Reports: Cristobal staying at FIU

The search for the new Rutgers coach continues. Multiple outlets have reported that Mario Cristobal will stay at FIU. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Cristobal was in negotiations to replace Greg Schiano at Rutgers. Interim head coach Kyle Flood interviewed this week and remains a viable candidate for the Scarlet Knights.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58780/reports-cristobal-staying-at-fiu

Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins

2012 NFL Pro Bowl Open Thread

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2012/1/29/2757000/2012-nfl-pro-bowl-open-thread

Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown

NCAA Basketball Rankings: Missouri Tigers Fall Two Spots To No. 4

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/1/30/2758814/college-basketball-rankings-top-25

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants

Report: Colts Will Release Peyton Manning, Made Decision 'Weeks Ago'

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/28/2755307/report-colts-will-release-peyton-manning-made-decision-weeks-ago

Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell

VTR Open 2012: Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela In Action In Chile

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/tennis/2012/1/30/2760160/vtr-open-2012-scores-results-chile-movistar

Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers

Michigan State's Green tough matchup for Illinois, Paul

Illini's Weber would like his junior guard to emulate Spartans' leader

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois coach Bruce Weber spent a few minutes Monday describing one of his favorite college basketball players in the country, and it wasn't a guy who wears orange and blue.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/1c4566ec/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cct0Espt0E0A1310Eillinois0Ehoops0E0E20A120A1310H0A0H26122120Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans

Rob Gronkowski misses practice

INDIANAPOLIS -- New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski sat out of Monday's practice, according to head coach Bill Belichick. Gronkowski continues to rehab his injured left ankle in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI. Gronkowski's father, Gordy, said last week that his son has a high ankle sprain. That is one of the toughest forms of ankle sprains to recover from. New England has yet to confirm the degree of injury, but the team says "Gronk" is day to day.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/38043/rob-gronkowski-misses-practice

San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards

Emery: 'Our goal is to win championships'

Four weeks after the Chicago Bears set out to find a new direction, the club on Monday introduced the man it is entrusting to lead it at Halas Hall.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/1c43d03c/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cchi0Ephil0Eemery0Eera0Ebegins0Efor0Ebears0E20A120A130A0H0A0H41183570Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns

Predicting the AP Top 10

College football expert Phil Steele always does an incredibly thorough and comprehensive job each season with his preview book, predictions and returning starters lists. He also takes a run at predicting how The Associated Press preseason Top 10 will look when it comes out in August. Steele has done a great job of this -- in each of the past four years, he has correctly predicted nine of the 10 teams in the preseason poll. While doing this all in January.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58778/predicting-the-ap-top-10

Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals

What's Vince Carter Got In Common With Bradley Cooper, Oprah, Dikembe Mutombo, Tina Fey, And Bette Midler?

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/1/30/2758796/whats-vince-carter-got-in-common-with-bradley-cooper-oprah-dikembe

Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior

NCAA Basketball Rankings: Kentucky A Unanimous No. 1 In New Coaches' Poll

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/2012/1/30/2758394/ncaa-basketball-rankings-kentucky-wildcats-No-1-top-25-poll-coaches-usa-today-espn

Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings

Brady Hoke wins national coaching award

Michigan's Brady Hoke has been named the 2011 Collegiate Coach of the Year by the Maxwell Football Club, the club announced Monday. Hoke won Big Ten coach of the year honors in his first season in Ann Arbor. He guided Michigan to an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl championship. Hoke is the third Michigan coach to win the Maxwell Club's honor, joining Lloyd Carr in 1996 and Bo Schembechler in 1989. He was a finalist for three national coaching awards -- Bear Bryant, Eddie Robinson and Liberty Mutual -- but didn't win any of them.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58771/brady-hoke-wins-national-coaching-award

Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown

Tennessee Volunteers Get A Head Start on 2013 With Two Good In-State Commitments

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2012/1/28/2755512/tennessee-volunteers-get-a-head-start-on-2013-with-two-good-in-state

Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats

Cardinals' interest in Manning not that far-fetched

Although a multitude of factors would have to fall into place, team insiders tell us stranger things have happened than Peyton Manning becoming a Cardinal.

