UT men add top prospect to family KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee announced two additions to its 2010-11 freshman class Thursday, including one of the top prospects in the country. Power forward Tobias Harris and guard Trae Golden have signed letters of intent to play for the Volunteers. Harris, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound New York native, made his decision known with an announcement televised live on ESPNU. He is rated by Rivals.com as the top forward prospect and No. 5 recruit overall. “(This is) huge for our program to get not only a quality player like Tobias, but also a quality young man,” Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said. “He’s a great kid from a great family. He’s the kind of guy that’s going to help your program on and off the court. “On the floor not only can he be a dominant player, but he also makes everyone around him better.” Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

UT ‘passing’ test with rotating WRs KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee wide receivers coach Frank Wilson has found himself drilling a different lineup of players almost every week. He’s had players missing because of injuries. Others were booted from the team because of discipline issues. Others left on their own accord. Somehow he’s still managed to help turn a depleted receiving corps and an interception-prone quarterback into one of the Southeastern Conference’s most formidable passing threats. “We stayed to the course and continued to work hard and developed as a group as a whole,” Wilson said. “Those young guys had to step up at times and make plays and be accountable, and they did.” Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Pouting is out for VY with Titans NASHVILLE (AP) — The moment every Titans fan expected finally happened, and they couldn’t wait to see how Vince Young reacted. Young had just been intercepted for the first time since returning as Tennessee’s starting quarterback. He walked to the bench. No pouting, no helmet slam. Instead, Young just grabbed a cap and took a seat on the bench before bouncing back with his third straight victory. So far, it sure looks like all that time as a backup resulted in a more mature — and winning — quarterback. “I grew up a little bit,” Young said. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Pearl’s 100th UT win is one for the ages KNOXVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Volunteers made Bruce Pearl’s 100th win as Volunteers coach one for the record books. The Vols set a school record for points in a game in a 124-49 victory over North Carolina-Asheville on Tuesday night while holding the Bulldogs to only two field goals in the first half. “I like the chemistry. I like the way they’re sharing the ball. I like the fact that they’re able to see what they’re capable of doing if they apply themselves,” Pearl said. Tennessee’s 34 assists also set a school record and its 16 3-pointers tied another. The 124 points broke Tennessee’s previous single-game record of 121 points, last achieved by the Vols in the opening round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament against Long Beach State. Pearl is the second-fastest Vols coach to reach the century mark, having coached in 137 games.  Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Lady Vols long for Alamo return SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Returning to San Antonio likely won’t be this easy for No. 6 Tennessee. Taber Spani scored 18 points and Glory Johnson added 17 as the Lady Vols crushed Texas Tech 91-53 on Tuesday night, just four miles away from the 2010 Final Four host Alamodome, in what Tennessee hopes will be the first of two trips to the city this season. The road back is bound to be tougher: Tennessee opened the second half on a 32-4 run, held Texas Tech to 30 percent shooting and handed the game over to Spani and the rest of the Lady Vols bench early. About the only thing giving the game a Final Four feel was defending national champion Connecticut watching nearby, waiting to play No. 10 Texas in the second game of a doubleheader. Read More ... By PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press Writer

Titans’ owner Bud grounded by NFL for birdies NASHVILLE (AP) — The NFL flags and fines players for excessive celebration on the field. Commissioner Roger Goodell just sent a very clear message that the league’s owners aren’t above those same rules. The NFL fined Titans owner Bud Adams $250,000 on Monday for making numerous obscene hand gestures at Buffalo fans while celebrating Tennessee’s 41-17 win over the Bills. Adams was seen making the gesture both from his luxury suite and again on the field at the end of the game Sunday. Goodell notified Adams of the fine Monday, less than 24 hours after the 86-year-old owner said he got caught up in the excitement of the win. League spokesman Greg Aiello said the fine is for conduct detrimental to the NFL. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Pair of accused Vols get boot from Kiffin KNOXVILLE (AP) — Two of three Tennessee freshmen football players charged last week in an attempted armed robbery have been dismissed from the team. “Clearly, their actions have no place in our program,” coach Lane Kiffin said Monday. Kiffin said wide receiver Nu’Keese Richardson, 18, and defensive back Mike Edwards, 18, were permanently dismissed from the team, while former starting safety Janzen Jackson, 18, will continue to be barred from team activities while Kiffin awaits more information in his case. Read More ...

Small McCluster a big deal vs. Vols OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Dexter McCluster says being 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds has its advantages on the football field. No Tennessee defender could argue with the Mississippi standout Saturday. McCluster rushed for 282 yards and finished with 324 all-purpose yards, setting two Mississippi records, and the Rebels ran over the Volunteers 42-17. He broke the Rebels’ single-game rushing record of 242 by Dou Innocent in 1995. He eclipsed the all-purpose mark of 317 yards by Deuce McAllister in 1999. “My size works to my advantage,” McCluster said. “When they see me, it’s too late.” McCluster scored on runs of 15, 23, 32 and 71 yards in Ole Miss’ first win against the Volunteers since 1983. Read More ... By MARY FOSTER, AP Sports Writer

Angered Kentucky puts claws to Vandy NASHVILLE (AP) — The Kentucky Wildcats went into the locker room trailing at halftime and got mad. Then they started running. Randall Cobb ran for two touchdowns, Derrick Locke rushed for a career-high 144 yards and a touchdown, and Kentucky beat Vanderbilt 24-13 Saturday to become bowl eligible for a school record fourth straight year. It was a nice turnaround for a team that felt Vanderbilt had more at stake as they outplayed the Wildcats the first 30 minutes. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Defensive Gators keep Spurrier quiet COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Tim Tebow tied the Southeastern Conference touchdown record and No. 1 Florida gained its first perfect league season in 13 years with a 24-14 victory over South Carolina on Saturday. The Gators (10-0, 8-0) remained on track for a third national title in four years. They again called on their SEC-leading defense to save things against former coach Steve Spurrier. Read More ...

Sloppy UT bests Austin Peay KNOXVILLE (AP) — Scotty Hopson scored 16 points, Cameron Tatum had 15 off the bench, and No. 10 Tennessee beat Austin Peay 83-54 on Friday night. After a rebuilding season that featured slower-paced games, the Volunteers (1-0) are trying to return to coach Bruce Pearl’s full-court pressure style of play. The returning players account for 95.4 percent of Tennessee’s scoring from last season. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Flat UK prevails in Cal’s LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky coach John Calipari knew there would be growing pains as the fourth-ranked Wildcats strud LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky coach John Calipari knew there would be growing pains as the fourth-ranked Wildcats struggled to learn how to play in his vaunted “dribble-drive” offense. Calipari shrugged his shoulders when they committed 24 turnovers in a 75-59 win over Morehead State on Friday. He had no problem with 15 missed 3-pointers. It’s all a part of the process. Read More ... By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer

Victorious J.J. sets table for 4th title AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson won’t plan any parties this week, or waste a minute pondering his place in NASCAR history. Instead, he’ll spend this next week mentally running laps around Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson’s win at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday moved him one step closer to a record fourth consecutive championship, which can be wrapped up with a mediocre run in the finale. Read More ... By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer

Vol boss tight-lipped on robbery arrests KNOXVILLE (AP) — Three freshmen Tennessee football players, including highly touted wide receiver recruit Nu’Keese Richardson and starting safety Janzen Jackson, were charged with attempted armed robbery Thursday morning. Richardson, 18, and Jackson, 18, along with defensive back Mike Edwards, 18, and companion Marie Montmarquet, 22, were each charged with three counts of attempted armed robbery in connection with an incident at a gas station in an area known as “The Strip” at the edge of Tennessee’s campus. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Titans ‘Gage’ status of wideout NASHVILLE (AP) — Three days after a highlight-reel leaping catch, Tennessee receiver Justin Gage still aches from head to toe. The pain started as the adrenaline wore off following Sunday’s 34-27 win against the 49ers. The Titans have run a battery of tests, including X-rays and CAT scans. Gage, who missed practice Wednesday, hasn’t received the results yet. “I just don’t want to do anything that’s going to make anything worse and try to be as healthy as possible come Friday and Saturday,” Gage said after gingerly stepping into his pants. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Vol gridiron trio charged with robbery KNOXVILLE (AP) — Three freshman Tennessee football players are charged with an attempted armed robbery. According to Knoxville police, wide receiver Nu’Keese Richardson and defensive back Janzen Jackson and Mike Edwards were arrested after the early Thursday morning incident. The victims told police they were sitting in their parked vehicle at a gas station near Tennessee’s campus when two males, one brandishing a handgun, approached. The two suspects demanded whatever the victims had. When the victims showed they had no money, the suspects joined a third man in a Toyota Prius and left. Read More ...

