Experts Archive - rfagan.tsn (%2)

• Projecting the Field of 65: Big East has four of top eight seeds
  posted on February 08, 2010 - 02:17:04 pm
  
  

  Saturday's scoreboard provided example after example of how tough winning on the road is this time of year.

  
  
  
• Projecting the field of 65: Atlantic 10 getting six bids
  posted on February 01, 2010 - 01:58:53 pm
  
  

  Ready for the understatement of the week?

  
  
  
• Projecting the field of 65: Connecticut, Oklahoma State make statements
  posted on January 25, 2010 - 01:50:47 pm
  
  

  Call them what you want. Statement games. Must-wins. Gotta-have-'ems.

  
  
  
• The American League's untouchables
  posted on December 26, 2009 - 09:22:31 am
  
  
  Ryan Fagan

  CLEVELAND INDIANS: C Carlos Santana

  
  
  
• Under construction: Trader Jack breaks down Mariner moves
  posted on January 19, 2010 - 12:58:10 pm
  
  

  Jack Zduriencik is the architect of both the Mariners' dramatic turnaround in 2009 and their fantastic offseason.

  
  
  
• Projecting the field of 65: Texas, UK, Kansas, Syracuse get the No. 1 seeds
  posted on January 18, 2010 - 12:35:01 pm
  
  

  The nonconference portion of the college basketball schedule is a funny thing. You're never really sure what to expect on any given night.

  
  
  
• What We Learned: Young Tar Heels suffer another setback
  posted on January 16, 2010 - 02:18:25 pm
  
  

  CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Three things we learned from Georgia Tech's 73-71 victo

  
  
  
• Teams at crossroads can learn from this wild meeting
  posted on January 16, 2010 - 03:49:22 pm
  
  

  CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—Maybe, just maybe, both teams got what they needed in Georgia Tech's wild 73-71 victory over North Carolina on Saturday.

  
  
  
• Coastal Carolina star has all he needs in the crowd
  posted on January 14, 2010 - 12:19:50 pm
  
  

  Every game day, e-mails from his son were waiting for Sergeant John Harris.

  
  
  
• Saints have been shaky down the stretch
  posted on January 12, 2010 - 08:34:24 am
  
  
  Ryan Fagan

  Four teams that played on wild-card weekend lost their regular-season finale with varying degrees of intensity.

  
  
  
• Q & A with ... Saints RB Mike Bell
  posted on January 12, 2010 - 08:56:41 am
  
  
  Ryan Fagan

  Q: The running backs on your team -- Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, yourself and Lynell Hamilton -- form a pretty dynamic group.

  
  
  
• UNC guard Marcus Ginyard: I've learned so much
  posted on January 12, 2010 - 11:23:35 am
  
  
  
  
• Saints have holes to fix on defense before playoffs
  posted on January 03, 2010 - 04:08:15 pm
  
  

  CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From his vantage point, Saints middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma saw improvement from his defensive unit in Sunday's 23-10 loss to Carolina.

  
  
  
• The National League's untouchables
  posted on December 26, 2009 - 09:36:56 am
  
  
  Ryan Fagan and Stan McNeal

  PITTSBURGH PIRATES: 3B Pedro Alvarez

  
  
  
• Missouri sets the tone, reverses Braggin' Rights trend
  posted on December 23, 2009 - 10:14:53 pm
  
  

  ST.

  
  
  
• Three questions with TCU's Jerry Hughes
  posted on December 23, 2009 - 01:14:23 pm
  
  

  The Horned Frogs' defensive end and Hendricks Award winner faces Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. He took a few minutes to speak to SN's Ryan Fagan.

  
  
  
• Three questions with Tennessee's Eric Berry
  posted on December 23, 2009 - 12:58:50 pm
  
  

  The Volunteers' strong safety and Thorpe Award winner faces Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on December 31. He took a few minutes to speak to SN's Ryan Fagan.

