Monday, September 20, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Michigan State Coach Dantonio Hospitalized After Win Vs. Notre Dame

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

East Lansing, MI, United States (AHN) – Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio was reportedly hospitalized after suffering a heart attack shortly following the Spartans’ thrilling 34-31 overtime victory over Notre Dame Saturday night.

Dantonio is reportedly OK after the heart attack.

Dantonio, 54, who is in his fourth season at Michigan State, underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital, MSU confirmed Sunday afternoon in a release reported by the Detroit Free Press.

The said procedure involved placing a stent in a blocked blood vessel leading to the heart.

According to reports, Dantonio was admitted to the Sparrow Hospital Emergency Room early Sunday morning, with symptoms consistent with a heart attack, shortly after calling an audacious fake field goal that led to the Spartans’ triumph over Notre Dame.

He reportedly started experiencing those symptoms around 12:30 a.m. shortly after concluding his post-game news conference.

Dantonio is “resting comfortably” following the successful procedure and is expected to make a full recovery. He will remain in the hospital a few more days, the Free Press reported.

“This is a time for Spartan Nation to rally around Coach D and the football program,” said Athletics Director Mark Hollis in a statement. “We all look forward to his return to the sidelines. The thoughts of the entire Spartan family are with Coach D, his wife Becky and his daughters Kristen and Lauren.”

Meanwhile, Spartans’ offensive coordinator Don Treadwell will take over during Dantonio’s indefinite absence.

Treadwell, who has held the offensive coordinator post since 2007, is in his seventh season on the Michigan State staff.

Dantonio has compiled a 25-17 record with the Spartans, steering the program to three bowl appearances.

Saturday’s win helped Michigan State improved to 3-0.

Michigan State will entertain Northern Colorado Saturday, their final tilt before the Big Ten season.

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Sizzling In Florida: Bucs, Fins Off To 2-0 Starts

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

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Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Minneapolis, MN, United States (AHN) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued a surprisingly strong start to the young NFL season with a 20-7 win over the Carolina Panthers Sunday to take the outright lead in the competitive NFC South.

Second-year quarterback Josh Freeman threw for 178 yards and two touchdown passes with no turnovers as the Bucs defense forced three Panthers miscues and capitalized on an ineffective Matt Moore.

Moore finished 6-for-16 for 125 yards, a touchdown and an interception and was pulled in favor of rookie Jimmy Clausen, who didn’t fare much better and finished with a 33.8 rating.

Kellen Winslow led the receiving core with four catches for 83 yards, while Mike Williams and Earnest Graham each caught a touchdown pass.

Defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans (1-0) has a chance to draw even with the Bucs atop the division with a win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Tampa Bay (2-0) faces a tough test against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.

Another team that missed the playoffs last season, the Miami Dolphins, grabbed first place in the AFC East with a tough 14-10 win over defending NFC North champions the Minnesota Vikings.

Chad Henne attempted just 15 passes to 29 total rushes, finishing with nine completions for 114 yards and a touchdown with a 106.0 rating.

Miami forced a fumble and three interceptions from Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, who finished 22-for-36 for 225 yards and a 44.3 rating.

Ronnie Brown led the team with 13 carries for 80 yards and Rick Williams had 10 carries for 30 yards. The Dolphins won despite being outgained in total yards 364-226.

The Dolphins (2-0) are in sole possession of first place in the AFC East after New England’s loss to the Jets, who travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins next week.

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Werth Walkoff Lifts Phillies Over Nats; Seventh Straight Win

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – As the pennant race heats up, so are the Philadelphia Phillies. The hottest team in baseball is absolutely torrid.

The Phillies swept the Washington Nationals by winning Sunday’s series finale 7-6 at soldout Citizens Bank Park.

Charlie Manuel’s squad won in dramatic fashion courtesy of a four-run ninth inning, capped by Jayson Werth’s two-run, walk-off homer to centerfield.

“I got a good pitch to hit,” Werth said. “I was just trying to see the ball and put a good swing on it.”

Joe Blanton pitched well until he gave up a three-run home run to Mike Morse in the sixth inning. Rookie Vance Worley picked up his first major league win.

