Defending champion Roger Federer breezed by compatriot and friend Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 to advance into the semifinals of the Australian Open on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Federer, who has won the tournament four times since 2004, has now advanced into the semifinals for eight-straight years.
The straight-set thrashing came somewhat as a surprise, with Wawrinka riding a nine-game winning streak and already having won a season-opening event at the Chennai Open. The 19th-seeded Wawrinka had not dropped a set throughout the tournament in Melbourne Park, including back-to-back victories over Gael Monfils and Andy Roddick.
But the second-seeded Federer, who had been challenged and taken the distance by Wawrinka at the Stockholm Open last October, dominated his gold-medal doubles partner from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games from the outset. He finished Wawrinka off in less than two hours.
Powered by an impressive serve, Federer played an all-around solid game. The Swiss did not have his serve broken once throughout the match, winning 72 percent on his first serve and 76 percent on his second serve. Federer's return game was spectacular as well, breaking Wawrinka five times. Federer frustrated the fellow Swiss so much Wawrinka smashed his racket into the ground causing it to fold over in half.
Including last year's victory at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, and this year's victory at the Qatar Open, Federer carries a 15-match win streak heading into the semifinals.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion will either face third-seeded Novak Djokovic or sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych in a semifinal match. Djokovic knocked Federer out of last year's U.S. Open, while Berdych defeated him at Wimbledon. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal is still alive in the tournament as well.
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Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hansbrough helps Notre Dame upset Pitt
Monday, January 24, 2011
Can Buckeyes, Aztecs Remain Unbeaten?
After seeing one of three unbeatens fall last week, will this be the week that one more -- or both -- join the ranks of the beaten? Also, Kansas State is running out of chances; Duke has an intriguing road trip; and Purdue has a couple of tough matchups.
10. No. 16 Minnesota (14-4, 3-3) at No. 12 Purdue (17-3, 6-1), Saturday, 1 p.m., CBS
Two weeks ago, Minnesota beat Purdue behind 26 points from Blake Hoffarber and some stingy defense. A late Al Nolen three was the difference, but the Gophers will be without Nolen for the rematch due to foot surgery. Purdue is in the middle of a four-game stretch against ranked teams, including a duel with top-ranked Ohio State in Columbus.
9. No. 21 Georgetown (14-5, 3-4) at No. 8 Villanova (17-2, 5-1), Saturday, noon, ESPN
Georgetown has struggled in conference play, but a few bunnies have them creeping back towards .500. If the Hoyas convert Wednesday against St. John's in a certainly winnable game, they will be back to even and riding a three-game winning streak when they roll into Philly. Villanova, on the other hand, bounced back nicely after falling to UConn with an impressive win over Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.
8. Kansas State (13-7, 1-4) at No. 6 Kansas (18-1, 3-1), Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN
After losing consecutive games to Oklahoma State and Colorado, Kansas State guard Jacob Pullen decreed that, given the option, he would not play in the NIT. His team responded by dropping two of its next three. The losses were respectable -- both coming away from home against ranked teams -- but if the Wildcats expect to make the big dance, they'll need some help given their recent performances. It may not come in Lawrence, but they will need a few impressive wins for their resume.
7. No. 3 Duke (18-1, 5-1) at St. John's (11-7, 4-4), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
After an impressive start for Steve Lavin at St. John's, the Red Storm have slipped quite a bit for most of the Big East conference season. Still, they have not had an easy road by any stretch, and an upset over Duke in the Garden would certainly reignite the Johnnie faithful. Duke has looked good, even if somewhat vulnerable, after being upset by Florida State. The Blue Devils faced a couple of early deficits, but nothing that would suggest any danger.
6. Georgia (14-4, 3-2) at No. 14 Kentucky (15-4, 3-2), Saturday, 4 p.m., ESPN
Kentucky's conference road woes began in Athens, where the Bulldogs upset the young Wildcats earlier in the month. The 'Cats exorcised some of those demons Saturday, winning over South Carolina in Columbia. Both teams are very much in the hunt for the SEC East title, and a sweep of UK would greatly increase Georgia's chances. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Kentucky has yet to lose a home game under John Calipari.
5. No. 23 Louisville (15-4, 4-2) at No. 5 Connecticut (16-2, 4-2), Saturday, noon
Louisville had it all going. After being drubbed by Kentucky at home, the Cards had ripped off four of five, including some pretty impressive shooting performances. That all ended Saturday, when Louisville fell to the lowly Providence Friars. Preston Knowles only scored two points in that game, and Rick Pitino's team failed to make a three in the second half. UConn star Kemba Walker also had a tough game Saturday, but unlike Knowles and Louisville, his teammates were able to pick up the slack. It should be noted that, also unlike Knowles, Walker had 16 points.
4. No. 15 Notre Dame (16-4, 5-3) at No. 2 Pittsburgh (19-1, 7-0), Monday, 7 p.m., ESPN
Of all the strength present in the Big East, Pittsburgh has taken an early season lead. If anyone is going to go on the road and beat the Panthers, it's ... probably not Notre Dame. The Irish have been awful away from home, but they've yet to lose in South Bend. They'll need to be lights-out to even have a chance in this one, especially since they're facing the nation's best rebounding team. No misses!
