 38
ALL TIMES EASTERN
Ravens at Chargers
CBS/DirecTV 717
Remember when Baltimore and San
Diego made you think of defense first?
With a more confident Joe Flacco and
a cooler than ever Philip Rivers, this
contest may quickly turn into a surpris-
ing Southern California shootout. Hall
of Fame Charger Dan Fouts, the game’s
color man, should love breaking down
this matchup. Announcers: Dick Enberg,
Fouts.
Browns at Broncos
CBS/DirecTV 716
After the Broncos’ miraculous finish in
Cincinnati, there’s no telling what they’ll
do this week. But thanks to an opportunity
to face another woeful Ohio team from
the AFC North, the Josh McDaniels era has
a good chance to start 2-0. Announcers:
Bill Macatee, Steve Beuerlein.
7 p.m.
Football Night in America
NBC
There has been some set separation on
Football Night, with Bob Costas now at the
Sunday night game site and Dan Patrick
and Keith Olbermann co-hosting from 30
Rock. But considering Costas’ strength is
setting up the scene and the former “Big
Show” duo are at their best doing the
highlights, NBC is on to something.
8:20 p.m.
Giants at Cowboys
NBC
If you’re not lucky enough to have tick-
ets for the Cowboys Stadium opener with
a clean view of the video board, watching
The Peacock in high def is a pretty good
alternative. The New York-Dallas series
has been terrific and unpredictable in
the Tony Romo-Eli Manning era, and this
figures to be another down-to-the-wire
classic. Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris
Collinsworth.
— Vinnie Iyer
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
N.Y. GIANTS AT DALLAS Today, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
Cowboys get early chance to learn about themselves
BY ALBERT BREER
abreer@sportingnews.com
ARLINGTON, TEXAS—Last Sunday’s
34-20 win over the Buccaneers may
serve as a confidence-builder for the
Cowboys. But to convince anyone
that this year will be different than
any of the underachieving seasons
of the recent past, America’s Team
will have to wait.
Three months, to be precise. That’s
what happens when there’s such a
disparity between the ways you
start and finish. Since 2005, the
Cowboys are 34-13 from September
through November and 7-13 in
December and January. Plus, they
haven’t won a playoff game since
January 1997.
At the very least, the Cowboys
players seem to grasp the fact that
they can win only games now, not
championships.
“It changes,” quarterback Tony
Romo said. “There will be some
great team here for the first six
weeks that will have the Super Bowl
wrapped up, and there will be
another for the next six weeks, and
then there will be another team.
That’s just part of football.”
That said, tonight’s showdown
yells “BIG GAME” louder than most
September matchups. Dallas offi-
cially opens its $1.2 billion football
palace, with over 100,000 fans
expected to attend. And on the other
sideline will be the team from New
York that took away the Cowboys’
Super Bowl dreams in 2007—and
their division title last year.
So what exactly can Dallas hope to
prove in this game? For what don’t
we have to wait until December to
determine?
Glad you asked. Here are some
substantive judgments the Cowboys
will be able to make after the game:
How far along the offensive line is.
Even with Jay Alford out for the sea-
son and former Cowboy Chris Canty
sidelined this week, the Giants have
a deep, explosive defensive line—one
that had a lot to do with the demise
of a 13-3 Cowboys teams in the 2007
playoffs.
Days after that loss, Cowboys
offensive line coach Tony Sparano
bolted for Miami and the group
appeared to really miss him last
year. You could argue that only one
lineman—right tackle Marc
Colombo— approached his 2007
level, and losing left guard Kyle
Kosier hurt worse than most
expected. This should be a measur-
ing-stick matchup for the big guys
up front as they seek redemption.
Romo knows what the Giants’
defense presents. “They fly around
to the ball,” he said. “They are tal-
ented everywhere. They are every-
thing you want out of a defense. It is
going to be a great challenge.”
How disciplined they are. This
relates directly to Romo, with his
propensity for free-wheeling play
that sometimes leads to critical
errors.
In that Giants playoff game, a red-
zone pick finished off the Cowboys.
Big picks against the Steelers and
Ravens cost Romo in December last
year. This is another area where the
Cowboys will be tested Sunday. Last
week, the Giants scored on defense
and picked off conservative Red-
NFL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 39
skins quarterback Jason Campbell.
Avoiding negative plays will be
imperative against the Giants—and
a key all season.
How they man up in the running game.
It didn’t matter if it was Cadillac
Williams or Derrick Ward last
week. Tampa ran at will on the Cow-
boys, ripping through the defense
for 174 yards (5.6 yards per carry).
Dallas coach Wade Phillips sug-
gested the lack of knowledge about
Tampa Bay’s offense under new
coach Raheem Morris contributed
to the Cowboys’ struggles.
Still, stopping the run became a
problem for Dallas in the stretch run
last season. And as solid as the Buc-
caneers’ offensive line is—and as
deep as they seemed in the back-
field—the Giants are even stouter in
those areas. If the Giants run like
Tampa did, you’ve got a trend.
How they handle a big spot. The
Cowboys were embarrassed in
Texas Stadium’s finale against Balti-
more. And there’s pressure not to let
that happen again in the Cowboys
Stadium opener. But there’s a lot
more to this game than that and the
hoopla can’t be a distraction.
“Your team has to be focused, and
I think they know that,” Phillips
said. “You have to keep them on the
right track, that’s for sure.”
There are plenty of reasons this is
an important game. Among them:
It’s a division matchup, and a loss
would erase the positive vibes cre-
ated last week. But as much as any-
thing, it’s a chance for the Cowboys
to find out if they’re prepared to BRIAN BLANCO / AP
handle the big stage. For Tony Romo and the Cowboys, September success has given way to late-season disappointment, but today’s game still matters.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Q&A with … Falcons RB Michael Turner
‘I’m in the limelight now a little bit, and there’s no denying me’
In an interview this past week with Sporting News
Radio’s Tim Montemayor, Michael Turner talked
about former teammate LaDainian Tomlinson, mak-
ing the Sporting News’ top 100 list (No. 42) and “the
target” he’s wearing this season after rushing for
1,699 yards in 2008 and reaching the Pro Bowl.
Q: Talk to me about your season.
Do you guys feel good about
where you’re at after beating Miami in
the opener?
A: Got to be happy starting off 1-0. It’s
one of the main things you want to
hit in this league and starting off 1-0 is
pretty good right now.
Q: Were you guys surprised a little
bit last year with the success, or
was it what you expected?
A: We really didn’t know. We just tried
to take it one week at a time. We had
to put in a lot of hard work to get where we
were last year, and we just focused on the
next day and took it one day at a time and
went from there.
Q: You’re from a small town
(Waukegan, Ill.) and a small
school (Northern Illinois). You were
backing up L.T. and now you’ve hit the
main stage. Are you the same guy now
that you were back then?
A: Yeah, I’ve always been the same
guy. But I always knew to get to this
point in my career I might have to go
through the back door a little bit. I’ve
always been pretty much overlooked, and
I’m in the limelight now a little bit, and
there’s no denying me.
Q: Does it motivate you when people
downplay you or look past you?
A: Yeah, it’s a motivational tool
because of all the hard work you put
in. You know how good you are and what
your potential is, but for some reason guys
want to knock you or give reasons why you
can’t be successful. But, yeah, it’s my
motivation off the field to push me to the
limit.
Q: You backed up L.T. in San
Diego. When you look at him
now after what he’s been through, do
you see the same guy you saw back
then?
A: I see the same running back. I mean
I’m not in that locker room, but
every time I see him I see all the good stuff.
It’s not like I’m studying him or anything
like that, but you still see the flashes and he
still has all the tools. But sometimes you
can’t control some of the stuff that goes on
as far as the production. But even last year,
the production was pretty good. I know it
was low for his standards, and I know he
doesn’t like that and he’s trying to bounce
back this year.
Q: Did you learn a lot from him?
A: Oh yeah, I learned how he
approached the game, how he took
care of his body. Just the little things he
was doing each week: how he studied film,
what he was looking for when he looked at
defenses, his presnap reads and just little
things like that. I mean I couldn’t run like
him, so I had to pick up other stuff from
him.
Q: You’re No. 42 on the Sporting
News top 100 players list.
That’s in the top half. I would think
that’s a pretty good honor for you?
A: Oh yeah, that’s pretty good to get
recognition, especially from the
Sporting News. But, hopefully, I can keep
climbing up those charts.
NFL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 40
Q: In the magazine, Jon Beason
had some nice things to say
about you. I would think compliments
from a guy like that are pretty
important.
A: Oh yeah. We play him twice a year,
and he’s a Pro Bowl linebacker. You
know you’re doing something right when
other guys say good things about you.
Q: You guys have a new piece this
year, I would imagine that as a
running back having a guy like Tony
Gonzalez helps a lot, doesn’t it?
A: It does. It helps the whole offense, I
mean, there’s so much other stuff
we can do now as opposed to last year. But
we’re taking it one week at a time, and
we’re trying to get this chemistry going so
we can keep it going.
Q: You keep saying one week at a
time, I have to think that’s the
whole team’s mindset and you guys
aren’t thinking about anything else
other than the Carolina Panthers in
Week 2.
A: You’ve got to in this league. You
can’t overlook anybody in this
league. That Panther team is a good team. JOHN BAZEMORE / AP
They won our division last year, so we’ve Michael Turner, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2008, ran for only 65 yards on 22 carries last week.
got them at home this week and hopefully
we can come out with a win.
Q: With the numbers you put up
last year, I would imagine
why you play man-on-man football, so you
can try to man up and win.
Q: The Panthers seem like a team
in transition with what hap-
pened to them last week. What do they
people are looking for you. Is it
different being the target of defenses
and coaches? Q: Matt Ryan’s success helps you
and opens up space for you,
look like to you?
A: Well, they had a bad game last
week, and they didn’t seem to get
A: Yeah, it makes it tougher because
last year nobody had film on me to
watch, so they didn’t know how the offense
doesn’t it?
A: Exactly. We don’t want to be one-
dimensional. We don’t want to be
much going on offense. But you know was going to perform. But now they’ve had known as just a running team and then
they’re going to try to bounce back this
week and give it their all. They were
a whole offseason to study, and I know
there’s a target on my back with all the
that’s all we can do. What builds champion-
ship teams is doing all the little things.
(division) champions last year, and they’re
going to play like champions this week.
numbers I put up. People are definitely
going to be trying to stuff the run, but that’s
Those are the teams that usually come out
on top.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
NEW ENGLAND AT N.Y. JETS Today, 1 p.m., CBS
Now, Jets have to back up their words
BY CLIFTON BROWN
cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com
The onus is on the Jets to turn rhetoric
into results.
Jets coach Rex Ryan began trash-talking
the Patriots months ago. Jets players picked
up the baton, adding fuel to one of the NFL’s
best rivalries, which continues today in
East Rutherford, N. J.
The Jets (1-0) have lost eight consecutive
home games to the Patriots (1-0). But you
would never guess that listening to Ryan
and his players.
“We know what it takes to beat these
guys,’’ Jets running back Leon Washington
said. “If we go out there and do what we’ve
been doing all year long, we’ll be fine. We’ll
back it up.’’
The game will be an early-season indica-
tion of whether the Jets, with a rookie head
coach and rookie quarterback Mark San-
chez, are ready to contend in the AFC East.
Many factors will determine the outcome,
but here are a few:
Sanchez’s poise. He had a terrific debut
against the Texans, but the Patriots will
present a tougher challenge. Few coaches
are better than Bill Belichick at confusing
quarterbacks. For the Jets to win, Sanchez
must avoid throwing into well-disguised
coverage schemes.
“They play well together, and they give
quarterbacks fits,’’ Sanchez said. “It’s
important for me to be smart with the
football.’’
New England’s run defense. It will be tested
against the Jets, particularly since the Patri-
ots will be without injured linebacker Jerod
Mayo. Thomas Jones of the Jets ran for 107
yards in the season-opening victory over
the Texans while Washington added 60
yards. Ryan wants to run the ball to take
pressure off Sanchez, to eat clock and to
The Jets have lost eight straight home games to New England, but that was before Mark Sanchez arrived.
keep Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense
off the field.
Brady vs. the Jets’ blitz. Ryan loves to blitz
and will come after Brady—and Brady
knows it.
“The players they have on the field can all
rush, and they can all cover,’’ Brady said.
“That’s the challenging part. You really
don’t know who’s rushing at times. You’ve
got to really be aware of what we’re doing in
our protection and get rid of the ball quick.’’
So here is the question: Will Brady burn
the blitz more than the blitz batters him?
The blitz can be a dangerous tactic when
your opponent has playmakers like Brady,
Randy Moss and Wes Welker. But the Jets
will risk it, hoping that pressure on Brady
leads to enough sacks or hurried throws to
keep the Patriots from moving the ball
consistently.
Moss vs. Darrelle Revis. Players know that
Revis is one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks.
In Week 1, he locked down Texans star
NFL
BILL KOSTROUN / AP
receiver Andre Johnson (four catches, 35
yards). Revis will shadow Moss on Sunday,
a matchup that Ryan does not fear.
“I think everybody knows he’s going to
match up with Moss,’’ Ryan said. ``We’re
lucky to have a young man that I think is
the best corner in the league. That doesn’t
mean that Randy Moss won’t catch any
balls. The thing that’s scary with Randy
Moss is that sometimes with him when he’s
covered, he’s still open because he’s such a
great athlete.
“In my opinion he’s one of the all-time
great vertical receivers. This is going to be a
great challenge to Revis, but it will also be a
great challenge to Randy Moss.’’
The Patriots have dominated the AFC
East, winning the division five out of the
past six seasons. Ryan has done plenty of
talking since getting the Jets’ job. On Sun-
day, the Jets get to make their statement to
the Patriots, face to face.
“I have a lot of respect for Bill Belichick,’’
Ryan said. “But I’m not his friend on
Sunday.’’
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 41
Q&A with … Saints RB Mike Bell
‘I was beat, but it was a good beat’
Mike Bell subbed in for injured Pierre Thomas in
the Saints’ opener and had a career day, rushing for
143 yards on 28 carries in the 45-27 win over Detroit.
Bell had some good moments with the Broncos as a
rookie in 2006 before falling out of favor and getting
cut in 2008. He talked to Sporting News Radio’s Tim
Montemayor about his big day against the Lions, the
ups and downs in his career and his appreciation for
Saints coach Sean Payton, who gave him an opportu-
nity last season.
Q: Has it been tough to keep your
head up because you’ve been in a
situation where it looked like you
weren’t going to get carries?
A: Yeah, it’s real tough, but I come from
a good family and they kept my head
strong and real positive. They kept my faith
up. I did a lot of praying and stuff. It wasn’t
as hard as you may think.
Q: You had 28 carries against the
Lions, which is more than you’ve
had in the last two years combined.
BILL FEIG / AP
Mike Bell rushed for 143 yards in the Saints’ Week 1 win.
Were you tired after the game? pretty good about that.
A: I was beat, but it was a good beat. I
hadn’t had that many carries since
high school. It was something good for me,
A: I do—I really do. It says a lot about
our coaching staff to have that
confidence in me when you have great
but it was also good experience. It definitely running backs like Pierre Thomas and
got my confidence up. Reggie Bush on your team.
Q: It seems like you guys have
found a nice little rhythm
offensively—not just the last game but
Q: I can’t imagine being cut by a
team. How difficult was it for
you to get back up?
including the end of last year. Do you
feel good where you are offensively? A: It’s really hard. When you get moved
to a fullback and then get cut, it
A: We have found some success, but
our coach says: “We have a lot of
improvement to do. Don’t believe the hype.”
makes you think that you’re not good
enough to play tailback in this league. It
was my faith in God that kept me strong.
I think that’s encouraging because it shows Talking to my family and friends kept me
we have a lot of room to grow. positive—telling me that I can play in this
league. I was injured, and coach Payton
Q: Your coach has come out and
said that whenever Pierre
Thomas comes back that you’ll still get
gave me a chance. I don’t even think any
other team was interested in me, and he
brought me in so that was encouragement
carries. I have to imagine that you feel in itself. I have good people around me.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL
Scouts’ views
All eyes will be on Ryan vs. Belichick matchup
An inside-the-game look at today’s
matchups by Sporting News Today’s team
of NFL scouts:
Coach matchup
Patriots coach Bill Belichick vs. Jets
coach Rex Ryan. Ryan seems to have
made it a personal goal to let
Belichick and the Pats know that
the Jets intend to compete for the
AFC East title. He’ll have to put his
money where his mouth is in Gang
Green’s home opener. Belichick is
the master of defensive strategies
and drools over matchups with
rookie quarterbacks like Mark
Sanchez. With Belichick’s line-
backers unit already depleted by
injury, look for him to use a lot of
different pressure schemes out of
multiple fronts to confuse the young
signal-caller.
Ryan is a big proponent of pres-
sure schemes, but he’ll have to be
careful about how often he sends
an extra pass rusher at Tom Brady,
who reads the blitz as well as any
quarterback in the game. The Bills
repeatedly sent five and six rushers
at him in the second half of last
week’s game and lost. The Jets
hammered Houston with blitz
packages, but Ryan will have to
find some inventive ways to get to
Brady with a defense that is still
without outside linebacker Calvin
Pace. Advantage: Belichick.
Player matchup
Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Titans
CB Cortland Finnegan. Finnegan is
undersized and doesn’t possess
JOHN RUSSELL / AP great leaping ability, so look for
Dallas Clark is already a major target for Indianapolis, and injuries could further increase his role. Houston to take advantage of
Johnson’s size and athletic ability
with outs and fades on the perime-
ter and slants and crosses inside.
Finnegan will try to press early in
an effort to disrupt the timing of
Johnson’s routes and force Matt
Schaub to hold the ball. Finnegan
will have to stay low to bring John-
son to the ground.
Johnson certainly has a physical
advantage, but the Texans will have
trouble running the ball against the
Titans, forcing obvious passing sit-
uations and limiting the time
Finnegan will have to play in cover-
age. With no other big perimeter
receiving threat on the, Finnegan
knows Schaub will be looking his
way and will make plays on the
ball. Advantage: Finnegan.
Breakout player
Dallas Clark, TE, Colts. Some still
think that Clark’s success is the
result of the Colts’ offense and Pey-
ton Manning, and there’s little
doubt Manning has a positive effect
on Clark. But Clark is the player
who really makes this offense go
because of his ability to beat any
coverage in the middle of the field.
He’s smart enough to find open
space in zone schemes, fast enough
to beat linebacker coverage and
strong enough to overpower
safeties.
His ability to adjust within the
Colts’ option route system is criti-
cal, and he does enough as a blocker
to allow the Colts to keep him on
the field in any situation. With
injured wideout Anthony Gonzalez
out, you’ll see that Clark can also be
an effective receiver lined up wide.
Expect him to see additional throws
this week against a so-so Dolphins
secondary.
Systems check
No-huddle offense. Though the
Bills have made headlines for
implementing the no-huddle
offense, as many as five other teams
made use of the scheme in Week 1.
This change can be directly linked
to the increased use of 3-4 align-
ments on defense. The 3-man front
allows defenses to more easily dis-
guise coverages and blitz packages,
making it harder for the quarter-
back to figure out where the pres-
sure is coming from. With the
no-huddle, the quarterback and
line can take a longer look at the
defense and call a play based on
what they see. Expect to see more of
this as the season progresses.
Mismatch of the week
Lions LT Jeff Backus vs. Vikings RE
Jared Allen. Allen has 30 sacks over
the past two seasons,but he also is a
stout run defender who plays with
a high motor. Backus has struggled
mightily in recent seasons, and
we’re surprised Detroit hasn’t tried
to make an upgrade at the position.
The Lions will want rookie tight
end Brandon Pettigrew out in
routes to help rookie quarterback
Matthew Stafford, so Pettigrew
won’t be able to provide much
blocking help on Allen. If Detroit
gives Backus help from the interior,
they risk freeing up Kevin Wil-
liams and Pat Williams inside. It’s
“pick your poison” week for he
Lions.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 42
Veteran wall
Panthers QB Jake Delhomme. Del-
homme has been awful in his last
two outings, including last season’s
playoff loss to Arizona. He commit-
ted 11 turnovers in those games,
and the team signed veteran backup
A.J. Feeley after last week’s loss to
Philadelphia. The good news for
Delhomme is that he did not have a
turnover in two games against
Atlanta last season. If he can pro-
tect the ball, his team has the run-
ning game and the defense to win
games. If he can’t, he’ll be riding
the pine very soon.
Coaching clinic
Bears defensive line coach Rod
Marinelli. As we expected, the Bears’
defensive line played with a lot
more fire and intensity in the sea-
son opener at Green Bay. Left end
Adewale Ogunleye had a team-high
two sacks, and the line pressured
Aaron Rodgers all night and forced
a safety. We knew Marinelli would
have that effect on his new charges.
But with middle linebacker Brian
Urlacher out for the year, even more
of the defensive focus will shift to
the line. The Bears’ scheme is pred-
icated on getting pressure from the
front four, shooting the gaps and
disrupting plays in the backfield.
Marinelli knows this system like
the back of his hand from his days
in Tampa, and we expect his boys
to live up to the task against a Steel-
ers line that still has its
weaknesses.
— Real Scouts, a team of pro football scouts, analyzes
NFL players, coaches and teams
for Sporting News Today.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 43
Tips for the office pool The confidence pool
Everything you need to know to talk trash at the water cooler: For those in weekly “con-
fidence pools,” where you
AFC game of the week Packers (-9) over Bengals. For deliver more often away from get more points based on
Patriots (-3 1/2) at Jets. New the second consecutive week, the face of the pass rush. which picks you’re most con-
Cincinnati draws a 3-4 team fident about, here’s how our
York hopes that the rookie com-
with a ballhawking secondary Upset special prognostication panel feels Vinnie Dennis Steve Russ Clifton Albert Real
bination of coach Rex Ryan and about this week’s games:
that can silence Chad Ochocinco. (straight up and vs. the spread) Iyer Dillon Greenberg Lande Brown Breer Scouts
quarterback Mark Sanchez 14-2 14-2 15-1 12-4 12-4
Ravens over Chargers (-3). Balti- 13-3 13-3
finally will change their for- The Packers will swarm Carson
tunes against Bill Belichick and Palmer, and Green Bay QB more proved it can win by throw-
Tom Brady. The home team Aaron Rodgers will provide the ing often last week, and with its
should hang in there with their offensive spark with more big prolific ground game and play- 1. Packers over Bengals
running game and improved plays downfield. making defense still intact, it is a
defense, but count on Brady to better overall team than San 2. Vikings over Lions
Diego at the moment. Look for Joe
make one more clutch play. Shootout of the week Flacco to outduel Philip Rivers
(over the over/under)
NFC game of the week Steelers at Bears (37 1/2 o/u). late to steal a big road victory. 3. Redskins over Rams
Giants at Cowboys (-3). Dallas will The running games likely will
be inspired to break in its new sta- be slowed by two physical front Trap of the week 4. Falcons over Panthers
dium with a win, and Tony Romo sevens. But with Pittsburgh Cardinals at Jaguars (-3). Arizona
will deliver against New York’s safety Troy Polamalu and Chi- is trying to shake off the Super
banged-up secondary. Eli Man- cago middle linebacker Brian Bowl hangover, which showed up 5. Titans over Texans
ning also will play well, but his lack Urlacher both out, it will be on in Week 1 with a shaky perfor-
of a go-to receiver will keep him quarterbacks Ben Roethlis- mance by Kurt Warner. Jackson- 6. Bills over Buccaneers
from a successful late comeback. berger and Jay Cutler to exploit ville will get physical to try to keep
the middle of the field. Roethlis- the Cards folding. Still, the visi-
berger has the better downfield tors’ firepower and the Jags’ lack 7. Steelers over Bears
Lock of the week thereof makes the outcome iffy.
(survival pool pick and vs. the spread) options and also will get to
— Vinnie Iyer
8. Broncos over Browns
The spread
Week 2 schedule 9. Patriots over Jets
OVER/UNDER CLOSING LINES
at Kansas City (-3) ...............................38 ½..................Oakland ...............................Raiders have covered in 5 of past 6 at Kansas City. Today
Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
at Tennessee (-6 1/2)..........................41 ......................Houston...............................Texans have won only 2 of past 11 road games. Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m. 10. Colts over Dolphins
New England (-3 1/2) ........................46 ......................at New York Jets..................Patriots have covered in 7 of past 10 games vs. Jets. Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
at Green Bay (-9).................................42 ......................Cincinnati.............................Bengals haven’t covered in past 5 games vs. Packers. St. Louis at Washington, 1 p.m.
New England at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. 11. Raiders over Chiefs
Minnesota (-10)..................................45½ ..................at Detroit..............................Lions have covered only once in past 9 home games. Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
New Orleans (-1)................................46 ½..................at Philadelphia....................Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (ribs) questionable for game. Cincinnati at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
at Atlanta (-6 1/2)...............................42½ ..................Carolina................................Falcons have won 9 of past 10 home games.
New Orleans at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. 12. Giants over Cowboys
Arizona at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
at Washington (-10) ...........................37 ......................St. Louis................................Redskins have covered only once in past 6 home games. Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 4:05 p.m.
at Jacksonville (-3) ..............................42 1½ ...............Arizona.................................Jaguars have covered only once in past 8 home games. Seattle at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. 13. Cardinals over Jaguars
Pittsburgh at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.
at San Francisco (-1) ...........................39 ½..................Seattle..................................Seahawks have covered in 4 of past 5 games. Baltimore at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.
at Buffalo (4 1/2).................................42 ......................Tampa Bay...........................Bills have failed to cover in past 5 home games. Cleveland at Denver, 4:15 p.m. 14. Eagles over Saints
at Denver (-3) ......................................39 ......................Cleveland.............................Browns have failed to cover in past 5 games. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 8:20 p.m.

