The view from the 50

- Got a chance to see the 1st half last night. Bailed at halftime.

Obervations:

- Texas Stadium is a toilet. It's not a dome, so there's no A/C. It's not completely open air, so there's no breeze. It's the closest thing we have in sports to a greenhouse/sauna.
- It's dirty as hell.
- Rowdy is the biggest beating in sports. So many things I could write about, but I think it's all been said before.
- Tony Romo is fun to watch on the sidelines. He's constantly laughing, talking, moving around from player to player, talking about X's and O's and also joking around. I'm not sure if anything fazes this guy. There can't be one player on that team doesn't like Romo.
- TO Owens is a monster.
- Demarcus Ware is an even bigger monster.
- Greg Ellis has sprinter's ankles.
- Brad Johnson is one goofy looking dude.
- And his arm absolutely sucks.
- Pam Oliver has gained a ton of weight, I'm not sure if she's always been this big, but on TV she looks skinnier than what I saw yesterday.
- I just can't believe how big NFL players are. College and NFL are night and day.
- Jason Garrett just looks the part. He looks like he has already developed an excellent bond between himself and his offensive players. They all seem to like him and are locked in on what he's telling them. Most notably, TO Owens. Outside of Romo, I was watching him the most.
- The food/beer situation sucks. Going to the AAC a lot, and Ranger games occasionally, I've gotten used to the convenience of those scenes. Everywhere takes credit cards, beer and food are together at the same kiosk, and you don't feel as if you're in Fair Park ordering a corn dog.
- Beer is cash only and you can't get it at the food places.
- I know all stadium food is overpriced, but Texas Stadium is overpriced and it sucks. At least the Ballpark and the AAC has semi-decent food options.
- All in all, I can't believe Jerry hasn't upgraded this place over the years for the fan. It's strange, as cutting edge as he is, he's so far behind in stadium/fan convenience it's not even funny. I'd rate the Cotton Bowl higher than this dump.



Some pictures (Click on each to get more zoomed in looks):











- Can he keep this up? The hard drinkin', hard smokin', hard gamblin', domestic violence king of the PGA is sitting in 2nd place after Day 1 of the PGA Championship. When will the implosion begin? Stay tuned........

Daly news: Stop presses! He's 2nd at PGA

01:08 AM CDT on Friday, August 10, 2007

TULSA – Tiger Woods flew in a week early to play a practice round. Phil Mickelson also made a scouting trip before arriving at Southern Hills. And others began playing practice rounds last weekend.

John Daly employed the less-is-more strategy. He prepared by not playing a practice round.

Concerned about the 100-degree temperatures, Daly found emergency shelter until his tee time Thursday.

"I've been playing slots over at Cherokee Casino," he said. "Did good the first day, didn't do too good the other day."

Somehow, Daly managed to squeeze some practice into his hectic schedule. May as well; they closed the course for him, so he threw his clubs onto the back of a cart. And it's a good thing, too.

"I got a lot of practicing in," Daly said. "I hit this big duck hook on the first hole, and I said, 'You know what, I'm taking the club too far inside.' The rest of the day, I started taking the club more outside, started getting my cut back."

Daly's minimalist approach worked. Using his yardage book as a map, he made it around Southern Hills in 67 strokes. And he didn't even get a cart.

By the time you read this, Daly may have missed the cut. But he entered the second round alone in second place at 3 under, two strokes behind England's Graeme Storm.

Daly may have surprised himself more than you. His up-and-down life has been mostly down this season. The last time he talked to reporters on the golf course, he was explaining the red claw marks on his face.

His fourth wife accused him of sexual assault. Daly denied that, adding that she came at him with a knife.

Playing on sponsors' exemptions after losing his card, Daly has only made the cut five times in 17 starts. He recently added an injured shoulder to his long list of problems.

Thursday, Daly was so dazed by his round that he couldn't recall where he made his birdies and bogeys. His news conference kicked off with a question about why he played so well.

"I have no idea," he said. "There was odds with all the caddies and players this week on who would fall first, me or my caddie. So we made 18 holes."

Then he was asked to go through his card, listing birdies and bogeys.

Long pause.

"I can't remember the holes," he said. "I think I hit driver on 4. Yeah, I hit driver – wait a minute. I can't remember, to tell you the truth. Only had three heat strokes out there."

Daly has built a career on hard-luck stories. His legion of fans has remained loyal since he burst on the scene at the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick. Making the field as the ninth alternate, he didn't play a practice round. But he won by overpowering the course with his grip-it-and-rip-it style.

About a two-hour drive from his Arkansas home, Daly had plenty of Razorback fans hooting and hollering for him Thursday.

While other players drank as much water as possible, Daly stuck to his tried-and-true method. He said he drank no water.

"I grew up around this area," he said. "I'm used to the little valleys where you don't get any air and there's a lot of humidity and it's hard to breathe. I light up a cigarette and drink some caffeine, and it actually works."

Daly's 67 will give him a boost of confidence. Will that be enough of a spark to keep him in contention on the weekend?

With Daly, you never know.

"I bent over to look at some putts, stuff I haven't done," he said. "I actually sat over the putts longer instead of three, four, five or six seconds. More like six or seven."





- Please don't do this.

Houston to Dallas? That's news to Cuban

Ex-Knicks guard wants to make comeback; are Mavs on his list?


01:11 AM CDT on Friday, August 10, 2007
By CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning News
ccarlton@dallasnews.com

Like most of the other teams in the NBA, the Mavericks would be interested in seeing if Allan Houston can still play.

For now, if they rank among the leading suitors for the former New York Knicks shooting guard, it's news to Mavs owner Mark Cuban.

"Never say never, but we haven't talked to him," Cuban wrote in an e-mail response.

In an interview with ESPN, Houston said he is considering a comeback, much like former Indiana star Reggie Miller.

Houston, 36, averaged 17.3 points a game in 12 NBA seasons and made 40 percent of his 3-point attempts.

That production dwindled during a final injury-plagued season in 2004-05, when he averaged 11.8 points in only 20 games.

"It's something I'd like to do," Houston told ESPN when asked about a return. "It's just a matter of getting myself back in game shape and getting used to playing again."

ESPN, citing unnamed sources, indicated that the Mavericks and Cleveland lead the list of possible destinations.

The Mavericks already have a number of shooting guards on the roster with the signing of unrestricted free agent Eddie Jones earlier this week. Jones joined shooting guards Devean George, Jerry Stackhouse, Greg Buckner and Maurice Ager.






- Nebraska News/Notes


- Defensive line preview

Defensive End

BSDE Zach Potter 6-7 287 JR; He has the body and the ability, does he have the heart and desire? We should find out early on in ’07 as Potter is being all but handed Carriker’s old job. Is noticeably thicker than he was in ’06. Has some limited experience as a reserve the past 2 seasons. Potter was up to 297 lbs. as he was pressured into filling the AC prototype; he dropped to 280 lbs. an then built himself back up to 287 lbs. entering fall camp. Knows DCKC’s system, lots of reps in practice the past 2 yrs. Has been impressive in fall camp with his reads and reactionary skills. Wyatt seems to be taking a liking. Motor/drive has always been a question/concern. 70-80 snaps per game could be asking too much; more likely around 50-60 to keep him fresh.

BSDE Pierre Allen 6-5 266 rFR; Has been quiet in the spring and summer sessions. His poor showing has the coaches contemplating moving Ty Steinkuhler back to BDE on a full-time basis for depth purposes. Added 40+ lbs. in his RS yr. working with SCDK. Could see 20-30 snaps per game as a key BDE reserve.

BSDE Jared Crick 6-6 262 tFR; Has the prototype frame that the coaches have grown to like in their BDE prospects. Worked out all summer in Lincoln and has made a surprising transition. He is already stronger than ZP and has the temperament that he seems to be missing as well. A hungry youngster who will make Nebraskan’s proud over time. A Carriker clone? Good chance he’ll RS and try to bulk himself into a 286 lb. frame to compete for p/t in ’08 and beyond.

BSDE Tyrone Fahie 6-3 260 rFR; Enlisted in the NU FB program last winter after 6 yrs. With the U.S. Military (Seal Team One). Did 2 tours in Iraq. Brings maturity and leadership to the defense/scout team. Was impressive in the spring; turned heads in the red/white game. Should excel on the KO/P coverage units in ’07 and compete for a reserve role in ’08. There is some upside but I feel a lot of folks are expecting too much, too soon from this guy. I would personally like to see him as an ILB in a 34 front; he’d have some good value there.

OSDE/BSDE David Harvey 6-4 254 SO; Did you forget about him? He’s been listed as the #3 OSDE behind Turner and Sievers after moving over from TE originally. He RS in ’05 and didn’t see any action after moving to defense in ’06. Has also been pushing for the #3 BSDE in fall camp behind ZPotter and PAllen; could actually rise to #2 BSDE on the d/c. w/ an impressive fall camp. Has a better chance at BDE if they don't move Steinkuler back to the edge; BTurner and CSiever have the top 2 spots at OE all but locked up. He’s going to have to make an impression on ST’s before getting any serious looks from Coz/Wyatt.

