The Arkansas Sports Blog

cbssports: “It’s the baseball land of Oz. People dream about...

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:51:56 -0600

“It’s the baseball land of Oz. People dream about this place.” - Bobby Valentine on Fenway Park.

Knobler: How do we celebrate a ballpark? This is how.

Our “All Time Greatest” NCAA Basketball Program Bracket is going...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:51:43 -0600

Our “All Time Greatest” NCAA Basketball Program Bracket is going on NOW!

It’s easy to play, just “like” our page on facebook (fb.com/arsportsblog) and cast your vote for the team you think is the best…

We’re in the West Region today and voting closes at midnight CST.

Matchups include (1) UCLA v. (8) Texas; (4) UNLV v. (5) Oklahoma State; (3) Oklahoma v. (6) Houston; and (2) Arizona v. (7) BYU.

nationalpostsports: INVISIBLE CADDY RETURNS! Tiger Woods misses...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:50:04 -0600

nationalpostsports:

INVISIBLE CADDY RETURNS! Tiger Woods misses a putt on the 16th green during second round play at Bayhill.

cbssports: Watch (3) Baylor vs. (10) Xavier on CBS or for FREE...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:49:21 -0600

cbssports:

Watch (3) Baylor vs. (10) Xavier on CBS or for FREE online.

Team-specific RapidReports

Here it is! Our 32 greatest NCAA Basketball teams of all...

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:53:55 -0600

Here it is! Our 32 greatest NCAA Basketball teams of all time… First round matchup’s begin March 23, so encourage your friends to “Like” our facebook page (fb.com/arsportsblog) and vote so your favorite team can advance…

We based our rankings on longevity and consistency of success, NCAA tournament appearances, how deep and how often they made a run in the tournaments, National Championships, Season records and many other factors.

nfloffseason: After a season of getting paid on the cheap, and...

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:47:34 -0600

nfloffseason:

After a season of getting paid on the cheap, and therefore worrying more about his health than performance, DeSean Jackson accepted a new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

5 years. $47 Million. ($15 Mill Guaranteed)

If you’re an Eagles fan, you should be happy for this signing, as Jackson should go back to being the confident playmaker he’s shown to be (despite his celebrations) and it means your club has somewhat of a clue by keeping a star player in the fold, rather than giving him the business.

Darren McFadden Finds Another Way To Show His Razorback Pride (For Only $90,000) - ArkansasSports360.com

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:30:01 -0600

Darren McFadden Finds Another Way To Show His Razorback Pride (For Only $90,000) - ArkansasSports360.com:

Arkansas linebacker Alonzo Highsmith is expected to miss the spring with a pec injury.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:06:09 -0600

Posted on 14 March 2012

Arkansas suffered its first injury before spring practice even began Wednesday.

The program announced linebacker Alonzo Highsmith is expected to miss the spring after suffering a pectoral muscle injury Tuesday. Highsmith, a starter in his first season with the Hogs in 2011, entered the spring as Arkansas’ most experienced linebacker after the departures of Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson.

It’s not immediately known how Highsmith suffered the injury. However, the Razorbacks were going through pre-spring strength and speed testing in the past week. Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said earlier this week the Razorbacks were doing their bench press tests Tuesday, which is the day Highsmith suffered the injury.

“I am extremely disappointed for Alonzo,” Petrino said in a statement. “He had an impressive first year for us and I know he had high expectations for himself this spring. Alonzo has demonstrated he is a leader on our team and the coaching staff expects him to continue to be a strong part of building our defense.”

Highsmith recorded 80 tackles with a team-high 12 1/2 for losses last season. He also ranked second on the team in sacks (4 1/2) and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery against LSU.

Without Highsmith, Arkansas will lean on a relatively inexperienced bunch throughout the spring.

Junior Robert Atiga and senior Terrell Williams are listed behind Highsmith on the pre-spring depth chart. The Razorbacks also will count on a group of linebackers that includes Braylon Mitchell, Tyler Gilbert, Matt Marshall, Jarrett Lake, Daunte Carr and Austin Jones this spring.

— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau

Join our ESPN Bracket Challenge!

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:17:52 -0600

Join our ESPN Bracket Challenge!

UALR Draws Delaware In NCAA Women's Opener At Jack Stephens Center

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:20:00 -0600

by Jim Harris

3/12/2012 at 9:15pm

Image by Nelson Chenault

UALR’s women’s basketball team reacts to news of its first-round opponent, the Delaware Blue Hens, in the NCAA Tournament, which opens Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center.

UALR’s women, surprising winners last week in Hot Springs in the Sun Belt Conference championship game to earn a spot in the NCAA Women’s Tourament, drew a 14th seed Monday and a pairing against No. 3-seeded Delaware. The good news is that UALR was already playing host to a subregional, whether the Trojans had made the field or not, and they’ll have the home-court advantage against the 30-1 Blue Hens on Sunday at 4:20 p.m. Joining UALR and Delaware in the subregional at the Jack Stephens Center are former Big 8/Big 12 rivals Kansas and Nebraska, who play in Sunday’s second game.

Chair back seats are $50 for all sessions; end zone seats are $40 for all sessions. For tickets call the UALR Ticket Office at (501) 565-UALR or visit UALRTrojans.com. The box office at the Jack Stephens Center also will be open from 10 am.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

UALR Coach Joe Foley’s brief words for Monday’s crowd at the Jack Stephens Center to watch the pairings annoucement including a thanks for the fans’ support and the hope “that each one of you will bring three or four others to the tournament.”

UALR, 20-12 overall will need every edge it can muster against a mid-major program with a high-major star in junior Elena Delle Donne, who leads the nation in scoring with a 27.5 per-game average. She also pulls down 10.5 rebounds per game, and she shoots better than 40 percent from 3-point range and nearly 90 percent on free throws. She score 40 or more points four times this season, including a high of 42, as Delaware romped to the Colonial Athletic Association regular season and tournament titles.

The 6-foot-5 Delle Donne was a two-time high school player of the year who signed with UConn but lasted less than a week at Storrs, Conn., before she quit and returned home to Delaware, reportedly burned out on basketball. She tried volleyball at the University of Delaware before the basketball fires reignited.

ESPN correctly forecast the matchup of UALR and Delaware before Monday’s announcement, but ESPN’s selection show went deep into the hour before UALR, and Little Rock as the host city of the subregional, showed up on the screen.

UALR players, coaches, fans and support staff gathered at Jack Stephens Center Monday afternoon to await the announcement. They watched a replay of the Sun Belt Tournament final and Taylor Ford’s breathtaking drive and short shot in the lane that gave the Trojans a 71-70 lead with 11 seconds left. Middle Tennessee, which to that point had not lost to a Sun Belt team this season, then got off two well-defended 3-pointers from either side of the free-throw lane before time ran out.

The 5-foot-9 sophomore Ford, whose shot is responsible for the Trojans making the field — UALR’s high RPI made it unlikely the Trojans would get a bid unless they had beaten Middle Tennessee — said the past six days have been a roller coast of emotions

“It’s been incredible and it’s been weird at the same time, because everywhere you go it’s like everybody is like, ‘Congratulations, congratulations.’ You’re just looking around like, ‘thank you, thank you,’” Ford said. “It’s just crazy. It’s been amazing, actually … When I was on the computer, and I was looking at the NCAA stuff about who won and other stuff and I could see my name. I was just like, ‘Geez.’ It was just a shot.

“When I was watching again on the screen [Monday], I was just wondering what was I thinking during that time. At first, when it was happening, I was kind of like scared. Where’s the ball going to go? Somebody needs to get open, get open. I through it to Marian [Kursh] and I got the ball back and I was like, ‘Shot. Two seconds.’”

The sea in the lane seemed to part for Ford to drive to the bucket as Middle Tennessee thought the ball might go back to Kursh or to freshman Taylor Gault, the team’s leading scorer. And there it was again, in front of several hundred fans again Monday, as exciting as it seemed last Tuesday in Hot Springs.