 

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/28/cardinals-interest-in-manning-not-that-far-fetched

Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome

The Super Bowl week ahead

MIAMI -- The AFC East blog is packing up its belongings for a week-long stay in Indianapolis. Our travel plans are made for Sunday, and it's time to cover that great spectacle that is Super Bowl week. This is my third Super Bowl in four years with ESPN. I told AFC East blog readers when I switched in September that my luck would get one of its teams to the big game. I did my part. Anyway, it should be an exciting journey. We will have you covered on all things Patriots and the Super Bowl on the blog.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37953/the-super-bowl-week-ahead

New York Jets New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers

Cardinals' interest in Manning not that far-fetched

Although a multitude of factors would have to fall into place, team insiders tell us stranger things have happened than Peyton Manning becoming a Cardinal.

 

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/28/cardinals-interest-in-manning-not-that-far-fetched

Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles

Monday's preview: Bulls at Wizards

TV/radio: 6 p.m. Monday; WCIU-Ch. 26, NBA TV, WMVP-AM 1000.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/1c3cec05/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cct0Espt0E0A130A0Ebulls0Ecap0E0E20A120A130A0H0A0H4770A140Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars

Insider: 49ers put too much on Williams' plate

An NFL insider says that the 49ers gave second-year player Kyle Williams' too many responsibilities in the NFC championship game.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/28/insider-49ers-put-too-much-on-williams-plate

San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs

VIDEO: You Can Stop Watching The Pro Bowl Now

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/1/29/2757125/pro-bowl-2012-video-yakety-sax

Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior

McConkey rose to occasion in Super Bowl XXI

Phil McConkey was an unlikely hero in the Giants' Super Bowl win over Denver 25 years ago, a diminutive journeyman who rejoined the team in midseason.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/29/mcconkey-rose-to-occasion-in-super-bowl-xxi

Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski

Chuck Pagano Hiring Could Mean Good Things For Robert Mathis

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/27/2751818/with-chuck-pagano-hired-robert-mathis-return-in-2012-is-looking-good

Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels

Titans think Millard can provide pass-rushing boost

The Titans hired former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Keith Millard to assist a defense that ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks last season.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/29/titans-think-millard-can-provide-pass-rushing-boos

Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles

Four to watch in Senior Bowl

For NFL scouts, the Senior Bowl is the biggest bowl of the season -- even bigger than the National Championship Game. This is when many of the top draft-eligible players compete head-to-head under NFL supervision in an effort to improve their draft stock. The 2012 Senior Bowl will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday in Mobile, Ala. All four AFC East teams have their staffs in Mobile this week to scout practices and the game. Here are four players to watch who could be of interest to the AFC East: 1.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37924/four-to-watch-in-senior-bowl

California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers

Are The Steelers Really Going To Hire Jim Caldwell?

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/28/2755028/are-the-steelers-really-going-to-hire-jim-caldwell

Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers

UFC at UC: Evans takes unanimous decision from Davis

UFC light heavyweight takes unanimous decision from Davis with title shot on line

Plenty was riding in Saturday night's fight for Rashad Evans, and he delivered.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/1c389e2d/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cct0Espt0E0A1290Emma0Eufc0Echicago0E0E20A120A1290H0A0H17532760Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys

Super Bowl XLVI updated line

 

Here are pointspreads and totals for Super Bowl XLVI, updated daily.