OSDE Barry Turner 6-3 270 JR; Up to 270 lbs. Added bulk to better hold up v. the run. The concern was that he had elite pass rushing moves as a true frosh, somewhat disappeared as a soph as teams neutralized his few moves (you can gameplan 1-trick ponies, he's worked hard to diversify). Has been working with Wyatt on technique (esp. hand placement to guard off OT's) and Kennedy on adding bulk/mass. Hopefully he’ll hold up as teams will test him by running right at him early on (in what has tradionally been his weak point). Ran a 4.55/40 at 250 lbs. Likely in the 20-265 lb. range when the season starts. Missed spring practice b/c of shoulder surgery. ’05 Frosh AA.

OSDE Clayton Sievers 6-4 247 JR; Will battle Turner for snaps at OE, Sievers figures to hold up better v. the run. Contributed as a TE in ’05 before moving to SAM and finally to OE in ’06. He has been invaluable in the goal-line defensive unit. A stellar ST player (punt / punt block / FG / PAT units). Little bro of former NU LBer Chad Sievers. OE or SAM as best/ultimate position? Should see 15-20 snaps as OE reserve (most in GL/ORZ sets). Continue to star on ST's.

OSDE William Yancy 6-4 227 tFR; Could play a similar role to what Turner did as a true frosh in ’05. Needs to add bulk to hold up v. the run. A situational pass rusher at best right now as a true frosh. Has had some problems early adapting to the speed of CFB. Still lacking in the physicality/strength/size dept.; though that will come with time after getting acclimated with SCDK. Adapting moves from Jevon Kearse and Dwight Freeney. A bit slender to be anything but a situational pass rusher at this point.

OSDE Andy Poulosky 6-2 255 SR; Listed behind Turner, Sievers and Harvey at OE. The walk-on from Ponca, NE is primarily a ST’s player. Not likely to see any action on defense this yr. save for on SR day. Adds value on scout team.

OSDE Thomas Rice 6-1 241 SR; The ’06 defensive scout team MVP. Played v. CU in ’06, his only game action to date. Should continue bringing it on the scout team; where he has been asset the past couple of yrs.

BSDE/DT Ben Martin 6-4 274 rFR; I thought that this kid would grow into an OG, I may have been dead wrong here. He has really worked hard in the gym and appears to be a sleeper candidate to join the DE rotation in ’07. He definitely looks the part. Listed as a backup for Ty at DT. Was blown off of the LOS in the red/white game this spring working at the 3-technique, needs some more time with SCDK before being ready. Could surprise some folks in '08.

DE Luke Lingenfelter 6-4 244 tFR; a walk-on from small town Plainview, NE. A cousin to recently graduated Husker Newton Lingenfelter. Could eventually be looking at a switch to the OL or possibly an undertaking as a LS. Body to grow into a interior OL; not sold on him ever contributing on anything but ST's at this point. Will RS in '07.

DE Tony Sullivan 6-3 243 SR; Has been a stellar scout team player but has yet to appear in a game. Has also practiced at DT in the spring. Don't look for any significant contributions on the field; most likely scout team fodder.



Defensive Tackle

NT Ndamukong Suh 6-4 305 SO; Strength, enough said. A thick lower body provides a solid base and driving force to create havoc in opposing backfields. Stellar run-stopper and pass rusher. Excellent center of gravity, balance. Can really collapse the pocket. NU’s 1st ever schollie player from OR played 2 games a true frosh then missed the rest of the yr. with a knee injury. Should provide the heart and soul of the DL and develop into the leader of this unit.

NT Brandon Johnson 6-3 316 SR; Has yet to live up to his “Beast” moniker. Appears to have been a “Beast” in the weight room this summer. Penciled in as the backup to Suh at NT. Played 6 games as a backup DT in ’06 ( and on XP and FG units). Can play both the Nose and 3tech. Provides decent depth if he is in shape and his heart is into making a move on the d/c. I like the talent but can BW maximize it? '07 is his chance.

NT Shukree Barfield 6-4 314 JR; Should provide depth. Could also see some work at DT if the staff feels the need to move Ty back to BDE. Good strength and athleticism. From same hometown in NJ as former NU AA IB Mike Rozier. There was some speculation that he could get a peruse at BSDE if the coaches feel TS needs to stay at 3tech and ZP doesn't develop/impress there; though that seems unlikely with the unsettlement on the DL and how DCKC seems to like a 4-5 man rotation there.

NT Taylor Escamilla 6-1 276 tFR; a walk-on who will RS in ’07. Has a good frame to grow into a 2-down NT that can plug the gap and stop the run. From his prep career he may never develop into any sort of a pass rusher. Very raw from a technique standpoint.

3-tech DT/BSDE Ty Seinkuhler 6-3 287 JR; Will serve in a utility role, he may battle Dixon for dibs on the starting DT slot next to Suh and will spell Potter/Allen at BDE. Outstanding strength, good athleticism. Played DE as a frosh and DT as a soph. Has been a versatile key reserve for 2 seasons. Son of former NU AA OG Dean Steinkuhler. Brother Baker is a commit for the ’08 recruiting class.

3-tech DT Kevin Dixon 6-3 293 JR; A much heralded JUCO xfer who should vie for the starting DT gig. Has a nice body, svelte for a big man. His late arrival to campus may have retarded his development as far as where the coaching staff would have liked him to be at this point. How quickly he grasps the techniques taught by Buddy Wyatt as well as the playbook will go a long ways to determining just how good this defense is going to be in ’07. He did work out on his own and appears to be in good shape, so that is atleast a positive of some sort. Fast and explosive per Carl Nicks. Getting a lot of reps in fall camp as he works with both the 1’s and 2’s.

3-tech DT Seth Jensen 6-3 293 rFR; Another player beset by injuries. Did not participate in contact drill this spring after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. By all accounts he is finally 100% healthy, though we can probably expect another year or 2 working with SCDK and learning the defense. Don’t expect too much of an impact here in ’07; although the same was said of Q in ’05. A player that I think most have written off; has looked good w/ou the pads thus far in fall camp. He could really solidify the d/c on the DL if he were healthy and committed.

3-tech DT Terrence Moore 6-3 273 tFR; A sleeper for the latest recruiting haul who most likely will need a RS yr. From same HS as former NU star/NFL All-Pro Neil Smith. Will need to add 20+ lbs. of bulk before seeing the field for UNL. Has some nice feet and potential but is not ready physically for the rigors of D1 CFB. Give SCDK some time to work his magic, this is a player that Wyatt loves his upside. Time will tell here, again don’t expect anything from him in ’07 ~ learning the playbook will be more than enough.

3-tech DT Ben Franzluebbers 6-5 245 tFR; a walk-on from Dodge, NE who will RS in ’07 if he can stick with the program.



- Thursday's Camp Report

Practice report
Thursday was the first time for the Nebraska newcomers to practice in Memorial Stadium. A nice, hot day on the turf, too.

"Our trainers are on top of it," Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said of potential heat-related issues. "We're always on the alert."

As for the practice?

"As a team, we're getting better," Callahan said. "I saw a huge leap in our guys as a team, the way they came out and approached practice, the way they worked, finished and went through the periods."

Friday is NU's first day in full pads. Callahan said there may be some scrimmaging, depending on the injury report. "There is no urgency," he said.

Of notable injured players, receiver Todd Peterson has missed the last two days with a slight shoulder sprain. He should be able to return Friday.




- The NoTex Rant Top 25

#25 - Missouri
#24 - Hawaii
#23 - Oklahoma St.
#22 - Alabama



#21 - Texas Tech

Texas Tech has had its high points in the Mike Leach era, but it came up with its signature moment against Minnesota in last December's Insight Bowl. Early in the third quarter, Minnesota led, 38-7, and the Lubbock crew was wondering who thought it was a good idea to head west for the week between Christmas and New Year's anyway.
Then came the ridiculous eruption. Tech started scoring. And scoring. By the time kicker Alex Trlica nailed a 52-yard field-goal at the buzzer, the game was tied at 38. One overtime period later, the Raiders had a 44-41 win and the happiest of happy endings to the season.

So, what's next? What do you think? Another 4,500-5,000 passing yards from junior Graham Harrell, who had his erratic moments and was nearly benched at times during the year, but turned into the type of clutch performer the program can rely on to pull wins out of the fire. As always, there will be another collection of high-scoring games certain to fry computer hard drives and leave fans wondering whether a trip to the hot dog stand is going to cost them a couple touchdowns.

Figure on more of the same for the next several years, since Leach signed an extension keeping him on through the 2010 with a $2 million payday if he's around that long. Yes, Leach's name has surfaced for an assortment of jobs, both on the collegiate and professional levels, but he's happy and feeling comfortable with the foundation and history in place.

Of course, the biggest challenge facing Leach is lifting Tech from a team that wins eight or nine a year to a school capable of challenging for a Big 12 championship. Tech will always be exciting, and its crazy offensive output will sell tickets, but beating the better teams in the Big 12 — or anywhere else, for that matter — will be elusive until there's consistency on both sides of the ball. This year's team has the potential to be Leach's most even-keel yet, even with all the funnin' and gunnin.' This has always been one of the most fun teams to watch in college football, and now it could be one of the best in the Big 12.

