Trojans Basketball: Large senior class expected to drive Atlantic Dec 1, 2008
Published: Monday, December 1, 2008 1:40 AM CST ATLANTIC In coach Steve Blazek s two years back that followed two years of Blazek stepping aside, the Trojans have steadily built a program that ought to have Hawkeye 10 Title Contender carved across its foundation. For parts of last season, that kind of identify and expectations seemed well-founded. (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
Bolts lose another must-win Dec 1, 2008
How do you take a Superbowl contender and reduce them to laughing stocks ... I've watched the Chargers ever since Jack Kemp was QB. Heck, when I coached my six year daughter's soccer team back in '76 we even named the team the Chargers (by the way we came in last, but we had fun "kick the ball . . . kick the ball . . . kick the ball!). I can't believe this Charger team is having fun. I am wondering why I have wasted my time this season. I will not waste my time next season. Why, oh why, did they... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
First two picks set for head-to-head matchup Dec 1, 2008
Thanks to astute use of the No. 1 overall selection and other moves that have panned out, Miami under first-year coach Tony Sparano has been transformed from one-win disaster to surprise playoff contender, winning four in a row before losing a shootout against the Patriots last week. One of the things that we talk an awful lot about is the makeup, Sparano said. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Sting of loss is felt by Bulldogs Dec 1, 2008
No. 17 Georgia (9-3) was supposed to be a championship contender. The Bulldogs started the season ranked No. 1 in the country, but crushing losses to Alabama and Florida ended those hopes. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Coaching fails UGA Dec 1, 2008
If Ga is going to be a national contender, the coordinators must improve ... When Josh finally learns this offense and then begins to use his are - then Tech will be contenders once again. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Mailbag: What's Roberts' future? Dec 1, 2008
But if he signs elsewhere, Baltimore may decide to follow through on the retooling and jettison Roberts to the highest paying contender. When Teixeira said that he wants to be near home and wants to be on a team that has a chance to compete in the near future, why would he choose the Nationals over the Orioles. (MLB.com -- Baltimore Orioles)
Recruiting: Juco Defensive Lineman Visits OSU Dec 1, 2008
Community College defensive tackle Horace Hubbard took an official visit to his other leading contender this weekend for the Bedlam game at Oklahoma State. Hubbard was accompanied by his Fort Scott teammate and standout linebacker Jacquain Williams. (GoPokes.com)
DISNEY 'corrupts children's minds'... Nov 30, 2008
Fr Jamison, who has been tipped as a contender to succeed Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor as the next Archbishop of Westminster, targets the behaviour of Disney in particular, which he says is "a classic example" of how consumerism is being sold as an alternative to finding happiness in traditional morality. While he acknowledges that Disney stories carry messages showing good triumphing over evil, he argues this is part of a ploy to persuade people that they should buy Disney products in order... (The Drudge Report)
Emotional ride Nov 30, 2008
Uhlaender's fast rise in the sport branded her a medal contender at the 2006 Games, even though it was her second major international competition (she finished seventh at the 2005 worlds). As she headed to the start, 2002 skeleton gold medalist Jimmy Shea shouted encouragement. (USA Today -- Sports)
TEAM REPORT: Inside the Maple Leafs Nov 30, 2008
Burke does not believe Sundin wants to play for a non-Cup contender, and it's believed Sundin was miffed at former GM Cliff Fletcher for attempting to talk him out of waiving his no-trade clause at last season's deadline. There is no danger of Burke firing the incumbent coach, as many new GMs do. (USA Today -- Sports)
Cavs Off To Strong Start Nov 30, 2008
At 13-3, Cleveland Looks Like a Championship Contender. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the confidence and feel of an elite NBA team. (Suite101.com)
Falcons: Head Turner Nov 30, 2008
Today, he'll get a chance to face his former team and the running back he once looked up to when the Falcons travel to San Diego (4-7), a team that was touted as a serious playoff contender but has lost one close game after another. Before the season, "I noticed we were going to play 'em," Turner said, breaking into a husky laugh. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Burke settles into his hockey 'dream job' Nov 30, 2008