at San Diego (-3).................................40 ......................Baltimore.............................Ravens have covered in 5 of past 6 games. Monday

Pittsburgh (-3).....................................37 ½..................Chicago................................Bears have won 6 of past 7 home games. Indianapolis at Miami, 8:30 p.m.
15. 49ers over Seahawks
atDallas(-3).................................................44½.....................NewYorkGiants ......................Cowboyshavecoveredin4ofpast5homegames.
Indianapolis (-3)..................................42 ......................at Miami ..............................Colts have won 10 of past 11 games. 16. Ravens over Chargers
— Vinnie Iyer
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 44
AFC DISH

Loss of NT Williams ‘major blow’ to Chargers

The loss of NT Jamal Williams for the sea- WIN
son–he was placed on injured reserve Sat-
urday with a torn triceps—leaves the
2009 SCOREBOARD LOSS
* MONDAY † THURSDAY ‡ SATURDAY § THANKSGIVING DAY
^ IN LONDON ° CHRISTMAS DAY ◊ IN TORONTO

Chargers with a gaping hole in the middle AFC EAST AFC NORTH AFC SOUTH AFC WEST
of their 3-4 scheme. Williams (6-3, 348) is
a three-time Pro Bowl player and has been
one of the league’s top run-stuffers this NE NYJ MIA BUF BAL PIT CLE CIN IND TEN HOU JAC SD DEN KC OAK
decade. W-L 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1
Pct. 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 1.000 .000 .000 .000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000
Williams had been listed as question- PF 25 24 7 24 38 13 20 7 14 10 7 12 24 12 24 20
able for today’s game against Baltimore, so PA 24 7 19 25 24 10 34 12 12 13 24 14 20 7 38 24
the decision to put him I.R. was a surprise. Div. 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1
AFC 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1
The Chargers’ Super Bowl aspirations
1 BUF* @HOU @ATL @NE* KC TEN † MIN DEN JAC @PIT † NYJ @IND @OAK* @CIN @BAL SD*
took a significant hit with the announce-
ment. The Chargers signed DE Andre Cole- 2 @NYJ NE IND* TB @SD @CHI @DEN @GB @MIA* HOU @TEN ARI BAL CLE OAK @KC
man off the practice squad to fill Williams’ 3 ATL TEN @SD NO CLE @CIN @BAL PIT @ARI @NYJ JAC @HOU MIA @OAK @PHI DEN
roster spot. 4 BAL @NO BUF @MIA @NE SD CIN @CLE SEA @JAC OAK TEN @PIT DAL NYG @HOU
“It’s a major blow,” G.M. A.J. Smith told 5 @DEN @MIA* NYJ* CLE CIN @DET @BUF @BAL @TEN IND @ARI @SEA — NE DAL @NYG
The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Any time 6 TEN BUF — @NYJ @MIN CLE @PIT HOU — @NE @CIN STL DEN † @SD* @WAS PHI
you lose a great player, it hurts. It makes 7 TB ^ @OAK NO @CAR — MIN GB CHI @STL — SF — @KC — SD NYJ
our road more difficult, for sure, but not 8 — MIA @NYJ HOU DEN — @CHI — SF JAC @BUF @TEN OAK @BAL — @SD
impossible.” 9 MIA — @NE — @CIN @DEN* — BAL HOU @SF @IND KC @NYG PIT* @JAC —
The team will likely start Ogemdi Nwagbuo 10 @IND JAC TB @TEN @CLE* CIN BAL* @PIT NE BUF — @NYJ PHI @WAS @OAK KC
(6-4, 303), an undrafted free agent who 11 NYJ @NE @CAR † @JAC IND @KC @DET @OAK @BAL @HOU* TEN* BUF @DEN SD PIT CIN
spent time on the Chargers’ practice squad 12 @NO* CAR @BUF MIA PIT @BAL @CIN CLE @HOU ARI IND @SF KC NYG § @SD @DAL §
last year, in Williams’ place. Look for the 13 @MIA ◊ BUF † NE ◊ NYJ † @GB* OAK SD DET TEN @IND @JAC HOU @CLE @KC DEN @PIT
Chargers to use more 4-3 fronts and other
14 CAR @TB @JAC @KC DET @CLE † PIT † @MIN DEN STL SEA MIA @DAL @IND BUF WAS
looks.
15 @BUF ATL @ TEN NE CHI GB @KC @SD @JAC † MIA @STL IND † CIN OAK CLE @DEN
The Chargers will be missing two other
16 JAC @IND HOU @ATL @PIT BAL OAK KC NYJ SD° @MIA @NE @TEN° @PHI @CIN @CLE
starters—RB LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle) and
C Nick Hardwick (ankle)—against Baltimore. 17 @HOU CIN PIT IND @OAK @MIA JAC @NYJ @BUF @SEA NE @CLE WAS KC @DEN BAL

The Dolphins will continue to rotate AL BEHRMAN / AP

rookies Sean Smith and Vontae Smith at the
cornerback position opposite Will Allen.
Smith started the opener at Atlanta but
played fewer snaps than Davis, The Palm
Beach Post reported. Both had tough
moments, but they settled down and coach
Tony Sparano was encouraged by their per-
formance. He said he would continue the
rotation unless a choice becomes obvious.
“I kind of like seeing both of them play,”
Sparano said. “But if I’m just looking out
there and I’m thinking, ‘There’s no way I
can leave this guy off the field,’ then that’s
Knowshon Moreno said he’ll be more under control today.
what we’ll do.”
Jets Pro Bowl NT Kris Jenkins (back),
listed as questionable for today’s game
against the Patriots, will play, according to
NFL.com. Jenkins missed some practice
time this week after posting one tackle in
the team’s win over Houston.
Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Tex-
ans QB Matt Schaub, who has been play-
ing through an ankle injury, will be
close to 100 percent for today’s game at
Tennessee. “He’s moving around real
good this week,” Kubiak said via the
team’s website. “I don’t see any limita-
tions on him going into this game. He’s
obviously better than he was last week.”
Schaub finished with 166 yards pass-
ing and a 55.9 passer rating in the team’s
disappointing opening loss to the Jets.
He’ll need to be on his game against a
Titans team hungry for a win after an
opening loss to Pittsburgh. The Texans
are hoping to avoid another slow start;
they are 2-9 in September under coach
Gary Kubiak .
Colts S Bob Sanders (knee) will sit out
his second consecutive game, and backup
TE Tom Santi (ankle) also won’t play Mon-
day night at Miami. Sanders played only
six games last season. Colts LT Charlie John-
son, listed as questionable with a back
injury, participated fully in practice
Saturday.
At Georgia, RB Knowshon Moreno was
known for his flash and his dash. The
same couldn’t be said for his NFL debut.
The Broncos’ rookie was overeager, miss-
ing assignments and holes, while rushing
for 19 yards on eight carries in Denver’s
win over Cincinnati. Moreno has vowed to
rein himself in for Week 2 against
Cleveland.
“I just missed a lot of reads—making the
wrong ones, going outside when I needed
to go in, things like that,” Moreno said. His
objective for Week 2? “Stop trying to make
too many big plays on my own.”
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 45
NFC DISH

Abraham off to beastly start; 49ers won’t trade Crabtree

WIN * MONDAY † THURSDAY ‡ SATURDAY § THANKSGIVING DAY
Falcons RE John Abraham’s two-sack per-
formance in Week 1 was especially impres-
2009 SCOREBOARD LOSS ^ IN LONDON ° CHRISTMAS DAY ◊ IN TORONTO
sive, considering he was matched up NFC WEST
against Dolphins rising LT Jake Long, the
NFC EAST NFC NORTH NFC SOUTH
first pick of the draft in 2008 who played
in the Pro Bowl as a rookie. NYG PHI DAL WAS GB MIN DET CHI NO ATL TB CAR SEA SF ARI STL
At 31, Abraham seems to be getting bet- W-L 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1
ter. After putting up a career-high 16½ Pct. 1.000 1.000 1000 0.000 1.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 1.000 0.000 0.000
PF 23 38 34 17 21 34 27 15 45 19 21 10 28 20 16 0
sacks last season, he looked stronger than PA 17 10 21 23 15 20 45 21 27 7 34 38 0 16 20 28
ever in the opener. He nearly body- Div. 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1
slammed Long, who had allowed only 2½ NFC 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1
sacks last season, with a first quarter bull 1 WAS @CAR @TB @NYG CHI @CLE @NO @GB DET MIA DAL PHI STL @ARI SF @SEA
rush. 2 @DAL NO NYG STL CIN @DET MIN PIT @PHI CAR @BUF @ATL @SF SEA @ JAC @WAS
Abraham has 86 sacks in his career, sec- 3 @TB KC CAR* @DET @STL SF WAS @SEA @BUF @NE NYG @DAL CHI @MIN IND GB
ond-most among active players, and his 4 @KC — @DEN TB @MIN* GB* @CHI DET NYJ — @WAS — @IND STL — @SF
dismantling of Long is still reverberating 5 OAK TB @KC @CAR — @STL PIT — — @SF @PHI WAS JAC ATL HOU MIN
in Atlanta and Miami. “I’m the pass rusher 6 @NO @OAK — @KC DET BAL @GB @ATL NYG CHI CAR @TB ARI — @SEA @JAC
on this team,” Abraham said. “It’s my job 7 ARI @WAS* ATL PHI* @CLE @PIT — @CIN @MIA @DAL NE ^ BUF — @HOU @NYG IND
to get the quarterback. … I’m going to pro- 8 @PHI NYG SEA — MIN @GB STL CLE ATL* @NO* — @ARI @DAL @IND CAR @DET
duce no matter what.” 9 SD DAL @PHI @ATL @TB — @SEA ARI CAR WAS GB @NO DET TEN @CHI —
Abraham gets another Pro Bowl chal-
10 — @SD @GB DEN DAL DET @MIN @SF † @STL @CAR @MIA ATL @ARI CHI † SEA NO
lenge in Week 2: Panthers LT Jordan Gross,
11 ATL @CHI WAS @DAL SF SEA CLE PHI @TB @NYG NO MIA † @MIN @GB @STL ARI
who held Abraham to one sack in two
12 @DEN § WAS OAK § @PHI @DET § CHI GB § @MIN NE* TB @ATL @NYJ @STL JAC TEN SEA
games last year.
13 DAL @ATL @NYG NO BAL* @ARI @CIN STL @WAS PHI @CAR TB SF @SEA MIN @CHI
49ers president Jed York said the team 14 PHI @NYG SD @OAK @CHI CIN @BAL GB @ATL NO NYJ @NE @HOU ARI* @SF* @TEN
will not trade the rights to rookie holdout 15 @WAS* SF @NO ‡ NYG* @PIT @CAR ARI @BAL DAL ‡ @NYJ @SEA MIN TB @PHI @DET HOU
Michael Crabtree. Crabtree, selected with the 16 CAR DEN @WAS DAL SEA @CHI* @SF MIN* TB BUF @NO @NYG @GB DET STL @ARI
NELL REDMOND / AP
10th overall pick, believes he deserves top- 17 @MIN @DAL PHI @SD @ARI NYG CHI @DET @CAR @TB ATL NO TEN @STL GB SF
Kevin Kolb reportedly will get his first NFL start today.
five-pick money because a foot injury
dropped his stock. against the Saints. Donovan McNabb’s rib con-
York said the 49ers, with two first-round dition has improved but not enough to
The Panthers would be wise to stick with haven’t said how the injury occurred. Buccaneers franchise WR Antonio Bry-
picks already in hand for 2010, aren’t inter- allow him to play. This will be Kolb’s first
the running game. Including the playoffs Smoot is Washington’s third cornerback, ant (knee), listed as doubtful, didn’t travel
ested in trading Crabtree for another first- NFL start, and recently signed Jeff Garcia
last year, the Panthers are 11-2 in games in used primarily in nickel packages with to Buffalo for today’s game, according to
round selection. “We’ve got enough will be the team’s only other QB.
which either DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan starters DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers. If ESPN. Bryant has regressed in his recov-
firepower next year in the draft,” York told
Stewart get at least 15 carries, according to Smoot can’t play on Sunday, second-year ery from arthroscopic knee surgery during
KNBR Radio, as reported by ESPN. “I don’t One of the issues for staggering Caro-
ESPN. They are 1-4 in games in which nei- player Justin Tryon will likely see more play- the preseason.
think we would do that.” lina QB Jake Delhomme has been a tendency
ther gets 15 attempts. ing time. With Bryant out, the Bucs will rely
If Crabtree and the 49ers can’t agree on a to force throws to standout WR Steve Smith.
heavily on WR Michael Clayton, who had
contract, he would re-enter the draft in According to ESPN, six of Delhomme’s
Redskins CB Fred Smoot was down- The NFL levied three fines from the five receptions for 93 yards in the opening
2010. nine interceptions in his last two games—
graded to questionable for Washington’s Rams-Seahawks game: St. Louis G Richie loss to Dallas. Coach Raheem Morris said the
including the team’s ugly playoff loss to
game today against St. Louis. Smoot first Incognito ($12,500), Rams RB Steven Jackson team would also lean more on TEs Kellen
According to NFL Network, the Eagles Arizona last season—have been intended
appeared on the injury report Friday as ($5,000) and Seahawks rookie LB Aaron Winslow and Jerramy Stevens and the running
will start Kevin Kolb at quarterback today for Smith.
probable with a rib injury. The Redskins Curry ($5,000). game.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 46
Standings
Saints say Brees belongs Injury report
NEW YORK—The National Football League injury report, as provided
Myron Pryor (calf), WR Matt Slater (elbow), WR Wes Welker (knee), CB
Terrence Wheatley (knee). PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), AFC
in best QB discussion by the league (OUT - Definitely will not play; DNP - Did not practice;
LIMITED - Limited participation in practice; FULL - Full participation in
practice):
LB Adalius Thomas (foot). JETS: QUESTIONABLE: DT Kris Jenkins (back),
DT Sione Pouha (ankle), WR Wallace Wright (hamstring). PROBABLE:
QB Kellen Clemens (right elbow), DE Mike Devito (hamstring), RB
East
New England
W
1
L
0
T
0
Pct
1.000
PF
25
PA Home Away
24 1-0-0 0-0-0
AFC
1-0-0
NFC
0-0-0 1-0-0
Div

Shonn Greene (rib), LB Bryan Thomas (ankle), LB Jamaal Westerman N.Y. Jets 1 0 0 1.000 24 7 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
NEW ORLEANS—Drew Brees TODAY
(quadricep). Buffalo 0 1 0 .000 24 25 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0
inspires awe among players ARIZONA CARDINALS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS—
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES—SAINTS: Miami 0 1 0 .000 7 19 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0
CARDINALS: OUT: DE Kenny Iwebema (ankle), S Matt Ware (shoulder).
and coaches across pro QUESTIONABLE: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), WR Steve Breaston
OUT: T Jammal Brown (hip), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot). QUESTIONABLE:
football. DT Kendrick Clancy (knee), RB Pierre Thomas (knee). PROBABLE: T South W L T Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div
(knee), WR Early Doucet (ribs), LB Chike Okeafor (shoulder). PROBABLE:
Jermon Bushrod (ankle), S Roman Harper (hamstring), CB Tracy Porter
The paparazzi, entertain- WR Sean Morey (ribs), QB Brian St. Pierre (back), G Reggie Wells
(knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle), S Usama Young (shoulder). EAGLES: Indianapolis 1 0 0 1.000 14 12 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0
ment shows and fashion maga- (thumb). JAGUARS: OUT: TE Zach Miller (knee), CB Brian Witherspoon
OUT: S Quintin Demps (hamstring), G Todd Herremans (foot), LB Joe Houston 0 1 0 .000 7 24 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
(hamstring). PROBABLE: DE Quentin Groves (thigh), LB Daryl Smith
Mays (shoulder). DOUBTFUL: QB Donovan McNabb (rib). QUESTION-
Jacksonville 0 1 0 .000 12 14 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0
zines seem less impressed, (hip). Tennessee 0 1 0 .000 10 13 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
ABLE: DE Victor Abiamiri (groin). PROBABLE: WR Kevin Curtis (knee), T
even if Brees has experimented BALTIMORE RAVENS AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS—RAVENS:
King Dunlap (elbow), WR DeSean Jackson (groin), G Max Jean-Gilles
with longer hair lately. DOUBTFUL: S Tom Zbikowski (concussion). QUESTIONABLE: TE L.J. Smith North W L T Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div
(knee), T Winston Justice (shoulder).
(hamstring). PROBABLE: LB Tavares Gooden (knee), LB Jarret Johnson
Unlike Tom Brady, Tony (shoulder), S Ed Reed (concussion), LB Terrell Suggs (concussion, chest).
OAKLAND RAIDERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS—RAIDERS: OUT: Baltimore 1 0 0 1.000 38 24 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
Romo or teammate Reggie Bush, WR Nick Miller (shin), WR Chaz Schilens (foot). QUESTIONABLE: WR Pittsburgh 1 0 0 1.000 13 10 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
CHARGERS: OUT: C Nick Hardwick (ankle), DT Travis Johnson (groin), RB
Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder). PROBABLE: CB Nnamdi Asomugha Cincinnati 0 1 0 .000 7 12 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
the 30-year-old Saints quarter- LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: LB Antwan Applewhite
(wrist), DE Greg Ellis (shoulder), LB Kirk Morrison (elbow). CHIEFS: Cleveland 0 1 0 .000 20 34 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0
back doesn’t date celebrities. BILL FEIG / AP (hamstring), G Louis Vasquez (knee), DT Jamal Williams (elbow). PROB-
QUESTIONABLE: QB Matt Cassel (knee), CB Brandon Flowers (shoulder).
ABLE: T Marcus McNeill (hand), P Mike Scifres (bilateral groin).
He’s been married for most of No one has thrown for more yardage CAROLINA PANTHERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS—PANTHERS:
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CHICAGO BEARS—STEELERS: OUT: S West W L T Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div
the past three seasons than Troy Polamalu (knee), WR Limas Sweed (foot). PROBABLE: CB Ike Taylor
the past decade and had his first DOUBTFUL: S Chris Harris (knee). QUESTIONABLE: DT Nick Hayden (toe). San Diego 1 0 0 1.000 24 20 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0
Drew Brees (13,910). (not injury related), LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle). BEARS: DOUBTFUL:
child—a son—last winter. PROBABLE: DE Everette Brown (ankle), DE Charles Johnson (knee), CB Denver 1 0 0 1.000 12 7 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
TE Desmond Clark (rib), LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee). PROBABLE: S Al
Sherrod Martin (knee), T Jeff Otah (shoulder), RB Jonathan Stewart Kansas City 0 1 0 .000 24 38 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
Brees doesn’t capture not change any time soon. Afalava (shoulder), DE Mark Anderson (toe), DT Tommie Harris (knee), S
Oakland 0 1 0 .000 20 24 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0
(heel). FALCONS: QUESTIONABLE: S William Moore (hamstring). PROB-
national endorsement deals on “I could throw 96 touch- Danieal Manning (back), G Frank Omiyale (ankle).
ABLE: K Jason Elam (left hamstring), DT Peria Jerry (chest).
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS—SEAHAWKS:
the level of Peyton Manning or downs,” Brees joked when CINCINNATI BENGALS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS—BENGALS:
OUT: LB LeRoy Hill (groin). QUESTIONABLE: WR Deion Branch NFC
Brett Favre, though he is a asked about the prospect of OUT: CB David Jones (foot), G Nate Livings (knee), T Andre Smith (foot).
(hamstring), CB Travis Fisher (hamstring), T Walter Jones (knee), DT East W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC AFC Div
PROBABLE: T Scott Kooistra (knee), RB Brian Leonard (chest), QB Jordan
constant presence on local challenging Brady’s record 50 Palmer (illness). PACKERS: OUT: S Atari Bigby (knee), RB Brandon
Brandon Mebane (calf), C Chris Spencer (quadricep), LB Lofa Tatupu
N.Y. Giants 1 0 0 1.000 23 17 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0
public service announcements TD tosses in 2007. “I’m on (hamstring). PROBABLE: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back spasms), S
Jackson (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: G Daryn Colledge (foot), DT B.J. Raji Dallas 1 0 0 1.000 34 21 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
C.J. Wallace (rib). 49ERS: OUT: LB Ahmad Brooks (knee). DOUBTFUL:
and at charity events. pace, right?” (ankle). PROBABLE: CB Will Blackmon (quadricep), K Mason Crosby Philadelphia 1 0 0 1.000 38 10 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
WR Brandon Jones (shoulder). PROBABLE: G David Baas (biceps), DT
The only really gaudy things It’s early to talk season (abdomen), WR Greg Jennings (wrist). Washington 0 1 0 .000 17 23 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0
Aubrayo Franklin (shin), CB Marcus Hudson (knee), G Chilo Rachal
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT DENVER BRONCOS—BROWNS: OUT: G
about Brees are his passing records. Yet, in the context of (neck), DE Justin Smith (elbow), DE Isaac Sopoaga (shoulder).
Rex Hadnot (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB David Bowens (knee), RB James South W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC AFC Div
ST. LOUIS RAMS AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS—RAMS: OUT: S
statistics. And based on his Brees’ three seasons since Davis (shoulder), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder), RB Cedric Peer-
Craig Dahl (hamstring), T John Greco (wrist). REDSKINS: QUESTION- New Orleans 1 0 0 1.000 45 27 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
six-touchdown, 358-yard per- arriving in New Orleans, man (thigh). PROBABLE: RB Jerome Harrison (knee), TE Steve Heiden
ABLE: DT Anthony Montgomery (knee). PROBABLE: LB Robert Henson Atlanta 1 0 0 1.000 19 7 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0
(knee), RB Jamal Lewis (neck), DT Shaun Rogers (foot), P Dave Zastudil
formance in the Saints’ Week 1 there’s little reason to doubt (right knee). BRONCOS: OUT: LB Spencer Larsen (shoulder), DT Le Kevin
(illness), T Chris Samuels (knee), CB Fred Smoot (rib). Carolina 0 1 0 .000 10 38 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
victory over Detroit, that may his ability to approach some of TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT BUFFALO BILLS—BUCCANEERS: Tampa Bay 0 1 0 .000 21 34 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
Smith (knee). QUESTIONABLE: S Josh Barrett (shoulder), G Chris Kuper
OUT: CB E.J. Biggers (shoulder), C Jeff Faine (triceps). DOUBTFUL: WR
the game’s most esteemed (ankle). PROBABLE: CB Champ Bailey (ankle), S Brian Dawkins (hand),
Antonio Bryant (knee). QUESTIONABLE: TE John Gilmore (ankle), DE North W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC AFC Div
passing marks. WR Jabar Gaffney (finger), RB Knowshon Moreno (knee), QB Kyle Orton
Kyle Moore (groin). PROBABLE: S Jermaine Phillips (calf). BILLS: OUT: LB
(right finger). Green Bay 1 0 0 1.000 21 15 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0
Betting lines Brees’ yards passing have HOUSTON TEXANS AT TENNESSEE TITANS—TEXANS: OUT: WR
Paul Posluszny (forearm). QUESTIONABLE: CB Terrence McGee (back).
Minnesota 1 0 0 1.000 34 20 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0
PROBABLE: TE Derek Fine (hamstring), CB Drayton Florence (knee), DE
FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG
increased in each of the last Andre Davis (concussion), CB Antwaun Molden (quadricep). QUESTION- Chicago 0 1 0 .000 15 21 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0
Chris Kelsay (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (back). Detroit 0 1 0 .000 27 45 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
Today five seasons, even though the ABLE: DT Shaun Cody (knee), RB Vonta Leach (knee), CB Jacques Reeves
NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS—GIANTS: OUT: DE
at Kansas City...........3 .......3...(38½).............Oakland (fibula), WR Kevin Walter (hamstring). PROBABLE: CB Eugene Wilson
at Tennessee ............7 ....6½...... (41).............Houston labrum in his throwing shoul- Chris Canty (calf), T Adam Koets (ankle), WR Hakeem Nicks (foot), West W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC AFC Div
(knee). TITANS: DOUBTFUL: TE Bo Scaife (knee). QUESTIONABLE: TE
New England .......4½ ....3½...... (46)..........at N.Y. Jets der was torn in a scrum over a CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), LB Clint Sintim (groin), RB Danny Ware
Jared Cook (ankle), LB David Thornton (knee). PROBABLE: P Craig San Francisco 1 0 0 1.000 20 16 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0
at Green Bay.............9 .......9...... (42)...........Cincinnati (elbow). QUESTIONABLE: CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring), S Kenny
Minnesota............9½ .....10...(45½)............at Detroit loose ball in late 2005. Hentrich (back).
Phillips (knee). PROBABLE: LB Michael Boley (hip), S Michael Johnson Seattle 1 0 0 1.000 28 0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0
New Orleans ........+1 .......1...(46½)..at Philadelphia His 13,910 yards passing MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT DETROIT LIONS—VIKINGS: OUT: LB Arizona 0 1 0 .000 16 20 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0
(shoulder). COWBOYS: OUT: S Michael Hamlin (wrist), LB Jason Williams
at Atlanta .............6½ ....6½...(42½)..............Carolina Erin Henderson (calf). QUESTIONABLE: LB Heath Farwell (hamstring). St. Louis 0 1 0 .000 0 28 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0
at Washington .....9½ .....10...... (37)..............St. Louis during the past three seasons PROBABLE: G Anthony Herrera (back), TE Jim Kleinsasser (hand).
(ankle). PROBABLE: LB Curtis Johnson (hamstring), QB Stephen McGee
at Jacksonville......4½ .......3...(42½)...............Arizona leads all NFL quarterbacks. (knee), QB Tony Romo (ankle), S Gerald Sensabaugh (chest).
LIONS: DOUBTFUL: DE Cliff Avril (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (knee).
at San Francisco .......1 .......1...(39½)................Seattle
“He’s the best, and people QUESTIONABLE: DT Andre Fluellen (knee), CB Eric King (shoulder). Schedule
at Buffalo .................4 ....4½...... (42).........Tampa Bay MONDAY
PROBABLE: CB Phillip Buchanon (neck), K Jason Hanson (right knee), DT Today Cincinnati at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
at Denver..................3 .......3...... (39)...........Cleveland are going to look at me and say, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS—COLTS: DNP: WR Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 8:20 p.m.
at San Diego.........3½ .......3...... (40)...........Baltimore Grady Jackson (knee), CB William James (foot), T Daniel Loper (knee).
‘Didn’t you play with Brett Anthony Gonzalez (knee), CB Tim Jennings (not injury related), G Jamey Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m. Arizona at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh ................3 .......3...(37½)..........at Chicago NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT NEW YORK JETS—PATRIOTS: OUT:
Richard (shoulder), S Bob Sanders (knee), TE Tom Santi (ankle). FULL: T Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Monday
at Dallas ...............2½ .......3...(44½)..........N.Y. Giants Favre?’ ” said Saints safety LB Jerod Mayo (knee). QUESTIONABLE: C Dan Connolly (back), WR
Charlie Johnson (back), CB Jamie Silva (abdomen). DOLPHINS: FULL: LB
Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 4:05 p.m.
Indianapolis at Miami, 8:30 p.m.
Monday Julian Edelman (ankle), G Steve Neal (back), LB Rob Ninkovich (calf), DT St. Louis at Washington, 1 p.m. Seattle at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
Indianapolis .............3 .......3......(42).............at Miami Darren Sharper. Akin Ayodele (back). New England at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.
—The Associated Press Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Baltimore at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 47
INSIDE DISH THE LAUNCHING PAD
What to expect in the major leagues today