What to look for on offense: As always, the offense will spread the field with five wideouts and try to exploit the biggest mismatch on the field, with more efficiency than over the last few years, even with all the top receivers gone. Harrell's development will mean a few 500-yard days, no matter who's catching the ball, a completion percentage in the high 60s and 40 or so touchdowns. Until the new targets get their feet wet, expect more from speedy running back Shannon Woods early on. He'll end up running for 1,000 yards.

What to look for on defense: It's better than it'll be made out to be, but it'll get run on at will. The Red Raiders usually will surrender more than 20 points a game to the big boys, but as long as the defense bends but doesn't break too often, the offense will take care of the rest. This year could be tough early with six starters gone, including all but two in the front seven. If teams can control the clock against the Raiders, they can keep Harrell and his flyboys off the field and mess with Tech's timing. Everyone knows this so they'll try to pound the ball. Tech will get creative early to do what it can to sell out to stop the run.

This team will be much better if... it can stop somebody from running the football. Tech allowed rivals to gain 3.8 yards per carry last year, a big reason why the team had a time-of-possession deficit of 4:36. Sure, the Raiders throw the ball, which leads to quick scoring drives and many clock stoppages, but Tech can't beat the better teams on its schedule if it lets them chew up the clock with long drives. Stopping the run could be a huge concern this year, given the revamped front seven.

The Schedule: If Iowa State and Colorado haven't improved by leaps and bounds, the Big 12 schedule is decent, with home dates against those 2006 North bottom-feeders (although Red Raider fans might still be smarting from last year's 30-6 loss in Boulder). However, the trip to Missouri, the lone game away from Lubbock for a month, will be tough. There can't be too much complaining about the South games, getting two of the big three (Texas A&M and Oklahoma) at home. For better or for worse, the road trip to Texas comes the week before playing the Sooners. The non-conference schedule is a typical Texas Tech waste of time, playing at SMU, UTEP, at Rice, and Northwestern State.

Best Offensive Player: Junior QB Graham Harrell. While he was inconsistent throughout last season, and flat-out awful at times, he showed a flair for the dramatic by pulling out wins against Texas A&M and Minnesota, creating a bit of Red Raider legend. After throwing for 4,555 yards and 38 touchdowns, he's going to have to be even better, given the slew of new receivers.

Best Defensive Player: Senior SS Joe Garcia. Part strong safety and part linebacker, the 217-pound junior is a big-time hitter who's decent at getting into the backfield and a rock against the run. While he's good at forcing the big play, he could stand to do a bit more when the ball is in the air. He'll team with Darcel McBath to form one of the league's best safety tandems.

Key player to a successful season: Redshirt freshman WR Michael Crabtree. Someone has to catch all of Harrell's passes. Crabtree might be the most talented receiver recruit Leach and his staff have brought in, and has tremendous skills and an uncanny knack to get open ... at least in practice.

The season will be a success if... the Red Raiders win ten games. It's a tall order, considering how many holes they have to fill on both sides of the ball, and it might take a bowl win to do it, but double-digit wins would be an enormous leap in the Mike Leach era, considering the program hasn't won ten since 1976. The schedule is just easy enough to do it, allowing for losses against Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma.

Key game: Sept. 22 at Oklahoma State. Facing Texas and Oklahoma in the final two games of the year, Tech can be in a great position to control its own Big 12 destiny late in November, as long as it gets by the other above-average conference teams like Texas A&M, Missouri and Oklahoma State in the league opener. The Cowboys will have the offense to keep up in the shootout, but if the Red Raiders win, they'll likely be 6-0 going into the showdown with the Aggies.

2006 Fun Stats:

Second quarter scoring: Texas Tech 159; Opponents 125

Third quarter scoring: Texas Tech 80; Opponents 55

Penalties: Texas Tech 96 for 856 yards; Opponents 70 for 613 yards

Texas Tech Red Raiders
Team Information
Head coach: Mike Leach
8th year: 56-33
42nd year overall: 366-113-4
Returning Lettermen: 48
Lettermen Lost: 15

Ten Best Players
1. QB Graham Harrell, Jr.
2. SS Joe Garcia, Sr.
3. FS Darcel McBath, Jr.
4. CB Chris Parker, Sr.
5. RB Shannon Woods, Jr.
6. DE Jake Ratliff, Jr.
7. WR Michael Crabtree, RFr.
8. OG Louis Vasquez, Jr.
9. WR/PR Danny Amendola, Sr.
10. WR L.A. Reed, Jr.

2007 Schedule
Sept. 1 at SMU
Sept. 8 UTEP
Sept. 15 at Rice
Sept. 22 at Oklahoma State
Sept. 29 NW State
Oct. 6 Iowa State
Oct. 13 Texas A&M
Oct. 20 at Missouri
Oct. 27 Colorado
Nov. 3 at Baylor
Nov. 10 at Texas
Nov. 17 Oklahoma






- Pretty cool feature in USA Today about small towns with tons of cool options.

10 great small towns with huge backyards

By Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY
Get a glimpse of the simpler life — and get in shape at the same time. Small towns can offer big outdoor adventures in the waning days of summer. Sarah Tuff, co-author of the new 101 Best OutdoorTowns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live & Play (Countryman Press, $19.95), shares her picks with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

Salida, Colo.

"This is the place for whitewater paddling action," Tuff says. "Downtown Salida even has two of its own 'playholes' in an all-natural, whitewater park on the Arkansas River. Plan a visit around the annual FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas River) Whitewater Festival. Landlubbers can find 15 Fourteeners (mountains more than 14,000 feet high) nearby. One of the sweetest ends to a Salida day? Slices of pizza at Amicas and slumber at the River Run Inn." 877-772-5432; salidachamber.org

Haines, Alaska

"Some 20 million acres of wilderness surround this unhurried town on the longest fjord in the U.S.," Tuff says. "One of the best ways to explore is by kayak: Put in at Bartlett Cove at Glacier Bay National Park. In the fall, you'll want to be at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to see the congregation of thousands of bald eagles that feast on spawning salmon. Refuel on halibut fish and chips at the Bamboo Room in Haines." 907-766-2202; haineschamber.org

Livingston, Mont.

"They weren't lying when they named this place Paradise Valley," Tuff says. "Livingston is an Eden along the Yellowstone River, just 52 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Galleries share space with bars, gear shops and breakfast spots in the historic downtown. Anglers have the Yellowstone or nearby Gallatin and Madison rivers, which teem with thousands of fish per mile. Some 2,000 miles of trails beckon backpackers and bikers to the Gallatin National Forest." 406-222-0850; livingston-chamber.com

Bethel, Maine

"You'd never guess that this picture-perfect town, complete with covered bridges and a village common, is host to one of the most unusual outdoor adventures in the country: the annual North American Wife Carrying Championships that take place at Sunday River Ski Resort every October. It is also home to a prime section of the Androscoggin River, dog sledding and skijoring from the nearby Telemark Inn," Tuff says. 800-442-5826; bethelmaine.com

Hood River, Ore.

Fresh fruit and produce from the Hood River Valley, as well as incredible local brews and regional wines, are as rewarding as the outdoor activities here, Tuff says. Bike trails surround town, and there's rafting and kayaking on the nearby Columbia River's swift tributaries. "Hood River's recreational resources blow away even people who are deathly afraid of kite-boarding and windsurfing. A multitude of instructors make it easier to learn than you think." 800-366-3530; hoodriver.org

Lake Placid, N.Y.

"Though famous for the Olympic Winter Games, this unspoiled town is actually a year-round outdoor haven," Tuff says. "You can't beat the setting on two jewel-like lakes, surrounded by the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Hike the summits of the Adirondacks or just paddle on Lake Placid, then sink into a suite at the Mirror Lake Inn and Spa. Go shopping on Main Street, then set out for the swimming hole and sparkling cascades of Rocky Falls." 800-447-5224; lakeplacid.com

Ely, Minn.

"For those who fantasize about paddling a canoe on pristine waters, surrounded by pine trees and listening to the cry of the loon from a lakeside tent, there's simply no better place to make that fantasy come true than Ely," Tuff says. "The town, at the edge of the 1.1-million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area, teems with friendly outfitters who will provide every level of service, from a point in the right direction to a fully guided canoe trip complete with meals." Another highlight: seeing wolves at the International Wolf Center. 800-777-7281; ely.org

Davis, W. Va.

Leaf-peepers can get a jump-start on fall foliage viewing in this Appalachian town where, because of the high elevations, peak foliage season is usually late September. Two local microbreweries and regional vineyards will be represented at Oktoberfest in September, part of the Leaf Peepers Festival Sept. 29-30. Winter's not a bad time to visit, either. "Believe it or not, this town gets 150 inches of snow a year — more than some places in Vermont. That makes for surprisingly good skiing at Canaan Valley and Timberline ski resorts," Tuff says. 800-782-2775; canaanvalley.org

McCall, Idaho

This mountain town is on shimmering Payette Lake. "Summer visitors enjoy water-skiing and wakeboarding, plus rock-climbing routes, mountain-biking trails, fishing holes and the 2.3 million acres of the Payette National Forest," says Tuff. "Two major ski areas — Brundage Mountain Resort and the new Tamarack Resort — are just a few minutes from McCall. A highlight of every year is the Winter Carnival (January-February) for snow-sculpting, tubing races and snowshoe golf." 800-260-5130; mccallchamber.org

Boone, N.C.