The Leafs sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, and are a long way from being considered a legitimate Cup contender. Burke has been brought in to build a winner. (National Post)
Wild night in Washington Nov 30, 2008
500 and has the look of a legitimate playoff contender in spite of a significant injury in the first couple weeks of the season). Bibby said before Saturday s game that news of a potential deal never made it to his ears. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
#14/10 Irish Square Off With #24/RV Michigan State Saturday Nov 30, 2008
A Quick Look At The Fighting Irish Following two seasons of impressive growth and development, Notre Dame has constructed a firm foundation upon which to build its next championship contender. The Irish enter the 2008-09 season on the heels of a seventh trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 and a highly-competitive effort in that regional semifinal that has players, coaches and followers optimistic that even greater success may be on the horizon. (Und.com)
Lowe in win-win situation Nov 30, 2008
He'll strike it rich with a contender. By Nick Cafardo Globe Staff / November 30, 2008. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Fans, Weaver will shape Jags Nov 30, 2008
RICK WILSON/The Times-UnionJaguars owner Wayne Weaver (left), vice president of player personnel James "Shack" Harris (center) and coach Jack Del Rio have work to do to make the franchise a contender again ... It helped that they had an attractive home schedule and a team being billed as a Super Bowl contender ... The bottom line, though, is that the Jaguars need to make better draft picks if they're to be a contender. (Florida Times-Union)
'Domination' could put Ole Miss in Cotton Bowl Nov 29, 2008
There is speculation Croom will be asked to make changes to his coaching staff to save his job and the coach said recently he was open to change that will help make the team a conference contender. Athletic director Greg Byrne told The Associated Press before the game that a meeting with Croom has been set to discuss the future of the program, but he wouldnt say when. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Tar Heels top the ACC again Nov 29, 2008
Consider UVa a contender for the five-star forward. Talk about it in the. (Marquette Sports -- Rivals.com)
Burke looms large in minds of slumping Leafs Nov 29, 2008
" Wilson particularly took issue with suggestions from various columnists and analysts that Burke only likes North American players. The Leafs have 10 Europeans on their 23-player roster. Wilson urged people to do their research and review how many European players Burke had on his roster with the Vancouver Canucks. The answer was seven to nine in his six years there. However, Burke only has himself to blame for suggestions of a North American bias because he was widely quoted regarding his... (Globe and Mail)
State Finals Preview Nov 29, 2008
Not many people saw Eastmoor as a potential title contender coming into the playoffs, but they ran through a tough region, and then knocked out last year's state runner up, Newark Licking Valley. In this game it will be speed versus power. (Ohio State Sports -- Rivals.com)
Dalglish Says Liverpool Has `Best Chance' to Claim English League Title Nov 29, 2008
Dalglish, Houllier Say Liverpool Is Genuine Title Contender ... among Dalglishs successors at the club, also believes the Reds will be genuine contenders. (Bloomberg -- UK)
Meyer's Mailbag: Can't-miss college star Nov 29, 2008
Is Michigan back on track to being a contender in the Big Ten on the court and in recruiting. Just how good is , and does he have a shot at being a five-star. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Wilkins shines against Genoa-Kingston's biggest rival Nov 28, 2008
For a program that historically had only known struggle for most of Wilkins life, he helped bring Genoa-Kingston back to a playoff contender and a team for opposing schools to be wary of. It s cool because my freshman year we really stunk, Wilkins said. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Egg Bowl has many subplots Nov 28, 2008
After long droughts, both teams believe they are on the move toward contender status. Article Rating. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Oklahoma to meet Purdue in NIT Tip-Off Nov 28, 2008
