NFL Week 11 Injury Report

By The Associated Press

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS - Patriots: OUT: S Rodney Harrison (Shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: TE Daniel Graham (Ankle); CB Ellis Hobbs (Wrist); G Steve Neal (Shoulder); CB Asante Samuel (Knee); DE Richard Seymour (Elbow); DE Ty Warren (Shoulder); S Eugene Wilson (Hamstring). PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder). Packers: OUT: T Mark Tauscher (Groin); WR Shaun Bodiford (Lower Leg); TE Tory Humphrey (Hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: CB Will Blackmon (Rib); RB Vernand Morency (Back); RB Brandon Miree (Elbow); DT Johnny Jolly (Ankle); TE David Martin (Shoulder); DE Mike Montgomery (Hamstring). PROBABLE: CB Charles Woodson (Knee); CB Al Harris (Illness); RB Ahman Green (Knee); RB William Henderson (Knee); DT Cullen Jenkins (Ankle); WR Greg Jennings (Ankle); QB Brett Favre (Ankle).

BUFFALO BILLS AT HOUSTON TEXANS - Bills: OUT: RB Willis McGahee (Ribs); TE Ryan Neufeld (Foot); WR Josh Reed (Kidney); G Chris Villarrial (Ankle). QUESTIONABLE: LB Keith Ellison (Knee). Texans: OUT: DE Antwan Peek (Knee). DOUBTFUL: LB DaShon Polk (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: QB David Carr (Right Shoulder). PROBABLE: DE Anthony Weaver (Knee); RB Jameel Cook (Knee); DT Lional Dalton (Ankle); T Ephraim Salaam (Ankle); DE Mario Williams (Foot).

OAKLAND RAIDERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - Raiders: OUT: G Barry Sims (Abdomen); LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (Foot). QUESTIONABLE: T Robert Gallery (Groin); C Jake Grove (Elbow). PROBABLE: LB Robert Thomas (Heel); QB Aaron Brooks (Right Shoulder); S Jarrod Cooper (Hamstring); RB Zack Crockett (Knee); RB Justin Fargas (Shoulder); S Michael Huff (Concussion); RB LaMont Jordan (Back). Chiefs: OUT: G Brian Waters (Knee); LB Derrick Johnson (Ankle); T Kevin Sampson (Foot). DOUBTFUL: TE Tony Gonzalez (Shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: S Sammy Knight (Ankle); S Greg Wesley (Shoulder); DE Tamba Hali (Hip).

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - Bengals: OUT: C Rich Braham (Knee); WR Kelley Washington (Hamstring). DOUBTFUL: LB Brian Simmons (Neck). QUESTIONABLE: S Dexter Jackson (Achilles); T Levi Jones (Knee); CB Deltha O'Neal (Shoulder); G Bobbie Williams (Abdomen). PROBABLE: T Willie Anderson (Shoulder); WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Head); S Kevin Kaesviharn (Knee); DE Justin Smith (Neck). Saints: DOUBTFUL: TE Ernie Conwell (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: TE Nate Lawrie (Back); WR Joe Horn (Groin); CB Fred Thomas (Hamstring); S Steve Gleason (Knee). PROBABLE: WR Terrance Copper (Biceps).

ATLANTA FALCONS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS - Falcons: OUT: DE John Abraham (Groin); DE Patrick Kerney (Pectoral); CB Jason Webster (Groin). QUESTIONABLE: RB Jerious Norwood (Knee); LB Edgerton Hartwell (Knee); CB Jimmy Williams (Ankle); DT Grady Jackson (Knee); TE Alge Crumpler (Ankle); S Chris Crocker (Hip); T Todd Weiner (Knee); DT Roderick Coleman (Toe). Ravens: OUT: LB Mike Smith (Shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: WR Derrick Mason (Calf); DT Kelly Gregg (Foot); LB Adalius Thomas (Ankle); TE Todd Heap (Ankle); LB Ray Lewis (Back).

ST. LOUIS RAMS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS - Rams: PROBABLE: LB Raonall Smith (Jaw). Panthers: OUT: DT Jordan Carstens (Illness). DOUBTFUL: C Justin Hartwig (Groin). PROBABLE: CB Ken Lucas (Thigh).

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS - Steelers: OUT: WR Willie Reid (Foot). DOUBTFUL: LB James Harrison (Ankle). QUESTIONABLE: LB Clint Kriewaldt (Back); S Troy Polamalu (Concussion); CB Deshea Townsend (Ankle); C Jeff Hartings (Knee); RB Dan Kreider (Hip). PROBABLE: WR Sean Morey (Toe); C Chukky Okobi (Calf). Browns: QUESTIONABLE: CB Leigh Bodden (Ankle); WR Joshua Cribbs (Thumb); RB Reuben Droughns (Foot); S Justin Hamilton (Back); QB Charlie Frye (Left Wrist); LB Willie McGinest (Ankle); CB Jereme Perry (Ankle); LB Leon Williams (Ankle); TE Kellen Winslow (Knee).

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS - Vikings: OUT: RB Tony Richardson (Forearm). QUESTIONABLE: WR Marcus Robinson (Back); LB Napoleon Harris (Wrist); RB Chester Taylor (Calf); CB Cedric Griffin (Foot); LB E.J. Henderson (Hamstring); G Steve Hutchinson (Knee). PROBABLE: DT Pat Williams (Foot); C Matt Birk (Neck); LB Dontarrious Thomas (Hamstring); G Artis Hicks (Hip); TE Richard Owens (Knee). Dolphins: OUT: QB Daunte Culpepper (Knee); G Jeno James (Knee); DT Keith Traylor (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: RB Ronnie Brown (Groin).

CHICAGO BEARS AT NEW YORK JETS - Bears: QUESTIONABLE: WR Bernard Berrian (Ribs); LB Leon Joe (Hamstring); CB Dante Wesley (Knee). PROBABLE: WR Rashied Davis (Shoulder); DT Tommie Harris (Back). Jets: QUESTIONABLE: RB Cedric Houston (Knee); WR Tim Dwight (Thigh); CB David Barrett (Hip); RB B.J. Askew (Foot). PROBABLE: RB Kevan Barlow (Calf); CB Drew Coleman (Thigh); WR Laveranues Coles (Calf); CB Andre Dyson (Ankle); G Pete Kendall (Knee); C Nick Mangold (Eye); DT Rashad Moore (Hand); WR Justin McCareins (Foot); LB Matt Chatham (Foot); QB Patrick Ramsey (Thigh); QB Chad Pennington (Calf).

TENNESSEE TITANS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - Titans: OUT: DE Antwan Odom (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: K Rob Bironas (Groin); CB Reynaldo Hill (Ankle); DE Travis LaBoy (Concussion); G Benji Olson (Back); TE Ben Hartsock (Hamstring); DT Robaire Smith (Ankle). Eagles: PROBABLE: WR Reggie Brown (Hamstring); LB Shawn Barber (Neck Stinger); LB Matt McCoy (Abdomen); RB Brian Westbrook (Knee).

WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - Redskins: QUESTIONABLE: WR Santana Moss (Hamstring); TE Christian Fauria (Ankle). PROBABLE: T Jon Jansen (Calf); CB Shawn Springs (Groin). Buccaneers: QUESTIONABLE: RB Michael Pittman (Shoulder); LB Shelton Quarles (Knee); T Donald Penn (Foot); T Anthony Davis (Ankle); DT Ellis Wyms (Ankle); DE Simeon Rice (Shoulder); CB Juran Bolden (Hip).

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - Seahawks: OUT: RB Josh Parry (Foot). DOUBTFUL: LB D.D. Lewis (Toe). QUESTIONABLE: C Robbie Tobeck (Illness); T Sean Locklear (Ankle); RB Shaun Alexander (Foot); QB Matt Hasselbeck (Knee); WR Bobby Engram (Illness). PROBABLE: CB Kelly Herndon (Hamstring); DT Rocky Bernard (Foot); CB Jimmy Williams (Ankle). 49ers: QUESTIONABLE: TE Vernon Davis (Fibula); RB Frank Gore (Concussion).

DETROIT LIONS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS - Lions: QUESTIONABLE: DT Shaun Cody (Toe); TE Sean McHugh (Knee); G Blaine Saipaia (Chest). PROBABLE: DE Cory Redding (Calf). Cardinals: QUESTIONABLE: C Nick Leckey (Quadricep); DT Darnell Dockett (Toe). PROBABLE: WR Larry Fitzgerald (Hamstring); RB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (Fibula).

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS - Colts: OUT: DT Montae Reagor (Head). QUESTIONABLE: LB Keith O'Neil (Ankle); WR Aaron Moorehead (Low Back); DT Anthony McFarland (Elbow); G Ryan Lilja (Knee); CB Tim Jennings (Ankle); CB Kelvin Hayden (Knee); CB Matt Giordano (Calf); TE Bryan Fletcher (Ankle); T Ryan Diem (Calf); LB Gary Brackett (Hamstring); WR Brandon Stokley (Knee); S Bob Sanders (Knee). Cowboys: OUT: LB Greg Ellis (Achilles). PROBABLE: WR Terry Glenn (Quadricep).

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT DENVER BRONCOS Chargers: QUESTIONABLE: C Nick Hardwick (Ankle); WR Malcom Floyd (Ankle); DE Luis Castillo (Ankle); WR Eric Parker (Neck). PROBABLE: S Bhawoh Jue (Knee). Broncos: QUESTIONABLE: LB Ian Gold (Hamstring); DE Ebenezer Ekuban (Thigh); DE Patrick Chukwurah (Hamstring); TE Stephen Alexander (Thumb); RB Tatum Bell (Toe). PROBABLE: RB Cedric Cobbs (Ankle); RB Kyle Johnson (Ankle); LB Al Wilson (Thumb).

Monday

NEW YORK GIANTS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - Giants: OUT: DE Michael Strahan (Foot); T Luke Petitgout (Fibula); DE Justin Tuck (Foot). DOUBTFUL: DE Osi Umenyiora (Hip Flexor); CB Sam Madison (Hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: LB Brandon Short (Quadricep); WR Sinorice Moss (Quadricep); LB Carlos Emmons (Groin). Jaguars: QUESTIONABLE: T Stockar McDougle (Ankle); DT Marcus Stroud (Ankle); S Donovin Darius (Knee); P Chris Hanson (Hamstring); QB Byron Leftwich (Ankle); LB Jorge Cordova (Hamstring). PROBABLE: CB Terry Cousin (Groin); DE Bobby McCray (Shoulder); CB Rashean Mathis (Hamstring); LB Daryl Smith (Biceps); LB Clint Ingram (Shoulder); LB Brian Iwuh (Shin); RB Derrick Wimbush (Ankle); TE George Wrighster (Back); DT John Henderson (Hamstring); CB Brian Williams (Foot); DE Marcellus Wiley (Groin); RB Fred Taylor (Groin); S Gerald Sensabaugh (Shoulder); CB Dee Webb (Shoulder); S Nick Sorensen (Head); WR Ernest Wilford (Thigh); T Wayne Hunter (Wrist).


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Time to Play 'The Game'

Ohio State and Michigan. No.1 vs. No. 2. This years game of the century.

No matter how you slice it, dice it or over-analyze it. 'The Game' as the two rivals like to call it is bigger than its ever been.

Saturday will be the first time in 103 meetings that the Big Ten powers are ranked 1-2 in the nation — Ohio State is No. 1 and Michigan is No. 2. The winner not only captures the league title, but also locks up a spot in the Bowl Championship Series national title game on Jan. 8 at Glendale, Arizona.