"Boone has a built-in air conditioner for the summer months that turn the rest of the South sticky: the Blue Ridge Mountains, which keep temperatures at a lovely 75 degrees in August," Tuff says. "The town, 100 miles north of Asheville, stays hip, thanks to Appalachian State University. Get jazzed at Espresso News before heading into the Pisgah National Forest for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Rafters rollick along the Nolichucky and French Broad rivers." 800-852-9506; visitboone nc.com


- Picks O'the day

Yesterday - 2-1
YTD - 109-91

1) Texas -130 - I really like the way McCarthy is pitching lately.
2) Cleve -145 - Carmona is a stud, and Cleve is lights out at home (37-22)
3) Ariz -155 - Until they start tanking, I'm riding the wave of Arizona.
4) Bos/Balt under 8 - Dice K (2-1 with 1.77 ERA in his last 3) vs. Bedard (3-0 with 2.89 ERA in his last 3). Runs at a premium.

So it begins.........

- Between 1st round flame-outs from the Stars and the Mavs and the Rangers sucking once again, football season is finally here to rescue us from a crap summer. No matter what the calendar says, it's now autumn. I quote the great Ron Franklin's intro to the football season, "the leaves have turned."







- Kevin Millwood not terrible last night, but not great either. He continues a very ordinary season last night. Rangers lose, 4-3.

Rangers seek more from ace in 6-3 loss


01:17 AM CDT on Thursday, August 9, 2007
By EVAN GRANT / The Dallas Morning News
egrant@dallasnews.com

ARLINGTON – When his night was done and his jersey soaked Wednesday, Kevin Millwood had given the Rangers six innings. He had allowed Oakland three runs and left with the score tied at three.

That meets the minimum qualifications for a quality start.

But Millwood's job description is to be the Rangers' ace, and clubs need more than the minimum from their ace. Millwood has rarely has seen the seventh inning this season. Because he didn't Wednesday, the Rangers had to go to unproven relievers with the game on the line, and Oakland took advantage in a 6-3 win over Texas.

After some slip-ups in the second and third, Millwood steadied himself enough to fight through six innings. His strikeouts of Marco Scutaro and Donnie Murphy to end the sixth pushed his pitch count to 107, an exhausting total on a night when the game-time temperature was 94 degrees.

"He got us deep into the game, and when he left we still were in the game," manager Ron Washington said. "That's what you want from a starter. Sometimes, you'd like a guy to go seven or eight innings, but by the time he got through the sixth, he had more than 100 pitches, and it was hot out there."

Regardless of temperature, Millwood has struggled to give the Rangers the kind of innings they need from their top starter. He has pitched more than six innings just twice in 21 starts this season.

Compare that with the first nine full seasons of his career. In those seasons, including one where he was limited to 21 starts by injury, Millwood averaged 15 starts per season of more than six innings. Last year, he pitched into the seventh in 17 of his 34 starts for Texas. Even in the injury-plagued 2001 season, he went more than six in seven of his 21 starts.

Millwood's two longest outings – one of eight innings and one of seven, both against the Los Angeles Angels – came 10 days apart. Subtract that three-start stretch, and Millwood is just 2-9 with a 6.87 ERA.

For the season, Millwood, who missed a month with a hamstring injury, has averaged just 5 1/3 innings per start. That's No. 5 starter material.

Millwood, who battled an upper respiratory infection last week, acknowledged the season has been a struggle for him, but he said he has made some adjustments that should allow him to go deeper into games over the final seven weeks of the season. The biggest change is moving from the third-base side of the rubber to the first-base side. Millwood said it helped "free up" his arm. He was still hitting 94 mph with his fastball in the sixth.

"I like to go deep every time out, but physically and mentally, this season has been a struggle to stay consistent," Millwood said. "I think tonight was a pretty big step forward. Hopefully, the rest of the way, I'll be able to go deeper and deeper into games. Next time, I want to be better than I was today."

When Millwood ran out of gas, the Rangers turned to lefty A.J. Murray. He surrendered a homer to No. 9 hitter Rob Bowen on his fourth pitch. An inning later, Wes Littleton surrendered a two-run homer to Bowen.

Had Millwood been able to give the Rangers seven or eight innings, manager Ron Washington might have been able to better deploy his bullpen.

Instead, he had to ask the relievers to go a little harder and a little longer – that's what the Rangers need from their No. 1 starter on more than the rarest of occasions.






- Nebraska news/notes





- O-line slowly but surely creeping back to respectability.

NU Football: Deep offensive line sees strength in numbers
BY MITCH SHERMAN
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU



LINCOLN — Dennis Wagner nods his head before the question is even complete.

Is this the kind of depth and balance Nebraska needed back in 2004, when you took over as coach of the offensive line?

"Now, finally, we're in a situation where we should be," Wagner said. "It's what you expect."

Debate all you'd like about other areas of the NU football team as the Huskers progress through the first week of preseason practice. There's no argument about the offensive line: This group is more complete than any unit at the school in several years.

Exhibit A is standing in the corner of the Hawks Center on a recent evening after practice. Keith Williams and D.J. Jones pass the eyeball test better than any pair of freshman linemates in years, perhaps ever, at Nebraska.

Williams, a guard from Florissant, Mo., and Jones, a tackle out of Omaha Central, are both rock solid at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds. Both redshirted last season. It's a luxury Nebraska has not enjoyed much lately, but one that laid the foundation for line dominance at NU when Wagner watched from afar 10 years ago as coach at Division II Wayne State.

Throw in redshirt freshman tackle Mike Smith, a 6-6, 290-pound converted defensive lineman, and the Huskers are stacked with imposing young linemen set to contribute as part of a 10- or 11-man rotation next month.

"Those guys got the year that I didn't get to have," junior Matt Slauson said. "Just to practice, get smarter and stronger, it's a big thing. There were times for me when I didn't know what I was doing. I was all over the place. Keith and D.J. and Mike Smith, they have a great advantage. All those guys are going to be great players."

In recent years, Wagner said, the Huskers "had good kids, just not enough of them."

"When we had an injury, we couldn't compete because of the numbers we had behind them," the fourth-year Nebraska assistant said. "We have three more true freshmen this year, and they want to compete. But hopefully they can redshirt. And then a year from now, they'll really be a factor."

Slauson started three games in 2005 as a true freshman. He played both tackle positions before settling this fall as the projected starter at right guard.

Williams serves as his backup. Jones is playing behind junior Lydon Murtha at right tackle. Smith is a reserve at left tackle, where senior Carl Nicks is set to start.

"Last year, I wanted to play," Jones said, "but I wasn't ready. I'd never sat on the bench before. I needed that year to sit back. Right now, practice is so much more smooth because I sat out that year."

Jones, regarded as the top prep prospect out of Nebraska in 2005, has bulked up considerably during the past 12 months. He said he's made big gains in the weight room. Just as important for his development, he has remained focused on one position.

That's not the case with Smith, who arrived in Lincoln as a 250-pound defensive end with aspirations to play football and baseball after his dual-sport high school career in Las Vegas as a defensive lineman, tight end and power-hitting first baseman.

As he gained weight, Smith shifted to defensive tackle in practice last fall. Then after the season, as he considered joining Mike Anderson's baseball team, Smith got word from coach Bill Callahan that the football staff wanted him to move to offensive tackle in spring practice.

So much for baseball.

"It's been only 17 practices on offense, but it seems like a lot more than that," Smith said. "I'm so glad I got to have last spring, or I would be just like a new guy coming in. Now that I've studied real hard through the spring and summer, I feel like I'm ready to help."

Williams may be the most ready to help among the youngsters.

He played extensively with the No. 1 offense during spring practice in March and April as guards Andy Christensen and Mike Huff recovered from injuries.

Last year, the intensity of the Huskers' summer conditioning drills caught Williams by surprise. He said he was prepared this time around.

"It still wasn't easy. But it helps," he said. "I feel like sitting out that year, it helped a lot. Every freshman's dream is to play. You come into a situation and you want to be the best. So every day, you're out there trying. But I knew when I was doing it that (redshirting) would help me."

Wagner's sentiments exactly.

"We're in a spot where we want to have 11 guys ready to play," he said. "That gives you competition in practice. And with our system and the verbiage, it just makes them more acquainted with what's going on.

"I have no problem with (Williams, Jones and Smith) playing. As far as understanding our offense, they've got that. I'd be disappointed if all three of them didn't make the travel team."



- Another mohawk sighting, this time it's Terrence Nunn.





- The NoTex Rant Top 25

#25 - Missouri
#24 - Hawaii
#23 - Oklahoma St.