Boston College and UAB will play in the third-place game in a rare Friday afternoon start, followed by the Boilermakers and Sooners for the title - and perhaps a chance to solidify themselves as an early national championship contender. Who would have thought that two years ago. (MSNBC -- Sports)
JETS: New York's 'other' first-place team gaining confidence Nov 28, 2008
Favre is not at all content at having helped to transform a 4-12 team into 8-3 AFC East leaders and a Super Bowl contender. "Believe me," he says, "we can get a lot better.". (USA Today -- Sports)
ACC: Crazy season could have same result Nov 28, 2008
Boston College's emergence as a title contender is even more improbable. Conventional wisdom indicated Boston College would struggle to replace quarterback Matt Ryan, selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. (Georgia Tech Sports -- Rivals.com)
Falcons keeping receivers intact Nov 28, 2008
This is the building of a playoff contender ... AM I THE ONLY ONE WYHO BELIEVES THE SHOULD BE 9-2(BLOW CALL BY REFS IN PHILLY, MISSED RECEPTION BY WHITE IN ENDZONE HOSTING DENVER) ATLANTA FALCONS ARE A SUPERBOWL CONTENDER. CAN ATLANTA FINALLY GET A RING ... HOW CAN YOU BE A SERIOUS CONTENDER WHEN YOU HAVE ZERO PASSING TOUCHDOWNS AGAINST TAMPA & CAROLINA. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
I.D. CHANGE: Prince's new role in Detroit after Iverson deal Nov 28, 2008
Tayshaun Prince gets new role in Detroit after Allen Iverson deal - Ian Thomsen - SI.com. Posted: Wednesday November 26, 2008 11:38AM; Updated: Wednesday November 26, 2008 5:39PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
SPIN CLASS: Possible No. 1 pick in NBA draft has a new skill Nov 28, 2008
Billed as a contender in Conference USA and potential threat to John Calipari's Tigers, the Blazers proved that the league's talent pool extends beyond the Memphis city limits. Pre-season player of the year Robert Vaden, who constantly ran through a maze of screens all night ala Reggie Miller on the Garden floor, scored 19 points on four of 10 three-point shooting. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Turner escapes LT's shadow Nov 28, 2008
On Sunday, he'll get a chance to face his former team and the running back he once looked up to when the Falcons travel to San Diego (4-7), a team that was touted as a serious playoff contender but has lost one close game after another. Before the season, "I noticed we were going to play 'em," Turner said, breaking into a husky laugh. (Athens Banner-Herald)
• Dane's debut Nov 28, 2008
This year, early-season injuries to two Carroll quarterbacks put Broadhead at the helm of another title contender. It was Sept. 6 when Carroll starting quarterback Gary Wagner went down with an ankle injury during the second game of the season, a contest against the University of Montana-Western. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Red Devils ready for lift-off Nov 28, 2008
First-year coach Clint Hull has 13 freshmen on the roster and hopes to turn an inexperienced squad into an Eastern Division contender. Yakima Valley: The defending NWAACC champion Yaks return seven players to blend with six newcomers. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Season for thanks Nov 28, 2008
The mens basketball team looks to be a serious contender for years to come breaking in an incredible new arena in two years and an off the charts talented group of freshmen now. Mens cross country has won two national championships in a rowsomewhere Pre is smiling. (Oregon Sports -- Rivals.com)
Mailbag: Is White the Big East's best? Nov 28, 2008
Had that one-point loss occurred in September, the Nittany Lions might be considered a national championship contender ... The SEC has Florida and Alabama, which are both legitimate national championship contenders. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Jason Lieser's predictions Nov 28, 2008
It's been puzzling season for a team that looked like a title contender in August. Jason Lieser's playoff predictions. (The Palm Beach Post)
Clayton: First and 10 Nov 27, 2008
For the Steelers, this is the first of a tough four-game stretch; they face four playoff contenders -- after the Patriots, it's the , and ... Since then, the Ravens have become a playoff contender and the Bengals have been a disaster. (ESPN -- Football News)
Notre Dame Game Guide Nov 27, 2008
He is a contender for National Player of the Year as well. Just like Carolina's own National Player of the Year, Harangody is known for his work ethic and tenacious play under the basket. (Tarheelblue.com)