Do you think that's reason enough motivation for fans and players alike? You bet it is.

This game has all the ingredients to actually live up to the hype and become an instant classic. It's even possible that the loser could still finish second in the BCS Standings and get to Glendale for the rematch and a chance at the national championship. Stranger things have happened. No one knows what the BCS computers will spit out at seasons end?

The teams have met two other times - in 1970 and 1973 - in which both teams entered the matchup with perfect records, but never as 1 and 2.

Michigan leads the series, 57-39-6, but Ohio State is 4-1 since Jim Tressel took over before the 2001 season, including a 25-21 victory in Ann Arbor last season in which the Buckeyes rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Despite having had to replace nine starters on defense - including its entire linebacking corps - the Buckeyes (11-0, 7-0 Big Ten) are yielding the fewest points of any team in the nation (7.8 per game). They also rank 11th in rushing defense (90.1) and eighth in total defense (261.7).

The Wolverines (11-0, 7-0) are arguably more stout defensively, leading the country in rushing defense (29.9) and ranking third in total yards allowed (231.4). They also are fifth in scoring defense (12.1).

Ohio State is led by Heisman leader Troy Smith. The senior, who is 2-0 against Michigan, has thrown for 2,191 yards on 66% passing (170-of-256) for 26 touchdowns and only four picks.

Under Smith's direction, the Buckeyes are averaging 36 points and 401.3 yards per game. His favorite targets are Ted Ginn Jr. (51-677-8) and Anthony Gonzalez (45-673-7). On the ground, Antonio Pittman (214-1,032-12) and freshman Chris Wells (97-511-6) lead the way.

The Wolverines average 29.4 points and 373 yards yards a game with a balanced attack similar to the Buckeyes.

RB Mike Hart (278-1,373-11) is the focal point of the offense, but if you concentrate all your efforts on him, Michigan breaks out a passing game that features three deadly wide receivers and a three-year starter at quarterback who's starting to hit his stride at the collegiate level.

Chad Henne, the first freshman QB to ever start at Michigan, has bounced back from a disappointing sophomore season to lead the Wolverines to their unbeaten mark. The Pennsylvania native has thrown for 1,932 yards on 156-of-252 passing for 18 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

His favorite target, Mario Manningham, is back from a knee injury and is the most dangerous player on the Michigan offense. The sophomore has caught 26 passes for 538 yards and an amazing nine touchdowns, despite missing four games. Steve Breaston (48-537-1) provides senior leadership, while Adrian Arrington (31-420-6) is a quality third receiver.

Both teams feature standout offenses and solid, aggressive defenses. The difference, as in most games between two evenly matched teams, could come down to special teams and turnovers.

One things is certain, no matter who wins or loses, it's going to be an incredible game with loads of excitement. This is what football is all about. So get yourself prepared, grab the chips and dip, call your friends over and get ready for this years version of the game of the century.


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NFL News and Notes

Quarterback Jason Campbell will make his NFL debut Sunday for the Washington Redskins, replacing Mark Brunell for a 3-6 team apparently heading nowhere and needing a plan for the future.

Coach Joe Gibbs announced Monday that Campbell, who has been inactive for all 25 games of his pro career, would start against Tampa Bay.

Meanwhile, running back Clinton Portis underwent surgery on his broken right hand. Portis, hurt against the Eagles, will be sidelined three to four weeks. Ladell Betts will replace him.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez will be sidelined for at least one week after spraining his left shoulder in Sunday's loss to Miami.

More will be known with test results today.

Meanwhile, quarterback Trent Green could be cleared for full practice for the first time since suffering a severe concussion in the Sept. 10 opener.

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Tennessee Titans receiver David Givens tore a left knee ligament on a freak play in Sunday's loss to Baltimore when he planted his leg and will miss the rest of this season, the team said.

In other Titan news, DT Albert Haynesworth has returned after the longest on-field suspension in NFL history.

Hayensworth kicked Dallas offensive lineman Andre Gurode in the face opening up a huge gash on Gurode that required numerous stitches. No word from head coach Jeff Fisher on when or if Haynesworth will be activated.

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The NFL announced that the starting time for the Philadelphia Eagles' game at Indianapolis against the Colts on Nov. 26 has been switched to 8:15 EST so that it can be televised by NBC.

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Injury news: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis will miss the rest of the season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon in Sunday's victory over Arizona.

The Atlanta Falcons lost defensive end Patrick Kerney for the season, ending his streak of 105 consecutive games played, because of a chest injury, suffered in Sunday's loss to Cleveland.

New England Patriots right guard Billy Yates will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg in Sunday's loss to the New York Jets.

St. Louis Rams LT Orlando Pace tore his left triceps muscle and will miss the remainder of the season. Rams CB Travis Fisher broke his left forearm and will miss 4-5 weeks.

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League MVP Shaun Alexander may get back on the field this week and Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be right behind him.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that both of his injured stars may play Sunday at San Francisco, pending tests in practice this week.

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Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 10
Steve Smith had the flu, but it sure didn't look like it against the Bucs on Monday night. Smith caught eight passes for 149 yards, including a 36-yard TD in the fourth quarter as the Panthers moved into a tie with Atlanta for second place in the NFC South at 5-4. Julius Peppers led the Carolina defense with three sacks, giving him a league-leading 11 for the season. Tampa Bay fell to 2-7 on the year.


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NFL Roundup: Week 10

Some observations, comments and opinions about Sunday's NFL games.

San Diego 49, Cincinnati 41
LaDainian Tomlinson tied his career high with four touchdowns, and Philip Rivers was 24-of-36 for 337 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Chargers to their best point total in 20 years. San Diego (7-2) scored 42 points in the second-half comeback. Bengals receiver Chad Johnson set a club record with 260 yards and a pair of long touchdowns, and Carson Palmer had the first 400-yard passing game of his career. Cincinnati fell to 4-5 on the season.

Indianapolis 17, Buffalo 16
Peyton Manning was 27-of-39 for 236 yards with one touchdown and Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai combined to rush 27 times for 150 yards, as the Colts became the first team in NFL history with back-to-back 9-0 starts. Anthony Thomas, starting in place of the injured Willis McGahee, carried 28 times for 109 yards. The Bills are now 3-6 on the season.

New York Jets 17, New England 14
The Jets (5-4) ended the Patriots' streak of 57 games without consecutive losses, thanks to the play of QB Chad Pennington and RB Kevan Barlow. Pennington was 22-for-33 for 168 yards and Barlow ran for 75 yards as New York moved to only one game back of the first place Patriots (6-3).

Philadelphia 27, Washington 3
The Eagles (5-4) improved to 8-0 following a bye under coach Andy Reid while earning their first win since beating Dallas 38-24 on Oct. 8. McNabb completed 12 of 26 passes for 222 yards. Stallworth had six catches for 139 yards and Brian Westbrook ran for 113 yards. It was a costly defeat for the Redskins (3-6), who lost Clinton Portis to a broken right hand in the first quarter.

Miami 13, Kansas City 10
The Dolphins (3-6) took an early 13-point lead and then had to hold on after a late Chiefs comeback. Kansas City (5-4) got the ball back at its 14 with 3:10 left, but Miami made one final defensive stand, and Damon Huard's incompletion on fourth-and-12 at the Chiefs 36 sealed the outcome.

Houston 13, Jacksonville 10
David Carr threw for 167 yards and ran for 48 more before leaving the game with a shoulder injury, and the Texans snapped a 12-game road losing streak. The Texans (3-6) upset their AFC South rivals for the second time in four weeks and won on the road for the first time since December 2004. The Jaguars fell to 5-4 on the season.

Green Bay 23, Minnesota 17
Brett Favre was 24-of-42 for 347 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Packers (4-5) to the victory over the Vikings. Donald Driver had 191 yards receiving for Green Bay, while Minnesota lost its third straight and fell to 4-5.

Baltimore 27, Tennessee 26
Steve McNair showed the Titans what they gave up by not wanting to pay him. It was an expensive lesson. McNair threw his third touchdown with 3:35 left and the Ravens, rallied from a 26-7 deficit for the win and their best start ever at 7-2. Trevor Pryce blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt by Rob Bironas with 33 seconds left, dropping Tennessee to 2-7 on the season. McNair finished 29-of-47 for 373 yards.

San Francisco 19, Detroit 13
Frank Gore set a franchise record with 148 yards rushing in the first half as the 49ers (4-5) won consecutive games for the first time since 2003. Gore finished with career-high 159 yards rushing, but left the game stumbling to the sideline late in the third quarter after catching a pass. The Lions are now 2-7 on the season.

Cleveland 17, Atlanta 13
Michael Vick threw two interceptions and carelessly fumbled the ball away with 2:18 remaining, allowing the Browns (3-6) to escape with the win. Michael Vick completed only 16 of 40 passes for 197 yards as the Falcons fell to 5-4.

Pittsburgh 38, New Orleans 31
Willie Parker ran for 213 yards and two touchdowns and Ben Roethlisberger threw for two scores as the Steelers (3-6) handed the Saints (6-3) the loss at Heinz Field. Parker finished 5 yards short of the team record 218 yards rushing by John "Frenchy" Fuqua against Philadelphia in 1970. Drew Brees was 31-of-47 for 399 yards, with rookie Marques Colston making 10 catches for 169 yards, but the Saints turned over the ball three times to Pittsburgh's none.

Dallas 27, Arizona 10
Tony Romo threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns, including a 51-yarder to Terrell Owens. The Cowboys (5-4), showing no signs of a hangover from their heartbreaking loss to Washington the previous week, turned two interceptions by Matt Leinart into second-half touchdowns and sent the Cardinals (1-8) to their eighth straight loss.

Denver 17, Oakland 13
Jake Plummer threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Javon Walker and the Denver defense did the rest as the Broncos won their fourth straight to improve to 7-2 and stay tied atop the NFC west with San Diego. The Raiders fell to 2-7 on the season.

Seattle 24, St. Louis 22
For the second consecutive game, Josh Brown kicked a game-winning field goal in the final seconds to defeat the Rams (4-5). In the first meeting, Brown nailed a 54-yarder to give Seattle (6-3) the 30-28 victory. On Sunday, Brown made a 38-yard attempt with nine seconds remaining to send St. Louis to its fourth straight loss. Even worse for the Rams is the loss of All-Pro tackle Orlando Pace. The seven-time pro bowler tore his left tricep muscle and is out for the season.

Chicago 38, NY Giants 20
Rex Grossman threw for three touchdowns and Thomas Jones scored on a short run as the Bears (8-1) rallied from a 10-point first-half deficit with 28 second-half points in ending a five-game winning streak by the Giants (6-3). Chicago's Devin Hester scored on a record-tying 108-yard missed field goal return. The injury-ravaged Giants lost another starter for the season when OT Luke Petitgout broke his leg.

The Indianapolis Colts impress even more after going 9-0 for two straight seasons. They had a natural letdown after beating New England and Denver, but still found a way to win.

If Eric Mangini is not coach of the year something is definitely wrong. I know there's a strong case for Sean Payton in New Orleans, but the Saints had way more talent to begin with than the Jets. Mangini has done an amazing job, without much of a running game, in getting New York to within one game of the Patriots in the AFC East.

Over in the NFC, the Bears bounced back quite nicely after an upset loss to Miami and re-established themselves as the team to beat in the conference. Chicago has already defeated the Giants and the Seahawks, two divisional leaders, by convincing margins. They have the best defense in the NFC and when Grossman's on his game - an explosive offense as well.