UT finishing touches must be strong to count KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has preached to his players all season that it doesn’t matter how they start anything if they don’t finish strong. “We talk all the time about being a great fourth-quarter team, and for most of the year we’ve done that,” Kiffin said Tuesday. “Now it translates into the fourth quarter of the season, and it’s about finishing.” November has always been a big month for the Volunteers. Since the Southeastern Con-ference expanded in 1992, they’re 58-10 in regular season games played after Oct. 31. They’re 44-5 against SEC opponents in that span. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Lady Vols learning the hard way KNOXVILLE (AP) — Pat Summitt thinks her six sophomore Tennessee Lady Volunteers learned an important lesson last season after being a part of the program’s worst finish last season. “I would say all of our sophomores understand that they can’t just step out there, put on the big orange uniform and win. That’s a good thing,” the coach said. Now the team must prove that the lesson learned is enough to put No. 8 Tennessee back on an NCAA championship path after making its first-ever first-round exit from the tournament in March. After coaching the youngest team she’d ever fielded last year, Summitt added three new faces to her lineup for 2009-10.  Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

So. Carolina return is in Spurrier’s cards COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Steve Spurrier says he’ll be back in the middle of South Carolina’s playcalling and back on the Gamecocks’ sidelines next season. Spurrier said Tuesday that he’ll increase his playing calling role down the stretch and won’t let the potential of another frustrating finish — the Gamecocks (6-4, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) have lost two straight with No. 1 Florida and No. 23 Clemson left — lead him to leave the Gamecocks after the season. “Obviously, the president and the AD and all that decides on who coaches,” Spurrier said. “But hopefully we’ve got some guys that are really going to help us on the way. We have a good coaching staff here and so forth. Read More ... By PETE IACOBELLI, AP Sports Writer

Oregon RB reinstated Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player in the wake of the season opener, has been allowed to rejoin the Ducks. The university requested Blount’s reinstatement, which was approved by Pacific-10 Conference Commissioner Larry Scott on Monday. Blount will be able to play for the No. 14 Ducks on Saturday night when they host Arizona State. He missed eight games. Blount issued a statement saying he was grateful to Oregon coach Chip Kelly for giving him a second chance. “Now it is up to me to prove to people that their lasting impressions of me are not what they saw in Boise,” he said. Read More ... By ANNE M. PETERSON, AP Sports Writer

Titans want current streak to last NASHVILLE (AP) — Vince Young has yet to turn the ball over, Chris Johnson keeps running past defenders and Tennessee now has two straight wins. Is this the start of a new streak for a team that started 10-0 last season and 0-6 this season? The Titans sure hope so. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

West guns a blazing after Memphis boot MEMPHIS (AP) — Memphis fired coach Tommy West on Monday, saying the school wants to go in a different direction after the season. Athletic Director R.C. Johnson said at a news conference that he met with West Monday morning and told the coach of the university’s decision. He also asked West to stay through the end of the season. When the coach had his turn at the microphone he said the university needs to put more money in the football program or shut it down. West didn’t hesitate to share his feelings about the program’s outdated facilities. He said there was only one answer if fans didn’t demand improvements or for the university to make necessary changes. “I couldn’t say (this) as a coach, but it’s too painful,” West said. “It’s too painful for coaches, for players, for people, for fans. Put something in it or do away with it, one or the other.” Read More ...

LSU mentor Miles does not test tough new ‘official’ SEC policy TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Les Miles decided not to test the SEC’s new get-tough policy regarding coaches criticizing officials. The LSU coach said Monday he spoke with Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive and coordinator of officials Rogers Redding about a near-interception by Patrick Peterson late in the Tigers’ 24-15 loss to Alabama. Officials ruled Peterson caught the ball out of bounds and replay officials did not overturn the call, though video showed the LSU defensive back might have had a foot down in bounds. LSU asked the league to review the call and Miles said he was satisfied with the response he received. Read More ...

Tide-Gators II payoff big TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The much-anticipated rematch is set: Alabama against Florida for the Southeastern Conference championship and possibly a berth in the national title game on the line. The game itself, however, isn’t for another month and the Tide and Gators have plenty of important work to do before they meet at the Georgia Dome on Dec. 5. The third-ranked Crimson Tide joined the top-ranked Gators in the SEC championship game after outlasting No. 9 LSU 24-15 on Saturday, erasing any season-ending drama in the league except whether its two powerhouses can remain perfect. Read More ... By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer

Racers give scare to Bears BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — California learned very quickly about the downside of the hype that comes from a preseason ranking. There will be no taking opponents by surprise this year. The 13th-ranked Golden Bears got off to a shaky start to the season, going on one big second-half run keyed by Patrick Christopher before holding off Murray State 75-70 Monday night in the 2K Sports Classic. “That’s why you play early season games to learn and figure out what to do next,” coach Mike Montgomery said. Read More ... By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer

Iverson Griz answer could be retirement Memphis owner Michael Heisley says he is not sure of what Allen Iverson’s future plans are, though he hopes Iverson returns to the Grizzlies soon. Heisley granted the 10-time all-star permission Saturday for an indefinite leave to deal with a personal matter. The Commercial Appeal newspaper reported Monday that Iverson is contemplating retirement. “I’m not in Allen’s head. I don’t know what he’s thinking,” Heisley told The Associated Press on Monday. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Crompton gamble paying off for Vols KNOXVILLE (AP) — After Tennessee suffered its third loss of the season in early October, there was hardly a person in Neyland Stadium dressed in orange who didn’t want to bench quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Volunteers coach Lane Kiffin was not among them. “There was never a doubt in my mind he gave us the best chance to win,” Kiffin said after a 56-28 win over Memphis on Saturday night. Turns out the coach’s instinct was correct. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Kiffin tells Poole to hit showers KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin sent running back Tauren Poole to the locker room during Saturday’s game against Memphis because of what he said was an issue on the sideline. The sophomore participated in Sunday’s brief practice and will be available to play Saturday when the Volunteers (5-4, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) travel to Mississippi (6-3, 2-3). “I didn’t like the way that he handled that issue,” Kiffin said. “I met with him (Sunday), and we’re moving on.” Read More ...

Memphis fires Wes after rout at UT MEMPHIS (AP) — Memphis coach Tommy West reportedly has been fired after starting 2-7 and less than 48 hours after his Tigers lost 56-28 to instate rival Tennessee. The Commercial Appeal cited an anonymous source in reporting that athletic director R.C. Johnson fired West during a meeting Monday morning in a story posted on the newspaper’s Web site. Read More ...

Florida vibes still somewhat negative despite drubbing of Vandy GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No. 1 Florida didn’t do much to erase all the negative vibes from rough week for the defending champions. Tim Tebow accounted for two touchdowns, Caleb Sturgis kicked two field goals and the Gators beat Vanderbilt 27-3 in a lackluster effort Saturday night at The Swamp. Florida fans looking for something positive following linebacker Brandon Spikes’ one-game suspension for dirty play and coach Urban Meyer’s hefty fine for criticizing officials may have been disappointed. The Gators (9-0, 7-0 Southeastern Conference) extended their winning streak to 19 games overall — and their streak against Vandy (2-8, 0-6) to 19 games, too — but struggled on offense for the fifth time in seven league games. Read More ... By The Associated Press

TCU Frogs leaping up on BCS list NEW YORK (AP) — All those blowouts have carried TCU to unprecedented heights in the BCS standings, giving the Horned Frogs hope — however slim — of becoming the first BCS buster to break into the national championship game. TCU took over fourth place in the Bowl Championship Series standings Sunday behind Florida, Alabama and Texas. It’s the highest BCS ranking ever for a team from a conference without an automatic bid to the big-money bowl games. No potential BCS buster had ever done better than sixth in the BCS standings. Florida is first for the fourth straight week, and Alabama and Texas switched spots for the second week in a row. The Gators and Crimson Tide have clinched their respective divisions in the Southeastern Conference and will meet Dec. 5 in the league championship game. One of them is all but guaranteed a spot in the BCS title game on Jan. 7 in Pasadena, Calif., if they can get through the next month without a loss. Read More ... BY RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer

Sooner drop has Okies unlisted by AP NEW YORK (AP) — Over the past decade, Oklahoma has rarely been out of the AP Top 25 and Stanford has rarely been in. On Sunday, the Sooners and Cardinal sort of swapped places. Oklahoma dropped out of the college football poll for the first time since 2005, and No. 25 Stanford moved into the rankings for the first time since 2001. The first six spots were held by major college football’s six unbeaten teams, with Florida, Texas and Alabama making up the top three for the second consecutive week. Florida received 39 first-place votes, Texas received 10 and Alabama 11. TCU moved up two spots to No. 4, bumping No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 6 Boise State back a spot. The Horned Frogs have their highest ranking since Oct. 15, 1956, when they were also No. 4. Read More ... BY RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer

Titans strike it rich at 49ers SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Vince Young isn’t about to get overly excited about two wins. He knows how quickly things can change in the NFL. Six plays after his 81-yard touchdown run was overturned, Chris Johnson took a pitch from Young and scurried two yards for a go-ahead score and led the Titans to their second straight win with a 34-27 victory over the stumbling San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. “I’m still not satisfied and I’m pretty sure my coaches are not satisfied,” Young said. “We still have a long road to go. For everything to go right like we wanted it to today, to get the victory, you can obviously say we’re proud of each other as an offense and as a team.” Read More ... By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer

Kurt Busch’s tank has enough to last FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Jimmie Johnson sat in his car going nowhere for more than an hour, his NASCAR Sprint Cup lead shrinking with every passing lap. While crew chief Chad Knaus and Co. were basically rebuilding the mangled mess that was his No. 48 Chevrolet after it was knocked into the wall on the third lap at Texas on Sunday, Johnson stayed inside the cockpit frustrated and replaying the accident in his head. He knows the outcome could have been a lot worse. Johnson did finish the race and is still the series point leader with two races to go in his push to become the first Sprint Cup driver to win four consecutive season championships. Read More ... By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer

Irritated Griz star Iverson at home LOS ANGELES (AP) — Disgruntled Memphis guard Allen Iverson returned to his home in Atlanta after receiving permission to leave the team to attend to personal business. Team owner Michael Heisley gave the four-time NBA scoring leader permission to skip the Grizzlies’ game Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers following a 114-98 loss to the Lakers the night before. According to a team spokesman, Iverson participated in a walkthrough at the team’s hotel in the morning and then hopped a flight in the afternoon after he and personal manager Gary Moore met with Heisley. Read More ...

Best laid UT plans involve bowl trip KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin is making plans for the Volunteers’ next five games, even though their schedule lists only four more opponents. “We didn’t come here to be sitting around in December not doing anything but recruiting. I would never speak any differently,” he said. At the beginning of October, the Vols’ chances for a bowl game seemed suspect. They were 2-2 with games against Auburn, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina up next. But after taking two of those games and nearly snatching a third win from then top-ranked Alabama, Tennessee (4-4) seems in much better shape to be making postseason plans. Bowl representatives are taking note.  Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Titans’ VY, 49ers QB have tread like paths SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alex Smith and Vince Young have crossed paths on several occasions at NFL functions. They’ve offered each other some encouraging words during the difficult times, like after each lost his starting job. The once highly touted quarterbacks’ NFL fates have taken a similar bumpy road, and now they’re both back behind center, ready to square off Sunday when Young’s Tennessee Titans come to San Francisco to take on Smith and the 49ers. Read More ... By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer

Tall Irish forward at top of AP list Luke Harangody should get used to being on top of lists. The senior forward from Notre Dame was the leading vote-getter Monday on The Associated Press’ preseason All-America team, and if he has the type of season he usually does, he will become the leader for his school and conference in scoring and rebounding. The 6-foot-8 Harangody received 57 votes from the 65-member national media panel and was followed in the balloting by Kansas teammates Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins. They are the sixth set of teammates selected for the preseason team, which began in 1986-87, and the second from Kansas, joining Raef LaFrentz and Paul Pierce in 1997-98. Aldrich, a 6-11 junior who recorded a triple-double in the NCAA tournament, received 49 votes, 10 more than Collins, a senior point guard. Read More ... By JIM O'CONNELL, AP Basketball Writer

UConn junior (May)a be the best Preseason or postseason, Maya Moore is making a habit of racking up honors. The UConn junior became just the seventh unanimous choice on The Associated Press’ preseason All-America team Tuesday, garnering all 40 votes from a national media panel. It’s the third straight year a player has been a unanimous choice in the preseason. “It’s a great honor to be mentioned with them,” said Moore, who was one vote short of being an unanimous choice last preseason. “I’ve been truly blessed to have such great teammates.” Moore was joined on the preseason squad by teammate Tina Charles, Stanford’s Jayne Appel, Ohio State’s Jantel Lavender, and Virginia’s Monica Wright. It was the fifth time two players from the same team made the All-America squad. Read More ... By DOUG FEINBERG, AP Sports Writer

Volunteer DT Dan the dominant man that carries out the plan KNOXVILLE (AP) — Dan Williams doesn’t garner the kind of attention safety Eric Berry gets. He hasn’t racked up as many tackles as linebacker Rico McCoy or as many sacks as defensive end Chris Walker. Still, Tennessee coaches and players say Williams is the key to the Volunteers’ defensive success. “It all starts with Dan,” coach Lane Kiffin said. “He is playing so much better up there. He’s a dominant force right now.” At 6-foot-3 and about 320 pounds, Williams is overshadowed by the larger interior linemen in the Southeastern Conference. His stats aren’t bad — 39 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one sack and a fumble recovery — but they’re eclipsed by McCoy’s 75 tackles, Berry’s five tackles for a loss and Walker’s four sacks. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Latest Vol injury hands LB ball to unproven freshman tandem KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee will turn to a pair of freshmen to replace junior linebacker Savion Frazier, who will miss the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his right knee against South Carolina. “We’ve now lost our second starting middle linebacker for the season — a position that was already not very deep,” coach Lane Kiffin said. “We’re going to have to do a great job. Our staff’s working on different options.” Frazier’s predecessor, junior Nick Reveiz, suffered the same kind of season-ending injury Sept. 26 against Ohio. The Vols replaced him with Frazier, who had playing experience at outside linebacker but hadn’t ever been responsible for lining up the defense, a job that falls to the middle position. Redshirt freshman Herman Lathers and true freshman Nigel Mitchell-Thornton are now competing for the spot as the Vols (4-4) prepare for Memphis (2-6). Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Latest Pedro vs. Pettitte meeting is for all the marbles NEW YORK (AP) — Andy Pettitte against Pedro Martinez, with the Yankees one win from ecstasy. Now that’s a World Series matchup worth talking about. Still stalking that elusive 27th championship, New York turns to Pettitte once again in Game 6 tonight, hoping he can pitch his team past Chase Utley and the Philadelphia Phillies on only three days’ rest. “I think everybody knew it was going to be a great Series. I think everybody knew it was going to be a tough Series. And it looks like it’s living up to that,” Pettitte said Tuesday. His familiar foe is pumped up, too. Martinez and Pettitte have faced each other six times on the mound — but never with the stakes so high. Read More ... By MIKE FITZPATRICK, AP Baseball Writer

Time for VY with Titans is now NASHVILLE (AP) — Vince Young says the year of watching Kerry Collins from the bench helped him grow and mature. One stat from his first start since the beginning of the 2008 season appears to back that talk up. It was his first NFL game without being sacked or intercepted. Young helped the Titans (1-6) win their first game of 2009, a 30-13 rout of Jacksonville on Sunday that snapped an eight-game skid dating back to Dec. 21. Now the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year, the quarterback repeatedly called Tennessee’s future at the position, has the final nine games to show how much he’s really grown and whether he’s worth keeping past this season. Young currently is slated to count $14.2 million against Tennessee’s salary cap in 2010 with a $4.25 million roster bonus due in March. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Gouging Gator Spikes suspended for a half GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Top-ranked Florida will be without star linebacker Brandon Spikes for the first half of Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt. Coach Urban Meyer suspended Spikes on Monday, two days after the defensive captain apparently attempted to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in a 41-17 victory. “I don’t condone that,” Meyer said. “I understand what goes on on the football (field), but there’s no place for that. We’re going to suspend Brandon for the first half of the Vanderbilt game. I spoke with him. That’s not who he is. That’s not who we are. He got caught up in emotion.” Spikes issued a statement apologizing for what he did. Read More ... By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer

Phillies hold off rallying Yankees PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Now comes the hard part for the Philadelphia Phillies: winning two in a row at Yankee Stadium. The defending champions hung on in the final game of the year at Citizens Bank Park when Derek Jeter grounded into a ninth-inning double play and Ryan Madson struck out Mark Teixeira. Monday night’s 8-6 victory in Game 5 staved off World Series elimination. After an off-day, the Series resumes Wednesday night, with New York’s Andy Pettitte going on short rest against Pedro Martinez, not exactly a beloved figure in the Bronx. The chants of “Who’s Your Daddy?” should be booming for Martinez, who lost 3-1 in Game 2. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. I hope we give him more run support this time,” Jimmy Rollins said. Read More ... By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer

Lady Vol listing a surprise KNOXVILLE (AP) — Pat Summitt says while she isn’t sure Tennessee deserves to be picked to win the Southeastern Conference, the Lady Vols coach expects her team to work to live up to the annual expectations. Summitt admits she was expecting her Lady Volunteers to be picked third or fourth in the league when she recently traveled to the SEC’s annual media day. Instead Tennessee was picked to win it, as the Lady Vols have done 14 times under Summitt. “I don’t know that we belong there, but that’s where we want to get to,” Summitt said Monday during the team’s media day. “We want to have the best team in the league, but there’s a lot of great teams right now.” Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Kansas rules roost; UK starts at No. 4 For the second time in its storied basketball history, Kansas is No. 1 in The Associated Press’ preseason Top 25. The Jayhawks were a runaway choice Thursday, receiving 55 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel to easily outdistance Michigan State, which was No. 1 on five ballots. There was little suspense as to which team would top the preseason poll. Kansas has all five starters and the top nine scorers back from last season’s team that went 27-8 and reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks also feature a recruiting class considered among the nation’s best. Read More ... By JIM O'CONNELL, AP Basketball Writer

Tennessee blackout a treat for all KNOXVILLE (AP) — Lane Kiffin gave his players a treat, letting Tennessee wear black jerseys for the first time in 87 years. The Volunteers thanked their coach with a resounding victory. Decked out in black jerseys for the first time since adopting orange tops in 1922, Tennessee turned three South Carolina fumbles into touchdowns and beat the No. 21 Gamecocks 31-13 Saturday night. “It’s a players’ game, and our players had been begging for them for a while,” said Kiffin, who got his first win over a ranked foe. “I think it gave us some energy. I think you saw that in the way the came out and played early.” Captains Eric Berry and Montario Hardesty approached athletic director Mike Hamilton on Wednesday, asking to wear an all-black uniform. A local Knoxville company quickly produced the black jerseys with orange numbers. Black pants couldn’t be completed in time, so the Vols opted for orange bottoms. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Absent Nu’Keese an issue for Vols KNOXVILLE (AP) — Freshman wide receiver Nu’Keese Richardson did not attend Tennessee’s brief Sunday night practice. Volunteers coach Lane Kiffin offered no specific explanation for the absence. “We’re dealing with an issue with Nu’Keese,” Kiffin said, promising more info on Tuesday. Attempts to contact the Pahokee, Fla., native and his family Sunday night weren’t immediately successful. Several Vols (4-4, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) stayed on the sideline during practice, but Kiffin didn’t rule any of them out for Saturday’s game against Memphis. Junior starting middle linebacker Savion Frazier was helped off the field late in Tennessee’s 31-13 win over South Carolina on Saturday night with a knee injury. Read More ...

VY passes test as Titans finally win NASHVILLE (AP) — Vince Young felt good but nervous before his first start this season for the Tennessee Titans. He wound up with celebrating with his offensive coordinator and getting high grades from the team owner who wanted him back on the job. And yes, he threw for a touchdown in helping the Titans win their first game this season, routing Jacksonville 30-13 Sunday to snap an eight-game skid dating to last year. “The year off has helped me a whole lot,” Young said. “I put myself in different scenarios at night time. If I go out and make a bad play and they start to boo me and anything that is going to happen, put it in the past and don’t worry about that. ... Continue to make plays and show your humbleness and maturity.” Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Phils on the ropes after NY comeback PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Alex Rodriguez waited all game long for this hit. Heck, he waited his whole life. The New York Yankees have been waiting, too. Rodriguez delivered a go-ahead, two-out double in the ninth inning off Brad Lidge and the Yankees took advantage of Johnny Damon’s daring dash to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the World Series. “There’s no question — I’ve never had a bigger hit,” Rodriguez said. Derek Jeter came through again and Mariano Rivera finished it off as the Yankees moved within one win of that elusive 27th championship and first since 2000. Read More ... By BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer

Lady Luck wears McMurray hat TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — NASCAR demanded drivers be on their best behavior at Talladega Superspeedway, where a ban on bump-drafting sanitized what’s usually one of the most spectacular races of the season. In the end, chaos reigned, just like always. After 450 miles of what resembled a slow Sunday drive, the action picked up and the outcome was much of what everyone has come to expect out of Talladega: An unlikely winner, two spectacular crashes and an army of drivers frustrated about the unpredictability of restrictor-plate racing. “I think we all know that’s what’s going to happen when we come to Talladega,” said Jeff Gordon, who first ran out of gas and then wrecked — all in a five-lap span. Read More ... By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer

Gators not shaken by Georgia change JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Black pants, black helmets and another team-wide celebration. No matter what Georgia does to change its luck against Florida, the result usually stays the same. The Gators own this series. Tim Tebow accounted for four touchdowns, A.J. Jones had two huge interceptions and top-ranked Florida beat the Bulldogs 41-17 Saturday for its 17th win in the last 20 meetings between the Southeastern Conference rivals. The Gators (8-0, 6-0) extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 18 games and clinched the SEC East title when Tennessee beat South Carolina. The Bulldogs (4-4, 3-3) lost for the third time in four games. Read More ... By The Associated Press

Kiffin trash talk gets UT some street cred KNOXVILLE (AP) — Count rapper Lil Wayne among the fans of Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin and his big mouth. His new “Banned from TV” song includes the lyric, “Talk (expletive) like Lane Kiffin.” “We’re Lil Wayne fans,” Kiffin said. “We played him a number of times out here before (during practice). Guess we’re getting a little street cred.” The Volunteers coaches often play hip-hop and rap music during practice to motivate the players, and as one of rap’s most popular artists, Lil Wayne is often heard among the selections. “We all thought it was really cool ... and more kids will think Tennessee is back on the map now,” linebacker LaMarcus Thompson said. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Titans give VY the green light NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams wants more of Vince Young. He’s getting just that with his winless team switching from veteran Kerry Collins back to the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Coach Jeff Fisher announced the expected move Thursday following practice for the 0-6 Titans, and Young got the news from his coach in the morning. Fisher insists it was an organizational decision resulting from the team’s winless start and that he won’t play musical chairs with the position. “We’re in a unique situation right now. We haven’t won a game. We wouldn’t be having this conversation if we were 3-3,” Fisher said. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Tex, Matsui go solo as Yanks even count NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees waited six long years for this. They had not won a World Series game since that rainy night in Miami when Mike Mussina beat Florida’s Josh Beckett for a 2-1 lead in 2003. Since then, they had lost four in a row in the Series — the only games that really matter for a franchise that counts championships by the dozen. They had churned through starters such as Kevin Brown, Javier Vazquez, Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano in a futile flurry that failed to regain the team’s lofty level. Even CC Sabathia fell short in the opener when New York returned to the Series this year. A.J. Burnett finally broke through, pitching the type of game the Yankees expect — if not demand. Burnett took a page from Cliff Lee’s how-to manual and backed by a few key hits and a sharp pickoff throw, New York drew even with the Phillies at one game apiece. Read More ... By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer

Pujols pledges to Cardinals ST. LOUIS (AP) — Calm down, Cardinal fans: Albert Pujols wants to stay in St. Louis. “The fans know and the Cardinals know that I want to be a Cardinal for my whole career,” Pujols told WXOS-FM on Thursday. “I love this city. The way that this city has embraced me and my family.” Pujols, who has one year left on his contract plus an option year, raised some eyebrows with his comments during an interview with a Dominican radio station earlier this month. “I’m not desperate to sign a contract extension. I still have one year remaining in my contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011. I leave the rest in God’s hands,” Pujols told CDN 92.5 FM. Read More ...

UT has not-so-special teams unit KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee and South Carolina’s performances on special teams in recent weeks have been anything but special. Just a little bit of improvement for either team might make the difference when the Volunteers (3-4, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) host the 21st-ranked Gamecocks (6-2, 3-2) on Saturday night. The two teams rank among the worst in the country in covering kickoff returns. The Vols also added field goal protection to their list of special-team problems last week with two blocked attempts. “And it’s killing us,” Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin said. Read More ...

Fisher almost ready to ID Titans’ starting QB NASHVILLE (AP) — Jeff Fisher knows he can’t keep the identity of his starting quarterback secret until kickoff Sunday even if he wants to. So the Tennessee coach is trying to keep it quiet for another 24 hours. Fisher said Wednesday he will announce his starter today, trying to carve out another day of competitive advantage for the winless Titans against Jacksonville (3-3). “I’m going to assume that as long as we can keep this thing a mystery, the better chances we have. There’s clearly a difference in skill-sets between the two quarterbacks. That’s obvious,” Fisher said. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Phils’ Cliff too tall of an order for Yankees to climb in opener NEW YORK (AP) — The ho-hum catch that tickled his teammates, the behind-the-back snag that looked so easy. Cliff Lee could have been clowning around with his kids. Hard to believe it was Game 1 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, of all places. Lee outdueled CC Sabathia, Chase Utley homered twice and the Philadelphia Phillies kept rolling through October, beating New York 6-1 on a misty Wednesday night in the opener. “To be honest I really never have been nervous in the big leagues. This is what I wanted to do my whole life,” Lee said. Read More ... By BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer

Kiffin among ‘officially’ reprimanded SEC trio BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen were reprimanded Monday by the Southeastern Conference for criticizing officials, raising the number of coaches to be scolded by the league for knocking game officiating to three in the last week. For Kiffin, it was the second time this year he has been reprimanded by the league. SEC commissioner Mike Slive said Kiffin could be suspended if he violates conference rules again. Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson also weighed in on the officiating Monday after he had some questions about calls made in his game against South Carolina last weekend. Johnson said he’d like to speak with SEC coordinator of officials Rogers Redding. “I think I’d have to get in line,” Johnson said. Read More ...