Werth, who has driven in a run in each of the last six games, knocked in three, Brian Schneider and Ryan Howard had a pair of RBIs.

The Phillies, an eye-popping 15-3 in September, are in very good shape for their stretch run.

“I’ve always said it’s about what team gets hot at the right time,” Howard said. “Knock on wood, we can continue to keep moving in the right direction with myself, Chase [Utley], Raul [Ibanez] has been swinging pretty well, keep J-Dub [Werth] swinging the bat well and good things will happen.”

The streaking NL East division leaders have won seven straight games and are 28 games over .500 for the first time since 1993.

The Phils open a critical three-game series at home Tuesday vs. the Atlanta Braves, who are three back with twelve games to play.

The Phillies three aces, Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt, are lined up to face their divisional rival.

“This is a big series,” Werth said. “We hold all the cards. We’re up three games. We play the Braves six times. We have a chance to create some distance.”

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Fister Deals Mariners Surprising Win Over Rangers

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

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Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Seattle, WA, United States (AHN) – Doug Fister posted seven impressive innings of one-run ball and Josh Wilson knocked in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning, as the Seattle Mariners snuck past the first-place Texas Rangers 2-1 Sunday afternoon.

Fister (6-12, 3.83) scattered nine hits and struck out two with zero walks, allowing a single solo shot to Nelson Cruz in the sixth inning.

Seattle answered with a Franklin Gutierrez RBI in the bottom of the frame and Wilson’s go-ahead single on Rangers starter Tommy Hunter (12-4, 3.92).

Hunter got the tough-luck loss despite allowing just two runs over six strong innings.

The Mariners (57-92) are holding down the bottom of the brittle AL West, 26.5 games behind first-place Texas.

The Rangers (83-65) are all but assured a trip to the postseason for the first time since 1999, nine games ahead of second-place Oakland, needing just seven more wins to clinch.

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Berbatov Shines In MU`s Win Over Liverpool; Chelsea Extends Perfect Start

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Manchester, United Kingdom (AHN) – Dimitar Berbatov finished with a record hat trick, helping Manchester United post a 3-2 decision over Liverpool Sunday at Old Trafford.

It was the first hat trick for United by Berbatov, who scored the first two goals of the match before tallying the winner in the 84th minute.

It was the first hat trick for a United player against Liverpool since 1946.

The win was the third in five matches for the Red Devils, who remain unbeaten with 11 points, but they trail Chelsea by four points at the English Premiership table.

The Blues, who are atop the standings, continued their perfect start behind the brilliant outing of Malouda in a 4-0 demolition of Blackpool at Stamford Bridge Sunday.

Malouda hiked the Blues’ advantage to a 2-0 lead in the 12th minute before finding the back of the net in the 41st.

Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba each scored a goal for the reigning champions, who improved to 5-0 in the standings.

Chelsea, which has a four-point lead over Arsenal and Manchester for the top spot in the Premiership table, now has 15 points.

At DW Stadium, Carlos Tevez scored in the 43rd minute, as Manchester City shrugged off a slow start to post a 2-0 rout over Wigan Sunday.

Yaya Toure also tallied for Manchester City, which is fourth in the standings with eight points.

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Messi Carted Off Field In Barcelona Win Over Atletico Madrid

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Madrid, Spain (AHN) – Barcelona superstar striker Lionl Messi scored a goal in a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, but left the pitch on a stretcher in obvious pain after a late tackle by Tomas Ujfalusi injured his ankle.

Messi found the net with a valiant strike in the 13th minute, only to watch Raul Garcia even the score just over 10 minutes later.

Gerard Pique’s powerful strike from close range on a mis-targeted corner gave Barcelona the lead for good.

Ujfalusi, perhaps frustrated with Atletico’s inability to equalize, lunged directly at Messi with a poorly-timed tackle slide and was shown a red card.

Messi’s ankle became massively swollen rather quickly, suggesting the reigning FIFA World Player of The Year may be out for an extended time.

Barcelona (6) climbed into sixth in La Liga with the win. Valencia (9) owns the outright lead, while Sevilla and Real Madrid (7) are tied for second.