  
  
  
• Suh: 'I've never played a perfect game'
  posted on December 17, 2009 - 09:48:19 am
  
  
  Ryan Fagan

  Three questions with Nebraska DT and Heisman Trophy finalist Ndamukong Suh
  

  
  
  
• A perfect debate: Colts or Saints? '72 Dolphins sound off
  posted on December 16, 2009 - 08:35:13 pm
  
  
  
  
• When Reggie Bush goes airborne, Saints fly high
  posted on December 13, 2009 - 04:02:22 pm
  
  

  ATLANTA — Pierre Thomas just laughed as he looked over his right shoulder at teammate Reggie Bush and said, "No, no. That's his style."

  
  
  
• Getting defensive: Suh picks up Heisman allies after winning Nagurski
  posted on December 07, 2009 - 08:47:10 pm
  
  

  CHARLOTTE, N.C.—An evening that ended with Ndamukong Suh dressed in a tuxedo and clutching the Bronko Nagurski Trophy started on a much different note for Nebraska's star defensive tack

  
  
  
• With a little encouragement, Illini come all the way back
  posted on December 02, 2009 - 09:45:37 pm
  
  

  CLEMSON, S.C. — The momentum was building for Illinois. Clemson's seemingly insurmountable lead was shrinking.

  
  
  
• Second No. 5 under center sparks Gamecocks' upset
  posted on November 28, 2009 - 12:44:05 pm
  
  

  COLUMBIA, S.C.—The position was the same, and the number on the jersey was identical, but the threat was completely different. And that threat, that new offensive wrinkle, was exactly what South Carolina needed to spark a 34-17 upset of No. 15 Clemson on Saturday afternoon.

  Starting quarterback Stephen Garcia, the rifle-armed slinger who wears No. 5, had thrown an interception to end South Carolina's first drive after nearly throwing one a few plays earlier. With his team trailing 7-0—Clemson star C.J. Spiller had returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown—Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier went for a fresh look when his club got the ball back thanks to a momentum-shifting fumble recovery by star linebacker Eric Norwood.

  Spurrier turned to true freshman Stephon Gilmore, who has donned No. 5 as a starting cornerback all season. Gilmore, South Carolina's Mr. Football after his senior season as a dual-threat quarterback at South Pointe High in Rock Hill, hadn't taken a snap outside of the practice field all season. But there he was at QB in Spurrier's wildcat offense, picking up a combined 13 yards on three consecutive carries.

  "I told (Spurrier) if he wanted to run it," Gilmore said, "I'd be ready."

  He was. And Clemson wasn't.

  On his fourth play, Gilmore lofted a high-arching pass downfield—so much for a conservative first throwing attempt, eh?—that Alshon Jeffery hauled in for a 39-yard gain.

  "We practiced that during the week," Gilmore said. "My first read is Alshon on the post, and I threw to Alshon. It was kind of behind him but he made a good catch on the ball."

  Gilmore picked up seven more yards on two carries to put the Gamecocks on the Clemson 1. Garcia came back in for the final play, a touchdown run by Brian Maddox to tie the game 7-7.

  "Only took us 12 games to put Gilmore in there," Spurrier said. "We're not the smartest coaches in the world, but he kept running up in there for yards. And we thought we could hit that pass over their head, and I tell you what, Stephon hits that every day in practice. He hits that pass more than our quarterbacks hit that post route."

  Related Links

  • Recap: Gamecocks upset Clemson
  • Q&A: USC's DeVonte Holloman

  Gilmore wouldn't take another snap the entire game—"If we had to bring him back, we might have," Spurrier said. "But we didn't have to."—but a new tone had been set for the game. DeVonte Holloman ended Clemson's following possession with a 54-yard interception return to set up a 9-yard TD pass from Garcia to Weslye Saunders.

  The Gamecocks never trailed again.

  Gilmore, who took every defensive snap at cornerback and also returned three punts for 31 yards, finished with 20 yards rushing and 39 passing on that game-defining drive.

  "Stephon played great," Norwood said. "That's him. He's always going to make the first guy miss. He was the team MVP for today."

  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.

