Gary Shelton
Nervous Bucs fans should watch these 10 things
By now, the studying was supposed to be done. By now, the lessons were supposed to be learned.

Bucs/NFL
Chemical reactions will be monitored
Culpepper's release was another jolt to the Bucs' chemistry, which will be a preseason finale focus.

Trainer: Gruber to start training
TAMPA -- Paul Gruber is ready to begin training to play for the Bucs again, trainer Todd Toriscelli said Thursday.

Around the AFC

Around the NFC

NFL briefs
Colts finish a happy bunch

Devil Rays
Saunders breaks arm again
ST. PETERSBURG -- Tony Saunders' career came to an apparent end Thursday night 12 blocks and 15 months from where he threw his final major-league pitch.

After a long wait, Wilson gets a shot
A string of injuries has stalled Paul Wilson. The former No. 1 pick is ready to pitch for Devil Rays.

McCracken AWOL after his demotion
Team officials are pondering a question:

Colleges
Lawsuit names Winters, Griffin
Among other things, it claims an investigation of the USF women's basketball coach was covered up by the school's AD.

Assistant AD Green's job eliminated
TAMPA -- University of South Florida assistant athletic director for basketball operations Hiram Green revealed Thursday his position is being eliminated.

Seminole optimism continues to grow
Florida State returns seven starters and has a very strong recruiting class, but it still may not be enough to catch UF.

New look, lineup for the Gators
With key starters gone to graduation, it may be tough for Florida to continue its perennial success.

Coaches feeling the heat
The football coaching staff has been showing some solidarity with the athletes during those hot, long two-a-day practices. Several of the assistants have been wearing black, long-sleeved shirts and black shorts.

Extra points
Player profile: Ryan Benjamin

College football around the state
FSU is eager for Pigskin Classic

College football briefs
Butkus Award candidates are announced

Et cetera
Cybersquatters get NFL eviction notice
Local entrepreneurs who hoped to cash in on Super Bowl XXXV by registering game-related Web site names are in for some bad news: The NFL is still master of its domains.

Sports briefs
PR event turns into early fight

Olympics briefs
Citing health, Akers quits soccer team

Ernest Hooper
Floridians enjoy a rare game by ABC's Jackson
With college football upon us, let's review some of the highlights we can look forward to this weekend.

Golf
Golf briefs
An unhappy Woods leads NEC with 64

NBA
Pro basketball briefs
Houston holds off New York

Baseball
Ripken says his return could be 'very close''
BALTIMORE -- The Devil Rays may get to play Cal Ripken this weekend.

Baseball briefs
Griffey gets rest after spat with announcer

FSL
Tampa defeats Jupiter 4-3
TAMPA -- Alex Graman allowed two earned runs and struck out six in 51/3 innings for his ninth win as Tampa beat Jupiter 4-3 Thursday night. It was the Yankees' second win in a row against the Hammerheads.

Preps
Citrus earns win over Ridgewood
NEW PORT RICHEY -- If Citrus coach Larry Bishop had to give his squad a letter grade after Thursday night's 10-7 preseason Kickoff Classic win over host Ridgewood, this is what it would be:

Ground game lifts Leopards
LAND O'LAKES -- Hernando coach Bill Browning wondered about depth while Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto went into Thursday night's Kickoff Classic seeking a balanced offense.

Hillsborough gets challenge it wanted
TAMPA -- Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia hoped for a tough matchup in tonight's preseason classic, and man, did he ever get what he wanted.

Cougar star verbally commits to Tulane
Countryside's Brandon Rottmayer went to football camp at Penn State, Georgia Tech and Miami this summer.

Marauders outslug Warhawks by seven
SEMINOLE -- Clearwater Central Catholic and Seminole didn't light up the scoreboard Thursday evening.