3. No. 11 Missouri (17-3, 3-2) at No. 7 Texas (16-3, 4-0), Saturday, 9 p.m., ESPNU
An impressive team thus far in the season, Texas vaulted itself to top-tier status with its victory over previously unbeaten Kansas in Lawrence -- where the Jayhawks hadn't lost in their past 69 games. Missouri, also trending upward, will have a full week to prepare for the Longhorns.
2. No. 12 Purdue (17-3, 6-1) at No. 1 Ohio State (20-0, 7-0), Tuesday, 9 p.m., ESPN
On Saturday, the Buckeyes seemed bound for a loss when they traveled to Champaign to face Illinois. Jared Sullinger, however, went nuts and Ohio State stayed undefeated. The task will be taller for Purdue, which must travel to Columbus, but the Boilermakers have proven to be a bit more potent than expected after Robbie Hummel went down. Still, E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson will have to be very big in order for Purdue to pull the upset.
1. No. 4 San Diego State (20-0, 5-0) at No. 9 BYU (19-1, 5-0), Wednesday, 10 p.m., CBS College
In perhaps one of the most anticipated games of the regular season, Jimmer Fredette and the Cougars will welcome unbeaten San Diego State. If Fredette hasn't caught your eye (which seems impossible), this will be his biggest stage. If BYU doesn't upend the Aztecs and Purdue beats Ohio State -- a very unlikely scenario -- it would be likely that San Diego State would be the number one team in the nation. San Diego State.
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10. No. 16 Minnesota (14-4, 3-3) at No. 12 Purdue (17-3, 6-1), Saturday, 1 p.m., CBS
Two weeks ago, Minnesota beat Purdue behind 26 points from Blake Hoffarber and some stingy defense. A late Al Nolen three was the difference, but the Gophers will be without Nolen for the rematch due to foot surgery. Purdue is in the middle of a four-game stretch against ranked teams, including a duel with top-ranked Ohio State in Columbus.
9. No. 21 Georgetown (14-5, 3-4) at No. 8 Villanova (17-2, 5-1), Saturday, noon, ESPN
Georgetown has struggled in conference play, but a few bunnies have them creeping back towards .500. If the Hoyas convert Wednesday against St. John's in a certainly winnable game, they will be back to even and riding a three-game winning streak when they roll into Philly. Villanova, on the other hand, bounced back nicely after falling to UConn with an impressive win over Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.
8. Kansas State (13-7, 1-4) at No. 6 Kansas (18-1, 3-1), Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN
After losing consecutive games to Oklahoma State and Colorado, Kansas State guard Jacob Pullen decreed that, given the option, he would not play in the NIT. His team responded by dropping two of its next three. The losses were respectable -- both coming away from home against ranked teams -- but if the Wildcats expect to make the big dance, they'll need some help given their recent performances. It may not come in Lawrence, but they will need a few impressive wins for their resume.
7. No. 3 Duke (18-1, 5-1) at St. John's (11-7, 4-4), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
After an impressive start for Steve Lavin at St. John's, the Red Storm have slipped quite a bit for most of the Big East conference season. Still, they have not had an easy road by any stretch, and an upset over Duke in the Garden would certainly reignite the Johnnie faithful. Duke has looked good, even if somewhat vulnerable, after being upset by Florida State. The Blue Devils faced a couple of early deficits, but nothing that would suggest any danger.
6. Georgia (14-4, 3-2) at No. 14 Kentucky (15-4, 3-2), Saturday, 4 p.m., ESPN
Kentucky's conference road woes began in Athens, where the Bulldogs upset the young Wildcats earlier in the month. The 'Cats exorcised some of those demons Saturday, winning over South Carolina in Columbia. Both teams are very much in the hunt for the SEC East title, and a sweep of UK would greatly increase Georgia's chances. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Kentucky has yet to lose a home game under John Calipari.
5. No. 23 Louisville (15-4, 4-2) at No. 5 Connecticut (16-2, 4-2), Saturday, noon
Louisville had it all going. After being drubbed by Kentucky at home, the Cards had ripped off four of five, including some pretty impressive shooting performances. That all ended Saturday, when Louisville fell to the lowly Providence Friars. Preston Knowles only scored two points in that game, and Rick Pitino's team failed to make a three in the second half. UConn star Kemba Walker also had a tough game Saturday, but unlike Knowles and Louisville, his teammates were able to pick up the slack. It should be noted that, also unlike Knowles, Walker had 16 points.
4. No. 15 Notre Dame (16-4, 5-3) at No. 2 Pittsburgh (19-1, 7-0), Monday, 7 p.m., ESPN
Of all the strength present in the Big East, Pittsburgh has taken an early season lead. If anyone is going to go on the road and beat the Panthers, it's ... probably not Notre Dame. The Irish have been awful away from home, but they've yet to lose in South Bend. They'll need to be lights-out to even have a chance in this one, especially since they're facing the nation's best rebounding team. No misses!