As playoffs near, Dodgers’ rotation still in flux

Still scheduled to start Wednes-
day after being skipped this past
week, struggling Dodgers P Chad
Billingsley was used in relief Friday.
The Los Angeles Times noted Billing-
sley has lost four consecutive deci-
sions and has a 5.63 ERA in his past
12 starts. How does Billingsley like
the bullpen? “I don’t want to be
there,” Billingsley told the newspa-
per. “I want to be a starting pitcher.
It’ll just be a couple times so I can
keep working on things and figure
something out. ... I’m not going to go
there and mope and cry about it.
I’m going to do the best I can when-
ever I step out there on the mound.”
Meanwhile, P Clayton Kershaw
(non-throwing shoulder) threw a
simulated game Friday and will
throw a bullpen session Monday.
Manager Joe Torre told the Los Ange-
les Times that Kershaw will throw
an inning of relief in the Dodgers’
three-game series in Washington
this week. Kershaw hasn’t started
since Sept. 4, and Torre said he isn’t
sure when he will re-insert the
21-year-old lefthander into the
rotation.
Phillies P Cole Hamels told The
Philadelphia Inquirer that elbow dis-
comfort limited his use of his chan-
geup earlier this season. Until now,
Hamels had not revealed that he
was battling physical problems ear-
lier this season, when he struggled
to find his form from the 2008 reg-
ular season and postseason. Now at
100 percent, Hamels is 3-1 with a
1.82 ERA in four starts this month.
In other Phillies’ rotation news,
Dodgers P Chad Billingsley has a 5.63 ERA in his past 12 starts.
P J.A. Happ told the newspaper that
he isn’t sure why he pulled after
only three innings Friday. Happ
had had missed a couple of starts
because of a sore oblique but said he
had no setback during Friday’s
game. Manager Charlie Manuel told
The Philadelphia Inquirer that he
erred on the side of caution by
removing Happ. Finally, the news-
paper reported X-rays on C Carlos
Ruiz’s left wrist were negative. Ruiz
was injured in Friday’s win.
According to The Boston Globe,
Red Sox P Tim Wakefield (back/leg)
remains on track to start Monday at
Kansas City. However, he likely will
ERIC RISBERG / AP
need about 10 days of rest before he
can pitch again following that start.
Because the team is in a stretch of
20 games in 20 days, Boston will
try to rest its other starters as well.
Therefore, P Josh Beckett will be
pushed back a day to Wednesday.
The newspaper noted Beckett is
8-0 with a 2.23 ERA with an extra
day of rest this season.
Cardinals 3B Mark DeRosa told
the Chicago Sun-Times that he was
shocked and saddened by the off-
season trade that sent him from the
Cubs to the Indians (Cleveland
dealt him to St. Louis in late June).
DeRosa added that he would be
open to returning to the Cubs if he
doesn’t re-sign with the Cardinals.
The Tigers’ website reported P
Jarrod Washburn will visit Dr. Lewis
Yocom on Tuesday to have his ailing
left knee examined. Washburn,
who has battled knee pain for much
of this season, lasted only one
inning this past Tuesday and said
the pain was more severe than at
any point this season. His return
this season is in question.
According to the Star Tribune
of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the Twins
will face a scheduling conflict if
they finish the season tied with the
Tigers atop the A.L. Central. That
was the case last season when the
Twins and White Sox played a one-
game playoff at U.S. Cellular Field.
This season, the game would be
played Monday, Oct. 5, and it would
be at the Metrodome if Minnesota
wins its season series against
Detroit. Also on Oct. 5 in the Metro-
dome: The Brett Favre-led Vikings
are scheduled to play the Packers.
The Diamondbacks face a tough
decision this offseason, as they hold
an $8.5 million team option on P
Brandon Webb. Webb hasn’t pitched
since opening day because of a
shoulder injury that eventually
required season-ending surgery. No
structural damage was found dur-
ing that procedure. According to
SI.com, Arizona will try to reach a
contract compromise with Webb
instead of picking up his 2010
option. Webb’s resume includes the
2006 N.L. Cy Young award and a
22-win season in 2008.
JEFF CHIU / AP
Tim Lincecum has struck out 45 Dodgers in 38 2/3 innings in his career against L.A.
Lincecum to the rescue
After missing a start because of back pain, Giants righthander Tim
Lincecum returned with a bang this past Monday. In the opener of a criti-
cal series against the N.L. wild card-leading Rockies, Lincecum tossed seven
scoreless innings and struck out 11. This afternoon against the first-place
Dodgers, Lincecum will need another heroic effort to boost San Francisco’s
playoff hopes. In six career games (five starts) against Los Angeles, Lincecum
is 3-0 with a 2.56 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings. He hasn’t allowed
a homer in his career vs. L.A.
Almost home again
The Rockies will wrap up a tough nine-game road trip in Arizona today,
with Ubaldo Jimenez looking to bounce back from his worst start of the
season. The night after Lincecum led the Giants to a win over Colorado this
week, San Francisco sent Jimenez to the showers early. The righthander was
pounded for seven runs (six earned) in 2 2/3 innings, snapping a streak of 12
consecutive quality starts. For the Diamondbacks, righthander Max Scherzer
will try to reverse his luck against the Rockies. In two starts against Colorado
this season, Scherzer has a 6.30 ERA.
Another shot for Wainwright
This weekend’s Cubs-Cardinals series doesn’t quite have the importance
it appeared it might about six weeks ago, but it still features one of the
majors’ best rivalries. Tonight at Busch Stadium, Cardinals righthander (and
N.L. Cy Young Award candidate) Adam Wainwright will make another run at
win No. 19. Wainwright is 3-0 with a 2.43 ERA in four starts against Chicago
this season. The Cubs will turn to righthander Carlos Zambrano, who appar-
ently is more of a trade candidate than a Cy Young candidate. Zambrano
was pounded by St. Louis in April, but turned in a quality start against the
Cardinals in July.
— Chris Bahr
SPORTING NEWS TODAY
Q&A with ... Braves SP Tommy Hanson
Rookie stud talks playoffs: ‘I don’t feel any extra pressure’
Since arriving in Atlanta in June, Tommy Hanson (10-3, 2.65 ERA) has helped the Braves stay afloat in the N.L. wild-card race.
www.sportingnews.com Baseball
Called up on June 3, Hanson has been a rev-
elation for the Braves, going 10-3 with a 2.65
ERA. The 22-year-old righthander has more
than held his own against major league hitters,
surrendering only 89 hits in 108 2/3 innings.
With the Braves making a late charge for the
N.L. wild card, Hanson will start this afternoon
in a critical matchup against the Phillies. The
rookie of the year candidate recently spoke
with Sporting News Today’s Bill Eichenberger
about his rapid climb to the majors and the
reasons behind his incredible rookie season.
Q: What has been the most
challenging aspect of
facing major league hitters?
A: I think just getting more
comfortable up here and
trying to figure out what adjustments
I need to make. It’s also helped a lot
having the starters that we have and
having pitching coach Roger McDow-
ell in my corner. With all the experi-
enced guys we have here, it’s made
the adjustment a lot easier.
Q: Specifically, what have you
learned from veteran
starters like Derek Lowe and
Javier Vazquez?
A: I just watch those guys and see
how they go about it. See how
they look at film and scouting reports,
and how they attack hitters. I’ve
picked up a lot from them.
Q: What are the pitches in
your repertoire right now,
and have you been working on
one more than any other?
A: My fastball, slider and curve-
ball, I feel comfortable with all
those. My changeup, I’ve been getting
some outs with it lately. But I think it
DENIS POROY / AP is definitely the pitch that needs the
most work. I feel if I get that
consistent every outing, it should
help me go a little deeper in games. I
think that is the main pitch that I
need to keep throwing and working
on.
Q: Is there a young hitter
you’ve had great battles
with already, a guy you will enjoy
facing for years to come?
A: I wouldn’t say a young hitter.
For me, Todd Helton has been
the one guy that stands out the most.
He’s had some really tough at-bats
against me. I’d love to face him again.
He’s the main one that sticks out in
my mind as a tough out.
Q: You’ve been thrust into a
playoff chase in your
rookie season. How do you deal
with the pressure?
A: I don’t feel any extra pressure.
I just go out each time and try
to do my thing and help the team win.
Q: Do you think young
pitchers should be on a
strict pitch count?
A: Yeah, I think so. It is going to
protect their arm in the long
run, not throwing as many pitches.
Being young, I think you are still
trying to figure things out with your
body.
Q: What about you? How do
you react when you are
pulled from a game because you
have reached your pitch limit?
A: Being a pitcher, I do want to go
as deep as possible. I want to
stay in there. So it can get a little bit
frustrating. But I understand that
they are looking out for my best
interest.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 48
Q: How important is it for
young pitchers to be honest
with the manager and pitching
coach when they ask if they are
tired and need a rest?
A: That is the thing. A lot of guys
aren’t honest. They just want to
keep going, want to keep going, want to
keep going. And that is your mentality
when you are out on the mound. You
don’t want to come out. But I think that
is the reason coaches set and enforce a
limit. Pitchers won’t say.
Q: Do you have any theory
about why there are so
many young starting pitchers in
Major League Baseball this
season? You are one of a large
group starting pitchers in their
early 20s.
A: I’ve heard stuff, maybe about
the economy. But there are a
lot of us. You see it on almost every
team. It’s like every team has a young
pitcher out there.
Q: Being a 22nd-round draft
choice, did you climb
through the minors faster than
you anticipated?
A: I think the whole thing with
the draft was that I didn’t
throw particularly hard at the time. I
didn’t light up the radar gun. I’ve
always pitched well, and I think as I
got older and a little stronger, that is
when the velocity came. I’ve never
thought about it that way. I’ve always
looked at it as just working hard
every day and getting better and
stronger and keep learning as much
as possible. I didn’t have any expecta-
tions. I just wanted to give it my all
and see where that took me. That was
my whole goal.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 49
Fantasy Focus LEAGUE LEADERS
American League standings
Batting Average Home Runs East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away
Pitcher rankings New York 95 54 .638 — — 6-4 W-1 52-23 43-31
A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Boston 88 59 .599 6 — 9-1 W-2 52-22 36-37
Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Tampa Bay 76 73 .510 19 13 4-6 W-3 45-26 31-47
Mauer Minnesota .373 HaRamirez Florida .353 CPena Tampa Bay 39 Pujols St. Louis 47 Toronto 66 82 .446 28½ 22½ 4-6 L-3 38-36 28-46
Baltimore 60 88 .405 34½ 28½ 4-6 L-3 36-41 24-47
ISuzuki Seattle .357 Pujols St. Louis .328 Teixeira New York 37 Reynolds Arizona 42
MiCabrera Detroit .333 Sandoval San Francisco .322 Bay Boston 34 Howard Philadelphia 41 Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away
Jeter New York .329 Helton Colorado .316 NCruz Texas 32 Fielder Milwaukee 39 Detroit 78 70 .527 — — 3-7 L-3 48-26 30-44
Minnesota 76 72 .514 2 12½ 7-3 W-6 45-32 31-40
Bartlett Tampa Bay .325 DWright New York .315 AHill Toronto 32 AdGonzalez San Diego 38 Chicago 73 76 .490 5½ 16 4-6 W-1 41-33 32-43
Cano New York .323 FLopez Milwaukee .311 Branyan Seattle 31 ADunn Washington 37 Cleveland 61 87 .412 17 27½ 1-9 L-7 31-41 30-46
MYoung Texas .322 2 tied at .310 Longoria Tampa Bay 31 Werth Philadelphia 34 Kansas City 60 88 .405 18 28½ 7-3 L-1 30-44 30-44
West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away
Runs Stolen Bases Los Angeles 88 60 .595 — — 5-5 L-1 44-27 44-33
DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP Texas 81 66 .551 6½ 7 4-6 W-1 46-31 35-35
Diamondbacks P Dan Haren A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Seattle 77 72 .517 11½ 12 5-5 L-1 42-32 35-40
Oakland 70 78 .473 18 18½ 8-2 W-6 37-36 33-42
Dan Haren once again has strug- Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team
gled (4.08 ERA) after the All-Star Figgins
Damon
Los Angeles
New York
107
105
Pujols
Utley
St. Louis
Philadelphia
119
105
Ellsbury
Crawford
Boston
Tampa Bay
62
59
Bourn
Morgan
Houston
Washington
58
42
National League standings
break, but a September surge has East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away
kept him high in our rankings. Jeter New York 104 Braun Milwaukee 104 Figgins Los Angeles 42 Kemp Los Angeles 34 Philadelphia 86 61 .585 — — 7-3 L-1 42-32 44-29
Pedroia Boston 103 Zimmerman Washington 100 RDavis Oakland 40 Rollins Philadelphia 29 Florida 80 69 .537 7 4 6-4 W-2 40-35 40-34
BRoberts Baltimore 103 HaRamirez Florida 95 BUpton Tampa Bay 37 Fowler Colorado 27 Atlanta 79 69 .534 7½ 4½ 8-2 W-1 39-34 40-35
Risers Scutaro Toronto 100 Howard Philadelphia 94 3 tied at 29 Pierre Los Angeles 27
New York 64 85 .430 23 20 2-8 W-1 37-37 27-48
Washington 51 97 .345 35½ 32½ 4-6 L-1 29-43 22-54
SP Dan Haren, Diamondbacks. Haren Cano New York 97 Victorino Philadelphia 94 DWright New York 26
will continue his Cy Young push Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away
St. Louis 87 62 .584 — — 5-5 W-2 46-31 41-31
with a favorable start against San RBIs Pitching (3 decisions) Chicago 75 72 .510 11 8 5-5 L-4 44-30 31-42
Diego this week. Milwaukee 73 75 .493 13½ 10½ 7-3 W-4 36-37 37-38
A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Houston 70 78 .473 16½ 13½ 3-7 L-6 42-33 28-45
SP Wade LeBlanc, Padres. Since Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Cincinnati 68 81 .456 19 16 5-5 L-2 35-39 33-42
being recalled, LeBlanc has posted Teixeira New York 118 Fielder Milwaukee 127 Sabathia New York 18-7 Wainwright St. Louis 18-8 Pittsburgh 56 90 .384 29½ 26½ 2-8 L-1 37-35 19-55
a 2.52 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. He Longoria Tampa Bay 108 Pujols St. Louis 127 Feldman Texas 17-5 CCarpenter St. Louis 16-4 West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away
will get two starts (at Pirates, at Bay Boston 107 Howard Philadelphia 123 FHernandez Seattle 16-5 JoJohnson Florida 15-4 Los Angeles 89 60 .597 — — 7-3 W-1 47-30 42-30
Lind Toronto 104 DLee Chicago 103 Verlander Detroit 16-9 De La Rosa Colorado 15-9 Colorado 84 65 .564 5 — 5-5 W-1 45-27 39-38
Diamondbacks) this week. San Francisco 80 68 .541 8½ 3½ 4-6 L-1 48-26 32-42
Morneau Minnesota 100 Braun Milwaukee 102 Beckett Boston 15-6 Marquis Colorado 15-11 San Diego 67 82 .450 22 17 6-4 W-1 39-37 28-45
RP Jose Valverde, Astros. In a CPena Tampa Bay 100 ADunn Washington 100 JerWeaver Los Angeles 15-7 Lincecum San Francisco 14-5 Arizona 65 84 .436 24 19 4-6 L-1 33-41 32-43
contract year, Valverde quietly 2 tied at 98 HaRamirez Florida 100 Halladay Toronto 15-9 Haren Arizona 14-8 z-first game was a win
has had an outstanding statistical
season. Hits Strikeouts
Pitching matchups Today’s games (All times Eastern)
A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. American League The Line
Fallers Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team L.A. Angels (Lackey 10-8) at Texas (Holland 7-11), 1:05 p.m. LA -140 at Tex+130
SP Edwin Jackson, Tigers. Jackson ISuzuki Seattle 210 HaRamirez Florida 189 Verlander Detroit 245 Lincecum San Francisco 244 Boston (Matsuzaka 2-5) at Baltimore (Berken 5-11), 1:35 p.m. Bos -185 at Bal +175
(6.12 ERA, 1.44 WHIP in Septem- Jeter New York 196 Braun Milwaukee 178 Greinke Kansas City 224 JVazquez Atlanta 222
Toronto (Halladay 15-9) at Tampa Bay (Price 8-7), 1:38 p.m. Tor -120 at TB +110
ber) is fading at the worst time for Cano New York 193 Tejada Houston 174 Lester Boston 215 Haren Arizona 201
Kansas City (Tejeda 3-1) at Chicago White Sox (Garcia 2-2), 2:05 p.m. at Chi -135 KC +125
Detroit—and fantasy owners. MiCabrera Detroit 183 FLopez Milwaukee 173 FHernandez Seattle 196 Gallardo Milwaukee 197
AHill Toronto 178 Kemp Los Angeles 171 Halladay Toronto 189 Wainwright St. Louis 183 Detroit (N.Robertson 1-2) at Minnesota (S.Baker 13-8), 2:10 p.m. at Min -185 Det +175
SP Rich Harden, Cubs. He will miss Markakis Baltimore 176 CaLee Houston 170 Beckett Boston 187 De La Rosa Colorado 179 Cleveland (Carmona 3-11) at Oakland (Eveland 1-3), 4:05 p.m. at Oak -120 Cle +110
at least one start this week and Crawford Tampa Bay 175 Pujols St. Louis 170 Sabathia New York 186 WRodriguez Houston 176 N.Y. Yankees (Chamberlain 8-5) at Seattle (Snell 4-2), 4:10 p.m. NY -175 at Sea +165
might be done for the season.
RP Jason Frasor, Blue Jays. Frasor Triples Saves National League The Line
has been great this season, but his A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L.
Florida (West 7-5) at Cincinnati (K.Wells 1-4), 1:10 p.m. Fla -145 at Cin +135
recent struggles are discouraging. Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Washington (Mock 3-8) at N.Y. Mets (Maine 5-5), 1:10 p.m. at NY -135 Was +125
— Matt Lutovsky BRoberts Baltimore 53 Sandoval San Francisco 42 Fuentes Los Angeles 43 Cordero Cincinnati 38 Philadelphia (Cl.Lee 7-2) at Atlanta (Hanson 10-3), 1:35 p.m. at Atl -120 Phi +110
Butler Kansas City 47 Ethier Los Angeles 41 Nathan Minnesota 42 HBell San Diego 38 San Diego (Correia 10-10) at Pittsburgh (Maholm 8-8), 1:35 p.m. at Pit -120 SD +110
MORE COVERAGE Lind Toronto 46 Tejada Houston 40 MaRivera New York 40 Franklin St. Louis 37 Houston (F.Paulino 2-9) at Milwaukee (Gallardo 12-12), 2:05 p.m. at Mil -180 Hou +170
Cano New York 45 Hawpe Colorado 39 Papelbon Boston 37 Broxton Los Angeles 35 Colorado (Jimenez 13-11) at Arizona (Haren 14-8), 4:10 p.m. at Ari -120 Col +110
Get everything you need to Longoria Tampa Bay 44 Pujols St. Louis 39 Aardsma Seattle 35 BrWilson San Francisco 34 San Francisco (Lincecum 14-5) at L.A. Dodgers (Wolf 10-6), 4:10 p.m. at LA -105 SF -105
dominate your fantasy league at Pedroia Boston 44 HaRamirez Florida 39 Rodney Detroit 33 Hoffman Milwaukee 34
sportingnews.com/fantasy/baseball Chicago Cubs (Zambrano 8-6) at St. Louis (Wainwright 18-8), 8:05 p.m. at StL -155 Chi +145
Markakis Baltimore 42 Rollins Philadelphia 38 Jenks Chicago 29 Street Colorado 33
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 50
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Minnesota 6, Detroit 2 Texas 3, L.A. Angels 2