Titans’ owner in VY’s corner NASHVILLE (AP) — Jeff Fisher has stayed away from a quarterback controversy all through the Tennessee Titans’ dreadful start. Now, team owner Bud Adams reportedly wants a change. Adams informed Fisher he wants Vince Young to start over Kerry Collins this weekend against Jacksonville, according to the Tennessean. The Nashville newspaper cited sources Tuesday that Adams apparently told Fisher his preference after the Titans lost to New England 59-0 on Oct. 18 and became more insistent during the bye week. A call to Adams’ Houston office was referred to the team’s media relations department in Nashville. A message was not immediately returned Tuesday. Read More ...

Reprimanded Kiffin keeping quiet KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin is doing his best not to comment about Southeastern Conference officials or the reprimand he received from league commissioner Mike Slive. “I’m not gonna get into it. I’m excited about this matchup versus South Carolina. As hard as it is for me to do, I’m not gonna do that. I’d love to,” Kiffin said Tuesday when asked about his second reprimand as Volunteers coach. Kiffin will face additional penalties or a possible suspension if Slive finds cause to reprimand him a third time this year, according to the letter sent on Monday. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Pirates put Memphis on the plank MEMPHIS (AP) — Quarterback Patrick Pinkney ran for two touchdowns to help East Carolina beat Memphis 38-19 Tuesday night. Dominique Lindsay ran for 139 yards for the Pirates (5-3, 4-1 Conference USA), who warmed up for a game against No. 14 Virginia Tech by rolling up nearly 500 yards on one of the country’s worst defenses. “Last night in the hotel room (Giavani Ruffin) and I talked about what we were going to do tonight,” Lindsey said of his road game roommate. “We knew that the offense was going to be leaning on the run and we talked about how we needed to take care of things out here tonight.” The Tigers, who rank 106th in total defense, fumbled twice to set up early scores for East Carolina. Read More ...

Fisher not naming Titan QB yet NASHVILLE (AP) — Jeff Fisher has stayed away from a quarterback controversy all through the Tennessee Titans’ dreadful start. Coming off the bye week amid his worst start with the franchise (0-6), Fisher declined to say Monday who his starting quarterback will be Sunday against Jacksonville, citing “competitive reasons” after steadfastly sticking with Kerry Collins all year over Vince Young. Read More ...

Returning La Russa orders a ‘Big Mac’ ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mark McGwire is back in baseball, reunited with Tony La Russa as the St. Louis Cardinals’ hitting coach. La Russa agreed to return for a 15th year as manager Monday with a one-year contract, the first time he hasn’t had a multiyear deal with the team. All of his coaches will return except for Hal McRae, who will be replaced by the former star. “Mark is passionate about the game, passionate about the Cardinals,” chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. “Tony thinks he’ll be a great coach, and I think he’s got a lot to offer.” McGwire was not at the news conference at Busch Stadium, but La Russa and general manager John Mozeliak said there will be no effort to shield McGwire from questions about steroids. The team anticipated a telephone news conference with McGwire. Read More ... By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer

Underdog Phillies ready to bite Yanks NEW YORK (AP) — All-Stars at most spots, mixed in with MVPs and Cy Young winners. A rich roster, full of World Series success. So how come the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies are such underdogs? Probably because they’re facing the team that has defined championship baseball for so long. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees, hoping to include Alex Rodriguez in a full-throttle celebration this October. Read More ... By BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer

NCAA asking questions about Michigan grid accusations ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The NCAA has joined the University of Michigan in an investigation into practices of college football’s winningest program. University president Mary Sue Coleman announced Monday the NCAA has given the school a notice of inquiry. “It marks the beginning of an investigation,” NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn explained. The NCAA’s enforcement staff often looks into allegations, according to Osburn, but only sends school presidents a letter of inquiry when an initial review determines a violation may have occurred based on credible information. According to the letter sent to Coleman, the NCAA enforcement staff intends to complete the investigation by Dec. 31, 2009. Read More ... By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer

Mt. Cody blocks UT climb at ’Bama TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Mount Cody kept No. 1 Alabama perfect with a pair of super-sized plays. Terrence Cody, the Crimson Tide’s 350-pound nose guard, blocked a 44-yard field-goal attempt on the final play — his second block of the fourth quarter — and ’Bama escaped with a 12-10 victory over rival Tennessee on Saturday. He muscled the Tide to another win, with pure brute force. “I didn’t really get off the ground,” Cody said. “I just reached my arm up. That’s how I got it. I knocked (the blocker) back. He was on his back.” Read More ... By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer

Penalty ratio forces Kiffin to kick KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin said he chose not to run another play before the Volunteers attempted a potential game-winning field goal against Alabama in part because of the penalty disparity between the two teams. Terrence Cody blocked a low kick by Daniel Lincoln on a 44-yard field goal attempt on the last play of the game to preserve the Crimson Tide’s 12-10 win over the Vols on Saturday. The narrow win dropped Alabama (8-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) from the top spot in The Associated Press poll to No. 2. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Miss. St. miscues a big help to Gators STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Florida’s offense got just what it needed in its 29-19 victory on Saturday: Help from Mississippi State. Chris Rainey scored from eight yards out after the Bulldogs stumbled on a fake punt and Dustin Doe may have slipped a fumble on an interception return for a touchdown past the referees as the second-ranked Gators came away with a tough win over old friend Dan Mullen Saturday night. The Bulldogs (3-5, 1-3 SEC) stymied the Gators (7-0, 5-0) near the goal line all night, but Rainey’s run and Doe’s 23-yard return helped Florida extend the nation’s longest winning streak to 17 games. Read More ... By The Associated Press

Big Mac on Tony’s St. Louis menu? ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa took a flight from his West Coast home to St. Louis on Sunday for further talks about his future. There was a report, too, Mark McGwire might join him as a coach. La Russa told the Associated Press in a telephone interview before boarding a plane that discussions were ongoing, and that he was planning to attend a Bruce Springsteen concert later that evening. Read More ... By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer

A-Rod in middle of all for champion Yankees NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Rodriguez was in the middle of every playoff rally for the New York Yankees. And once his first trip to the World Series was secured, he was at the center of the celebration, too. Teammates dashed from the dugout and in from the outfield, swarming Rodriguez in a sea of pinstripes after the Yankees beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 in Game 6 of the AL championship series Sunday night behind the savvy pitching of that old October pro, Andy Pettitte. Read More ... By MIKE FITZPATRICK, AP Baseball Writer

Hamlin makes good after much bad MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) — Denny Hamlin is learning to relish making the best of things after the end of his championship bid, and trying to set himself up to be somebody next year. Coming off consecutive back-of-the-pack finishes — with contending cars, no less — that took him out of title contention, Hamlin made the most of another good car at Martinsville Speedway, passing Jimmie Johnson and leading the last 138 laps to win easily Sunday. Read More ... By HANK KURZ Jr., AP Sports Writer

(Major)s UT guest talks Tide KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee’s new coaching staff can’t recite the history of the Volunteers’ annual matchup with their biggest rival. So the coaches turned to someone this week who could: former Tennessee tailback and coach Johnny Majors. “For a guy who hasn’t coached for a while, he still can grasp an 18-year-old’s attention. We love having him around. He does an unbelievable job motivating the guys,” coach Lane Kiffin said. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Wife of Titans’ ex-GM slams Fisher NASHVILLE (AP) — The wife of former Titans general manager Floyd Reese called a Nashville radio station Thursday to blast the team and Jeff Fisher, a day after hearing talk that her husband has hated the coach since losing a power struggle in Tennessee. Sally Reese waited until her husband was on a plane headed to London with the New England Patriots then called WGFX-FM to defend him on air. Reese was let go by the Titans when his contract expired in January 2007. Read More ...