  
  
  
• South Carolina's Holloman: 'Can't wait for next year, when it's in Clemson'
  posted on November 28, 2009 - 02:33:26 pm
  
  

  COLUMBIA, S.C.—South Carolina freshman safety DeVonte Holloman's 54-yard interception return in the first quarter set up a short touchdown pass from Stephen Garcia that put the Gamecocks in front of Clemson for good Saturday afternoon. That was one of three turnovers the South Carolina defense produced in a 34-17 upset of the No. 15 Tigers. Holloman spoke with reporters, including Sporting News Today's Ryan Fagan, after the game.
  
  Q: What did you see on that interception?
  A: Just the receivers' route combinations and the quarterback's eyes, and it ended up good. Just watching the quarterback, really.

  Q: Did you think you were going to take it in for a touchdown?
  A: I did. (Jacoby) Ford snuck up on me. I looked back one time and he wasn't there, and I looked back again and he was right there. Yeah, he got me.

  Q: It's been several games between turnovers. How frustrating has that been for you guys?
  A: It's always frustrating. We do a lot of ball drills, then turn around in the game and drop interceptions. Today, those paid off. It just felt good to get them and get off the field quick.

  Q: What was the impact of that drive—where Stephon Gilmore came in for you guys at quarterback—in changing the momentum today?
  A: That changed the game. But as a defense, we always tell each other, "Don't get too up or too down, especially in the beginning of the game." Stephon, I guess he went in with that mindset and tried to change the game and he did.

  Q: Three Rock Hill guys (Holloman, Gilmore and Tori Gurley) had big games today. Did you guys push yourselves any more heading into this game?
  A: No, we're always on each other about when we're gonna make big plays. Tori had a lot at the beginning of the season and kinda fell off in the middle. We've all been on each other, just trying to be patient. Working hard.

  Q: How did this game against Clemson match your expectations?
  A: I knew it was a rivalry, but I didn't think it would be like that. Can't wait for next year, when it's in Clemson. I know it'll be hostile the other way, so I can't wait for that to hopefully silence the crowd there.

  Q: Being a former Clemson recruit, did that add anything to this win?
  A: It's added to the rivalry. Being committed there once and knowing some of those guys, and getting to go out and beat them, that was big. That was fun.

  Q: Can you talk about the impact freshmen have had on this team this year?
  A: It's been good for us to come in and contribute. That's a part of the reason some of us came here—Alshon (Jeffery), me and Stephon. That's why we came here, and we're taking advantage of the opportunities.

  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.

  
  
  
• Trade bait: Roy Halladay will be dealt, but where?
  posted on November 25, 2009 - 08:18:24 am
  
  
  

  Roy Halladay finished 2009 with a 17-10 record and a 2.79 ERA.

  At some point, probably soon, Roy Halladay will be traded. The Blue Jays can't afford to re-sign the former Cy Young winner, and the clock is ticking.

  "We know full well that his contract is concluded at the end of 2010," team president and CEO Paul Beeston says.

  For most of this decade, Halladay has been Toronto's best starter -- and best closer. He has 47 complete games since 2000, 11 more than anyone else in baseball. For some team, Halladay could be the difference between a first-round playoff exit and a World Series championship. Among free-agent starters, only John Lackey is comparable.

  Halladay first landed on the trading block in July, when then-Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi held a very public auction for his ace. Opposing G.M.s wouldn't meet Ricciardi's high asking price, and the Jays missed their chance to move Halladay while his value was at its absolute peak. If he had been traded then, Halladay might have affected two pennant races for his new team instead of just one.

  Now, the responsibility of trading Halladay falls to Alex Anthopoulos, promoted to G.M. when Ricciardi was fired in early October.

  Don't expect candid updates from Anthopoulos -- "My policy is that I won't comment on any rumors or trade speculation and so on" -- but do expect a deal to get done.

  Related Links

  • Red Sox making strong push for Roy Halladay
  • Which team needs Halladay the most?
  • SN's Halladay player page
  "He's young, he's aggressive, he's smart," Beeston says of Anthopoulos. "He has the ability to make decisions and doesn't mind the tension of an argument."

  Good thing, because he'll have to negotiate with every contender with a bare ring finger this offseason.

  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.

  
  
  
• Free-agent preview: Starting and relief pitchers
  posted on November 18, 2009 - 11:21:25 pm
  
  

  This is the fourth in a series of positional analyses heading into Friday's start of the free-agent shopping season. 

