Wisconsin holds off Marquette in an in-state square off - NCAA HOOPS

(MILWAUKEE) Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said the win over in-state rival Marquette reminded him of playground basketball.

There must have been plenty of misses and defense when Ryan played while growing up in suburban Philadelphia.

Josh Gasser scored 12 points on four 3-pointers, while 7-footer Frank Kaminsky added 15 points and 10 rebounds in the No. 2 Badgers' 49-38 victory.

Wisconsin (8-1) shot 32 percent while contending with a 2-3 zone defense by the undersized Golden Eagles, who don't have a starter taller than 6-foot-7.

''Playground days. You want to stay on the playground. You've got to figure out a way to beat the other team,'' Ryan said. Marquette ''had a plan, they worked their plan; we worked enough shots to get it done.

''I love playing in those kinds of games,'' Ryan said.

Wisconsin bounced back from an 80-70 loss at home earlier in the week to No. 4 Duke. This victory reminded the Badgers that they had some things to work out against the zone - especially when shots weren't falling from the outside.

Wisconsin was 8 of 30 (26 percent) from 3-point range on the afternoon, including 4 of 16 in the second half.

Smart move by Marquette given the decided size disadvantage.

''They packed that zone in pretty tight, tried to keep the ball out of Frank's hands,'' Gasser said. ''We were fortunate to take a lot of outside jumpers, and they weren't going for the majority of the game, but we happened to make enough to win.''

Two foul shots by Sandy Cohen III with 8:57 left cut the lead to 35-33 to get upset-minded fans cheering at the Bradley Center after Marquette (4-4) chipped away at a 10-point halftime deficit.

The steady Gasser hit his 3-pointer on the next trip down the floor, and the Badgers fended off Marquette for their second straight victory in the in-state rivalry.

Marquette went 0 of 6 from the field with two turnovers in the next 6-plus minutes after Cohen's foul shots before Matt Carlino hit a 3. He followed with two foul shots to draw within 44-38 with 2:05 left.

But it was too much to overcome against the bigger Badgers.

Wisconsin had a 25-15 lead at the half. According to the Badgers, it was the fewest by either team in a half in the series since at least 1997.

''I thought we were able to do a pretty good job defensively. Our offense let us down,'' Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said. ''Poor decisions that led to some really tough shots when we should have kicked or made one more pass, or turnovers.''

MATTY ICE

Carlino finished with 18 points for Marquette, which hung around despite shooting 28 percent. The senior transfer from BYU is averaging 13.8 points

''We have one established college scorer in Matt Carlino,'' Wojciechowski said. ''The rest of the guys are trying to find their offensive identity.''

BOARDED UP

The Golden Eagles were outrebounded 41-28, including 14-5 on the offensive end. Yet Wisconsin looked out of sorts at times with the ball in the second half, forced to settle for outside shots. The Badgers had built a steady advantage with 6-foot-8 Nigel Hayes working effectively in the high post in the first half.

Hayes finished with five points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

ON DEKKER

Sam Dekker had just two points but added five offensive rebounds and three assists. He started after missing two days of practice with a lingering left ankle injury.

''He played some D, he got on the glass, he was active ... Sam gave us some good minutes,'' Ryan said.

TIP-INS

Wisconsin: The reception for the Badgers was more hostile than in their last visit to Milwaukee, where the team won its first two games in last season's NCAA tournament run to the Final Four.

Marquette: The 6-7 Taylor had six points and five rebounds, while 6-6 Juan Anderson finished with 10 boards. They played solidly despite the size disadvantage against Wisconsin.

UP NEXT

Wisconsin: At Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Marquette: Hosts Arizona State on Dec. 16.

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AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

OLE MISS DROPS DAX AND RIVAL, #4 MISS ST, IN EGG BOWL

OLE MISS SOLIDIFIES BAMA FOR PLAYOFFS WITH WIN OVER RIVAL IN EGG BOWL, dropping #4 at the time, MISS ST

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) Mississippi's quarterback had a hurt ankle and its two top receivers were out with leg injuries.

The offensive line was mostly a mess, with players constantly shifting spots because of injuries or ineffective play.

And despite all that, the Rebels managed to play their best game of the season.

The unlikely duo of Jaylen Walton and Jordan Wilkins - along with coach Hugh Freeze's deep dive into the playbook - pushed No. 18 Ole Miss to a convincing 31-17 victory over No. 4 Mississippi State on Saturday in the Egg Bowl.

''I was willing to throw everything we had at them,'' Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said. ''And we had some more if we needed it.''

The most surprising moment came when Wilkins, a freshman running back, took a pitch from Bo Wallace and then threw a perfect 31-yard touchdown pass to Cody Core that gave the Rebels a 31-17 lead with 9:14 remaining. It proved to be an insurmountable margin for Mississippi State.

It was just the second throw of Wilkins' career.

Walton had a 91-yard touchdown run and had a career-high 148 yards rushing on 14 carries.

Wallace threw for 296 yards despite completing just 13 of 30 passes. He sprained his ankle in last week's loss to Arkansas and wasn't moving very well on Saturday. But he made enough plays to help the Rebels win the Egg Bowl for the second time in his three seasons as the starter.

''I knew this game would define my legacy,'' Wallace said. ''I had to win this game to be remembered like I want. ... I hope they'll remember as a guy who gave his all ever single game and won a lot of games.''

Ole Miss (9-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) led 7-3 at halftime before its offense got going in the second half and finished with 532 yards. It's the 10th time in 11 seasons the home team has won the Egg Bowl.

''It wasn't about us spoiling the year for them as much as reclaiming what we think is ours,'' Freeze said. ''(Mississippi State) had a good season in a great league.''

The loss by Mississippi State (10-2, 6-2, No. 4 CFP) means Alabama clinched the SEC Western Division. Dak Prescott threw for 282 yards and a touchdown.

