Life in the fast lane: Nov 21, 2009
The latest mid-major heartthrob has grown into a legitimate contender. After upsets over Vanderbilt and Ohio State in the last two tournaments, Siena, playing at NASCAR speeds, believes it can take the next step. (Sienasaints.com)
Gauchos Travel to San Diego for NCAA Second Round Game Nov 21, 2009
UC Santa Barbara Official Athletics Site. UCSB has made eight consecutive postseason appearances. (Ucsbgauchos.com)
Saturday Morning Splurge Jonathan Daniel/ Getty ImagesThe Michigan-Ohio State game is usually the ultimate winner-take-all contest in the Big Ten. Not the case this year.Does The Game still matter? Can Oregon take control of the Pac-10 race? Mallory Rubin examines Saturday's major storylines while Alabama and Florida prepare to devour cupcakes. Nov 21, 2009
While Heisman contender C.J. Spiller deserves much of the credit, some must go to Kyle Parker, the aforementioned frosh QB, who has thrown 10 touchdowns to two picks in the team's last four wins over FBS competition. The Tigers have been playing shutdown defense, too, allowing just 299. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
RossTuckerInside The NFL The Ravens will struggle against Peyton and Co., plus more mail. Nov 21, 2009
Will the real preseason Super Bowl contender please stand up. Both teams have been disappointing after coming into the year riding a wave of expectations. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Game capsules Nov 20, 2009
Willcox proved it is a legitimate championship contender after knocking off top-seed Phoenix Northwest Christian in the quarterfinals. Republic reporters Odeen Domingo, Jose E. Garcia, Tyler Killian, Nick Kosmider, Kevin McGuire, Sarah McLellan and Richard Obert contributed to this report. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Florida could take the Panthers downtown Nov 20, 2009
The Pitt women's basketball team will step way up in class in terms of competition tonight when the Panthers (1-0) play host to Southeastern Conference contender Florida. And the Gators (1-1) are likely to have chips on their shoulders after coming off a 66-62 loss to No. 13 Florida State. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Hand Of Fraud APHenry (left) admits he handled the ball before assisting on the extra-time goal Wednesday that eliminated Ireland.Thierry Henry cheated, and France is headed to the World Cup as a result -- but SI.com's Gabriele Marcotti asks what you would have done and says it isn't as open-and-shut as it looks. Nov 20, 2009
With Ronaldo, Portugal is a contender. Without him, it's what we saw: a team that struggles to overcome Bosnia. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
PIAA Girls' Soccer Semifinals: No more magic Nov 20, 2009
" The Dynamos made it 2-0 when Ally Overly headed in a shot via a corner kick taken by Brittany Loveland with 25:05 left. South Park cut the deficit to 2-1 on a goal by Raymond, assisted by junior forward Jaclyn Wolf with 6:24 left, but could not manage to get the equalizer despite several other scoring chances. South Park had its three-year WPIAL championship run end this season as well as its chance to repeat as state champion go down the drain, both at the hands of Springdale. With players... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
NFL Notebook: Bulluck's words stir Texans-Titans rivalry Nov 20, 2009
Firing coach Dick Jauron was merely the start of a major overhaul Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson is prepared to conduct this offseason in order to make his team a contender again. Yesterday, Wilson told The Associated Press he is open to going after a high-profile coach, willing to hire a general manager with a football background and warned that no position on his team is safe. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Van Gaal gets slammed by Bayern Munich chiefs Nov 20, 2009
Another defeat in Sunday's game would likely rule out Bayern as a title contender. Hoeness, who is slated to replace Beckenbauer as team president on Nov. 27, has said before that Bayern will wait until the Christmas break to assess the situation. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Running to daylight, Gerhart puts Stanford back in spotlight Nov 20, 2009
"The legacy I want to leave is the re-establishment of the Stanford football program as a Pac-10 contender and as a nationally recognized program," said Gerhart, a senior who's also a pro prospect as an outfielder on the baseball team. "We can look back and say, 'Look what we've gone through, look what we accomplished.' ". (USA Today -- Sports)
Americans can relate this bit of soccer Nov 20, 2009
If you recall the , there were more guys taking falls than every crooked contender in the history of boxing. It's too late for the Irish to do anything but protest, though. (USA Today -- Sports)
