RIO DE JANEIRO -- The roads of the Deodoro twist and turn through residential areas, past markets where locals eat lunch outside and parks where children fly paper kites.Grassy hills frame the region to the north and creeks weave through the middle, around ramshackle homes shrouded in trees.Joggers mix with dog walkers and mothers pushing strollers down the sidewalks, passing groups of military personnel every few hundred yards.The Deodoro cluster of venues is one of four at the Rio de Janeiro Games, but it is a world apart from the hustling, bustling clusters near the coast.Its little a bit calmer than the other venues, said Fernando Gomez, who lives in Belo Horizonte, about five hours north of Rio. Both are good places to be.The Copacabana cluster is the most attractive and famous cluster, its beaches and iconic views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. The Barra cluster is the heart of the games, home to the main Olympic Park. Maracana is in a dense urban area with the Marcana and Olympic stadiums that hold track, soccer and the opening and closing ceremonies. Fans could also have gone to the nearby the Sambodrome -- the center of Rios Carnival celebration -- to see archery.Deodoro is far more inland than other three clusters, north of Barra, northwest of Copacabana and Maracana. Most of the venues are on the grounds of an army facility, home to the largest concentration of military personnel in Latin America with 60,000 troops.And it seems more like a military base than an Olympic park, with troops standing on tanks scattered among the venues and chanting cadets occasionally run shirtless through the streets in formation.Deodoro hosts 10 sports: equestrian, mountain bike and BMX racing, modern pentathlon, shooting, whitewater canoeing, field hockey, rugby and the womens basketball group stage games.Deodoro Park has venues for field hockey, rugby, basketball and modern pentathlon. The Olympic Shooting Centre is just across a highway, accessed through a tunnel.Whitewater Stadium and the Olympic BMX Centre are carved out the side of hills a few miles away in the Olympic X Park, with the mountain bike track just to the west. The Olympic Equestrian Centre is just a few miles south of X Park.Deodoro Stadium was rowdy for big rugby games, as was Whitewater Stadium. The Youth Arena had a great atmosphere throughout, particularly when Brazil played, and the BMX center figures to be rocking when it starts on Wednesday.Everything else is well, a bit more chill, the crowds smaller than the other clusters.The stadiums for field hockey and rugby were less than half full for most early-round matches. Equestrian -- except for a capacity crowd on Sunday -- has been about a third full most days, though the Brazilians are passionate about show jumping, roaring whenever a horse clears an obstacle.The shooting center had an air horn blaring from the stands the first day and Brazilian fans serenaded mustachioed independent athlete Abdullah Al-Rashidi with a chant of Ole, ole, ole, mustache in Portuguese the final day. The crowds in between were mostly smaller and less vocal.Deodoro Park has a large area between the venues with a beer garden and picnic tables set in a strand of trees. Hundreds of fans gather daily at the tables or lay in the grass, some leaning against the trees to take a siesta.The park can fill up quickly when theres a big game or multiple sports going at the same time, though theres usually just a scattering of people across the grounds.The area around Deodoro Park is bustling during the day, but restaurant and bar options are limited. Its also not the safest place to walk after dark, particularly alone.A creek runs through the grounds, but its not a great addition; the polluted water appears to have the consistency of oil and its stench can carry to the far reaches of the park.Deodoro is definitely unlike the other clusters at the Rio Games, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. Just different.At Copacabana, you are inside of the city, you have people walking around, coming from different places, said Gomez, who traveled to Rio to see the Olympics in his home country. We have a little bit more space here. I like it. Nike Air Max 2018 White .ca NFL Power Rankings, overtaking the Denver Broncos and remaining ahead of NFC competition San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans. Nike Air Max Flair Black . -- Team after team passed on Andre Ellington in the draft. http://www.windrew.com/nike-sb-shoes-cheap/nike-sb-koston-3-hyperfeel.html . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human. Nike Koston 3 Hyperfeel Black .J. -- Seven games into a disappointing season, New York Giants defensive catalyst Jason Pierre-Paul is getting the feeling hes back. Balenciaga Speed Trainer Black . Jon Montgomerys gold medal in skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre and his subsequent auctioning off of a pitcher of beer in the village square elevated him to folk-hero status. (STATS) -- Devlin Hodges and Samford got quite a gift Sunday when they made the FCS playoff field despite a 15-14 upset loss to ETSU in their season finale.On Tuesday, the sophomore was honored for his particularly outstanding body of work in his first 10 games. Hodges was named the Southern Conferences offensive player of the year by both the coaches and media after leading the FCS in completions (342), completion percentage (71.4) and finishing third in touchdown passes (33).Shout out to my Dogs for getting me this one! Love you boys! Hodges tweeted in reaction to the award.Chattanooga had the SoCons offensive player of the year last season in Jacob Huesman, but this year had the conferences top defender in senior lineman Keionta Davis. The coaches voted Western Carolina quarterback Tyrie Adams as the freshman of the year.Unbeaten conference champion The Citadel took home the SoCons final two coaches awards. Offensive lineman Isaiah Pinson, Jr. won the Jacobs Blocking Award while Brent Thompson was named the conferences top coach in his first year on the sidelines for the Bulldogs.Chattanooga led the way on the coaches all-conference first team with seven selections. The Citadel followed with six, Wofford had five and Samford four, giving the leagues four playoff teams 222 of the 24 first-team spots, including specialists.dddddddddddd---=SOCON POSTSEASON AWARDS=OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR -- Devlin Hodges, QB, SamfordDEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR -- Keionta Davis, DL, ChattanoogaFRESHMAN OF THE YEAR -- Tyrie Adams, QB, Western CarolinaJACOBS BLOCKING AWARD -- Isaiah Pinson, OL, The CitadelCOACH OF THE YEAR -- Brent Thompson, The CitadelALL-SOCON FIRST TEAMOFFENSEQB -- Devlin Hodges, SamfordRB -- Derrick Craine, ChattanoogaRB -- Lorenzo Long, WoffordOL -- Nick Jeffreys, The CitadelOL -- Isaiah Pinson, The CitadelOL -- Corey Levin, ChattanoogaOL -- Jacob Revis, ChattanoogaOL -- Anton Wahrby, WoffordTE -- Ryan Swingle, VMIWR -- Karel Hamilton, SamfordWR -- Andrej Suttles, FurmanDEFENSEDL -- Joe Crochet, The CitadelDL -- Keionta Davis, ChattanoogaDL -- Miles Brown, WoffordDL -- Tyler Vaughn, WoffordLB -- Shaheed Salmon, SamfordLB -- Dale Warren, ChattanoogaLB -- Nakevion Leslie, ChattanoogaDB -- Dee Delaney, The CitadelDB -- Kailik Williams, The CitadelDB -- Omari Williams, SamfordDB -- Lucas Webb, ChattanoogaSPECIALISTSPK -- David Marvin, WoffordP -- Ian Berryman, Western CarolinaRS -- DeAndre Schoultz, The Citadel ' ' '

DENVER -- Joe Colborne couldnt have drawn it up any better -- three goals in his first game with the Colorado Avalanche.Same with coach Jared Bednar -- a gut-check win in his debut on the bench.It was a memorable night for the new guys.Colborne had his first NHL hat trick, Colorado withstood a 6-on-4 opportunity over final 46 seconds and the Avalanche held off the Dallas Stars 6-5 on Saturday.That was a fun game. It was an exciting game. I really liked it, Bednar said. I enjoyed being on the bench.Trailing 2-0 early, Colborne came to the rescue as he scored three of Colorados next five goals to build a 5-2 lead. Carl Soderberg and Nathan MacKinnon also scored during the stretch, and Tyson Barrie added an insurance goal in the third period to kick off the Bednar Era in winning fashion.Bednar took over for Patrick Roy after the Hall of Fame goaltender-turned-coach surprisingly stepped away two months ago.I liked (Colborne) around the net. He was hungry around the net, Bednar said. He was getting sticks on pucks. He was fighting to the front of the net. Thats part of his M.O., part of what made him successful in years past.Tyler Seguin had two goals for the Stars, while Devin Shore, Jamie Benn and Brett Ritchie also scored.Dallas pulled starter Antti Niemi at 7:05 of the second period after allowing five goals. Kari Lehtonen slowed the Avalanches potent offensive attack so the Stars could work their way back into the game.Barrie scored a goal that bounced off the skate of Stephen Johns and past Lehtonen to make it 6-4. Soon after, Ritchie made it a one-goal game when he slid a shot past Semyon Varlamov.Blake Comeau was called for slashing with 1:56 remaining. The Stars pulled Lehtonen, but couldnt get anything past Varlamov, whos won 11 straight over Dallas.We didnt do enough to win the hockey game and didnt deserve to win, Benn said. When you play like that, it doesnt matter if you scored five and give up six, its unacceptable.Stars coach Lindy Ruff felt the same way.Were a better team than that, Ruff said. We have some defensemen trying to find their way. We gave up some tough opportunities in the second period.The Avalanche certainly had ample opportunities to gain some separation in the third period. A shot by Andreas Martinsen clanged off the post. Later, Fedor Tyutins slap shot appeared to go in and the horn sounded. But the puck actually hit the outside of the net. And later, Mikhail Grigorenko had a shot roll along the mouth of the goal before veering just wide.Colborne signed with the Avalanche as a free agent in July after a 19-goal, 25-assist season with Calgary. Hes a fan-favorite given that he played collegiately down the road at the University of Denver.We got a big win against a tough opponent, Colborne said. There were some nerves at the start.Bednar was a career minor leaguer -- as a defenseman and then as a coach -- before being hired by Colorado on Aug. 25. The 44-year-old led the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League to the Calder Cup last season.His style may be even more up-tempo than the version Roy implemented. Colorado outshot Dallas 33-28.I liked the way we played offensively. I thought we were skating and on our toes and creating chances, Bednar said. We have to get better defensively.The Avalanche havent garnered much early respect with a majority of prognosticators predicting theyll finish outside of the playoff picture.People can say what they want, said Matt Duchene, who will serve as an alternate captain this season. Go out there and prove them wrong -- thats our job.Game notes Shore scored his first NHL goal. ... Stars D Jamie Oleksiak (lower body injury) was a scratch for a second straight game. ... Avs F John Mitchell (hip) was a scratch, along with F Cody McLeod. ... The Avs improved to 20-10-7 all-time in season openers.UP NEXTStars: At Nashville on Tuesday.Avalanche: At Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh on Monday. Tarik Cohen Bears Jersey . LOUIS -- Roman Polak was celebrating even before Alexander Steen scored the winning goal in Saturdays 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Akiem Hicks Bears Jersey . Reassurance came from Paul Tesori, his caddie and close friend whose newborn son is in intensive care in a Florida hospital. "Paul sent me a text this morning, just told me he loved me and wanted to go out and fight as hard as I would any other day," Simpson said Sunday after doing just that. http://www.chicagobearfootballauthentic.com/authentic-mike-singletary-bears-jersey/ . LOUIS -- Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59. Tom Waddle Bears Jersey . -- Quarterback Will Finch threw for 252 yards and three touchdowns, and Yannick Harou rushed in two scores as the No. David Montgomery Jersey . Aaron Harrison scored a 22 points for Kentucky (6-1), which has won four in a row following a Nov. 12 loss to current No. 1 Michigan State. Julius Randle overcame a scoreless first half and added his sixth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 10 rebounds. PHILADELPHIA -- If the Chicago White Sox are going to limit their opponents offensively, theyre going to need to keep them from running rampant on the basepaths.In a 7-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night, the White Sox allowed three stolen bases before Cesar Hernandez was thrown out trying to steal second in the eighth inning.That continues a troubling theme with rookie catcher Omar Narvaez behind the plate. In 215 innings, he allowed 21 stolen bases while catching only two runners, a success rate of 8.7 percent.Those steals proved troublesome