#22 - Alabama




Playtime is over at Alabama.
Oh sure, it's been fun to poke the legend of the Bear and the Tide program for the last few seasons, given the coaching fiascos of Dennis Franchione bolting to Texas A&M and the bizarre issues with Mike DuBose and Mike Price. Now things have gotten serious with the hiring of Nick Saban, and for Tide fans who think their program is among the elite of the elite, it's time to start winning SEC titles again.

It's not like Alabama was bad under Mike Shula, but there was a sense that things were slipping a bit, even if some rebuilding was needed after going 10-2 in 2005 and winning the Cotton Bowl. In 2006, Florida won the national title, LSU firmly entrenched itself as a superpower, and Arkansas (freakin' Arkansas!) won the SEC West. All that might have been forgivable ... if the Tide hadn't lost to Auburn for a fifth straight season.

So how fast can Saban turn things around? While the team will be far better, thanks to a more experienced offense, a better line and a Saban-type defense that should quickly become one of the SEC's nastiest, it's not like the rest of the league got worse. Florida, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee and yes, even Auburn, are all as good, if not better, and as South Carolina has shown over the last two seasons, just having a superior coach doesn't mean the best conference in America is going to start quaking.

Instead of seeing Saban as an instant savior, consider him the spark that might set off the explosion. Even the most impatient of Bama fans know it might take a year to get the Tide rolling again. Come 2008, when the offense will be full of seniors, the defense will have had a year under Saban, and a shockingly good, brought-together-at-the-last-second recruiting class will have had time to get its feet wet, Alabama might actually beat Auburn again.

What to watch for on offense: Air Tide. Hurt by a young line that didn't provide any room for the running game to move, Alabama ended up going to the passing attack more often than anyone might have liked. For all the rocky times and inconsistencies, last year allowed John Parker Wilson to get a good first look at what life as an SEC starter is like. With D.J. Hall and Keith Brown (two of the SEC's most unappreciated receivers) as targets, Bama should be able to bomb away with anyone in the conference.

What to watch for on defense: Aggressiveness to the nth degree. Every defense likes to attack, and last year's Tide defense was no different. But it didn't get the play from the line it needed to be effective. There was no pass rush, and little consistent push into the backfield. That won't happen under Saban, who was a master at bringing out the best in the front fours at LSU, and should get Tide rushers behind the line early and often. Which is why ...

The team will be far better if ... it sacks somebody. Thirteen sacks and 55 tackles for loss. That's not exactly the type of defensive play the Tide was looking for from the defensive front last year, so job one for Saban and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will be to make sure those numbers double, if not triple. A move from a 4-3 to a 3-4 will try to make that happen.

The Schedule: If the Tide can roll at home, it'll be a great season. The three SEC road games before the season finale at Auburn are as easy as can be, against Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. There's a neutral site date with Florida State in Jacksonville to save the non-conference slate from being considered a total joke. The real excitement is over the home slate, which features Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU in SEC play.

Best Offensive Player: Sophomore OT Andre Smith. At 6-4 and 348 pounds, he's a huge body at left tackle, and he's living up to every bit of the hype. Considered by some to be the No. 1 recruit in America last year, he stepped in and was a rock from day one. Several NFL teams would love to have him right now.

Best Defensive Player: Senior CB Simeon Castille. The centerpiece of the Tide defense, Castille will erase one side of the field and be the first player most quarterbacks look for when they step up to the line. He's big, has a nose for the ball, and is good at getting into the backfield when needed.

Key players to a successful season: Senior DEs Wallace Gilberry and junior Bobby Greenwood. Steady pressure into the backfield has to start coming from the ends, so the coaching staff doesn't have to get cute and send in the linebackers. The ends have the size and quickness to get into the backfield, but now they have to do a better job of closing. They also have to figure out what they're doing. The new defense isn't rocket science, but it'll take time to figure out the overall roles.

The season will be a success if ... The Tide wins nine games. It's not going to be easy considering all the tough games, but almost all are at home. If they can pull out a win over Florida State, they'll have four wins alone from the non-conference schedule. Anything less than 5-3 in SEC play will be considered a major disappointment.

Key game: Nov. 24 at Auburn. It's easy to point to the rivalry game with Tennessee, the Saban showdown with LSU, or even the interesting battle against Florida State as showcase games. But after losing five straight to that "cow college," Saban has to turn the tide in the Iron Bowl series to show that things really have changed under the new regime.

2006 Fun Stats:

Alabama points allowed by quarter: 1st 44, 2nd 102, 3rd 46, 4th 48
Penalties: Opponents 90 for 732 yards; Alabama 78 for 557 yards
Sacks: Opponents 28 for 204 yards; Alabama 13 for 100 yards


Alabama Crimson Tide
Team Information
Head coach: Nick Saban
1st year at Alabama
12th year overall: 91-42-1
Returning Lettermen:
Off. 20, Def. 24, ST 3
Lettermen Lost: 17

Ten Best Players
1. OT Andre Smith, Soph.
2. CB Simeon Castille, Sr.
3. WR D.J. Hall, Sr.
4. LB Prince Hall, Soph.
5. QB John Parker Wilson, Jr.
6. WR Keith Brown, Sr.
7. OG Justin Britt, Sr.
8. DE Wallace Gilberry, Sr.
9. DE Bobby Greenwood, Jr.
10. C Antoine Caldwell, Jr.

2007 Schedule
Sept. 1 Western Carolina
Sept. 8 at Vanderbilt
Sept. 15 Arkansas
Sept. 22 Georgia
Sept. 29 Florida St (in Jax)
Oct. 6 Houston
Oct. 13 at Ole Miss
Oct. 20 Tennessee
Nov. 3 LSU
Nov. 10 at Miss State
Nov. 17 UL Monroe
Nov. 24 at Auburn




- Picks O'the day

Yesterday - 3-1
YTD - 107-90

1) Atlanta +105 - Hudson pitching very well this season (2-0 with a 1.19 ERA in his last 3 starts) and Atlanta is scoring a lot of runs as well.
2) Arizona -140 - I'm going with Arizona until they stop playing well.
3) Baltimore -130 - Cabrera throwing well in his last 3, 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA.

BaD Radio Curse strikes again!

- These guys are like the plague. Add Mike Bacsik to the list. Look out Jon Daniels...................

He's an ass, he's roided up, his protective armor may aid him, etc. But I don't get upset because A-Rod will kick his ass to the curb in 5-7 years anyway, so who cares. We all know the truth.

Bonds hits #756.

Bonds moves into eternity, assumes MLB home run record

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds raised both arms over his head like a prize fighter in victory, fists clenched -- and then he took off.

It was over at long last.

Like him or not, legitimate or not, he is baseball's new home run king.

Bonds hit No. 756 to the deepest part of the ballpark Tuesday night, and hammered home that very point. He broke Hank Aaron's storied record with one out in the fifth inning, hitting a full-count, 84 mph pitch from Washington's Mike Bacsik.

"I knew I hit it," Bonds said. "I knew I got it. I was like, phew, finally."

Later, he firmly and flatly rejected any suggestion that this milestone was stained by steroids.

"This record is not tainted at all. At all. Period," Bonds said.

Bonds sent the ball arcing high into the night, 435 feet into the right-center field seats.

"Thank you very much. I got to thank all of you, all the fans here in San Francisco. It's been fantastic," he said shortly after crossing home plate, his godfather, Willie Mays, at his side.

"I've got to thank my teammates for their support," Bonds said. "Through all of this, you guys have been strong, and you've given me all of the support in the world and I'll never forget it, as long as I live."

After thanking his children, he said: "I'm glad I did it before you guys went to school."

To the Nationals, he said: "Thank you for understanding this game. It means a lot to me."

Conspicuous by their absence were the commissioner and Hammerin' Hank himself.

Though he was on hand for the tying homer three days ago, deciding to put baseball history ahead of the steroid allegations that have plagued the Giants slugger, Bud Selig wasn't there for the record-breaker.






- Nebraska News/Notes




- This is good to see, Steve Octavien appears healthy and ready to rock and roll. Much like Mo Purify on offense, Octavien is an absolute gamebreaker/difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. He's big, fast, and just makes plays. He's just been hurt since he stepped foot on campus. If he can turn into half of a Terrell Farley or a DeMarrio Williams-type, look out.

Octavien wants to start shining
BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
Tuesday, Aug 07, 2007 - 11:58:42 pm CDT
Do not, under any circumstances, mention the words “Steve Octavien” and “flashes” in the same sentence.

As least, don’t do it in the presence of Octavien. He’ll cringe and bristle.

And that’s when he’s in a good mood.

Example: “Steve Octavien has shown flashes of being a havoc-wreaking linebacker during his Nebraska career.”

Here come the contorted facial expressions ��-

“See, that’s the thing,” Octavien said in an upbeat tone. “You say ‘flashes’ and I don’t like hearing about ‘flashes’ because I’m not a ‘flash’ guy, ya know?

“I mean, I play ball.”

Octavien doesn’t necessarily disagree with the “flash” label. He understands it. He’s just disgusted that his entire career, beset by numerous injuries, has been a series of “flashes.”