  There are two aces available this offseason, and the cost for both will be steep. Free agent John Lackey is expected to command a nine-figure contract, but he might not find a destination until Toronto decides what to do with Roy Halladay. His contract with the Blue Jays is up at the end of the 2010 season, and the Jays almost certainly will trade him -- for a package of high-end talent -- between now and the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline. The longer they delay, though, the less they will get in return. So expect something sooner than later. There is no shortage of interested teams.

  

  After taking less to stay in the bigs, Randy Wolf is looking to get paid this winter.

  As for everybody else, Andy Pettitte, the top left-handed starter on the free-agent market, is on the market in name only. He either will re-sign with the Yankees or hang up his spikes (so he isn't on this list). Then there are pitchers coming off rebound seasons, pitchers coming off injury-plagued years and pitchers looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Teams can -- and will -- be choosy when they look to shore up their rotations and bullpens this offseason. 

  Top 5 free-agent starters/relievers

  1. SP John Lackey. He started and won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series as a rookie for the Angels. In 14 career postseason games (12 starts), he has fashioned a 3.12 ERA. He has the mental makeup to lead a playoff-caliber rotation. Lackey, 31, was 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 27 starts this season. "He's not a 95-plus guy anymore, but all four of his pitches (fastball, slider, curve, changeup) are above average," one American League scout says. "You have to like the way he competes." Lackey makes sense for any team with a pile of money and an open spot near the top of the rotation.

  2. SP Randy Wolf. He was an absolute steal for the Dodgers, who signed Wolf to a one-year deal late last offseason, then watched him become their most consistent starter. He is 33 and looking for the multiyear deal that eluded him the previous offseason. Wolf is a veteran starter who would be a great No. 3 or 4 in a contender's rotation. "He's going to give you a lot of innings," an NL scout says. "He's not a guy who's going to throw hard, but he's a guy who's going to keep you in ballgames. He's going to continually change speeds, and he has very good command of his fastball."

  3. RP Jose Valverde. He is by far the most accomplished of the glut of closers and potential closers on the market. In this economy and with so many options on the market, however, Valverde won't be able to find anything close to the four-year, $46 million contract closer Francisco Cordero signed just two years ago with the Reds. In his three full seasons as a closer (one with Arizona, two with Houston), Valverde has a 2.84 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 116 saves.

  4. SP Joel Pineiro. He is 31 and coming off his first double-digit win total since 2003, with the Mariners. Under the tutelage of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, Pineiro became a sinkerball pitcher with impeccable control (just 27 walks in 214 innings in 2009). He went 15-12 with a 3.49 ERA and is looking to cash in with a three-year contract somewhere. "The biggest thing with Pineiro is I thought he matured," an NL scout says. "The question is whether he can retain what he learned with the Cardinals and use it as a self-checklist when he goes elsewhere, when his mechanics get out of whack."

  

  The numbers say Fernando Rodney needs to remain a ninth-inning pitcher.
  5. SP Rich Harden. Nobody has ever questioned Harden's ability to get hitters out. But the question that dogged him early in his career -- can he stay healthy? -- hasn't gone away. In fact, now that he is a free agent, the questions have become even more intense. "Stuff-wise, he's fine," an NL scout says. "But you're not going to get 35 starts out of this guy, and I think it's up to the club to determine the extent of how much shoulder damage he's had." In 26 starts for the Cubs this year, Harden had a 4.09 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 141 innings.

  The next 5

  RP Fernando Rodney. He had only one blown save in 38 opportunities this season. Rodney was much better in save situations (2.79 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) than non-save situations (6.08 ERA, 1.70 WHIP).

  RP Billy Wagner. He showed his old form after returning from Tommy John surgery. If he declines arbitration from Boston and has a draft pick attached to his cost, interest will lessen.

  SP Erik Bedard. See Harden, Rich. Great stuff, inability to stay healthy. The best he can hope for is an incentive-laden deal with an option for 2011.

  SP Ben Sheets. Sheets missed all of 2009 after flexor tendon surgery, so he is a wild card. But he has a higher upside than most free agents.