It's the first time both teams came into the Egg Bowl ranked since 1999.

The loss is a severe blow to Mississippi State's hope of advancing to the inaugural College Football Playoff. De'Runnya Wilson caught eight passes for 117 yards and Fred Ross added six catches for 103 yards, but the Bulldogs were undone by an aggressive Ole Miss offense that wasn't afraid to take chances.

''This is as tough as it gets,'' Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said. ''I do not care about the stakes. This game is for bragging right in the state. It is the most important game we play. So it is obviously a devastating loss.''

Mullen said there was ''plenty of blame to go around'' but saved the brunt of his criticism for the defense.

Walton finished with a career-high 148 yards rushing on just 14 carries. Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram caught five passes for 176 yards

Ole Miss had lost three straight conference games - including last week's 30-0 setback at Arkansas - before breaking through with a convincing win.

''People thought we wouldn't be up for this game, but it's the Egg Bowl,'' Walton said. ''How can you not get up for the Egg Bowl?''

The Rebels came into the game giving up just 13.5 points per game, which ranked No. 1 in the country. Ole Miss lived up to the stats, using a swarming defense to contain Mississippi State's running game.

But the Rebels' offense took a while to get going.

One promising early drive ended when Wallace's errant pass was intercepted in the end zone by Taveze Calhoun. But it was one of the few mistakes the senior made. His 1-yard run late in the first quarter helped the Rebels take a 7-3 lead into halftime.

The third quarter didn't look anything like the first half, with the teams trading long pass completions to set up quick scoring opportunities. Wallace completed an 83-yard pass to Engram - which was the longest for the program since 2008 - to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Jeremy Liggins that gave the Rebels a 14-10 lead.

But it was Walton's 91-yard run that really gave the Rebels momentum. The play was designed for the 5-foot-8, 166-pounder to run right, but after a few steps he changed directions, shooting through the left side of the line before breaking a few arm tackles and streaking down the left sideline for the score and a 24-10 lead.

''I made one hard cut to see what I could get,'' Walton said. ''I remember one guy missed me and then there was nothing there.''

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Follow David Brandt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbrandtAP

LUCK THROWS FOR 4 TDS, INDY ROUTS GIANTS 40-24

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The mantra throughout the NFL each week is to look ahead. Considering how ugly the previous week was for Indianapolis, the Colts needed tunnel vision toward Monday night.

Following an awful performance in a loss to Pittsburgh, the Colts beat the +New York Giants 40-24 behind Andrew Luck's four touchdown passes and an improved performance by a defense that kept Eli Manning off balance.

With his franchise-record seventh consecutive 300-yard game, Luck led the Colts (6-3) to a lopsided win one week after a 51-34 loss to Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers. Unlike the way Roethlisberger toyed with their defense in that game, the Colts didn't let Manning get going in handing New York (3-5) its third straight defeat.

''It was great to get back in the win column after a tough one last week,'' Luck said.

Luck hit Coby Fleener for a 32-yard TD in the first half. He had scoring throws of 31 yards to T.Y. Hilton, 40 yards to Reggie Wayne and 2 yards to Dwayne Allen in the third period.

Indianapolis #Colts's #Fleener #TDCelebration #NYGvsIND #NFL #SportsCR3W http://t.co/owhiquPaUz
— Sports CR3W (@SportsCR3W) November 4, 2014

Adam Vinatieri added four field goals and is perfect on 20 tries this year.

It was the eighth time this season that Luck had thrown for more than 300 yards and the 17th time in his three pro seasons. He was 25 for 46 for 354 yards, helping the Colts head into their bye with a two-game lead on Houston on the AFC South.

''Reggie spoke to it last night,'' Luck said. ''He's had only one or two, but he said losses before bye weeks stink.''

So do defeats like the one the +Pittsburgh Steelers laid on Indy. The quick remedy: Win the next time out.

RT @ESPNMondayNight "Somebody (Vontae Davis) is excited about the outcome of this game... pic.twitter.com/vpN1X8Vphh"
— Sports CR3W (@SportsCR3W) November 4, 2014

''We got that bad taste out of our mouths, the way we lost that last game,'' coach Chuck Pagano said. ''It's awesome.''

Wayne, who broke down in tears during the national anthem, surpassed James Lofton for career yards receiving and has 14,070 in his 14-season career.

''I'm just blessed to be out there,'' Wayne said. ''It's an emotional game, man, and sometimes it comes out. It was a prime-time game, and an opportunity to turn things around a little bit.

''An old wise guy once told me you shouldn't hold back your tears. Tonight was a night with the tears.''

Giants first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. had 156 yards on eight receptions, by far his best game. Manning threw for 359 yards and two TDs, but most of that came with the game decided.

Giants rookie wide receiver, O'Dell Beckham Jr after a nice grab vs the Colts.
Photo Courtesy: New York Giants (AP)

Luck seemed to look for Fleener on every pass in the first half. That well-established combination - they played together at Stanford before joining the Colts in 2012 - paid off on consecutive passes for the game's first touchdown.

But the +Indianapolis Colts probably caught a break on one of those plays. Fleener was awarded a 21-yard gain to the New York 32, although video replays showed he dropped the ball. Giants coach Tom Coughlin threw the challenge flag too late, seconds before Fleener was uncovered down the right side for the touchdown.

''We saw the coaches gathering on the sideline and we didn't know if he was trying to challenge it or not,'' safety Antrel Rolle said. ''And you know as a defense we have to get lined up and get a call. No one got lined up ... we failed to do so as an entire unit. It was one of those plays that costs you.''

Also, costly for the Giants were drops by receivers, an inability to sustain a ground game, and enough pressure against Manning to force long or high throws that had no chance to be caught. Indy led 16-3 at the half thanks to Fleener's TD and field goals of 48, 31 and 48 yards by Vinatieri, who added a 43-yarder in the fourth quarter.