Twins get assist in playoff push from dome roof Blalock sparks Rangers off bench
ARLINGTON, TEXAS—Starting for Rangers 3, Angels 2
MINNEAPOLIS—The Metrodome’s tricky, Twins 6, Tigers 2 the first time in nearly two Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Figgins 3b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .296
graying roof got another chance to tor- Detroit AB R H BI BB SO Avg. weeks, Hank Blalock gave his M.Izturis ss 3 1 1 0 1 0 .294
Granderson cf 5 0 1 0 0 1 .250
ment the visiting team by gobbling up a Polanco 2b 5 2 4 0 0 0 .282 scuffling offense a much- B.Abreu rf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .295
Guerrero dh 4 0 1 0 0 0 .296
routine fly ball. C.Guillen lf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .235 needed spark. Tor.Hunter cf 4 0 2 1 0 0 .311
Kelly lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241
Don Kelly and the Detroit Tigers were a-Raburn ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .275 Blalock hit the go-ahead home K.Morales 1b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .298
1-Willits pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 .206
the latest victims of the deception, and Mi.Cabrera 1b 4 0 3 1 0 0 .333 run, Scott Feldman picked up J.Rivera lf 3 0 1 0 1 0 .291
A.Huff dh 4 0 1 1 0 1 .245
the Minnesota Twins cut their A.L. Cen- Ordonez rf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .288 his 17th victory and the Rangers H.Kendrick 2b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .297
Napoli c 3 1 1 1 0 1 .267
tral lead to two games in the process. Thomas rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 kept their slim playoff hopes Totals 33 2 7 2 2 5
Inge 3b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .235
Orlando Cabrera’s only-in-the-dome Laird c 4 0 1 0 0 0 .224 alive, beating the Los Angeles
Texas AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
double fueled the eighth-inning rally by Everett ss 4 0 0 0 0 0 .239 Angels 3-2 Saturday night. Borbon dh 3 0 1 0 0 1 .314
Totals 38 2 12 2 0 4
the surging Twins, and Jason Kubel’s The Rangers had been shut- Andrus ss 4 0 2 1 0 0 .272
Dav.Murphy lf 4 0 0 0 0 3 .267
two-run single with the bases loaded Minnesota AB R H BI BB SO Avg. out in four of their previous five M.Byrd cf 3 0 0 0 1 0 .281
Span cf-lf 4 1 2 0 0 0 .309
finished Justin Verlander in a 6-2 vic- O.Cabrera ss 4 1 2 0 0 1 .269 games, the first time in club Blalock 1b 3 1 1 1 0 0 .237
Kinsler 2b 3 0 1 0 0 1 .252
tory over the Tigers on Saturday. Mauer c 3 2 1 1 1 1 .373 history that happened. N.Cruz rf 2 1 0 0 1 0 .262
Kubel rf 4 1 1 2 0 0 .303
“I think this team always knows in Cuddyer 1b 4 1 1 3 0 0 .274 Manager Ron Washington C.Davis 3b 3 0 1 1 0 1 .217
I.Rodriguez c 3 1 1 0 0 0 .264
this dome, especially with the amount Delm.Young lf 3 0 2 0 0 1 .268 said before the game his lineup Totals 28 3 7 3 2 6
of fans here, if we just get a little bit of 1-Gomez pr-cf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .235 needed a veteran presence, so
J.Morales dh 3 0 1 0 1 1 .367 Los Angeles 000 110 000 — 2 7 0
momentum going that we will break Buscher 3b 3 0 0 0 0 2 .235 he gave Blalock his first start Texas 001 011 00x — 3 7 1
through and make something happen,” Tolbert 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .207 since Sept. 6 in hopes of jump
Punto 2b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .226 1-ran for K.Morales in the 9th. E: Blalock (6). LOB: Los
said Denard Span, whose one-out single Totals 32 6 10 6 2 7 starting the unit. Angeles 6, Texas 4. 2B: C.Davis (13). HR: Napoli (18), off
in the eighth started the comeback Detroit 101 000 000 — 2 12 0
Blalock took advantage of the Feldman; Blalock (24), off Jer.Weaver. RBIs: Tor.Hunter
(85), Napoli (51), Andrus (34), Blalock (59), C.Davis (50).
against Verlander (16-9). Minnesota 100 000 05x — 6 10 0 rare playing time. He lined a 2-1 SB: Tor.Hunter (17), Willits (5), Andrus (27), Kinsler (29),
On the verge of becoming the second ANN HEISENFELT / AP
a-grounded out for Kelly in the 9th. 1-ran for Delm.
pitch from Weaver into the N.Cruz (20). S: Borbon. Runners left in scoring posi-
tion: Los Angeles 3 (K.Morales, H.Kendrick 2); Texas 4
A.L. pitcher to 17 wins, Verlander got Michael Cuddyer, right, put the finishing touch on the Twins’ latest win with a three-run homer. Young in the 7th. LOB: Detroit 10, Minnesota 4. 2B: grassy area just beyond the (Andrus, N.Cruz 2, Dav.Murphy). GIDP: H.Kendrick,
Cabrera to hit a high, medium-length fly Polanco (30), O.Cabrera (32). HR: Mauer (28), off Ver- wall in center, putting the Napoli, M.Byrd. DP: Los Angeles 1 (Figgins, H.Kendrick,
lander; Cuddyer (28), off Lyon. RBIs: Mi.Cabrera (92), K.Morales); Texas 2 (C.Davis, Kinsler, Blalock), (Andrus,
ball down the left-field line. Kelly, who The lights are shining toward the left field- through with a bloop that Kelly charged A.Huff (84), Mauer (88), Kubel 2 (86), Cuddyer 3 (83). Rangers ahead 3-2 in the sixth. Blalock).
replaced Carlos Guillen for defense the CS: Span (10), Gomez (7). Runners left in scoring
er’s eyes, too, adding another challenge. but couldn’t reach. Michael Cuddyer then position: Detroit 7 (Granderson 2, Inge, C.Guillen,
“The baseball gods blessed
Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
inning before, misjudged it and it “That’s the unfortunate part about the met reliever Brandon Lyon with a three- Laird 2, Raburn); Minnesota 2 (Punto, Cuddyer). DP: us by Hank hitting a home Jer.Weaver L, 15-7 6 5 3 3 2 4 101 3.87
skipped just under his glove. Minnesota 1 (O.Cabrera, Punto, Cuddyer).
dome. It does play a part in the ball- run homer to break the game open. run,” Washington said. “I’m Oliver 2 2 0 0 0 2 21 2.59
Texas IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
Cabrera clapped his hands hard and game,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire This was the largest crowd, 43,338, Detroit IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA glad he came through. That’s Feldman W, 17-5 6 2⁄3 4 2 2 1 4 92 3.62
Verlander L, 16-9 7 1⁄3 9 5 5 2 6 128 3.44
pumped his arms after arriving at sec- said. “We’ve seen it a lot of times. That’s here since opening day. Lyon 2⁄3 1 1 1 0 1 11 2.97 what he’s capable of doing.” O’Day H, 18 1⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 4 1.78
C.Wilson H, 17 1 1 0 0 0 1 15 3.01
ond, and the stadium—which will host why I think people hate coming in “You can just feel it in the fans that Minnesota IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Texas ended a 25-inning F.Francisco S, 23-26 1 1 0 0 1 0 21 3.35
Pavano 7 11 2 2 0 4 101 4.82
the Twins for only four more regular- here.” they want something special,” Span Crain W, 6-4 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 5.11 scoreless drought with a run in
IBB: off F.Francisco (J.Rivera). Umpires: Home, Rob
season games before they move across Unfair? They can’t care. The Twins said. Mijares 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 13 2.15 the third, three shy of the club Drake; First, Mike DiMuro; Second, Ron Kulpa; Third,
Guerrier 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 2 2.21
downtown to open-air Target Field— have won six straight and are four games Carl Pavano pitched through 11 hits record set in 1972. Texas had Dale Scott. T: 2:31. A: 46,596 (49,170).
erupted in celebration. above the .500 mark, both season and managed to limit the Tigers to two Inherited runners-scored: Lyon 2-2, Guerrier 1-0. scored once in 48 innings
IBB: off Verlander (Mauer). HBP: by Pavano (Inge).
“Once it got above the lights, I lost it,” highs. runs over seven innings, retiring six WP: Pavano. Umpires: Home, Tony Randazzo; First, before that run.
Kelly said. “I had no clue where it was. “We’ve played like a .500 team for a straight after an inning-ending, double- Chris Guccione; Second, Mike Winters; Third, Jerry Layne. “The streak we’ve been on,
T: 2:48. A: 43,338 (46,632).
Obviously, I didn’t pick it back up until long enough time,” Gardenhire said. play grounder by Gerald Laird with the not scoring runs, has been
it was really late.” “Right now we’re finally start to put a bases loaded in the fifth. Jesse Crain really hard on us,” Blalock said.
Afternoon games, when the sun bright- few things together.” (6-4) threw a scoreless eighth for the “We’ve got to stay positive and
ens the baseball-colored, Teflon-coated Joe Mauer was intentionally walked victory. grind through it.”
ceiling, are the toughest for outfielders. after Cabrera’s hit, and then Kubel came — The Associated Press — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 51
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 11, Baltimore 5 Red Sox 11, Orioles 5 Chicago White Sox 13, Kansas City 3
Boston AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Ellsbury cf 5 0 1 0 1 0 .301

Atypically average Lester gets job done Pedroia 2b

V.Martinez c
e-Kottaras ph-c
Youkilis 1b-3b
6 2 2 0 0 0 .295
5 1 1 0 0 0 .297
1 0 0 0 0 1 .227
5 2 1 1 1 1 .309
Again, Peavy tastes success
D.Ortiz dh 4 2 2 1 0 0 .233
BALTIMORE—Jon Lester is so accustomed J.Drew rf 5 2 3 4 0 0 .269 CHICAGO—Jake Peavy’s first White Sox 13, Royals 3
to dominating the Baltimore Orioles, he Lowrie ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 .158 start with the Chicago White Kansas City AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Lowell 3b 4 0 3 2 0 0 .296 DeJesus lf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .281
couldn’t derive much satisfaction out of 1-Bri.Anderson pr-lf-rf 1 1 1 1 0 0 .237 Sox came after a long wait, Bloomquist rf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .269
beating them with a rather ordinary Reddick lf 2 1 1 2 1 0 .238 hours of rehab and a frustrat- Maier rf-lf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .247
a-Baldelli ph 0 0 0 0 0 0 .255 Butler 1b 4 1 1 1 0 2 .300
performance. b-Kotchman ph-1b 2 0 0 0 0 0 .230 ing setback. Jacobs dh 4 0 0 0 0 4 .231
Lester pitched into the seventh inning Ale.Gonzalez ss 3 0 1 0 1 1 .290 Once he returned to the Callaspo 2b 4 1 2 0 0 0 .300
Gathright lf 1 0 1 0 0 0 .500 Olivo c 0 1 0 0 1 0 .251
to win his sixth straight decision, and the Totals 44 11 17 11 4 3 mound for his first major league J.Buck c 2 0 1 0 1 1 .233
Boston Red Sox feasted on the Orioles Baltimore AB R H BI BB SO Avg. start in more than three A.Gordon 3b 3 0 1 1 0 0 .218
B.Roberts 2b 4 1 1 0 0 0 .286 Y.Betancourt ss 2 0 0 1 0 0 .239
bullpen in an 11-5 victory Saturday night. Aubrey 1b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .306 months, it had a familiar feel- J.Anderson cf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .238
Josh Reddick, J.D. Drew and Brian C.Izturis ss 4 0 1 0 1 1 .254 ing. One he’d really missed. Totals 30 3 5 3 2 9
Wieters dh 5 0 3 1 0 1 .276
Anderson homered for the Red Sox, Markakis rf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .295 “Once you get out there, it’s Chicago AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
whose magic number to clinch the A.L. c-Andino ph-lf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .227 like riding a bike. It comes back J.Nix 2b 4 2 1 1 1 1 .236
Mora 3b 3 1 1 1 0 0 .262 Beckham 3b 5 0 1 0 0 1 .269
wild card dipped below double figures. d-Turner ph-3b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .286 to you,” said Peavy Saturday Pierzynski c 4 1 1 1 1 2 .308
Any number of Boston victories or Wigginton 1b-2b 4 2 2 2 0 0 .268 night after pitching five innings Konerko 1b 3 3 2 2 2 0 .285
Pie cf 4 1 3 1 0 0 .263 Al.Ramirez ss 4 2 2 2 1 0 .280
Texas defeats totaling nine will put the Moeller c 3 0 0 0 0 1 .256 and getting the win in Chicago’s Dye rf 3 2 2 2 2 0 .251
Red Sox in the playoffs. G.Rodriguez c 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000 13-3 rout of the Kansas City Quentin lf 4 1 2 4 1 1 .235
Fiorentino lf-rf 3 0 1 0 1 1 .281 Rios cf 5 1 2 1 0 0 .243
Lester (14-7) improved to 6-0 in 11 Totals 36 5 12 5 3 5 Royals. Flowers dh 3 1 1 0 1 2 .143
starts since July 19 despite giving up Boston 020 001 350 — 11 17 0 “You certainly are comfort- Totals 35 13 14 13 9 7
Baltimore 110 100 002 — 5 12 1
three runs and 10 hits—at least one a-was announced for Reddick in the 7th. b-grounded able in that surrounding,” Kansas City 021 000 000 — 3 5 1
every inning. He is 10-0 lifetime against out for Baldelli in the 7th. c-grounded out for Markakis Peavy added. “I did some Chicago 101 140 06x — 13 14 0
in the 8th. d-grounded out for Mora in the 8th. e-struck
Baltimore, including 4-0 with a 1.65 out for V.Martinez in the 9th. 1-ran for Lowell in the 7th. things well and some things E: A.Gordon (8). LOB: Kansas City 3, Chicago 7. 2B:
ERA this season. E: Wigginton (7). LOB: Boston 11, Baltimore 7. 2B: not so well. I got a long way to Al.Ramirez (13). HR: Butler (18), off Peavy; Konerko
D.Ortiz 2 (32), J.Drew (28), B.Roberts (53), Pie (9). HR: (27), off D.Hughes; Quentin (17), off Yabuta. RBIs:
“I didn’t think he had his best stuff,” Reddick (2), off Da.Hernandez; J.Drew (21), off McCrory; go to be where I want to be.” Butler (83), A.Gordon (14), Y.Betancourt (41), J.Nix
Boston manager Terry Francona said, Bri.Anderson (3), off McCrory; Wigginton (9), off Lester; Peavy (1-0) hadn’t pitched in (31), Pierzynski (47), Konerko 2 (85), Al.Ramirez 2 (67),
Mora (8), off Lester; Wigginton (10), off Delcarmen; Dye 2 (74), Quentin 4 (45), Rios (66). CS: J.Nix (2). S:
“but on a night when he didn’t, he ROB CARR / AP Pie (9), off Delcarmen. RBIs: Youkilis (86), D.Ortiz (84), a major league game since June Y.Betancourt. Runners left in scoring position:
pitched pretty good.” Josh Reddick’s HR accounted for much of Boston’s production against Baltimore’s David Hernandez. J.Drew 4 (63), Lowell 2 (72), Bri.Anderson (15), Reddick 8 when he beat the Diamond- Kansas City 1 (J.Anderson); Chicago 5 (Al.Ramirez,
2 (4), Wieters (36), Mora (43), Wigginton 2 (36), Pie (26). J.Nix, Beckham, Quentin, Rios). GIDP: A.Gordon,
“Pretty good” aren’t words usually SB: Pedroia (18). SF: D.Ortiz. Runners left in scoring backs while with the Padres. Al.Ramirez, Dye, Rios. DP: Kansas City 3 (Y.Betancourt,
used to describe Lester, especially when lowed with RBI singles. their 11th straight series win over the position: Boston 6 (Pedroia, Ellsbury 2, Ale.Gonzalez 2, Five days later, he went on the Callaspo, Butler), (A.Gordon, Callaspo, Butler), (Callaspo,
Youkilis); Baltimore 4 (Mora, Fiorentino, Wieters 2). DP: Y.Betancourt, Butler); Chicago 1 (J.Nix, Al.Ramirez,
he’s going up against the Orioles. The Red Sox added five unearned runs A.L. East-cellar dwellers. Boston 3 (Ale.Gonzalez, Pedroia,Youkilis), (Ale.Gonzalez, disabled list with a strained Konerko).
“It wasn’t necessarily the seven innings in the eighth against Bob McCrory. After Wigginton hit two solo homers, and Pedroia, Kotchman), (Pedroia, Lowrie, Kotchman). tendon in his right ankle.
Boston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Kansas City IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
or the three runs, it was the 10 hits. And I first baseman Ty Wigginton let a Melvin Mora and Felix Pie also con- Lester W, 14-7 6 10 3 3 0 4 101 3.33 Traded to the White Sox on D.Hughes L, 0-1 4 1⁄3 5 4 3 4 5 87 4.38
was behind quite a bit. You can’t do that,” grounder zip through his legs, Ortiz hit a nected for Baltimore. Wigginton and Pie Wagner H, 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 2.16 July 31, he’d planned to be Yabuta 2⁄3 2 3 3 1 1 24 14.73
Saito 1 0 0 0 0 1 12 2.49 V.Marte 2 1⁄3 4 5 5 4 1 41 10.50
the lefthander said. “We won. You got to sacrifice fly, Drew homered with two on hit successive drives in the ninth off Delcarmen 0 2 2 2 2 0 21 3.74 pitching sooner but was hit in Rosa 2⁄3 3 1 1 0 0 12 3.38
look at it that way. I wasn’t at my best, but and Anderson followed with a solo shot. Manny Delcarmen. R.Ramirez 1 0 0 0 1 0 13 2.74 the pitching elbow with a line Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
Baltimore IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Peavy W, 1-0 5 3 3 3 2 5 73 5.40
I kept my team in the ball game and they Hernandez gave up seven hits, three After watching the Orioles score only Da.Hernandez 6 7 3 3 3 1 93 5.34 drive during a rehab game Aug. Williams 1 0 0 0 0 2 15 5.65
were able to score runs late.” walks and a homer in six innings. one run in their previous two games, Albers L, 2-6 1⁄3 2 2 2 0 0 21 5.43 24, setting him back. D.Carrasco 2 1 0 0 0 0 20 3.58
A.Castillo 0 3 1 1 0 0 10 3.38 Linebrink 1 1 0 0 0 2 12 4.22
Lester and David Hernandez dueled “We were encouraged by how Her- Trembley shuffled the lineup, moving Meredith 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 8 4.07 Even with the White Sox’s
for six innings before Boston broke it nandez threw tonight. That was his best rookie Matt Wieters to the No. 3 spot for McCrory 2⁄3 3 5 0 1 0 26 13.50 chances for making the post- Inherited runners-scored: Yabuta 1-1, Rosa 3-3.
Sarfate 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 5 6.35 WP: V.Marte. Umpires: Home, Dan Bellino; First, Gary
open with a three-run seventh. Dustin outing in a while,” Orioles manager the first time and shifting Brian Roberts Lambert 1 2 0 0 0 1 16 13.00 season slim at best, Peavy made Cederstrom; Second, Fieldin Culbreth; Third, Jim Wolf. T:
Pedroia singled off Matt Albers (2-6), Dave Trembley said. “The game got out back to the top of the order. The move A.Castillo pitched to 3 batters in the 7th. Lester pitched the start Saturday night and 2:44. A: 28,329 (40,615).
to 1 batter in the 7th. Delcarmen pitched to 4 batters
stole second and scored on a single by of hand after he left.” worked: Roberts hit his league-leading in the 9th. Inherited runners-scored: Wagner 1-0, the 2007 Cy Young Award
Kevin Youkilis for a 4-3 lead. David Boston has won seven straight over 53rd double and scored a run, and Wiet- R.Ramirez 2-0, A.Castillo 1-1, Meredith 2-0. Umpires: winner gave a glimpse of what
Home, Dana DeMuth; First, Doug Eddings; Second,
Ortiz greeted Alberto Castillo with a the Orioles and is 15-2 against Baltimore ers had three hits and an RBI. Brian Knight; Third, Hunter Wendelstedt. T: 3:28. A: might be next season.
double, and Drew and Mike Lowell fol- this season. The Red Sox also clinched — The Associated Press 39,285 (48,290). — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 52
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Tampa Bay 4, Toronto 0 Oakland 8, Cleveland 4