  SP Carl Pavano. As long as he isn't in a spotlight city, Pavano should be a good fit as a No. 3 or No. 4 starter for a contender.

  Buyer beware

  SP Doug Davis. The left-hander's ERA has been respectable – above 4.32 only once in the past seven seasons -- but Davis continually walks a tightrope on the mound. Since 2003, his average of 4.11 walks per nine innings is worse than all but five pitchers with more than 800 innings. And the past four seasons, his WHIP has been 1.51 or higher.

  RP Kevin Gregg. It almost is too easy to list him in this category after his flameout as the Cubs' closer. Gregg allowed too many homers (13) and too many baserunners (1.31 WHIP) to be trusted in the ninth inning. Gregg is a better fit in an environment with less pressure where he is allowed to work through his struggles without the spotlight.

  Bargain bin

  Jarrod Washburn. The veteran left-hander was a hot commodity around the trading deadline because of his strong showing with the Mariners (2.64 ERA, 1.07 WHIP), but things went downhill quickly after his trade to the Tigers. He had a 7.33 ERA in eight starts for Detroit and had arthroscopic knee surgery shortly after the season. That combination could push his value low enough for some team (Seattle?) to find a bargain.

  Related Links

  • Outfielders/DHs: No markdowns for top two
  • Middle infielders: Lots of short-term options
  • Corner infielders: Figgins will draw attention
  • Free-agent watch: Analysis of all players
  • List: Players who have filed for free agency
  RP Brandon Lyon. He is a former closer (54 career saves) who resurrected his career in Detroit's bullpen this season, posting a 2.86 ERA in 65 games. He won't find a guaranteed closer job or guaranteed closer money, but he won't have a problem finding interested teams. Lyon is a lower-cost setup man who could slide into the ninth inning when called upon.

  On deck

  Overview of the official start of free agency.

  This story first appeared in Nov. 19's edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.

  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.

  
  
  
• Free-agent preview: Middle infielders, catchers
  posted on November 16, 2009 - 11:10:07 pm
  
  

  This is the second in a series of position analyses heading into Friday's start of the free-agent shopping season.

  The market for catchers doesn't look too shabby until you compare this year's crop to the names that could be on the market next offseason—Joe Mauer and Victor Martinez lead that list. Same thing at shortstop, when Derek Jeter, Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins could be available—though, it's not like Jeter will ever leave New York, and the Mets and Phillies hold club options on Reyes and Rollins, respectively. 

  

  A return to San Francisco is unlikely for Bengie Molina.

  Many of the names on this list will be back on the market next year; there won't many multiyear contracts handed out to this group of middle infielders/catchers. But one-year deals worked out very well for some teams last year—the Dodgers, for example, with Orlando Hudson—and teams will be willing to wait until the calendar shifts into 2010 to find the right deals again this time around. 

  Top 5 middle infielders/catchers

  1. SS Marco Scutaro. Very few players in baseball have improved their stock as much as Scutaro, who transformed from one of the game's most valuable utility players to one of its most valuable leadoff hitters. After hitting first or second for the second half of 2008, the Blue Jays inserted Scutaro at the top of the lineup this spring and were thrilled with the results. Scutaro had a lofty .379 on-base percentage and scored an even 100 runs, all while playing excellent defense at shortstop. He's looking for a three-year deal.

  2. 2B Orlando Hudson. Don't read too much into Hudson's banishment to the Dodgers bench down the stretch; that was just a case of manager Joe Torre trying to ride the hot bat of Ronnie Belliard. Hudson, who will be just 32 next spring, was a catalyst in the L.A. lineup through the first couple of months as the Dodgers built their lead in the NL West, hitting .337 in April and .328 in May, with on-base percentages above .400 each of the two months. Plus, he's one of the two best defensive second basemen on the free-agent market (he has a bit more range than Placido Polanco). And, he's a great clubhouse guy.