3. No. 11 Missouri (17-3, 3-2) at No. 7 Texas (16-3, 4-0), Saturday, 9 p.m., ESPNU
An impressive team thus far in the season, Texas vaulted itself to top-tier status with its victory over previously unbeaten Kansas in Lawrence -- where the Jayhawks hadn't lost in their past 69 games. Missouri, also trending upward, will have a full week to prepare for the Longhorns.
2. No. 12 Purdue (17-3, 6-1) at No. 1 Ohio State (20-0, 7-0), Tuesday, 9 p.m., ESPN
On Saturday, the Buckeyes seemed bound for a loss when they traveled to Champaign to face Illinois. Jared Sullinger, however, went nuts and Ohio State stayed undefeated. The task will be taller for Purdue, which must travel to Columbus, but the Boilermakers have proven to be a bit more potent than expected after Robbie Hummel went down. Still, E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson will have to be very big in order for Purdue to pull the upset.
1. No. 4 San Diego State (20-0, 5-0) at No. 9 BYU (19-1, 5-0), Wednesday, 10 p.m., CBS College
In perhaps one of the most anticipated games of the regular season, Jimmer Fredette and the Cougars will welcome unbeaten San Diego State. If Fredette hasn't caught your eye (which seems impossible), this will be his biggest stage. If BYU doesn't upend the Aztecs and Purdue beats Ohio State -- a very unlikely scenario -- it would be likely that San Diego State would be the number one team in the nation. San Diego State.
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Nick Saban Has Alabama Atop SEC Recruiting Race Again
In the final push toward National Signing Day 2011 on Feb. 2, The Sports Zone will examine the recruiting efforts of a major conference in twice-weekly notebooks. As always, recruiting is an always-changing landscape -- and there are several high-profile players who remain uncommitted. Here is FanHouse's review of the Southeastern Conference.
The Best
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 21
Five- and four-star commitments: 15
The 411: Long story short ... The 2011 Crimson Tide recruiting class is as good as it gets. Alabama recently vaulted Texas for the top-rated recruiting class in the nation as rated by Rivals.com, and it is easy to see why -- with commitments from five-star high school teammates like DB Hasean Clinton-Dix (6-2, 190, Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips HS) and RB Demetrius Hart (5-8, 190, Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips HS). Although their class took a hit when RB/LB Brent Calloway switched his commitment to Auburn, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are still in line to bring in the nation's top recruit -- DE Jadeveon Clowney (6-5, 235, Rock Hill, S.C., South Pointe HS) as well as massive OT Cyrus Kouandjio (6-7, 295, Hyattsville, Md., Dematha Catholic HS).
Grade: A+
LSU TIGERS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 21
Five- and four-star commitments: 11
The 411: As usual, LSU is a prime destination for top-flight talent across the Southeast, and coach Les Miles appears to be rebuilding the wall around Louisiana that was leaking some of the best out to the rest of the SEC. The Tigers have three five-star commitments -- OL La'El Collins (6-5, 285, Baton Rouge, La., Redemptionist HS), DT Anthony Johnson (6-4, 298, New Orleans, La., O. Perry Walker HS) and WR Jarvis Landry (5-11, 178, Lutcher, La., HS). If Alabama is No. 1 in the country, then LSU can be considered No. 1-A with room to grow in the homestretch.
Grade: A+
The Contenders
AUBURN TIGERS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 19
Five- and four-star commitments: 10
The 411: Auburn got a bit of a late start due to preparations for the BCS Championship Game, but Gene Chizik and the Tigers are closing fast on what could be the best overall recruiting class in school history. Five-star LB Kris Frost (6-3, 210, Matthews, N.C., Butler HS) AND OL Christian Westerman (6-5, 288, Chandler, Ariz., Hamilton HS) are studs in the making, and OL Reese Dismukes (6-4, 287, Spanish Fort, Ala., HS) leads a trio of Tigers already on campus for spring drills.
Grade: A
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 21
Five- and four-star commitments: 11
The 411: Coach Mark Richt has the Bulldogs in prime position to reload from a disappointing on-field performance in 2010. QB Christian LeMay (6-2, 200, Matthews, N.C., Butler HS) is already on campus, and DB Malcolm Mitchell (6-1, 187,Valdosta, Ga., HS) could be in line to play early and often as a freshman.
Grade: A-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 22
Five- and four-star commitments: 7
The 411: Coach Derek Dooley's first full recruiting class in Knoxville appears to be a successful one, having pulled nationwide talent despite a lackluster on-field performance in 2010. WR DeAnthony Arnett (6-0, 167, Saginaw, Mich., HS) and OL Marcus Jackson (6-2, 315, Vero Beach, Fla., HS) are the highlights.
Grade: B+
Rest of the Pack
FLORIDA GATORS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 15
Five- and four-star commitments: 8
The 411: The sudden retirement of coach Urban Meyer threw a major kink in what was shaping up to be a standout Gators recruiting class, and new coach Will Muschamp has major work to do to finish the task in the closing days. Pro-style QB Jeff Driskel (6-3, 225, Oviedo, Fla., Hagerty HS) never wavered during the transition.
Grade: B
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 31
Five- and four-star commitments: 5
The 411: Coach Steve Spurrier and his staff appear to be almost done with recruiting, already landing commitments from a bumper crop of talent -- and still keeping an eye on Jadeveon Clowney down the stretch. OL Brandon Shell (6-7, 290, Charleston, S.C., Goose Creek HS) and DT Kelcy Quarles (6-4, 265, Fork Union, Va., Fork Union Military Academy) offer instant beef up front.