The Carolina Panthers (4-4) look to move into a tie with Atlanta for second place in the NFC South with a victory over division rival Tampa Bay (2-6) on Monday Night Football.

The Panthers should be well-rested coming off the bye and the crowd should be raucous being on the Monday night stage. It will be a tough test for rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and the Buccaneers offense.


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USC Bounces Back to No. 3 in BCS

Southern California bounced back in the Bowl Championship Series standings. The Trojans were in third place, right behind Ohio State and Michigan, in the standings released Sunday, returning to the spot they held before losing three weeks ago. Southern California had a slight lead over fourth-place Florida, and Notre Dame, unbeaten Rutgers and Arkansas also were close behind.

When first-place Ohio State (11-0) and second-place Michigan (11-0) play Saturday it'll mark the latest in the regular season the top two teams in the BCS standings have met. The winner will virtually clinch a spot in the BCS title game on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz.

USC was in the top three in the first two BCS standings with Ohio State and Michigan, and appeared in control of its destiny in the race to the national title game. Then the Trojans were upset at Oregon State, 33-31 on Oct. 28, and tumbled out of the top five.

But last week, four teams that were ahead of USC in the last BCS standings — Louisville, Auburn, Texas and California — lost.

Bolstered by a 35-10 victory over Oregon, the Trojans have rebounded with a BCS average of .8699. They moved up to third in the Harris Interactive poll and fourth in the coaches' poll, each count for a third of the BCS average. The computer rankings that account for the final third have USC fourth.

But Trojans aren't in the clear from the competition. Florida's BCS average is .8495.

The Gators and Trojans are nearly even in the polls and both have some tough games left on the schedule. The Gators play at Florida State in two weeks and have already secured a spot in the Southeastern Conference title game, where Arkansas is the most likely opponent on Dec. 2 in Atlanta. USC plays Cal on Saturday and Notre Dame the week after.

The Fighting Irish (.8193) are now in position to secure an automatic bid to one of the five BCS games, even if they don't reach the title game. Notre Dame needs to finish in the top eight in the final BCS standings for automatic entry. A top-12 finish makes the Irish eligible for selection.

Sixth-place Rutgers (.7866) beat Louisville 28-25 last Thursday to remain undefeated, but the Scarlet Knights are still stuck behind USC, Florida and Notre Dame, all with one loss. The computers love the Knights, though. The computer ratings have Rutgers second behind Michigan and ahead of Ohio State.

Arkansas (.7567) can clinch the SEC West division by beating Mississippi State on Saturday.

Boise State also took a significant step forward in the latest BCS standings. The undefeated Broncos moved up to spots to 12th place. They need to finish in the top 12 to earn automatic entry to the BCS, or a top 16 finish will do as long as they're ahead of one of the six conference champs with automatic bids.

Wake Forest was the highest ranked Atlantic Coast Conference team in 16th place in this week's BCS standings.

The Broncos of the Western Athletic Conference would likely end up in the Fiesta Bowl playing the Big 12 champion if they can become the second team from outside the BCS conferences to play in the big-money bowls. Utah from the Mountain West Conference was the first in 2004.


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Arkansas, Rutgers Make Big Moves in Poll

By The Associated Press

Arkansas and Rutgers are on the rise. Florida and Southern California are practically even. And Ohio State and Michigan haven't budged from the top of The Associated Press Top 25. After a wild week in which four top-10 teams lost, including three of the top five, the rankings had a major shake-up Sunday.

Except at the top, where No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan held their places and set up the second 1 vs. 2 matchup of the season. The Buckeyes (11-0) and Wolverines (11-0) play Saturday in Columbus, Ohio, with the winner earning a spot in the national title game Jan. 8 in Arizona.

Ohio State, which beat Texas in a 1 vs. 2 game in September, received all but one of the 65 first-place votes, with Michigan getting the other.

Florida is No. 3, just three points ahead of USC. The Gators, who moved up three spots, needed a blocked field goal on the final play to beat South Carolina 17-16 on Saturday. The Trojans defeated Oregon 35-10 to also move up three spots.

No. 5 Arkansas moved up six spots with its 31-14 victory over Tennessee, and Notre Dame went up three spots to No. 6 after winning 39-17 at Air Force.

The Razorbacks have their highest ranking since they were No. 4 in October 1985.

Last week, Louisville, Texas and Auburn held spots three through five, but all were upset.

Unbeaten Rutgers handed Louisville its first loss of the season on Thursday, 28-25. The win boosted the Scarlet Knights to No. 7, their first appearance in the top 10.

Texas and Auburn were beaten by unranked teams. The Longhorns lost at Kansas State 45-42, and Auburn fell to Georgia 37-15.

The last time three top-five teams lost on the same weekend was Nov. 2, 2002, when No. 3 Virginia Tech, No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 5 Georgia all were upset by unranked opponents.

West Virginia is No. 8 in the latest media poll, followed by LSU and Louisville, which dropped seven spots to No. 10. The Big East has three top-10 teams, along with the Southeastern Conference.

Texas fell seven spots to No. 11. No. 12 Wisconsin moved up four spots and undefeated Boise State moved up one place to No. 13.

No. 14 Wake Forest, coming off a 30-0 victory at Florida State that made the Demon Deacons 9-1 for the first time, moved up four spots.

No. 15 Auburn dropped 10 spots. The Tigers are followed by Oklahoma and California, the fourth member of last week's top 10 to lose. Cal was upset 24-20 at Arizona.

Four Atlantic Coast Conference teams hold the next four spots, starting with No. 18 Georgia Tech, the Coastal Division champ. Virginia Tech is 19th, followed by Boston College and Maryland, which is tied with Wake Forest for the lead in the Atlantic Division. The ACC has six ranked teams, the most of any conference.

Tennessee dropped nine places to 22 after its second consecutive loss. No. 23 BYU moved up two spots and No. 24 Nebraska and No. 25 Clemson moved back into the rankings this week.

Texas A&M and Oregon fell out of the rankings.


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College Football Notes: Week 11

Now this is what Elimination Saturday's are all about.

It started with No. 15 Rutgers stunning No. 3 Louisville on Thursday night in Piscataway, N.J., and spilled into a Saturday that saw unranked Kansas State shock No. 4 Texas, unranked Georgia upend No. 5 Auburn, unranked Arizona upset No. 8 California, unranked South Carolina almost beat No. 6 Florida and undefeated Boise State need a last-second field goal to beat San Jose State.

The BCS picture became even clearer after the shocking results of Saturday's games. One thing is sure - next weeks Ohio State/Michigan battle will be this years game of the century - after both pulled off easy victories yesterday.

The question of who the winner plays in the national title game is a little foggy. Will it be the Gators, who barely won at home or can Rutgers stay unbeaten the rest of the way and play for all the marbles? Maybe another one-loss team such as Louisville, USC, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Arkansas will emerge from the pack and take the two spot?

After 11 weeks, the only thing certain in college football is that nothing is certain.

Josh Freeman threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Jayhawks (7-4) to the stunning 45-42 upset over the defending national champion Longhorns (9-2). To make matters worse, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was injured in the first quarter and didn't return.

Georgia (7-4) piled up 446 yards of total offense against Auburn's defense, which came into the game 13th in the country in total defense and DB Tra Battle picked off three passes, returning one for a score to lead the Bulldogs to the 37-15 win over the Tigers (9-2).

Arizona CB Antoine Cason stepped in front of a Nate Longshore pass and returned it 39 yards for the game-winning touchdown as the Wildcats (5-5) stunned the Bears (8-2)for the 24-20 victory.

Florida's Jarvis Moss blocked a 48-yard field goal as time expired in the game as the Gators (9-1) held on for the 17-16 win over South Carolina (5-5). Moss also blocked an extra point.

Darren McFadden ran for 181 yards and two scores on 31 carries as the 11th-ranked Razorbacks (9-1) defeated No. 13 Tennessee (7-3) by a 31-14 score. McFadden, who also threw a TD pass, set a school record by surpassing 180 yards rushing for the fifth time in his career. Arkansas has won nine straight since a season-opening loss to Southern California - its longest streak since 1988.

Anthony Montgomery hit his third field goal of the night, this one a 37-yarder as time expired, to give No. 14 Boise State (10-0) the hard-fought 23-20 victory over San Jose State (6-3). Ian Johnson ran for 150 yards and a TD to lead the Broncos offense.

Tyler Donovan, stepping in for the injured John Stocco, passed for 228 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 16 Wisconsin (10-1) to the 24-21 victory over Iowa (6-5). With the win, Bret Bielema became the first Big Ten coach to win 10 games in his rookie year.

Tashard Choice ran for 119 yards and a touchdown to help the No. 19 Yellow Jackets (8-2) beat North Carolina 7-0, to clinch the Coastal Division championship in the ACC.

The Terps won their fifth straight game thanks to Darrius Heyward-Bey, who caught five passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, including a 96-yard score, to lead No. 23 Maryland (8-2) to the ACC victory over Miami (5-5).

Zac Taylor hit Maurice Purify on a nine-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left in the game to give Nebraska (8-3) the 27-24 victory over No. 24 Texas A&M (8-3). Taylor threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns. He now owns the Huskers record for TD passes in a season (21) and yards for a career (5,193). The win clinched the Cornhuskers a berth in the Big 12 title game.

Other scores from the top 25: No. 1 Ohio State 54, Northwestern 10; No. 2 Michigan 34, Indiana 3; No. 15 Rutgers 28, No. 3 Louisville 25; No. 7 USC 35, No. 21 Oregon 10; No. 9 Notre Dame 39, Air Force 17; No. 10 West Virginia 42, Cincinnati 24; No. 12 LSU 28, Alabama 14; No. 17 Oklahoma 34, Texas Tech 24; No. 18 Wake Forest 30, Florida State 0; No. 20 Virginia Tech 23, Kent State 0; No. 22 Boston College 28, Duke 7; and No. 25 BYU 55, Wyoming 7.

Highlight games for week 12 include: Michigan (11-0) at Ohio State (11-0); South Florida (7-3) at Louisville (8-1); Virginia Tech (8-2) at Wake Forest (9-1); Maryland (8-2) at Boston College (8-2); Auburn (9-2) at Alabama (6-5); Kansas State (7-4) at Kansas (6-5); and California (8-2) at USC (8-1).


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NFC Powers Collide in New York

The Chicago Bears head to New York to face the Giants in a battle that could decide home field in the NFC playoffs and maybe a preview of the title game.

The Bears (7-1) are coming off their first defeat of the season in a game which featured four Chicago turnovers in a 31-13 loss to Miami. Rex Grossman threw three interceptions and generally stank up Soldier Field, but the Bears got a break when Minnesota fell to San Francisco - allowing Chicago to keep its three game lead in the North division.

The Giants (6-2) defeated Houston 14-10 last week but it came with a heavy price. Michael Strahan sprained his foot and may miss up to eight weeks. In addition, Amani Toomer tore his ACL and is lost for the rest of the season.

They join a list of walking wounded in New York that includes Lavar Arrington, lost for the season with an Achilles' Tendon injury, and Osi Umenyiora, who may miss his third straight game due to a hip flexor. Linebacker Brandon Short (quad), reserve defensive end Justin Tuck (foot) and cornerback Sam Madison (hamstring) have each missed the last two games, although Madison practiced this week and could return.

Chicago has some injury issues of their own with Brian Urlacher (toe) and Bernard Berrian (ribs) listed as questionable and doubtful for Sunday nights game.

The Bears should be fired up after Plaxico Burress said earlier in the week that Chicago's secondary was beatable and not a concern. It should be a great game that could go along way in deciding a front runner in the wide open NFC race.