  3. SS Miguel Tejada. The days of Miguel Tejada, perennial MVP candidate, are long gone. The days of Miguel Tejada, everyday shortstop, probably should be in the past, too. He does a fine job with ground balls right at him, but his range isn't what the position demands. Could be a nice addition at third base as long as the team doesn't need too much power from that position. Tejada led the N.L. with 46 doubles this year as part of his 199-hit campaign, but had just 13 home runs. When Tejada is at the plate, you can be relatively certain the ball will be put in play; in 673 plate appearances in 2009, he walked just 19 times and struck out only 48.
  
  4. 2B Felipe Lopez. Lopez, when properly motivated, is one of the better offensive second basemen in baseball. When he finally left Washington in the summer of 2008 after hitting just .234 for the Nationals, Lopez batted a robust .385 for the Cardinals in what essentially amounted to an extended audition for a new job in 2009. He signed with the Diamondbacks and hit .301 in 85 games, then was shipped to the Brewers, who were harboring hopes of a postseason run. He hit .320 for Milwaukee. He won't turn 30 until next May, and he and agent Scott Boras will be shooting for at least a two-year deal.
  
  5. C Bengie Molina. The best everyday catcher on the free-agent market, Molina had 55 homers and 256 RBIs in his three years as the only consistent source of power in an anemic Giants lineup. Of course, his OPS dropped 40 points in 2009, and he walked just 13 times in 132 games. The Buster Posey era is dawning in San Francisco, and Molina, who is looking for a multiyear deal, likely is on his way out of town.  

  The Next 5

  1. SS Orlando Cabrera. He's 35, but still an excellent defensive shortstop—doesn't have the range he once did, though—and has hit at least .281 each of the past four seasons.
  
  2. 2B Placido Polanco. His .285 average was the worst full-season mark of his career, but he reached double-digits in home runs for the first time since 2004, set a career-high with 72 RBIs and won his second Gold Glove.
  
  3. C Rod Barajas. Good source of power (19 homers, 71 RBIs) but his on-base percentage of .258 was by far the worst of an player in the majors with at least 425 at-bats.
  
  4. C Yorvit Torrealba. Hard to accurately define a "clutch" player, but Torrealba hit .409 with two outs and runners in scoring position and .394 after the sixth inning for the Rockies in 2009.
  
  5. SS Alex Gonzalez. Rejuvenated his career after he was traded to Boston from Cincinnati. Gonzalez made just one error in 44 games with the Red Sox and hit .284 with 5 homers.

  Buyer beware

  1. C Miguel Olivo. Don't be too taken by the 23 homers Olivo hit this year. The Royals, a team desperate for offensive production, cut him loose for a reason. He's a below-average defensive catcher, and he's pretty much all-or-nothing at the plate. His 19 walks were the fewest in baseball of anyone who struck out at least 100 times (and Olivo struck out 126 times).
  
  2. 2B Ronnie Belliard. He's not a bad addition to a team, as long as his new team doesn't expect him to duplicate his production with the Dodgers after he was traded from the Nationals, and as long as his new team doesn't pay him based on that production (.351, 5 homers in 24 games). Plus, he's a defensive liability in the field late in the game. Chances are he'll re-up with the Dodgers.

  Bargain bin

  Related Links

  • Monday: Corner infielders preview
  • Five teams to watch: Mets at top
  • Free-agent watch: Comprehensive list
  • Full list: Soon-to-be free agents
  1. IF Bobby Crosby. He can't get out of Oakland fast enough. A career that started with so much promise—he was the A.L. rookie of the year in 2004 after popping 22 homers—has been derailed by injuries and massive struggles at the plate the past five seasons. But he showed a little versatility in 2009, playing at least five games at first base, third base, shortstop and second base, and a change of scenery could work wonders. Especially if he lands in the National League.
  
  2. C Ivan Rodriguez. Nothing wrong with a little leadership in the clubhouse, right? Pudge isn't an everyday catcher, but he flashes the old form, at the plate and behind the plate, from time to time. He won't cost much as a backup.

  COMING WEDNESDAY: Outfielders/designated hitters.

  This story appears in Nov. 17's edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.

  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.

  
  
  
• Florida brings you the letter of the day: W
  posted on November 14, 2009 - 08:32:22 pm
  
  
  COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The Florida Gators know that, at this point in their undefeated season, margin of victory doesn't matter. They're the No. 1 team in the country, and each win -- regardless of any perceived style points -- takes them one step closer to a trip to the national championship game.
   
