NFL

Things make you go hmmm

By ROGER MILLS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 14, 2003

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START THE TRASH-TALKING: Based on opening-day rosters, Florida and Notre Dame tied for most players in the NFL with 40 each. FSU (37) was next, followed by Miami, Georgia and Tennessee (36 each), Texas A&M (33), Michigan (31), Ohio State (29), Nebraska (28) and Penn State (28).

WHERE'S THE BEEF?: In Oakland, not Tampa. There are 321 players who weigh at least 300 pounds in the league, and 72 percent of them are offensive linemen. The Raiders have the heaviest line with an average of 322.8 pounds, while the Eagles lead the league with nine players over 300 pounds. Three teams averaged less than 300 pounds: the Broncos (295.8), Bucs (299.3) and Falcons (299.6).

HERE'S THE BEEF: Remember former Lions first-round draft choice Aaron Gibson? The 6-foot-6, 380-pounder taken with the 27th pick in 1999 played 59 snaps at right tackle for the Bears and didn't fall out. "I'm happy to say I don't think I ever felt this good physically after a game," said Gibson, who lost 30 pounds to get down to 380 at the start of training camp. "It's different this year."

DON'T THINK ABOUT IT: After losing nine of 23 fumbles last season, Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper heard a lot of talk in training camp about holding on to the ball. So what did the former Central Florida standout do in the opener? Fumbled twice. At least he didn't throw any interceptions. He had 23 of those last season.

- Compiled from other news organizations.

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Nation: Air Force finds it can pass, rush

ACC: Boilermakers don't fall short this time

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Things make you go hmmm

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Sideline

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