There are plenty of excellent games on tap for any football connoisseur, so set back, grab your chips and dip, get your fantasy football sheets out and enjoy the games. There will be no Sunday night game because of the World Series.

Here's the Corners predictions for week 10 in the NFL:

Buffalo at Indianapolis
The Bills travel to Indy without the injured Willis McGahee hoping the Colts are relaxing after back-to-back road victories over Denver and New England. Even if they have a letdown, which is understandable, Indianapolis has too much for Buffalo to overcome. Winner: Colts.

San Francisco at Detroit
The Niners come into this game riding high after an upset win over the Vikings. The Lions come in even high after an upset win over the Falcons. Winner: Lions.

San Diego at Cincinnati
The Bengals have been up-and-down all season, but the Chargers struggle some on the road. Look for Cincy to pull out a close one. Winner: Bengals.

Baltimore at Tennessee
Steve McNair goes home to the place he played for 11 season before being rudely shown the door. Now McNair will have the last laugh. Winner: Ravens.

Cleveland at Atlanta
Want to know a great way to get back on track after a devastating loss? Schedule the Browns at home. Winner: Falcons.

Washington at Philadelphia
The Redskins are coming off an improbable victory over the Cowboys and the Eagles have been struggling, losing three straight after a 4-1 start. A bye week and being at home should be the cure for what ails Philadelphia. Winner: Eagles.

Green Bay at Minnesota
The Vikings offense is a mess, but the defense isn't, and that should be enough to get the job done against the Packers. Winner: Vikings.

New York Jets at New England
The Jets are a better team in 2006 than they were last year, but going up and winning in New England isn't in the cards yet for Eric Mangini - who faces his old boss in Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Tom Brady will not have two bad games in a row. Winner: Patriots.

Kansas City at Miami
Larry Johnson is starting to find his groove and the Chiefs are warming up to coach Herm Edwards' style. At least the Dolphins can take solace in the fact that they ended Chicago's run at perfection. Winner: Chiefs.

Houston at Jacksonville
The Jags defense will bring too much pressure for David Carr and company to handle. Winner: Jaguars.

Denver at Oakland
If Andrew Walter thought he got beat up against the Seahawks last week, wait until he faces Denver's defense on Sunday. Winner: Broncos.

St. Louis at Seattle
Key battle in the NFC West with the Rams, losers of three straight, taking on division rival and first place Seattle. The Seahawks will be playing without Shawn Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck, so this is a good time for St. Louis to come out of its funk. Winner: Rams.

Dallas at Arizona
The Cardinals are struggle on and off the field after recent rumors surfaced of Denny Green's firing at the end of the season. Tony Romo is hot right now and the Cowboys should take care of business in Arizona. Winner: Cowboys.

New Orleans at Pittsburgh
The Saints go marching into Heinz Field to take on the sinking Super Bowl champs. Here's some stats to chew on: Since 2003, Pittsburgh has won nine of its past 10 vs. the NFC, including Super Bowl XL vs. Seattle. The Steelers are 4-0-1 at home vs. NFC South opponents under head coach Bill Cowher. Winner: Steelers.

Chicago Bears at New York Giants (Sunday night)
Look for the Bears to bounce back from their first loss with a strong game. The Giants have way too many injuries to try and overcome against a team like Chicago. Winner: Bears.

Tampa Bay at Carolina (Monday night)
The Panthers are coming off a bye and have a Monday night game at home. The fans will be pumped and so will the underachieving Carolina squad. Winner: Panthers.

The Corner Lowdown
Last week: 9-5
Overall: 77-35

NFL pro football Giants Bears


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Rutgers Makes Mess of BCS

Oh the wacky Big East.

Last week Louisville ended West Virginia's national title hopes with a convincing 44-34 victory and moved up to No. 3 in the BCS standings.

On Thursday night, in front of millions of TV viewers, No. 15 Rutgers returned the favor and smashed the title dreams of the Cardinals (8-1) with a 28-25 come-from-behind victory.

The Scarlet Knights, playing in front of the largest home crowd in school history, rallied from a 25-7 deficit to win on a Jeremy Ito 28-yard field goal with 13 seconds left in the game. Heisman candidate Ray Rice finished with 131 yards and two touchdowns.

Rutgers (9-0) has now thrown the BCS into a tailspin. The Scarlet Knights proved they can hang with anyone in the country, but their low BCS ranking (13th) could keep them put of the national championship race even if they go undefeated, which is a strong possibility.

A road game with Cincinnati, a home contest with Syracuse and the finale - on the road against the Mountaineers - are all that stand between Rutgers and an unbeaten season.

The last thing the BCS wants is more controversy and if the Scarlet Knights go undefeated and are left out of the championship game, controversy is exactly what they'll get.

Also on Thursday night, No. 25 BYU got 313 yards passing and two touchdowns from John Beck as the Cougars handed Wyoming a 55-7 beating. Beck has now moved into second place on the all-time BYU passing chart with 9,806 yards. Ty Detmer is first on the list with 15,031 yards.

Two games on tap this Saturday feature ranked teams meeting each other. No. 11 Arkansas (8-1) takes on No. 13 Tennessee (7-2), and No. 7 USC (7-1) hosts No. 21 Oregon (7-2).

Here's the Corners predictions for this weeks Top 25 battles:

Ohio State (1) at Northwestern
The Buckeyes were almost caught falling asleep last week. Don't look for that to happen again. Winner: Ohio State.

Michigan (2) at Indiana
The Hoosiers are hoping the Wolverines are looking ahead to Ohio State. The problem is Michigan did that last week with Ball State. Winner: Michigan.

Texas (4) at Kansas State
The Longhorns have won 17 straight on the road, including 13 consecutive Big 12 road games. Winner: Texas.

Georgia at Auburn (5)
The Tigers are looking for their third straight win over Georgia. Freshman QB Matthew Stafford will have a very long day for the Bulldogs. Winner: Auburn.

South Carolina at Florida (6)
Steve Spurrier returns to the Swamp - the site for most of his victories. Unfortunately for the coach, he'll be on the visitors side. Winner: Florida.

Oregon (21) at USC (7)
The Trojans are 17-0 in November under Pete Carroll. USC also has a 30-game winning streak in the Coliseum. Winner: USC.

California (8) at Arizona
The Bears are 6-0 in the Pac-10 for the first time since 1949. Cal may be looking ahead to the Trojans, but the Wildcat defense still won't be able to contain Marshawn Lynch and company. Winner: California.

Notre Dame (9) at Air Force
The Irish have won 13 consecutive games against the service academies and have won 10 of the last 11 against the Falcons. Winner: Notre Dame.

Cincinnati at West Virginia (10)
The Mountaineers will take out all their anger and frustration against the Bearcats. Winner: West Virginia.

Tennessee (13) at Arkansas (11)
The Hogs can move one step closer to winning the SEC West with a win, but Arkansas is 0-3 as a ranked team against the Vols. Winner: Tennessee.

Alabama at LSU (12)
The Tigers are 6-0 at home this season and their average margin of victory is nearly 40 points. Winner: LSU.

Boise State (14) at San Jose State
The Broncos have never lost to the Spartans (6-0) and aren't about to now. A win gets Boise closer to a BCS game. Winner: Boise State.

Wisconsin (16) at Iowa
The Hawkeyes have been an up-and-down team all season, but their last two wins against a ranked team have come against the Badgers. Wisconsin QB John Stocco is banged up, the Badgers are on the road, and this has all the elements of an upset in the making. Winner: Iowa.

Texas Tech at Oklahoma (17)
The Sooners will be looking for revenge after last years controversial loss in Lubbock. Winner: Oklahoma.

Wake Forest (18) at Florida State
The Seminoles are playing the spoiler's role against the Demon Deacons. However, Wake hasn't won in Tallahassee since 1959. Winner: Florida State.

Georgia Tech (19) at North Carolina
The Yellow Jackets can clinch a berth in the ACC title game with a win over the Tar Heels. Winner: Georgia Tech.

Kent State at Virginia Tech (20)
The Hokies will overpower the Flashes at home, where they have won 24 straight non-conference games. Winner: Virginia Tech.

Duke at Boston College (22)
The Blue Devils have lost 17 straight games, the longest such streak in the nation...make that 18 straight. Winner: Boston College

Miami (Fla) at Maryland (23)
The Hurricanes are thinking about the death of their friend and teammate - not a football game. Winner: Maryland.

Nebraska at Texas A&M (24)
The Aggies are 0-8 against the Huskers, Horns and Sooners under Dennis Franchione. That streak ends on Saturday. Winner: Texas A&M.

The Corner Lowdown:
Last week: 15-3
Overall: 123-25


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The Football Fanatics Show: 8

The Football Fanatics Show is a podcast for college and pro football fans featuring hard-hitting commentary with a tell-it-like-it-is attitude. Hell, we may even offend some people. The show features myself, Rich 'Richie' Hagan and Damon Freed chatting about pro and college football.

Each week will preview the upcoming games and look back at the week before. We'll also be giving away some prizes and freebie stuff in future shows. So stop on in and check us out. The show will be on every Thursday during the football season and twice a month during the offseason.

The eighth podcast of the Football Fanatics Show talks about the rumors in Arizona, the Giants injuries and the Byron Leftwich situation as well as a preview of this weeks games.

You can listen to the show in streaming media here.

Or you can download the podcast to your hard drive here. This is a big file so please be patient.


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NFL Week 10 Injury Report

By The Associated Press

Sunday

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS - Packers: DOUBTFUL: RB Brandon Miree (Elbow); RB Vernand Morency (Back). QUESTIONABLE: CB Charles Woodson (Knee); WR Greg Jennings (Ankle). PROBABLE: RB Ahman Green (Knee); TE Bubba Franks (Wrist); DT Johnny Jolly (Ankle); T Chad Clifton (Knee); S Nick Collins (Kidney). Vikings: QUESTIONABLE: WR Marcus Robinson (Back); LB Napoleon Harris (Wrist); DE Darrion Scott (Ankle); DT Pat Williams (Knee); RB Tony Richardson (Thumb); RB Chester Taylor (Calf). PROBABLE: DT Kevin Williams (Ankle); C Matt Birk (Neck); S Will Hunter (Back).

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT TENNESSEE TITANS - Ravens: QUESTIONABLE: TE Todd Heap (Ankle); CB Corey Ivy (Abdomen); LB Ray Lewis (Back); S Ed Reed (Neck). PROBABLE: DT Kelly Gregg (Wrist); LB Adalius Thomas (Neck). Titans: OUT: DE Antwan Odom (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR David Givens (Hand); TE Casey Cramer (Concussion); LB Robert Reynolds (Quadricep); LB David Thornton (Shoulder); WR Bobby Wade (Shoulder); DE DeQuincy Scott (Foot); TE Ben Hartsock (Hamstring).

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT ATLANTA FALCONS - Browns: DOUBTFUL: CB Leigh Bodden (Ankle). QUESTIONABLE: G Joe Andruzzi (Knee); CB Daven Holly (Illness); LB Willie McGinest (Ankle); WR Dennis Northcutt (Ribs); QB Charlie Frye (Thumb); T Kelly Butler (Wrist); G Cosey Coleman (Knee); LB Leon Williams (Ankle); LB Matt Stewart (Head); WR Joe Jurevicius (Back); CB Jereme Perry (Ankle); DE Orpheus Roye (Hamstring); T Ryan Tucker (Illness); TE Kellen Winslow (Knee). Falcons: OUT: DE John Abraham (Groin). QUESTIONABLE: LB Edgerton Hartwell (Knee); RB Jerious Norwood (Knee); RB Fred McCrary (Knee); WR Ashley Lelie (Groin); CB Jason Webster (Groin); DT Grady Jackson (Knee); T Todd Weiner (Knee); TE Alge Crumpler (Ankle).