Roundtable: Is the SEC still the one? Nov 20, 2009
The only other Big Six leagues with legit national title contenders are the Big 12 () and Big East () ... Although USC's struggles this season has left the Pac-10 without a true national title contender that could stack up to the SEC's dynamic duo of Florida and Alabama, the Pac-10 makes up for it with balance ... The lack of a title contender at the top of the standings and the presence of Washington State at the bottom of the standings keeps the Pac-10 from measuring up to the SEC.. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
AndyStaplesInside College Football TCU could play for the BCS title. Here's what needs to happen. Nov 20, 2009
It didn't seem important then, but there is a distinct possibility that Clemson will win its next three games and become a 10-3 ACC champion with a major Heisman Trophy contender (C.J. Spiller) on its roster. Would that give the Frogs a bump. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Ravens escape from Cleveland with a win Nov 20, 2009
Further first-half struggles like the past six games will make it extremely difficult for the Ravens to emerge as a legitimate playoff contender. After the Colts and Steelers, the Ravens play the Green Bay Packers in another Monday night game. (BynersInsider.com)
IanThomsenInside The NBA The Pistons need Ben Gordon to be more than Mr. Buzzer Beater. Nov 20, 2009
Dumars feels signing Gordon is first step in gradually rebuilding into title contender. Ben Gordon's ability to get off a shot no matter the defender or place on the floor comes from hours of unconventional training. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Track and Field 2010 Outlook Nov 20, 2009
"Alyssa is one of the premier distance runners in the conference as a three-time regional qualifier and NCAA contender," said Kepler. "We are excited to have her back in the mix and leading our young group.". (Utahutes.com)
Robinson's head and shoulders above the rest Nov 20, 2009
Robinson on the attack against England. Today's most viewed articles. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Wilson: Changes ahead Nov 20, 2009
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Firing coach Dick Jauron was merely the start of a major overhaul owner Ralph Wilson is prepared to conduct this offseason in order to make his team a contender again. Outlining his plans in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, Wilson said he's open to going after a high-profile coach, is willing to hire a general manager with a football background and warned that no position on his team is safe. (ESPN -- Football)
The Georgia High School Football Dailys Weekend Predictions: Whos winning and losing in Playoffs Second Round Nov 20, 2009
We ll find out who s the contender and who s the pretender Friday night. Go North. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Focus squarely on UVA Nov 20, 2009
" BEST MATCHUP: Boston College WR vs. North Carolina CB . BC's game with North Carolina pits one of the ACC's top receivers against the conference's hottest cornerback. Gunnell has caught 21 passes for 388 yards over the Eagles' past three games. He enters Saturday's game with 43 catches - 20 more than any of his teammates. Gunnell figures to spend at least part of the game lining up against Burney, who picked off three passes last Saturday in a 33-24 victory over . Burney set an ACC record... (Clemson Sports -- Rivals.com)
Still-hungry Ruiz Makes Room For Thirds Nov 20, 2009
2 contender) vs. Moruti Mthalane (No. 3 contender) Miranda (30-4-1, 23 KO): First title fight; Lost only fight outside of Mexico Mthalane (23-2, 16 KO): Second title fight; Stopped in IBF/IBO title try in 2008 Fitzbitz says: Miranda by decision ... 6 contender) Kessler (42-1, 32 KO): Third defense of second reign; Held WBA title from 2004-07 Ward (20-0, 13 KO): First title fight; Second fight in Oakland (1-0, 0 KO) Fitzbitz says: Ward by decision. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Columbians eager to avenge September loss to Santiam Christian Nov 20, 2009
Santiam Christian, a perennial state contender in Oregon Class 3A football, came calling in a nonleague matchup at Chris Corl Field. So what happened. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Divergent styles collide in Mark Morris-Ellensburg quarterfinal Nov 20, 2009
Mark Morris will have its hands full with Sterkel, who has emerged as the leading contender for all-state Player of the Year honors. He s a pretty good player, Perkins said of Sterkel. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson should be coach of year Nov 19, 2009