UK hoops star may have hit Wall BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Kentucky’s John Calipari raved about the development of highly touted freshman guard John Wall Thursday morning during media day for the Southeastern Conference. Hours later, a report surfaced that his prized recruit might not be eligible to play. SEC commissioner Mike Slive told ESPN.com that he believes the NCAA’s agents and amateurism group — not enforcement officials — are looking into the eligibility of both Wall and Mississippi State freshman Renardo Sidney. “Those are amateur issues that arose prior to their coming to our schools,” Slive said.  Read More ... By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer

Saving grace comes to keep Angels alive ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — With stunned fans halfheartedly singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” Torii Hunter chucked his glove at the dugout wall after the Angels turned a four-run lead into a two-run hole. Down the hall and around the corner, clubhouse attendants began icing crates of champagne and beer for the New York Yankees. Both the center fielder and the clubbies were a bit premature. Didn’t they realize this wacky AL championship series is usually just warming up during the seventh-inning stretch? With one more rally and one improbable save in a 7-6 victory Thursday night, the Los Angeles Angels earned at least a two-day extension on their championship dreams — and Hunter got to pack that glove for a New York trip. Read More ... By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

Blown calls hang up WS umpires NEW YORK (AP) — Stung by a rash of blown calls in the playoffs, Major League Baseball is breaking tradition and sticking with only experienced umpires for the World Series. Longtime crew chiefs Joe West, Dana DeMuth and Gerry Davis, along with Brian Gorman, Jeff Nelson and Mike Everitt will handle the games, three people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press this week. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made. In 24 of the last 25 World Series, the six-man crew has included at least one umpire working the event for the first time — baseball likes to reward newer umpires, plus replenish the supply of umps with Series experience. Read More ... By BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer

Tony yet to show hand to Cards ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nearly two weeks after his team was swept in the first round of the playoffs, Tony La Russa is still trying to decide whether he wants to return for a 15th season as St. Louis Cardinals manager. In a telephone interview Thursday with The Associated Press, La Russa promised the team he’d make a decision fairly soon. Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and general manager John Mozeliak have both said they’d like La Russa back. Read More ... By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer

Repeat finally added to Philly dialect PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Now the Philadelphia Phillies can say the word they’ve avoided using all year: Repeat. Jayson Werth homered twice, Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz also connected and the defending champions beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-4 in Game 5 on Wednesday night to win their second straight NL pennant. Ryan Howard and crew dismantled the Dodgers, proving last year was no fluke. They’re looking even more dangerous this time around. “For what we did last year, that was something special,” Howard said. “But to get back to this point, to have the opportunity to try to do it two years in a row, that’s even more special.” Read More ... By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer

Winless Titans get back to basics NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have gotten back to basics during their bye week. Coach Jeff Fisher has them working on throwing, catching, blocking, tackling and kicking. If he’s replacing any starters or making drastic overhauls, neither Fisher nor his Titans are telling. The Titans (0-6) are working behind closed doors during their bye week, and they opened up only the locker room Wednesday. Fisher says to stay tuned to see if he makes any changes.  Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Okie Heisman winner Bradford weighing options NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Just when it seemed as if Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford was ready to make a decision about his future, the injured Oklahoma quarterback decided he needed more time to think about it. Bradford called off a news conference scheduled for Wednesday night. Coach Bob Stoops said Bradford needed to gather more information before choosing what to do about his injured right throwing shoulder. “He just wasn’t ready to fully answer everything that’ll want to be asked and for sure what he wants to do just yet, until he has a few more people to visit with,” Stoops said after the Sooners’ practice. “That’s it. I won’t say another word about it.” Read More ... By JEFF LATZKE, AP Sports Writer

Tide gets Vol vote as best in nation KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin says the AP Top 25 has it right — Alabama, not Florida, is the No. 1 team in the nation. He’s practically an expert. By vaulting over the Gators into the top spot in The Associated Press poll, the Crimson Tide set up the Vols’ second game against the No. 1 team in the nation this season. “I think one poll got it right,” Kiffin said. “If you watch football and pay attention, I don’t think there’s any doubt who the No. 1 team is. Alabama has a great team — very well-coached, extremely talented, great special teams, great on offense, great on defense.” Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Kiffin signs on UT line KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who had been working under a memo of understanding, has signed a six-year, $14.25 million contract. As agreed to when he was hired in November, Kiffin will earn $2 million in 2009, which includes pay for broadcasting responsibilities and endorsements. His salary will gradually increase each season, topping out $2.75 million for the 2014 season. Should Kiffin be fired without cause, he will receive a buyout between $5 million and $7.5 million. Kiffin must inform Tennessee athletics director Mike Hamilton if he is interested in any other college or professional coaching job or is approached about another position. He will owe the university between $200,000 and $1 million should he take another job.  Read More ...

Pujols going under knife ST. LOUIS (AP) — For the second straight offseason, Albert Pujols will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. The St. Louis Cardinals said Tuesday in a brief news release that the two-time NL MVP will undergo a debridement procedure — which could be used to shave bone spurs — this morning in Birmingham, Ala., at a medical facility under the direction of Dr. James Andrews. The team said it will provide further details after the surgery. Read More ... By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer

Yankee wrecking crew of A-Rod, CC puts Angels on edge ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — None of the New York Yankees’ 26 world championships include Alex Rodriguez or CC Sabathia. The splendid slugger and the workhorse starter both acknowledge that until they win a title, they’re still not a big part of their club’s hallowed history. The way Rodriguez is hitting and Sabathia is pitching in the AL championship series, it’s clear they’re determined to put rings on their hired hands. And after their two-man demolition of the Angels on Tuesday night, they’re both one win away from playing in their first World Series. Read More ... By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

Tide washes away orange UT talk KNOXVILLE (AP) — Alabama denied a request by Tennessee to wear its home orange jerseys on the road against the Tide, Volunteers coach Lane Kiffin said Monday evening. Under a new NCAA rule for 2009, both teams may wear their colored home jerseys if the home team and the home team’s conference agree. Kiffin said the Southeastern Conference approved the Volunteers’ request to wear their orange jerseys on the road and that no reason was given by Alabama for denying the request. “In talking with some people in the offseason about the history here and both teams wearing the home jersey, I thought it would be something that would be really neat for our fans and for their fans,” Kiffin said. “We were approved by the SEC, and Alabama denied us that.” Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Vols claim missing link discovery KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee seemed doomed for a repeat of last season after losses to UCLA, Florida and Auburn. Then something happened. The Volunteers got a decisive win over SEC East Division rival Georgia and ended up with the confidence that seemed to be missing for so long. Midway through their first season under coach Lane Kiffin, the Vols (3-3, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) have one more victory than they did this time last year. None of the five wins Tennessee finished with in 2008 were as high-profile as the 45-19 win over the Bulldogs on Oct. 10. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Terrible Titans to do bye week business in private NASHVILLE (AP) — Whatever Jeff Fisher plans to do to fix Tennessee’s losing ways will be done behind closed doors. At 0-6, the reeling Titans, coming off a 59-0 rout at New England that is the NFL’s most lopsided loss since 1976, are as far away from their 10-0 start a season ago as possible. Fans want Fisher fired, though owner Bud Adams isn’t ready yet for a midseason change. So Fisher is closing practices this week as the Titans try repairing all that’s gone wrong. It’s a flexible bye week schedule that could feature two sessions a day or walk-throughs before and after practice. The coach is looking at everything, will split work between veteran Kerry Collins and backup quarterback Vince Young, and some roster changes may result. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

UK men tabbed as SEC favorite BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Kentucky has been picked as the preseason favorite to win the Southeastern Conference men’s basketball championship. The Wildcats’ Patrick Patterson was the choice to win player of the year honors. The predictions, released on Monday, were made by a panel of SEC and national media members. Kentucky is coming off a season when it failed to make the NCAA tournament but is picked for a quick rebound with the hiring of coach John Calipari and the nation’s top recruiting classes. Read More ... By The Associated Press

Angels, Phillies thrilled One day, two great finishes. Baseball fans had plenty to get excited about Monday as the playoffs produced a pair of thrilling games in a row. First, the Los Angeles Angels edged the New York Yankees 5-4 in Game 3 of the AL championship series on Jeff Mathis’ RBI double in the 11th inning. About 3 hours, 15 minutes later, Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run double with two outs in the ninth to rally the Philadelphia Phillies past the Los Angeles Dodgers by the same 5-4 score in Game 4 of the NLCS. Read More ... By The Associated Press

Titans in Oiler garb bottom out in worst-ever drilling debacle FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans can only hope this is rock bottom. The Titans fell to 0-6 in record-setting fashion Sunday, losing 59-0 to the New England Patriots to match the biggest margin of defeat in the league since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. It was the worst loss in franchise history, and the biggest win for New England since the Patriots and former Houston Oilers helped form the AFL in 1960. “Fortunately for me, career-wise, I’ve never been through anything like that before. Unfortunately it happened tonight,” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “I can assure you one thing: It’s not going to happen again. I’m disappointed and embarrassed, to say the least. We played a very good football team, but that wasn’t us out there.” Read More ... By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer

Tebow carries load; Gators survive scare GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Tim Tebow kept Florida’s perfect season intact. Tebow directed a 69-yard drive in the final minutes, setting up Caleb Sturgis’ 27-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining that gave the top-ranked Gators a 23-20 win against Arkansas on Saturday. Was it Tebow’s Heisman moment? Regardless, it kept Florida unbeaten. And maybe even the Gators’ chances to repeat as national champions. On a day when little went right for the Gators, Tebow took over down the stretch. He threw for 255 yards and a touchdown, ran for 69 more and saved his best plays for when Florida needed him most. Read More ... By The Associated Press

Florida 1st according to computer NEW YORK (AP) — Florida, Alabama and Texas hold the top three spots in the first BCS standings and control their fates in the national championship race. The Gators (.988) are in first, just ahead of the Crimson Tide (.952). Texas (.891) is third. Boise State (.808) is fourth, but the Broncos still seem to be a long shot to play for a national championship. Florida is No. 1 in the two polls used by the Bowl Championship Series — the USA Today coaches’ poll and Harris poll — and rated highest by the computers. The polls make up two-thirds of a BCS grade and a compilation of six computer ratings accounts for the other third. Read More ... BY RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer

Media pegs Tide as new top team NEW YORK (AP) — After a steady climb, Alabama has reached the top of the AP poll. The Crimson Tide jumped Florida and landed at No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday. The unbeaten Gators had been in the top spot since the preseason, but the Crimson Tide has been gaining ground for weeks by winning more convincingly than the Gators. The final surge came after Alabama beat South Carolina 20-6 and Florida needed a field goal in the waning seconds to beat Arkansas 23-20 at home. The Crimson Tide, which received 10 first-place votes last week, got 39 out of 59 from the media panel.  Read More ... BY RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer

Cal gets first taste of real Kentucky madness LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — On a stage befitting a rock star, John Calipari got his first taste of a packed house at Rupp Arena on Friday night and promised to return Kentucky basketball to “its rightful place at the top of the mountain.” The new Wildcats coach made his entrance around 8:40 p.m. to chants of “Go Big Blue” during the program’s preseason pep rally, Big Blue Madness. Then he spent the next 15 minutes delivering a rousing speech to a crowd that needed little convincing. “I see the foundation for my vision of this program,” said Calipari, at points yelling so loud that his voice seemed to crack. “It’s a vision where we are the gold standard, not just for college basketball but for all college athletics.” Read More ... By JEFFREY MCMURRAY, Associated Press Writer

Phillies’ ace Cliff too steep for LA PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cliff Lee is turning into Philadelphia’s latest October ace. Ryan Howard has become their new Charlie Hustle. Lee dominated the Dodgers, Howard and Jayson Werth provided the big swings early and the Phillies cruised past Los Angeles 11-0 Sunday night for a 2-1 lead in the NL championship series Lee provided another brilliant playoff start, striking out 10 and allowing only three hits in eight innings. He’s 2-0 with an 0.74 ERA in three postseason starts. Last year, Cole Hamels was masterful on the mound during Philadelphia’s run to the World Series. “Cliff Lee, what can I say about him? He was absolutely outstanding,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. Read More ... By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer

Jimmie pulling away from pack of Chasers CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Denny Hamlin was already at home when Jimmie Johnson crossed the finish line for his third victory in five championship races. Juan Pablo Montoya didn’t have a great view of the victory celebration, he was four laps behind the action. And Mark Martin? Well, the one guy most people believed could keep pace with Johnson was mired back in traffic. Read More ... By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer

Titans to hit the ground more in effort to end 0-5 nose dive NASHVILLE (AP) — On paper, the Tennessee run game is as productive as ever — if you measure yards and not touchdowns or wins. Running the ball always has been a big focus under coach Jeff Fisher, and he thinks getting back to doing it well can work the kinks out for his entire offense. One thing is for sure. With the Titans stuck at 0-5, it couldn’t hurt. Tennessee ranks eighth in the NFL, averaging 127.6 yards per game, with Chris Johnson third in the NFL with 468 yards rushing. But he has two of just four touchdowns rushing for the Titans and has not scored since Week 2 when both touchdowns came in a loss to Houston when he broke off runs of 91 and 57 yards. A year ago, LenDale White tied for first in the AFC, third in the NFL, by running for 15 touchdowns.  Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Real UK Cal campaign starts soon UK LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — John Calipari says he has felt like a political candidate during his first six months as Kentucky’s basketball coach, generating new hype with each campaign stop across the state even while trying to temper some lofty expectations. “I’ve done enough,” Calipari said Thursday at the first official media day since leaving Memphis. “I’m waiting for election day. I was kissing babies, and I didn’t care if I won or lost the election. I just wanted it to happen.” Calipari is well aware that the passionate UK fans care strongly about whether he wins or loses. They want wins — preferably in bunches. The program’s recent buzz has been sparked not just by its energetic new leader but by his debut recruiting haul, a freshman class arguably the most touted since Michigan’s Fab Five. Read More ... By JEFFREY MCMURRAY, Associated Press Writer

Dodger walk-off is ‘blue’ vs. Phils LOS ANGELES (AP) — So good at winning in walk-off fashion, the Los Angeles Dodgers couldn’t find a way to get it done against the Philadelphia Phillies. A two-run rally in the eighth inning stalled on Manny Ramirez’s groundout, then the Phillies turned a double-play behind Brad Lidge in the ninth to close out an 8-6 victory in Game 1 of the NL championship series Thursday night. “With Philly’s lineup the way it is, you’ve got to keep piling on runs and keep going,” said Matt Kemp, who had two singles. “If we can start to do that, we’re going to be in good shape.” The Dodgers get another chance in Game 2 this afternoon when they start Vicente Padilla against veteran Pedro Martinez. “We have a lot of confidence in ourselves. We just hope we can take advantage of situations,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “The thing we have to get back to is doing a better job of keeping their guys off base.” Read More ... By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer

NY’s Tex dreamed of duel with Angels NEW YORK (AP) — Mark Teixeira remembers calling Torii Hunter last winter. “After I signed with the Yankees, I said, ‘You know, good luck to you guys. Hopefully, we’ll see you in the ALCS,’” Teixeira recalled. And then he repeated the message when Hunter reached first base during the first series between the teams in May. “I’m like, ‘OK, I like that,’” Hunter told his former teammate. “And now we’re here.” Having dispatched the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs in 2002 and 2005, the Angels meet New York for the first time in the AL championship series starting — weather permitting — tonight. Read More ... By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer

Titans’ ‘Freak’ skipped Indy show NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Titans’ veteran defensive end Jevon Kearse says he didn’t stick around to watch the game against Indianapolis after being a healthy scratch, visiting with family instead. And if deactivated again? “It just depends on how I’m feeling,” Kearse said Wednesday. It was an obvious football move for a Tennessee team reeling from a winless start after posting the NFL’s best mark at 13-3 in 2008 to replace a veteran whose production is down with a youthful player. Coach Jeff Fisher didn’t fine Kearse and insists the issue is over. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

UT men have need for speed KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl is ready to speed things up again. Known for his up-tempo offense and pressure defense, Pearl slowed down the Volunteers’ game last season to accommodate their youth and inexperience. “We’ve got to get back into that form of play,” he said at Wednesday’s annual media day. “We just lost a little bit of our aggression.” Despite being slower, the Vols still finished first in scoring in the Southeastern Conference for the 2008-09 season, though their average dropped to 78.4 points per game compared to 81.8 during the previous team. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Prospective Ram buyers ‘Rush’ to drop Limbaugh ST. LOUIS (AP) — Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has been dropped from a group seeking to buy the St. Louis Rams. Limbaugh was to be a limited partner in a bid led by St. Louis Blues chairman Dave Checketts, but Checketts said in a statement Wednesday that Limbaugh’s participation had complicated the effort. The group will move forward without him. Checketts said he will have no further comment on the bid process. Limbaugh did not immediately respond to an e-mail sent late Wednesday seeking comment on Checketts’ decision. Read More ... By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer

King Petty, Dale Sr. head 1st class CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. headlined the five inductees — along with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. — into the first Hall of Fame class, a group that drew mixed reactions due to the inclusion of France’s son instead of driver David Pearson. France, who formed the National Association of Stock Car Racing in 1947, was the first inductee announced Wednesday in a ceremony that followed a lengthy voting session at the Charlotte Convention Center. Petty, the seven-time Cup champion and NASCAR’s all-time wins leader, was the second inductee revealed by current NASCAR chairman Brian France, who received the five envelopes one at a time from an independent accounting firm. Read More ... By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer

Vol routine same even in bye week By BETH RUCKER Associated Press Writer KNOXVILLE (AP) — Just because it’s a bye week doesn’t mean practice is going to be any less physical for the Tennessee Volunteers.Published in The Messenger 10.14.09 Read More ... AP