Grade: B
OLE MISS REBELS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 26
Five- and four-star commitments: 4
The 411: Coach Houston Nutt also appears to be finished recruiting for 2011, having landed five junior-college athletes for spring workouts and a full house of freshmen commitments. Among the best future Rebels are WR Donte Moncrief (6-2, 203, Raleigh, Miss., HS) and OL Aaron Morris (6-5, 310, Jackson, Miss., Calloway HS).
Grade: B-
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 28
Five- and four-star commitments: 5
The 411: Coach Bobby Petrino already has a stable of committed talent ready to sign onto a team that many are predicting could win the SEC West Division in 2011. QB Brandon Allen (6-2, 214, Fayetteville, Ark., HS) is in the mix to replace Ryan Mallett under center, and OL Brey Cook (6-7, 314, Springdale, Ark., Har-Ber HS) is in line to block for him.
Grade: B-
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 24
Five- and four-star commitments: 2
The 411: Coach Dan Mullen might still have one or two more slots to fill to help the Bulldogs' overall ranking. The best future Mississippi State players -- DT P.J. Jones (6-3, 252, Tupelo, Miss., HS) and DB Jermaine Whitehead (6-0, 183, Greenwood, Miss., Amanda Elzy HS).
Grade: C+
KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 20
Five- and four-star commitments: 1
The 411: As with Mississippi State, coach Joker Phillips has a few more offers out there that could help the Wildcats' ranking. DB Glenn Faulkner (6-2, 194, East St. Louis, Ill., HS) is the best future Wildcat.
Grade: C
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 13
Five- and four-star commitments: 0
The 411: Keeping with the school's academics-first standards, judging Vandy against the rest of the SEC is tough sledding for the Commodores. RB J.J. Keels (5-10, 193, Melbourne, Fla., Florida Air Academy) has breakaway speed and could play early.
Grade: D+
Commitment Ticker
As National Signing Day approaches, more and more athletes are making their commitments. Since Thursday, two four-star athletes are among the 27 public pledges -- which are non-binding and are always subject to change before Feb. 2.
Four-star OT Josue Matias (6-5, 290, Union, N.J., Union Senior HS) committed to Rutgers. Four-star LB Denzel Perryman (5-11, 220, Coral Gables, Fla., HS) is staying home to play at Miami (Fla.).
CB Marcus Peters (5-11, 195, Oakland, Calif., McClymonds Senior HS) committed to Washington. CB Eric Robinson-Berry (6-0, 170, Indianapolis, Ind., Warren Central HS) pledged to Western Kentucky), TE Rakim Reed (6-4,205, Canton, Ohio, Timken HS) committed to Marshall, CB Bruce Dukes (5-10, 185, Tyrone, Ga., Sandy Creek HS) pledged to Central Florida, and DE Hunter Davis (6-3, 240, Choctaw, Okla.,HS) is headed to Kansas State.
DE Darrius Caldwell (6-5, 210, Atlanta, Ga., Mays HS) is going to Illinois, WR Darius Patton (5-9, 170, Poland, Ohio, Poland Seminary HS) committed to Pitt, OT Jalen Schlachter (6-6, 300, Corunna, Mich., HS) is bound for Ball State, QB Derrick Brown (6-3, 215, Murietta, Calif., Vista Murrieta HS) committed to Washington, and WR Hakeem Flowers (6-2, 180, Greenville, S.C., Wade Hampton HS) pledged to North Carolina State.
RB Andrew Blue (5-10, 192, Jacksonville, Fla., Trinity Christian Academy) and CB Terrell Chestnut (5-10, 178, Pottstown, Pa., Pottsgrove SHS) are bound for West Virginia, DT Brandon Clemons (6-4, 265, Milford, Pa., Delaware Valley HS) committed to Michigan State, WR B.J. Kelley (6-2, 175, Fresno, Calif., Central High East Campus) pledged to Oregon, and FB Alonzo Harris (6-1, 207, Gadsden, Ala., Gadsden City HS) is going to Louisiana.
CB Ahmad Christian (5-10, 190, Jacksonville, Fla., Trinity Christian Academy) is headed to South Carolina, CB Jacquese Kirk (6-0, 160, Jasper, Ala., Walker HS) committed to Vanderbilt, DE Michael Reynolds (6-4, 225, Wichita, Kan., Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS) is headed to Kansas, DT Uriah Grant (6-1, 185, Jacksonville, Fla., William M. Raines HS) pledged to North Carolina State, and WR Frankie Williams (5-10, 170, Tampa, Fla., Robinson Senior HS) committed to Purdue.
LB Nick Menocal (6-2, 225, Miami, Fla., Belen Jesuit Prep) committed to Georgia Tech, OG Derrick Thorpe (6-4, 260, Neptune Beach, Fla., Duncan U. Fletcher HS) pledged to Florida International, RB Corey Davis (5-11, 180, Gladewater, Texas, HS) committed to Pitt, S Geraldo Orta (6-0, 166, Valdosta, Ga., Lowndes HS) is headed to Tennessee, and RB Jordan Perkins (6-0, 180, Lodi, Calif., HS) committed to Northwestern.