Moments later, the big screens on either end of the Stephens Center switched to ESPN’s women’s pairings coverage. And finally, nearly 40 minutes later, up popped “Little Rock” and the first pairing here, a 6-vs.-11 matchup between Nebraska (6) and Kansas (11). That told everyone that UALR was a 14th seed and would be playing a third seed. When Delaware was announced, the players and the fans cheered boisterously.

Other pairings announced on the replay boards in the arena brought various levels of reaction, most noticeably the pairing of Arkansas and Dayton in College Station, Texas, where Texas A&M could await the winner in the second round. A&M Coach Gary Blair previously coached the Razorbacks before taking over the Aggies and building a program that peaked with last year’s national championship. This year, A&M is a 3 seed.

Arkansas, as a 6 seed, could have been sent to Little Rock, but the selection committee decided to have just one Arkansas team at the Jack Stephens Center. Kansas should travel well, and Nebraska has a good program that reached the Big Ten tourney final. Plus, until Nebraska’s athletic programs moved last year into the Big Ten, the Cornhuskers and Jayhawks were rivals for nearly a century in athletic contests.

“We gotta come ready to play. Just bedause we’re at home, we have to stay focued and show that we’re good enough to be in this tournament and that we can go on past the first round,” Ford said.

UALR’s tournament appearance is its third in a row under Foley, who took over a struggling outfit nine years ago after tremendous success at Division II (and formerly NAIA) Arkansas Tech. UALR won its first tournament game in its first try two years ago, shocking Georgia Tech in Norman, Okla., before falling to host Oklahoma in the second round. Last year, Wisconsin-Green Bay eliminated the Trojans in the first round at Wichita.

“The big key is, we’ve got our fans here,” Foley said of the third trip to The Dance. “That’s huge at this time of year because all games are based on runs, and getting runs going and your fans play a huge part in picking you up when you let down little bit and need a run, they kind of help you get going. It’s kind of hard to let down when you’ve got a bunch of people in the stands.”

UALR might have seen post-season play with the Women’s NIT, which the Trojans competed in four years ago, but Ford’s shot and the ensuing defense last Tuesday against Middle Tennessee assured another trip for Foley’s program to the tourney that matters.

“It’s just an awesome time to be getting to play in the NCAA. There’s many coaches and many teams that never have that opportunity,” Foley said. “Thank goodness I’m old enough now and been around long enough, I cherish each one of them … I try to transfer that over to the kids, get them to realize how important it is, how much fun it is, to enjoy it. Don’t let these moments slip by because a lot of people never get to experience these moments. I’m tickled to death for our basketball team.”

Email: jharris@abpg.com. Also follow Jim on Twitter @jimharris360

National media dropping the ball on Manning coverage

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:36:57 -0600

Contributed by Jacob Brower (Editor of the Daily Citizen newspaper in Searcy, AR)

The past four days of Peyton Manning coverage has underscored the drastic and rapid decline of the national sports media in recent years.

Over-reliance on anonymous sources has infiltrated even the most respected national publications. For the sake of these news outlets and the fans who rely on them, this terrible practice has to stop.

For every report that says one thing, another pops up a few minutes later stating the exact opposite. When a journalist uses an anonymous source, that source is free to tell bald-faced lies without fear. When information turns out to be false, it’s the reporter’s credibility that is damaged — not the mysterious “source with knowledge of the situation.”

In contract negotiations, it is often advantageous to a player or organization for false information to be circulated. The national media gets played like a bass fiddle every time, yet they never seem to learn from past mistakes.

That’s not to mention the wannabe journalists who use the well-worn “sources within the organization” line to blatantly make stuff up. One of the bad things about technology is that anyone with a Twitter or Blogspot account can call himself a journalist. It’s a low-risk, high-reward proposition. If their fabricated stories turn out to be true, they get their 15 minutes of fame. If not, they won’t lose their livelihoods because they’re not paid to be journalists. They will simply try their luck again with more fabrications once the next big-name free agent hits the market.