against the Phillies (69-83), with Odubel Herrera (two) and rookie Roman Quinn putting themselves in scoring position for the top four of the Philadelphia lineup that went 8-for-15 on Tuesday.Manager Robin Ventura, though, didnt seem too worried afterward about the trend, hesitating to put all the blame on the 24-year-old from Venezuela who was first called up in July.Youre going to need some help from your pitchers, Ventura said. Those guys are pretty speedy, so its not for a lack of trying or having the arm to do it. Its just youve got to be able to time it up right.Stealing bases isnt something new to the Phillies, who are 11th in the majors in steals (87). But the addition of Quinn, a 23-year old rookie, to the lineup -- Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has had him batting second in the order -- gives them another set of afterburners on the base paths.Quinn has elite level speed, Jake Thompson said after winning Tuesdays game. Its fun watching those guys get going out there. Theres probably only maybe three or four teams in the league that have someone who can run like Quinn.dddddddddddd Whenever he gets his feet going, its fun to watch.Ventura has a veteran to help Narvaez out on the mound Wednesday in Chris Sale as the White Sox (72-79) attempt to even the two-game series.Sale (16-8, 3.03 ERA) can equal his career high for wins in a season. Hes one behind the 17 he won in 2012, his first season as a full-time starter and first of five straight All-Star appearances.In three September starts, hes 1-1 with a 2.52 ERA, striking out 30 against two walks in 25 innings.The Phillies counter with Jerad Eickhoff, who has been steady all season long despite a general lack of run support (3.4 runs per game), going 10-14 with a 3.74 ERA in his first full major league season.Since the All-Star break, hes 4-4 with a 3.66 ERA, though hes coming off a bit of a rough outing, when he gave up a three-run seventh-inning home run as part of allowing six runs (three earned) in 6 2/3 innings of a 15-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Thursday.Eickhoff could benefit from the continued surge of center fielder Odubel Herrera, who is 15-for-28 over his last seven games after a 3-for-4, three-RBI performance Tuesday.Herreras swinging the bat very well and thats really nice to see, manager Pete Mackanin said. We needed him to do that. He looks like hes getting more selective. Hes not taking those wild swings and its paying off. ' ' '

Kevin Durant said his experience in Rio de Janeiro with Team USA provided a needed escape from the backlash he has received since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to sign with the Golden State Warriors.Durant scored 30 points Sunday in the United States?96-66 victory over Serbia in the gold-medal game. He told The Vertical that playing for his country helped to flip his script and change his role from villain to hero.It was therapy for me after making a big change in my life, Durant told The Vertical. It made my life easier ... I knew [a backlash] was coming.It was definitely different for me, but to come here in an environment where people accepted me and didnt care about anything except being my buddy, thats what I needed.USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo agreed that Durants Olympic appearance was a needed distraction for the All-Star forward, who signed in June with the Warriors on a two-year, $54.3 million deal with a player option after the first year.This was good for him. For his psyche, Colangelo said.Durant didnt dispute Colangelos diagnosis.I cant let anybody steal my joy, Durant said, presumably addressing critics of his free-agency decisions. [Former Thunder assistant and current Team USA assistant] Monty Williams used to tell me that every day; dont let anybody steal my joy.ESPNs Marc Stein contributed to this report. Mikko Koivu Jersey . Now, correct me if Im wrong but I saw one official distinctly pointing at the net indicating a good goal but after an inconclusive review they overturned the goal. Shouldnt the ruling on the ice (good goal) stand after an inconclusive review? Why was this overturned? James Veaudry Pembroke, ON -- Hey Kerry, Youll get a lot of these, but why was the Montreal goal against Nashville Saturday night overturned? Eller puts the puck on net and the on ice ruling from the ref behind the net is a Montreal goal. Eric Staal Jersey . Carey Price didnt, but he still came out on top against one of his rivals for the No. 1 job at the Sochi Games. The Anahim Lake, B.C., native was stellar in making 39 saves in his home province and Lars Eller got credit for a bizarre short-handed winner as the Canadiens defeated the Canucks 4-1. http://www.authenticwildpro.com/Joel-eriksson-ek-wild-jersey/ . The team says the Spain international has a muscle pull in his right leg. Barcelona hosts third-division side Cartagena in the return leg of their round-of-32 tie after winning their first meeting 4-1. Jonas Brodin Wild Jersey . The Islanders dealt Thomas Vanek to the Montreal Canadiens after less than a year on Long Island. Meanwhile, the Oilers dealt long-time sniper Ales hemsky to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday for a fifth-round pick in 2014 and a third-rounder in 2015. Ryan Suter Wild Jersey . Sgt. Eric ONeal says most of the arrests at Monday nights game were for public drunkenness, though one person was taken into custody on suspicion of trying to steal a seat from the stadium. One year ago, Honda returned to its home race at Suzuka knowing it was going to struggle. Over the course of the season its engines had proved to be down on power and woefully unreliable -- expectations were low. On paper, therefore, Fernando Alonsos 11th place might not have been a disaster, but in the glorious high definition of Formula Ones world feed, the reality of how Alonso ended up 11th made painful viewing.GP2 engine! GP2 engine! Agggh! Alonso yelled over the team radio as the Toro Rosso of Max Verstappen breezed past him into Turn 1. Roughly 20 laps earlier he had been passed in the same manner by the Sauber of Marcus Ericsson, laying bare the deficiencies of Hondas energy deployment on the run down to Turn 1. The problems were clear to everyone and Alonso, in his words, was telling it like it was.The engine last year was not ready to compete, he said a week ago when reminded of his outburst. I said in all the interviews from the beginning of the year that our boss from Honda [Yasuhisa Arai] was saying the project was immature and we were learning a lot of things. And this was the process to improve the engine, so I was not saying anything differently [on the radio]. This year we are all saying the same thing, which is that we have made a lot of progress, we are happy with the direction and we are able to compete with all the other teams.What a difference those 12 months have made. In that time the power unit has matured significantly and a strong points finish this weekend is a realistic goal rather than a hopeful one. Yusuke Hasegawa, the man who replaced Arai as the boss of Hondas F1 project, says recent results back up his companys ambitions.Of course Suzuka is very important, and after Spa and Monza, McLaren-Honda is expecting to get better results, he told ESPN. I think its a fair comment that we can expect better than Spa and Monza [in Suzuka], and showing a good result is very important for the fans and internally at Honda for next year so we can accelerate the programme. But its not just inside Honda, its for the Japanese fans to motivate the support of Hondas activity -- it is very important to get a good result.Realising potentialHasegawa replaced Arai at the start of the year in part of a company-wide management reshuffle. The recovery from that painfully difficult first season was already underway, but it has been Hasegawas job to turn that recovery into results.Last year, Arai-San was struggling to build up the team and the organisation of it, so he succeeded that job to me and my job is to complete the team, he says. We need to be able to see that progress from outside, which means we need to get some points and also some better qualifying position. Although we cant be satisfied with our current performance, my job is to maximise the performance and to eliminate any tiny error to get concrete results.Its no secret that Honda was underprepared last year, but what is often overlooked is the scale of the project it was taking on. After six years away from the paddock, the Japanese manufacturer was returning to the most complex set of engine regulations the sport has ever known and it was doing so one full season later than the competition. Essentially it had to start from scratch and learn the hard way, but Hasegawa says those lessons have been part of the maturation process for the Honda engineers.Of course the performance, the knowledge and the skill we didnt have [last year], but we have seen after one year our young engineers have grown up very much. It is very good, but still we are behind the other teams, so we need to catch up.A fair bit of catching up has already been done. After just a couple of races this year, it became clear that Hondas second attempt at the regulations was already more powerful than the year-old Ferrari engine in the Toro Rosso, meaning it had reached the same level of performance at the start of its second year that Ferrari had achieved at the end of its. Of course, Ferrari and the rest of the field had taken another step since, but it went some way to answering the critics from the first year. Whats more, Hasegawa claims Honda had not broken new ground with the power unit over the winter but instead started to realise the potential that had previously been masked by reliability issues.ddddddddddddFrom a result point of view, it is fair comment [to say we are ahead of last years Ferrari], but from a technical performance point of view, I dont think we have made a big gain [this year]. We struggled to maximise our performance last year because we had so many errors or issues at the circuit. That was the reason we couldnt prove where we were last year, I think.We are now at a good level [of reliability], but still we need to improve more because we have already retired nine times in the last year. Of course some have been due to crashes, on Fernandos car and Jensons car, but also we have had some mechanical issues as well, which I think is one of the worst [failure] numbers among the teams. So definitely we have improved to a much better point than last year, but we need to be more stable with reliability.Fixing the problems of 2015The main performance issues last year were related to inefficiencies in the design of the power units turbine and MGU-H. In races the lack of supplementary energy recovered by the MGU-H from the turbine meant the Energy Recovery System would deplete its battery power on long straights and leave the drivers significantly down on power at the end of long straights -- making them sitting ducks for rivals to overtake. Overcoming that issue has been a big step for Honda this year, but it has not been a magic bullet. The V6 internal combustion engine is still down on power compared to Hondas rivals and despite a significant upgrade at the Belgian Grand Prix this year, the focus for improvement for the upcoming winter is clear.The main area [of focus for 2017] is combustion, Hasegawa says. We have to improve the combustion -- the energy itself.I think the deployment level is almost as good as other top teams, so from a deployment point of view we are satisfied with that. But technically speaking, the engine power is still behind.But if we improve our engine performance, which will be with a more efficient engine, then it will be less exhaust gas energy, so we need more effort to keep that deployment level [at a satisfactory level] if we have a better engine.Free from tokensOne factor that is expected to help Honda next year is the scrapping of the token system. The cost-saving measure was designed to limit the amount of performance upgrades manufacturers could bring to their power units over the course of the season in the hope of preventing an engineering arms race. But Hasegawa says it is the ideas behind the upgrades and not the system that polices them that will ultimately dictate whether Honda can catch up.Even without tokens it is not very easy to catch up with other teams, he said. But, of course, if we knew everything [about how to improve], then even with the token system I think we can catch up. Of course, it will be nicer without tokens so that we have no limitations to modify.Ultimately, Hondas success is going to come down to the people it has employed and the ideas they can realise in next years power unit. In its first year, the Japanese manufacturer was criticised for not employing knowledge from elsewhere in the paddock, but Hasegawa says that has not been the case this year and new people are bringing ideas from outside its Sakura base to complement those generated within.I am one of those [new] people and Honda has tried to change our team, so to do that we have invited a lot of people [to join], also from the outside. We also brought in some consultant from outside the company.Some of the new ideas we have introduced this year, but most of the technology we have learned this year is for next year. We need to take some time to absorb that technology.Turning Hondas F1 project around was never going to be the work of the moment, but the gains made this year have already manifested in results on track. Its rivals are not going to stand still, but there is an overwhelming sense that there is more to come in next year as the changes that have been put in place this season start to filter through. Suzuka in 2017 could be a very different prospect again. ' ' '

Oklahoma defensive lineman Charles Walker has decided to immediately leave the Sooners to prepare for the NFL draft, the school confirmed Tuesday.Walker started four games for the Sooners this season before suffering a concussion Oct. 1 against TCU. He has not played since.Quitting on your teammates is hard to take as a coach, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops told reporters after Tuesdays practice.Walker was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season after racking up 36 tackles, including 10 for loss, and six sacks. However, he missed the Orange Bowl against Clemson, due also to a concussion.ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently ranked Walker the No. 6 defensive tackle eligible for the upcoming draft.Oklahoma has two games remaining in the regular season, against West Virginia on Saturday and Oklahoma State on Dec. 3. The Sooners are 8-2 and first in the Big 12 standings. Hydro Flask 32 Oz Black Friday . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Flex Cap . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. http://www.hydroflask32oz.com/coffee-flasks.html Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Cap . Datsyuk will miss Tuesdays game against New Jersey and could be sidelined longer, while Cleary will likely miss at least the next three games. Its been an injury-plagued season for Datsyuk, who has suited up for just 39 games. Hydro Flask 18 Oz Wide Mouth .C. -- After a listless first half, the Washington Wizards used a big third quarter run to beat the Charlotte Bobcats Bradley Beal scored 21 points and the Wizards used a 17-0 run in the third quarter to take control of what had been a close game and beat the Bobcats 97-83 on Tuesday night. ATHENS, Ga. -- Isaiah McKenzie scored on big plays the first two times he touched the ball, including a punt return that set a school record, and Georgia beat turnover-prone Louisiana-Lafayette 35-21 on Saturday.McKenzie scored on a 55-yard run on Georgias first play and added another touchdown on an 82-yard punt return midway through the first quarter. McKenzie, a junior, set school records with his fifth career punt return for a touchdown and his sixth kick return overall.It was McKenzies first return for a touchdown this season. He said he knew he needed one more for the school record.Ive been thinking about that since I heard about being close to breaking it, McKenzie said, adding he thought time was running out to set the record this season.Nick Chubb ran for 108 yards and a touchdown and caught a 49-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Eason in the fourth quarter.Georgia (7-4) has won three straight and avoided a letdown after last weeks upset of then-No. 8 Auburn.Louisiana-Lafayette (4-6) was hurt by four turnovers. After having no more than two interceptions in his first nine games, quarterback Anthony Jennings threw three interceptions, all in the first half.Jennings ran for 98 yards and three touchdowns.Georgia led 35-7 after Chubbs scoring catch. The Ragin Cajuns closed the deficit on Jennings touchdown runs of 13 and 1 yards late in the game. Seeing his backups struggle late sapped some of the joy out of the win for Georgia coach Kirby Smart.It was frustrating to walk out with that feeling, Smart said. You feel like you should walk out of a game and feeel good about what you did.dddddddddddd The guys we put in the game just didnt play real well on either side of the ball.Jennings 64-yard pass to Al Riles set up his 9-yard scoring run late in the first half.Louisiana-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth said McKenzies early touchdowns were too much to overcome.Im proud of the way the team kept battling all day long, Hudspeth said. We dug ourselves a hole early in the game. We sore of had to weather the storm early. ... We just gave them a little too much too early.Easons 9-yard scoring pass to tight end Isaac Nauta gave the Bulldogs a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.THE TAKEAWAYLouisiana-Lafayette: The Ragin Cajuns fell far short of the clean game they needed to beat Georgia. Elijah McGuires 124 yards rushing helped move the offense, but the turnovers were too much to overcome. The Ragin Cajuns must win their last two games to become bowl-eligible.Georgia: The Bulldogs, perhaps motivated by a flat performance in a narrow win over Nicholls early in the season, showed good focus. The defense delivered three fourth-down stops. Chubb has back-to-back 100-yard games for the first time this season.UP NEXTLouisiana-Lafayette: The Ragin Cajuns return to Lafayette to play Arkansas State in a Sun Belt Conference game next Saturday.Georgia: The Bulldogs will close their regular season against state rival Georgia Tech next week in Athens. The Bulldogs have won six of the last seven in the series. ' ' '

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Waking up in his dorm room hours before the Buffalo Bills opened training camp at St. John Fisher College, quarterback Tyrod Taylor allowed himself one brief moment to reflect back on how far hes come.A year ago, Taylor was a relative unknown in the NFL and his role uncertain on a team that thrust him in the mix of a three-way competition for the starting job. On Saturday morning, the Bills opened camp with Taylor taking the first snap under center as the teams unquestioned starter.A year went by so fast, Taylor said, recalling his thoughts upon getting out of bed.Everything up to this point has been a learning experience and Ive tried to use that to better myself as a quarterback and as a person. So Im thankful for the experience last year, he added. But thats behind me now. I cant dwell on it.Though he secured the job after a promising 8-6 record as a first-time starter last season, Taylor appreciates his work is far from done.First, theres doing his part in delivering on the growing expectations following a season in which he established himself as a dynamic dual threat with his strong arm and scrambling ability. Taylor threw 20 touchdown passes, 14 going 20 yards or longer. He set the franchise record for quarterbacks with 568 yards rushing and scored four times, including a 22-yarder.The Bills have a role to play in Taylors future, as well.Theres no guarantee hell be back in Buffalo next season because hes entering the final year of his contract. Though the two sides have held negotiations, the Bills have so far balked at making a lucrative long-term commitment to a player with a short resume -- encouraging as it might be.Its considered a calculated gamble by the Bills, who have had a revolving door at quarterback since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired after the 1996 season. Even if a deal isnt completed, Buffalo can retain Taylors rights by designating him their franchise player.Taylor insists his contract status is not a distraction, and says hes solely focused on football.Im out here to help the Bills as an organization win football games and help bring this community what its been waiting for for years now, Taylor said. Thats where my focus is. Thats where the teams focus is. The contract situation will handle itself.Buffalo signed Taylor in free agency after he spent his first four NFL seasons backing up Joe Flacco in Baltimore. He eventually beat out former starter EJ Manuel and veteran free-agent addition Matt Cassel two weeks before the season opener.Taylor has started to become the face of the franchise, which is reflected on the outside wall of the Bills store leading out to training camp. Wearing a team cap, Taylor is the only player pictured. On the opposite wall, Taylor is pictured in action alongside running back LeSean McCoy, defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and receiver Sammy Watkins.Taylor is even beginning to attract national attention. He was featured in a car companys commercial. He also earned mention on the HBO football-based series Ballers, in which a players agent informs his client, a receiver, that Taylor could be the franchise quarterback (the Bills) have been waiting for.After spending much of last offseason splitting practice time, Taylor began this year enjoying the benefits of working with the starters, and being familiar with the playbook. Hes also focused on establishing himself as a leader.Receiver Robert Woods noticed Taylor has become more assertive during practice and in the huddle.You always hear his voice, Woods said. Hes calling us out, wanting to make plays, pulling us to the side how he wants our routes.Taylor said he became more comfortable taking on a leadership role once he established himself as the starter last year.Theres nothing that people just give to you. You have to go out and earn respect, Taylor said. And of course, leadership comes from the quarterback position. I welcome that role and am looking forward to leading these guys.Game notes The Bills signed DT Casey Walker and cut DE Cedric Reed. Walker has two years of NFL experience and played two games with Dallas last season after splitting the 2014 season between New England and Baltimore. Overall, he has one sack in eight career games. ... Coach Rex Ryan revealed LB Manny Lawson has a bruised left pectoral injury, which he hurt weightlifting before the start of camp.---AP NFL websites: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Zack Steffen USA Jersey . Durant finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Jackson matched his career high with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Lamb scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, lifting the Thunder to a 94-88 win over San Antonio and snapping the Spurs 11-game winning streak. Andrija Novakovich USA Jersey . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. http://www.usasoccerauthority.com/deandre-yedlin-usa-jersey/ . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. Gyasi Zardes USA Jersey . Bryzgalov stopped 25 shots on Saturday in the Oklahoma City Barons 4-1 victory over the Abbotsford Heat. The Oilers signed Bryzgalov to a one-year $2 million contract last Friday after shedding payroll by dealing defenceman Ladislav Smid to the Flames. John Brooks Jersey .J. -- Marty Brodeur beat the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again. The NRL career of Gold Coast star Greg Bird is under a cloud after revelations he is being investigated over an alleged drunken incident at a Brunswick Heads pub.The Nine Network reported on Tuesday evening that Bird was refused entry at Hotel Brunswick last weekend and had an altercation with security staff.The Titans have confirmed the governing body has begun looking into the incident, which is believed to have occurred during Titans winger Anthony Dons bucks party.The club is aware of an investigation currently underway by the NRL integrity unit regarding an alleged incident at a hotel in northern NSW last weekend, the Titans said in a statement.At this stage, those investigations are yet to be completed so the club is not in a position to comment further until the outcome has been determined.The NRL said the Titans would decidee on a course of action for their player.ddddddddddddIntegrity unit investigators will prepare a report on the incident and provide it to the Gold Coast Titans, who will determine what, if any, actions is required, a NRL spokesperson told AAP.The latest drama could be another strike on a long list of off-field indiscretions involving Bird, which includes being stripped of the Titans captaincy in 2014 for urinating beside an unmarked police car.He was also one of seven Gold Coast players charged with, but later acquitted of, possession and supply of cocaine early in 2015.Bird, 31, is contracted to the Titans until the end of 2017 however has been linked with moves in the off-season to Newcastle and Manly. ' ' '

The Utah Jazzs Australian duo Dante Exum and Joe Ingles expect to deliver plenty of assists to each other during the upcoming NBA season, but when it comes to changing nappies off the court it will not be a joint effort.Ingles and his Australian netball star wife Renae welcomed twins, Jacob and Milla, in July and the family is settling into their home in Salt Lake City.Its a lot of work, but when 21-year-old Uncle Dante stops in for a visit, Ingles says he is not much help.No, hes hopeless, Ingles laughed in an interview with AAP on Monday before the Jazz beat the Los Angeles Clippers 96-94 in a pre-season game.Hes come over a couple of times and seen them and awkwardly held them.Exum, Ingles says, wont be called upon to help with the nappy changing.No, I wouldnt want him to, Ingles said.I want to keep him away from them.Exum and 29-year-old Ingles have a big brother, little brother type relationship.They are great mates, but never miss a chance to poke fun at each other.Exum is OK with not being too hands-on with Jacob and Milla.No, Im more the spectator, Exum said.Ill hold the kids and wait until they get to the age where they can run around.Exum, Ingles and the Jazz are quietly confident they can turn the NBA teams fortunes around this season, hoping to force their way into the traditionally strong Western Conference playoffs for the first time since 2012.The two Australians, however, also face personal challenges.Exum missed the 2015/16 NBA season and the Rio Olympics after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.Theres pressure on him to finally live up to the Jazzs decision to select him with the fifth pick of the 2014 NBA Draft.Exum says he tries not to think too much about what impact his injury also had on the Boomers in Rio.If he was fit, could he have helped Australia secure a medal in Rio instead of another painful fourth place?You never know, he said.Its that butterfly effect where everything changes.You never know.For Ingles, he will go into his third NBA season juggling playing in the worlds elite basketball competition while being a devoted dad.He said his arduous NBA schedule would not be an excuse to avoid getting up to help feed the twins when they stir in the early hours, admitting sleep was non-existent.Renaes mother was in Salt Lake City to help and other family members will visit during the season, but they will largely be raising the twins themselves.No, Im up every time they are up, he said.Weve got two of them so Renae cant do it by herself.Listening to Ingles, renowned for being the team clown, it sounds as though he is a changed man.Not so says Exum, sitting in the Clippers away team locker room.Joe mature? Exum asks.Joe has not matured in any way or form.His wife is taking care of the kids and hes there along for the ride.The NBA regular season starts on October 25. Aaron Ramsey Jersey . The Canadian squad, skipped by Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg, got on the board first with two in the second end, and followed that with two more apiece in the fourth and sixth ends. Hector Bellerin Jersey . After Martin Skrtel put the Reds in front from close range at Stamford Bridge after only four minutes, Hazard hit back in the 17th with a superb strike. Etoo gave Jose Mourinhos team a decisive lead from Oscars back pass in the 34th. http://www.arsenalsoccerproshop.com/Authentic-Sokratis-Papastathopoulos-Arsenal-Jersey/ . LOUIS -- Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59. Danny Welbeck Jersey . -- Al Jefferson found a groove just in time for the Charlotte Bobcats. Konstantinos Mavropanos Jersey . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. Total QBR measures nearly every aspect of quarterback play including passing, designed runs, scrambles, turnovers and penalties. QBR also strives to separate the performance of the individual quarterback from the rest of his team, in order to rate the overall efficiency of each quarterback in the league.One thing it hasnt done, however, is account for the strength of the 11 players on the other side of the line of scrimmage.But now, QBR accounts for opposing defenses; quarterbacks who face tougher defenses will have their ratinngs adjusted upward in proportion to the difficulty of their opposition, and those who face weaker defenses will have their ratings adjusted downward.dddddddddddd The new, adjusted QBR is now the number youll find under the Total QBR column at the QBR page.?For a full explanation of how ESPN determines QBR, click here.With that, a look at ESPNs current QBR rankings through Week 3 of the 2016 season: ' ' '

ANGERS, France -- A gastronomical, sporting and cultural glance at Stage 3 of the Tour de France on Monday:Region: Anjou. After two days in Normandy, the peloton left Granville and headed south toward the Anjou region in the Loire valley. Angers was the capital of Anjou province and the seat of the Plantagenets, who provided some famous monarchs like Richard the Lionheart and Henry V.Baguette and butter: Mark Cavendish showed off his sprinting experience by edging German rival Andre Greipel in a photo finish to win Stage 3. World champion Peter Sagan held on to the race leaders yellow jersey he claimed a day earlier. Having also won Saturdays opening stage at Utah Beach, it was Cavendishs second victory in this Tour.Plat du jour: A plate of galipettes, the large local mushrooms that can be eaten in a very simple way stirred in garlic. Top them with foie gras for an even better culinary experience.Culture: Granvilles most famous son was French designer Christian Dior, the founder of the world-famous fashion house. The Christian Dior Museum in Granville honors his memory with permanent collections and temporary exhibits throughout the year.Vin du jour: Anjou wines have become more and more popular over the past ten years. They come in every color: white, red and rose. If you have to pick just one, go for the Savennieres. Made of Chenin Blanc grapes grown on schist soil, this white wine has gold reflections, complex aromas with scents of pear and offers mineral qualities once in the mouth.History: Some bad memories might have crossed the mind of three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond when the peloton went past the little town of Les Loges-Marchis. The American rider ended his Tour career there during the sixth stage of the 1994 Tour, dropping out of the race due to exhaustion.Stat of the Day: 28. The numbers of stage wins by Mark Cavendish, who matched five-time Tour champion Bernard Hinault for second on the all-time list. Eddy Merckx has a record 34 stage wins at the Tour.Quote of the Day: I was thinking one moment we were going to take the coffee like old time. Peter Sagan, reflecting on the slow pace of the peloton.Dessert: The Angers plum pate is a local pie made with small, green plums called Reines-Claudes, with pastry on top. There is a small hole in the middle, called the chimney, which makes the pate easily recognizable at the local patisseries (pastry shops). Its only available from mid-July until mid-September.Next order: At 237.5 kilometers (148 miles), Tuesdays fourth stage is the longest of this years Tour. Its another leg for the sprinters, despite a slightly uphill final stretch leading to the Limoges town hall. Barry Sanders Lions Jersey . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Will Harris Womens Jersey .ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check. http://www.lionsfanspro.com/Black-Matthew-Stafford-Lions-Jersey.html?cat=863 . 9. Price, heading to the 2014 Olympics for Canada, was named the First Star after posting wins in three starts with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .971 save percentage. Matthew Stafford Youth Jersey . Olli Jokinen, Mark Scheifele, and Bryan Little each had a goal and an assist as Winnipeg won 5-2, handing Calgary its record-setting seventh consecutive loss on home ice. Barry Sanders Womens Jersey ., for the next three years with the signings on Monday of Daryl Townsend and Michael Carter. A UFC bantamweight matchup between John Dodson and John Lineker will headline UFC Fight Night on Oct. 1 in Portland, Oregon.UFC officials announced the 135-pound fight on Saturday. The televised event will take place at Moda Center.Dodson (18-7) is coming off a 47-second knockout against Manny Gamburyan in April. The New Mexico-based fighter moved up to bantamweight after a 5-2 run at flyweight.His two UFC losses came in title fights against longtime flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.ddddddddddddLineker (28-7) is also a former flyweight. The Brazilian moved in weight last year due to regular issues making 125 pounds. He is 3-0 as a UFC bantamweight, including a first-round knockout over Michael McDonald in July.ESPN.com ranks Dodson and Lineker the Nos. 4 and 8 bantamweights in the world, respectively. ' ' '

MIAMI -- While the Marlins may be checking the trade market for starting pitching, Miamis hitters are struggling to generate runs.Miami was shut out for the second straight game and dominated by Jeremy Hellickson for the second time in a week during a 4-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.This is nothing more than a little blip on whats going to happen through the course of the season, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. Its not like were not going to hit. I think were going to hit. Im very confident of that.It is the first time the Marlins lost back-to-back games since dropping three straight June 28-30. They were also blanked Sunday 3-0 by the Mets and have not scored in 19 innings.Hellickson threw six innings of one-hit ball Monday after limiting Miami to a run over eight innings in a 4-1 win five days prior.Just executing, Hellickson said. I dont think its this lineup in particular. The last two games my balls have been down for the most part and just getting a lot of easy outs.The 29-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors, some connecting him to the Marlins.It doesnt bother me, Hellickson said. Once Im in this locker room and obviously you still see it on TV and stuff, but my focus was on helping us win today. Now its on to the next start. I see it and read about it, but its been like this for a few years so its pretty easy to block out right now.Hellickson retired the first nine batters he faced and finished with one walk, one strikeout and 70 pitches thrown before being lifted for a pinch hitter. He lowered his ERA to 3.65 and pitched at least six innings for a ninth straight start.I dont want to lose him, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. I wish he could stay here. Hes that solid. Hes been like that the whole year.Tommy Joseph hit a two-out RBI double in the top of the eighth to break a scoreless tie, and David Hernandez (2-3) pitched an inning in relief to earn the victory as four Phillies pitchers combined on a two-hit shutout.The Phillies scored three runs in the ninth off A.J. Ramos on an RBI single by Cesar Hernandez and two errors by the Marlins.Miami outfielder Ichiro Suzuki grounded out in his only at-bat -- a pinch-hit appearance in the eighth -- to remain at 2,996 career hits.Fernando Rodney (1-3) struck out the first two batters he faced in the eighth before walking Maikel Franco, who scored from first on Josephs double to left-center field.Miamis Jarred Cosart made his first start since April 22 and tossed five scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and one walk while striking out three.Id be lying if I say I wasnt nervous in the first inning, Cosart said. You kind of forget what a big league setting is like after a month and a half being gone. The ups and down of minor league, rehab in between, the heart was going.Cosart pitched in place of lefty Wei-Yin Chen, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list before the game with a left elbow strain.TRAINERS ROOMMarlins: Chen was placed on the DL retroactive to July 21. ... 1B Justin Bour (right ankle sprain) hopes to begin a rehab stint on Thursday. Hes still having some trouble with some running things and some moving around issues, but were trying to get him game-like at-bats before he is physically able to do rehab games, Mattingly said.NEXT UPPhillies: RHP Jerad Eickhoff (6-11, 3.98 ERA) will start Tuesdays game against the Marlins. Eickhoff allowed six runs, five earned, and nine hits in five innings in a 9-3 loss to the Marlins in his last start on July 21 in Philadelphia.Marlins: RHP Tom Koehler (7-8, 4.42) is scheduled to start Tuesdays game in a rematch of the July 21 game. Koehler pitched a season-high eight innings and allowed two hits and one earned run in the victory. Devin Bush Jersey . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said. Rod Woodson Youth Jersey . 10 Texas A&Ms offence dominated as usual against SMU. http://www.steelersrookiestore.com/Steelers-Mike-Wagner-Jersey/ . Carey Price didnt, but he still came out on top against one of his rivals for the No. 1 job at the Sochi Games. The Anahim Lake, B.C., native was stellar in making 39 saves in his home province and Lars Eller got credit for a bizarre short-handed winner as the Canadiens defeated the Canucks 4-1. Rocky Bleier Steelers Jersey . To the surprise of many, it isnt the Wolverines but their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. Antonio Brown Steelers Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . ATLANTA -- This was merely an annoyance for Alabama, a chance to add another trophy to its overflowing cases. The Crimson Tide did just enough things wrong to give Nick Saban something to complain about over the next month, but in the end it was another dominating victory for the nations top-ranked team.Florida coach Jim McElwain was certainly impressed after his No. 15 Gators took a 54-16 whipping in the Southeastern Conference championship game Saturday. He called it Sabans best team yet in a dynasty that shows no signs of stumbling.I dont see a lot of weaknesses, marveled McElwain, Sabans offensive coordinator from 2008-11. Theyve really accumulated a lot of speed at some spots where they were always big.Alabama (13-0, No. 1 CFP) unleashed all its weapons against the overmatched Gators, scoring off an interception and a blocked punt in the first half, snuffing out their last gasp with a goal-line stand, and wearing down Florida at the end with a dominant running game.The Tide now heads to the College Football Playoff for the third year in a row, most likely returning to Atlanta for a semifinal game on Dec. 31. Alabama will be seeking its second straight national title and its fifth crown in the last nine years. Saban already has five national titles , counting his first at LSU, and is one shy of Bear Bryants record for the most by any coach.Challenging his players, Saban said they have a chance to do something to create a legacy for this team. Thats something they should think about, how important that is, what they are willing to do to do it. Because all the teams you play from here on out are really, really good.The Crimson Tide bolted to a 16-9 lead in the first quarter, despite being held to minus-7 yards and no first downs. Minkah Fitzpatrick returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Jacobs went 27 yards for a score with a blocked punt. A field goal was set up by another pick -- one of three thrown by Florida quarterback Austin Appleby in the first half.The Tide led 33-16 at halftime and iced the victory with scoring drives of 98 and 91 yards, sparked by a goal-line stand that finished off the last gasp by the Gators (8-4, No. 15 CFP). It was most points surrendered by Florida since a 62-24 loss to Nebraska in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl.A 24-point underdog , the Gators marched the length of the field on their opening possession, the first touchdown given up by the Tide in more than 17 quarters. They had another long TD drive near the end of the first half to give themselves a glimmerr of hope.ddddddddddddIt wasnt perfect, said Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster, who was named the games MVP. We had to persevere, overcome some hard times.The last of those hard times came when Florida drove to the Crimson Tide 1 in the third quarter. Jordan Scarlett attempted to leap over the line on third-and-goal, but he never got off the ground. Rashaan Evans, who took over after Shaun Dion Hamilton went out with a likely season-ending knee injury, blew by his blocker and slammed the running back for a 1-yard loss.Appleby then threw incomplete in the back of the end zone on fourth down, giving the Tide all the momentum.Alabama finished with 174 yards rushing in the second half. The bulk of the carries went to bruising sophomore Bo Scarbrough, who had two short touchdown runs and finished with 91 yards on 11 carries.We just wanted to do what we do best, and thats run the ball, Scarbrough said.THE TAKEAWAYAlabama: Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts wasnt all that sharp, completing 11 of 20 passes for 138 yards, and the Tide will want to clean up some busted plays that led to big losses. But thats merely nitpicking. This team is the clear favorite heading into the playoff.Florida: The Gators must address their offensive woes after another shaky performance. Developing a quarterback is McElwains top priority. Thats something weve got to do, sooner than later, he said.BLOCK PARTYDuring a wild sequence in the first quarter, each team scored off blocked kicks on back-to-back plays.Jacobs TD came after Derrick Gore blocked a punt, giving Alabama a 16-7 lead. But when Adam Griffiths extra-point attempt was swatted down by Jabari Zuniga, David Reese scooped up the ball and went the length of the field to give the Gators a 2-point conversion.POLL IMPLICATIONSAlabama will remain No. 1 in The Associated Press poll, as well as the College Football Playoff rankings. Florida can expect to drop at least four or five spots.UP NEXTAlabama: Projected to meet the No. 4-ranked CFP team in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.Florida: Two straight blowout losses probably cost the Gators a shot at the Sugar Bowl. More likely, they will settle for either the Dec. 31 Citrus Bowl or the Jan. 2 Outback Bowl.---Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry .---For more AP college football coverage: www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '

MANCHESTER, England -- Jose Mourinho resumes his rivalry with Arsene Wenger on Saturday on the back of a simple message: Give me some respect.The biggest subplot to the high-profile Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal on Saturday at Old Trafford is the renewal of the often-spiky coaching relationship between Mourinho and Wenger.The managers have clashed repeatedly over the years, either on the touchline -- Wenger once shoved Mourinho in the chest following an argument in the technical area -- or via verbal barbs in news conferences.Mourinho is rarely short of an opinion when it comes to Wenger, having previously called the Frenchman a voyeur because of his regular comments about Mourinhos former club, Chelsea, and a specialist in failure during Arsenals nine years without winning trophy (2005-14).On Friday, Mourinho wondered out loud why, in his opinion, Wenger gets more credit for his achievements.Tomorrow is a match between the two managers with the best record in the Premier League, now Alex Ferguson isnt here anymore, Mourinho said, referring to his and Wengers record of winning three league titles each.Does that mean we should be respected, even in periods where our results are not the best? I think Mr. Wenger has that respect, I dont think I have. Especially because my last Premier League title was 18 months ago, not 18 years ago. I dont think I get that respect.Mourinhos most recent league title came in 2015, at the end of the second season of his second stint at Chelsea. Wenger hasnt won the league with Arsenal since 2004.Yet, Mourinho feels he is targeted for criticism more than Wenger. United has struggled this season in Mourinhos first year in charge and goes into Saturdays game in sixth place, six points behind Arsenal and eight points behind first-place Liverpool after 11 games.Some believe Mourinho is already losing his grip at United after a number of public outbursts toward his players and what some pundits believe to be his outdated playing style compared to some of the younger Premier League managers.Mourinho said his track record of winning league titles at every top club he has managed -- FC Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan -- demands that he gets more time. And, that word again, respect.When I was sacked at Chelsea, I was not in trouble. I had lots of offers, Mourinho said. I could be working in some of the biggest cubs in Europe and I waited for the chance to work at a club where I wanted to be.The arrival of Mourinho in English football in 2004 is one of the major reasons why Arsenal declined as a major force, damaging Wengers reputation in the process. Fueled by Roman Abramovichs heavy spending, Chelsea became the best team in England the season after Arsenal won the championship by going through the 2003-04 campaign unbeaten.That might be the reason why Wenger has had issues with Mourinho. In 13 competitive meetings with sides managed by Mourinho, Wengers Arsenal has never triumphed, drawing six times and losing seven times.Thats not important, Mourinho said. I dont play against managers. Its my team that plays against another managers team. Some records are better than others. But in the end, a football match is an isolated event.Wengers only success over Mourinho came in the 2015 Community Shield.You know, we didnt lose always, Wenger said. We have beaten them and there was many draws as well. I think I have won against every manager in the world during my 20 years here and I do not make of this game a competition between two managers. Ultra Boost Wholesale . Aside

MADRID, Spain -- Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will play for both the No. 1 ranking and the Madrid Open title after both won their semifinals in straight sets on Saturday. The top-ranked Williams will have a chance to win her 50th career title after beating Sara Errani of Italy 7-5, 6-2, while No. 2 Sharapova recorded her 500th career win at all levels after seeing off Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-3. Sharapova has won all 10 sets she has played on Madrids outdoor red clay court. Williams, however, boasts a 12-2 record against the Russian. After a skittish start, Williams dominated Errani and broke her final service game in both sets. "I feel I played solid," Williams said. "In the second set more than in the first, I made a few less errors, which is something I needed to do." The defending champion improved to 5-0 against the seventh-ranked Errani and to 30-2 overall this year. Williams said Sharapova would pose a difficult challenge. "I feel this whole tournament I have only played clay-court opponents," said Williams. "All have been smaller than me. Tomorrow will be a different game, more power." Williams struggled with her shot-making early, uncharacteristically misfiring on three smashes in the first set, which she still managed to pull out after falling behind 3-1. The 15-time Grand Slam winner then started clicking with her serve and held two games to love, but she needed four set points before finally breaking Errani with a forehand winner placed just inside the line to grab the lead. Ahead a set, Williams pressed her advantage and eased through the second. On Sunday, Williams will play her first final on red clay since 2002. Last years trophy at the Caja Magica came on the experimental blue clay surface that was removed following players complaints it was too slippery. After Sharapova took the first set, Ivanovic opened up a 2-0 lead in the second. But Sharapova responded and stole her serve twice, sealing the second break with a lob over the top of her Serb rival. Sharapova has beaten Ivanovic, a fellow former No. 1, in their last six meetings. Nike Air Force 1 Low Sale .Y. -- Sabres forward Drew Stafford has witnessed plenty of turmoil during his eight seasons in Buffalo. Nike Air Max 2017 Sale . The visitors took a deserved lead in the 16th minute with midfielder Yohan Cabaye curling the ball beyond Adrian from inside the penalty area. http://www.cheapairforce1sale.com/cheap-nike-shox-clearance-uk/nike-shox-nz.html . As the crowd erupted, Davis knocked the ball off the glass and back into his hands. With 1:14 to go in overtime, Davis sixth block also became his 17th rebound. That, along with his 32 points -- which tied a career high -- proved too much for Denver to overcome, and the Pelicans held on for their third straight victory, 111-107 on Sunday night. Nike Air Force 1 UK Sale . -- New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis is retiring after a 16-year career to become the goalie coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Nike Air Max 1 Mid . They were putting most of their energy into a record-setting offensive display. BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Tyler Hall scored 22 points and had six rebounds and five assists as Montana State fought past feisty NAIA-member Arizona Christian 93-73 on Monday.The Bobcats led 37-36 at halftime and didnt begin to pull away until midway through the second half. Halls 3 made it 60-49 with 10:05 left to play. Hall made another 3 extending the lead to 67-53 with 8:05 left.Zach Green finished with 16 points for Montana State (5-2), Sam Neumann had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Joe Mvuezolo Jr. addeed 15 points for the Bobcats.ddddddddddddGreen hit a 3 early to make the score 10-3 before Chris Sterling made three free throws and Steven Loucks had a layup with 15:58 before halftime. Sterling hit a 3 to put the Firestorm up 23-22 for their first and only lead of the game.Sterling and Al Brown each scored 14 points, and Shy McClelland added 12 points for the Firestorm. ' ' '

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild have claimed right wing Teemu Pulkkinen off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings and added him to their roster for the season opener.Pulkkinen was picked up on Tuesday, as right wing Christoph Bertschy and goalie Alex Stalock were assigned to the teams AHL affiliate in Iowa. The 24-year-old Pulkkinen had 11 goals and nine assists over 70 games for the Red Wings over parts of three seasons.The native of Finland also totaled 120 points (65 goals, 55 assists) over 117 games the last two years in the AHL with Grand Rapids. Pulkkinen was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round in 2010.The Wild start the season at St. Louis on Thursday. Daniele Rugani Juventus Jersey . -- Most satisfying to Russ Smith about No. Blank Juventus Jersey . Soukalova missed only one target and completed the 15-kilometre course in 40 minutes, 32.6 seconds for both victories in this seasons individual discipline. Darya Domracheva of Belarus was second, 34. http://www.juventusfcpro.com/Customized/ . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. We just have to get better," Carroll said. Cristiano Ronaldo Jersey . With his new coach and six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker watching him during an official match for the first time, Djokovic appeared tentative early against the Slovakian player, who often appeared content to keep the ball in play. Alex Sandro Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. MISSOULA, Mont. -- Chad Chalich threw six of his program-record seven TD passes in the first half, Keenan Curran tied a Montana record with four touchdown catches, and the Grizzlies beat Idaho State 62-44 on Saturday night.Chalich overtook Makena Simis (2015), Jordan Johnson (2011), Brian Ah Yat (1998) and Dave Dickenson (1995) in the Montana record book with his seventh TD pass -- a 6-yard strike to Curran that made it 55-31 with 10:49 left in the game.Chalich, who found out he would be starting shortly beforre game time, finished with 388 yards passing and a 1-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter.ddddddddddddThe Grizzlies (6-3, 3-3 Big Sky) led 41-31 at the break and pulled away as Idaho State (2-6, 1-4) struggled without starting quarterback Tanner Gueller, who left the game at halftime due to an injury. Trae Pilster and Tom Jewell handled the Bengals QB duties in the second half. ' ' '

HOUSTON -- Houston manager A.J. Hinch politely answered question after question Monday about what went wrong this season before he was finally asked how he was dealing with his team missing the postseason a year after reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2005.Im not handling it very well at all, the Astros second-year manager said. I hate losing ... I dont like being here and having this meeting when I know a game is being played tomorrow. But Im proud of the fact that 84 wins isnt good enough.The Astros took a step back this season after a surprising trip to the ALDS in 2015, forced to play catch up after going 7-17 in April. They remained in the wild-card hunt until the last weekend of the season, but injuries to key members of the rotation and several role players became too much to overcome.Houston has one of baseballs best middle infields with second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa, but its seeking upgrades at first base and in the outfield.I think were well positioned for next year, general manager Jeff Luhnow said. There are very few organizations of the 30 that have quite as exciting a young core to build around. Thats our job this offseason, is to put in some complementary pieces to add to the guys that we have that were excited about.The Astros went 84-78 a year after finishing 86-76, giving them consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2005-06. Of course, after years or rebuilding, over .500 isnt the target anymore.Our goal next year is to win the division and do some serious damage in the playoffs, Luhnow said. Theres nothing short of that thats going to satisfy us.Some things to know as the Astros wrap the 2016 season.AWESOME ALTUVE: Altuve had another MVP-caliber season in 2016. He won the AL batting title for the second time in three seasons by hitting .338 and got his third straight 200-hit season with an AL-leading 216. He hit 42 doubles and stole 30 bases, and his five triples, 24 homers and 96 RBI were all career highs.The 26-year-old Altuve is the first second baseman to win multiple batting titles since Rod Carew won five from 1969-75.I just wonder how he can get any better, Luhnow said. Hes really done an unbelievable job of setting goals for himself and improving his game in every way that he possibly could. Hes one of the best players in the American League, the best players in the game and were just happy to have him here.KEUCHEL STRUGGLES: Ace Dallas Keuchel had a tough season a year after winning the AL Cy Young Award. The left-hander went 9-12 with a 4.55 ERA after finishing 2015 a career-best 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA. He looked sharper in August but was shut down after a start on Aug. 27 because of shoulder inflammation and didnt pitch again. Luhnow said he isnt worried about Keuchel and expects him to bounce back next season.CORREAS GROWTH: The top overall pick in the 2012 draft had a solid sophomore campaign after winning AL Rookie of the Year in 2015. He hit .274 with 20 homers and 96 RBI despite playing the last weeks of the season with a shoulder injury.Correa turned 22 in September, and the Astros are pleased with his development this season.Correa, though, is disappointed he failed to do more in 2016.Carlos Correa will probably never live up to his own expectations, Hinch said. Im not sure youre ever going to live up to the hype, but when the dust settles and we look back at this season, well look back at it as a growth season for him, as a productive season and a step in the right direction.RASMUS DONE IN HOUSTON? OF Colby Rasmus was Houstons highest-paid player this season, making $15.8 million, but batted just .206 in 107 games while dealing with various injuries. Rasmus is eligible for free agency, and although Luhnow wouldnt say definitively, he suggested Houston was unlikely to retain the 30-year-old.He still has value to major league teams and Im sure hell have an opportunity to sign somewhere, Luhnow said. But Im not sure how, or if, he fits into our plans at this point. Frank Clark Womens Jersey . Once again, DeLaet finished tied for second at a PGA Tour stop on the weekend, this time at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The pride of Weyburn, Sask. Mecole Hardman Jersey . "Jeff is a hard worker who was an important special-teams contributor for us last season," said Stamps GM John Hufnagel. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Marcus-Allen-Chiefs-Jersey/ . Jeff Green scored 13 points and Kris Humphries 12 for the Celtics, who nearly blew an 18-point, second-half lead. Sullingers 20-20 was the first by a Celtics player since Kevin Garnetts first game in Boston in 2007. Garnett was dealt -- along with Paul Pierce -- to Brooklyn during the off-season. Tyreek Hill Youth Jersey . -- Gus Malzahn finally had his day in Fayetteville. Darwin Thompson Chiefs Jersey . "Theyve both been real good," said Babcock. "Havent changed our minds." A decision has seemingly been made - Sundays Group B-deciding tilt against Finland ahead - but it could not have been an easy one. Price opened the tournament with a sturdy 19-save performance against the Norwegians, yielding just one goal. Bray WyattD.O.B.: May 23, 1987Billed height: 6-foot-3Billed weight: 285 poundsSignature move: Sister AbigailNicknames: The Eater of Worlds, The New Face of FearCatchphrases: Were here!, Follow the buzzards!, Run!WWE main roster debut: July 5, 2010College: Troy UniversityWWE accoladesOne-time WWE SmackDown tag team champion (with Randy Orton); won on Dec. 4, 2016 (TLC);?Current championOther notesWyatt is the son of former WWE superstar Irwin R. Schyster, the brother of current WWE superstar?Bo Dallas, the nephew of both Kenndall Windham and WWE Hall of?Famer, Barry Windham and the grandson of WWE Hall of Famer, Blackjack MulliganWyatt won a state wrestling championship in high school in 2005Wyatt played two seasons of college football at the College of the Sequoias, where he was a second-team All-American as an offensive guard.dddddddddddd He then earned a scholarship to Troy University, where he played two seasons. ' ' '

Peter Eriksson is returning to Athletics Canada. The 60-year-old Swede stepped down as head coach of British Athletics on Wednesday, and while he says he doesnt have any plans, sources told The Canadian Press he will be named the new head coach at Athletics Canada. Erikssons resignation from British Athletics comes just seven months after he took the job. He has lived in Canada since the 1980s and his wife and four daughters have remained there since he took over from Charles van Commenee following last years London Olympics. "This is a big disappointment but it could not have been foreseen six months ago, and Peter has been open with us on the personal challenges he faces," said performance director Neil Black, who will fill Erikssons role ahead of the world championships in Moscow in August. Eriksson, who will leave at the end of June, says "there is no bigger job in athletics anywhere in the world. At present I have no plans, but accept that if I am to take any other job in sport it will be a step down." When contacted by The Canadian Press, Athletics Canada denied that Eriksson has been hired. Born in Stockholm, the former speedskater moved to Canada in 1987 and became a highly regarded wheelchair racing coach. He was named Athletics Canadas coach of the year in 2008 after helping wheelchair racer Chantal Petitclerc to five gold medals and three world records at the Beijing Paralympics. Before taking the head coach position in Britain, Eriksson spent four years as the coach of Britains Paralympic team. Britains Paralympic medal haul rose from 17 in Beijing to 29 in London, 11 of which were gold. Athletics Canada cleaned house in January, firing head coach Alex Gardiner and chief high performance officer Martin Goulet following Canadas disappointing performance in London. The organization named Scott MacDonald its new high performance director in March. Canada had set a target of three athletics medals in London but fell short, coming away with just one -- Derek Drouins bronze in high jump. Alonzo Mourning Jersey .com) - The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks both take aim at their first wins of the season on Saturday, as the Canucks open their home slate at Rogers Arena. Justise Winslow Jersey . -- On the field, it was business as usual for Jameis Winston and No. http://www.authenticbasketballshopheat.info/udonis-haslem-heat-jersey/ . A knee to the thigh might have stung him the most, but his sixth straight double-double made up for the brief burst of pain. Dion Waiters Jersey . - Goaltender Philippe Desrosiers of the Rimouski Oceanic has broken a shutout record that was only three months old in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Tim Hardaway Jersey . MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta. SPARTA, Ky. -- Rookie William Byron took the lead on lap 82 and withstood several challengers to win Thursday night at Kentucky Speedway and make Kyle Busch Motorsports the winningest Camping World Truck Series team in NASCAR history.Daniel Hemric and John H. Nemechek battled side-by-side at time down the stretch in hopes of catching Byron but neither could chase down the series points leader, who passed Timothy Peters and did

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Jerry Jones has made his share of mistakes, from firing Jimmy Johnson to hiring Greg Hardy to committing countless unforced errors in between. He cannot make another one at Dak Prescotts expense. He cannot do anything during the Dallas Cowboys upcoming bye week but tell Tony Romo that his time as starting quarterback is done.At the top, understand that Romo has never been a great quarterback. People throw around that word -- great -- way too easily now. He has been a good-to-very-good quarterback for a long time, this much is true.But he has never carried his team to a Super Bowl, never mind to a Super Bowl victory, and he has won only two playoff games since taking the job a decade ago. Two. That number is great only in Romos second-favorite sport, golf, when trying to navigate a perilous par-3.In other words, Romo hasnt earned untouchable status. He doesnt deserve to be treated as though hes Tom Brady, whose 22 postseason victories and four rings rightfully indemnified him against the possibility that Jimmy Garoppolo might go on the kind of ungodly tear during Bradys suspension that inspired fans and commentators to start asking questions.But this isnt only about Romo, of course, and a battered 36-year-old body that needs to be handled more delicately these days than a piece of fine china. This is about the 23-year-old rookie, Prescott, who is bigger, stronger, healthier and faster. The fourth-round draft pick just walked into Lambeau Field and played big enough in this 30-16 smackdown of the Packers to make Aaron Rodgers, two-time MVP, look like the incredible shrinking man. Relax? The way Rodgers has performed the past two seasons, I dont think so. In weather conditions the polar opposite of the polar Packers-Cowboys classic known as the Ice Bowl, Prescott threw three touchdown passes to Rodgers one, ran his winning streak to five, and all but summoned the sights and sounds of Vince Lombardi barking, What the hells going on out here?When it was over, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett raved about Prescotts composure and poise, and the rookie repeated, on cue, that he still sees himself as a gracious temp. This is Tonys team, Prescott said, and Im just here to help my team win each and every game that I can.But it really doesnt matter what the coach or quarterback says. The Dallas Cowboys are run by one man, Jones, who is the only owner in major professional sports who holds a news conference after every game. Jones makes the late George Steinbrenner look like a wallflower, and on truth serum, Garrett would likely admit he wishes his boss wouldnt hold these postgame briefings as much as Bill Parcells wished it.Thats OK. Its Jones team, and Jones money, and Jones right to assemble the roster and dictate the times and places hell speak for public consumption. And as much as news media members rail against todays declining access, its hard to complain when an ultra-significant figure sees the endangered middleman and middlewoman as a relevant part of doing business.So there was Jones outside the visitors locker room at Lambeau, holding court with reporters who had little interest in what anyone else wearing a star had to say. Jones wisely did not say that Romo will definitely return to the starting lineup when hes healthy enough to do so. I think that what were going to do is wait until the next card is played, the owner said. So whos going to be your quarterback against Philadelphia on Oct. 30?I think well look and see how we do, Jones responded. It is two weeks away, and Tony is getting better. I was talking to a guy that was catching his balls and he pulled his shirt up and showed me his bruises on his ribs. [Romos] throwing with some velocity out here. Id hate to end up here with two winning quarterbacks and a tough decision as to whos going to win the game.Jones smiled when he said that. Someone asked if he would really dare to slap the brakes on the Prescott express, and he answered, I think what we do is enjoy how were seeing Dak progress, and have comfort in the fact that every time Romo throws a football, its got more velocity on it.Jones should tell Romo to save those fastballs for another day. He should tell the veteran quarterback to stay ready in the event Prescott begins struggling (unlikely), or gets hurt (always a possibility). He should tell Romo that Ezekiel Elliott looks great, that the offensive line looks great, that the defense looks much better than advertised, and that Cole Beasley looks like a new man. He should tell Romo that the Cowboys might be good enough to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time in two decades, and that he simply cannot make a change, not when Prescott is playing like one of the very best quarterbacks on the planet.Dak plays the same way that he prepares during the week and in the meetings, Jones said, and I keep saying that and I keep looking for it to be different. But its not different. He practices, he works, he prepares himself, and he comes out and he exceeds how he looks in practice during the ballgames. So you just couldnt ask for more inspiration from a player because everybody on this team knows what a difficult position it is to play.Even though he broke Bradys NFL record of 162 consecutive passes without an interception to start his career, Prescott wasnt perfect against the Packers. He threw a ghastly pick on pass No. 177. He threw another lousy, almost indifferent ball on a slant near the end zone, and he fumbled twice, losing one of them.But did you catch those back-to-back plays in the second quarter, back-to-back situations that required an entirely different approach from the newbie? Prescott saw a wide-open Terrance Williams down the field, and oh-so-slightly underthrew him just to ensure he didnt blow the gift-wrapped 42-yard gain by unnecessarily leading the receiver. On the next snap, he saw a tightly covered Brice Butler streaking for the end zone corner and oh-so-slightly overthrew him just to ensure that only one man -- the Dallas receiver -- had a shot at catching it. Butler brought it in for a 20-yard touchdown and a two-score lead.Rodgers used to do stuff like that, you know, until he completely lost his way. The Lambeau fans actually booed him Sunday, and even sounded hopeful that halftime honoree?Brett Favre would start warming up in the pen.Favre would say on the Fox broadcast that he didnt think the Cowboys should replace Prescott with Romo, and Roger Staubach strongly hinted the other day he would stick with the rookie, too, telling ESPN.com that Prescott has the team behind him and that an individuals interests cant rise above the groups. Im a Romo fan, too, so I dont want to say anything against Tony, Staubach said. But the way Daks going, its all about the team and whats the best feel for the team at this particular point.Theres no doubting the best feel for Dallas right now. This isnt a rookie and one-hit wonder named Clint Longley coming out of nowhere with Staubach hurt to burn Washington on a memorable Thanksgiving Day in 1974. Prescott is a keeper, and his boss knows it. Jones didnt know what hed do with the quarterback position when Romos back gave out again in the preseason, and now, he said, I have to pinch myself. Jones described his team numerous times as an inspired circle of young men playing for each other, and said the chemistry at least guarantees the Cowboys wont rush back Romo like theyve done in the past.Theres nothing Id rather do, Jones continued, than go into the last half of the season with a ready-to-go Tony Romo and a winning Dak Prescott. I dream of being able to make that decision.That decision should already be made. If Jones believes deep down that an accomplished veteran starter shouldnt lose his job to injury, he should try telling that to Drew Bledsoe (2001) and to Wally Pipp (1925).Dak Prescott might not have Tom Bradys aim or Lou Gehrigs durability, but he clearly has enough game to start over Tony Romo for the rest of 2016. Even an owner who hasnt won the big one in 20 years can see that.For more coverage on the Dallas Cowboys this season, follow NFL Nation or the Cowboys clubhouse page. Los Angeles Clippers Jerseys . -- Its been a long road back for Sean Bergenheim. Jerome Robinson Clippers Jersey . Irving scored 23 points, Tristan Thompson had 20 points and 10 rebounds and the Cavaliers beat the Denver Nuggets 117-109 on Friday night. http://www.clippersnbateamshop.info/patrick-beverley-clippers-jersey/ . The winner Saturday will remain in the elite 10-team field next year. "We talked about wanting to be disciplined and stick with our game plan and good things will come," Draisaitl said, who had two goals for the victors. Jerome Robinson Jersey . 31, the CFL club announced Monday. The team also has yet to decide on the future of Doug Berry, who began the season as a consultant to the head coach but took over the offensive co-ordinators duties in July. Chris Paul Jersey . President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest was fired Friday after 12 years with the Marlins. The move came as the team neared the end of its third consecutive last-place season in the NL East. While you might be an avid fan of a particular NHL team -- and keep up-to-date on all the news and rumors regarding that franchise -- there are 29 others playing in 2016-17.As a fantasy owner, it can be a bit daunting to keep tabs on everything.Thats where the Fantasy 30 comes in -- a rundown of the most fantasy-relevant updates on every team. Heres whats happening around the NHL this week.Anaheim Ducks: There is no goalie controversy in Anaheim. So says Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. But that doesnt mean Jonathan Bernier wont continue to garner starts over perceived No. 1 John Gibson. That recent, ridiculous blowout loss to the Flames serving as anomalous exception, Bernier has been solid -- and better than Gibson -- for the Ducks this campaign.Arizona Coyotes: Please dont make too much of the two assists earned by Peter Holland in his Coyotes debut. While the newly assembled third line of Holland, Jamie McGinn, and Anthony Duclair may sport a faint whiff of dark-horse promise, remember, the Maple Leafs castoff has habitually fallen well short of expectations since his first-round selection in the 2009 draft (15th overall by the Ducks). Dont jump on him, is what were suggesting, no matter the size of your league.Boston Bruins: Those waiting for Matt Beleskey to equal, never mind improve on, last seasons numbers with the Bruins are advised to pull the chute. Placed on IR with a knee injury, the 28-year-old is projected to miss about six weeks. With all of five points in 24 games, Beleskey is well off pace the 15 goals, 22 assists he collected in 2015-16. Meanwhile, speculative trade talk involving Boston forward Ryan Spooner hasnt quieted in the slightest.Buffalo Sabres: Sportsnets Elliotte Friedman reports the Sabres are willing to part ways with Zemgus Girgensons -- for the right return:Ice time for Zemgus Girgensons last seven games: 10:07, 9:08, 8:07, 8:39, 9:40, 7:23, 9:07. Buffalo is getting calls, but general manager Tim Murray is telling people the decreased usage doesnt mean the Sabres will just give him away. I think Anaheim had some dialogue here last summer, but the asking price was one of the Ducks talented young defencemen -- a cost they were unwilling to pay without some kind of sweetener.A change of scenery cant hurt here. Selected 14th overall in 2012, Girgensons is enduring a dismal season, with two goals and three assists. He didnt produce to expectation last season, either. Depending on where he lands, the 22-year-old could reclaim some value as an fantasy asset in deeper leagues.Calgary Flames: The Mark Giordano/Dougie Hamilton defensive duo is thriving for the Flames. Reunited Nov. 15, the pair has been particularly dynamic in Calgarys five most recent games, combining for six goals and two assists. Not coincidentally, the Hamilton trade chatter from earlier this season has since hushed significantly.Carolina Hurricanes: Pulled during Tuesdays 8-6 circus victory over the visiting Canucks, Cam Ward is in zero danger of losing his job as the Hurricanes (nearly) everyday netminder. In fact, the squads head coach was quick to lay blame elsewhere after his squads poor defensive effort.Peters says pulling Ward was not a reflection on Wards play. Says team was leg-less. Says Ward to start again against Caps.- Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) December 14, 2016Boasting a less-than-dreadful .915 save percentage and 2.34 goals-against average, the 32-year-old has already started 23 of Carolinas 29 contests this season.Chicago Blackhawks: Well let others discuss the future of Scott Darling and his purported potential as a No. 1 netminder in the NHL; for now, the backups position in Chicago interests us most. Darling has been flat-out spectacular in Corey Crawfords absence, especially in his last four games. Ride the Blackhawks No. 2 hard in all varieties of fantasy play until he flounders or Crawford returns. Whatever comes first.Colorado Avalanche: Unless the Avalanche break out a stark about-face in fortune, the trade chatter surrounding Matt Duchene will continue. With no lack of interest in Duchene around the league, the Islanders are receiving additional attention as a good fit. No argument here, as the prospect of Duchene joining John Tavares on a top scoring line is enough to get any fantasy owners heart racing. As it stands, the fleet-footed winger has been on a mini charge of late, with five goals and an assist in five games. Stay closely tuned to how this plays out.Columbus Blue Jackets: While Sergei Bobrovsky deserves a healthy serving of credit for the Blue Jackets current success, the former Vezina trophy winner cant suit up each and every game. Which inspired Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch to suggest the club may look to improve their goaltending ranks nearer the trade deadline.Theyve started turning to Curtis McElhinney in a more realistic way of late. He was great in Phoenix. I suspect he plays on this road trip. Youre right, they cant play [Bobrovsky] on a 70-game pace. If they hit the trade deadline in a really good spot, I could see them making a move for a veteran backup on the cheap. Maybe a guy who could be the back-up next season. Im not sure where theyre going with Joonas Korpisalo or Anton Forsberg right now. It could be a few years before you want those guys -- at their ages -- playing once every two weeks in the NHL. See where it goes, but its an interesting position.So there appears little point to investing in McElhinney in deeper leagues as a gamble against Bobrovskys continued good health. However, the Jackets current No. 2 still sports enticing potential as a cheap, occasional asset in DFS whenever he does get the chance to start.Dallas Stars: Shelved a second time this season with a concussion, forward Patrick Sharp is back skating with the Stars. Good news, surely, but theres still no timetable for the veteran forwards return.Detroit Red Wings: Label them however you like, but Jimmy Howard -- not anointed No. 1 Petr Mrazek -- appears to be coach Jeff Blashills goaltender of choice. The proof is partially provided by Blashill turning back to Howard for Thursdays tilt versus the visiting Kings, despite Howard earning the altogether unanticipated loss to the Coyotes Tuesday. Howard is owned in 33 percent of ESPN leagues, while Mrazek is spoken for in 65 percent.Edmonton Oilers: Oilers announcer Bob Stauffer suggests the team should be interested in trading for Jarome Iginla. While Stauffer is admittedly treading in speculative waters, such a deal would undoubtedly inspire the fantasy heavyweight of yore -- who revealed he would consider waiving his no-trade clause -- to reclaim a fraction of his former glory (perhaps on a power play with Connor McDavid?). Thirty-nine, shmirty-nine; Iginla is still better than his current pace of seven points in 28 games with the Avalanche.Florida Panthers: Some good news amidst all the dramatic muck in Florida: Jonathan Huberdeau (Achilles tendon) has started skating. While Huberdeau probably remains about a month away from returning, fantasy owners whove waited this long can likely endure another four weeks (and wed bet on the under).Los Angeles Kings: While updating the health status of Jonathan Quick -- later amending the netminders projected return date to mid-February -- Kings GM Dean Lombardi insisted he wouldnt sell the farm to upgrade his team at the goalie position:According to Dean Lombardi, Quick is out until March. Lombardi not ready to throw the kitchen sink at teams goaltending problem.- Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) December 14, 2016Though hes hit some speed bumps recently, Peter Budaj has been reasonably consistent for the Kings altogether. Is there an upgrade to be had for sane cost? Not an obvious one.Additional Kings notes: Drew Doughty skipped Thursdays mornings skate in Detroit, as the defenseman is suspected to be bothered by a lower-body injury. Backup Jeff Zatkoff is tapped to start against the Red Wings.Montreal Canadiens: While the Canadiens are no less wanting for help at center this week over last, the status quo endures, with Alex Galchenyuk, David Desharnais out long-term. As such, dont disregard Tomas Plekanecs mildly bloated fantasy value as the clubs uncontested top-tier ccenterman.dddddddddddd Splitting wingers Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov, Plekanec recently notched four assists against the Avalanche. Owned in 52 percent of ESPN leagues, he might be available in yours. Also look to the 34-year-old in DFS when the matchup is favorable.Minnesota Wild: If it aint busted, dont try to fix it. Riding a six-game winning streak, Bruce Boudreau is leaving his lines well enough alone for Thursdays contest in Nashville. One standout from the forward gaggle is sleeper Jason Zucker -- skating alongside center Mikko Koivu -- who has four goals and six assists in 10 games. Also, the head coach offers that Zach Parise might finally be breaking out of his mediocre funk, via the Star Tribune:Boudreau admits he has been concerned that Zach Parise, who has five goals, isnt putting up his usual numbers. But Tuesday, Parise scored a goal with a quick release, had six shots, five takeaways and was a thorn in the side, Boudreau said. Those are the things that make Zach Parise a great hockey player. Were hoping hes just starting to get his groove a little bit.With five goals and six assists in 21 games, Parise serves as a ripe buy-low option, with heaps of upside.Nashville Predators: The Predators have once again swapped supporting goaltenders, promoting Juuse Saros while demoting Marek Mazanec back to the AHL. Fact is, whoever serves as backup in Nashville wont see much action as long as Pekka Rinne remains fit. However, its worth noting that Saros -- the better of the two understudies -- is likely to be Rinnes eventual successor. That should intrigue owners in keeper leagues. Saros also merits consideration as an under-the-radar asset in DFS when active.New Jersey Devils: Due back in the Devils lineup after taking a puck to the mouth earlier this month, Pavel Zacha is slated to skate on an even-strength line and power-play unit with Michael Cammalleri against the Blues on Thursday. Thats a bit different, but not so jarring, considering the Devils three-game losing streak. Bolder DFS competitors may want to give the rookie forward a whirl in GPPs as long as he maintains the assignment.New York Islanders: Goalie Thomas Greiss is projected to start versus the visiting Blackhawks Thursday. Riding a three-game win streak, and boasting a better record than Jaroslav Halak, Greiss nonetheless faces a tough task in beating a red-hot Chicago squad.New York Rangers: After sitting out four games with a groin issue, forward Rick Nash is eyeing a return for the Rangers on Thursday in Dallas. The power forward could see limited minutes before eventually reclaiming a spot in the top six.Ottawa Senators: The Senators net belongs to Mike Condon for the immediate future. No. 1 Craig Anderson (personal) isnt expected back for a while. Following a run of four good-to-super starts, including two shutouts, Condon -- owned in 17.5 percent of ESPN leagues -- has struggled in his last three appearances.Philadelphia Flyers: An update from the infirmary in Philly: Both Sean Couturier (knee) and Matt Read (abdomen) have skated for the first time since sustaining their respective injuries. While Read is likely a couple weeks off, Couturier could return for the Flyers as early as next week. Cant imagine theres any rush here though, as the Flyers have won 10 straight.Pittsburgh Penguins: Look for a red-hot Justin Schultz to see a greater share of prime power-play minutes -- alongside Trevor Daley -- as Kris Letang sits out the next couple of weeks with a lower-body injury. Owned in 42 percent of ESPN leagues, Schultz has five goals and seven assists in his last eight games -- and a plus-12 rating! -- including two points with the extra skater in two recent contests. Take advantage before this productive spell thins out.San Jose Sharks: Were about to get our first regular-season look at prospect Timo Meier in a Sharks sweater. Called up from the AHL, Meier is projected to make his NHL debut Friday in Montreal. Selected ninth overall in 2015, the 20-year-old has nine goals and six assists in 17 games with the Barracuda. Keeper-league owners may want to jump on this young lad before he makes any real noise. And dont be surprised if he fills a top-six role right away.St. Louis Blues: If youre concerned about Jake Allen getting a break after a run of five games in a busy week -- and a most recent sub-standard appearance versus Nashville -- dont be. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock has little inclination to switch it up between the pipes.Hes our guy, youve got to stick with him, Hitchcock said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. These are the adversity and growing pains you go through as a young starting goalie. Youve got to learn to fight through this stuff, youve got to learn to battle through this stuff. It cant be just one way. You dont get to be a starting goalie without having to go through all the adversity that young guys have to go through. Sure hes got some bumps in the road but we trust him. Weve got a lot of faith in him, and for us, were going to just flat stick with him.Hitchcock also mentioned he isnt worried about over-working Allen. The Blues No. 1 has started 24 games this season. Backup Carter Hutton has started six.Tampa Bay Lightning: Ondrej Palat suffered an undisclosed injury in Wednesdays 6-3 win over Calgary. Check the wingers status ahead of Tampas matchup with the Canucks Friday, as Palat had been skating on a productive line with Tyler Johnson. Nikita Kucherov is also considered day-to-day.Toronto Maple Leafs: So far, the signing of Karri Ramo to a professional tryout contract isnt panning out all that promisingly for the Maple Leafs organization. In three starts with the AHL Marlies, the experienced 30-year-old is 0-3 with a 3.80 GAA and .880 save percentage. Not good. As it stands, youngster Antoine Bibeau -- who was solid in his recent NHL debut, but realistically requires more seasoning in the minors -- remains understudy to Frederik Andersen.Vancouver Canucks: Reasonably, theres talk of cleaning house in Vancouver and (finally) moving some expensive vets as part of a tear-down/rebuild -- and that may include franchise icons Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. However, the twins control their own collective destiny, and cant be dealt unless they waive their no-trade clauses. So, as exciting a prospect this is for fantasy owners, and hockey fans in general, lets not hold our breath.Washington Capitals: Maybe youve noticed the Capitals re-configured second power-play unit has looked more effective of late. Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post outlines how one members gift at driving play into and through the offensive zone is partly to credit:Everything goes through forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, who cuts wide to the left and then speeds toward the net. From there, he can either shoot, with the hope that he either scores or generates a second scoring chance with a rebound. Or Kuznetsov can choose to pass the puck to one of the Capitals following him in, as Jakub Vrana and Justin Williams are also going to the net. Thats the formula thats created two power-play goals off the rush in the past three games.While its nice to see Kuznetsov warm up, hes virtually unavailable in any fantasy league worth its salt. On the other hand, Williams, and his four goals in four games, is available in nearly 70 percent of ESPN leagues. Meanwhile, Vrana, selected 13th overall in 2014, is just cracking the lid on his NHL career. Seven games in, the 20-year-old has three points in his past three contests, including a goal and assist with the man advantage. While the youngster is likely to return to the AHL at some point this season, he must be a consideration in serious keeper leagues. Goodness knows, the Capitals hold great expectations.Winnipeg Jets: Sportnets Elliotte Friedman suggests Ondrej Pavelec may get another go with the Jets if the Connor Hellebuyck/Michael Hutchinson tandem continues to falter. Pavelec has been better with the AHL Manitoba Moose in recent competition. Pavelec himself was pretty inconsistent during his recent NHL stead, but its worth keeping an eye on, in any case. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Point guard DAngelo Russell is sitting out for the Los Angeles Lakers against San Antonio with a sore left knee.Lakers coach Luke Walton made the announcement before the game Friday night.Russell leads the Lakers balanced lineup with 16.8 points and 4.7 assists per game. The second-year pro started the first 12 games of the season for Los Angeles during its surprising 7-5 start.Russell felt soreness in his knee during the Lakers practice on Thursday, and they elected to hold him out to be cautious. Walton is optimistic the injury wont be a long-term problem.The Lakers begin a stretch of 18 games in 30 days Friday. They dont have consecutive days off for another month. Dwight Clark 49ers Jersey . All of the scoring came in the final 20:04. Lucic scored on a power play at 15:46 of the third period, when he tipped a shot over Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen for a 3-1 lead. Custom San Francisco 49ers Jerseys ., for the next three years with the signings on Monday of Daryl Townsend and Michael Carter. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Dante-Pettis-Jersey/ . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. Jalen Hurd Womens Jersey ., and Rudi Swiegers of Kipling, Sask., took sixth spot on Saturday in pairs at the NHK Trophy ISU Grand Prix figure skating competition. Tom Rathman Youth Jersey . R.J. Umberger scored twice to lead the Blue Jackets to a franchise-record for consecutive wins with a 5-3 victory Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Kings. FRANKFURT, Germany -- Wladimir Klitschkos manager says Tyson Fury will undergo a doping test before the two fighters meet in their heavyweight rematch next month.Bernd Boente says doping tests for both fighters are written into the contract for the Oct. 29 fight in Manchester and will be conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, based in Las Vegas.Fury beat Klitschko in November to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF titles. A rematch was originally scheduled for July 9 but was postponed after Fury said he sustained an aankle injury.ddddddddddddt was disclosed in August, on the same day Fury announced the injury, that the new champion had been charged by the U.K. Anti-Doping agency and suspended from the sport after testing positive for a banned substance.Fury and his cousin Hughie, a heavyweight boxer who was also suspended, had their bans lifted pending full determination of the charges, UKAD said in August. ' ' '