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS - Chargers: QUESTIONABLE: DE Derreck Robinson (Foot); LB Shaun Phillips (Calf); S Marlon McCree (Calf); DE Luis Castillo (Ankle). PROBABLE: S Bhawoh Jue (Knee); WR Vincent Jackson (Leg). Bengals: OUT: C Rich Braham (Knee); T Levi Jones (Knee); WR Kelley Washington (Hamstring). DOUBTFUL: LB Brian Simmons (Neck); S Kevin Kaesviharn (Knee). PROBABLE: DT Sam Adams (Knee); T Willie Anderson (Shoulder); TE Reggie Kelly (Back); CB Tory James (Knee).

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT DETROIT LIONS - 49ers: DOUBTFUL: TE Vernon Davis (Fibula). QUESTIONABLE: CB Walt Harris (Hip); S Chad Williams (Quadricep). Lions: QUESTIONABLE: DT Shaun Cody (Toe); DE James Hall (Shoulder); G Blaine Saipaia (Chest); TE Sean McHugh (Knee).

BUFFALO BILLS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - Bills: OUT: RB Willis McGahee (Rib); WR Josh Reed (Kidney). PROBABLE: WR Sam Aiken (Hamstring). Colts: OUT: DT Montae Reagor (Head). QUESTIONABLE: LB Keith O'Neil (Ankle); LB Rob Morris (Hamstring); DE Robert Mathis (Shoulder); LB Gary Brackett (Hamstring); LB Rocky Boiman (Concussion); CB Matt Giordano (Calf); G Ryan Lilja (Knee); T Ryan Diem (Calf); RB Joseph Addai (Wrist); TE Ben Utecht (Low Back); DE Josh Thomas (Knee); WR Brandon Stokley (Knee); S Bob Sanders (Knee); DT Darrell Reid (Finger).

HOUSTON TEXANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - Texans: OUT: LB DaShon Polk (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: DT Lional Dalton (Ankle). PROBABLE: DT Travis Johnson (Illness); DE Mario Williams (Illness); C Drew Hodgdon (Back); T Ephraim Salaam (Ankle); DT Anthony Maddox (Illness). Jaguars: OUT: DE Brent Hawkins (Groin). DOUBTFUL: LB Jorge Cordova (Hamstring); DT Marcus Stroud (Ankle); T Stockar McDougle (Ankle); RB Derrick Wimbush (Ankle). QUESTIONABLE: S Donovin Darius (Knee); CB Terry Cousin (Groin); DT John Henderson (Hamstring); CB Rashean Mathis (Hamstring). PROBABLE: DE Bobby McCray (Hip); RB Fred Taylor (Groin); QB Byron Leftwich (Ankle); LB Brian Iwuh (Shin); DE Marcellus Wiley (Groin).

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS - Chiefs: OUT: G Brian Waters (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: QB Trent Green (Head); T Kevin Sampson (Foot); LB Derrick Johnson (Ankle); S Greg Wesley (Shoulder). PROBABLE: DE Tamba Hali (Hip). Dolphins: DOUBTFUL: QB Daunte Culpepper (Knee).

WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - Redskins: QUESTIONABLE: TE Christian Fauria (Ankle); WR Santana Moss (Hamstring). PROBABLE: WR David Patten (Hamstring); TE Chris Cooley (Shoulder); T Jon Jansen (Calf); CB Carlos Rogers (Thumb). Eagles: PROBABLE: DT Mike Patterson (Hand); CB Lito Sheppard (Hand); RB Brian Westbrook (Ankle).

NEW YORK JETS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - Jets: QUESTIONABLE: RB B.J. Askew (Foot); WR Tim Dwight (Thigh); RB Cedric Houston (Knee); CB David Barrett (Hip); WR Laveranues Coles (Calf); WR Justin McCareins (Foot). PROBABLE: RB Kevan Barlow (Calf); LB Matt Chatham (Foot); CB Andre Dyson (Ankle); G Pete Kendall (Knee); QB Chad Pennington (Calf); QB Patrick Ramsey (Thigh). Patriots: OUT: S Rodney Harrison (Shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: G Russ Hochstein (Knee); TE Daniel Graham (Ankle); CB Ellis Hobbs (Wrist); RB Laurence Maroney (Ankle); TE Garrett Mills (Thigh); G Steve Neal (Shoulder); DE Richard Seymour (Elbow); DE Ty Warren (Shoulder); S Eugene Wilson (Hamstring). PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder).

DENVER BRONCOS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS - Broncos: OUT: S Sam Brandon (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: RB Tatum Bell (Toe); DE Patrick Chukwurah (Hamstring); DE Ebenezer Ekuban (Thigh); S Nick Ferguson (Concussion); LB Ian Gold (Hamstring); RB Kyle Johnson (Ankle); S John Lynch (Concussion); WR Rod Smith (Shoulder); CB Darrent Williams (Shoulder); LB Al Wilson (Concussion). PROBABLE: RB Cedric Cobbs (Ankle); DT Gerard Warren (Toe). Raiders: QUESTIONABLE: S Jarrod Cooper (Hamstring); RB Zack Crockett (Knee); QB Aaron Brooks (Right Shoulder); TE Randal Williams (Back); LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (Foot); G Barry Sims (Abdomen). PROBABLE: RB LaMont Jordan (Back); RB Justin Fargas (Shoulder); S Michael Huff (Concussion).

ST. LOUIS RAMS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - Rams: QUESTIONABLE: LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (Hand). PROBABLE: S Jerome Carter (Elbow); LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (Hip); DE Leonard Little (Knee). Seahawks: OUT: LB D.D. Lewis (Toe); RB Josh Parry (Foot); DT Marcus Tubbs (Knee). DOUBTFUL: RB Shaun Alexander (Foot); QB Matt Hasselbeck (Knee); T Sean Locklear (Ankle). QUESTIONABLE: CB Jordan Babineaux (Shoulder); WR Nate Burleson (Foot); WR Bobby Engram (Illness). PROBABLE: C Robbie Tobeck (Elbow).

DALLAS COWBOYS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS - Cowboys: PROBABLE: WR Terry Glenn (Quadricep). Cardinals: QUESTIONABLE: WR Troy Walters (Hand); RB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (Fibula). PROBABLE: WR Larry Fitzgerald (Hamstring).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS - Saints: OUT: TE Ernie Conwell (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: TE Nate Lawrie (Back); CB Fred Thomas (Hamstring); WR Joe Horn (Groin); T Jammal Brown (Ankle). PROBABLE: RB Reggie Bush (Ankle). Steelers: OUT: LB James Harrison (Ankle); WR Willie Reid (Foot). DOUBTFUL: C Jeff Hartings (Knee); LB Clint Kriewaldt (Back). QUESTIONABLE: LB James Farrior (Groin); S Mike Logan (Hamstring); LB Larry Foote (Ribs). PROBABLE: RB Najeh Davenport (Knee); LB Clark Haggans (Groin); WR Sean Morey (Toe); S Troy Polamalu (Foot); CB Deshea Townsend (Quadricep).

CHICAGO BEARS AT NEW YORK GIANTS - Bears: DOUBTFUL: WR Bernard Berrian (Ribs). QUESTIONABLE: LB Brian Urlacher (Toe); CB Dante Wesley (Knee). PROBABLE: WR Muhsin Muhammad (Knee). Giants: OUT: DE Michael Strahan (Foot); WR Amani Toomer (Knee). DOUBTFUL: DE Osi Umenyiora (Hip Flexor). QUESTIONABLE: WR Plaxico Burress (Back Spasms); LB Carlos Emmons (Groin); CB Sam Madison (Hamstring); WR Sinorice Moss (Quadricep); LB Brandon Short (Quadricep); DE Justin Tuck (Foot). PROBABLE: RB Jim Finn (Knee).

Monday

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS - Buccaneers: QUESTIONABLE: RB Michael Pittman (Shoulder); LB Shelton Quarles (Knee); DE Simeon Rice (Shoulder); DT Ellis Wyms (Ankle). PROBABLE: CB Juran Bolden (Hip). Panthers: OUT: DT Jordan Carstens (Chest). DOUBTFUL: C Justin Hartwig (Groin). QUESTIONABLE: CB Ken Lucas (Groin). PROBABLE: WR Keyshawn Johnson (Illness).

NFL football pro football injury report


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College Football News

Miami defensive lineman Bryan Pata was shot and killed Tuesday night at his apartment complex, school officials said.

The shooting occurred about two hours after the Hurricanes ended their afternoon practice.

Pata, a 22-year-old senior who grew up in Miami, was pronounced dead in the parking lot outside his apartment, and his death was ruled a homicide, Miami-Dade police spokesman Roy Rutland said.

Rutland said police were called at 7:30 p.m. to the scene and found Pata's body. He lived about four miles from campus.

The circumstances around Pata's death were not immediately clear, and Miami-Dade police did not say who made the 911 call after the shooting.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman played 41 games, making 23 starts, and was expected to be selected in next spring's NFL draft.

****
Three Tennessee players were suspended Monday after their arrests on charges of disorderly conduct and underage drinking at a nightclub after the Volunteers' loss to Louisiana State.

Starting tailback Arian Foster, safety Antonio Wardlow and fullback David Holbert, each 20 years old, were charged with disorderly conduct and underage consumption of alcohol. Wardlow also was charged with public intoxication.

Authorities said Holbert and Wardlow were fighting each other outside Good Fellas nightclub in Knoxville when they were confronted by the police.

Fulmer suspended Foster for the first half of Saturday's matchup against Arkansas, and Holbert for the game. Wardlow will not play against the 11th-ranked Razorbacks and also is suspended for Tennessee's game against Vanderbilt on Nov. 18.

****
Joe Paterno wants to coach this weekend, but don't look for him to pace the sidelines in his blue Penn State jacket and rolled-up khakis.

The 79-year-old coach was listed in good condition Monday at Mt. Nittany Medical Center after an 80-minute operation a day earlier on his broken shin bone and two torn knee ligaments. The injuries stemmed from a sideline hit during last week's loss to Wisconsin.

He was expected to be remain in the hospital through today, assistant athletic director Jeff Nelson said.

Paterno plans to coach Saturday against Temple, though it's unclear if that means from the Beaver Stadium sidelines or a coach's box.

****
Navy has accepted an invitation to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl at Charlotte, N.C., on Dec. 30 and will match up against an opponent from the Atlantic Coast Conference, bowl executive director Will Webb said.

The Midshipmen (6-3) will play in a bowl game for the school-record fourth straight year.

football college football Miami Hurricanes


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NFL News and Notes

New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right foot, the team announced yesterday.

Strahan was hurt during the second quarter of Sunday's 14-10 victory over the Houston Texans, which improved the Giants' record to 6-2 entering Sunday night's showdown with the Chicago Bears (7-1) at Giants Stadium.

This is the latest in a string of injuries for the Giants. All-Pro DE Osi Umenyiora and backup DE Jason Tuck are out with injuries and MLB Lavar Arrington is out for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon.

****
The NFL made its second set of moves under its flexible-scheduling plan. The Nov. 19 game between the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos was moved to 8:15 p.m. Eastern time on NBC. The Indianapolis Colts-Dallas Cowboys game on the same day was moved to 4:15 p.m. on CBS.