Now, let’s step back and re-examine the Manning story. The only information we know for certain is this: Manning is free to sign with any team he chooses. He has visited with Denver and Arizona. Other teams — including Kansas City, Miami, Tennessee, Washington and Seattle — have expressed interest. That’s all we know. Everything else is just hearsay and speculation.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 12 years as a professional journalist, it is this: It is always better to allow someone else to “break” a story than to run the risk of spreading false information. Being first must always rank a distant second to being right. Anonymous sources have been banned at my newspaper, and other media organizations would be wise to follow suit. If sources want to get information out to legitimate news outlets, make them put their names to it. The quantity of information you can use will decrease, but the quality will increase dramatically.

Many journalists’ reputations will be unnecessarily tarnished — perhaps ruined — once this saga has played out and the facts of what actually happened these past four days become known.

It’s unfortunate, but they will have no one to blame but themselves.

5 Things to look for in Spring Practice

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:20:03 -0600

Spring football practice for the Razorbacks begin on Wednesday, so it’s obvious we’re going to start talking about football..

Yes, basketball season just ended for the Hogs and baseball season is just gearing up, but lets face it, as much as we love our multi-sport program, football is still king.

So here are my five things to look for as we begin spring practice this week.

No. 1 - Knile Davis.

Will Knile be his old self when he takes the field later this week. After an entire year on the sidelines due to injury, Petrino says Davis is 100% healthy and implies he could be faster than ever.

But will we see a full recovery like we did with Joe Adams or an unstable one like with Greg Childs?

Adams returned from a small stroke within the same season, then came back to break records and go down as one of the best punt returners in 2011. However, Greg Childs’ return from injury left many questioning whether or not he should have just sat on the bench. Childs never seemed to get his “mojo” back.

Knile will be huge to the Hogs backfield if the Razorbacks are to make a run at the SEC and National titles. Spring practice will give a good glimpse into whether Davis will be an average back in the SEC or a potential Heisman candidate.

No. 2 - Paul Haynes’ Defense

The exit of Willie Robinson has left many Hog fans very happy, but the hiring of Paul Haynes left many of those fans going… “who?”

Haynes was the co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State in 2011 and is someone Petrino is familiar with having been on Jacksonville Jaguars staff together.

Many have said that it won’t be the X’s and O’s that makes the UA defense better under Haynes, but the fundamentals he focuses on.

His fingerprints will be all over the revamped defense this spring and could be evidence of what’s to come.. whether good or bad.

No. 3 - New Receivers

Joe, Greg and Jarius may be gone but Petrino and company look to have reloaded at receiver. Horton, Gragg, Hamilton and others may have big shoes to fill but I think they are capable hands.

If anything, this could be a receiving core that has the potential to do more damage than the previous regime. Yeah, you read right.

But the spring will be big time proving ground if they want to achieve this massive feat. They will need to come out hungry and ready to prove themselves if they want a shot at a title.

No. 4 - Offensive Line

Let’s face it. As good as the Arkansas offense was in 2011, they did it while Tyler Wilson was on the ground half the time.

Protection for the potential Heisman candidate is going to be critical this season and it will have to start in the spring.

No. 5 - Handling Expectations

Expectations were big last season. But that was with LSU and Bama on the road. Many following the Hogs had high hopes but realistically knew it would be a big mountain to climb to take on both of those perennial powerhouses away from DWR.

This season, for the first time, both LSU and BAMA will come to Fayetteville to take on the Hogs. Handling the high expectations could prove to be the biggest hurdle the Razorbacks face all season long.

Spring ball will show a lot. Whether they realize or not, their attitude and work ethic in the Spring practices will really give a glimpse into their mindset and how they’re prepared to handle the high national expectations that have fallen on them.

- CW

Razorbacks drop South Carolina series - University of Arkansas Athletics

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:03:04 -0600

Razorbacks drop South Carolina series - University of Arkansas Athletics

Manning is “making it up as he goes”

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:56:40 -0600

Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2012, 8:34 PM EDT

Getty Images

Quarterback Peyton Manning has a reputation for thorough preparation and careful thought. But that’s not how he’s treating his first foray into free agency.