A broken leg here, an appendectomy there. Throw in a nagging hamstring and a bum ankle, and you’ve got a head start on Octavien’s medical history.

Those problems, Octavien said, are finally behind him.

“Truthfully, I’ve never been better,” Octavien said. “Seriously, I’m 100 percent. This is the first time in a long time I’ve been 100 percent. Stronger, faster, mentally prepared.”

Don’t brush over the “mentally prepared” comment. Octavien said his mental and spiritual health was causing as much pain as his legs.

“In January, I contemplated a lot of things, man,” said Octavien, a senior from Naples, Fla. “It was probably the toughest time for me.”

Octavien declined to elaborate, saying only that he was “really lost” and wasn’t certain what he wanted to do with school and football.

Did he contemplate quitting?

“No, no ��- I really don’t want to get into that. I’m not saying that,” Octavien said. “I’m just saying that ��- a lot of things went through my head. I was just really lost. Just the way I was living, it wasn’t good. It was just very unhealthy.”

Octavien said several visits with Matt Penland, the team chaplain, helped him turn his life around. He says his life is more complete spiritually, which helped him with football.

Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said he’s noticed a difference.

“Mentally, he’s as good as he’s ever been,” Cosgrove said. “We’ve talked about it. He’s in a great frame of mind right now.”

Cosgrove wants Octavien to lose about five pounds from his 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame. Other than that, Octavien seems physically ready to contribute more consistently.

“We trained really hard (in the summer),” Octavien said. “I didn’t want any regrets this year. It’s my final year, so I did everything I could do to get to this point.”

Octavien came to Nebraska from William Rainey Harper (Ill.) College, where he played only four games in 2004 because of injury. As a Husker, he broke his leg in the first quarter of his first game in 2005 against Maine. He missed the rest of the season.

In that one quarter, he had four tackles, including two for loss, and conjured images of Terrell Farley and Demorrio Williams in the minds of Husker faithful.

Last season, Octavien was slow to recover from an appendectomy in fall camp. In game three against USC, he suffered a hamstring injury and missed Nebraska’s next four games. He had a triumphant return against Texas -- 10 tackles, seven unassisted -- and capped the game with ��- a sprained ankle.

“I was like, ‘Man, this is getting frustrating,’ ” said Octavien, who missed the next game against Oklahoma State.

“Since I got here ��- I’ve never really been able to showcase my abilities, never really got to play the way I want to play.”

Octavien will have every opportunity this season. He’s the starting WILL linebacker, replacing Bo Ruud, who’s moved to the SAM position. In Nebraska’s nickel package, Octavien can come off the edge as a pass rusher.

“I love it. I love it,” Octavien said. “I know (Adam) Carriker and Jay (Moore) are gone, so whatever it takes.

“Somebody’s got to do it. I’m down for that.”




- Scouting report on potential impact freshman Quentin Castille from Texas.

Scouting report: Quentin Castille. The true freshman running back is listed at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds in Nebraska’s media guide.

In reality, Castille tips the scales at 255, which is fine with Callahan.

“Looking at his body fat, he’s right on schedule,” the coach said. “He’s just a big man. We’d like to get him down to 245, but he’s a load. I had a lot of fun today watching him practice. He carried the ball well. He’s starting to learn the cuts and the footwork required in the running game. He’s doing a very good job in the passing game.”

Last season at La Porte (Texas) High School, Castille rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is being used in multiple sets at NU, Callahan said.



- Notes from Tuesday's practice

NU Notes: Teafatiller remains in camp after arrest
BY MITCH SHERMAN AND RICH KAIPUST
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU



LINCOLN - Nebraska tight end Hunter Teafatiller remains active in preseason football camp after he was arrested Saturday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Teafatiller, a 20-year-old junior from Kingsburg, Calif., faces disciplinary action within the program, coach Bill Callahan said Tuesday, in addition to any legal penalties.

"Our football program takes a situation like this very seriously," Callahan said in a statement released by NU.

According to Deb Collins of the Nebraska State Patrol, Teafatiller was stopped near Third and Adams Street when a trooper noticed he was driving without headlights. Administered a breathalyzer test, Teafatillers blood-alcohol level was 0.97, above the legal limit of 0.8.

Teafatiller was also ticketed for minor in possession and for having no insurance or valid registration.

On May 26, he was cited for DUI and MIP by the Lincoln Police. The Lancaster County attorney's office said Tuesday it declined to prosecute in that case.

Teafatiller, a reserve, caught five passes for 78 yards and four touchdowns last season, including the Huskers lone score in the Big 12 championship game.

Freshman back brings size


Quentin Castille weighed in this week for the start of practice at 255 pounds. And it's just fine with Callahan.

"Looking at his body fat and where that is at, he's right on schedule," Callahan said of the 6-foot-1 true freshman out of La Porte, Texas. "He's just a big man. We'd like to get him down to (245), but he's a load. I had fun watching him practice today."

Castille, listed at 235 pounds in the Nebraska media guide, rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns last season in high school and was rated as the nation's No. 2 fullback prospect by rivals.com.

The Huskers plan to use him at I-back.

"We're utilizing him in a lot of different roles right now," Callahan said. "We're moving him around in the backfield. We're motioning him out. He's starting to learn the cuts and the footwork required in the running game. He's doing a very good job in the passing game.

"That'll all change here on Friday when we're in full pads."

As for the fullbacks, Callahan said he's pleased with their mental approach. But it's a difficult position to evaluate, he said, until full contact work begins.

A group that includes junior Thomas Lawson, senior Andy Sand and redshirt freshman Justin Makovicka, plus true freshmen walk-ons Mike Hays and Kevin Thomsen, is competing to replace departed two-year starter Dane Todd.


Tackle finds way to beat heat


NU offensive tackle Carl Nicks already was well on his way to an impressive statistic as he swigged a Gatorade after practice Tuesday.

By bedtime, Nicks estimated that he would consume between three and four gallons of liquid — necessary for a 6-5, 330-pounder as the Huskers' first two practices were held in high temperatures and nasty humidity.

"I'm just trying to stay hydrated," Nicks said. "I've got to."

Nicks maybe fell short Monday and paid for it, leaving practice early with cramps "all over." So the last gallon of water before bed might keep him up at night, but it's worth it.

"I don't want to feel like that again," he said. "It was real bad."


Linebacker likes weight where it is


Corey McKeon reported for camp at 232.6 pounds. Write that down, he said, for all those who knock him for being an undersized middle linebacker.

And for the record, the senior calls that a generalization.

"People expect most middle linebackers to be 250 pounds," McKeon said. "Why would you want to be 250 and slow and be chasing four-receiver sets all game? I'm right where I need to be."

McKeon said the NU staff likes him around 225.

"It's what coaches demand of you and what they think fits the system, and what we face in our opponents," he said. "We're not facing Big Ten teams that are body-crushers. We face speed."






- Big 12 Notes/Top 25




- Coach Fran fires, and Stoops comes back harder, faster, and better. Just like I said a few weeks ago, all Fran wants to do is play the shoulda, woulda, coulda game about 2006. Every team in America can play that game.

I hate Oklahoma and the whole state for that matter, but I love Bob Stoops. He'll hit you in the mouth, pull no punches, let results speak for themselves, make no excuses, and roll with what he has. He's the anti-Mack and Fran. Definitely my #1 choice for coach if I was AD at a major school.

Franchione mixes it up with dig at Oklahoma

By ROBERT CESSNA
Eagle Sports Writer


It'll be interesting to see if the Leadership Council for the Texas A&M football team disciplines head coach Dennis Franchione for making fun of Oklahoma's recent off-the-field problems that resulted in NCAA sanctions.

Franchione, appearing at the Houston Touchdown Club last week, came up with the zinger while talking about the Sooners' unstable quarterback situation, according to the Houston Chronicle.

"That may be the only question they have, other than what jobs they are going to work this year," Franchione said. "That is a joke I couldn't resist."

He's not the only one.

OU has been the butt of jokes since last summer when it dismissed two players for accepting money for work not performed at a Norman car dealership. One player banished was starting quarterback Rhett Bomar, who would have been a junior this fall entering his third year as a starter.

The Sooners are looking at three inexperienced quarterbacks instead of having an all-conference performer.

Franchione's comments were relayed to Stoops at OU's media day Friday, reported the Tulsa World.

"There are a lot of people who have a lot to stay when they don't have a Big 12 championship to talk about," the paper reported, adding that Stoops strongly emphasized he was not addressing a particular coach.

It's just a coincidence that Stoops' comments fit Franchione to a T.

"There are some guys talking about, 'If this happened in this game, and this happened in that game,' in like three or four games, they'd be Big 12 champions," Stoops said, again stressing he was talking about more than one coach.

But only one team lost two games each by a point: A&M. Texas is the only other team where the reversal of a couple of plays would have put it in last year's title game.

Franchione even talked about those losses at the Big 12 Media Days in San Antonio.

"We missed being in the Big 12 Championship game by two points," Franchione said.

Those comments were expected, but his jab at the Sooners wasn't.

But who cares?

When the Aggies visit the Sooners on Nov. 3 it will be about talent and execution, not what the coaches said three months ago.