Sara D. Davis / APPaul Johnson has built Georgia Tech into an annual contender ... Now it looks like Georgia Tech will be an annual ACC contender ... Kellys approach was put to the ultimate test at quarterback, when Tony Pike, an early season Heisman Trophy contender, went down during a Thursday night game at South Florida. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Inbox: Meyer has bright Florida future Nov 19, 2009
But I do like your thought process, because adding someone like Guerrero would be the kind of impact deal that would make the team a serious contender. Plus, he would add star power when it comes to selling tickets. (MLB.com -- Florida Marlins)
Bible verse, confidence enough to turn Trojans' season around Nov 19, 2009
Clover was No. 5 in the state's Class AAAA Prep Writers poll and along with Gaffney considered a contender for the region title. When we were 1-5, our kids could have packed it in,'' Biddix said. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
BrianHendricksonInside The NBA Vince Carter hopes to turn a new page on his career with Orlando. Nov 19, 2009
A stint with a championship contender could help redefine Carter's legacy. Though Vince Carter has tried to take a low profile in Orlando, Stan Van Gundy wants the veteran to remain an aggressive scorer. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Viper winter sports get underway Nov 19, 2009
Liberty Hill is ranked ninth in the state and is a regional contender that just reloads and Burnet is stocked with size and quickness, Ellis said. Ellis put many of his players in basketball leagues over the summer to prepare them for the varsity level of play. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
PG South/East: Defending champ Bethel Park faces formidable foe in Woodland Hills Nov 19, 2009
That "one play" was a statement stop by a Woodland Hills defense that is the biggest reason why the Wolverines are a championship contender. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the Wolverines 5 with 10 seconds remaining, Bliss fired a slant to the right corner of the end zone, but the connection -- the low pass was knocked away -- was foiled by terrific coverage by the Wolverines' Lafayette Pitts and Davon Dixon. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Cal's Best (concussion) eyeing return for finale Nov 19, 2009
Best, one of the most dynamic running backs in the country and a preseason Heisman Trophy contender, has 16 touchdowns and 867 yards rushing this season. He also has 22 catches for 213 yards. (ESPN -- College Football)
Minn Pregame: Transcript - Ferentz Main Nov 19, 2009
I think we're seeing the same thing as a linebacker; he's starting to be a contender now, whereas a year ago he was just a guy filling out a spot on the third team. He's really made progress, and I could say the same about Troy and Tarp, too. (HawkeyeNation.com)
Yale’s Witt put in his place Nov 19, 2009
Witt would have been a contender for the starting job this time but he wanted a more balanced undergraduate experience. I didn t want to be just a football player, he says. (Boston Globe)
What's best option for Allen Iverson? Nov 19, 2009
A career like Iverson's, built on grit and breathtaking skill, should end on a playoff contender, with his chipping in key minutes of production on the court and crucial moments of tutoring in the locker room ... We asked an NBA scout to speculate about some potential contenders. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Gardenhire second in MOY Award balloting Nov 19, 2009
And thanks to his team's late-season surge, which gave the Twins their fifth AL Central title in eight seasons, Gardenhire was once again considered a top contender for the American League Manager of the Year Award. But while the voting members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America appreciated another strong managing job by Gardenhire, he finished runner-up to another skipper for the honor -- yet again. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Old rivalries always have meaning Nov 19, 2009
The national championship race seems as if it's being put on hold this week, with the top contenders all big _ in some cases too big to count _ favorites ... Hokies RB Ryan Williams will be 2010 Heisman contender. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Clemson prepares for Grohs defense Nov 18, 2009
N.C. State elected to kick away from C.J. Spiller, and the Heisman contender anticipates similar treatment in his final home game. How the Cavs keep the ball away from Spiller is another question, as they ve utilized squib kicks, pooch kicks and bunts, Swinney said. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Three & Out: SEC Thoughts, News & Notes 11/15 Nov 18, 2009
The Week 11 wrap-up edition of Three ocuses on a deserving Heisman Trophy contender, an all-time performance from a Rebel and solid defensive performance from a not-so-solid defense. HEISMAN WORTHY For the last decade or so, it seems that the Heisman Trophy has evolved from an award for the most outstanding player in college football, as it states on the ballot, into the best quarterback on one of the best teams in college football. (InsideTexas.com)