 

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/28/super-bowl-xlvi-updated-line

North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns

Billikens Struggle In 72-59 Loss To Massachusetts

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/1/28/2754987/billikens-struggle-in-72-59-loss-to-massachusetts

San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards

What The New York Giants Say About The BCS

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2012/1/27/2751906/what-the-new-york-giants-say-about-the-bcs

Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles

Blackhawks assign Hayes to Rockford

OTTAWA, Ontario -- The Chicago Blackhawks assigned rookie forward Jimmy Hayes to Rockford of the American Hockey League on Saturday.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/1c37bdaa/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cchi0Eblackhawks0Eassign0Ehayes0Eto0Erockford0E20A120A1280H0A0H70A272480Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams

Recent SEC signing class steals

Everyone wants the five-stars. No recruiting collection would be complete without them. But as we've seen over the years, not all of them really pan out, leaving fans and coaches pouting along the way. However, when one of those five-stars busts, there's always an unheralded recruit that finds a way to steal the scene. Today, we'll look at some of the best signing class steals from the past few years. We'll use ESPN's player rankings and since the ESPN rankings go back to 2006, we'll only go back that far.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58760/recent-sec-signing-class-steals

Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli

Tampa flip? Kelly's rise good for Oregon

Oregon coach Chip Kelly told Eugene sports radio talk show host Steve Tannen Thursday that he never flip-flopped from the Ducks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and back again last weekend, as reported in both Tampa and Oregon. "The only decision I ever made was to not accept the job," Kelly said. "I never changed my mind. I never committed to the job and then flip-flopped." You can listen to the full interview here. First, response: Interesting, but it doesn't matter.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58754/tampa-flip-kellys-rise-good-for-oregon

Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers

Former Bengals QB Cook passes away

Former Bengals QB Greg Cook passed away on Thursday night at the age of 65, the team announced. A statement said that Cook was suffering fron an illness.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/27/former-bengals-qb-cook-passes-away

Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints

Loyola drops 9th straight, matches lowest point total of season

DAYTON, Ohio -- Julius Mays scored 16 points and Wright State used a huge second-half run to overcome a six-point deficit and defeat Loyola 47-41 Friday night, sweeping the season series.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/1c337a34/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cchi0Eloyola0Edrops0E9th0Estraight0Ematches0Elowest0Epoint0Etotal0Eof0Eseason0E20A120A1270H0A0H15357480Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers

Jim Irsay And Peyton Manning Issue Joint Statement, Stop Acting Like Idiots

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/27/2752948/jim-irsay-and-peyton-manning-issue-joint-statement-stop-acting-lke

Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer

Commission Says Rams Must Play All Home Games In St. Louis

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/1/27/2753240/st-louis-rams-2012-nfl-international-series-patriots

Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza

Q&A with Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith's five-year Notre Dame career ended with him ninth on the school's career tackles list (309) and as the Irish's lone captain in 2011. He is now getting ready for the draft and will play in the 63rd Senior Bowl on Saturday in Mobile, Ala. The safety will suit up for the North team, coached by Leslie Frazier and the Minnesota Vikings' staff. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. and airs on the NFL Network. After Monday's weigh-in for the game, Scouts Inc.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58751/qa-with-harrison-smith

James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown

Relentless, powerful Upshaw a physical force

Nolan Nawrocki says that Alabama DE-OLB Courtney Upshaw is the top rush-linebacker prospect in this year's draft.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/27/relentless-powerful-upshaw-a-physical-force

Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield

Colts owner wishes Manning kept comments in-house

Jim Irsay expects Peyton Manning to keep his complaints to himself. Or at least within the confines of the Colts' team complex.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/26/colts-owner-wishes-manning-kept-comments-in-house

North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns

Shaun White Injury Update: Snowboarder Pulls Out Of Slopestyle Event With Ankle Injury

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/2012/1/27/2753760/shaun-white-injury-update-winter-x-games-2012

Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford

Konerko amused he was considered managerial material

But Konerko happy to fill out contract playing for Ventura

Paul Konerko was amused when he found out general manager Ken Williams said he had considered him as a candidate to manage the White Sox despite having two years left on his playing contract.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/1c337c20/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cct0Espt0E0A1280Ebits0Ewhite0Esox0Echicago0E0E20A120A1280H0A0H590A15220Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels

NFL: Concussion claims don't belong in courts

Former NFL players should not be permitted to sue for damages over concussions they suffered, because player safety issues have long been governed by the league's CBAs, an NFL attorney said Thursday.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/26/nfl-concussion-claims-dont-belong-in-courts

Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings

MLB Rumors: Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder Loss Canceled Out By Anti-Fielder

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2012/1/27/2751955/mlb-rumors-milwaukee-brewers-prince-fielder-detroit-tigers

Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham

Patriots' Licht meets with Bears a second time

The Bears are conducting the second round of interviews for their general-manager job.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/26/patriots-licht-meets-with-bears-a-second-time

Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings

Senior Bowl 2012 Primer: What And Who To Watch For

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/27/2735270/senior-bowl-2012-primer-what-and-who-to-watch-for

Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis

NCAA Basketball Schedule, TV Times And More: Missouri Tries To Bounce Back From Letdown Loss

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/1/27/2752086/college-basketball-schedule-tv-times-preview-missouri-st-louis

Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis

Assessing Huskers' recruiting in Big Ten

John Papuchis' first phone call came from the tarmac in Phoenix. The next came several hours later from Omaha. Like most college football assistants, Papuchis, Nebraska's defensive coordinator, is racking up plenty of frequent-flyer miles right now. National signing day arrives Wednesday, and Nebraska, which has 14 verbal commits after Imani Cross' pledge, hopes for a strong closing kick. "There's certainly some kids that we're after who I think we have a good chance of getting," Papuchis told ESPN.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58755/assessing-huskers-recruiting-in-big-ten

Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators

Scott Wood Thinks He Knows What Never Beating North Carolina Feels Like

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/2012/1/27/2752356/scott-wood-nc-state-basketball-wife-ever-sheated-on-you-unc-tar-heels-never-beaten

Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks

Jim Irsay Tells Peyton Manning To 'Keep It In House', Manning Responds

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/26/2748134/jim-irsay-tells-peyton-manning-to-keep-it-in-house-manning-responds

Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts

Looking toward 2014, Gold should get spot on Four Continents team

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- There is an easy way for U.S. Figure Skating to improve Gracie Gold's chances of becoming a factor at the 2014 Winter Olympics:

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-looking-toward-2014-gold-should-get-spot-on-four-continents-team-20120126,0,3847756.column?track=rss

Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks

AFC East evening links: Fitzpatrick speaks

Here are the latest happenings Wednesday evening in the AFC East: Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick says the team wasn't ready to handle its early success. Each New England Patriot would get an $88,000 bonus for winning the Super Bowl. Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland says he doesn't need to overhaul the roster. Also, should the Dolphins go after Peyton Manning, despite health concerns, instead of Matt Flynn? Do the New York Jets deserve credit for helping turn around the New York Giants' season?

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37817/afc-east-evening-links-fitzpatrick-speaks

Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins New York Jets New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals

AFC East evening links: Fitzpatrick speaks

Here are the latest happenings Wednesday evening in the AFC East: Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick says the team wasn't ready to handle its early success. Each New England Patriot would get an $88,000 bonus for winning the Super Bowl. Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland says he doesn't need to overhaul the roster. Also, should the Dolphins go after Peyton Manning, despite health concerns, instead of Matt Flynn? Do the New York Jets deserve credit for helping turn around the New York Giants' season?

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37817/afc-east-evening-links-fitzpatrick-speaks

Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University

Morning take: Are Patriots tough enough?

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East: Did the New England Patriots prove they are tough enough to win a championship? Morning take: It's doesn't get much tougher than going head-to-head with the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. The Patriots passed that test and will have another stern test against the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that the Bills are an important part of Western New York.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37823/morning-take-are-patriots-tough-enough

Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions

Maisel: Penn State says goodbye

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- They spoke at Joe Paterno's memorial Thursday the way that his teams played and represented Penn State for the last 46 seasons: simply, with little flash and great focus. They emphasized academics every bit as much as football. They played fierce defense, as his teams always did, defending Paterno's reputation in the wake of the child abuse scandal that caused the university to fire him in November. They remembered Paterno as a teacher more than a coach, a philanthropist with straightforward values, and a man who prized the competitive instinct.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58743/maisel-penn-state-says-goodbye

Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins

Graphic Designer Wes Kull has created a site he calls "Gridiron League" which envisions an NFL that...