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Houston Quarterback Keenum Out For Season; Torn ACL

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Houston, TX, United States (AHN) – Houston Cougars starting quarterback Case Keenum, expected to challenge for the NCAA all-time passing record in 2010, tore his ACL in a 31-13 loss to the UCLA Bruins Saturday and is out for the season.

Keenum, the reigning Conference USA MVP and potential Heisman candidate, injured his knee trying to stop UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers returning an interception.

Later in the game, the Cougars were dealt another blow when backup junior signal-caller, Cotton Turner, suffered a broken collar bone.

“I am very disappointed for both these young men,” head coach Kevin Sumlin said in a statement released by Houston. “It’s hard to see them hurting right now. They both are a big part of this team and wanted to be contributors to its success this season. I think they can still do that with their off-the-field leadership.”

Keenum recorded 636 passing yards on 66 percent completion percentage, with five touchdown passes before the injury.

The Abilene native ranks fifth all-time in the NCAA in career passing yards (13,586) and seventh all-time in touchdown passes (107).

Kennum may be eligible for a medical waiver, given to players who participate in less than 20 percent of the season and suffer a season-ending injury, should he decide to try and return next season.

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NHRA: Dixon Remains Perfect In Finals

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter

Concord, NC, United States (AHN) – Larry Dixon remained a perfect 11-for-11 in final round competitions when he won the Top Fuel division Sunday in the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMax Dragway.

Cruz Pedregon, Greg Anderson and LE Tonglet joined Dixon as class winners as Dxon edged Doug Kalitta in the final. Dixon made a winning pass of 316.60 mph and extended his points lead by 85 over second place Cory McClenathan.

“I can’t believe the amount of wins we’ve had and the amount of finals we’ve been in without losing,” said Dixon. “It’s hard to imagine when you think about all the great cars that are out here. It’s a credit to the team. They are an unbelievable bunch of guys. As a fan of this sport, I realize how hard it is.”

Pedregon was the No. 1 qualifier in Funny Car and scored the win when he topped Jack Beckman with a winning run of 299.13 mph. It was the first win by Pedregon since Pomona in 2008.

Pro Stock racer Anderson tallied his third win of the season when he topped Greg Stanfield in the finals.

“This is not how we planned it, to have all three Summit cars on one side of the ladder but that’s how it fell. When you have three great cars on one side, you have a good shot to get one into the final. We made a couple mistakes on the other two cars and I feel bad for Jason and Ronnie. Otherwise, we could have done more,” said Anderson.

“Today I had the best hot rod on the grounds, by far. I’m a lucky man. This is my home track, and I have struggled here but zMax Dragway is now officially my favorite track. Heck, I didn’t even know where the press room was until this weekend but now I want to race here ten times a year.”

In a rematch of the U. S. Nationals, Tonglet topped Andrew Hines on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley Davidson in the finals.

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Serbia Reaches Final For First Time; Fish Keeps U.S. In World Group

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Belgrade, Serbia (AHN) – Janko Tipsarevic destroyed Radek Stepanek in straight sets, helping Serbia clinch a final berth with come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Czech Republic Sunday.

Tipsarevic, bolstered by Novak Djokovic’s win that brought Serbia back into the best-of-five series, shut down Stepanek in the first set of the decisive singles rubber en route to a 6-0, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 triumph to send Serbia to its first Davis Cup final.

Djokovic rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Tomas Berdych, helping Serbia tie the semifinal tie at 2-2.

Serbia will face France in December for the Davis Cup title.

The French thumped Argentina 5-0 in this weekend’s other semifinal to reach its first Davis Cup final for the first time since 2002.

After Gilles Simon triumphed over Eduardo Schwank in the first match, Arnaud Clement followed it with a 7-5, 6-1 pasting of Horacio Zeballos in the reverse singles Sunday in Lyon, France.

Simon defeated Schwank, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (6-8), 6-3.

French captain Guy Forget rested Gael Monfils and Michael Llodra Sunday after France secured an unassailable 3-0 lead following Saturday’s doubles.