Garza falls back on mastery of Jays to end slump Ellis sets A’s homer standard
OAKLAND—Mark Ellis has a Athletics 8, Indians 4
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—It shouldn’t come Rays 4, Blue Jays 0 strong bond with former Oak- Cleveland AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Brantley cf 3 0 0 0 2 0 .314
as a surprise that Matt Garza stopped a Toronto AB R H BI BB SO Avg. land infielder Dick Green J.Carroll 2b 5 0 2 1 0 1 .287
Scutaro ss 3 0 0 0 1 1 .284
slump against Toronto. A.Hill 2b 4 0 1 0 0 2 .285 because the two men have a lot A.Cabrera ss 4 0 1 0 1 1 .305
Choo rf 4 1 1 0 1 3 .302
Garza struck out 10 while ending a Lind dh 2 0 0 0 2 1 .298 in common, from growing up Jh.Peralta 3b 4 1 0 0 1 2 .266
Encarnacion 3b 2 0 1 0 2 1 .216
personal nine-game winless streak and Overbay 1b 3 0 1 0 0 1 .266 in the same home town to play- Hafner dh 5 0 0 0 0 1 .268
LaPorta 1b 4 1 2 0 1 1 .262
the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Blue Jays a-V.Wells ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .265 ing the same position with the Shoppach c 4 1 1 1 0 0 .219
R.Ruiz 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .273
4-0 on Saturday night. J.Bautista cf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .227 Athletics. Crowe lf 4 0 2 1 0 0 .230
Totals 37 4 9 3 6 9
“He always pitches great against us,” Snider rf 3 0 0 0 1 2 .224 He was honored to pass him
R.Chavez c 4 0 0 0 0 2 .265
Toronto manager Cito Gaston said. “We Jo.McDonald lf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .238 for the franchise record for Oakland AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
R.Davis cf 5 0 1 0 0 1 .315
haven’t beat him too many times.” Totals 30 0 3 0 6 12 homers by a second baseman. M.Ellis 2b 4 2 1 1 1 0 .274
Garza (8-10) allowed three hits over 7 Tampa Bay AB R H BI BB SO Avg. “I actually forgot until (A’s K.Suzuki c 4 3 3 1 1 0 .271
Garciaparra dh 5 1 2 0 0 1 .278
1/3 innings in winning for the first time Bartlett ss 3 1 1 0 1 0 .325 announcer) Ray Fosse said Hairston lf 5 1 1 1 0 1 .231
Crawford lf 3 1 0 0 0 0 .306
since beating Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay Longoria 3b 3 1 2 1 1 0 .283 something,” Ellis said after Crosby 3b 4 0 2 2 0 0 .227
D.Barton 1b 3 1 2 0 1 1 .243
4-2 on July 24. He’s 3-5—with all three Zobrist cf 4 1 1 1 0 1 .286 homering and scoring twice in Carson rf 4 0 2 0 0 0 .286
Burrell dh 4 0 0 0 0 3 .226
victories coming against Toronto—over W.Aybar 1b 2 0 1 1 2 1 .249 Oakland’s 8-4 win over Cleve- Pennington ss 4 0 2 2 0 0 .289
Totals 38 8 16 7 3 4
his past 15 starts. Ch.Richard 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .154 land on Saturday. “It’s neat
“My record doesn’t matter as long as Kapler rf 3 0 2 1 0 0 .238 whenever we’re in the same Cleveland 000 300 010 — 4 9 1
b-Gross ph-rf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .241 Oakland 420 110 00x — 8 16 1
we win,” Garza said. “The last couple Navarro c 4 0 0 0 0 1 .223 sentence together. There are a
starts I’ve been on a roll.” Iwamura 2b 3 0 0 0 0 2 .295 lot of things that are similar E: Brantley (1), Crosby (8). LOB: Cleveland 12, Oakland
Totals 30 4 7 4 4 9 9. 2B: Choo (35), R.Davis (21), K.Suzuki (34). HR:
Since joining the Rays last year, Garza between us, so it’s pretty cool.” M.Ellis (9), off Sowers; K.Suzuki (14), off Ohka. RBIs:
is 6-2 against the Blue Jays. The right- Toronto 000 000 000 — 0 3 0 Ellis homered in the second J.Carroll (25), Shoppach (37), Crowe (14), M.Ellis (55),
Tampa Bay 400 000 00x — 4 7 1 K.Suzuki (79), Hairston (34), Crosby 2 (29), Pennington
hander is 3-0 this season when facing inning off Indians starter Jer- 2 (15). Runners left in scoring position: Cleveland 5
Toronto. a-grounded into a fielder’s choice for Overbay in the emy Sowers, the 79th of his (J.Carroll, Brantley, Hafner, A.Cabrera, LaPorta); Oakland
8th. b-struck out for Kapler in the 8th. E: Bartlett (17). 6 (R.Davis 2, Carson, M.Ellis 2, D.Barton). DP: Cleveland
“He had movement on his pitches,” LOB: Toronto 9, Tampa Bay 7. RBIs: Longoria (108), career and the 77th he’s hit 2 (J.Carroll, A.Cabrera, LaPorta), (A.Cabrera, J.Carroll,
Tampa Bay catcher Dioner Navarro REINHOLD MATAY / AP
Zobrist (77), W.Aybar (34), Kapler (29). SB: Longoria (8). while playing second base for LaPorta).
Runners left in scoring position: Toronto 4 (Overbay
said. “When he fell behind, he made In his past 15 starts, Rays P Matt Garza has three wins—all against the Blue Jays. 2, J.Bautista, V.Wells); Tampa Bay 3 (Iwamura, Navarro, the A’s. That’s one more than Cleveland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
pitches.” Kapler). DP: Toronto 1 (Encarnacion, A.Hill, Overbay); Green, who played for the team Sowers L, 6-10 1 9 6 6 1 1 45 4.92
Tampa Bay 1 (Bartlett, Iwamura, W.Aybar). Ohka 4 4 2 2 1 0 57 5.45
Toronto rookie Ricky Romero (12-9) eighth inning Friday night with Tampa of jams in the first and third to help from 1968-74. J.Lewis 1 1 0 0 1 2 27 4.27
lost for the fourth time in five starts, Toronto IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
Bay ahead 9-4, was hit on the right Tampa Bay win for the fourth time in R.Romero L, 12-9 6 7 4 4 4 6 111 4.28 Every A’s starter had at least R.Perez 1 2 0 0 0 0 14 7.33
K.Wood 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 4.24
giving up four runs and seven hits in six elbow by a Romero pitch. six games, including three in a row, Camp 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 3.28 one hit and five relievers com- Oakland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
League 1 0 0 0 0 2 18 4.91
innings. “He wasn’t throwing at him,” Gaston following an 11-game skid. Russ Tampa Bay IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA bined to allow one run over the G.Gonzalez 3 2⁄3 2 3 1 5 3 83 6.15
Kilby W, 1-0 1 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 3 24 0.00
“Just one bad inning,” Gaston said. said. Springer, Randy Choate and Dan Garza W, 8-10 7 1⁄3 3 0 0 6 10 117 3.70 final 5 1/3 innings while help- Gray 2⁄3 3 0 0 0 0 20 1.71
Springer H, 12 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 5 4.33
“After that he pitched well.” Crawford agreed. Wheeler combined to finish the three- Choate H, 7 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 2 3.77 ing Oakland extend its second- Blevins 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 5.11
Ziegler 2⁄3 3 1 1 0 0 17 3.15
The Blue Jays are 4-13 against Tampa “I just think it got away from him,” hitter. Wheeler 1 0 0 0 0 1 10 3.35 longest winning streak of the Wuertz S, 4-6 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 2 23 2.80
Bay this season. Crawford said. “I don’t think he was “I’m really happy with the way the Inherited runners-scored: Springer 2-0, Choate 2-0. season to six games.
Gray pitched to 2 batters in the 7th. Sowers pitched to
“When you have streaks like that trying to hit me on purpose.” boys are playing,” Rays manager Joe HBP: by R.Romero (Crawford). Umpires: Home, Sam “We’re playing good baseball 3 batters in the 2nd. Inherited runners-scored: Ohka
Holbrook; First, Mike Estabrook; Second, Dan Iassogna;
against teams, you try not to ask too Evan Longoria then singled in Bar- Maddon said. “There’s a lot of energy Third, Larry Vanover. T: 2:43. A: 22,705 (36,973). and we’re finding ways to score 3-2, Kilby 2-0, Gray 1-0, Blevins 2-0, Wuertz 2-0. WP:
Ohka. Umpires: Home, Mike Everitt; First, Angel Cam-
many questions,” Tampa Bay left fielder tlett to give him 108 RBIs on the year. and fight.” runs up and down the lineup,” pos; Second, Gerry Davis; Third, C.B. Bucknor. T: 3:10. A:
Carl Crawford said. “You just try to keep Ben Zobrist, Willy Aybar and Gabe Navarro was briefly stunned, but Ellis said. “Our bullpen has 17,209 (35,067).
the streak going.” Kapler also singled in a run before remained in the game after being hit in just been incredible. They’ve
The Rays scored four times in the Romero struck out Navarro and the head by Adam Lind’s back swing in been our most consistent asset
first. Jason Bartlett walked and Carl Akinori Iwamura to end the inning. the third. this year, without a doubt.”
Crawford, who stole second base in the Garza, who walked six, worked out — The Associated Press — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 53
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Rockies 10, Diamondbacks 4
L.A. Dodgers 12, San Francisco 1 Dodgers 12, Giants 1 Colorado 10, Arizona 4 Colorado AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Velez lf-rf 3 1 0 0 0 0 .273 C.Gonzalez cf-lf 5 2 2 1 0 1 .282
Bowker rf 2 0 0 0 0 1 .195 S.Smith lf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .303
Rockies stretch
Garland ingratiates self to new squad F.Sanchez 2b 2 0 1 0 0 0 .292 a-Fowler ph-cf 0 1 0 0 1 0 .269
Frandsen 2b 1 0 1 0 0 0 .167 Helton 1b 3 1 1 0 1 1 .316
Winn rf 1 0 0 1 0 1 .265 Tulowitzki ss 5 2 2 1 0 2 .287
Joaquin p
F.Lewis lf
0 0
2 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
---
.267
margin to 3 1/2 Hawpe rf
Torrealba c
1 1 0 0
b-Spilborghs ph-rf 2 1 2 2
2 1 1 1
1
0
3
1
0
1
.286
.249
.285
Sandoval 3b 3 0 2 0 0 1 .322
LOS ANGELES—Jon Garland was worried Aurilia 3b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .228 Stewart 3b 3 0 0 1 1 3 .230
Uribe ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 .289 Barmes 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .238
about being accepted by his new team- PHOENIX—Blowing leads has e-Giambi ph 1 1 1 3 0 0 .364
Rohlinger ss 1 0 1 0 0 0 .182
mates after a late-season trade to the Ishikawa 1b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .268 been an uncomfortable trait of F.Morales p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .400
J.Martinez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Hammel p 3 0 0 0 0 3 .118
Dodgers. They’re more than happy to Bumgarner p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 the Colorado Rockies lately. d-E.Young ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .277
have him now. e-J.Guzman ph 1 0 1 0 0 0 .176 They did it again Saturday R.Betancourt p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
Rowand cf 3 0 1 0 0 0 .267 f-Quintanilla ph-2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .167
Ronnie Belliard hit a grand slam, Matt A.Torres cf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .248 night, only this time, they came Totals 34 10 9 9 7 12
Kemp and James Loney added back-to- Whiteside c 2 0 0 0 0 0 .209 back in a hurry and went on to
a-Posey ph-c 2 0 1 0 0 0 .333 Arizona AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
back drives off former teammate Brad Penny p 1 0 1 0 0 0 .100 pound the Diamondbacks 10-4 C.Young cf 4 1 1 0 0 0 .207
Schierholtz rf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .273 S.Drew ss 3 1 1 0 1 1 .259
Penny and Los Angeles routed the San M.Valdez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- and open some breathing space J.Upton rf 3 1 1 4 0 1 .308
Francisco Giants 12-1 on Saturday. Ra.Johnson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .077 in their wild-card race. Montero c 4 0 0 0 0 0 .297
Garko 1b 2 0 0 0 0 0 .227 Reynolds 3b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .268
Garland (11-11) gave up an unearned Totals 35 1 10 1 0 4 The victory, combined with San G.Parra lf 3 0 1 0 0 0 .295
g-Ryal ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .256
run and seven hits in eight innings, tying Francisco’s 12-1 loss at Los Ange- R.Roberts 2b 3 0 1 0 1 1 .277
Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
his longest outing this season. The right- Furcal ss 4 2 2 0 0 1 .257 les, extended Colorado’s wild-card Allen 1b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .217
c-J.Castro ph-ss 1 0 1 0 0 0 .291 h-Hester ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .313
hander is unbeaten in his last six starts, Ethier rf 4 0 1 1 1 1 .283 lead over the Giants to 3½ games. Scherzer p 2 1 1 0 0 0 .212
four of those with the Dodgers after he M.Ramirez lf 1 1 0 0 2 1 .303 Florida remained four behind Zavada p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
Pierre lf 2 0 1 1 0 0 .314 c-A.Romero ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .257
was acquired from Arizona on Aug. 31. Kemp cf 4 2 1 1 0 1 .307 and Atlanta 4½ back. L.Rosales p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Repko cf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 E.Vasquez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
“It’s nice to pitch a game and not have Troy Tulowitzki homered for Schoeneweis p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
Loney 1b 4 3 3 2 0 0 .282
to worry,” he said. “I’m starting to be d-Mientkiewicz ph-1b 1 0 0 0 0 1 .273 a career-best fourth game in a i-Byrnes ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .214
Blake 3b 2 1 0 1 1 0 .280 Totals 33 4 6 4 2 8
part of this team a little more each day. b-DeWitt ph-3b 2 1 1 1 0 0 .162 row and Jason Giambi hit his
They put in so much work since the Belliard 2b 4 1 1 4 1 1 .259 first home run since coming to Colorado 200 200 105 — 10 9 1
R.Martin c 3 1 1 1 1 0 .257 Arizona 003 000 010 — 4 6 1
beginning of spring training. Then to A.Ellis c 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Colorado as the Rockies won
Garland p 4 0 0 0 0 1 .088 a-sacrificed for S.Smith in the 7th. b-doubled for
get new players in September, I’ve been for only the second time in the Hawpe in the 7th. c-grounded out for Zavada in the
Jef.Weaver p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .231
on the other side of that and it’s weird.” CHRIS CARLSON / AP Totals 37 12 12 12 6 7 last seven games. 7th. d-fouled out for Hammel in the 8th. e-homered for
Barmes in the 9th. f-popped out for R.Betancourt in the
Garland is 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in his Ronnie Belliard hit a first-inning grand slam, his fourth homer since joining L.A. late last month. San Francisco 100 000 000 — 1 10 1 “It’s awesome. It’s what you 9th. g-flied out for G.Parra in the 9th. h-struck out for
four starts with the Dodgers. Los Angeles 502 021 20x — 12 12 1 dream about,” Giambi said of Allen in the 9th. i-struck out for Schoeneweis in the 9th.
E: Stewart (10), G.Parra (6). LOB: Colorado 8, Arizona
“He had command of all his pitches runs as the Dodgers improved to 10-7 tied it at 1 before Belliard sent a 1-2 pitch a-grounded out for Whiteside in the 7th. b-homered for being in a playoff race after 5. 2B: C.Gonzalez (12), Spilborghs 2 (23). 3B: S.Drew
Blake in the 7th. c-singled for Furcal in the 7th. d-struck (11). HR: C.Gonzalez (12), off Scherzer; Tulowitzki (29),
and was working off the edges,” catcher against their rivals, with their largest mar- into the Dodgers’ bullpen for his fourth joining the Rockies on Sept. 1. off Scherzer; Giambi (1), off Schoeneweis; J.Upton (25),
out for Loney in the 8th. e-singled for Bumgarner in the
Russell Martin said. “He really didn’t gin of victory this season against them. career grand slam, giving them a 5-1 9th. E: F.Sanchez (5), M.Ramirez (4). LOB: San Francisco “I keep telling people when I off Hammel. RBIs: C.Gonzalez (26), Tulowitzki (81),
9, Los Angeles 7. 2B: Sandoval (42), Furcal (25), Ethier Spilborghs 2 (48), Torrealba (25), Stewart (68), Giambi
make any mistakes.” Belliard has hit four homers since lead and triggering taunts of Penny. He (41). HR: Belliard (9), off Penny; Kemp (25), off Penny; decided to come over here that 3 (9), J.Upton 4 (80). S: Fowler. SF: Stewart, J.Upton.
The Dodgers, who lost the series opener joining the Dodgers on Aug. 30. spent five years in Los Angeles before Loney (13), off Penny; DeWitt (2), off J.Martinez. RBIs: this is the fun part of the game, Runners left in scoring position: Colorado 4 (Ham-
Winn (50), Ethier (99), Pierre (30), Kemp (95), Loney 2 mel 2, Stewart 2); Arizona 1 (Allen).
8-4 on Friday night, remained five games “I was just looking for a pitch to hit. being traded to Boston last year. (87), Blake (75), DeWitt (2), Belliard 4 (34), R.Martin to have something to play for in
(49). SB: Furcal (8), Belliard (3). S: F.Sanchez. SF: Winn. Colorado IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
ahead of Colorado in the N.L. West. The He gave me a fastball inside and I reacted “It was pretty obvious he was off today September.” Hammel W, 9-8 7 4 3 3 2 5 110 4.35
Runners left in scoring position: San Francisco
Giants fell 3½ behind the wild card-lead- to it,” he said. “Garland was throwing with his command and his secondary 4 (Uribe, Velez, Bowker 2); Los Angeles 6 (R.Martin, The Rockies matched a fran- R.Betancourt H, 10 1 1 1 1 0 1 18 1.77
Garland 2, Loney, Repko 2). GIDP: Whiteside. DP: Los F.Morales 1 1 0 0 0 2 18 2.92
ing Rockies, who beat Arizona. strikes all day long.” pitches,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy Angeles 1 (Furcal, Belliard, Loney). chise record with their 39th Arizona IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
The Dodgers’ victory reduced their Penny (10-9) defeated the Dodgers 7-2 said. “He’s been as good as you can be the San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA road victory, but they know Scherzer L, 9-10 5 1⁄3 3 4 3 5 6 109 4.08
Penny L, 3-1 2 2⁄3 5 7 7 3 1 68 4.01 Zavada 1 2⁄3 2 1 1 1 3 36 3.02
magic number to six for clinching their last Sunday in his first start against them first three starts and he had an off day.” Joaquin 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 2 19 3.52 they probably win or lose a L.Rosales 1 0 0 0 0 1 14 4.73
M.Valdez 1 2 2 1 1 0 29 5.70 E.Vasquez 2⁄3 3 4 4 1 2 27 4.47
third postseason berth in four years. since being signed by the Giants on Aug. — The Associated Press Ra.Johnson 1⁄3 2 1 1 0 0 14 4.89
playoff spot in their comfort- Schoeneweis 1⁄3 1 1 1 0 0 5 7.43
“We got Jon a lead and he knew what to 31. The righthander had been particu- National League J.Martinez 1 2⁄3 3 2 2 2 2 37 7.50 able surroundings in Denver.
Bumgarner 1 0 0 0 0 2 9 2.84 Inherited runners-scored: Zavada 2-0, Schoeneweis
do with it. That was vintage stuff when larly tough on hitters with runners in wild card standings Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA “We’re 3-5 on this road trip,” 2-2. IBB: off Zavada (Torrealba). HBP: by Scherzer
you see a veteran pitcher with a lead and scoring position and two outs this sea- Garland W, 11-11 8 7 1 0 0 3 96 4.02 manager Jim Tracy said, “and (Hawpe), by Zavada (Helton). Umpires: Home, Marvin
W L Pct. GB Jef.Weaver 1 3 0 0 0 1 24 3.79 Hudson; First, Angel Hernandez; Second, Randy Marsh;
making them hit the ball,” manager Joe son, holding them to a .176 average. Colorado 84 65 .564 — Inherited runners-scored: Joaquin 1-0, J.Martinez we have nine of our final 13 Third, Lance Barksdale. T: 3:08. A: 29,466 (48,652).
Torre said. “It was nice to bounce back.” But Los Angeles pummeled him with San Francisco 80 68 .541 3½ 1-0. WP: M.Valdez. Umpires: Home, Bob Davidson; games at Coors.”
Florida 80 69 .537 4 First, James Hoye; Second, Tim Tschida; Third, Jeff Nel-
Loney went 3-for-4 and drove in two two outs in the first. Loney’s RBI single Atlanta 79 69 .534 4½ son. T: 3:08. A: 52,438 (56,000). — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 54
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Brewers 7, Astros 2
Florida 3, Cincinnati 2 Atlanta 6, Philadelphia 4 Braves 6, Phillies 4
Philadelphia AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Milwaukee 7, Houston 2 Houston AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Rollins ss 5 0 1 1 0 0 .247 Bourn cf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .293

Marlins reward Nolasco Sore neck chases Pedro B.Francisco cf

Utley 2b
5
3
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
.268
.295
K.Matsui 2b
Valverde p
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
.252
---
Howard 1b
Werth rf
Escalona p
3
3
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
.271
.274
---
Fielder sets Berkman 1b
Ca.Lee lf
Pence rf
4
4
4
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
.272
.305
.288
CINCINNATI—Ricky Nolasco
stuck around long enough to
Marlins 3, Reds 2
Florida
Coghlan lf
AB
4
R
0
H
2
BI
0
BB
0
SO
0
Avg.
.310
Condrey p
c-Stairs ph
1-Bruntlett pr
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
---
.208
.167
RBI record Tejada ss
C.Johnson 3b
Towles c
3
3
3
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
.301
.111
.115
benefit from another late rally N.Johnson 1b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .296 Ibanez lf 3 1 1 0 1 1 .278 Moehler p 2 0 0 0 0 2 .024
by the Florida Marlins. Ha.Ramirez ss 4 0 0 0 0 0 .353 P.Feliz 3b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .262 MILWAUKEE—Prince Fielder Byrdak p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Cantu 3b 4 1 2 1 0 1 .281 Bako c 2 0 0 0 1 0 .188 Gervacio p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
Nolasco pitched seven sharp Uggla 2b 4 0 0 0 0 3 .242 d-Victorino ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .296 was happy to finally get Mil- W.Wright p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
innings, pinch hitter Ross C.Ross rf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .273 P.Martinez p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .077 waukee’s RBI record. Fulchino p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
R.Paulino c 3 0 1 0 0 1 .271 Durbin p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .167 d-Keppinger ph-2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .264
Gload connected for a two-run 1-Bonifacio pr 0 1 0 0 0 0 .251 Mayberry rf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .185 His sacrifice fly in the eighth Totals 32 2 5 2 0 9
homer in the eighth and Florida Jo.Baker c 0 0 0 0 0 0 .270 e-Dobbs ph 1 0 1 1 0 0 .261 inning allowed him to set the
Maybin cf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .220 Totals 34 4 8 4 4 8 Milwaukee AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Nolasco p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .133 club mark for RBIs in a season F.Lopez 2b 3 2 2 0 2 0 .311
Saturday night. a-Gload ph 1 1 1 2 0 0 .272 Atlanta AB R H BI BB SO Avg. and helped Milwaukee to a 7-2 C.Hart rf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .256
Sanches p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 McLouth cf 4 1 1 0 1 0 .271 c-Gerut ph-rf 2 1 2 2 0 0 .224
Jorge Cantu also homered for Meyer p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Prado 2b-1b 3 1 1 1 0 0 .298 victory over the Houston Braun lf 5 1 3 1 0 1 .310
the Marlins, who scored four Lindstrom p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- C.Jones 3b 3 1 1 0 1 1 .269 Astros on Saturday night. Fielder 1b 4 0 1 1 0 1 .299
Totals 31 3 6 3 1 7 McCann c 4 0 1 1 0 1 .286 McGehee 3b 5 1 1 2 0 0 .304
times in the ninth inning Friday G.Anderson lf 4 1 1 0 0 0 .274 Fielder’s 127 RBIs surpassed M.Cameron cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .253
to beat the Reds 4-3 and end a Cincinnati AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Gorecki lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .217 current Astros manager Cecil Hardy ss 4 0 1 1 0 1 .226
Stubbs cf 3 1 2 1 1 0 .260 Y.Escobar ss 3 0 1 0 0 1 .303 Kendall c 3 1 1 0 1 0 .235
nine-game skid in Cincinnati L.Nix lf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .243 Ad.LaRoche 1b 2 1 2 2 1 0 .283 Cooper, who set the mark for Suppan p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .158
that dated to April 2006. Flor- Votto 1b 4 0 2 0 0 0 .305 a-Infante ph-2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .298 Milwaukee with 126 in 1983. a-Catalanotto ph 0 0 0 0 0 0 .284
B.Phillips 2b 4 0 0 0 0 3 .277 M.Diaz rf 4 1 1 2 0 2 .321 b-Bourgeois ph 1 1 1 0 0 0 .188
ida remained four games J.Francisco 3b 3 0 0 0 0 3 .200 J.Vazquez p 2 0 0 0 0 0 .188 “It was nice to get the job Weathers p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
behind wild card-leading Colo- c-Gomes ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .266 Moylan p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 done and drive in a run,” said e-C.Patterson ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .083
Bruce rf 2 0 0 0 1 2 .208 b-Conrad ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Coffey p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
rado, which beat Arizona. d-Rolen ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .248 R.Soriano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Fielder, beer dripping from his Totals 36 7 13 7 3 5
“We just have to worry about Hanigan c 3 1 1 1 0 0 .268 Totals 31 6 9 6 3 5 head as a result of the shower
Janish ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 .215 Houston 010 000 100 — 2 5 1
ourselves,” Nolasco said. “Sure Arroyo p 2 0 0 0 0 2 .107 Philadelphia 000 000 004 — 4 8 1 he got from his teammates after Milwaukee 010 000 51x — 7 13 0
we scoreboard watch, but the b-Sutton ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .207 GREGORY SMITH / AP Atlanta 012 120 00x — 6 9 0 the game. “I’ve had a lot of
R.Ramirez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- a-was announced for Suppan in the 7th. b-singled for
only thing we can control is our Totals 31 2 5 2 2 11
Braves P Javier Vazquez didn’t allow a run in his 14th win. a-grounded out for Ad.LaRoche in the 7th. b-grounded opportunities over the past few Catalanotto in the 7th. c-singled for C.Hart in the 7th.
game. We don’t care how we get out for Moylan in the 8th. c-doubled for Condrey in days to drive in runs, but just d-grounded out for Fulchino in the 8th. e-struck out
Florida 000 010 020 — 3 6 0 the 9th. d-struck out for Bako in the 9th. e-singled for for Weathers in the 8th. E: Tejada (19). LOB: Houston 3,
in whether its the wild card or Cincinnati 100 000 100 — 2 5 0 ATLANTA—Pedro Martinez game went on.” Mayberry in the 9th. 1-ran for Stairs in the 9th. E: Bako haven’t been able to get the job Milwaukee 10. 2B: K.Matsui (19), Ca.Lee (30), F.Lopez
the division. We just want in.” knew he wouldn’t last long Martinez (5-1) left his (3). LOB: Philadelphia 7, Atlanta 7. 2B: Stairs (4), Prado done.” (34), M.Cameron (30), Hardy (15). HR: Pence (24), off
a-homered for Nolasco in the 8th. b-flied out for Arroyo (29), G.Anderson (26). HR: Howard (41), off R.Soriano; Suppan. RBIs: Pence (69), C.Johnson (1), Gerut 2 (31),
Nolasco became the first in the 8th. c-flied out for J.Francisco in the 9th. d-popped after straining his neck start after three innings M.Diaz (11), off Durbin. RBIs: Rollins (71), Howard 2 He is now tied with St. Louis Braun (102), Fielder (127), McGehee 2 (61), Hardy
Florida pitcher to last at least out for Bruce in the 9th. 1-ran for R.Paulino in the 8th. during a second-inning because of stiffness in the (123), Dobbs (19), Prado (46), McCann (87), Ad.LaRoche Cardinal first baseman Albert (47). S: Suppan. SF: Fielder. Runners left in scoring
LOB: Florida 2, Cincinnati 4. 2B: Coghlan (24), R.Paulino 2 (73), M.Diaz 2 (51). SB: McLouth (18). S: J.Vazquez. position: Houston 2 (Towles, Berkman); Milwaukee 7
seven innings since Aug. 18, (7), Votto (26). HR: Cantu (16), off Arroyo; Gload (5), off at-bat. right side of his neck. SF: Prado. Runners left in scoring position: Phila- Pujols for the National League (Fielder, Suppan, Braun, Hardy, Kendall, McGehee 2).
when he pitched a complete Arroyo; Stubbs (8), off Nolasco; Hanigan (3), off Nolasco. Javier Vazquez out- “There’s no sense leaving delphia 3 (P.Martinez, Werth, B.Francisco); Atlanta 4 RBI lead.
RBIs: Cantu (89), Gload 2 (28), Stubbs (14), Hanigan (McLouth 2, J.Vazquez 2). DP: Atlanta 1 (C.Jones, Prado, Houston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
game in a 6-2 win at Houston. (10). Runners left in scoring position: Florida 1 pitched an ailing Martinez, him out there,” manager Ad.LaRoche). “It is a special record,” Fielder Moehler 6 5 2 1 2 3 91 4.86
According to research by the (Ha.Ramirez); Cincinnati 2 (J.Francisco, B.Phillips). DP: and the Atlanta Braves sur- Charlie Manuel said. “He said. “He (Cooper) was one of Byrdak L, 1-2 0 1 2 2 1 0 6 3.19
Florida 1 (Sanches, Ha.Ramirez, N.Johnson); Cincinnati Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Gervacio BS, 1-1 0 2 2 2 0 0 5 2.40
Elias Sports Bureau, the Mar- 2 (Arroyo, Janish, Votto), (J.Francisco, B.Phillips, Votto). vived a shaky ninth inning already had (56) pitches.” P.Martinez L, 5-1 3 7 3 3 1 1 56 3.32 the great first basemen for this W.Wright 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 5.86
lins had gone 29 consecutive to snap Philadelphia’s six- Martinez gave up seven Durbin 2 2⁄3 2 3 2 2 2 40 4.88 organization.” Fulchino 1 1 0 0 0 1 15 3.30
Florida IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Escalona 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 12 2.35 Valverde 1 3 1 1 0 1 22 2.02
games without a starter getting Nolasco W, 12-9 7 4 2 2 1 10 96 5.34 game winning streak with hits, three runs and one walk Condrey 1 0 0 0 0 1 15 3.32 Cooper offered his congratu- Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
through the seventh inning, Sanches H, 8 1 1⁄3 1 0 0 1 1 14 1.86 a 6-4 victory over the Phil- with one strikeout. He Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA lations to Fielder. Suppan W, 7-10 7 5 2 2 0 7 101 4.76
Meyer H, 18 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 4 3.02 J.Vazquez W, 14-9 7 3 0 0 3 6 102 2.91 Weathers 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 3.39
tying a major league record set Lindstrom S, 15-17 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 8 5.79 lies on Saturday night. blamed the departure on an Moylan 1 0 0 0 0 1 8 2.85 “But I’m thinking more about Coffey 1 0 0 0 0 1 12 3.05
by Florida in the last 29 games Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA “When I took that swing at-bat in which Vazquez R.Soriano 1 5 4 4 1 1 28 3.16 the wins and losses and not
Arroyo L, 13-13 8 6 3 3 1 6 117 4.04 Moehler pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. Byrdak pitched to
of the 2002 season. R.Ramirez 1 0 0 0 0 1 10 5.14 on that second curve ball, I struck him out. Inherited runners-scored: Escalona 1-0. IBB: off some record,” he said. 2 batters in the 7th. Gervacio pitched to 2 batters in the
“We just got in a funk for a felt something,” he said. “I’m not a big fan of J.Vazquez (Howard). HBP: by P.Martinez (Y.Escobar). It was the fourth straight win 7th. W.Wright pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. Inherited
Inherited runners-scored: Meyer 1-0, Lindstrom Umpires: Home, Bill Welke; First, Tim Welke; Second, runners-scored: Byrdak 1-0, Gervacio 3-3, W.Wright
while,” Nolasco said. “We had 1-0. Umpires: Home, Derryl Cousins; First, Jim Joyce; “But I didn’t think it was swinging, to be honest,” Jim Reynolds; Third, Chad Fairchild. T: 2:43. A: 35,818 for Milwaukee, which hadn’t 2-0, Fulchino 3-2. Umpires: Home, Paul Nauert; First,
been going six innings, but we Second, Bill Miller; Third, Adrian Johnson. T: 2:38. A: going to get worse than it Martinez said. “I’ll bunt as (49,743). won that many in a row since Ed Rapuano; Second, Paul Schrieber; Third, Joe West. T:
17,026 (42,319). 3:00. A: 36,399 (41,900).
have a good bullpen.” was. I felt a little discom- much as you want.” May 16-19.
— The Associated Press fort, but it got stiff as the — The Associated Press — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 55
NATIONAL LEAGUE
N.Y. Mets 3, Washington 2 San Diego 2, Pittsburgh 1 Padres 2, Pirates 1 St. Louis 2, Chicago Cubs 1
San Diego AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
E.Cabrera ss 4 0 1 1 0 2 .268