It seemed like an embellishment at best, a flat-out fib at worst, when Manning said upon being released by the Colts that he hasn’t thought about his next destination. Apparently, it was the truth.

A source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Manning currently is “making it up as he goes.” Per the source, Manning never envisioned being in this situation, and he simply hadn’t planned for it.

And so, as reporters throw elbows in an effort to track down any sliver of insight regarding Peyton’s plans, the reality is that he has no plan. Friday’s trip to Denver was simply the first stop. And now Arizona is the second.

As a practical matter, it means that Peyton ultimately will be relying heavily on a gut feeling that will emerge after meeting with however many teams he decides to meet with before making his decision. Which means that it will be critical for the various suitors to establish with Peyton a real connection that will allow him to believe it’s the right move, wherever he ends up moving.

In this regard, there’s also a benefit to being the last team who meets with Peyton. If it’s a close call, the folks he’s with when he’s close to making up his mind will have a decided advantage.

On this day 17 years ago, His Airness announced that he was...

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:10:26 -0600

On this day 17 years ago, His Airness announced that he was leaving the White Sox organization to return to the Bulls

Trojans to Play Doubleheader Saturday at Gary Hogan Field

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:08:22 -0600

UALR Sports Information
Release: 03/09/2012

LITTLE ROCK - Due to the potential for heavy storms on Sunday, the UALR baseball team will play games one and two of their series against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Saturday at Gary Hogan Field. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

Junior right-hander Blake Huffman will get the start for the Trojans in game one, while right-hander Cale Tassi will be on the hill for the Panthers. UALR’s game-two starter is TBA, and UWM will throw left-hander Mike Schneider in the second game.

cbssports: Will a Big Ten team get a No. 1 seed when the...

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:02:38 -0600

cbssports:

Will a Big Ten team get a No. 1 seed when the bracket is unveiled tomorrow?

Watch the Big Ten semifinals (Michigan State-Wisconsin, Ohio State-Michigan) on CBS or online.

And the winner is...

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:14:00 -0600

Well here we go. Peyton Manning is a free agent and the whirlwind of speculation on the most sought after free agent in NFL history has begun.

While many of us disagree on the Colt’s decision to let the future hall-of-fame QB go, what is done is done and now all we can do is speculate where Manning will end up next.

Here is my breakdown of each team’s chances of landing the star quarterback…

NFC: Manning has said he would prefer to stay in the AFC, so this immediately makes every team in the NFC a long shot, but some have better chances that others.

Cowboys - Although the ‘Boys have superstar dating QB Romo under center, Romo has yet to reach super star status on the field. His inability to win in big games (especially in the playoffs) may be enough to sway Jerry Jones into forking over the big bucks to reel in Manning. Very unlikely, but don’t be shocked if we see Dallas throw their hat into the ring. Chances: 10%

Giants - This town has proven that with a Manning in charge it can win Super Bowls, unfortunately it’s Little Manning’s town now. Chances: 0%

Eagles - Michael Vick didn’t quite live up to “dream team” expectations last season, but Philly probably won’t put Vick in the pound just yet. Chances: 5%

Redskins - Washington has a chance at landing Manning… But I doubt it. Chances are he won’t want to compete that often with his kid brother. But the once storied franchise is still in search for it’s saving QB and will spend big money on Manning or plan for the future with RG3. Chances: 40%

Bears - Most Chicago fans either love or hate Cutler, regardless of what the Bears front office wants, I doubt Manning will want to play at Soldier field in the winter. Chances: 5%

Lions - Detroit is an interesting situation, Stafford has had moderate success but Manning would instantly make the Lions a serious playoff contender plus they play in a dome which is something Manning is very comfortable with. If this was an AFC team I would give them a chance. Chances: 10%

Packers - Aaron Rogers was the only player that could have replaced Farve and win a Super Bowl, no way he’s getting replaced any time soon. Chances: 0%