So things might not be so cordial in the future? Big deal. This is the Big 12 South. The price of winning continues to rise, and the rivalries keep intensifying.

A&M's 2002 media guide described Texas Tech fans as "classless clowns" after they tore down the goal posts at Tech's Jones Stadium following a 12-0 victory the previous year. A&M recalled and reprinted the media guide, but it'll always be remembered.

Baylor's Guy Morriss and Franchione didn't talk before or after A&M's 16-13 victory over the Bears in 2005. That stemmed from Morriss' comments regarding Baylor's 35-34 overtime victory in 2004: "I think it's a fact that we just beat their ass."

A&M beat Texas last year to end a six-game losing streak, but Longhorns are still upset about Kellen Heard's late hit on UT quarterback Colt McCoy that drew a 15-yard penalty and ejection. It surfaced again at the Big 12 Media Days when Walt Anderson, the conference's coordinator of football officials, admitted the crew missed a roughing the pass penalty call later in the game when A&M's Michael Bennett hit McCoy high.

So what if the Big 12 missed the call? The Aggies won the game, and that's what matters. If McCoy and Texas want to regain the spotlight, all they have to do is win the day after Thanksgiving. Stoops and the Sooners will have a chance to have the last laugh at Franchione's expense, just like they quieted the whole conference last year by winning another Big 12 title.

Cheap shots get attention, but there's always more to it.

Franchione has done nothing but praise Stoops and his staff in the past. His comment wasn't a shot at the Sooners' coach, far from it. Franchione picked the Sooners to win the South in the same speech.

For him to be right the Sooners probably have to beat the Aggies, which is rather ironic, since the media's preseason pick is Texas. If Franchione wanted to slight the Sooners and Stoops, he could have picked Texas.

The Sooners were Franchione's pick out of respect. Stoops has beaten Franchione's Aggies four straight times, including a 77-0 whipping in 2003, which could have been worse had Stoops allowed it.

That probably won't be the case this time around.

What was surprising to me about Franchione's comment is that he's been masterful at making sure his players don't pop off and give the opposition bulletin-board material.

If Franchione does go before the team's 14-member Leadership Council, he should claim that his joke wouldn't be any incentive for any Sooner player.

Maybe the Leadership Council should announce it will handle this internally - i.e. a slap on the wrist, which would be appropriate since that's how the NCAA penalized OU, which had to vacate its eight victories in 2005 and the loss of four scholarships.

Some say that was the real joke, just watch where you tell it.



- The NoTex Rant Top 25

#25 - Missouri
#24 - Hawaii




- #23 - Oklahoma St.

COACH AND PROGRAM

Faith can be a beautiful thing.

It would have been easy for Oklahoma State to give up on coach Mike Gundy and his high-flying offensive ideas after one ugly season. In 2005, after Gundy arrived preaching his spread-offense gospel, the Cowboys crashed and burned, finishing last in the Big 12 South thanks to the conference's weakest offense.

Sure, it was only the first year for the new system, but, come on, last in the conference in scoring? Obviously, this wasn't going to work.

But Gundy and offensive coordinator Larry Fedora kept the faith, and, more important, so did their players. And that faith was rewarded last season, when the Cowboys' offense ignited for 35.2 points per game, a fraction of a point behind Texas for the Big 12 scoring title.

The Cowboys were everything Gundy said they would be -- explosive, tough and versatile. They averaged 8.2 yards per pass play, a close second in the league. They led the Big 12 in rushing offense. And they were one of only two teams in the nation to average more than 200 yards rushing and 200 passing per game, becoming the first Oklahoma State team to accomplish that double since 1987.

"I think if you could do the 200-200 thing again you would take it," Gundy said.

Now the Cowboys have whizzed by faith and are heading toward hope. Because even with all those gaudy offensive numbers, OSU was only 3-5 in conference games, finishing ahead of only Baylor in the Big 12 South. And even though they won a bowl game, they still finished the season barely over .500.

So now the Cowboys must hope they can take another major step forward, from a fun to watch but mediocre team to division contender. To make that leap, another leap of faith -- this one on defense -- must pay off.

The defense struggled last season and dragged the offense down with it. OSU ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring defense and total defense and was clearly a liability, offsetting much of the offensive progress.

So Gundy parted ways with defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and put his faith in Tim Beckman, formerly the cornerbacks coach at Ohio State. Beckman charged in and immediately put his stamp on the defense, emphasizing speed above all else and making some drastic moves to that end.

Using the formula he learned at Ohio State, Beckman moved linebackers to defensive end and defensive backs to linebacker in hopes of creating a lightning-fast, if undersized, unit that can race past bulky offensive linemen to get to the passer and can chase down runners from sideline to sideline.

"We want to fit the scheme to the talents of our personnel," Beckman said. "We don't have a bunch of 300-pound linemen, so we're trying to utilize our speed.

"Our scheme is going to be multiple -- we're not always going to be in a four-man front -- and what we're doing will enable our kids to play multiple positions, so we can move them around and show different looks. Defense is defense and you want to keep it simple, but being able to do different things with the fronts and coverages -- having multiple looks with the same personnel -- can really help us in this conference."

An improved defense would surely help the Cowboys in the Big 12, and Gundy isn't picky about how he gets it. All he wants is his team to be tougher and more effective at stopping the opposition.

If Beckman's swift and multiple scheme gets the job done, it's OK with him.

"I don't care about Xs and Os," he said. "I want us to be physical -- to run to the ball and strike people."

That doesn't apply only to the defense. Fedora is adamant that there will be no celebration over the Cowboys' recent offensive success. There is, he insists, plenty more to do.

"If you base it on what we accomplished last year, yes, we should be pretty good," he said. "But people tend to forget that this offense hasn't done anything this year."

That's OK, though. They have faith.


BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS

Grading the Cowboys
Unit Grade
Offense A
Special teams A
Defense C
Intangibles C

There is plenty of optimism in Stillwater, but the Cowboys must tone that down and remember they were still a .500 team last season. The offense should have little trouble scoring, putting the burden on the defense and Beckman's new system. How well the players adapt could make or break the team.

But beyond Xs and Os and personnel, Gundy has a bigger goal in mind for his Cowboys.

"This year we have to be a tougher team," Gundy said. "We will need to be a mentally tougher team to be successful at some of the places we have to play."

That includes College Station, Lincoln and Norman, where the Cowboys face extremely daunting Big 12 road games against Texas A&M, Nebraska -- back-to-back, no less -- and Oklahoma, respectively. That gauntlet could keep the Cowboys from making their leap into contention regardless of how much their defense has improved.






- Donnie keeps the brake lights on

No Hurry
Aug 8 - Donnie Nelson, the team's president of basketball operations, tapped the brakes on thoughts that a deal was imminent.
"This could go all the way to the first day of training camp," Nelson said Tuesday. "We have no sense of urgency to do anything right now. We'll do a deal when it's right for us and not sooner." Since the Mavericks agreed to terms with Eddie Jones last week, Internet rumors have swirled about Chris Webber possibly being the Mavs' final acquisition. One variation had both Webber and fellow unrestricted free agent James Posey coming to Dallas.

While rumors swirled on the Web (stemming from an unfounded radio report out of L.A.) on Sunday about Webber's imminent signing with the Mavs, that just doesn't appear to be the case. In fact, one plugged-in NBA source dialed up on Tuesday said that his "gut" tells him that Webber will return to the Pistons. That's not to say the Mavs are out of the running, just that it appears more likely, at this moment, that Webber will re-sign with his hometown team.






- CJ Wilson impresses once again. Gets the last 4 outs of the game, extends hitless streak to 9.2 innings.

Since management decided to trade away Eric Gagne, and should they not re-sign him this offseason, I say your closer for 2009 is currently sitting in the bullpen. Let Ostuka get healthy, close next year, let his contract run out, and hand it over to CJ in 2009.

He's proving game-by-game that he has what it takes to close. I think he has the make up and the mindset to do it, he's confident, and he just has that closer-like quirkiness about him.

Rangers hold on, 8-6.

Closing argument: Wilson saves Rangers

01:45 AM CDT on Wednesday, August 8, 2007
By EVAN GRANT / The Dallas Morning News
egrant@dallasnews.com

ARLINGTON – The Rangers are adamant that C.J. Wilson is not their closer. A thing about closers: If it acts like a closer and it sounds like a closer, it's probably a closer.

The loquacious Wilson has always been able to talk the part. Lately, he's been able to act it, too.

In saving Tuesday's 8-6 win over Oakland, Wilson completed the equivalent of a no-hitter. He got the final four outs, even as Joaquin Benoit stood ready in the bullpen, to give him 9 2/3 hitless innings since July 20. In that time, he's allowed just two walks.

"We'll keep piecing things together down there," manager Ron Washington said. "It's just fallen right for C.J. the last three times. He's done a great job with the opportunity."

On Tuesday, though, the Rangers had a chance to go to somebody else and Washington opted to give Wilson the chance to finish the game. After a four-run lead had melted to one in the eighth, Wilson was summoned to get the last out of the inning, which he did. Benoit got up as soon as the Rangers came to bat.

