Gary Shelton
Sapp, Brown are linked forever
TAMPA -- In the moment before it all begins, before all the colors and the noise, before the game itself, a man will stand alone.
Bucs/NFL
Young and Restless
Four young, black quarterbacks aren't waiting for success. after just two years in the NFL, they are aiming for the Super Bowl title.
Value of playoff experience debated
Young Eagles think Bucs may have an advantage. Bucs say playing well is the only thing that matters.
Prognosis better for King, Duncan, White
TAMPA -- As the weather got cooler and wetter as if in anticipation of Sunday's wild-card playoff game at Philadelphia, the Bucs' injury concerns lessened Thursday with the return of several key players to practice for non-contact drills.
What they're saying
While the other three road teams in this weekend's NFL wild-card games need worry only about their opponents, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must steel themselves not just for the 11-5 Eagles but for chaos and concussions, loudmouths and ligament damage, angrily thrust fingers, and aching turf toes.
Hape vigilant about signature
Consider this a warning: If you happen to get something autographed by Bucs tight end Patrick Hape, don't try to post it on an online auction site like eBay.com.
NFL briefs
Saints' Johnson has top comeback
NFC briefs
Sellout deadlines extended
AFC briefs
Plenty of tickets available in Miami
Outback Bowl
Cooper, Holtz are still going strong
TAMPA -- After a combined 53 years in the collegiate head-coaching ranks, Ohio State's John Cooper and South Carolina's Lou Holtz have not changed much. Call the Outback Bowl coaches old-fashioned, and they take it as a compliment.
Holtz builds trust, team
Lou Holtz's tough love turns a South Carolina program plagued by factions and losses into a tight-knit winner.
College football
FSU can join elite with repeat
In 63 years, only nine teams have successfully defended national title.
Gators, 'Canes scuffle
No arrests or suspensions planned after Bourbon Street fight.
Ailing receiver is still hoping to fill an FSU need
MIAMI -- Florida State junior receiver Robert Morgan has tried everything he could to recover from a broken toe, a must with the loss of Marvin Minnis, even heeding the advice of a popular commercial.
College bowl game briefs
Vick won't rule out NFL after all
Spurrier buoyed by defense's resurgence
NEW ORLEANS -- The Mississippi State game proved to be the low point for the Florida defense.
Florida-Miami: A rivalry revisited
Florida and Miami play for the first time in 13 seasons Tuesday in New Orleans. To refresh everyone's memories of this bitter rivalry, the Times will review one classic game in the series each day leading up to the Sugar Bowl.
Sports on TV/radio
Title talk a plus for network
If Miami wins the Sugar Bowl and Florida State the Orange Bowl, ABC's Bob Griese predicts the teams will share the college football national title. With the current system that's how it should be, he said.
Et cetera
Sports briefs
Nicorette wins Sydney to Hobart yacht race
NBA
Magic masters Pistons again
ORLANDO -- Darrell Armstrong had 22 points, 14 assists and 7 rebounds, and Tracy McGrady scored 26 points as the Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 102-96 Thursday night.
Colleges
Florida dumps Tulane; coach isn't pleased
Billy Donovan cites frontcourt and defensive problems in 103-85 win.
Women's college basketball around the state
Mobley, Florida overwhelm Tennessee State
Preps
Rejuvenated Dunedin defeats Wesley Chapel
NEW PORT RICHEY -- Dunedin rebounded from Wednesday's 10-1 loss to Ridgewood with a 4-2 win over Wesley Chapel on the second day of the Ridgewood Rams Winter Classic on Thursday.
Rams pull away late, move into final of own tournament
NEW PORT RICHEY -- If you're going to dedicate a tournament to someone who has passed away, it's probably a good idea to win it.
Barons live up to status as favorites
TAMPA -- Prior to the championship game of the Craig Keeler Memorial Tournament, Academy of the Holy Names coach Jeff Pafunda admitted his team was surprised to be in the final, especially after beating King by only one point in the first round.
Early lead holds up for Chiefs
TAMPA -- Doing its best to be a rude host, Chamberlain jumped out to a big lead and held off Blake to post a 69-55 win in the opening round of the fifth annual Chamberlain Christmas Tournament.
Three-pointers douse Green Devils
ST. PETERSBURG -- Of the seven out-of-state teams in the 16-team Blue Jacket Holiday Classic, one clearly appears to be in town for more than just a break from the harsh northern winter.
Lakewood outlasts Country Day 65-55
ST. PETERSBURG -- At the outset, one team, Jacksonville Arlington Country Day, had the national ranking (No. 22 by USA Today), national reputation, national tournament schedule and nationally recognized names.