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2012/1/26/2742626/graphic-designer-wes-kull-has-created-a-site-he-calls-gridiron-league

Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers

Patriots' Licht has 2nd interview for Bears GM job

The Bears wrapped up an all-day interview with Jason Licht late Thursday, and Licht was scheduled to leave town.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-patriots-licht-has-2nd-interview-for-bears-gm-job-20120126,0,7620989.story?track=rss

Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Giants Injury Report Lists Eight

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/2012-super-bowl/2012/1/26/2742808/new-york-giants-injury-report-super-bowl

Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats

Official underclassmen declaration list

Here's a list of college underclassmen who are entering the 2012 NFL draft.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/25/official-underclassmen-declaration-list

Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars

Rob Gronkowski is not practicing

New England Patriots starting tight end Rob Gronkowski will not practice Thursday because of a left ankle sprain, according to ESPNBoston.com. He injured it during the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game when his foot was caught under Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard. Gronkowski returned to the game in the fourth quarter, but wore a protective boot after the game. He says he will play in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants. But his injury status will be monitored closely.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37845/rob-gronkowski-is-not-practicing

Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Honors Bestowed on BasketVol Standouts Past and Present

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2012/1/24/2729470/Chris-Lofton-greatest-three-point-shooter-Jarnell-Stokes-stud

Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers

3-point stance: Paterno-Bryant parallels

“A Memorial for Joe” will honor the late Penn State coach Joe Paterno on Thursday, 29 years to the day that former Alabama coach Bear Bryant died only four weeks after his final game. The fact that both coaching icons died so soon after they left coaching has been noted time and again this week. The coincidences continue to pile up. Both Bryant and Paterno won their last victory against Illinois. Paterno’s last loss ever came to Alabama in September.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58695/3-point-stance-paterno-bryant-parallels

Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans

Lawrence Taylor does interview with Showtime

In an interview with Showtime's "Inside the NFL," that aired Wednesday night, Lawrence Taylor says he has struggled with self-discipline.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/25/lawrence-taylor-does-interview-with-showtime

Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer

Tiger Woods' visit to Abu Dhabi: It's about money, too

Taking an appearance fee half a world away, criticism of Hank Haney's book now rings hollow

On one hand, one has to appreciate Tiger Woods' candor in discussing why he's spending this week in the Middle East and not at his personal playground otherwise known as Torrey Pines. His timing, though, is jarringly peculiar.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/os-golf-insider-column-0126-20120125,0,4028680.story?track=rss

Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions

2012 NFL Draft: Mike Mayock Ranks Top Five Linebackers

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2012/1/25/2730995/2012-nfl-draft-mike-mayock-ranks-top-five-linebackers

Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson

SJSU coach MacIntyre gets extension

San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre agreed to a contract extension through the 2017 season, the school announced Wednesday. MacIntyre will be going into his third season with the Spartans, having guided them to a 5-7 record in 2011. That was a huge improvement over his 1-12 campaign his first season. “In two years as San Jose State’s head coach, Mike MacIntyre created a new dynamic that articulates all the positives of our football program to our fans, alumni and future Spartans.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58686/sjsu-coach-macintyre-gets-extension

Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford

No. 2 Missouri Falls At Oklahoma State, 79-72

Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/men/gameflash/2012/01/25/74338_recap.html

Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Allen, Raiders again go to the fountain of youth

The Raiders have hired young coaches before and are hoping new head coach Dennis Allen, at age 39, is ready for the job. 