Redding quickly ends Mets’ skid Blanco, Pads ‘win ugly’ Eckstein 2b
Ad.Gonzalez 1b 4
Headley 3b
4

3
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
.263
.274
.259
Ryan has big day—with assist
Venable rf 3 0 2 0 1 0 .272
Macias lf 3 0 0 0 0 2 .194
MILWAUKEE—Tim Redding was Mets 3, Nationals 2 c-O.Salazar ph-lf 0 0 0 0 1 0 .261 ST. LOUIS—Brendan Ryan’s Cardinals 2, Cubs 1
eager to end the New York Washington AB R H BI BB SO Avg. H.Blanco c 3 0 0 1 0 2 .239 first hit Saturday is going to get Chicago AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
W.Harris cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .227 Gwynn cf 3 1 1 0 1 0 .262 Theriot ss 3 0 1 0 1 1 .290
Mets’ losing streak—and he C.Guzman ss 4 1 1 0 0 0 .288 Cl.Richard p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .063 all the attention. His third hit Fukudome cf-rf 3 0 0 0 1 1 .255
wanted to do it fast. J.Burke c 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- M.Adams p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- was the most important. D.Lee 1b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .303
Zimmerman 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .290 b-Ed.Gonzalez ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .208 Ar.Ramirez 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .321
The righthander pitched A.Dunn 1b 4 0 1 1 0 1 .278 Gregerson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Ryan connected for an out- M.Hoffpauir rf 4 0 3 0 0 0 .243
splendidly into the eighth Willingham lf 3 0 0 0 1 1 .275 d-L.Rodriguez ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .202 fielder-assisted homer and sin- 1-Fuld pr-cf 0 1 0 0 0 0 .260
Orr 2b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .313 H.Bell p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Soto c 4 0 1 0 0 1 .225
inning and New York stopped Desmond rf-ss 4 0 0 0 0 1 .393 Totals 30 2 5 2 4 6 gled in the winning run in the 2-Taguchi pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
its six-game slide Saturday J.Bard c 3 0 1 0 0 1 .235 ninth inning, lifting St. Louis K.Hill c 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237
1-J.Padilla pr-rf 0 1 0 0 0 0 .100 Pittsburgh AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Je.Baker 2b 3 0 1 1 0 0 .301
with a 3-2 victory over the Lannan p 1 0 0 0 1 1 .148 A.McCutchen cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .274 to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Scales lf 4 0 2 0 0 1 .250
Washington Nationals. a-Morse ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .261 Cedeno ss 3 1 1 0 1 2 .273 Cubs that reduced the Cardi- Dempster p 2 0 0 0 0 0 .121
Clippard p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 R.Diaz c 3 0 0 0 1 0 .287 Marmol p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
Working quickly with rookie Totals 32 2 5 1 2 7 Doumit rf 4 0 0 1 0 1 .237 nals’ magic number for clinch- Totals 31 1 10 1 2 4
catcher Josh Thole, Redding Milledge lf 3 0 1 0 1 0 .278 ing the N.L. Central to four.
New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Pearce 1b 3 0 0 0 0 3 .210 St. Louis AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
threw first-pitch strikes to 19 of Pagan cf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .299 e-Moss ph 1 0 1 0 0 0 .243 Left fielder Bobby Scales had Schumaker 2b 4 0 2 0 0 0 .303
his 26 batters in a crisp game that L.Castillo 2b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .306 N.Walker 3b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .143 Ryan’s fifth-inning drive in his Rasmus cf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .255
D.Wright 3b 2 1 1 0 2 1 .315 Bixler 2b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .222 Pujols 1b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .328
took only 2 hours, 18 minutes. Francoeur rf 4 2 2 1 0 0 .280 Ohlendorf p 2 0 0 0 0 0 .068 glove as he banged into the Holliday lf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .354
“There’s a couple good foot- Tatis lf 2 0 0 0 0 0 .271 GENE J. PUSKAR / AP a-R.Vazquez ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .237 8-foot-high fence. But it popped Ludwick rf 4 0 1 0 0 2 .272
Schneider c 0 0 0 0 0 0 .201 S.Jackson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 DeRosa 3b 4 1 0 0 0 2 .230
ball games that started about Dan.Murphy 1b 3 0 1 2 0 0 .262 Henry Blanco’s ninth-inning sacrifice fly won it for San Diego. Dumatrait p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- out and over for Ryan’s third Y.Molina c 4 0 3 0 0 0 .289
25 minutes ago. I told him, W.Valdez ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 .246 D.Bautista p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- homer of the season and the Br.Ryan ss 4 1 3 2 0 0 .293
Thole c 3 0 0 0 0 2 .324 Totals 31 1 5 1 3 8 C.Carpenter p 3 0 1 0 0 0 .158
‘Let’s keep the pace of this game Fr.Rodriguez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- MILWAUKEE—Will Venable Dumatrait (0-2) walked Cardinals’ only run. It Franklin p 0 0 0 0 0 0 ---
going,’” Redding said. Redding p 2 0 1 0 0 0 .080 was a little worried before the next two batters before San Diego 001 000 001 — 2 5 2 appeared the ball probably Totals 34 2 11 2 1 6
S.Green p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Pittsburgh 100 000 000 — 1 5 1
Jeff Francoeur and Daniel Feliciano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Neil Walker’s drive settled Blanco’s fly to deep center would’ve hit the top of the fence Chicago 000 000 001 — 1 10 0
Murphy supplied the offense b-Sullivan ph-lf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .254 into his glove in right. off Denny Bautista. a-grounded out for Ohlendorf in the 7th. b-flied out on its own, and Scales slapped St. Louis 000 010 001 — 2 11 0
Totals 28 3 6 3 2 5 for M.Adams in the 8th. c-walked for Macias in the 9th.
for the Mets, who won for the Henry Blanco hit a sacri- “It was one of those days d-flied out for Gregerson in the 9th. e-singled for Pearce his glove against his knee and One out when winning run scored. 1-ran for M.Hoffpauir
second time in 12 games. They Washington 000 000 110 — 2 5 1 fice fly in the ninth inning we couldn’t get really get the in the 9th. E: Eckstein (2), Headley (8), Bixler (3). LOB: kicked the air in frustration in the 9th. 2-ran for Soto in the 9th. LOB: Chicago 7, St.
New York 010 000 20x — 3 6 1 San Diego 7, Pittsburgh 6. 2B: E.Cabrera (17), Eckstein Louis 8. 2B: Schumaker (33), C.Carpenter (2). HR:
avoided their longest skid since and Venable hauled in Walk- big hit, we couldn’t score (26), Gwynn (11). 3B: Venable (2). RBIs: E.Cabrera (29), after the play. Br.Ryan (3), off Dempster. RBIs: Je.Baker (19), Br.Ryan
dropping 11 straight Aug. 28 to a-struck out for Lannan in the 8th. b-struck out for Feli- er’s fly ball on the warning runs,” Headley said. “Some- H.Blanco (14), Doumit (33). SB: Venable (6), Doumit “Holy cow,” Ryan said. “He 2 (34). S: Dempster. SF: Je.Baker. Runners left in scor-
ciano in the 8th. 1-ran for J.Bard in the 8th. E: A.Dunn (4), Milledge (6). CS: E.Cabrera (6). S: Cl.Richard. SF: ing position: Chicago 6 (Je.Baker, Fukudome, Soto,
Sept. 8, 2004. (16), S.Green (2). LOB: Washington 5, New York 4. 2B: track for the final out, finish- times you have to win ugly.” H.Blanco. Runners left in scoring position: San kept going and kept going and D.Lee 2, Ar.Ramirez); St. Louis 3 (Ludwick, C.Carpenter,
“That was a nice win,” Fran- J.Bard (17), D.Wright (34), Francoeur 2 (30). RBIs: ing off the San Diego Padres’ Luke Gregerson (2-3) got Diego 5 (H.Blanco, Macias, Venable, L.Rodriguez 2); kept going and next thing I Schumaker). DP: Chicago 1 (Je.Baker, Theriot, D.Lee);
A.Dunn (100), Francoeur (69), Dan.Murphy 2 (58). SB: Pittsburgh 3 (Pearce 2, Doumit). GIDP: Doumit, Ohlen- St. Louis 4 (Schumaker, Pujols), (DeRosa, Schumaker,
coeur said. “We needed that D.Wright (26). CS: Pagan (7). S: Tatis. Runners left in 2-1 victory over the Pitts- three outs to extend his dorf. DP: San Diego 2 (E.Cabrera, Eckstein, Ad.Gonzalez), knew he got a glove on it and I Pujols), (Br.Ryan, Schumaker, Pujols), (Franklin, Br.Ryan,
real bad.” scoring position: Washington 2 (Desmond, A.Dunn); burgh Pirates on Saturday. scoreless streak to 17 (H.Blanco, E.Cabrera, Eckstein). couldn’t tell what happened. I Pujols).
New York 3 (Tatis, Thole, Francoeur). DP: Washington
Redding (3-6) outpitched left- 1 (Zimmerman, Orr, A.Dunn); New York 1 (L.Castillo, “I was a little scared for a innings and Heath Bell San Diego IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA kind of sped up for a second Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
hander John Lannan, who grew W.Valdez, Dan.Murphy). second, but it hung up there worked the ninth for his Cl.Richard 6 4 1 0 3 5 103 4.76 and then I saw it in the bullpen Dempster 8 8 1 1 1 6 100 3.72
M.Adams 1 0 0 0 0 1 12 0.89 Marmol L, 2-4 1⁄3 3 1 1 0 0 13 3.52
up in nearby Long Beach and Washington IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA for us,” Venable said. “How- 38th save in 43 opportuni- Gregerson W, 2-3 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 2.77 and was totally shocked. St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
tossed complete games against Lannan L, 9-12 7 5 3 3 1 3 74 4.07 ever you can do it to be able ties. Pinch-hitter Brandon H.Bell S, 38-43 1 1 0 0 0 1 9 2.81 “I guess he got an assist.” C.Carpenter 8 8 0 0 2 4 101 2.34
Clippard 1 1 0 0 1 2 21 3.31 Pittsburgh IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Franklin W,4-3 BS,5-42 1 2 1 1 0 0 10 2.02
the Mets the previous two times New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA to get the W is huge.” Moss singled off Bell with Ohlendorf 7 5 1 1 1 5 94 3.92 The 31-year-old Scales is in
he faced them this season— Redding W, 3-6 7 4 2 1 2 4 98 5.25 In a game between two two out, but Walker’s drive S.Jackson 1 0 0 0 0 1 9 3.50 his first major league season Umpires: Home, Mark Carlson; First, Todd Tichenor;
S.Green H, 13 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 19 4.92 Dumatrait L, 0-2 1⁄3 0 1 0 2 0 22 10.80 Second, Kerwin Danley; Third, Marty Foster. T: 2:30. A:
including a shutout. Feliciano H, 22 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 4 3.02 teams a combined 49 came up just short. D.Bautista 2⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 11 5.23 after a long career in the 46,506 (43,975).
the Mets scored twice in the Fr.Rodriguez S, 32-38 1 0 0 0 0 2 12 3.08 games under .500, two of Ross Ohlendorf pitched minors, mostly as an infielder.
Inherited runners-scored: D.Bautista 3-1. Umpires:
seventh to snap a 1-all tie, taking Redding pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. Inherited the runs were scored with- seven solid innings for the Home, Gary Darling; First, Bruce Dreckman; Second, Paul He was making his 10th start
advantage of a defensive mistake runners-scored: S.Green 1-1, Feliciano 2-0. PB: out the benefit of a hit. The last-place Pirates, who Emmel; Third, Scott Barry. T: 2:34. A: 20,379 (38,362). in left but offered no excuses
Thole. Umpires: Home, Mark Wegner; First, Rick Reed;
by rookie Ian Desmond, who Second, Jeff Kellogg; Third, Tim Timmons. T: 2:18. A: winner came when Chase have lost 18 of 21. The right- after a rough day, even punish-
was playing his first profes- 37,906 (41,800). Headley reached on an hander is 0-2 with a 2.94 ing himself by watching sev-
sional game in the outfield. error by second baseman ERA in his last five starts. eral replays.
— The Associated Press Brian Bixler and Phil — The Associated Press — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
Bruins G.M.: Kessel wanted out; Isles’ Morency suspended
With 36-goal scorer Phil Kessel signed,
sealed and delivered to the Toronto Maple
Leafs, Boston general manager Peter
Chiarelli said Saturday that the trade was
inevitable for two reasons: Kessel wanted
to leave and a refusal to grant that wish
could turn into a roster-finalizing
nightmare.
“Let me be perfectly clear,” Chiarelli told
The Boston Globe. “This trade is really about
two things. One, it’s about a player who
did not want to play in Boston. Two, it’s
about the threat or the perceived threat of
an offer sheet.”
The Kessel soap opera officially began
at the June draft, when a potential trade
with the Maple Leafs for D Tomas Kaberle
and a draft pick fell through, reportedly
because of miscommunication. Then,
according to The Globe, Kessel told the Bru-
ins in July that he wanted to be traded—
and talk about an offer sheet began.
“We want players that want to be here,”
Chiarelli told the newspaper. “I know that
this player is a good player. Obviously he
is. He can skate. He can shoot the puck.
But we want players that want to be here.
We want to grow the team with these
types of players. I know the history here,
but this isn’t about frugality. There were
some significant (contract) offers made.
There was little or no attempt to negotiate
from the other side, which I think is for a
reason. …”
For his part, Kessel said, “I never one
time asked to be traded. I think it just
became a mutual thing that it was best for
both parties to move on. That’s basically
what happened with that.”
Chiarelli said he had serious discuas-
sions with Nashville, focusing on pros-
pects Colin Wilson and Ryan Ellis. But he also
said he doubted the Predators would have
matched the five-year, $27 million contract
Kessel received from the Leafs. Chiarelli
said Kessel would not accept a sign-and-
trade, which limited trade partners who
can’t match Toronto’s deep pockets.
One other revealing note: Chiarelli also
said Kessel’s desire to leave the Bruins was in
large part because of coach Claude Julien, who
demanded that the 21-year-old Kessel add
defensive responsibility to his resume.
The league suspended Islanders F Pascal
Morency indefinitely for leaving the bench to
start a fight with Calgary D Dion Phaneuf in
Thursday night’s game at Calgary. Morency
jumped off the bench after Phaneuf delivered
a vicious check to young Islanders F Kyle
Okposo, who was motionless on the ice for
more than six minutes before being removed
on a stretcher.
Morency’s charge ignited a brawl that
eventually included New York G Martin
Biron. It also triggered a next-day response
from Islanders coach Scott Gordon and G.M.
Garth Snow, who were equally angry about
the concussion suffered by Okposo and
the hit and response by Phaneuf.
“I saw our player get pushed from
behind and then I saw what pretty much
everyone else saw, that he took advantage
of Kyle in a vulnerable position,” Snow
told Newsday.
Okposo was diagnosed with a mild con-
cussion and the Islanders say they will
monitor him until he is symptom-free, at
which point he will progress to light aero-
bic activity.
Brandon Dubinsky ended a seven-day
holdout Saturday and signed a two-year,
$3.7-million contract with the Rangers,
according to Newsday.
The agreement with Dubinsky, who
earned $638,000 last year, fills a signifi-
cant gap at center.
The Rangers reportedly were offering
Dubinsky $700,000 for a one-year deal
NHL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 56
INSIDE DISH
and about $1.8 million for two.
According to Newsday, Dubinsky, who
had 13 goals and 28 assists last year, will
earn $1.7 million this season and $2 mil-
lion in 2010-11 for his third and fourth
NHL seasons.
“It was the most stressful week of my
life,” the 23-year-old Dubinsky told the
newspaper.
Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock will be
holding auditions for third-line forwards
after the Blue Jackets lost Fredrik Modin and
Jason Chimera in a costly Friday night game
at Minnesota. Chimera had to be carried
off the ice on a stretcher after taking a hard
check from Wild star Eric Belanger in the
second period and hitting his head against
the glass. It was a scary scene for team-
mates, who were consoled Saturday when
Chimera was released from the hospital,
complaining only of a stiff neck, and given
the OK to return to Columbus for tests that
are expected to reveal a concussion.
Modin went down later in the game with a
sprained knee that, according to The Colum-
bus Dispatch, will sideline him 4-6 weeks.
Tampa Bay G Mike Smith made his first
game appearance since suffering a con-
cussion on Jan. 30—and it looked like he
had never been away.
Smith stopped 18 of 19 shots while play-
ing two periods of Friday night’s 2-1 over-
time win over the Atlanta Thrashers at the
St. Pete Times Forum. And he showed all
the characteristics—he roamed, stick-han-
dled and fired rink-long passes—that set
him apart from other goalies.
“I felt all right,” Smith told the St. Peters-
burg Times. “Obviously, it was a building
block. Made some saves, got in the game,
got some touches in, which was nice; felt
confident doing that. There wasn’t a thought JEFF MCINTOSH / AP
lingering over my head, ‘Can I do this?’ ” The Islanders’ Pascal Morency, left, was furious after Dion Phaneuf laid a bone-jarring hit on teammate Kyle Okposo.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
NHL countdown
11
BY CHUCK GORMLEY
Sporting News Yearbooks
If Devils general manager Lou Lamori-
ello has proven anything during his 22-year
Hall-of-Fame career, it’s that no matter
what happens on the ice or behind closed
doors, you can never underestimate New
Jersey’s ability to win hockey games.
Would anyone have predicted that the
Devils would win the Atlantic Division
with 106 points last season, even though
goaltender Martin Brodeur was sidelined
for three months?
Or that, after such a masterful job behind the
bench, coach Brent Sutter would pack his bags
and fly back to Calgary, only to be replaced by
former Devils boss Jacques Lemaire?
On paper, it’s hard to imagine Lemaire
getting more out of his team than Sutter got
last season. Not when you consider the Dev-
ils lost goal scorer Brian Gionta, checking-
line center John Madden, banger Mike Rupp
and reliable backup G Scott Clemmensen.
The Devils picked up about $7 million in
cap space with those departures, but aside
from giving defensemen Andy Greene and
Johnny Oduya modest raises and re-sign-
ing veteran Brendan Shanahan, the only
spending by Lamoriello netted Islanders
backup goalie Yann Danis.
“I don’t think they’ve gotten better,” says
one scout. “They’ve been so good for so
long, but losing Gionta hurts and I guess
they’re replacing Madden with (AHL call-
up Rod) Pelley. I think they’re lesser than
they were. I see them as a playoff team, but
I don’t see them getting 106 points.”
Especially when you consider the Devils
will be learning a new system under
Lemaire, who is remembered by fans for
leading the team to its first of three Stanley
NHL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 57
Numbers
Every day in September leading into
NEW JERSEY DEVILS CATEGORY TEAM STATS RANKS
the Oct. 1 season openers, Sporting
Goals per game 2.90 14t
News Today will preview each of the 2008-09 record: 51-27-4, 106 points Penalty kill percentage 79.94 20
NHL teams, counting backward from Last Playoff: 2009 (lost in conference quarterfinal) Power play goals 58 22
its July 24 Power Poll. Coach: Jacques Lemaire Power Play Percentage 18.89 15
Saves 2208 15
Save percentage .914 4
Cups in 1995. In five seasons behind the Shorthanded goals 12 3t
New Jersey bench, he went 199-122-57. Shots against per game 29.45 12
Lemaire left New Jersey to become the first Shots per game 32.90 4
coach at Minnesota, where his Wild teams Shutouts 7 8t
thrived over eight seasons. Total points 664 12t
But coaching alone won’t make the Dev- Faceoff percentage .513 10
ils better. By not delving into the offseason Goals against per game 2.52 4
free-agent market, Lamoriello must believe
Power play
they have enough talent around Brodeur to 307 30
Opportunities
compete with Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Shorthanded goals
New York for the Atlantic Division title. 4 26t
against
Up front, the Devils have a star in for- Times shut out 7 5t
ward Zach Parise, who is looking to
improve on a team-best 94-point perfor- Offseason moves
mance last year.
Parise is likely to play alongside veteran Additions
center Jamie Langenbrunner and winger Yann Danis, G (Islanders); Cory Murphy, D (Lightning)
Travis Zajak on the Devils’ top line. Once
considered a defensive center, Langenbrun- Subtractions
ner proved he can play offense last year Scott Clemmensen, G (Panthers); Jon DiSalvatore,
with 29 goals and 40 assists while register- RW (Wild); Brian Gionta, RW (Canadiens); John
ing an impressive plus-25. The 6-2, 200- Madden, C (Blackhawks); Mike Rupp, LW (Penguins);
pound Zajac gives the top line size, and he Barry Tallackson, RW (Blues)
recorded a career-high 62 points last season
with a plus-33.
At 32, Patrik Elias has shown no sign of offensive contributor. White is the perfect
slowing, although a groin issue could cost complement, a punishing stay-at-home