Connors charged in incident at UCSB Nov 27, 2008
Deweycheatumnhowe continues to show improvement from a throat and mouth problem that threatened to knock him out of Saturday's Breeders Crown at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, N.J. Dewey, a leading contender for Harness Horse of the Year honors, is the 6-5 favorite in the 3-year-old Colt Trot. DEATH. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Holtz to Irish: Yes, you can Nov 27, 2008
Perhaps expectations for a perennial contender are unrealistic in this era of college football parity ... "The facilities are better. The school is as beautiful as anything you are going to see. They are one of the leaders academically. You can recruit athletes when they are a junior,'' Holtz said, noting that in his day recruits couldn't come on campus until their senior years.And then, ''You couldn't offer an individual a scholarship until the admissions officer approved it. But now with the... (Albany Times Union)
Panthers' road now bumpy Nov 27, 2008
Muhammad s return to the Panthers has been one the keys in making the Panthers a playoff contender. The second part of Hurney s correction involved letting DeShaun Foster go and the drafting of Jonathan Stewart. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Tucker faces challenge in Westside-Macon Nov 27, 2008
Some began to question whether Tucker was a contender, even though the Tigers at the time had a combined record of 18-2 going back to the 2007 season, when they went 13-1 and advanced to the state semifinals. We talked to our kids about that at the beginning of the season, said head coach Franklin Stephens, who is 24-2 in his second season at Tucker. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK: Gotham rules NFL Power Rankings Nov 27, 2008
(6-5)If the Vikings expect us to take them seriously as a playoff contender, they've got to handle the Bears at home Sunday night. Minnesota hasn't done much in big games, starting with Super Bowl IV. If the Vikings win this one to get to 7-5, they've got a bye at Detroit coming up next week. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Bulldogs Face Marquette Friday at WBCA Classic Nov 27, 2008
HEAD COACH : begins his ninth season as the head coach at Gonzaga University having built the Bulldogs into an annual West Coast Conference contender. After winning just five games his first season, Graves has guided the Bulldogs to four-straight West Coast Conference regular-season titles. (Gozags.com)
Around the USA: Taylor still missed a year later Nov 27, 2008
He firmly believes the Redskins would have been a bona fide Super Bowl contender coming out of training camp if Taylor were still here. "That was one of the toughest moments, when you sit and think about who it was," Portis said. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Longhorns take on Aggies Nov 27, 2008
Texas QB Colt McCoy is a top contender for the Heisman Trophy and the Longhorns still have a shot in the Big 12 and national championship races if they win. Texas A&M is playing for pride in a dismal first season under coach Mike Sherman. (KHOU.com, TX)
No. 16 Colgate to Face No. 6 Villanova in First Round of NCAA Division I Football Championship Nov 27, 2008
Randolph is on the finalist list for the Walter Payton Award (Most Outstanding Player in the FCS), while Romans is a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award (Top Defensive Player) and Biddle is a contender for the Eddie Robinson Award (Top Coach). Patriot League Records 20 Non-League Wins. (Patriotleague.com)
Gazing Into the Crystal Football Nov 27, 2008
The final contender: LSU-bound quarterback Russell Shepard. The day he arrives on campus, Burton says, he'll be the best running quarterback in college. (Slate)
Golden array of sporting stars chasing top honour Nov 26, 2008
The last contender is "Buddy" Franklin, whose century of goals propelled the Hawks to their unlikely AFL premiership win over the Geelong in September ... Swimmers Kylie Palmer and Emily Seebohm, tennis prodigy Bernard Tomic and cricketer/footballer Ellyse Perry are among the contenders for the young performer award. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
MANNIX: Why Eddie Jordan didn't survive sixth season with Wizards Nov 26, 2008
The former Mavs coach is just the defensive taskmaster Grunfeld is looking for and he would change the mindset of a team that, if healthy, would be considered a contender in the Eastern Conference next season. More NBA Latest NBA News. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