Vikings - This wouldn’t be the first time the Vikes picked up a hall of fame QB after a long tenure with a team. But it’s unlikely it will be their second. Chances: 15%

Falcons - Although Matt Ryan has yet to bring a Super Bowl or significant playoff success to the ATL, it’s unlikely the Falcons will get rid of their young franchise QB for Manning. Chances: 5%

Panthers - Cam Newton has brought new life to Carolina, it hasn’t quite brought the wins, but there’s new excitement for the cats and the organization will likely plan stick with their young QB. Chances: 5%

Saints - It’s been reported that Drew Brees has grown out his hair and dyed it blonde to match his hero… Dog the Bounty Hunter, but that’s not enough to replace him in New Orleans. Chances: 0%

Buccaneers - Tampa Bay still has a pro-football team? Chances: 5%

Cardinals - I like Arizona’s chance at getting Manning. They play in a dome. It’s a smaller market much like Indy. Manning would have control of the offense. And it’s reported that Reggie Wayne has shown interest in following Petyon where he lands. Add Larry Fitzgerald and we have a pretty decent offense already. Manning would do for the Cards what Kurt Warner did for them just a few years ago. They have the best shot out of the NFC, and I would give them nearly 100% chances if they were in the AFC. Chances: 75%

Rams - With the amount of money St. Louis invested in Sam Bradford, I think they’re stuck. Chances: 0%

49ers - Jim Harbaugh has faith in Alex Smith and has him playing like a pro quarterback, It was also announced that the 49ers have officially taken their team out of the hat. Chances: 0%

Seahawks - Seattle has money and does not need to continue another season with Tavaris Jackson under center. But being in the NFC could hurt their chances. They may have to settle for a not so high profile free agent Matt Flynn. Chances: 20%

AFC: It’s likely AFC fans will continue to see Peyton Manning ruin their team’s playoff chances…

Bills - Unfortunately for Buffalo, they need more than just a star quarterback to turn the franchise around. Chances: 15%

Dolphins - Miami seems to be the hot pick right now. Manning has a house in South Florida and Dan Marino is going to pull every last string he has to get a star quarterback back in town. Could Manning be taking his talents to South Beach? Chances: 70%

Patriots - As good as Manning is, the Pats have zero need for a QB as long as Brady is in charge (plus they have a pretty good backup in Ryan Mallet). Chances: 0%

Jets - It’s highly unlikely Peyton will compete in the same city, same stadium as his kid brother, but stranger things have happen. Who thought this time last year that Manning wouldn’t be a Colt? Chances: 30%

Ravens - Joe Flacco has been a solid quarterback for Baltimore, highly unlikely he’s going anywhere. Chances: 5%

Bengals - Doubtful that Cincy will change directions after drafting Andy Dalton to lead this team last year. Chances: 10%

Browns - Cleveland feels they are in the same situation as many teams. Just a player or two away from being a real contender. Although there are rumors that McCoy has not panned out as expected for the Browns, it’s not likely Peyton would want to play in Cleveland. Chances: 15%

Steelers - Pro-Bowler Ben Roethlisberger is still the king of Pittsburgh for now, not gonna happen. Chances: 0%

Texans - This is another good landing spot for Peyton. Like Arizona they play in a dome and have a pretty decent team to surround him. Manning could instantly make Houston a playoff contender in the first season. Plus being in the same division as his former team could be good motivation. Chances: 75%

Colts - I think we know how this one ends… Chances: 0%

Jaguars - Jacksonville is rebuilding after the departure of Jack Del Rio, not likely Manning will want to be part of this lengthy process with what was a sub-par team to begin with. Chances: 15%

Titans - Manning returning to Tennessee would be like Tebow returning to Florida. But that may be too much pressure if he isn’t 100% healthy. Chances: 20%

Broncos - Only Manning could bring a screaming halt to Tebow mania in Denver. Peyton met with Elway and Fox on Friday to talk and tour the practice facilities. Could be a very good fit. It’s rumored Manning has said Denver was on his short list of teams along with Arizona and Miami. Chances: 60%