  "The letter 'W' doesn't get any bigger if you win by more points or anything like that," Gators quarterback Tim Tebow said after his team secured a 24-14 victory with a dominating fourth-quarter effort on the road against South Carolina. The Gators finished their SEC season with a perfect 8-0, and five of those eight wins were by 10 points or fewer.
   
  "Well, we have some good players," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "It's almost like you expect somebody to make a play, not only myself but our team does, too."
   
  The play of the night against South Carolina came on the first snap of the fourth quarter. The Gamecocks trailed 17-14 and faced a third-and-3 from the Gators' 22-yard line. Momentum was squarely in South Carolina's favor, and the 79,297 fans at Williams-Brice Stadium had the place rocking. The Gamecocks were in the midst of a 10-play drive that was remarkably similar to their two touchdown drives of the first half.
   
  The first drive, a 14-play journey that ground up 84 yards and 6:13 of the clock, ended with a 1-yard plunge by junior tailback Brian Maddox. Their second touchdown drive didn't take quite so long -- just 3:54 -- but took eight plays and 64 yards.
   
  But on this play, Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia rifled a short pass to wideout Moe Brown, who had cornerback Markihe Anderson right beside him. The ball popped up into the air and right to Florida defensive end Justin Trattou, who returned the ball 53 yards and probably would have reached the end zone if he hadn't gotten tripped up by the cadre of teammates who were trying to clear the way.
   
  "That was huge," Meyer said. "The whole field was tilting (in South Carolina's favor). We started the second half and I think we had three drives where we pinned them down, but we needed to score. We needed to stop missing field goals, and then the field shifted back and the momentum completely swung (toward South Carolina). You felt it in the stadium. And then that play will go down in history as one of the great plays."
   
  The Gators, as they so often do, took full advantage of South Carolina's mistake when Tebow scored on a 1-yard run -- the 53rd touchdown of his record-setting career -- to boost the Gators' lead to 24-14.
   
  After rolling up 206 yards in the first half against the Gators, the Gamecocks were minus-16 after the interception.
   
  "That turnover too a lot of steam out of us," South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.
   
  Spurrier's team is 6-5, and has a bye week before hosting in-state rival Clemson on the Nov. 28.
   
  "It's much-needed," Garcia said. "The guys were saying in the locker room that we have to get ready for the second season, which is Clemson."
   
  As for Florida, a date with Alabama in the SEC title game looms Dec. 5. The Tide have looked more dominant, especially on Saturday, through their SEC run.
   
  But Florida keeps getting those bounces -- and that just might have more to do with a champion creating an opportunity to win more than simple good fortune.
   
  This story appears in Nov. 15's edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
   
  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
  
  
  
• Delhomme overcomes INT problem, Panthers thrive
  posted on November 15, 2009 - 03:46:27 pm
  
  

  CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Maybe Jake Delhomme should start walking under ladders, stepping on sidewalk cracks and seeking out black cats.

  The number 13 hasn't been unlucky for him, so why should those things be any different? Since throwing his 13th interception of the season against Buffalo on Oct. 25—he had three in that 20-9 home loss to the Bills—Delhomme has turned around his season. Sunday's win against the Falcons was his third consecutive game without an interception, and the Panthers have won two of those games to climb back toward the .500 mark at 4-5.

  And, let's be honest—if backup Josh McCown hadn't been lost for the season during mop-up duty in the opener against the Eagles, Delhomme might have been sent to the bench weeks ago. But with only inexperienced Matt Moore behind Delhomme, coach John Fox stuck with his embattled starter. And both Fox and Delhomme heard plenty about the quarterback's penchant for throwing interceptions, from fans and media and anyone else who had an opinion.

  Delhomme, however, weathered the storm.

  "I don't think that very many people could take the heat that he's taken and still come out there and play at the level he's playing at," said Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who had six receptions for 91 yards Sunday. "And if he comes out here and rallies this team in the next seven games to a playoff run and a playoff berth, there are some people who are going to have to eat their words."