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The Best
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 21
Five- and four-star commitments: 15
The 411: Long story short ... The 2011 Crimson Tide recruiting class is as good as it gets. Alabama recently vaulted Texas for the top-rated recruiting class in the nation as rated by Rivals.com, and it is easy to see why -- with commitments from five-star high school teammates like DB Hasean Clinton-Dix (6-2, 190, Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips HS) and RB Demetrius Hart (5-8, 190, Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips HS). Although their class took a hit when RB/LB Brent Calloway switched his commitment to Auburn, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are still in line to bring in the nation's top recruit -- DE Jadeveon Clowney (6-5, 235, Rock Hill, S.C., South Pointe HS) as well as massive OT Cyrus Kouandjio (6-7, 295, Hyattsville, Md., Dematha Catholic HS).
Grade: A+
LSU TIGERS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 21
Five- and four-star commitments: 11
The 411: As usual, LSU is a prime destination for top-flight talent across the Southeast, and coach Les Miles appears to be rebuilding the wall around Louisiana that was leaking some of the best out to the rest of the SEC. The Tigers have three five-star commitments -- OL La'El Collins (6-5, 285, Baton Rouge, La., Redemptionist HS), DT Anthony Johnson (6-4, 298, New Orleans, La., O. Perry Walker HS) and WR Jarvis Landry (5-11, 178, Lutcher, La., HS). If Alabama is No. 1 in the country, then LSU can be considered No. 1-A with room to grow in the homestretch.
Grade: A+
The Contenders
AUBURN TIGERS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 19
Five- and four-star commitments: 10
The 411: Auburn got a bit of a late start due to preparations for the BCS Championship Game, but Gene Chizik and the Tigers are closing fast on what could be the best overall recruiting class in school history. Five-star LB Kris Frost (6-3, 210, Matthews, N.C., Butler HS) AND OL Christian Westerman (6-5, 288, Chandler, Ariz., Hamilton HS) are studs in the making, and OL Reese Dismukes (6-4, 287, Spanish Fort, Ala., HS) leads a trio of Tigers already on campus for spring drills.
Grade: A
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 21
Five- and four-star commitments: 11
The 411: Coach Mark Richt has the Bulldogs in prime position to reload from a disappointing on-field performance in 2010. QB Christian LeMay (6-2, 200, Matthews, N.C., Butler HS) is already on campus, and DB Malcolm Mitchell (6-1, 187,Valdosta, Ga., HS) could be in line to play early and often as a freshman.
Grade: A-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 22
Five- and four-star commitments: 7
The 411: Coach Derek Dooley's first full recruiting class in Knoxville appears to be a successful one, having pulled nationwide talent despite a lackluster on-field performance in 2010. WR DeAnthony Arnett (6-0, 167, Saginaw, Mich., HS) and OL Marcus Jackson (6-2, 315, Vero Beach, Fla., HS) are the highlights.
Grade: B+
Rest of the Pack
FLORIDA GATORS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 15
Five- and four-star commitments: 8
The 411: The sudden retirement of coach Urban Meyer threw a major kink in what was shaping up to be a standout Gators recruiting class, and new coach Will Muschamp has major work to do to finish the task in the closing days. Pro-style QB Jeff Driskel (6-3, 225, Oviedo, Fla., Hagerty HS) never wavered during the transition.
Grade: B
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 31
Five- and four-star commitments: 5
The 411: Coach Steve Spurrier and his staff appear to be almost done with recruiting, already landing commitments from a bumper crop of talent -- and still keeping an eye on Jadeveon Clowney down the stretch. OL Brandon Shell (6-7, 290, Charleston, S.C., Goose Creek HS) and DT Kelcy Quarles (6-4, 265, Fork Union, Va., Fork Union Military Academy) offer instant beef up front.
Grade: B
OLE MISS REBELS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 26
Five- and four-star commitments: 4
The 411: Coach Houston Nutt also appears to be finished recruiting for 2011, having landed five junior-college athletes for spring workouts and a full house of freshmen commitments. Among the best future Rebels are WR Donte Moncrief (6-2, 203, Raleigh, Miss., HS) and OL Aaron Morris (6-5, 310, Jackson, Miss., Calloway HS).
Grade: B-
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 28
Five- and four-star commitments: 5
The 411: Coach Bobby Petrino already has a stable of committed talent ready to sign onto a team that many are predicting could win the SEC West Division in 2011. QB Brandon Allen (6-2, 214, Fayetteville, Ark., HS) is in the mix to replace Ryan Mallett under center, and OL Brey Cook (6-7, 314, Springdale, Ark., Har-Ber HS) is in line to block for him.
Grade: B-
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 24
Five- and four-star commitments: 2
The 411: Coach Dan Mullen might still have one or two more slots to fill to help the Bulldogs' overall ranking. The best future Mississippi State players -- DT P.J. Jones (6-3, 252, Tupelo, Miss., HS) and DB Jermaine Whitehead (6-0, 183, Greenwood, Miss., Amanda Elzy HS).