Chiefs - From what I see, Kansas City fans have possibly been the most vocal about getting Manning. The Chiefs were the first team to offer Peyton a complete contract, but they’re coming across like the geeky kid who just found out their dream girl was dumped at the prom. And like that nerd, their chances are about the same. Chances: 10%

Raiders - After signing veteran QB Carson Palmer last season, Oakland will likely stick it out with the former USC signal caller for at least another season to see if he can turn around this rebel franchise. Chances: 10%

Chargers - San Diego hasn’t seen amazing success under Phillip Rivers, but probably enough that they won’t put their name in the mix. Chances: 10%

At this point it’s anyone’s guess as to where Manning will land. All we know for certain is that for the first time in 14 years, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history will no longer be wearing a blue horseshoe on his white helmet. Happy offseason everyone.

-CW

cbssports: Rate ‘em: Astros throwback uniforms.They will wear...

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:16:36 -0600

cbssports:

Rate ‘em: Astros throwback uniforms.

They will wear ‘em twice in April. Details.

UALR Women grab 2nd Straight SBC Title

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:39:51 -0600

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—The UALR women’s basketball team held off a Middle Tennessee team that eliminated a 22-point deficit in the second half to win 71-70 in overtime and secure the team’s second-straight Sun Belt Conference Tournament title and third-straight NCAA berth. The Trojans also recorded the team’s fifth-straight 20-win season and are now 20-12 overall.

“I think you have to take you hats off to these young ladies,” said head coach Joe Foley. “They could have put their heads down after losing the lead and then we had to come back and hit the shot to put it into overtime and then Taylor Ford does what she did.”

Ford hit the game winner with nine seconds on the clock and contributed 13 points and a team-high seven assists in the win.

“We actually were trying to run a play and Coach had told me during the timeout that if they weren’t guarding me to go ahead and penetrate,” said Foley. “I was trying to get the ball to Marian but she wasn’t open so I went ahead and took it.”

Taylor Gault, the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, led the team with 20 points. Marian Kurshrecorded a double-double with 18 points and a team-high 16 rebounds earning All-Tournament team honors.

Janette Merriex added 11 points, while Britteni Williams recorded nine points and eight rebounds in the win.

In the final minutes of the first half, Middle Tennessee outscored UALR 14-5 including knocking down three-straight three-pointers as the Trojans went into half-time with the 44-31 lead.

Middle Tennessee opened the second half on a 9-0 run, before UALR scored the team’s first field goal off of a MT turnover with a layup by Britteni Williams to maintain the 46-40 lead with 15:36 remaining.

The Blue Raiders scored six-straight points with four coming off of UALR turnovers tying the score 46-46 on free throws by Icelyn Elie with 12:35 remaining.

Over the next three minutes, both teams exchanged points and one-point leads, until Jones knocked a three-pointer at the 7:00 mark to spark a 7-1 run with UALR missing three free throws as the Blue Raiders took a 61-56 lead.

With 5:43 remaining, a jumper by Gault followed by a three-point play by Ford tied the score at 61.

Both teams missed scoring opportunities. With 8.7 second left, Jones for Middle Tennessee was fouled shooting a three-pointer and made two-of-three for the 61-61 lead.

With 0.1 on the clock, Gault knocked down a jumper to send the game into overtime 63-63.

Middle Tennessee opened the overtime with a three-pointer, before Kursh knocked down a layup with 4:25 remaining. Both teams missed shots, before Ford hit a layup with 3:02 left to cut the MT lead to 68-67.

After a layup by Elie for MT, Ford was fouled at the 1:40 mark and made both free throws to bring the Trojans within one.

Both teams missed shots, before Ford knocked down a layup with nine seconds remaining. Middle Tennessee missed two three-pointers as UALR won the team’s second-straight Sun Belt Conference title.

The UALR women’s basketball team will play at The Jack Stephens Center for the NCAA Tournament March 18 and 20. The selection show will be Monday, March 12 at 6 p.m. on ESPN.