Washington said his plan was for Wilson to face lefty Jack Cust to start the ninth and then go to Benoit for the final two outs. But when the Rangers forced a run across the plate, he gave Wilson the chance to convert the save – so long as he didn't put a runner on board.

No problem for Wilson. He struck out Cust, then got Mike Piazza to ground out to short and Mark Ellis to pop up to second. It marked the Rangers' first win in nearly a week after five consecutive losses. It was the team's third win since closer Eric Gagne was dealt at the trading deadline. Wilson has saved all three games.

Wilson is just one of the guys the Rangers are auditioning for potential 2008 roles.






- The farm system is getting ripe. This is the most confident I've been in the Rangers farm system in ages. After having just 1 player in the top 10 at his position according to Baseball America, the Rangers now have 6. 6!! The talent level was increased significantly by JD in July, and I'm gearing up for a contending team in 2010, maybe 2009.

After influx, farm system may be ready to produce

12:13 AM CDT on Wednesday, August 8, 2007
By EVAN GRANT / The Dallas Morning News
egrant@dallasnews.com

ARLINGTON – A year ago, the Rangers farm system was considered one of the most barren in the majors.

That doesn't appear to be the case anymore.

Baseball America, the industry's leading projector of prospects, ranked the top 10 prospects in the minors at every position in its most recent edition. The Rangers, who had just one of the top 100 prospects in the minors at the start of the year, were represented in the top 10 at six different positions. Before the season, the Rangers organization was ranked 28th of 30 by Baseball America in overall talent.

The Rangers had two catchers among the top 10: Max Ramirez, acquired from Cleveland for Kenny Lofton, was ranked seventh and Taylor Teagarden was ranked 10th. The Rangers also had a second baseman (German Duran, ninth), shortstop (Elvis Andrus, sixth), third baseman (Chris Davis, 10th), a right-handed starter (Eric Hurley, 10th) and a left-handed starter (Kasey Kiker, eighth) on the list.

"I think it's some recognition that we've started to take some significant steps with the system," general manager Jon Daniels said. "There has been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to get things here, but we still have a long way to go."

One area the Rangers were not represented was outfield. Upgrading the athleticism of the outfielders at the major and minor league levels has become a significant priority for Daniels. The Rangers acquired two outfielders at the trading deadline, center fielder David Murphy and highly-regarded 17-year-old Engel Beltre.






- Evan Grant defends JD. And I agree with his analysis 100%.
Here's the deal: Don't judge trades too quickly

08:28 PM CDT on Tuesday, August 7, 2007

In the cold, hard world of making trades, it's not so much evaluation of a player's past that matters, but accurate projection of the future.

The future includes projecting the performance of players obtained and players discarded, but it is also includes anticipating what steps may result from a potential move. As an example, take the Rangers' deadline deal from a year ago in which they sent Francisco Cordero, Kevin Mench and Laynce Nix to Milwaukee for Carlos Lee and Nelson Cruz.

On one level, you can analyze the deal this way: Cordero is the closer for a team in a pennant race, Lee is playing for Houston and Cruz has not come close to being the player the Rangers hoped.

It's certainly one way to look at things, but it wouldn't paint a full picture. Let's expand things just a bit, by breaking down several aspects of the deal.

Cordero: In dealing Cordero, the Rangers freed up about $5.5 million in payroll to be applied to 2007. With that money, the Rangers signed Eric Gagne for $6 million in base salary. Gagne is a year younger than Cordero, which is significant. The Rangers' projections on closers after the age of 32 shows a marked decrease in efficiency. Cordero turned 32 on May 11. Since his birthday: He's 0-4 with six blown saves in 25 attempts and a 4.80 ERA. Over the last two months, his ERA is 6.55 as the Brewers' hold on the Central has weakened.

Lee: The Rangers had no real intentions of holding onto Lee, but he was the best bat available on the trade market. Getting him gave the Rangers a shot to beef up the lineup and to make final decisions on whether Buck Showalter was the manager to guide this team into the future. And, if Lee walked in free agency, the Rangers would get two draft picks in compensation. Those picks: Blake Beavan and Julio Borbon. They still must be signed, but if they are, it would represent a huge pitching pickup and a center fielder who would probably already be at least the equal of Nix. Nix, who turns 27 in October, is hitting .236 at Triple-A. If the Rangers don't sign the duo, they'd still get compensation picks in next year's draft.

The outfielders: As mentioned, Nix is stuck in the minors and is quickly going from prospect to journeyman. Mench is making $3.4 million this year and has six homers and 29 RBIs. Cruz, who is 2 1/2 years younger, is making $382,000 and has six homers and 20 RBIs. There really hasn't been much difference between the pair. Both have been disappointments. Cruz has just done so for far less money.

Gagne: The Rangers used Cordero's money for Gagne, who was not offered salary arbitration by the Los Angeles Dodgers. In other words, it didn't cost the Rangers a draft pick. When the Rangers traded Gagne to Boston, they got a young starting pitcher (Kason Gabbard), another center field prospect (David Murphy) and a teenage outfielder who was a highly prized signee in the Dominican Republic (Engel Beltre).

So a year later, here's the fallout: The Rangers turned Cordero into two starting pitching prospects (Gabbard and Beavan), they turned Mench into two corner outfield prospects (Cruz and Beltre) and they turned Nix into two center field possibilities (Murphy and Borbon).

Have the Rangers "won" the trade. Certainly not yet. But they've turned three options into six. In the inexact world of baseball projections, more options are better than the alternative.





- Doesn't this stuff seem to be happening a lot lately? Is it because we have more intense media coverage and more media outlets these days? So these things get reported more? I'm not sure, but disturbing comes to mind when reading this story. Where's Chris Hansen?

Teen: Ex-substitute showed students porn

Plano ISD: Girl testifies that accused man asked her to pose topless

11:12 PM CDT on Tuesday, August 7, 2007
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
tellis@dallasnews.com

McKINNEY – A former Plano school district substitute teacher was "more like a friend," a 17-year-old girl testified Tuesday. But that changed, she said, the day he took photographs of her posing topless in his classroom.

Jason Joel Pearce is on trial, accused of sexual performance of a child and sexual assault of a child, charges to which he has pleaded not guilty.

As testimony got under way Tuesday in state district court in McKinney, the 17-year-old testified about "volumes" of pornographic photographs that she said Mr. Pearce showed his students, the e-mails she and the substitute exchanged, and how he'd write passes for her and other students to get out of class to visit him when he was substituting at Plano's Bowman Middle School and later at Williams High School.

Mr. Pearce, 33, worked for Plano ISD as a substitute for 359 days at all grade levels between April 2001 and May 2005, when he was taken off the district's substitute list. He previously worked as a substitute teacher in the Richardson school district for about a year before being banned in 2001 for communicating inappropriately with students at Berkner High School.

His arrest raised questions about how substitute teachers banned by one school or district for their conduct can continue working elsewhere.

On Tuesday, Mr. Pearce was described by his attorney, John Hardin, as a polite man who has Asperger syndrome, a disorder that he said prevents a person from processing social information accurately.

"Surely this anomaly will require a lifetime commitment to treatment, counseling and medical intervention," Mr. Hardin said, promising that Mr. Pearce would testify to explain his actions.

Mr. Hardin said, "No matter how inappropriate the behavior of J.J. Pearce might have been ... you will be able, we hope, to see that it does not rise to the level of criminality under the law."

The girl, who remained on the witness stand all day, testified that in May 2005, just after her 15th birthday, she went to Mr. Pearce's classroom during his off-period. There, he gave her a gift, a bottle of lubricant.

Then, she said, he asked to photograph her. She agreed and posed. Afterwards, she said, he asked her to put on a bikini top that she had brought to school. She did, and he took more pictures.

"He told me to take the bathing suit top off so he could get some pictures topless," the girl testified.

Prosecutor Jessie Allen asked the girl why she did what he asked.

"Because I can't say no," she said, adding that she had had an abusive boyfriend and was hit whenever she told him no.

She said Mr. Pearce touched her breasts and then stuck his hand down the front of her pants and touched her genitals.

During a search, police found photographs in Mr. Pearce's backpack of the girl posing in sexual positions.

She and Mr. Pearce even swapped photographs, the girl said. She gave him her school picture in exchange for the black-and-white head shot he used for acting auditions. On his picture, Mr. Pearce wrote: "You're my bestest student ever." And in a note that police found at the girl's house, he referred to himself as her "first husband."

Sexual assault of a child is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Sexual performance of a child is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison.

Testimony is expected to continue into next week.



- Picks O'the day

Yesterday - 2-2
YTD - 104-89

1) Colo -125 - Colo is 16-7 in Francis' starts.
2) Ariz -140 - Arizona is 7-3 in their last 10. Kim is 2-0 with a 2.60 ERA in his last 3 starts.
3) Wash +140 - Washington has won 8 of 10. Redding has a 0.95 ERA in his last 3. Bonds HR hangover for SF.
4) Cin -120 - LA is tanking with all the injuries to the pitching staff. CIN is 17-6 in Harang's starts this year.