Grade: C+
KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 20
Five- and four-star commitments: 1
The 411: As with Mississippi State, coach Joker Phillips has a few more offers out there that could help the Wildcats' ranking. DB Glenn Faulkner (6-2, 194, East St. Louis, Ill., HS) is the best future Wildcat.
Grade: C
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Total commitments (as of Jan. 24): 13
Five- and four-star commitments: 0
The 411: Keeping with the school's academics-first standards, judging Vandy against the rest of the SEC is tough sledding for the Commodores. RB J.J. Keels (5-10, 193, Melbourne, Fla., Florida Air Academy) has breakaway speed and could play early.
Grade: D+
Commitment Ticker
As National Signing Day approaches, more and more athletes are making their commitments. Since Thursday, two four-star athletes are among the 27 public pledges -- which are non-binding and are always subject to change before Feb. 2.
Four-star OT Josue Matias (6-5, 290, Union, N.J., Union Senior HS) committed to Rutgers. Four-star LB Denzel Perryman (5-11, 220, Coral Gables, Fla., HS) is staying home to play at Miami (Fla.).
CB Marcus Peters (5-11, 195, Oakland, Calif., McClymonds Senior HS) committed to Washington. CB Eric Robinson-Berry (6-0, 170, Indianapolis, Ind., Warren Central HS) pledged to Western Kentucky), TE Rakim Reed (6-4,205, Canton, Ohio, Timken HS) committed to Marshall, CB Bruce Dukes (5-10, 185, Tyrone, Ga., Sandy Creek HS) pledged to Central Florida, and DE Hunter Davis (6-3, 240, Choctaw, Okla.,HS) is headed to Kansas State.
DE Darrius Caldwell (6-5, 210, Atlanta, Ga., Mays HS) is going to Illinois, WR Darius Patton (5-9, 170, Poland, Ohio, Poland Seminary HS) committed to Pitt, OT Jalen Schlachter (6-6, 300, Corunna, Mich., HS) is bound for Ball State, QB Derrick Brown (6-3, 215, Murietta, Calif., Vista Murrieta HS) committed to Washington, and WR Hakeem Flowers (6-2, 180, Greenville, S.C., Wade Hampton HS) pledged to North Carolina State.
RB Andrew Blue (5-10, 192, Jacksonville, Fla., Trinity Christian Academy) and CB Terrell Chestnut (5-10, 178, Pottstown, Pa., Pottsgrove SHS) are bound for West Virginia, DT Brandon Clemons (6-4, 265, Milford, Pa., Delaware Valley HS) committed to Michigan State, WR B.J. Kelley (6-2, 175, Fresno, Calif., Central High East Campus) pledged to Oregon, and FB Alonzo Harris (6-1, 207, Gadsden, Ala., Gadsden City HS) is going to Louisiana.
CB Ahmad Christian (5-10, 190, Jacksonville, Fla., Trinity Christian Academy) is headed to South Carolina, CB Jacquese Kirk (6-0, 160, Jasper, Ala., Walker HS) committed to Vanderbilt, DE Michael Reynolds (6-4, 225, Wichita, Kan., Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS) is headed to Kansas, DT Uriah Grant (6-1, 185, Jacksonville, Fla., William M. Raines HS) pledged to North Carolina State, and WR Frankie Williams (5-10, 170, Tampa, Fla., Robinson Senior HS) committed to Purdue.
LB Nick Menocal (6-2, 225, Miami, Fla., Belen Jesuit Prep) committed to Georgia Tech, OG Derrick Thorpe (6-4, 260, Neptune Beach, Fla., Duncan U. Fletcher HS) pledged to Florida International, RB Corey Davis (5-11, 180, Gladewater, Texas, HS) committed to Pitt, S Geraldo Orta (6-0, 166, Valdosta, Ga., Lowndes HS) is headed to Tennessee, and RB Jordan Perkins (6-0, 180, Lodi, Calif., HS) committed to Northwestern.
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Carson Palmer Reportedly Will Demand Trade, May Consider Retirement
Carson Palmer will 
demand a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals and could consider retirement if Cincinnati doesn't comply, according to a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Palmer threw 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 2010, including five passes that were returned to the end zone by the opposing team. With Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens not expected to rejoin Cincinnati next season, the Bengals should feature much younger, less experienced receiving corps than their 4-12 team did last season.
After reports suggesting otherwise, the Bengals extended head coach Marvin Lewis' contract to secure his return for 2011. This came after his squads achieved a winning record only once over the past five seasons -- when Cincinnati won the AFC North in 2009 before losing to the New York Jets at home in the playoffs.
The 2005 season currently stands as the peak of Palmer's career, when he tossed 32 touchdowns and topped 3,800 yards. However, a knee injury in the ensuing postseason required surgery, and an elbow injury in 2008 has been followed by a marked decline in the Southern California alum's play.
Palmer has been unavailable for comment while awaiting the birth of his third daughter.
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demand a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals and could consider retirement if Cincinnati doesn't comply, according to a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.Palmer threw 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 2010, including five passes that were returned to the end zone by the opposing team. With Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens not expected to rejoin Cincinnati next season, the Bengals should feature much younger, less experienced receiving corps than their 4-12 team did last season.
After reports suggesting otherwise, the Bengals extended head coach Marvin Lewis' contract to secure his return for 2011. This came after his squads achieved a winning record only once over the past five seasons -- when Cincinnati won the AFC North in 2009 before losing to the New York Jets at home in the playoffs.
The 2005 season currently stands as the peak of Palmer's career, when he tossed 32 touchdowns and topped 3,800 yards. However, a knee injury in the ensuing postseason required surgery, and an elbow injury in 2008 has been followed by a marked decline in the Southern California alum's play.
Palmer has been unavailable for comment while awaiting the birth of his third daughter.
http://www.BestVirginiaBeachShop.com
Resilient Steelers Look Like Team to Beat in Super Bowl XLV
PITTSBURGH -- On what was the penultimate play of their opening touchdown drive Sunday evening at Heinz Field, the Steelers' rookie center Maurkice Pouncey (right) was left writhing in pain on the frozen ground. He was eventually helped to one foot on which he hoped off the field with the aide of two Steelers staffers.
Pouncey's second-year backup Doug Legursky jogged onto the field and into the huddle in Pouncey's stead. A moment later, he helped shove would-be Jets' tacklers out of the way so running back Rashard Mendenhall could plow into the end zone for the AFC championship game's first score. The Steelers never relinquished it en route to holding off the Jets, 24-19.
"We don't worry about other things going on," Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley remarked afterward. "Pouncey went down; we didn't lose a beat."
The Steelers, particularly this season's edition, never do.
It was resilience that got them off to a surprisingly strong start this year after losing the heart of their team, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was suspended four games following accusations that he assaulted a teenaged female college student in a small Georgia town. It was resilience that Sunday closed out their third successful run to the Super Bowl in the past six seasons.
And as much of a cliché as it may sound when talking about the Steelers, it is that toughness that made them look on Sunday like the team to beat in the Super Bowl next month in Dallas.
After all, the Packers lost some sheen Sunday afternoon by allowing a third-string quarterback, the Bears' Caleb Hanie, to nearly pull off a comeback against them for the NFC title. The Packers finally subdued the upstart with an interception in the final minute to hold on to a 21-14 victory.
The Steelers, however, added some luster in dominating the Jets early and using a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter to keep their challengers at bay. That was world championship mettle.
"We found a way," the Steelers' veteran receiver Hines Ward said standing in front of his locker gripping an emptied bottle of bubbly in one hand.
They even overcame a lackluster performance by their quarterback, a former Super Bowl MVP, who had to find another way other than his arm to score points and keep drives moving. Roethlisberger completed just 10 of 19 passes for a paltry 133 yards. He was intercepted twice, including once near the goal line.
"I get greater appreciation for it now. I've been blessed. Now I'm going to my third Super Bowl."
- Hines Ward But at least three times he scampered for first downs and another time he ran for a touchdown. He didn't let an off day throwing in the frigid air against a tough Jets' defense deter him.
As uneven as Roethlisberger's performance was, it reminded how difficult it is to beat the Steelers. If the Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a bad first Sunday in Dallas next month, there will be no way that the Packers can win.
The Steelers, however, do not have a bell cow.
While Roethlisberger struggled, Rashard Mendenhall thrived. He carried the football 27 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers even turned for a spell to an undrafted running back off their practice squad last season, Isaac Redman, from Bowie State, a historically black college tucked between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Pro-football-reference.com showed Redman was only the third player from Bowie State to make it to the NFL.
"It feels great," Redman said watching a gaggle of media crowd around longtime Steelers' stars like Woodley, Ward and Ryan Clark as the Steelers' patriarch, 78-year-old Dan Rooney, roamed the locker room congratulating his charges. "I had flashbacks to where I came from, Bowie. It was emotional. Now I can take my mother to Dallas. I shed a tear. Coach (Mike) Tomlin gave me a chance."
The Steelers, of course, gave Tomlin a chance. They plucked him almost from obscurity. Now, a second trip to the Super Bowl in his four seasons at the helm after taking over from Bill Cowher is what Tomlin has brought Pittsburgh.
Sunday marked his 48th win in those four seasons. There is no reason to doubt the upcoming Super Bowl won't mark the 49th win in his head-coaching career. Indeed, he moved to 5-1 all time in the playoffs on Sunday and did so by avenging his only head-to-head meeting with his jets' counterpart, Rex Ryan. The Jets beat Tomlin last month.
Tomlin on Sunday didn't just guide the Steelers to another Super Bowl appearance, but into the conversation of being the new measuring rod in pro football. Last week, we saw the dissolution of any more dynastic descriptions of the Patriots, who lost their first outing in the playoffs for the second straight time.
The Steelers dared after Sunday to be the new dynasty of the NFL if they can do what they are more capable of than the Packers: win next month's Super Bowl. That would give them half of the Super Bowl trophies awarded in the past six seasons.
"I get greater appreciation for it now," Ward said, admitting that his days in the league were drawing to an end sooner than later. "I've been blessed. Now I'm going to my third Super Bowl."
Ward pointed out that his team was in good shape even after next month.
"We got some guys who've been there," he said of the Super Bowl. "But for a lot of guys making plays, this is their first time."
He was thinking of Pouncey, whose injury was later described as an ankle sprain. He was thinking of Antonio Brown, a rookie receiver who caught two passes and someday might take Ward's place. He was thinking of Redman, who rushed four times for 27 yards including an impressive 13-yard bolt to help set up a Steelers' field goal.
"Us going 3-1 [in September] without Ben showed what kind of team we are," Ward said. "It brought us closer together as a unit."
Unbreakable, I think.
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Pouncey's second-year backup Doug Legursky jogged onto the field and into the huddle in Pouncey's stead. A moment later, he helped shove would-be Jets' tacklers out of the way so running back Rashard Mendenhall could plow into the end zone for the AFC championship game's first score. The Steelers never relinquished it en route to holding off the Jets, 24-19.
"We don't worry about other things going on," Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley remarked afterward. "Pouncey went down; we didn't lose a beat."
The Steelers, particularly this season's edition, never do.
It was resilience that got them off to a surprisingly strong start this year after losing the heart of their team, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was suspended four games following accusations that he assaulted a teenaged female college student in a small Georgia town. It was resilience that Sunday closed out their third successful run to the Super Bowl in the past six seasons.
And as much of a cliché as it may sound when talking about the Steelers, it is that toughness that made them look on Sunday like the team to beat in the Super Bowl next month in Dallas.
After all, the Packers lost some sheen Sunday afternoon by allowing a third-string quarterback, the Bears' Caleb Hanie, to nearly pull off a comeback against them for the NFC title. The Packers finally subdued the upstart with an interception in the final minute to hold on to a 21-14 victory.
The Steelers, however, added some luster in dominating the Jets early and using a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter to keep their challengers at bay. That was world championship mettle.
"We found a way," the Steelers' veteran receiver Hines Ward said standing in front of his locker gripping an emptied bottle of bubbly in one hand.
They even overcame a lackluster performance by their quarterback, a former Super Bowl MVP, who had to find another way other than his arm to score points and keep drives moving. Roethlisberger completed just 10 of 19 passes for a paltry 133 yards. He was intercepted twice, including once near the goal line.
"I get greater appreciation for it now. I've been blessed. Now I'm going to my third Super Bowl."
- Hines Ward But at least three times he scampered for first downs and another time he ran for a touchdown. He didn't let an off day throwing in the frigid air against a tough Jets' defense deter him.
As uneven as Roethlisberger's performance was, it reminded how difficult it is to beat the Steelers. If the Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a bad first Sunday in Dallas next month, there will be no way that the Packers can win.
The Steelers, however, do not have a bell cow.
While Roethlisberger struggled, Rashard Mendenhall thrived. He carried the football 27 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers even turned for a spell to an undrafted running back off their practice squad last season, Isaac Redman, from Bowie State, a historically black college tucked between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Pro-football-reference.com showed Redman was only the third player from Bowie State to make it to the NFL.
"It feels great," Redman said watching a gaggle of media crowd around longtime Steelers' stars like Woodley, Ward and Ryan Clark as the Steelers' patriarch, 78-year-old Dan Rooney, roamed the locker room congratulating his charges. "I had flashbacks to where I came from, Bowie. It was emotional. Now I can take my mother to Dallas. I shed a tear. Coach (Mike) Tomlin gave me a chance."
The Steelers, of course, gave Tomlin a chance. They plucked him almost from obscurity. Now, a second trip to the Super Bowl in his four seasons at the helm after taking over from Bill Cowher is what Tomlin has brought Pittsburgh.
Sunday marked his 48th win in those four seasons. There is no reason to doubt the upcoming Super Bowl won't mark the 49th win in his head-coaching career. Indeed, he moved to 5-1 all time in the playoffs on Sunday and did so by avenging his only head-to-head meeting with his jets' counterpart, Rex Ryan. The Jets beat Tomlin last month.
Tomlin on Sunday didn't just guide the Steelers to another Super Bowl appearance, but into the conversation of being the new measuring rod in pro football. Last week, we saw the dissolution of any more dynastic descriptions of the Patriots, who lost their first outing in the playoffs for the second straight time.
The Steelers dared after Sunday to be the new dynasty of the NFL if they can do what they are more capable of than the Packers: win next month's Super Bowl. That would give them half of the Super Bowl trophies awarded in the past six seasons.
"I get greater appreciation for it now," Ward said, admitting that his days in the league were drawing to an end sooner than later. "I've been blessed. Now I'm going to my third Super Bowl."
Ward pointed out that his team was in good shape even after next month.
"We got some guys who've been there," he said of the Super Bowl. "But for a lot of guys making plays, this is their first time."
He was thinking of Pouncey, whose injury was later described as an ankle sprain. He was thinking of Antonio Brown, a rookie receiver who caught two passes and someday might take Ward's place. He was thinking of Redman, who rushed four times for 27 yards including an impressive 13-yard bolt to help set up a Steelers' field goal.
"Us going 3-1 [in September] without Ben showed what kind of team we are," Ward said. "It brought us closer together as a unit."
Unbreakable, I think.
http://www.BestVirginiaBeachShop.com
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