LeBron gets hero's welcome, Cavs roll in New York Nov 26, 2008
LeBron James can become a free agent that day, and the Knicks hope they can offer him a chance to be on a title contender. He might not have to leave Cleveland for that. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Brad Pitt as 'Gollum' Nov 26, 2008
What s easy about praising Benjamin Button which will be a holiday hit, no doubt, and an awards contender is all the technical stuff. It sure looks great, all the time. (Fox News)
Any Given Sunday Nov 26, 2008
The Jets dominated the previously undefeated Titans to win their fifth straight game and suddenly enter the conversation as a potential Super Bowl contender. But rather than signaling a seismic shift in the AFC, the Jets merely exposed some of the Titans' weaknesses. (ESPN -- Football News)
No. 4 Pitt 74, Belmont 60 Nov 26, 2008
And with Young in high gear, Byrd noted, Pitt is a very good team that he has voted third in the ESPN-USA Today coaches' poll and considered the Panthers to be a Final Four contender. With the way Young played, how could anyone argue. (PittInsiders.com)
Colts Rolling As They Head To Cleveland Nov 26, 2008
Indianapolis now has a 7-4 record and is the leading contender for an AFC wild-card bid ... "You want to be playing your best football at this time of year. I think we are. We've played a lot of AFC (playoff) contenders. We came up a little bit short at Tennessee, but we've beaten everybody else," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. (ColtsNews.US)
McCoy dedicates season to late Marine cousin Nov 26, 2008
With 3,134 yards and 30 touchdowns passing and a team-high 527 yards rushing for eight more TDs, McCoy is a top contender for the Heisman Trophy. Slide show. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Saints' season still alive, but uphill climb remains Nov 26, 2008
The Saints improved to 6-5 and remained viable in the tough NFC South, where everyone remains a contender. The Packers fell to 5-6 and took solace only in the fact that the two teams ahead of them in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, are both 6-5. (USA Today -- Sports)
GAME REPORT: Cavaliers 119, Knicks 101 Nov 26, 2008
But he's uncomfortable talking about the idea right now, especially with the Cavs off to a 11-3 start that's shown they're a contender to reach the finals again this season. I think right now, you know I just want to continue to just to focus on what I have at task now, being with the Cavs and us getting better every day to compete for an NBA championship,'' he said. (USA Today -- Sports)
Easy night in New York for LeBron as Cavs roll Nov 26, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) The Knicks have two years to convince they can be a title contender. His Cleveland Cavaliers showed New York they might be one right now. (USA Today -- Sports)
Sportsbeat: From ballfields to battlefields Nov 26, 2008
Five-time table-tennis tournament champion Howard Cohen was dethroned this month by first-time ping-pong tourney contender Gerry Fagan at the Needham Senior Center. The Cohen-Fagan match was by far the most exciting of the many that have taken place at the Senior Center this year, with game scores of 21-18, 19-21 and 22-20. (Needham Tab, MA)
Tech's Bleak Friday Nov 26, 2008
Despite squashing high-definition contender HDDVD last February, sales of Blu-ray players have not dramatically improved. Sony (nyse: - - ), for example, is expected to sell 10% fewer Blu-ray players by year's end. (Forbes -- Technology)
Jayhawks And Orange Meet For Cbe Classic Title Nov 26, 2008
The Big East is considered by many to be the nation's top conference this season, and Syracuse figures to be a contender. As for Kansas, it has replaced all five starters from last season's team that won the national title. (ABC 7 News, DC)
LeBron 'Flattered' by Attention, But Focus on Cavs Nov 26, 2008
" NBA rules allow the Cavs to offer James a larger contract than any other team. But there has always been the belief that James would someday bolt his native Ohio to play in a bigger market. New York is ready to welcome him. His picture has been in the local papers for days, and a large billboard featuring his likeness hangs over Seventh Avenue, just a block from the entrance to Madison Square Garden. James loves the building, where he scored 50 points last March in his previous visit, citing... (ABC 7 News, DC)
Sensors for combat helmets could gather blast data Nov 26, 2008
Welcome to The Sydney Morning Herald. November 26, 2008 - 9:34AM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