  A playoff run isn't out of the question. Next up for the Panthers are the Dolphins, Jets and Buccaneers. Still, talk of an actual playoff berth might be a little premature. Carolina finishes with the Patriots, Vikings, Giants and Saints, four of the NFL's best teams. But for now, that's far from the focus in the locker room. Thoughts are about their improved play lately. After their 0-3 start, this recent stretch is something to be enjoyed.

  "I've had fun the last three weeks," Delhomme said. "It didn't get any lower than the Buffalo game, for whatever reason. I had to say, 'the heck with it' and keep swinging. The last few weeks have really been fun."

  The Panthers operated out of a no-huddle formation for most of Sunday's game against Atlanta, a situation Delhomme says he's comfortable in. And the offensive line did an excellent job of providing him with time to avoid those panicked, rushed throws that often result in interceptions. Even after Pro Bowl left tackle Jordan Gross went out with a broken ankle, the line played well.

  "Jake had a very good game," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "They managed the ball very well on their side of the ball. They were able to run the ball, they were able to throw the ball and get the ball out of his hands quickly."

  And, for the first time all season, Delhomme threw more than one touchdown pass in a game. He reconnected with his favorite target, Steve Smith, for a pair of scores.

  "Steve made great plays on both of them," Delhomme said. "I think they were both on third down, and it was huge to get touchdowns instead of field goals."

  More important for the Panthers, it's huge to have ball-control Delhomme back in charge of the offense instead of the guy who, as Delhomme put it, "every time I was touching it, I was turning it over."

  The Delhomme of the past three weeks provides the Panthers with their only shot at a return trip to postseason. But on second thought, maybe breaking mirrors and spilling salt isn't such a good idea quite yet.
   

  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.

  
  
  
• Florida's Justin Trattou: 'It felt like it was up there for like five seconds'
  posted on November 14, 2009 - 06:12:36 pm
  
  

  COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Florida defensive end Justin Trattou made the play of the game for the Gators in their 24-14 victory over South Carolina. Trattou snagged a deflected pass for an interception on the first play of the fourth quarter and returning it 53 yards to set up the touchdown that gave Florida a 10-point cushion.  

  An impressive play, it edges toward amazing when you consider Trattou ruptured his biceps tendon against Arkansas but missed one game. Trattou talked about his Gators' win with Sporting News' Ryan Fagan and other reporters.
   
  Q: When you saw that ball go up in the air, did you feel like everything was going in slow motion?
  Justin Trattou: Yeah, when that ball popped up in the air it felt like it was up there for like five seconds, but once I got it, it all happened real fast.
  
  Q: Could you feel your teammates crowding around you on the return?
  JT: It felt like, honestly, everybody was around me lead-blocking. It was an amazing feeling.
  
  Q: Did you catch any flack for not taking it all the way for a touchdown?
  JT: A little bit. I think I tripped over my teammate Jermaine (Cunningham), but he was blocking the guy in front of me, so I can't get mad at him.
  
  Q: What happened with the biceps injury?
  JT: I got hit on the shoulder and it just, like, snapped off, and was rolling down my arm. They originally told me like four-to-six weeks, but I ended up coming back in one week. Gotta thank the trainers for helping me get through it and helping me help my team on the field.
  
  Q: What is it on the pain scale?
  JT: During the game, I don't even feel it. But during the week, mild pain. Nothing I can't handle, though.
  
  Q: When did it hurt the most?
  JT: When I first did it, it was like I couldn't lift my arm.
  
  Q: Did you carry the ball with that arm?
  JT: No, I used it to stiff arm, though.
  
  Q: You used it to stiff arm?
  JT: Yeah. (laughs)
  
  Q: Were you tired by the end of that run?
  JT: I wasn't tired when I fell down. I was more tired after trying to get to the sidelines and getting mauled by everybody.
  
  Q: You guys have won a bunch of these games late. Do you guys feel like you're going to pull out something like this every game?
  JT: Well, we know that if we play as hard as we can the whole game, it's eventually going to come our way because we train as hard as anybody and it shows on game day.
   
  This story appears in Nov. 15's edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
   
  Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.