****
Buffalo tailback Willis McGahee broke a rib in Sunday's victory over the Green Bay Packers, Bills Coach Dick Jauron announced. Jauron said at a news conference that McGahee's playing status for this week wasn't clear yet.

Also, Jauron said that wide receiver Josh Reed spent Sunday night in a Buffalo area hospital after bruising his kidney in the game.

****
Brian Urlacher sprained his toe in Sunday's loss to Miami and will be evaluated day-to-day by Lovie Smith and the staff.

Also, Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kevin Mathis will miss the rest of the season after suffering a neck injury during Sunday's loss at Detroit. Mathis has feeling and movement in his extremities, according to Falcons Coach Jim Mora, but his football future is unclear.

****
David Garrard will stay as the starting quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars for quite awhile, at least that's what head coach Jack Del Rio said during his news conference yesterday.

According to Del Rio, Byron Leftwich's injured ankle probably won't improve much this season. Could it be the injury or the fact that Garrard is 2-0 as a starter that Del Rio wants to keep him in?

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NFL Roundup: Week 9

Some observations, comments and opinions about Sunday's NFL games.

Indianapolis 27, New England 20
Peyton Manning threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns and the Colts defense picked off Tom Brady three times to remain unbeaten at 8-0. Indy is now the only undefeated team left in the NFL. The Colts became the only team to start consecutive seasons at 8-0 since the Green Bay Packers did it three straight years from 1929-31. The Patriots fell to 6-2.

Denver 31, Pittsburgh 20
A rematch of last seasons AFC championship game had a much different ending this year. Javon Walker scored three touchdowns as the Broncos (6-2) ended any realistic chance the Steelers had of defending their title in the playoffs. Pittsburgh's sixth loss in seven games left them with a 2-6 record, matching their worst in coach Bill Cowher's 15 seasons and by any returning NFL champion in the last 20 seasons. No team has bounced back from a 2-6 record and a loss in its eighth game to make the playoffs.

San Diego 32, Cleveland 25
LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Chargers (6-2) to a win over the Browns (2-6). Tomlinson has scored 14 touchdowns this season.

San Francisco 9, Minnesota 3
Joe Nedney kicked three field goals and the 49ers (3-5) hung on for their eighth straight home victory since 1988 over the Vikings (4-4). San Francisco had only 133 yards of total offense in the game, but still came out the victors.

Miami 31, Chicago 13
What is it about undefeated Chicago teams playing the Dolphins? For the second time in history - the first was in 1985 - the Dolphins (2-6) have knocked the Bears (7-1) from their undefeated perch. Ronnie Brown rushed for a career-high 157 yards and Jason Taylor forced a fumble and returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown. Chicago committed four fumbles and lost three to go with Rex Grossman's three interceptions.

Baltimore 26, Cincinnati 20
Steve McNair passed for 245 yards, Jamal Lewis scored a touchdown and Matt Stover kicked four field goals for the Ravens (6-2), who took a two-game lead over Cincinnati (4-4) in the AFC North. Carson Palmer threw one touchdown pass, but was intercepted twice as the Bengals lost for the fourth time in five games.

Washington 22, Dallas 19
In a finish as crazy as any in the Redskins-Cowboys rivalry, Washington's Nick Novak got two chances for a game-winning field goal. He missed the first, and barely made the second -- with no time left on the clock. Novak's 47-yard kick snapped the Redskins' three-game losing streak. Novak was wide right on a 49-yard field-goal try with 31 seconds left, then Cowboys kicker Mike Vanderjagt's chip shot with 6 seconds to go was blocked by Troy Vincent. Sean Taylor picked up the bouncing ball and made a weaving, tackle-busting return into Dallas territory as time expired. Dallas' Kyle Kosier was flagged for a facemask penalty on the return, tacking on another 15 yards -- and meaning the game would continue for one more play. That wound up being Novak's field goal, when the ball barely sneaked inside the right upright.

New York Giants 14, Houston 10
Tiki Barber rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown as the Giants (6-2) won their fifth straight game by beating the Texans (2-6). Jeremy Shockey capped the go-ahead 67-yard drive with a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.

Jacksonville 37, Tennessee 7
David Garrard made it 2-0 as a starting quarterback as the Jaguars (5-3) ended the two-game winning streak of the Titans (2-6) in dominating fashion. Vince Young had his worst day as a pro. He was intercepted three times, sacked once and basically roughed up the entire game as Jacksonville improved to 4-0 at home.

New Orleans 31, Tampa Bay 14
Marques Colston caught 11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, and Drew Brees threw for 314 yards and three TDs. The Saints (6-2) reached the midpoint of the season with twice as many wins as they had all last year. The Bucs fell to 2-6 on the year.

Buffalo 24, Green Bay 14
The Bills defense forced four turnovers and turned two of them into scores to end the three-game losing streak of Buffalo (3-5). Rookie safety Ko Simpson sealed the win when he intercepted a Favre pass on first down from the 1 with the Packers (3-5) down 17-10. Simpson returned it 76 yards to set up Anthony Thomas' 14-yard touchdown run.

Detroit 30, Atlanta 14
The Lions turned Michael Vick's two first-half turnovers into touchdowns and Roy Williams had a 60-yard TD early in the fourth quarter to give Detroit (2-6) the upset victory over Atlanta (5-3), who fell a game behind New Orleans in the NFC South.

Two impressive wins over the Broncos and the Patriots have definitely pushed the Colts to the forefront as Super Bowl favorite. To beat two teams with a combined 12-4 record on the road is pretty special indeed. With the improved play of the defense and the emergence of Joseph Addai at running back, Indianapolis looks to have all the pieces in place for a Super Bowl run.

Despite the loss to Miami, the Bears still appear to be the best in the NFC. It's hard to win when you turn the ball over and that's what did in Chicago on Sunday. With their defense, if they protect the ball on offense, then the Bears will be hard to stop.

The league has the parity it was after for so long and there are no sure shots, but a Colts-Bears Super Bowl is looking more and more likely.

The Seattle Seahawks, playing without Matt Hasselbeck and Shawn Alexander, could take over sole possession of first place in the NFC West with a victory over the suddenly hot Oakland Raiders, winners of two straight.

The Seahawks (4-3) are coming off a loss to Kansas City, while the Raiders (2-5) defeated the Steelers last week. Seattle should have the advantage playing at home.

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Louisville Jumps to No. 3 in BCS

Welcome to the big time Louisville.

The Cardinals (8-0) surged into third place in the Bowl Championship Series standings Sunday, putting some distance between themselves and the other title contenders.

Louisville has four games left, three against teams with winning records, and it looks as if the Cardinals are a good bet to earn a spot in the national championship game if they stay unbeaten -- though not quite a lock.

Ohio State (10-0) and Michigan (10-0) remained at the top of the BCS standings, despite ugly wins on Saturday, and on course to meet Nov. 18 in Columbus with a bid to the Jan. 8 title game in Glendale, Ariz., on the line.

But the Cardinals were the big winners this week. Their 44-34 victory over West Virginia, last week's third-place team, gave them the necessary boost to jump over fourth-place Florida. And with another big game Thursday night at undefeated Rutgers, the Cardinals are in position to get another bump up with a victory.

West Virginia dropped to No. 10 following the loss in Louisville.

Louisville was third in the latest Harris poll, fourth in the coaches' poll and third in the computer rankings for a BCS average of .8907. Each of those components account for one-third of a BCS average.

Ohio State is an overwhelming No. 1 in the polls and second in the computers. Michigan is second in the polls but first in the computers.

Once-beaten Florida stayed in fourth with an average of .8017, and Texas (.7998) made a big jump from seventh to fifth, just a shade behind the Gators.

Auburn (.7814) is not far behind in sixth, followed by USC, California, Notre Dame and West Virginia.

In The Associated Press Top 25, Ohio State is No. 1 followed by Michigan, Louisville, Texas and Auburn.

The Fighting Irish are still one spot behind where they need to be in the BCS standings at the end of the regular season to earn automatic entry into the five multimillion dollar bowl games. An eighth-place finish guarantees Notre Dame a spot, though staying in the top 12 is enough to make the Irish eligible for selection.

Unbeaten Rutgers, idle last week, fell from No. 12 to No. 13. Boise State, also unbeaten, is 14th for a second consecutive week, two spots behind the top 12 that would give the Broncos an automatic BCS bid. But if the season ended today, Boise State would be in because it ranks in the top 16 and has a better BCS average than any Atlantic Coast Conference team.

If the unbeaten Broncos stay in the top 16 and finish ahead of the ACC champion, they'll become the first Western Athletic Conference team to earn a BCS bid.

Georgia Tech is currently the highest rated ACC team in the BCS standings in 18th place.

The champions of the Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Southeastern Conference and Pac-10 receive automatic bids to the BCS.

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Ohio State a Unanimous No. 1

By The Associated Press

It's unanimous. Ohio State received all 65 first-place votes in The Associated Press Top 25 released Sunday to become the first unanimous No. 1 in three years.

The last team to sweep the media panel voting was Oklahoma on Nov. 30, 2003, the week before the Sooners lost the Big 12 championship game to Kansas State.

The Buckeyes have been top-ranked all season, and for the fourth straight week their Big Ten rival, Michigan, was No. 2.

The Buckeyes and Wolverines had closer-than-expected wins Saturday. Ohio State won 17-10 at Illinois and Michigan held off Ball State 34-26.

Louisville received its best ranking, moving up two spots to No. 3 after its 44-34 victory over West Virginia on Thursday. The Mountaineers had been No. 3, but their first loss of the season dropped them seven spots to No. 10.

No. 4 Texas was just three points behind unbeaten Louisville.

No. 5 was Auburn and Florida was sixth, the Southeastern Conference rivals separated by six points.

Southern California was No. 7, right in front of Pac-10 rival California.

Notre Dame and West Virginia finished off the top 10.

Three SEC teams start the second 10, with Arkansas, LSU and Tennessee. The Tigers beat the Volunteers 28-24 on Saturday and the Razorbacks host Tennessee this week.

Unbeaten Boise State was No. 14 and unbeaten Rutgers was 15th. The Scarlet Knights get a chance to make a big leap in the ranking on Thursday night when they host Louisville.

No. 16 was Wisconsin, followed by Oklahoma and three Atlantic Coast Conference teams — Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech.

Oregon is No. 21 with Boston College, Maryland, Texas A&M and BYU rounding out the Top 25.

Maryland and BYU were in the rankings for the first time this season. The Terps defeated Clemson 13-12 on a last-second field goal to move into the rankings for the first time since the middle of the 2003 season. The loss knocked Clemson out of the rankings for the second time this season.

Washington State also dropped out of the rankings after being in for just one week. The Cougars lost 27-17 at home to Arizona.

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College Football Notes: Week 10

Week 10 of the college football season was a picture perfect example of why you can't take anyone lightly.

The top two teams in the country - Ohio State and Michigan - had to survive against teams that came in with a combined record of 5-13.

The Buckeyes (10-0) needed to cover an Illinois on-side kick with 1:40 to go in the game to hang on for the 17-10 victory. No. 1 Ohio State was held to its fewest points, total yards and passing yards this season and had its streak of winning games by 17 or more points stopped at nine. The Fighting Illini are now 2-8 on the season.

Second ranked Michigan remained perfect at 10-0, but had to fight off an inspired Ball State (3-7) club for a 34-26 victory. The Cardinals had seven chances late in the game inside the Wolverines 10 and couldn't score.