Bills fire Jauron; Fewell taking over Nov 18, 2009
Wilson ran out of patience with Jauron, who ran out of time to build a contender or come up with a way to fix an offense that sputtered even with the addition of. The shakeup, which caught some players by surprise, came during the players' day off and after the Bills (3-6) stumbled out of their off week to fall further out of contention with a 41-17 loss at Tennessee last weekend. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
AllanMuirNHL Power Rankings Consistent. Gritty. For so many reasons, this is the new No. 1. Nov 18, 2009
The Hawks reasserted themselves as a contender by taking down San Jose, Colorado and Los Angeles. A strong penalty kill (18 straight before the Sharks snapped in on Sunday) played a key role as did Cristobal Huet making big stops when needed most. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Washington a top contender for award Nov 18, 2009
The Official Site of the Texas Rangers. Manager of Year candidate instilled new plan for Texas in '09. (MLB.com -- Texas Rangers)
BenReiterInside Baseball Pedro and a bevy of old sluggers highlight lower-tier free agents. Nov 18, 2009
He would represent a nice piece in the bullpen of a contender, such as the Cardinals. CURRENT TEAM: ASTROSBEST FIT: CARDINALS. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
After 0-2 start, Jaguars nearly taking shape of a playoff contender Nov 18, 2009
By Christopher Pasatieri, US Presswire. David Garrard and the Jaguars have won five of their last seven games since opening the season 0-2. (USA Today -- Sports)
Bills fire coach Dick Jauron Nov 18, 2009
The coaching change -- Buffalo's fourth in less than nine years -- was prompted by Wilson, the newly inducted Hall of Fame owner who ran out of patience with Jauron's inability to build a contender after producing 7-9 finishes in each of his previous three seasons. The final straw was how the Bills stumbled coming out of their bye week with a 41-17 loss at Tennessee on Sunday. (Albany Times Union)
A's: Bailey's rookie award step in right direction Nov 18, 2009
That helped reinforce to Beane that his plan is the right one for a club determined to become a perennial contender again. Beane's model calls for building from within and giving young players chances at the big league level while weathering their growing pains. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
No. 6 Tennesse Too Much for Lady Raiders Nov 18, 2009
Like the three other teams in the ATer for the doubleheader, Texas Tech was once a Final Four contender before longtime coach retired after the 2005-06 season. Coach has been trying to get Texas Tech back on track since. (Texastech.com)
Stiles In, McAdams Out as Black Cat? Nov 18, 2009
Replacing McAdams as the rumored Black Cat contender du jour is. claims that the Bourne Ultimatum and 10 Things I Hate About You actress "has met with a casting company in New York to discuss (the project)." If true, that doesn't mean Stiles has landed the role just that she's being considered for it. (IGN FilmForce)
Harbaugh suddenly hottest coach in football Nov 18, 2009
Jim Harbaugh has turned a forlorn Stanford program into a Rose Bowl contender ... He's a brash, smart, former NFL quarterback who has taken a forlorn, unworkable program and turned it into a Rose Bowl contender. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
Olympic honors Nov 18, 2009
While he's become known for his dancing prowess since the in Italy, showed that he remains a strong medal contender for Vancouver by earning three medals gold in 1000 meters, silver in 1500 and teaming with Anthony Lobello, Travis Jayner and Simon Cho for silver in the 5000 meter relay ... Speedskating results in the headlines mean the season is finally changing, and that was the case this weekend, as another contender for this week's award was last week's winner. (USA Today -- Sports)
Coveted Halladay recognized in Cy vote Nov 18, 2009
Coming off a disappointing 75-win showing, the Blue Jays do not appear close to being a serious postseason contender in the AL East. Rookie general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who took over for J.P. Ricciardi on the final weekend of the regular season, wants to build a team that can eventually reach a period of sustained success. (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
Report: Kimi Raikkonen out of F1 next season Nov 18, 2009
Nico Rosberg, who has left the Williams team, was also considered a contender for the McLaren seat alongside Lewis Hamilton, as was experienced German Nick Heidfeld, formerly of BMW Sauber. However, both had been more closely linked with Mercedes for next season. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Eleven most pleasant surprises so far this Thrashers season Nov 18, 2009