Meanwhile in Bogota, Columbia, Mardy Fish capped a brilliant weekend with a thrilling five-set conquest of Santiago Giraldo Sunday to give the U.S. an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five set in their playoff matchup with Colombia.

Fish, who collaborated with John Isner for a doubles triumph Saturday, overcome a gusty Giraldo 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 8-6 in the first reverse singles match Sunday.

Fish, who also dismissed Alejandro Falla Friday, became the first American to win three times in a single Davis Cup tie since 1995, when Pete Sampras recorded the feat.

The victory saved the Americans from relegation, getting a chance next year to compete for their 33rd Davis Cup crown.

In other World Group playoffs, Austria edged Israel 3-2; India came back to defeat Brazil, 3-2; while Andreas Beck and Florian Mayer posted reverse singles victories as Germany routed South Africa, 5-0.

Sweden also retained its spot in the Davis Cup after Robin Soderling downed Simone Bolelli in straight sets fashion. Sweden topped Italy, 3-2.

Other World Group playoff winners were Australia, Kazakhstan and Romania.

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Coach Kelly Tries To Keep Notre Dame Football Upbeat After 1-2 Start

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:11 PM PDT

John Raffel – AHN Sports Correspondent

East Lansing, MI, United States (AHN) – Brian Kelly didn’t exactly want his first three weeks as the new football coach at Notre Dame to go this way.

The Irish are 1-2 after losing 34-31 to Michigan State Saturday night in East Lansing.

The Spartans stunned the Irish on the last play in overtime by scoring on a fake field goal attempt with a touchdown pass from the holder Aaron Bates to tight end Charlie Gantt to keep MSU unbeaten at 3-0.

But the Irish, hoping Kelly’s arrival would mean a turnaround in the program, had to feel perhaps slightly snake bitten by the turn of events.

“This is a difficult loss obviously,” Kelly said. “It came down to one play which Michigan State executed and we did not.”

“It’s disappointing to us,” said junior Michael Floyd. “We’re not worried about last year. We’re trying so hard.”

The hope for Irish players like Kyle Rudolph is that under the Kelly regime, the Irish will prove to be more resilient and more determined to such heartbreaking events.

“We’re built for this,” he said. “We’re going to come back. We proved it last week [in a 28-24 loss to Michigan] that we’re never going to stop fighting no matter what the score is, how much time is left on the clock or what our record is.”

“Well this hurts so there isn’t a lot I can tell them that is going to make them feel better,” Kelly said of his team. “This is about belief—what do you believe in? Do you believe in your teammates? Do you believe in our coaches? Do you believe in the preparation? If you do, we will come back and work hard to get better. If you don’t believe, then these are times where a team falls apart.”

Last December, Kelly, after serving 19 seasons as a head coach, was named the 29th head football skipper in the storied history of Fighting Irish football.

Kelly was coming off of a 2009 season in which his University of Cincinnati squad went through the regular season perfect 12-0. He had taken Cincinnati to two consecutive Bowl Championship Series appearances.

Kelly entered the season as the ninth-winningest active coach in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in victories.

In three seasons at Cincinnati, Kelly had a 34-6 mark. Saturday night at East Lansing, Mich., he was coaching against Mark Dantonio whose place Kelly took at Cincinnati in 2007. Dantonio had left Cincy to take the MSU job.

Kelly had been at Central Michigan University prior to going to Cincinnati. He took a losing program at CMU and turned it into a winner. Kelly had spent 13 campaigns at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. with a 118-35-2 record and two NCAA Division II titles. Kelly entered the season with an overall mark of 171-57-2.

But after Kelly found his Irish at 1-2, he had to find the words to have his team leave town in an upbeat mood on Saturday.

“I give a lot of credit to Notre Dame,” said Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio. “They are a well-coached football team. They play extremely hard. They have good players that make plays.”

“Obviously an incredibly tough loss,” said Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist. “Guys were battling the entire game. It’s never a good thing to lose, and in this type of fashion, it’s pretty devastating.”

“I’m not worried about our guys at all. Right now, guys are upset obviously. It’s a tough loss and guys are hurt by that, but we’ll give it time to get out of our systems. I have to worry about guys bouncing back and being ready to go next week.”

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