him at least the start of the season. He defenseman who will make safe plays.
scored 31 goals last season and provided After Martin and White, the Devils are
serious firepower on the power play. But pretty average on the back end. Mike Mottau
veteran Brian Rolston showed the wear and BILL KOSTROUN / AP has been surprisingly steady for two seasons
tear of a 14-year career when his point total After 10 straight seasons of at least 70 games, an injury kept Martin Brodeur to 31 appearances last season. after eight years in the minors, while Bryce
dropped from 59 to 32. Salvadore is another no-frills defenseman.
With Gionta gone, the Devils will need prospects as third- and fourth-line check- Tedenby also will get a look. Oduya and Greene round out the top six.
David Clarkson to step up his 17-goal perfor- ers. Jay Pandolfo has two more years on his Defensively, the Devils passed on the The saving grace has always been Bro-
mance, and the rugged winger seems poised contract but showed last season that 11 opportunity to land free agents Jay Bouw- deur, who showed cracks last year but still
to fill the role as a second-line producer. Cen- years as a grinder can take its toll. meester, Mattias Ohlund and Francois can be dynamic. The big question is
ter Dainius Zubrus, who could be the table- The Devils are hoping to get scoring and Beauchemin. That lack of offseason activity whether, at age 37, he can get the Devils past
setter for Elias and Clarkson, will need to physical play from forward Ilkka Pikkara- means Paul Martin and Colin White will the first round of the playoffs again.
rebound from a 40-point campaign. inen, a 6-2, 220-pound Finnish acquisition, return as the No. 1 pairing. Martin lacks the — For much more on the Devils, purchase a copy of Sporting News
If Zubrus and Clarkson are used in more and AHL hopefuls Nicklas Bergfors and flair of most elite blue liners, but he moves Hockey ’09-10 yearbook by calling 1-800-380-7404. Or order it online
offensive roles, the Devils might turn to Matt Halischuk. Swedish forward Mattias the puck efficiently and has been a solid at sportingnews.com or streetandsmiths.com
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com
PRESEASON
SPOTLIGHT
Toronto 5, Philadelphia 4, OT
Hagman nets winner; Kessel introduced
TORONTO—Niklas Hagman scored
two goals, including unassisted at
1:23 of overtime, to give the Toronto
Maple Leafs a 5-4 win over the
Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday
night.
Phil Kessel, who was obtained in a
trade with Boston on Friday, was
introduced to the Air Canada Centre
on the scoreboard midway through
the first period.
“Toronto’s a great team, the fans
are outstanding, and it’s going to be a
great year,” said Kessel as the crowd
roared its approval. “The fans here
are the best in the league.” Kessel
signed a $27-million, five-year deal
with Toronto, but is out until Novem-
ber while recovering from shoulder
surgery.
Buffalo 3, Detroit 1
DETROIT—The Detroit Red Wings
had the shots but the Buffalo
Sabres got the bounces.
Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek
scored 2:21 apart in the third
period and Ryan Miller stopped
42 shots to lift Buffalo (1-0-1).
Paul Gaustad added an empty-net
goal.
Johan Franzen scored for Detroit
(2-0-1) and Jimmy Howard made
17 saves.
Roy’s and Vanek’s goals came on
deflections, one off a Red Wings’
stick and the other out of mid air.
“We got rewarded for getting
the puck on net,” Miller said.
Ottawa 6, Montreal 1
OTTAWA—Mike Fisher had a hat
trick and Alex Kovalev had a goal
Toronto’s Garnet Exelby, top, was bloodied during a first-period dust-up with Ian Laperriere.
and an assist in his first game
against Montreal.
Fisher’s line combined for 11
points as Ottawa got its first win
in four games (1-3). Peter Regin
had a goal and two assists and
Nick Foligno assisted on each of
his linemates’ four goals.
Pascal Leclaire stopped 22
shots.
DARREN CALABRESE / AP
“He made timely saves,” Sena-
tors coach Cory Clouston said.
“We got a couple of leads there, we
got a little bit too fancy and turned
some pucks over and he was really
solid for us.”
N.Y. Rangers 5, Boston 2
BOSTON—Prospect Artem Anisi-
mov had a short-handed goal and
NHL
an assist, leading the Rangers to
their first preseason win.
Ales Kotalik, who signed a
three-year, $9 million free agent
contract during the offseason, and
AHL All-Star P.A. Parenteau also
had a goal and an assist for the
Rangers, who got two assists from
veteran Vinny Prospal, another
free agent signee.
Dallas 4, St. Louis 2
ST. LOUIS—Jamie Benn scored
twice, including a breakaway goal
12:06 into the third period.
Tom Wandell had a goal and an
assist and Brad Richards also
scored for the Stars, who got 24
saves from Marty Turco in win-
ning for the second time in three
preseason games.
David Backes scored a short-
handed goal for the Blues, who
also got a goal from Keith
Tkachuk.
Nashville 3, Columbus 2
NASHVILLE—Shea Weber scored a
power-play goal with 29 seconds
left in the third period to give the
Predators their third preseason
win.
Andy Murray and Antoine Ver-
mette scored for Columbus.
Ryan Jones and Jason Arnott
also scored for Nashville.
Columbus struck first at 6:13 of
the first period when a pass by
Derek Dorsett bounced off Weber
in front of the net. Murray knocked
in the loose puck to the glove side
of Pekka Rinne.
— The Associated Press
SUMMARIES
N.Y. Rangers 3 1 1 — 5 Buffalo
Boston 1 1 0 — 2 Detroit
First Period: 1, N.Y. Rangers, Kotalik 1 (Del
Zotto, Prospal), 4:30 (pp). 2, N.Y. Rangers, Avery
1, 7:44. 3, Boston, Savard 2 (Lucic, Fata), 9:00. 4,
N.Y. Rangers, Anisimov 2 (Parenteau, Semenov),
15:52 (sh). Penalties: Voros, NYR, major (fight-
ing), 2:16; Fata, Bos, major (fighting), 2:16;
LoVecchio, Bos (interference), 4:06; Voros, NYR
(goaltender interference), 14:43.
Second Period: 5, Boston, Hamill 2 (Suave,
Sturm), 8:47. 6, N.Y. Rangers, Lisin 2 (Prospal,
Kotalik), 14:04. Penalties: Savard, Bos (hook-
ing), :36; Prospal, NYR (holding), 3:02; Byers,
NYR, minor-major (holding, fighting), 9:52;
Begin, Bos, major (fighting), 9:52; Semenov, NYR
(interference), 10:54; Lucic, Bos, major-game
misconduct (spearing), 16:06; Prospal, NYR
(boarding), 16:49; Semenov, NYR (interference),
19:06.
Third Period: 7, N.Y. Rangers, Parenteau 1
(Byers, Anisimov), 16:58. Penalties: Ryder,
Bos (high-sticking), 7:29; Gilroy, NYR (tripping),
19:59; Savard, Bos (slashing), 19:59.
Shots on Goal: N.Y. Rangers 10-6-3: 19.
Boston 9-10-7: 26.
Power-play opportunities: N.Y. Rangers 1 of
5; Boston 0 of 4.
Goalies: N.Y. Rangers, Valiquette 1-1-0 (14
shots-12 saves), Johnson (9:14 second, 12-12).
Boston, Thomas 0-1-0 (19-14).
A: 15,882 (17,565). T: 2:23.
Referees: Paul Devorski, David Banfield. Lines-
men: Brian Murphy, Anthony Sericolo.
Montreal 1 0 0 — 1 ing), 14:23; Briere, Phi (goaltender interference),
Ottawa 2 2 2 — 6 15:09; Laperriere, Phi, major (fighting), 18:13;
First Period: 1, Ottawa, Kovalev 1 (Kuba), 7:57
(sh). 2, Montreal, Spacek 1 (Markov, Cammalleri),
14:15 (pp). 3, Ottawa, Fisher 1 (Foligno, Regin),
17:11 (pp). Penalties: Neilson, Mon, major
(fighting), 2:09; Carkner, Ott, major (fighting),
2:09; Karlsson, Ott (holding), 6:26; Ruutu, Ott
(slashing), 8:28; Volchenkov, Ott (holding), 12:56;
A.Kostitsyn, Mon (tripping), 16:38.
Second Period: 4, Ottawa, Regin 1 (Fisher, Foli-
gno), :58. 5, Ottawa, Fisher 2 (Foligno, Kovalev),
18:44. Penalties: Neilson, Mon (tripping), 2:39;
Foligno, Ott (tripping), 2:52; Stewart, Mon (hook-
ing), 8:17; Belle, Mon (high-sticking), 11:28;
Ruutu, Ott (tripping), 14:56.
Third Period: 6, Ottawa, Fisher 3 (Z.Smith, Foli-
gno), 7:57 (pp). 7, Ottawa, Hennessy 1 (Regin,
Hoffman), 17:00. Penalties: Neilson, Mon
(slashing), 6:08; O’Byrne, Mon, major (fighting),
14:31; Donovan, Ott, major (fighting), 14:31;
Hoffman, Ott (slashing), 19:08.
Shots on Goal: Montreal 9-8-6: 23. Ottawa
6-10-7: 23.
Power-play opportunities: Montreal 1 of 6;
Ottawa 2 of 5.
Goalies: Montreal, Price 1-1-0 (16 shots-12
saves), Desjardins (0:00 third, 7-5). Ottawa,
Leclaire 1-1-0 (23-22).
A: 17,931 (19,153). T: 2:21.
Referees: Dave Jackson, Ghislain Hebert. Lines-
men: David Brisebois, Jean Morin.
NHL preseason standings, page 59
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
0 0 3 —
0 1 0 —
First Period: None. Penalties: Grier, Buf
(roughing), 4:18; Pyett, Det (interference), 6:41;
Abdelkader, Det (hooking), 7:42.
Second Period: 1, Detroit, Franzen 1 (Datsyuk,
Holmstrom), 4:55. Penalties: Grier, Buf (hook-
ing), 10:48; Paetsch, Buf (cross-checking), 19:44.
Third Period: 2, Buffalo, Roy 1 (Rivet, Pom-
inville), 9:05 (pp). 3, Buffalo, Vanek 1 (Butler),
11:26. 4, Buffalo, Gaustad 1, 19:54 (en). Penal-
ties: Je.Williams, Det (interference), 8:31.
Shots on Goal: Buffalo 5-5-10: 20. Detroit
13-14-16: 43.
Power-play opportunities: Buffalo 1 of 3;
Detroit 0 of 3.
Goalies: Buffalo, Miller 1-0-0 (43 shots-42
saves). Detroit, Howard 1-1-0 (19-17).
A: 15,924 (20,066). T: 2:17.
Referees: Frederick L’Ecuyer, Stephen Walkom.
Linesmen: Steve Barton, Dan Schachte.
Philadelphia 1 3 0 0 —
Toronto 2 0 2 1 —
First Period: 1, Toronto, Stajan 1 (Kaberle,
J.Mitchell), 3:27 (pp). 2, Philadelphia, Richards
1 (van Riemsdyk, Jones), 8:35 (pp). 3, Toronto,
Ponikarovsky 1 (Komisarek, Wallin), 18:13. Pen-
alties: Cote, Phi, minor-major (roughing, fight-
ing), 2:30; Orr, Tor, major (fighting), 2:30; Coburn,
Phi (tripping), 5:23; Orr, Tor (interference), 7:32;
Laperriere, Phi (charging), 14:23; Carcillo, Phi,
major (fighting), 14:23; Powe, Phi (roughing),
14:23; Allison, Tor (roughing), 14:23; Exelby, Tor
(roughing), 14:23; Stempniak, Tor, major (fight-
Exelby, Tor, major (fighting), 18:15; Powe, Phi
(roughing), 18:31; Richards, Phi (cross-checking),
19:21; Beauchemin, Tor (slashing), 19:21.
Second Period: 4, Philadelphia, Pronger 1
(Carle, Richards), 6:53 (pp). 5, Philadelphia,
Briere 1 (Giroux), 8:41. 6, Philadelphia, Briere
2, 16:58. Penalties: Rosehill, Tor, double minor
(roughing), 3:46; Beauchemin, Tor (tripping),
6:36; Cote, Phi (unsportsmanlike conduct),
14:05; Powe, Phi, major (fighting), 14:05;
Komisarek, Tor, major (fighting), 14:05; Rosehill,
Tor (charging), 14:05; Briere, Phi (roughing),
19:01; J.Mitchell, Tor (roughing), 19:01; Schenn,
Tor (roughing), 19:01; Carle, Phi (boarding),
20:00; Carcillo, Phi, misconduct, 20:00.
Third Period: 7, Toronto, Hagman 1 (Stajan,
Orr), 9:52. 8, Toronto, Beauchemin 1 (Kaberle),
16:10 (pp). Penalties: Hartnell, Phi (roughing),
2:53; Orr, Tor, double minor (roughing), 2:53;
Briere, Phi (tripping), 11:28; Richards, Phi (delay
of game), 14:11; Coburn, Phi (holding), 15:59;
Powe, Phi (hooking), 16:20.
Overtime: 9, Toronto, Hagman 2, 1:23.
Shots on Goal: Philadelphia 8-16-4-1: 29.
Toronto 11-3-10-1: 25.
Power-play opportunities: Philadelphia 2 of
7; Toronto 2 of 10.
Goalies: Philadelphia, Emery (12 shots-10
saves), Boucher 0-1-1 (9:35 second, 13-10).
Toronto, Toskala 1-0-0 (29-25).
A: 18,609 (18,819). T: 2:48.
Referees:StephaneAuger,DonVanMassenhoven.
Linesmen: Pierre Champoux, Brad Kovachik.
58
3 Dallas 1 1 2 — 4
1 St. Louis 0 1 1 — 2
First Period: 1, Dallas, Wandell 1 (Fortunus,
Skrastins), 4:00. Penalties: Richards, Dal (delay
of game), 7:09; Bell, StL (interference), 8:04; Per-
ron, StL (hooking), 10:29.
Second Period: 2, Dallas, Eriksson 2 (Richards),
:22. 3, St. Louis, Backes 1 (Wagner), 16:43 (sh).
Penalties: Peters, Dal (holding), 1:51; Barch,
Dal, major (fighting), 4:18; Janssen, StL, major
(fighting), 4:18; Fistric, Dal (unsportsmanlike
conduct), 4:35; Steen, StL (unsportsmanlike
conduct), 4:35; Perron, StL (unsportsmanlike
conduct), 5:03; Peters, Dal, major (fighting), 9:08;
Crombeen, StL, major (fighting), 9:08; Reaves,
StL (boarding), 12:08; Tkachuk, StL (interfer-
ence), 15:02.
Third Period: 4, Dallas, Benn 1, 12:06. 5, St.
Louis, Tkachuk 1 (Steen, Perron), 13:41. 6, Dallas,
Benn 2 (Wandell, Ott), 19:11 (en). Penalties:
Fistric, Dal, minor-major (roughing, fighting),
4
9:26; Stastny, StL, major (fighting), 9:26; Woy-
witka, Dal (high-sticking), 16:35; Larsen, Dal
5 (holding stick), 19:41.
Shots on Goal: Dallas 9-10-10: 29. St. Louis
6-13-7: 26.
Power-play opportunities: Dallas 0 of 5; St.
Louis 0 of 5.
Goalies: Dallas, Turco 1-0-0 (26 shots-24 saves).
St. Louis, Mason 1-1-0 (28-25).
A: 12,496 (19,150). T: 2:29.
Referees: Chris Lee, Ian Walsh. Linesmen:
Derek Amell, Bryan Pancich.
Columbus 0 2 0 — 2
Nashville 0 1 2 — 3
First Period: None. Penalties: Dorsett, Clm (clos-
ing hand on puck), 11:24; Blunden, Clm (unsports-
manlike conduct), 14:18; Grant, Nas (kneeing,
unsportsmanlike conduct), 14:18; Sestito, Clm,
major (fighting), 19:39; Tootoo, Nas, major (fight-
ing), 19:39.
Second Period: 1, Columbus, Murray 1 (Dorsett),
6:13. 2, Columbus, Vermette 1 (Roy, Moore), 12:16.
3, Nashville, Jones 1 (Tootoo), 18:08. Penalties:
Commodore, Clm (high-sticking), 8:45; Filatov, Clm
(hooking), 19:40.
Third Period: 4, Nashville, Arnott 2 (Dumont,
Ma.Santorelli), 16:01. 5, Nashville, Weber 2
(Dumont, Arnott), 19:31 (pp). Penalties: Blunden,
Clm (interference), 4:56; Grant, Nas (slashing),
9:47; Dorsett, Clm (hooking), 18:30; Dorsett, Clm
(unsportsmanlike conduct), 19:31.
Shots on Goal: Columbus 2-9-5: 16. Nashville
8-13-19: 40.
Power-play opportunities: Columbus 0 of 2;
Nashville 1 of 6.
Goalies: Columbus, Garon (21 shots-20 saves),
LaCosta 0-1-1 (0:00 third, 19-17). Nashville, Rinne
(8-6), D.Ellis 2-0-0 (0:00 third, 8-8).
A: 10,703 (17,113). T: 2:22.
Referees: Dean Morton, Wes McCauley. Lines-
men: Mark Pare, Pierre Racicot.
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 59
PRESEASON
SPOTLIGHT
SUMMARIES
Edmonton 1 0 0 — 1 Anaheim 0 1 0 — 1
Preseason glance
All Times ET
Vancouver 1 0 2 — 3 Los Angeles 1 2 1 — 4 EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Washington 3, Chicago 2, OT First Period: 1, Vancouver, Edler 1 (Oberg, Kes-
ler), 9:07 (pp). 2, Edmonton, Souray 2 (Moreau,
First Period: 1, Los Angeles, Schenn 1 (Johnson,
Williams), 4:10 (pp). Penalties: Koivu, Ana
W L OT Pts GF GA
N.Y. Islanders 1 2 1 3 12 12
Nilsson), 19:53. Penalties: Nilsson, Edm (hook- (hooking), 3:27; Artyukhin, Ana (interference), N.Y. Rangers 1 2 1 3 11 11
Caps’ Perrault knocks in loose puck late in OT ing), 8:58; Motin, Edm (boarding), 15:50.
Second Period: None. Penalties: Scatchard,
Van (tripping), 1:30; Johnson, Van (hooking),
11:24; McCarthy, Ana, major (fighting), 18:42;
Simmonds, LA, major (fighting), 18:42; Koivu,
Ana (tripping), 19:47.
Second Period: 2, Los Angeles, Smyth 1 (Kopi-
New Jersey
Pittsburgh
1 0 0 2 3 2
1 1 0 2 8 8
Philadelphia 0 2 1 1 5 12
3:41; Glass, Van (tripping), 7:48; Taylor, Edm Northeast Division
CHICAGO—Mathieu Perreault sent a loose (slashing), 10:58. tar, Drewiske), 10:36. 3, Los Angeles, Schenn 2
W L OT Pts GF GA
Third Period: 3, Vancouver, Hordichuk 1 (Han- (Hickey, D.Brown), 15:32. 4, Anaheim, Koivu 1
puck past Chicago goalie Cristobal Huet at sen, Kesler), 10:45. 4, Vancouver, Hodgson 2, (Selanne, Perry), 19:28 (pp). Penalties: Parros, Toronto 3 1 0 6 15 10
4:48 of overtime to lift the Washington Cap- 19:05 (en). Penalties: Scatchard, Van (hooking), Ana, major (fighting), 3:27; Westgarth, LA, minor- Boston 2 1 0 4 7 8
2:00; Nilsson, Edm (tripping), 7:27. major (high-sticking, fighting), 3:27; Scuderi, LA Montreal 2 1 0 4 6 9
itals to a 3-2 preseason win over the Black- Shots on Goal: Edmonton 9-5-9: 23. Vancou- (interference), 5:21; Westgarth, LA (slashing), Buffalo 1 0 1 3 6 5
hawks on Saturday night. ver 10-13-10: 33. 16:24; Martinez, LA (holding), 18:32. Ottawa 1 3 0 2 9 7
Power-play opportunities: Edmonton 0 of 4; Third Period: 5, Los Angeles, Kopitar 1 (Williams, Southeast Division
Kyle Wilson and Chris Clark each had a Vancouver 1 of 4. Martinez), 19:45 (en). Penalties: Eminger, Ana, W L OT Pts GF GA
goal and assist for Washington, 2-0-0 in Goalies: Edmonton, Drouin-Deslauriers 2-1-0 double minor (high-sticking), 3:23; McCue, Ana Washington 2 0 0 4 7 5
(32 shots-30 saves). Vancouver, Luongo 2-0-0 (slashing), 9:29; Simmonds, LA (slashing), 9:29; Florida 2 2 0 4 7 9
exhibition play. (23-22). Eminger, Ana (cross-checking), 10:49; Kopitar, LA Tampa Bay 1 0 1 3 5 5
Wilson ripped in a low shot from the slot A: 18,630 (18,630). T: 2:12. (tripping), 15:32. Atlanta 0 1 1 1 1 7
Referees: Mike Leggo, Kyle Rehman. Lines- Shots on Goal: Anaheim 5-9-6: 20. Los Ange- Carolina 0 1 0 0 2 4
to tie the game at 2 with 2:47 left in the third men: Lonnie Cameron, Thor Nelson. les 11-5-10: 26. WESTERN CONFERENCE
period to set up overtime. Power-play opportunities: Anaheim 1 of 5; Los Central Division
Angeles 1 of 6.
Chicago’s Patrick Sharp and Jack Skille Washington 0 1 1 1 — 3 Goalies: Anaheim, Hiller 0-1-0 (25 shots-22 W L OT Pts GF GA
Chicago 1 1 0 0 — 2 Nashville 3 0 0 6 12 4
scored to give the Blackhawks a 2-0 lead in saves). Los Angeles, Bernier 2-0-0 (20-19).
St. Louis 2 1 0 4 11 7
A: 11,995 (18,118). T: 2:19.
their preseason opener. Huet finished with First Period: 1, Chicago, Sharp 1 (Byfuglien, Referees: Tim Peel, Justin St. Pierre. Linesmen: Detroit 2 1 0 4 8 7
27 saves. Keith), 4:52. Penalties: Osala, Was (holding), Don Henderson, Mark Wheler. Columbus 0 2 1 1 6 10
5:52; Pothier, Was (high-sticking), 12:58; Erskine, Chicago 0 0 1 1 2 3
Washington rookie Michal Neuvirth Was (high-sticking), 18:20. Northwest Division
stopped 24 shots. Second Period: 2, Chicago, Skille 1 (Keith, W L OT Pts GF GA
Eager), 5:54. 3, Washington, Clark 1 (Poti, Wilson), Vancouver 4 0 0 8 14 4
Washington left wing Alex Ovechkin, the 9:39. Penalties: Bradley, Was (hooking), 10:39; Edmonton 3 1 0 6 12 6
NHL’s goal-scoring leader last season with Petiot, Chi (interference), 17:45. Minnesota 1 1 0 2 3 3
Third Period: 4, Washington, Wilson 1 (Clark), Colorado 1 1 0 2 5 7
56, was a healthy scratch for the second 17:13. Penalties: Bois, Chi (slashing), 6:59;
Bickell, Chi (delay of game), 10:24; Giroux, Was, Calgary 1 2 0 2 8 12
straight game. double minor (high-sticking), 11:48; Barker, Chi Pacific Division
(high-sticking), 18:41. W L OT Pts GF GA
Overtime: 5, Washington, Perreault 1 (Mor- Los Angeles 2 1 1 5 11 10
San Jose 5, Phoenix 4, OT risonn, Osala), 4:48. Penalties: None. Phoenix 1 1 3 5 16 18
SAN JOSE—Patrick Marleau scored a pair of Shots on Goal: Washington 8-5-12-5: 30. Dallas 2 1 0 4 9 8
goals, including the game-winner in Chicago 10-5-9-2: 26. San Jose 2 1 0 4 9 11
Power-play opportunities: Washington 0 of 4; Anaheim 2 2 0 4 8 12
overtime. Chicago 0 of 6. Two points for a win, one point for over-
Heatley, who was acquired in a trade from Goalies: Washington, Neuvirth 1-0-0 (26 shots- time loss or shootout loss.
24 saves). Chicago, Huet 0-0-1 (30-27).
Ottawa on Sept. 12 in a multiplayer deal that A: 19,734 (19,717). T: 2:25. Saturday’s games
sent wingers Milan Michalek and Jonathan Referees: Dan Marouelli, Francois St. Laurent. N.Y. Rangers 5, Boston 2
Linesmen: Scott Cherrey, Brad Lazarowich. Ottawa 6, Montreal 1
Cheechoo to the Senators, started for San NAM Y. HUH / AP
Toronto 5, Philadelphia 4, OT
Jose and played sparingly in each period but Chicago G Cristobal Huet couldn’t get to Mathieu Perreault’s shot 4:48 into overtime. Buffalo 3, Detroit 1
did not score. Dallas 4, St. Louis 2
Nashville 3, Columbus 2
Los Angeles 4, Anaheim 1 N.Y. Islanders 4, Calgary 2 N.Y. Islanders 4, Calgary 2
Vancouver 3, Edmonton 1 LOS ANGELES—Brayden Schenn, Los Ange- SASKATOON,SASKATCHEWAN—Greg Moore’s short- Washington 3, Chicago 2, OT
Vancouver 3, Edmonton 1
VANCOUVER—Vancouver tough guy Darcy les’ No. 1 draft pick, scored his first two goals handed goal at 13:07 of the third period helped San Jose 5, Phoenix 4, OT
Hordichuk scored the go-ahead goal mid- of the preseason and Ryan Smyth also had a the Islanders to their first preseason win. Los Angeles 4, Anaheim 1
way through the third period. goal. The Islanders jumped out to a 2-0 first-
Today’s Games
Hordichuk, better known for using his Schenn, the fifth overall selection in the period lead on power-play goals from Jon Chicago at Minnesota, 6 p.m.
hands against opposing fighters than for draft, is the brother of last year’s fifth overall Sim and Matt Martin. Boston vs. Montreal at Quebec City, 7 p.m.
Edmonton vs. N.Y. Islanders at Saskatoon,
scoring goals, was sent in alone by Jannik pick—Toronto defenseman Luke Schenn. The The Flames answered with goals in the Saskatchewan, 8 p.m.
Hansen on a 2-on-1, and made a quick deke Kings’ 18-year-old center spent the previous second period by Jamie Lundmark and Kris Islanders-Flames summary not available St. Louis at Colorado, 9 p.m.
in tight before lifting a backhand in off the two seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings Chucko. Florida at Calgary, 9 p.m.
Coyotes-Sharks summary not available
blocker of Oilers goaltender Jeff Deslaurier. of the WHL, scoring 32 goals in 2008-09. — The Associated Press
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA / College Basketball SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 60
NBA COLLEGE BASKETBALL
INSIDE DISH INSIDE DISH