Gillispie to get big last payoff in agreement with Kentucky LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Former men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie and the University of Kentucky have settled their cases over his firing for nearly $3 million, the school said Tuesday. Gillispie was dismissed earlier this year and sued for breach of contract and fraud in May, seeking at least $6 million. Published in The Messenger 10.14.09 Read More ... AP

Hollywood script one act away with possible Freeway Series By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ssshhhh, don’t let it get out, but the prospect of a Freeway World Series is a tantalizing prospect to Torii Hunter, of all people. Published in The Messenger 10.14.09 Read More ... AP

Sore Colt Manning should be ready to go INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Peyton Manning’s left knee may be sore, but it doesn’t appear to be a serious problem for the undefeated Colts. One day after Manning led Indianapolis to a 31-9 victory at Tennessee, coach Jim Caldwell said he had not received a doctor’s report regarding the knee, something he would have expected had there been concerns. “We have doctors that are there all the time. They certainly have taken a look at it,” Caldwell said Monday. Manning said he hurt the knee when Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch hit him late in the first half.  Read More ... By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer

Worst yet to come for faltering Titans? NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have gone from a 10-0 start and the NFL’s best record to becoming one of the league’s last winless teams. The Titans (0-5) have matched the winless start of 2006 and have the franchise-worst 0-10 start by the 1984 Houston Oilers within sight. It may only get worse with a road trip to New England (3-2) next Sunday. This season sounds like a broken record. Another game, another loss. The same words. The Titans insist they need to make a few plays, win a game. Coach Jeff Fisher insisted again Monday he’s sticking with Kerry Collins because the veteran quarterback isn’t the problem even though he inserted backup Vince Young late in Sunday night’s 31-9 loss to Indianapolis. Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

Vol QB no longer in doghouse KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton was named the Southeastern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week after a career performance in a 45-19 win over Georgia. The 6-foot-4, 228-pound Waynesboro, N.C., native went 20-for-27 for a career-high 310 yards in the Saturday win. He threw four touchdowns and an interception for the Volunteers (3-3, 1-2 SEC). Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Phillies’ (close)out discounts Rockies DENVER (AP) — All of a sudden, the crumbling closer was wearing purple pinstripes instead of Phillies red and white. Brad Lidge retired Troy Tulowitzki for the final out for the second straight night, sending Philadelphia to the NL championship series with a 5-4 win over the Colorado Rockies. Lidge’s second save Monday — the other came just past midnight in Game 3 — was sweet redemption for the Phillies closer who went from perfect a year ago to perfectly awful in 2009. Read More ... By ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Sports Writer

Tebow still getting head checked GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Tim Tebow’s post-concussion evaluations included computer tests, reaction tests, eye-focusing tests, balancing tests, motion-sickness tests, MRI exams and CT scans. He’s still doing some of them, too. Florida’s star quarterback said Monday that team doctors examined him before, during and after Saturday night’s 13-3 victory at LSU. “They’ve been checking up on me, just like any concussion,” he said. “I don’t really have to do the same thing as far as the extent of the test, but they are still checking on me, doing little balance tests and eye tests.” Read More ... By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer

Tide RB still bothered by miniscule mistake TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — A full 24 hours after the game, Mark Ingram was still reliving the play. But which highlight? His 36-yard touchdown run on fourth down? The 25-yard rush to set up a field goal? The 13-yard catch on third-and-11 to keep a drive alive? None of those. He was focused on a play when he missed a block. No. 2 Alabama’s tailback missed a block that led to a sack of quarterback Greg McElroy. When he wandered into the film room Sunday evening, that’s the play he watched over and over again. Read More ... By JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer

UT rout should impress recruits KNOXVILLE (AP) — Ask Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin who the Volunteers’ biggest rival is, and he won’t tell you Florida or Alabama. “Georgia, because of what we need to do recruiting, will be the biggest matchup for this staff and for our team,” he said. Kiffin and his staff hope to use momentum from a 45-19 win Saturday over their new biggest rival to land a few recruits during their bye week. One of the first-year coach’s first pledges was that he would do whatever it took to land the best prospects in the country. He delivered on that promise this season, landing a top 10 class just months after being hired. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

LSU left in a haze after Tebow visit BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Tim Tebow arrived at raucous Death Valley ready to play. Then No. 1 Florida’s defense left No. 4 LSU in a daze. Two weeks after suffering a concussion, Tebow and the Gators’ swarming defense silenced the largest crowd in the history of Tiger Stadium with a 13-3 victory Saturday night. The day began with Tebow’s status uncertain for what looked like the defending national champions’ toughest regular-season test. By the time it was over, Tebow had thrown a touchdown pass and Brandon Spikes had a led Florida defense that sacked Jordan Jefferson five times. Read More ... By The Associated Press

La Russa status quo after Cards get broom ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tony La Russa’s not certain he wants to return for a 15th season as St. Louis Cardinals manager. For one thing, he didn’t expect to begin so soon the decision-making process that begins every time his contract expires. The Cardinals were the first National League team to clinch a division title, loaded with star power in the lineup and two Cy Young candidates at the top of a strong rotation. They were the first team to go home after getting swept in the first round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Read More ... By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer

Tiger, Lefty propel U.S. to title SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fred Couples had his best week in golf without ever swinging a club. The U.S. captain sat at the center of the table, lined on both sides by a dozen players who had done just about everything right at the Presidents Cup and walked away with another overwhelming victory Sunday over the International team. Sitting next to each other were Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who didn’t lose a match all week. Woods became only the third player in the Presidents Cup to go 5-0, while Mickelson was 4-0-1 and every bit as impressive the way he raised the level of three partners. At the far end of the table was NBA icon Michael Jordan, who inspired awe and preached teamwork. Read More ... By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer

Surging J.J. again the man to chase FONTANA, Calif. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson insists NASCAR’s Chase for the Championship isn’t over. That his dominating victory in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway doesn’t mean his fourth straight title is in the bag. “Just because we won the last three doesn’t mean we’re a shoo-in for a fourth,” Johnson said. Maybe, but there was something awfully familiar about the way Johnson controlled the final half of the 500-mile race at the 2-mile oval. Read More ... By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer

4-0 Colts still weary of Titans NASHVILLE (AP) — Talk about a complete reversal. The Tennessee Titans hosted division rival Indianapolis a year ago as the NFL’s hottest team, in prime time. They beat the Colts on their way to a 10-0 start and a wire-to-wire win in the AFC South. Now the Titans are mired in a stunning 0-4 start. The Colts? Well, they haven’t lost a regular-season game since that visit to Nashville, with 13 consecutive wins the league’s best current streak. Peyton Manning has never started a season better, shaking off any doubts that the coaching change from Tony Dungy to Jim Caldwell would affect Indianapolis (4-0). Read More ... By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

‘Green’ Vol WRs envying top ’Dawg KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin would love for his wide receivers to spend this Saturday imitating Georgia’s A.J. Green. “We need those tough catches to show up,” Kiffin said Thursday. “We need guys to make those catches like A.J. does. Every game, he makes four or five great plays. We’re looking for our guys to do that.” Green currently leads the Southeastern Conference with an average 105.4 yards per game. Kiffin said receiver Gerald Jones has been impressive this week and looks better than he has all season. Senior guard Vladimir Richard (Achilles tendon) returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis and is questionable against the Bulldogs.  Read More ...

Holliday gift to Dodgers has Cards on ropes LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matt Holliday committed the biggest error of his career. It led to the biggest hit of Mark Loretta’s career and now the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals out of the playoffs. Holliday botched a catch with two outs in the ninth inning, leading to a two-run rally that gave the Dodgers a 3-2 victory Thursday and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 NL series. The Dodgers can close it out with a victory in Game 3 Saturday at St. Louis. The Cardinals will start Joel Pineiro against Vicente Padilla. Read More ... By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer

UT boss in no rush to speed offense up KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin isn’t in a hurry to speed up his offense. The Volunteers (2-3, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) found some needed offensive production from their two-minute drill in a 26-22 loss to Auburn last week, but the coach said there are too many drawbacks to the speedier scheme to use it all the time. “It’s easy to sit here after that game and say, ‘Well, you know, we should be in two-minute all the time and no huddle,’” he said. Read More ... By BETH RUCKER, Associated Press Writer

Cards cry uncle but not to LA ace Wolf LOS ANGELES (AP) — Randy Wolf and the Dodgers bullpen outpitched St. Louis ace Chris Carpenter, and Los Angeles beat the Cardinals 5-3 in an NL playoff opener full of missed chances for both teams. Pitching in the playoffs for the first time in his 11-year career, Wolf lasted 32⁄3 innings. Matt Kemp hit a two-run homer off Carpenter in the first inning, giving the NL West champions the lead for good. Read More ... By The Associated Press