The Colts held the Giants to 143 yards in the opening half, and then staged an 84-yard drive to Hilton's TD on the first series of the third quarter.

New York matched that drive to finally get into the end zone. Beckham got loose for a 59-yard gain on a pass from Manning, and then Andre Williams broke two tackles for a 24-yard reception. Williams surged in from the 1 to make it 23-10.

Luck simply picked New York apart on the next series to go over 300 yards in the air once again. The Colts QB beat a blitz to hit former Giants running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, for 22 yards, Luck, also, did the same to hit Fleener for 11 on third down, and then connected with Wayne on a 40-yard play down the left sideline.

Rookie Jonathan Newsome's sack of Manning three plays later knocked the ball loose and safety Sergio Brown returned it 28 yards to the Giants 4. Luck got his fourth TD pass on a 2-yarder to an uncovered Allen.

That score sent many of the fans to the exits, about the only satisfaction they received being a halftime ceremony when former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan received his Hall of Fame ring.

New York got a pair of late scores on Larry Donnell's 5-yard reception and rookie Corey Washington's 1-yard catch for his first career TD. Quick reaction from the New York Giants on the game.

NOTES: New York lost cornerback Prince Amukamara (torn biceps), probably for the rest of the season, and rookie guard Weston Richburg (ankle). ... Indy held the Giants to 89 yards rushing, while Bradshaw, in his return to the Meadowlands, averaged 7.1 yards a carry, gaining 50, and also had three catches for 29 yards.

+The Associated Press +NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

Manning vs. Brady (Eric Allen - ESPN)

+New England Patriots had issues when they had Talib, but the Thomas pair will be ready for a bit of bounce back redemption from a poorly officiated "B.*" game and a punt they bounces off of a player in 40 mph winds. +Denver Broncos will let Brady throw underneath and the Orange Crush Bookends will have heat on Brady all day. The one thing he cannot deal with. 

Who else is ready for Sunday?!! Time To Ride! United in Orange!

NFL Power Rankings V.8 (ESPN)

Bengals back in First in Tight AFC North Race

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have nine games left in their season. As we all know, every game counts the same as another. One game at a time. You don't get extra credit for a win in the season opener vs. a win in Week 8 or a win in Week 17.

© Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) celebrates his game winning touchdown run during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-24

Except when you do.

Sunday's 27-24 comeback win against Baltimore at Paul Brown Stadium potentially saved the Bengals' season. It's a game they could very well look back upon in December and point at not just as a turning point but the difference in making the postseason for a fourth consecutive season or not.

The victory not only ended a three-game winless streak for the Bengals.... 

Continue to read on +Fox Sports

Week 8's Takeaways from NFL's Sunday Action

© Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Rumors of the Patriots demise were greatly exaggerated.

There was a whole lot that went down around the NFL on the eighth Sunday of the regular season. From Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks pulling off a must-win against the Carolina Panthers to the Chicago Bears continuing their free fall in New England, some teams were able to overcome recent struggles while others found themselves further behind the eight ball.

Drew Brees and the Saints made a major statement at home against the +Green Bay Packers , as did the Pittsburgh Steelers in a dynamic offensive performance against the Indianapolis Colts. And in less surprising fashion, the Oakland Raiders remain the only winless team in the +NFL.

Let’s check in on 10 takeaways from Sunday’s Week 8 NFL action.

1. Mike Smith’s is on the hot seat in +Atlanta Falcons 

Following a last-second loss to the Detroit Lions in London, the Falcons are now 2-6 on the season and pretty much without any hope of contending for a playoff spot in the second half of the season. More than that, Atlanta couldn’t hold what was a 21-point halftime lead, something that isn’t acceptable at any level.

Now 6-18 since losing the NFC Championship game back in January of 2013, there are a lot of rumors flying that Smith could very well be relieved of his duties in the not-so-distant future. As these rumors swirl, Falcons owner Arthur Blank didn’t do much to quiet them following the loss (via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

You’re up 21-0,” owner Arthur Blank told Bradley after the game. “There’s no way you lose that game — just no way. There’s nothing else I can say.

While injuries have played a role here, the decline of this team from Super Bowl contender to cellar-dwellar has to be eye opening. And that could very well cost Smith his job sooner rather than later.

2. The +New England Patriots are Back

Tom Brady had as many touchdown passes (five) as incompletions in a 51-23 blowout win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. This brings his four-game total to 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions. It isn’t a coincidence that the Patriots have won those four games by a combined 71 points. This coming on the heels of questions about where New England might be headed following losses in two of its first four games.

The interesting dynamic here is that New England, even at 6-2, hasn’t quite pulled away from the pack in the AFC East. After routing the New York Jets on Sunday, Kyle Orton and the Bills are 5-3 on the season. Meanwhile in Miami, the Dolphins are one game above .500.

While New England continues to play some really good football, the AFC East might not be the pedestrian division we have seen in the past. With games coming up against the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers, this Patriots team is surely going to be tested. But for right now, concerns about this team have been quieted.

3. The NFC South is Ripe for the +New Orleans Saints’ Taking

Following an impressive 44-23 victory over the Green Bay Packers, Drew Brees and Co. are right back in the thick of the NFC South race. Combine this win with losses by all three of the Saints division rivals, and it’s easy to draw the conclusion that they are in the driver’s seat heading into November.

Brees completed 27-of-32 passes for over 300 yards and three scores. He led the Saints to scoring drives of 80, 69, 88 and 71 yards, which helped keep the ball out of Aaron Rodgers’ hands throughout the game. Defensively, the Saints forced two interceptions and held the Packers to just one touchdown in the second half. Underrated defensive end Jordan Cameron got to the quarterback for two sacks, while Jordy Nelson was held to three receptions on five targets.