Beasley set to rejoin team before camp Collins key to Miami proving doubters wrong
The Miami Hurricanes might any official or voluntary team
Heat F Michael Beasley was more than $550,000 annually want to stay away from news- activities during his suspension.
scheduled to complete his drug for the most senior referees. stands. As the various preseason Tabb averaged 3.4 points per
rehab program this weekend, McMorris told CBSSports. magazines start appearing—look game and started 11 games last
meaning he could rejoin the com that NBA senior vice presi- for Sporting News college basket- season.
team, according to The Miami dent of referee operations Ron ball yearbook in early October—
Herald. Johnson received a $50,000 the Canes will see themselves New Alabama coach Anthony
Beasley was required to be in raise this summer, and that two picked last in the ACC by some. Grant landed his first big-time
the NBA’s drug program for a others in the league office who The key to embarrassing those recruit when PG Trevor Releford of
marijuana incident last sum- oversee referee operations selectors? Shawnee Mission, Kan., commit-
mer. He initially was involved received raises of $25,000 each. “Dwayne Collins has to have a ted to the Tide.
in an out-patient program in The NBA declined to comment breakout year,” coach Frank Haith Releford chose Alabama over
Houston, but he had to switch on McMorris’ assertions. said. “And he’s capable of being Oklahoma, according to Scout.
to in-patient after an undis- that good.” J PAT CARTER / AP com. Releford is 5-11, 170 pounds
closed rules violation. Bobcats PG Raymond Felton Collins averaged 10.6 points Dwayne Collins was eligible for the NBA draft, and is ranked No. 50 in the 2010
According to The Herald and doesn’t have his contract situa- and 7.3 rebounds last season for a but discovered he wouldn’t be a high pick. class by Scout.
Sun-Sentinel, Beasley was set to tion settled, but he’s still play- team that played most of the year Trevor’s brother, Travis, is a
finish the required 30 days in ing in pickup games with the on the NCAA bubble but, in the the team needs athletically gifted sophomore shooting guard at
the in-patient program this team at Time Warner Cable end, fell short. Collins shot 58.3 sophomore G/F DeQuan Jones to Kansas, but KU was not on Trev-
weekend. Arena, The Charlotte Observer percent from the field, so he was make significant progress. PFs or’s list of prospective schools.
Beasley, the No. 2 overall pick reported. Felton and his agent capable of producing more points, Adrian Thomas and Cyrus McGowan, Trevor averaged 18.6 points and
in last year’s draft, is expected have been trying to get a long- but the problem is he hasn’t both capable 3-point shooters, 6.3 assists as a junior last season
to be with the team for the start term deal with the team before worked hard enough to get access can draw big defenders away at Bishop Miege High.
of training camp, which opens the start of training camp. If the to the ball. He entered the NBA from the goal. — Mike DeCourcy
Sept. 28. two sides don’t reach an agree- draft last spring but withdrew Haith also expects to see
TOM HEVEZI / AP ment and Felton signs a one- when it became clear he would improved playmaking with the McEachern (Powder
A referee who was previ- Michael Beasley was scheduled to complete his drug year qualifying offer, he’ll not be a high selection. addition of Villanova transfer Springs, Ga.) PG/SG Trae Golden
ously fired by the NBA is among rehab program this weekend. become an unrestricted free “It’s a matter of consistency,” Malcolm Grant at point guard. has committed to Tennessee,
the group of replacements who agent next year. Haith said. “We’ve always “Dwayne should get great Scout.com reported. The 6-1
have agreed to participate in training camp next week. encouraged the team to go inside- opportunities,” Haith said. “He Golden also seriously considered
Michael Henderson is one of 44 who was sent an e-mail In a move similar to other teams’ ticket-pricing out. That hasn’t changed. I think has to have his head into it. He’s Virginia, Marquette and in-state
from the NBA’s referees operations department on Fri- strategies, the Blazers will adopt “variable pricing” for last year, sometimes we got had games where he was phe- Georgia. He is rated a four-star
day. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the e-mail, single-game ticket sales, The Oregonian reported. Ticket caught watching Jack McClinton nomenal. He’s had a great player and national top 100 pros-
which provides the replacements with details about the prices will depend on the quality of opponent, the day play. This team will be totally approach to the offseason. He pect by Scout.com.
meetings, scheduled to begin Thursday in New York. of the week, approaching milestones, injuries and win- different.” talked to some of the NBA people — Brian McLaughlin
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said he could not confirm ning or losing streaks. For examples, ticket prices for a In his final season with the when he was in the draft. They
any names on the list because the league hadn’t final- Saturday night game against the Lakers could cost Canes, McClinton averaged said, ‘You’ve got to prove you can Norcross (Ga.) SG Jeremy Lamb
ized it yet. more than a Tuesday game against the Thunder. nearly twice as many points (19.3) do it every night.’ ” has committed to UConn, Scout.
and took nearly twice as many — Mike DeCourcy com reported. The 6-4 Lamb had
National Basketball Referees Association lead Spain defeated Greece 82-64 to advance to the shots (14 per game) as any of his also taken an official visit to
negotiator Lamell McMorris is upset the NBA released ref- final of the European basketball championship and teammates. Haith expects this Tennessee senior G Josh Tabb Texas, and had a scholarship
eree salary information. In its release stating the league will face Serbia, which beat Slovenia 96-92. Lakers team to focus more on trying to has been suspended indefinitely offer from in-state Georgia.
would train replacement refs after the union rejected PF/C Pau Gasol led Spain with 18 points, and Blazers SG get Collins single coverage by from the team by coach Bruce Pearl Lamb is rated a four-star pros-
its final contract offer, the NBA noted that compensa- Rudy Fernandez added 14. For Serbia, Thunder C Nenad spreading the court and making for violating team rules. Pearl pect by two recruiting services.
tion for entry level referees is $150,000 per year and Krstic scored 18 points. plays off the dribble. Haith said said Tabb will not participate in — Brian McLaughlin
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NASCAR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 61
Sylvania 300
At New Hampshire Motor Speedway; Loudon, N.H.
Montoya undeterred by fans’ boos Momentum on Hamlin’s side
When: Today, 2 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, 1 p.m.
LOUDON, N.H.—Juan Pablo
Radio: PRN/Sirius Satellite Ch. 128 Montoya is the first for-
Track layout: 1.058-mile oval eign-born driver to reach
Race distance: 300 laps/317.4 miles the Chase for the
Estimated pit window: 70-78 laps NASCAR Sprint Cup.
2008 winner: Greg Biffle And if the Earnhardt
2008 polesitter: Kyle Busch
Ganassi Racing driver
Today’s starting lineup
should win the champi-
(Car number in parentheses) onship, he’d become the
1. (42) Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet, 133.431 mph first foreign-born driver
2. (14) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 132.581 to do so.
3. (2) Kurt Busch, Dodge, 132.581 But does he care? Not
4. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 132.03 one bit.
5. (99) Carl Edwards, Ford, 132.012
“If I win the Cup,
6. (12) David Stremme, Dodge, 131.943
7. (1) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 131.852
cool,” said Montoya, who
8. (71) Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet, 131.847 is from Bogota, Colum-
9. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 131.829 bia. “That’s it.”
10. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 131.788 So being the first for-
11. (9) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 131.760 eign champion doesn’t
12. (29) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 131.724 mean anything? JON PIERRE LASSEIGNE / AP
13. (00) David Reutimann, Toyota, 131.510
“No, that’s not a big Denny Hamlin begins the Chase in fourth place, just 20 points behind Sprint Cup leader Mark Martin.
14. (5) Mark Martin, Chevrolet, 131.365
15. (66) Dave Blaney, Toyota, 131.352
deal for me,” Montoya
16. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 131.234 said. “I don’t get any LOUDON, N.H.—Denny streak today and well into are going to have to go by. I
17. (33) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 131.234 special treatment or JIM COLE / AP Hamlin carries consider- the Chase. think he’s won three lead-
18. (39) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 131.229 anything. I wouldn’t Juan Pablo Montoya is making his first Chase appearance in ‘09. able momentum into the “We’re racing for wins ing up to the Chase. I think
19. (07) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 131.089 mind getting some but I Chase for the NASCAR more often than what we in years past, he’s won a
20. (87) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 131.080 don’t.” Sylvania 300, the first more it means I’m doing Sprint Cup—maybe more were,” Hamlin said. “In little bit more than that, so
21. (55) Michael Waltrip, Toyota, 131.058
Montoya is hardly the race in the Chase. He even better. So it’s good.” than any driver. years past, I’ve competed will that number be higher
22. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 131.0310
23. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 131.017
Formula One diva many paced all three practice It’s safe to say Montoya Does that mean the Joe for probably 5-6 race wins, or lower? Not sure. I think
24. (77) Sam Hornish Jr., Dodge, 131.008 thought he was when he sessions over the has arrived this year, even Gibbs Racing wheelman been in it with 25 (laps) to the average finish will be
25. (43) Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 130.914 first arrived in NASCAR weekend. if many fans still haven’t should be considered a go or something like that. higher.”
26. (83) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 130.649 three years ago. He’s still not treated warmed up to him. He’s championship favorite? Now, it’s more like every Hamlin says past Chase
27. (82) Scott Speed, Toyota, 130.649 He’s having lots of fun the best by many seeded sixth in the Chase, Perhaps. single week we’re in the appearances have taught
28. (7) Robby Gordon, Toyota, 130.635 with his No. 42 Chevro- NASCAR fans, but that’s with two top-five and 12 Hamlin enters the top two or three cars and him some valuable lessons
29. (26) Jamie McMurray, Ford, 130.617
let team, and it’s show- OK with him. top-10 finishes in the first 10-race playoff, which have a chance to win.” about how to approach that
30. (64) Mike Wallace, Toyota, 130.613
31. (47) Marcos Ambrose, Toyota, 130.595
ing on the racetrack. “In Formula One you 26 races. begins with today’s Sylva- As for exactly how many critical portion of the sea-
32. (31) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 130.474 “I’m loving it,” Montoya don’t have a lot of relation- And now he has a nia 300 at New Hampshire races a driver will need to son—which could bode
33. (20) Joey Logano, Toyota, 130.452 said. “It’s kind of nice ship with fans,” Montoya chance at winning the Motor Speedway, fresh off win over the season’s final well for this time around.
34. (44) AJ Allmendinger, Dodge, 130.420 having like zero pressure said. “You do like a parade Sprint Cup a dominant win in last Sat- stretch to claim the cham- His best Chase finish (3rd)
35. (19) Elliott Sadler, Dodge, 130.304 right now. It’s cool.” with all the drivers early championship. urday’s race at Richmond. pionship, Hamlin isn’t came as a rookie in 2006.
36. (37) Tony Raines, Dodge, 129.900 Zero pressure? In the in the morning when the “I think we’re pretty Hamlin has finished in sure. “I’ve been in it three
37. (96) Erik Darnell, Ford, 129.789
Chase? stands are half full. You close,” Montoya said of the top 10 in each of his last “I think statistically it’s years and I haven’t won it
38. (17) Matt Kenseth, Ford, 129.626
39. (09) Aric Almirola, Dodge, 129.331
Some other drivers don’t get to see them close his team. “All the A-game six starts, which also been about two or some- any of those three years, so
40. (98) Paul Menard, Ford, 129.055 might disagree, but that up or anything. is there as good as any- included an emotional win thing like that,” Hamlin I know what not to do,” he
41. (34) John Andretti, Chevrolet, 128.841 approach could benefit “Here I found the boo- body. We’ve just got to at Pocono in August. The said. “… Jimmie (Johnson), said. “You can’t let one race
42. (6) David Ragan, Ford, Owner Points Montoya. He’s already off ing really cool to tell you keep that A-game more Chesterfield, Va., native he wins a lot of races each get you down or bother
43. (36) Michael McDowell, Toyota, 129.283 to a solid start, winning the truth. I don’t mind at continuously.” has no reason to believe he year and he’s been the you.”
the pole for today’s all. For me when they boo — SceneDaily.com can’t continue his hot benchmark in which you — SceneDaily.com
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NASCAR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 62
INSIDE DISH Busch wins as KHI duo battles behind him
BY REID SPENCER
Gas leak causes explosion at Biffle’s house rspencer@sportingnews.com

Greg Biffle is redefining Murphy’s Law. LOUDON, N.H.—Kyle Busch didn’t have the fastest truck
Biffle was in New Hampshire on Friday for the on Saturday, and he had barely enough fuel to make it to
first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup the finish line.
when a gas leak caused a fire at his new home in Neither circumstance prevented him from winning
Mooresville, N.C. his third straight start in NASCAR’s Camping World
The fire, mistakenly attributed to a lightning Truck Series and his fifth race of the season. Busch took
strike in early reports, damaged a balcony outside the checkered flag in the Heluva Good! 200 at New
the house, but firefighters contained the blaze before Hampshire Motor Speedway, as points leader and run-
it could do serious damage. ner-up Ron Hornaday Jr. and his team owner and third-
“We have gas lights on the upper balcony at the place finisher, Kevin Harvick, battled for position behind
front of the house, and one of the gas lights, some- him.
thing happened to it and it blew out,” Biffle said Sat- Harvick believed Hornaday’s failure to move over in
urday between practice sessions at New Hampshire. favor of Harvick’s faster truck in the closing laps—which
“It had a leak in the line or something, and it leaked Harvick attributed to lack of communication between
gas into an exterior column on the front of the HAROLD HINSON FOR SN crew chiefs and spotters—cost Kevin Harvick Inc. the
house. That column isn’t on the house, it’s outside of Firefighters kept Greg Biffle’s home from getting major damage. victory. Busch took on four seconds’ worth of fuel dur-
CHERYL SENTER / AP
the house, but it leaked gas in there and ing a splash-and-go on Lap 172 of 200 and got back on
exploded. Stucco and some other stuff got blown out sanctioned tracks is expected to extend through the track ahead of Hornaday, whose stop on Lap 170 had Kyle Busch has won five of his 11 starts this season in the truck series.
into the front driveway. It was a (heck) of an explo- 2010 season. lasted almost twice as long.
sion that people heard all the way up the street.” In an attempt to cut costs, NASCAR announced A debris caution on Lap 189 helped Busch conserve it. It ran out coming into victory lane there.”
The fire is just the latest in a series of calamities last November that instead of having official enough gas to get to the end of the race. His fuel cell hit Harvick expressed his displeasure after the race.
for the driver of the No. 16 Ford. The day after he NASCAR-scheduled tests throughout the year, “empty” as he approached victory lane. “The communication between the spotter and the
won the Nationwide Series race at Phoenix in April, there would be a one-year moratorium on series- “They told me we were going to be about five (laps) crew chief wasn’t relayed to the driver very clear,” Har-
thieves broke into Biffle’s race shop and absconded wide testing and teams also would be prohibited short (after the final stop),” said Busch, who finished .560 vick said. “I felt like one of the two trucks should have
with a number of his prized possessions, including from testing at any track that sanctioned a race in seconds ahead of Hornaday. “I was like, ‘You’re kidding won the race. I felt like we were a little bit better truck,
a pair of custom motorcycles. the Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Camping World Truck me! We just stopped and filled this thing.’ It barely made but you can’t put yourself in position to do something
At 4:30 a.m. Thursday, when Biffle was asleep in and East and West series. underneath him (Hornaday) that would be detrimental
his New York hotel before the start of Chase media Also at Saturday’s meeting, NASCAR officials to his championship chase.
day activities, a security guard attempted to enter said teams should not expect any major rule changes
Heluva Good! 200 results “It’s just some things internally that we probably need
Biffle’s room. Fortunately, his wife Nicole had flipped for 2010, sources familiar with the meeting said. FIN ST TRK. DRIVER MAKE PTS LAPS to work on there.”
the night latch that prevented the door from — Bob Pockrass, SceneDaily.com 1 2 51 Kyle Busch Toyota 190 200 Hornaday, who extended his lead in the series stand-
opening. 2 3 33 Ron Hornaday Chevrolet 180 200 ings to 217 points over Crafton, said he wasn’t aware of
The drowsy driver rolled over and reached for his As a team, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing appears 3 5 2 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet 170 200 the problem until after the checkered flag.
pistol on the nightstand, believing momentarily that to have found something for today’s race. Martin Truex 4 8 88 Matt Crafton Chevrolet 160 200 “It was a good day—until after the race,” he said. “He
he was still at his home in North Carolina. But it was Jr., who qualified seventh on Friday, was second in 5 7 13 Johnny Sauter Chevrolet 155 200 (Harvick) got up to me three or four times and I backed
New York, and the pistol was still at home—a good both of Saturday’s practice sessions. Teammate Juan 6 14 60 Stacy Compton Toyota 150 200 off. He ran underneath me. I don’t know if he was get-
thing, because athletes, firearms and New York City Pablo Montoya was first in both sessions. 7 6 16 Brian Scott Toyota 151 200 ting loose or whatever underneath me. I had older tires. I
have been an unhealthy combination of late. — Reid Spencer 8 1 5 Mike Skinner Toyota 147 200 didn’t have fresher tires. But I’ll take second. …
It turned out that hotel security was checking on 9 9 6 Colin Braun Ford 143 200 “I’m going to talk to him right now. I don’t know what
an unanswered wake-up call—and had the wrong After drumming up sufficient support from I done wrong.”
10 17 14 Rick Crawford Ford 139 200
room. local sponsors Friday night, eighth-place qualifier
— Reid Spencer, Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service Bobby Labonte got the green light from owner Kevin
Buckler to race the No. 71 today, rather than starting
MORE COVERAGE from sportingnews.com
NASCAR officials told Sprint Cup crew chiefs and parking the car. Results: sportingnews.com/nascar/article/2009-09-19/heluva-good-200-results
Saturday morning that the moratorium on testing at — Reid Spencer Standings: sportingnews.com/nascar/truck_standings
SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Back Page SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 63
WNBA PLAYOFFS IN BRIEF
Indiana 81, Washington 74, OT

Fever send
Choi’s career-best 63 BASEBALL
American League
TRANSACTIONS

gives her LPGA lead

BATIMORE ORIOLES: Activated OF Lou Montanez from the 60-day DL.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX: Activated RHP Jake Peavy from the 15-day DL.

Mystics home SAN DIEGO—Na Yeon Choi shot a career- Simone Bolelli and Potito Starace
OAKLAND ATHLETICS: Recalled RHP John Meloan, RHP Henry
Rodriguez and OF Travis Buck from Sacramento (PCL).
National League
CINCINNATI REDS: Activated C Ramon Hernandez from the 15-day
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Fever have best 9-under 63 to take a two-stroke defeated Marco Chiudinelli and Stanis- DL.
found a winning combination—Tamika lead at the Samsung World Champion- las Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (3) on
HOCKEY
Catchings’ dominating offense and Tully ship over compatriot and second-round Saturday. National Hockey League
Bevilaqua’s scrappy play. leader Jiyai Shin, who had a 68. In Thursday’s draw, Federer was CAROLINA HURRICANES: Reassigned F Mike Angelidis, F Nicolas
The two led the Fever to a 81-74 overtime Choi finished at 15-under 201 to tie selected to team with Wawrinka, reviv- Blanchard, F Chris Terry, F Nick Dodge, D Zack Fitzgerald, D Jonathan
Paiement, D Brett Bellemore and G Mike Murphy to Albany (AHL).
victory over the Washington Mystics on Sat- the tournament’s three-round record ing the team that won the Olympic COLORADO AVALANCHE: Reassigned F Philippe Dupuis, F Justin
urday night to sweep their best-of-three that Annika Sorenstam set when she doubles title last year. But Switzerland Mercier, F Marty Sertich, F Darren Haydar, F Brian Willsie, F Brandon
Eastern Conference semifinal series. won here in 2002 and 2005. captain Severin Luthi decided to rest Yip, D Brian Fahey, D Kevin Montgomery, D Wes O’Neill and D Brett
Catchings had 24 points, 16 rebounds, five Federer in favor of the 117th-ranked Skinner to Lake Erie (AHL).
NEW YORK RANGERS: Agreed to terms with F Brandon Dubinsky.
assists, four steals and four blocked shots CONOVER, N.C.—Jay Haas and Nick Chiudinelli. Assigned G Chad Johnson, G Matt Zaba, D Ilkka Heikkinen, D Corey
before a noisy Conseco Fieldhouse crowd of Price shared the lead at the Greater Federer can seal the team victory Potter and F Paul Crowder to Hartford (AHL).
9,655. Point guard Bevilaqua scored six of Hickory Classic, and 31 players were with a win over Seppi in the first of OTTAWA SENATORS: Assigned D Geoff Kinrade, F Cody Bass, F Ryan
her 13 points and had three rebounds in within six strokes of the leaders going today’s reverse singles matches. Keller, F Jeremy Yablonski, F Ilya Zubov and G Andy Chiodo to
Binghamton (AHL); G Robin Lehner to Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) and F
overtime to spark the Fever, who travel to DARRON CUMMINGS / AP into the final round. Brett Parnham Oshawa (OHL).
Detroit on Wednesday to start the conference Indiana’s Tamika Catchings, left, had 24 points and 16 Haas, the 2005 winner, and Price are Track TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Reassigned C Richard Panik to Windsor (OHL).
finals. rebounds to key the Fever victory. at 11-under 133 at Rock Barn Golf and PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA—South Africa’s
“I call her Mighty Mouse,” Catchings said Spa’s Robert Trent Jones course. top track official apologized Saturday
of 5-7 Bevilaqua. “Lindsey Harding had five for denying knowledge of gender tests
fouls. We wanted to get her out. We didn’t get WNBA glance (Best-of-3) OBERWALTERSDORF, AUSTRIA—Benn Bar- done on runner Caster Semenya in the
Major League Soccer
her out, but Tully attacked her, took away First round ham shot 4-under 67 Saturday to take a country, saying he lied to protect her EASTERN CONFERENCE
EASTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA
some of her offense.” three-stroke lead over Soren Hansen privacy. Athletics South Africa presi- Columbus 11 4 9 42 36 26
Indiana 2, Washington 0 after three rounds of the Austrian dent Leonard Chuene told reporters his Chicago 10 6 9 39 34 29
Sept. 17: Indiana 88, Washington 79 D.C. 8 6 12 36 39 38
Mercury 106, Silver Stars 78 Sept. 19: Indiana 81, Washington 74, OT Open. The 33-year-old Englishman had constant denials of the tests, which he New England 9 8 7 34 29 33
PHOENIX —Diana Taurasi scored 24 points six birdies to finish at 17-under 196. said he was aware of when they were Toronto FC 9 10 7 34 33 38
Detroit 2, Atlanta 0 Kansas City 8 11 6 30 28 34
on 10-of-15 shooting and had six rebounds, Sept. 16: Detroit 94, Atlanta 89 done in early August, were an “error of New York 4 17 5 17 21 43
five assists and two blocked shots to lead Sept. 18: Detroit 94, Atlanta 79 Boxing judgment” and never meant to “deceive”
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Phoenix past San Antonio to even its West- FRANKFURT—The heavyweight fight the public. Semenya won the 800- W L T Pts GF GA
WESTERN CONFERENCE Houston 12 8 7 43 35 26
ern Conference semifinal series at a game San Antonio 1, Phoenix 1 between Russian WBA champion meter race at the world championships Los Angeles 10 5 11 41 33 29
apiece. Sept. 17: San Antonio 92, Phoenix 91 Nikolai Valuev and David Haye of Brit- on Aug. 19 in Berlin in 1 minute, 55.45 Seattle 9 6 11 38 31 24
Colorado 10 8 7 37 39 31
The deciding game of the best-of-three Sept. 19: Phoenix 106, San Antonio 78 ain has been set for Nov. 7 in Nurem- seconds, finishing 2.45 seconds ahead Chivas USA 11 9 4 37 25 24
series will be Monday at U.S. Airways Monday: San Antonio at Phoenix, 10 p.m. berg, Germany. The fight had been of her closest competitor. It was the fast- Real Salt Lake 9 10 7 34 38 31
Los Angeles 1, Seattle 1 FC Dallas 7 12 6 27 41 43
Center. announced in July, after Haye, a former est time in the world this year. San Jose 5 12 6 21 28 41
Sept. 16: Los Angeles 70, Seattle 63
Taurasi, the league’s leading scorer at 20.4 Sept. 18: Seattle 75, Los Angeles 74 cruiserweight champion, pulled out of The IAAF has refused to confirm or
points a game, scored 20 in the first half as Today: Los Angeles at Seattle, 5 p.m. bouts with both of the Klitschko broth- deny Australian media reports that NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie.
the Mercury (24-12) took control early, lead- ers, Vitali and Wladimir. Semenya has both male and female Saturday’s games
ing 64-42 at the break. San Antonio (16-20) Semifinals characteristics, saying it is reviewing Seattle FC 0, Chivas USA 0, tie
EASTERN CONFERENCE Kansas City 3, FC Dallas 2
never got closer than 17 in the second half.
Wednesday: Indiana at Detroit, TBD
Tennis test results and will issue a decision in Houston 3, Real Salt Lake 2
Los Angeles 2, Toronto FC 0
Sophia Young had 19 points to lead San Friday: Detroit at Indiana, 7 p.m. GENOA, ITALY—With Roger Federer sit- November on whether the athlete will Today’s game
Antonio, which lost in the WNBA finals a Sept. 26: Detroit at Indiana, 7 p.m. ting out, Switzerland lost a doubles be allowed to compete in women’s Columbus at Chicago, 3 p.m.
Wednesday’s game
year ago. (x-if necessary) match to Italy in a Davis Cup playoff events. San Jose at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.
— The Associated Press but still leads the series 2-1. — The Associated Press