Michigan running backs Mike Hart and freshman Brandon Minor led the offensive attack with 154 and 108 yards respectively.

No. 5 Florida (8-1) survived a furious fourth quarter rally by Vanderbilt (4-6) to hang on for a 25-19 victory. Chris Leak ran for two touchdowns and threw for another as that Gators notched their 16th straight victory in the series.

JaMarcus Russell hit Early Doucet with a 4-yard touchdown pass with 9 seconds left in the game to give No. 13 LSU (7-2) the victory over No. 8 Tennessee (7-2). The win marked only the second time that the Tigers had won in Neyland Stadium. The Vols loss gave Florida the East Division title in the SEC.

Darren McFadden ran for 219 yards and two touchdowns as Arkansas (8-1) won a hard-fought battle over South Carolina (5-4). Razorbacks WR Marcus Monk had nine catches for a career-high 192 yards.

P.J. Hill, the Badgers redshirt freshman rushed for 148 yards on 31 carries as No. 17 Wisconsin improved to 9-1 on the year with a 13-3 win over Penn State (6-4). Joe Paterno was forced to leave the sideline for the second time this season after one of his players tumbled into his leg early in the third quarter. No word yet on the severity of the injury.

In a battle of top 25 clubs, Wake Forest defensive back Patrick Ghee intercepted Matt Ryan in the end zone with just under a minute left in the game to give the No. 22 Demon Deacons (8-1) the 21-14 victory over No. 16 Boston College (7-2). Wake Forest snapped a nine-game losing streak to ranked teams.

Allen Patrick ran for 173 yards and a touchdown to lead No. 17 Oklahoma (7-2) to the win over No. 21 Texas A&M (8-2). The Sooners ended the day with 256 total yards, 220 of those on the ground.

Sam Hollenbach threw for 247 yards and a score, and also set up the game-winning FG by converting a fourth-and-inches with a QB sneak to give Maryland (7-2) the victory over No. 19 Clemson (7-3) in Death Valley. Terps kicker Dan Ennis converted a 31-yard field goal with no time left.

Two games made our upset of the day. The first was Arizona knocking off No. 25 Washington State (6-4) and Northwestern (3-7) stunning Iowa, 21-7.

The Wildcats ran for a total of 116 yards after coming into the game dead last in the Pac-10 in rushing at 71.4 yards per game. Arizona tailback Mark Henry ran for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

Northwestern RB Tyrell Sutton exploded for 168 yards and a score to lead the Wildcats. Hawkeye QB Drew Tate was intercepted twice as Iowa fell to 6-4 on the season.

Other scores from the top 25: No. 4 Texas 36, Oklahoma State 10; No. 6 Auburn 27, Arkansas State 0; No. 9 USC 42, Stanford 0; No. 10 California 38, UCLA 24; No. 11 Notre Dame 45, North Carolina 26; No. 14 Boise State 45, Fresno State 21; No. 20 Georgia Tech 31, North Carolina State 23; Virginia Tech 17, Miami (FL) 10; No. 24 Oregon 34, Washington 14; and let's not forget No. 5 Louisville 44, No. 3 West Virginia 34 from Thursday.

Highlight games for week 11 include: Louisville (8-0) at Rutgers (8-0); Tennessee (7-2) at Arkansas (8-1); Nebraska (7-3) at Texas A&M (8-2); Oregon (7-2) at USC (7-1); Alabama (6-4) at LSU (7-2); Miami (5-4) at Maryland (7-2); Texas Tech (6-4) at Oklahoma (7-2); Wisconsin (9-1) at Iowa (6-4); South Carolina (5-4) at Florida (8-1); and Georgia (6-4) at Auburn (9-1).

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AFC Powers Headline NFL Slate

Isn't it funny that it took the Indianapolis Colts leaving the AFC East to create a rivalry with the New England Patriots.

In the past, a Colts-Patriots meeting didn't make anyone step up and say, 'wow, what a game this is going to be.' My how times have changed.

Indianapolis is 7-0 and have a superstar quarterback in Peyton Manning. New England is 6-1 and have a superstar quarterback of its own in Tom Brady, owner of three Super Bowl rings.

The Colts became the first team to start 7-0 in consecutive seasons since the 1929-31 Green Bay Packers did it three straight years.

Indianapolis traveled to New England with a 7-0 record on the first weekend of November last season. Manning and Brady each threw three touchdowns, and Indianapolis beat the Patriots 40-21 -- the Colts' first victory in seven tries against Brady and their first road win over New England since 1995.

Throw in clutch kicker Adam Vinatieri, who left the Pats after 10 seasons, and you can see how and why the rivalry has developed so intensely. Bring it on I say.

There are plenty of excellent games on tap for any football connoisseur, so set back, grab your chips and dip, get your fantasy football sheets out and enjoy the games. There will be no Sunday night game because of the World Series.

Here's the Corners predictions for week nine in the NFL:

Atlanta at Detroit
Michael Vick finally realizes he's a quarterback, at least for now. Lions fans are ready to bring out the Matt Millen effigy doll. Winner: Falcons.

Miami at Chicago
Some of the 1972 Dolphins team is coming to the game in hopes that the Bears lose and keep their record as the only perfect team intact. It ain't gonna matter one little iota. Winner: Bears.

Green Bay at Buffalo
The Packers have Favre and are getting better each week. The Bills have J.P. Losman and are getting worse. Winner: Packers.

Cincinnati at Baltimore
Big game in a battle between the top two teams in the AFC North. Chad Johnson, I mean 'Ocho Cinco,' and the Bengals offense have been inconsistent all year long and need to put back-to-back solid games together. This is the week they start it. Winner: Bengals.

Dallas at Washington
Throw the records out in this heated rivalry that spans generations. Tony Romo won in his QB debut for the Cowboys, but all may not be rosy come Sunday. Expect a steady diet of blitzing from Gregg Williams and the Redskin defense. Winner: Redskins.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay
The Saints have played and won the majority of their games at home. Playing a division rival on the road is never easy. Look for a close one with Drew Brees having a big game. Winner: Saints.

Kansas City at St. Louis
The Battle of Missouri takes place this week. The Rams have struggled on defense lately, losing two straight. The Chiefs got a monster game from Larry Johnson last week and St. Louis has problems with big, physical backs. The Rams are solid at home and despite surrendering some yards this week - should win the game. Winner: Rams.

Houston at New York Giants
The Giants should have no problems even though the Texans are improving from week to week. Winner: Giants.

Tennessee at Jacksonville
David Garrard starts for the second straight week ahead of Byron Leftwich, but make no mistake, it will be the Jags defense that ends the Titans two-game win streak. Winner: Jaguars.

Minnesota at San Francisco
The Vikings are banged up and coming off a blowout loss to the Patriots. What better way to heal than a California road trip? Winner: Vikings.

Cleveland at San Diego
The Chargers have a hard-working, intimidating defense even with Shawne Merriman out of the lineup. The Browns will soon find out how nasty the Bolts really are. Winner: Chargers.

Denver at Pittsburgh
The sky is falling in on the 2-5 Super Bowl champion Steelers. It's about to get a whole lot worse as Denver ventures to Heinz Field with its big-time defense and a nasty attitude after last weeks loss to Indy. Winner: Broncos.

Indianapolis at New England (Sunday night)
A key battle in the quest for home field throughout the playoffs. Look for Manning to make it two in a row over Brady and the Pats. Winner: Colts.

Oakland at Seattle (Monday night)
The suddenly winning Raiders have the unenviable task of going up and trying to beat the Seahawks in Seattle. Even with Matt Hasselbeck and Shawn Alexander out, Oakland's modest winning surge will come to an end on Monday. Winner: Seahawks.

The Corner Lowdown
Last week: 5-9 (terrible!)
Overall: 68-30

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Louisville Makes Statement Against WVU

The Louisville Cardinals ended West Virginia's national title hopes with a 44-34 victory over the third-ranked Mountaineers at Papa John's Field in Louisville last night, sending shockwaves through the BCS rankings.

The fifth-ranked Cardinals (8-0), who received 354 yards passing from Brian Brohm, should move up to the third spot vacated by West Virginia (7-1). The biggest victory in the programs history also leaves them in an excellent position in the national championship race.

Undefeated Rutgers and Pitt seem to be the only teams standing in the way of a perfect season for Louisville.

Three more games on tap for Saturday feature ranked teams squaring off with each other.

No. 8 Tennessee (7-1) hosts No. 13 LSU (6-2); No. 16 Boston College (7-1) travels to No. 22 Wake Forest (7-1); and No. 18 Oklahoma (6-2) is on the road against Texas A&M (8-1).

Here's the Corners predictions for this weeks Top 25 battles:

Ohio State (1) at Illinois
The Buckeyes are steamrolling through the Big Ten and no one seems to able to stop them. Ohio State has out-scored its opponents by a 126-10 margin in the last three games. Winner: Ohio State.

Ball State at Michigan (2)
The Wolverines won't have to worry about looking ahead to Ohio State in this one. It will be over by halftime. Winner: Michigan.

Oklahoma State at Texas (4)
This is by no means an easy one for the Longhorns. The Cowboys are coming of the upset of Nebraska and have actually had big halftime leads over Texas in the last two meetings only to come up short. The Longhorns have the advantage of playing at home. Winner: Texas.

Arkansas State at Auburn (6)
Let's just move along shall we? Winner: Auburn.

Florida (7) at Vanderbilt
The Gators have won 17 straight against Vanderbilt and could clinch their division with a wins on Saturday and against South Carolina on November 11. Winner: Florida.

LSU (13) at Tennessee (8)
The Vols are at home and have the better record, but the Tigers have the better team. Winner: LSU

USC (9) at Stanford
There isn't a better way to get over a heartbreaking loss than to play a winless Cardinal squad. Winner: USC.

UCLA at California (10)
The Bruins are in a tailspin, losing three straight after a 4-1 start. Don't expect the Bears to look past UCLA though. Cal hasn't won the Pac-10 title since 1958 and they are hungry. Winner: California.

North Carolina at Notre Dame (11)
Touchdown Jesus will be busy on Saturday. Winner: Notre Dame.

Arkansas (12) at South Carolina
Steve Spurrier's squad wasn't able to upset the Vols, but they get another chance to wreak havoc on a team's SEC title chances when Arkansas visits. This is where a cupcake schedule comes back to bite you. Winner: South Carolina.

Boston College (16) at Wake Forest (22)
Expect a close one. Each of their last three meetings were decided by five points or less. Winner: Boston College.

Penn State at Wisconsin (17)
The health of P.J. Hill is a concern and the Badgers win on a wing and a prayer, but playing in the friendly confines of Camp Randall should help. Winner: Wisconsin.

Oklahoma (18) at Texas A&M (21)
It's the strong Aggie running game (213.0) against the equally strong Sooners run defense (77.0). Always go with the defense. Winner: Oklahoma.

Maryland at Clemson (19)
Terps coach Ralph Friedgen has done a tremendous job this season, but going to Death Valley is never easy. ACC title hopes are on the line in this one. Winner: Clemson.

Georgia Tech (20) at North Carolina State
The last six games between these two teams have been decided by 10 points or less, but the Yellowjackets have more offensive talent and should prevail. Winner: Georgia Tech.

Virginia Tech (23) at Miami
The Canes are in disarray right now, but they still play tough at home. The Hurricanes have allowed 18 sacks this season. The Hokies have collected 21 sacks in 2006. That could be a major problem. Winner: Virginia Tech.

Washington at Oregon (24)
The Huskies must venture to Autzen Stadium where no one wants to play. Winner: Oregon.