Overall, it was a great performance from a Saints team that needed it badly. And now at 3-4 on the season, New Orleans is in a prime position in a division that he headlined by a Panthers team that has won one of its last six games. That’s the type of statement week that can go a long way in determining who wins a well below-average NFC South this season.

4. Carson Palmer’s Improvement is Real. +Arizona Cardinals 

After yet another solid performance from Carson Palmer on Sunday, he continues to show that a career which was once considered over is now back on track. Palmer may have completed less than half his passes. He did struggle with accuracy at times. And yes, he made a couple questionable decisions. But the veteran did not throw a single interception and managed the game pretty darn well against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 24-20 victory for the now 6-1 Cardinals.

By virtue of going another game without throwing an interception, Palmer’s total now sits at one in 156 pass attempts. While the sample size is surely too small, it does appear that he’s no longer the mistake-prone quarterback we have seen for the better part of the last decade in Arizona, Oakland and Cincinnati. If Palmer continues to play this type of football, the Cardinals will find themselves atop of the NFC West when January comes calling. It’s all about sustaining this success in what promises to be a difficult stretch run.

5. The +Oakland Raiders are NFL’s Worst Team

Now at 0-7 on the season, there is little doubt that the Raiders will find themselves with the No. 1 overall pick when the 2015 NFL draft rolls around. This football team is bad, really, really, really…bad.

Oakland’s latest loss came at the hands of a Cleveland Browns team that had just allowed the Jacksonville Jaguars to notch their first win a week prior. And to be honest, there isn’t one thing you can point to as it relates to Oakland’s lack of success on the field. Darren McFadden was running the ball pretty darn well before a third quarter fumble changed the tide of the game for good. Derek Carr had his moments in the first three quarters before it became evident that he was growing frustrated.

This is what happens to bad football teams. They find a way to lose games they should win. Cleveland didn’t necessarily play great football here, instead enabling the Raiders to remain in the game after settling for three field goals in the first half. But with the Raiders seemingly ready to gain momentum, they simply couldn’t get out of their own way.

We are now at the point in the season where it makes sense to look at whether the Raiders will win a game for the remainder of the year. Do you honestly see a game here the Raiders can realistically win? All but one of the opponents remaining on their schedule currently possess a winning record. In order for the Raiders to win even one of these games, they need to perform better in all aspects of the game. Simply put, Oakland’s margin for error just isn’t there with the lack of talent on the roster.

6. +Pittsburgh Steelers Offense Can be Dominating…at Times

I have been beating on this drum for a while now. When the Steelers offense doesn’t get it in its own way, it really can be dynamic. We saw this firsthand against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger had the best single-game performance of what is already a Hall of Fame career. He tallied 522 passing yards and six touchdowns on 40-of-49 passing. That yardage total ranks him in a tie with Boomer Esiason for fourth on the all-time list.

While Roethlisberger was breaking records, the Steelers offensive line held up big time. They didn’t allow a single sack on 49 pass attempts. That’s a major improvement from previous years. Antonio Brown did his normal thing, going for 10 receptions and 133 yards. Meanwhile, rookie Martavis Bryant recorded two touchdown catches and 83 yards on seven targets.

Be it play calling or a lack of execution on the Steelers’ part, this offense has struggled to remain consistent throughout the season. And after a record-setting performance on Sunday, there aren’t any more excuses here. This unit has an opportunity to be among the best in the NFL. It’s now all about showing it on a consistent basis.

7. This +Detroit Lions Team is Different

Different in that they don’t look to be on the verge of a mid-season meltdown like we saw so many times under the unmentionable Jim Schwartz in previous years. Falling down 21-0 to a hapless Atlanta Falcons team on Sunday morning, Detroit rebounded for a last-second win.

While it was evident that Detroit didn’t play its best football in London, it found a way to win a game that it would have lost in the past. Matthew Stafford connected with a pair of former Notre Dame standouts, Golden Tate and Theo Riddick, to the tune of 15 receptions for 225 yards. This lends some credence to the idea that Detroit’s offense can have success without Calvin Johnson, who has now missed the last two games due to an ankle injury.

Defensively, the 6-2 Lions didn’t play the best football until it counted the most. They found a way to pressure Matt Ryan and shutout the Falcons after yielding 21 points in the first half. Barring something major, this team will be in the playoffs come January. And to be honest, first-year head coach Jim Caldwell deserves a lot of the credit.

8. Rex Ryan and +New York Jets Have Two “Quarterbacks”

Which obviously means that they don’t have any. Geno Smith threw three interceptions in the first quarter before being replaced in the lineup by Michael Vick, who proceeded to throw two of his own. While the Jets’ quarterback situation may not be their only problem, it’s rather obvious that this position isn’t even giving the team a chance to win. Including Sunday’s 43-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Jets quarterbacks have turned the ball over 16 times in eight games.

It’s so bad that Rex Ryan’s squad yielded 43 points on Sunday with Kyle Orton completing a total of 10 passes. With upcoming games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, could the Jets potentially find themselves with a 1-9 record heading into their Week 11 bye? If so, what does that mean for Ryan’s job security?

9. Something Still isn’t Right in +Seattle Seahawks

If you had the pleasure of watching the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers play on Sunday, you would have had no idea that these two teams boasted the best record in the NFC last season. Both played incredibly sloppy football in a game that was one of the ugliest we have seen around the NFL all season.

Seattle was able to pull off a 13-9 victory after Russell Wilson led the team down the field on a game-winning touchdown scoring drive in the final minute of the game. Up until that point, Pete Carroll’s squad was a hot mess. They committed six penalties in the first half, converted on just 4-of-11 third down opportunities and let Carolina control the time of possession battle in the first half.

While some will conclude that a win is a win, Carroll and Co. have to be concerned here. They put up 13 points against a Panthers team that had yielded an average of 34.8 points in their previous five outings. And now two games behind the Arizona Cardinals entering November, the Seahawks have a steep hill to climb. The talent is here, but several fixes are needed in order for this team to live up to expectations.

10. The +Chicago Bears Season is Over

When your stud free-agent signing injures himself celebrating a sack down by 25 points in the fourth quarter, you know your season isn’t going too well. This is the situation the Bears found themselves in after defensive lineman Lamarr Houston apparently suffered a serious knee injury late in their 51-23 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.

But before that embarrassing play, the Bears found a way to embarrass themselves all up and down the field against New England. Falling down 38-7 at the half, Chicago was never really in this game. Jay Cutler turned the ball over on consecutive possessions ending the first half, both of which led to touchdowns for Tom Brady and the Patriots. Defensively, Chicago allowed Brady to complete 30-of-35 passes for 354 yards and five touchdowns. Yes, he had as many touchdowns and incompletions. He was also able to succeed with a clean pocket throughout the entire game and find Rob Gronkowski for three of those scores.

Now at 3-5 on the season and three games behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North, it’s rather obvious that Marc Trestman’s squad isn’t going anywhere this season. And without much to build on as it relates to a young talent to show progression, this franchise is clearly at a turning point right now. However these final eight games play out will determine a whole heck of a lot heading into what promises to be a busy offseason in Chicago.

The 'Sheriff' Approaches the "Gunslinger!"

Peyton Manning is within striking distance #SNF pic.twitter.com/xKdizLIrvr
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 13, 2014

Let's keep the task at hand and focus on the tough +San Francisco 49ers squad coming to town. +Denver Broncos still have yet to put a full 45, let alone a full 60 together this season. QBs will only get more uncomfortable with the Orange Crush tandem of Ware, Miller. +NFL

Seahawks CB Proposes after OT Thriller win vs Denver Broncos (Week 3)

Seahawks cb Deshawn Shead proposing on the field after Seahawks beat Denver. pic.twitter.com/HBbr6O0waC

— Alex Flanagan (@Alex_Flanagan) September 22, 2014

Panthers Topple Lions for home opener

Pats Deliver blow to Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. Both 1-1.

Wiggins GETS UP! Now it is Up to Lottery team on Where he Lands

Andrew Wiggins is just one of many +NBA draft hopefuls who has elected to skip the league's 2014 predraft combine in Chicago this week, depriving NBA decision-makers of the opportunity to conduct interviews with and physical examinations of multiple top prospects. But while the Toronto-born Wiggins — who led the Kansas Jayhawks in per-game scoring and steals and finished third in rebounding en route to a second-team All-American selection in his lone season in Lawrence — isn't working out in the Windy City, he appears to be doing a fine job of showcasing his measurables all the same, according to this shot of Wiggins demonstrating his vertical, as shared by the folks at Santa Barbara, Calif.-based sports science collective P3, who have worked in the past with a slew of NBA players, including All-Stars Deron Williams, Paul Millsap, Andrei Kirilenko and Brook Lopez.

Remember, if you would, that Wiggins, one and done with +Kansas Jayhawks, measured at 6-foot-8 in shoes at the 2013 Nike Hoop Summit. That's an awful lot of air underneath 6-foot-8.

How much air, exactly, we don't know for sure. For the purposes of comparison, though, here's a split-screen of Wiggins' leap alongside one made by +Utah Jazz forward and 2012 Slam Dunk Contest champion Jeremy Evans, who set the P3 vertical record with a 43-1/2-inch jump:

Rare air: Jeremy Evans' @P3sportscience record 43.5" vertical vs. Andrew Wiggins' high-soaring jump (no height given) pic.twitter.com/J8DB27WKzQ
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) May 15, 2014

The difference in angle and perspective makes it tough to tell, but other indicators (like both guys' heels getting above the black paint) makes it seem like Wiggins could be in Evans' comfortably-above-40 ballpark. That is a hard ballpark to get into, even if you have tickets.

Whether Wiggins' estimable physical talents — which also include a wingspan last measured at 7 feet, excellent second-jump ability that could make him a useful helper on the offensive glass, quick feet that could help him become a plus perimeter defender at the next level, and plenty of other great stuff from this DraftExpress.com scouting video breakdown — translate into NBA stardom remains to be seen, of course. No matter how gifted he is, he will still face hurdles and obstacles, as all rookies do.

But as he and whichever team winds up drafting him high in the lottery go about the business of turning potential into reality, it's awful nice to have access to the sort of raw material that allows you to, y'know, jump clean over at least some of those hurdles and obstacles. For whatever ingredients Wiggins doesn't yet have, he does have that, and it could very well elevate him — see what I did there? — to the very top of June's 2014 NBA draft.

Front-office personnel will reportedly be able to watch Wiggins show off his springs in person next week, when he will participate in "a group workout overseen by his agency, BDA Sports, in Los Angeles on May 23," according to Sean Deveney of +Sporting News.

@DJJazzyJody on Twitter @P3PSportsScience

Saints, Sean Payton, shows why sports is life, reality tv, why we love it, and why aren't these type of stories repeated multiple times a day, for weeks?!

Devon Walker, paralyzed safety, signs with Saints

By Kevin Patra +NFL

Around the League writer

The +New Orleans Saints signed another safety, but this wasn't just any safety.

The team announced Saturday it signed former Tulane University defensive back Devon Walker.

Walker suffered a career-ending spinal injury when he collided with a teammate in September 2012, his senior season. The injury left him paralyzed from the neck down.

"When Devon got hurt, his football career was just starting to take off after three years of hard work," Saints coach Sean Payton said, per the team's official website. "Despite the devastating injury he suffered, Devon refuses to let that define him. He is an outstanding young man, who is not only an inspiration to his coaches and teammates at Tulane, but to all of us. Devon's character, determination, intelligence and work ethic are everything that we look for in a New Orleans Saint when we sign a player. This is the least we can do to recognize Devon and these attributes that we want all of our players to have."

#Saints sign former Tulane safety Devon Walker pic.twitter.com/0vquq8SvLm
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 17, 2014

The 23-year-old Walker participated in graduation ceremonies for the New Orleans-based university prior to signing with the Saints on Saturday.

According to The Times-Picayune, Walker thought he was just going to eat oysters after graduation with his family. Instead they took him to the Saints rookie minicamp where the team surprised him with a contract.

Report: Chargers Malcom Floyd expected to play in 2014

+Sports Illustrated 

+NFL  +Chargers 

BY JOHN SODARO

Before his neck injury last season, Floyd had 6 catches for 149 yards. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Malcom Floyd, who suffered a neck injury that threatened his career, is expected to be cleared to play in 2014, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The veteran receiver was faced with a tough decision after he was told by doctors that he would be at a greater risk of a spinal injury if he continued playing, but Floyd decided to push forward despite the uncertainty.

Last week, he met with Dr. Robert Watkins and according to team and league sources, Floyd will be cleared to play this season.

Floyd was injured going up for a pass last season in Philadelphia. He was hit by two Eagles defenders taking the main blow from linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Floyd was taken off the field on a stretcher after the play. Ryans was later fined $21,000 for striking a defenseless player in the head and neck area with his shoulder.

For several months, Floyd has been making small steps in his recovery from the spinal disk issues.

Malcom Floyd on Monday:

“The doc said … I’m at risk just like anybody else,” Floyd said Monday. “There’s not really a worry. … I’m feeling good. I think I feel like my old self. I’m really excited to make plays again,” Floyd said. “Hopefully, I can do more this year than I ever have.”

SI Wire: Josh Gordon expected to practice with Browns while awaiting suspension

This will be Floyd’s 11th season in the NFL.

Infographic: NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Fast Facts

Posted by Shake and Bake Crew

Amaze your friends & impress your neighbors with these #SprintAllStar fast facts: http://t.co/Lsyv85hswB #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/cdF03blLVh
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) May 17, 2014

Indianapolis Colts DE, Robert Mathis is Suspended 4 Games by the NFL, will miss opener vs Broncos

Colts' Robert Mathis suspended four games for PEDs

By Gregg Rosenthal
+NFL Around The League Editor

+BRONCOS CR3W Original (USATSI)

The Indianapolis Colts defense has taken a big hit with training camp still months away.

The +NFL and the +Indianapolis Colts announced Friday that outside linebacker Robert Mathis was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

"We recognize the extreme seriousness of this matter and will honor the confidentiality requirements of the League's program. We nevertheless wish to assure Robert and our fans that he remains an honored and cherished member of the Colts family and that we support him as he deals with this difficult challenge," the team said in a statement.

Mathis will be eligible to return to the team's active roster on Monday, September 29 after the team's Week 4 game against +Tennessee. Mathis will miss the season opener against the +Denver Broncos, a rematch against his old teammate Peyton Manning. (Mathis delivered the game-changing sack of Manning in last year's upset against Denver.) Mathis will also miss games against the +Philadelphia Eagles and +Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Colts' defense had plenty of questions even before this news. They have struggled to find a secondary pass rusher behind Mathis, and gave up 87 points in two playoff games last year.

Colts pass rusher Robert Mathis suspended 4 games: http://t.co/RGCEhjOA86 pic.twitter.com/JLtjubtEsq
— NFL (@nfl) May 16, 2014

+SPORTS CR3W 

Panthers Rookie Minicamp Underway

+Carolina Panthers +NFL 

Tony Parker has strained hamstring, could miss Game 1

Patty Mills has chance to shine after Tony Parker suffers hamstring injury

+The Associated Press

Spurs claimed an unassailable 4-1 lead over Portland in their playoff to reach the Western Conference final courtesy of a 104-82 rout in game five.

DESTINY is calling for Patty Mills

Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts as his team defeats the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals. Source: AFP

The Australian +NBA star could find himself in the high-pressure position of +San Antonio Spurs’ starting point guard after superstar Patty Mills was struck down with a grade one hamstring strain.

Mills showed he is up to the task by racking up 18 points and three steals against his former team, the +Portland Trail Blazers, on Thursday after Parker left the court in the second quarter.

RELATED | Spurs ease back into Western Conference Finals, finish Blazers off in Game 5

Mills’ efforts were instrumental in propelling San Antonio to a series-clinching 104-82 victory over Portland, ensuring their progression to the Western Conference finals where they will play the +Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mills has impressed the Spurs with his performances off the bench this season. He was also a significant factor in San Antonio’s 11-3 record in the 14 games Parker missed during the season.

“Patty Mills has been a significant part of our success all year long,” Spurs coach Greg Popovich told +The Oregonian on Thursday. “Tonight was really no different than what he has done for us all year long. He has been magnificent.”

Mills said his game had evolved in the three seasons since he departed Portland for San Antonio.

“Definitely — I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better since then,” Mills said. “I’ve kind of been annoying in picking (Tony Parker and Tim Duncan’s) brain and trying to get better.

“Obviously, I didn’t play last year and much the year before here, but I’ve definitely felt myself getting better as a player just from sitting, learning, watching and seeing it go through on a daily basis. It’s an opportunity that you don’t want to go to waste. I’m here, I want to make the most of it and to learn from these guys any way possible.”

Patty Mills battles Thomas Robinson #41 of the Portland Trail Blazers for a loose ball in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals. Source: AFP

Parker is a day-to-day proposition ahead of the Spurs’ NBA Western Conference finals.

The Spurs made the announcement on Thursday, a day off after eliminating the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the semi-finals. Parker missed the entire second half of the clincher. Just as the Spurs appeared to be finding their playoff legs and asserting themselves as the team to beat in the powerful Western Conference, Parker’s gave out. He felt his left hamstring tighten early in the second quarter, went to the locker room to get it examined and only played briefly before calling it a night.

“If we want to have a chance to make it to the finals, we need him healthy,” said guard Manu Ginobili.

Parker suffered a grade-two strain of his right hamstring in game three of the +NBA Finals last season against the Miami Heat. He didn’t miss a game because of it, but the discomfort definitely limited effectiveness. He was nine for 35 in the last two games, including three for 12 for 10 points in the Game-seven loss at the +Miami HEAT.

Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs glares over at the bench in the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals. Source: AFP

But Parker told the +San Antonio Express-News that his latest injury wasn’t as serious as the one that bothered him last June. “It’s OK; not too bad,” Parker said. “Not as bad as the NBA Finals. NBA Finals was a grade two. This one is grade one. So should be fine for Monday.” The Spurs will host the opening game of the Western Conference finals on Monday if Oklahoma City defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in game six of their series on Thursday. If the series goes the full seven games, the next round will open on Wednesday in San Antonio.

This makes the Spurs’ five-game victory over the young Trail Blazers even more important. Parker will have at least four days off, perhaps as many as six, to rest and rehab his hamstring. “Luckily we have a couple of days,” Spurs forward Tim Duncan said after the game. “It worries us, obviously. But he’s been going hard. He’s had a great series thus far, and it just kind of caught up with him.”

The Western Conference finals are to start on Monday vs the Thunder.

Donald Sterling tells NBA he won't pay fine

Jeff Zillgitt, 

+USA TODAY Sports

(Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Banned +Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling won't pay the $2.5 million fine levied by the NBA, Sterling's attorney wrote in a letter to the +NBA, a person with first-hand knowledge of the letter told +USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the letter, which was sent Thursday.

The attorney, Maxwell M. Blecher, also wrote that Sterling doesn't warrant "any punishment at all" for his racist comments that were recorded in a conversation with a female friend and made public.

SHAME: Sterling, not Magic, should be ashamed

LEVERAGE: Sterling's wife holding divorce papers

Blecher, a well-known antitrust attorney, also contends that the fine violates Sterling's due process rights.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on April 29 fined Sterling $2.5 million and issued him a lifetime ban. Silver also said he will urge other owners to force a sale of the Clippers and do everything in his power to ensure that.

If three-fourths of the other 29 owners agree to Silver's recommendation, Sterling will be forced to sell the team he has owned since 1981.

After the ruling, players, fellow owners and civil rights leaders applauded Silver. Union representatives had discussed a boycott of playoff games had Silver not delivered such a strong ruling.

Sterling has already missed the deadline for paying fine, which earlier this week.

It is not a surprise Sterling's attorney threatened a legal battle. Sterling is well-known for litigious tactics, and the league had been expecting Sterling to fight.

LITIGIOUS: Sterling known as 'tyrannical' in court

VIDEO: Did Sterling on CNN do more damage?

The letter was in direct response to the fine and the lifetime ban. The NBA's advisory-finance committee was also notified of the letter.

Blecher is one of Sterling's longtime lawyers and represented Sterling when he moved the Clippers from San Diego to Los Angeles in 1984, and the NBA fined him $25 million. Sterling sued the league for $100 million and dropped it when the NBA reduced his fine to $6 million.

Rivers fined $25K for Justifiably Criticizing Officials by the NBA

+Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers has been fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing the officiating after a controversial call in his team's dramatic Game 5 loss to the +Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to a Clippers statement, the comments that earned Rivers the fine were made in the postgame press conference following the Clippers' 105-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 13, at Chesapeake Energy Arena. 

The Clippers believed the Thunder's Reggie Jackson had knocked the ball out of bounds with 11.3 seconds remaining, but officials ruled it Oklahoma City ball. After going to replay, the call stood, and the Thunder rallied to win the game.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers was livid, saying the Clippers were ''robbed,'' but +NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn said Wednesday in a statement that: ''In order to reverse the call made on the court, there has to be 'clear and conclusive' evidence. Since no replay provided such evidence, the play correctly stood as called with the Thunder retaining possession.''

Photo Courtesy +FOX Sports 

Newest Buffalo Bills visit Jim Kelly in hospital

Finding out you're Draft Class are wise beyond their years, at least off the field. Realy Good Stuff. Why isn't "DISNESPN" talking about this. This means more to +SPORTS CR3W and what we want hear and talk about compared to a lot of the run they put out, amongst others. Positivity is merited of half the stories.., just saying. They're out there, "journalists??"

Kami Mattioli @kmattio
Contribution from

Former +Clemson Tigers teammates Darius Robinson and Sammy Watkins were in Buffalo partaking in the post-draft whirlwind tour when they stopped to visit Jim Kelly, former +Buffalo Bills QB.

Kelly has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in a Buffalo-area hospital.

"Pray for Uncle Jim," Watkins, the fourth overall pick, wrote.

Richard Sherman Presser about Contract Extension, Seahawks CB, NFC West

The +Seattle Seahawks just shelled out a lot of money to safety Earl Thomas. And now they are giving even more to cornerback Richard Sherman.

The team is set to announce that Sherman has signed a four-year contract that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, which was first reported by +FOX Sports' Jay Glazer and then confirmed by — natch — Sherman himself, on Twitter and also on his own website.

Sherman posted the whopping financial details of the extension — four years for a total of $57.4M, with $40M guaranteed — on his official website, a move we almost never hear of in sports. We believe that this would be tacked onto his current 2014 deal and the $1.43 million he's owed this season, so essentially he's locked up through 2018 for nearly $60 million.