I fully expected him to be back in Vancouver by now but instead he is positioning himself to be a strong contender for rookie of the year. Viking. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Whitaker talks Georgia-Auburn and recruitment timeline Nov 18, 2009
Whitaker says Georgia is a serious contender for his services. Richt] made it clear he really wanted me, Whitaker said of their Saturday afternoon meeting. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Last stand for Sanford? Nov 18, 2009
All I know is that when you are trying to turn the corner from perennial spoiler to yearly contender you have to win the ones you're supposed to and pull off some shockers when you aren't. The Rebels have now lost two games in their last five outings, dating back to San Diego State in last year's finale, that they simply couldn't afford to blow. (UNLV Sports -- Rivals.com)
Local football teams bumped down a class for PIAA Nov 18, 2009
The Wildcats won the Mid-Penn Keystone Division, played for the Mid-Penn tournament title, won its preliminary round 3-AAAA playoff game and nearly ousted higher-seeded and district contender Hempfield in the first round. Mechanicsburg led Hempfield, 5-4, going to the bottom of the seventh before falling, 6-5. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Free agent pool not so deep, but big names, bargains can be had Nov 18, 2009
In the end, a contender takes the plunge. USA TODAY says. (USA Today -- Sports)
Pulling no punches Nov 18, 2009
But my opponent was no ordinary contender. He was a silver medallist at the World Championships in Chicago in 2007. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Jamaican Bobsled Team Finds The Way to Vancouver Slippery Nov 18, 2009
" He was a stellar sprinter and footballer before finding bobsled in 2006, and has a handful of top-15 finishers on the America's Cup circuit, essentially the junior level of the bobsled world. Is he a medal contender for Vancouver? Realistically, no. But there is hope: The Jamaicans showed steady progress in the years following Calgary, and Lascelles Brown, who pushed sleds for Jamaica from 1999 until 2004, helped Canada win a silver medal in two-man bobsledding at the 2006 Turin Olympics. "I... (KWTX.com, TX)
Lady Vols race past Texas Tech Nov 18, 2009
Like the three other teams in the ATer for the doubleheader, Texas Tech was once a Final Four contender before longtime coach Marsha Sharp retired after the 2005-06 season. Coach Kristy Curry has been trying to get Texas Tech back on track since. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Riverdale outlasts Central Nov 18, 2009
Forrest 60, Clarkrange 44: Beth Hawn s 30 points powered the win over a team figured to be a state title contender. Hawn also reached the plateau for her career. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
NFC West: Fortunate 49ers show their mettle in important win Nov 18, 2009
Despite being outgained by a sizeable margin and generating little consistency on the offensive end, the 49ers did just enough on both sides of the ball to edge the mistake-prone Bears in a 10-6 squeaker that kept the team a viable contender in the NFC playoff picture. The win halted a frustrating four-game slide for San Francisco, with the final three losses coming by a combined 14 points. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Georgia High School Football Daily Spotlight: Class AAAAA Playoff Preview Nov 17, 2009
Yo, until you beat a contender on the road it best you be quiet. LOWNDES COUNTY will have to go thru hell before they make it to the dome. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Falcons: Ryan may have some limitations Nov 17, 2009
I see a Super Bowl contender in a year or 2 from now. Ryan and the Falcons will fly high soon. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Iowa could still land BCS at-large berth Nov 17, 2009
USC was considered a strong contender for the remaining spot, but it essentially was eliminated with its loss Saturday. Iowa might be the favorite if it can defeat Minnesota in its regular-season finale Saturday. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Signing Day Blog Nov 17, 2009
" (ED) 12:53: Pittsburgh is a contender for a Top 25 recruiting class. That's right, J.J. Moore of South Kent is on board joining Cameron Wright and Isaiah Epps. (DT) 12:43: All of Ohio State's six Letter of Intents are in. Jared Sullinger, DeShaun Thomas, Jordan Sibert, Aaron Craft, Lenzell Smith and JD Weatherspoon make up the current No. 1 recruiting class. 12:36 Is that ... no, it can't be. Yes, C.J. Leslie is in the audience for Ryan Harrow's signing ceremony in Raleigh. The plot thickens!... (CollegeInsiders.com)