Arizona at Washington State (25)
Washington State ranks 16th in the nation in passing yards; Arizona ranks 72nd. The Cougars rank 15th in total yards; Arizona ranks 114th. Looks like a long day for the Wildcats.

The Corner Lowdown:
Last week: 15-3
Overall: 108-22

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The Football Fanatics Show: 7

The Football Fanatics Show is a podcast for college and pro football fans featuring hard-hitting commentary with a tell-it-like-it-is attitude. Hell, we may even offend some people. The show features myself, Rich 'Richie' Hagan and Damon Freed chatting about pro and college football.

Each week will preview the upcoming games and look back at the week before. We'll also be giving away some prizes and freebie stuff in future shows. So stop on in and check us out. The show will be on every Thursday during the football season and twice a month during the offseason.

This week we discuss the Colts, Bears and the rise of Tony Romo. In addition, we preview this weeks games and talks about the BCS.

You can listen to the show in streaming media here.

Or you can download the podcast to your hard drive here. This is a big file so please be patient.

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NFL Week 9 Injury Report

By the Associated Press

Sunday

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT HOUSTON TEXANS - Jaguars : OUT: WR Matt Jones (Hamstring); T Stockar McDougle (Ankle); DT Marcus Stroud (Ankle). QUESTIONABLE: CB Terry Cousin (Groin); QB Byron Leftwich (Ankle); DE Marcellus Wiley (Groin). PROBABLE: S Donovin Darius (Knee); RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Foot); G Chris Naeole (Knee); S Nick Sorensen (Calf); WR Reggie Williams (Shoulder). Texans : QUESTIONABLE: DE Jason Babin (Back); S Glenn Earl (Neck); DE Antwan Peek (Hamstring); TE Jeb Putzier (Foot); T Zach Wiegert (Knee). PROBABLE: CB Demarcus Faggins (Foot).

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - Chargers : OUT: DE Igor Olshansky (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR Greg Camarillo (Knee); WR Vincent Jackson (Groin); S Bhawoh Jue (Knee); T Marcus McNeill (Hand); T Shane Olivea (Knee). Chiefs : OUT: QB Trent Green (Head); LB Rich Scanlon (Knee); CB Benny Sapp (Knee); T Will Svitek (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: RB Michael Bennett (Hamstring).

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS - Steelers : OUT: LB James Harrison (Ankle). DOUBTFUL: LB Joey Porter (Hamstring); WR Willie Reid (Foot). PROBABLE: C Jeff Hartings (Knee); RB Dan Kreider (Ankle); G Kendall Simmons (Foot); CB Ivan Taylor (Quadricep); CB Deshea Townsend (Hamstring). Falcons : QUESTIONABLE: DT Roderick Coleman (Toe); T Quinn Ojinnaka (Ankle); DE John Abraham (Groin). PROBABLE: DE Patrick Kerney (Hamstring); DT Grady Jackson (Knee); QB Michael Vick (Right Shoulder).

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT BUFFALO BILLS - Patriots : QUESTIONABLE: G Russ Hochstein (Knee); T Nick Kaczur (Shoulder); S Eugene Wilson (Hamstring); LB Don Davis (Lower Leg); RB Kevin Faulk (Ankle); TE Daniel Graham (Ankle); CB Ellis Hobbs (Wrist). PROBABLE: CB Willie Andrews (Thigh); QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder); CB Antwain Spann (Shoulder). Bills : QUESTIONABLE: S Matt Bowen (Shin); C Melvin Fowler (Thigh); WR Roscoe Parrish (Hamstring); G Tutan Reyes (Shoulder).

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS - Panthers : DOUBTFUL: RB DeAngelo Williams (Ankle). QUESTIONABLE: S Shaun Williams (Foot); G Mike Wahle (Illness); LB Thomas Davis (Ribs); DE Al Wallace (Forearm). Bengals : OUT: C Rich Braham (Knee); T Levi Jones (Knee); WR Tab Perry (Hip); WR Kelley Washington (Hamstring); QB Anthony Wright (Appendix). DOUBTFUL: LB Rashad Jeanty (Foot). QUESTIONABLE: Greg Brooks (Knee); S Dexter Jackson (Ankle); LB Brian Simmons (Neck). PROBABLE: DT Sam Adams (Knee); CB WR Chad Johnson (Shoulder).

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS - Packers : OUT: DT Cullen Jenkins (Ankle); WR Robert Ferguson (Foot). DOUBTFUL: LB Abdul Hodge (Knee); LB Ben Taylor (Hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: CB Will Blackmon (Shin); CB Charles Woodson (Knee). PROBABLE: RB Ahman Green (Hamstring); RB William Henderson (Calf). Dolphins : DOUBTFUL: QB Daunte Culpepper (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR Marty Booker (Chest); DE Kevin Carter (Knee); CB Travis Daniels (Knee); CB Andre' Goodman (Shoulder); CB Michael Lehan (Hamstring); TE Justin Peelle (Knee); LB Derrick Pope (Hamstring); WR Wes Welker (Calf). PROBABLE: DE David Bowens (Hamstring).

DETROIT LIONS AT NEW YORK JETS - Lions : OUT: S Kenoy Kennedy (Foot); DT Shaun Cody (Toe). QUESTIONABLE: LB Alex Lewis (Knee); RB Cory Schlesinger (Hamstring); T Rex Tucker (Knee); G Ross Verba (Hamstring). Jets : QUESTIONABLE: RB B.J. Askew (Foot); CB David Barrett (Hip); WR Laveranues Coles (Calf); WR Tim Dwight (Thigh); RB Cedric Houston (Knee); C Trey Teague (Ankle). PROBABLE: DE Dave Ball (Hand); RB Kevan Barlow (Calf); LB Matt Chatham (Foot); T Anthony Clement (Shin); G Pete Kendall (Thigh); WR Brad Smith (Thigh); DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen (Knee); S Kerry Rhodes (Thigh); QB Chad Pennington (Calf).

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - Eagles : DOUBTFUL: CB Roderick Hood (Heel). QUESTIONABLE: DE Darren Howard (Groin); WR Donte' Stallworth (Hamstring); RB Brian Westbrook (Knee). PROBABLE: LB Shawn Barber (Neck); WR Reggie Brown (Quadricep); S Sean Considine (Shoulder); S Brian Dawkins (Wrist); G Todd Herremans (Knee); RB Reno Mahe (Ankle); LB Matt McCoy (Hip); CB Lito Sheppard (Hand); TE L.J. Smith (Shoulder); T Tra Thomas (Back). Buccaneers : OUT: QB Chris Simms (Splenectomy). QUESTIONABLE: TE Anthony Becht (Foot); CB Juran Bolden (Hip); WR Mark Jones (Hamstring); CB Brian Kelly (Foot); LB Shelton Quarles (Knee); DE Simeon Rice (Shoulder); WR Maurice Stovall (Back).

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS - Cardinals : DOUBTFUL: G Milford Brown (Ankle); DT Kendrick Clancy (Ankle); WR Larry Fitzgerald (Hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: LB James Darling (Calf). PROBABLE: RB Marcel Shipp (Hamstring). Raiders : OUT: LB Grant Irons (Back); QB Aaron Brooks (Right Shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: CB Fabian Washington (Hamstring); T Langston Walker (Concussion); RB Justin Fargas (Shoulder); TE Randal Williams (Quadricep). PROBABLE: RB LaMont Jordan (Back); RB Reshard Lee (Neck); DE Lance Johnstone (Knee); LB Sam Williams (Ankle); TE John Madsen (Quadricep).

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - Vikings : PROBABLE: LB Ben Leber (Knee); QB Tarvaris Jackson (Knee). Seahawks : OUT: WR Bobby Engram (Illness); RB Shaun Alexander (Foot); G Floyd Womack (Knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB D.D. Lewis (Toe); DE Joe Tafoya (Knee).

DENVER BRONCOS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS - Broncos : QUESTIONABLE: RB Cedric Cobbs (Ankle); RB Kyle Johnson (Ankle). Browns : QUESTIONABLE: CB Gary Baxter (Pectoral); CB Leigh Bodden (Ankle); S Justin Hamilton (Ankle); WR Dennis Northcutt (Ribs); S Brian Russell (Ankle); WR Travis Wilson (Knee); TE Kellen Winslow (Knee).

WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - Redskins : DOUBTFUL: CB Carlos Rogers (Thumb). QUESTIONABLE: DT Cornelius Griffin (Hip). PROBABLE: LB Lemar Marshall (Ankle); G Derrick Dockery (Hip); DT Joe Salave'a (Calf); WR David Patten (Thigh); LB Marcus Washington (Hip); RB Mike Sellers (Elbow); CB Shawn Springs (Groin). Colts : QUESTIONABLE: LB Gilbert Gardner (Thumb); DE Dwight Freeney (Shoulder); DT Dan Klecko (Low Back); T Charlie Johnson (Hand); CB Marlin Jackson (Calf); RB Dominic Rhodes (Ankle); DT Darrell Reid (Calf); DT Montae Reagor (Knee); WR Aaron Moorehead (Back); DE Robert Mathis (Ankle); G Ryan Lilja (Knee); WR Terrence Wilkins (Concussion); K Adam Vinatieri (Right Groin); TE Ben Utecht (Low Back); DE Josh Thomas (Ankle); WR Brandon Stokley (Knee); P Hunter Smith (Groin); C Jeff Saturday (Low Back); S Bob Sanders (Knee). PROBABLE: CB T.J. Rushing (Low Back); DE Ryan LaCasse (Quadricep); CB Kelvin Hayden (Ankle); LB Rocky Boiman (Knee).

Monday

NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS - Giants : DOUBTFUL: WR Sinorice Moss (Quadricep); RB Derrick Ward (Foot). QUESTIONABLE: S Jason Bell (Concussion); S Gibril Wilson (Toe); LB Carlos Emmons (Pectoral). PROBABLE: WR Amani Toomer (Calf); LB Brandon Short (Knee). Cowboys : DOUBTFUL: DE Jason Hatcher (Ankle). PROBABLE: S Keith Davis (Ankle).

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College Football News

Rutgers running back Ray Rice said the left ankle he injured late in Sunday night's 24-13 win over Connecticut is fine, a pronouncement that was probably a relief for the Scarlet Knights.

"It's just a little sore. I'm ready to go," Rice said Monday, a little more than 12 hours after the No. 15 Scarlet Knights improved to 8-0 by holding off the Huskies in one of their least impressive wins of the season.

The schedule will aid in Rice's recovery: Rutgers has 10 days before it plays host to No. 5 Louisville (7-0) in what is being billed as the biggest game at Rutgers in decades. Rice said he expects to play then.

The sophomore is the third-leading rusher in the nation, with 1,203 yards.

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Florida quarterback Chris Leak said Monday that he didn't play with a concussion against Georgia.

"I just got dinged. No more than that," said Leak, who had a severe headache and blurred vision. " … It really didn't affect my play at all. I played through it and went through all my checks and all the plays, and I felt pretty good."

After Saturday's 21-14 victory, Leak told Coach Urban Meyer he felt as though he suffered a concussion in the first half. Leak told team trainers only that he had a headache. He took medication but didn't use the word "concussion" until after the game.

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The No. 2 Wolverines might get their missing big-play receiver back Saturday against Ball State.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said wide reciever Mario Manningham would return to practice Tuesday after missing the team's past three games after knee surgery.

With Manningham out of the lineup, Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) has had to play even more conservatively than normal.

Henne threw 13 touchdown passes in those first six games, including nine to Manningham, but has managed only two in his last three outings.

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