On his blog, Sherman wrote:

“I am blessed to announce that the Seattle Seahawks and I have reached an agreement on a contract extension. The goal has always been to stay in Seattle and continue to play for the Seahawks. With this chapter closed, I can continue to focus on what is important – defending our Super Bowl Championship and being the best cornerback in the NFL.”

The boisterous, outspoken and wildly talented Sherman is the tone setter and perhaps best player on the world champions' outstanding defense.

But being the highest-paid player in the +NFL was not his goal, Sherman said, per the Seattle Times.

“I don’t care for that,’’ Sherman said. “The only list I care about being at the top of is interceptions.

“It’s about respect,’’ he said. “Whatever the team feels I deserve, the respect they feel — that (money) is the respect from the team. That’s how they show it, at least in this game. In other aspects of life it may be different. You may show respect in different ways. But in this game that’s how they show it.’’

The Seahawks certainly showed it.

Vince Young Browns' Career Last just a week and a half, end shortly after Browns Draft, Manziel and co.

Cleveland Browns part ways with quarterback Vince Young after just 11 days

BY BRYAN ROSE

Vince Young hasn’t played a regular-season down since 2011. (Bill Frakes/SI)

While the vast majority of fans were rooting for the Cleveland Browns to draft a quarterback last week, one person hoping against that was backup Vince Young.

Of course, the Browns ended up selecting Johnny Manziel with the No. 26 pick, and just 11 days after signing a contract with Cleveland, Young was released on Monday morning, the announcement coming from team owner Jimmy Haslam during a speech at a Pro Football Hall of Fame luncheon.

Young was signed alongside fellow quarterback Tyler Thigpen on May 1 and had hoped to impress during training camp, but the fact that Cleveland decided to part ways with him before even getting him on the field may say plenty about Young’s future.

MORE: 2014 NFL draft grades: How’d your team do? | Best undrafted FAs | More NFL draft

Alongside Young, fellow quarterback Alex Tanney (known for his impressive “trick shot” passing), cornerback Brandon Hughes, defensive lineman Brian Sanford and running back Fuzzy Whittaker were also given their pink slip.

As for the former Texas star, Young is just days away from turning 31 years old and hasn’t played a regular-season down in the NFL since 2011. There still may be a team or two willing to take a roll of the dice come training camp, but Young’s future prospects continue to dwindle.

Magic's Agent, with much Validity, Strongly Opposes Sterlings Ignorant, Bitter Remarks by Sterling

+SPORTS CR3W is only briefly talk about a person that time shouldn't be wasted on in our opinion. To Donald Sterling of the +Los Angeles Clippers, if you're gonna go at a gentleman again, maybe know what the hell your're talking about. Magic has paid his penance. You're talking on something nearly 25 years ago?? If you were paying attention, the guy did more for the disease and the advancement of the treatment of it and taught others to not follow in his mistakes. Let alone, all the good will he does. Sad thing is that this guy has obviously had this slanted viewpoint for decades and he is finally being exposed. The leagues, franchise deserve to get rid of such sickness. Racism is a disease and the guy needs counseling/therapy as "Meta World Peace," poignantly said when this came out on his twitter account.

Clippers owner Donald Sterling, right, said in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper that aired Monday that he didn't think Lakers great Magic Johnson is "a good example for the children of Los Angeles." (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times; Robyn Beck / Getty Images)

Agent: Magic Johnson the 'opposite' of what Donald Sterling said

MIKE BRESNAHAN

The longtime agent and friend of Magic Johnson responded quickly to defend Johnson after Donald Sterling's incendiary comments Monday on CNN.

Johnson is "the exact opposite" of the way Sterling portrayed him on "Anderson Cooper: 360," said Lon Rosen, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the +Los Angeles Dodgers.

Related story: Donald Sterling slams Magic Johnson, cites HIV status
Shelby Grad

"I've known Earvin since 1979 and his whole mission in life has been to create business opportunities in urban America and to be charitable," Rosen told The Times on Monday. "He has literally donated tens of millions of dollars of his own money to organizations and individuals forever and ever and ever.

"In 1986, he decided to create the United Negro College Fund summer basketball game. He did this while he was a player. He raised millions and millions of dollars. He did this on his own for years.

l

SPORTS NOW

Clippers' interim CEO thinks team will get new owners

"He has opened up movie theaters in urban markets across America. He had 124 Starbucks in urban cities across the country. His business model has revitalized urban America and he continues to do it."

Rosen relayed a story in which he went with Johnson in 1990 to visit a school in Mississippi that benefited from the +UNCF summer game.

"When he was there, he noticed there was a raffle to raise money because they wanted to rebuild a track. He asked how much it was and they said $150,000," Rosen said. "He pulled out his checkbook and wrote a check on the spot.

"And by the way, he's done this at so many of these events. And he doesn’t want press on it."

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, right, and V. Stiviano, left, watch the Clippers play the Sacramento Kings during an exhibition game earlier this season at Staples Center.Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

There are 150 students on college scholarships via Johnson's foundation, Rosen said. Johnson has also donated $5 million to the West Angeles church.

Sterling was banned for life by the +NBA two weeks ago for comments he made about blacks. In that audio recording, he derisively asked a female friend why she posted a photo of Johnson on Instagram.

Sterling was not apologetic Monday on +CNN.

"What has he done? Can you tell me? Big Magic Johnson, what has he done?" he asked Cooper. "He’s got AIDS. Did he do any business, did he help anybody in South L.A.?

“What kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV? Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about? I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go into the background. But what does he do for the black people? He doesn’t do anything.”

Rosen clarified that Johnson is HIV-positive but does not have AIDS, and declined further comment.