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/25/with-allen-raiders-again-go-to-the-fountain-of-you

Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham

PHOTO: J.J. Barea's Locker Looks Different

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/1/25/2734915/j-j-barea-locker-dallas-mavericks

Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers

Penguins At Blues: 0-0 First Period After Evenly Matched Back And Forth

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-blues/2012/1/24/2731320/penguins-at-blues-0-0-first-period-after-evenly-matched-back-and-forth

Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell

Honors Bestowed on BasketVol Standouts Past and Present

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2012/1/24/2729470/Chris-Lofton-greatest-three-point-shooter-Jarnell-Stokes-stud

Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings

Luke Links: 'And Our New Head Coach Is...' Edition

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/24/2729365/luke-links-and-our-new-head-coach-is-edition

Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer

Butch Jones gets his contract extension

Cincinnati coach Butch Jones got his three-year contract extension and raise on Tuesday after the school's board of directors approved the new deal. The contract now runs through the 2017 season, and gives Jones a $475,000 raise to $1.575 million in 2012. The size of the deal increases up to $2.05 million in 2017. He would also earn a $300,000 retention bonus in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Jones had previously confirmed he agreed to the deal. Having the board vote on it was just the final step.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/58635/butch-jones-gets-his-contract-extension

Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Morning take: Rob Gronkowski update

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday morning in the AFC East: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said it's wait and see with the left ankle of Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski. Morning take: Don't expect much injury info from the Patriots over the next week. But Gronkowski returned to the AFC title game and later said in the locker room that he’s going to play in the Super Bowl. But he won’t be 100 percent, so this is something to keep an eye on.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37792/morning-take-rob-gronkowski-update

Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers

Dragicevich important to Irish offense

Sophomore needs to make most of minutes, as he did against Syracuse

Trying to drag maybe his lone deadeye shooter out of a pervading funk, Mike Brey dragged Alex Dragicevich into his office last week. And the Notre Dame coach offered a message that rang odd because he is both a head coach and a 52-year-old man.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-0125-notre-dame-basketball--20120125,0,1946380.story?track=rss

Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers

Senior Bowl notebook: Tuesday

PFW's reporters in Mobile give their observations from Tuesday's Senior Bowl practices — how the players performed, as well as comments by NFL personnel in attendance.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/24/senior-bowl-notebook-tuesday-2

Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley

Penguins At Blues: Penguins, Evgeny Malkin, Hope To Continue Six Game Win Streak

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/1/24/2730758/penguins-at-blues-penguins-evgeny-malkin-hope-to-continue-six-game

Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans

Pagano to interview for Colts' job

Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano interviewed with the Colts on Tuesday for their head-coaching job.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/24/pagano-to-interview-for-colts-job

Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson

Mock draft 1.0

There's little doubt about Andrew Luck coming off the board first, but who will be the next 31 prospects chosen in Round One? PFW's Nolan Nawrocki weighs in with his early projections.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/24/mock-draft-10-2

San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs

AFC East chat preview

It's Super Bowl bye week in the AFC East division. But that doesn't mean we are taking the week off from our AFC East chat. Join me at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday to discuss the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl matchup with the New York Giants and everything else in the division. We can also discuss the offseasons of the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. Here is the link. Don't miss it.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37738/afc-east-chat-preview-15

James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown

Brian Schottenheimer to face Jets in 2012

Can a Rex Ryan defense stop a Brian Schottenheimer-led offense? We will find out next season with the New York Jets travel in 2012 to face the St. Louis Rams. The AFC East will play the NFC West next season, and this is one of the intriguing angles that will come from this series. Schottenheimer left the Jets under curious circumstances. He underachieved this past season in New York, which had the 25th-ranked offense. Quarterback Mark Sanchez failed to make major strides in his third season under Schottenheimer's leadership.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/37725/brian-schottenheimer-to-face-jets-in-2012

San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards

SI.com: Forcing Fumbles Is Art, Not Luck

Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/chris_harry/01/24/art.of.fumble/index.html?sct=nfl_t11_a0

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Justin Blackmon Becomes A St. Louis Rams WR In Latest CBS Sports Mock

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/1/24/2730169/2012-nfl-mock-draft-justin-blackmon-st-louis-rams-cbs-sports

Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers