Calvin Johnson

In a setting that has all the makings of a frenzy, the Detroit Lions draw a Monday night home game against the NFC North division rival Chicago Bears while trying to extend their unbeaten start to 5-0. The once-floundering organization that failed to win a game three seasons ago and has one playoff victory since 1957 will send its vaunted pass rush against Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, whose increasingly shaky outings bear the scars of a leaky offensive...

Ryan Freel, a former Cincinnati Reds player, was found dead Saturday of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Jacksonville, Fla., according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Freel, 36, retired after the 2009 season after a series of concussions and other injuries. He spent six of his eight seasons with the Reds and finished with a career .268 average and 143 stolen bases. “RIP Ryan Freel!! Great teammate, great guy,n loved his family!” former Cincinnati Reds player Sean Casey tweeted.

Reggie Ball threw for two touchdowns and a career-high 320 yards for No. 17 Georgia Tech, which held off North Carolina, 27-21, on Saturday in Atlanta. After North Carolina pulled to within six points late in the fourth quarter, the Tar Heels stopped Georgia Tech on three plays and took possession at its 41 with 2:51 left to play. Georgia Tech's Dennis Davis intercepted a long pass from Matt Baker near the goal line to end the threat.

JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft last spring by Oakland, still hasn't signed, and reports are he is unlikely to do so before the Raiders begin the season Sept. 9 against Detroit. Those who choose to ignore such news can still place a wager that Russell will wind up being the NFL's rookie of the year. The website Sportbet.com is offering the former Louisiana State star at +490, meaning a $100 wager on Russell to win the award would be worth $490.

Patrick White was bruised and determined with the Gator Bowl hanging in the balance. The quarterback played through ankle, hand and neck injuries to lead West Virginia back from an 18-point deficit in the second half for a 38-35 win over Georgia Tech on Monday. "He kind of willed us to victory," West Virginia Coach Rich Rodriguez said. White completed nine of 15 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 22 times for 145 yards and a score.

The Miami Dolphins concluded a two-week coaching search Friday, hiring Cam Cameron, the San Diego Chargers' offensive coordinator the last five seasons. "It's not going to be about any individual," Cameron said at a news conference. "We're going to build a team here. You're going to see a football team." Cameron signed a four-year contract to replace Nick Saban, who left for Alabama after a 6-10 season.

Keyshawn Johnson's NFL reputation was as a dependable possession receiver, and he made it clear while announcing his retirement as a player Wednesday that he planned on holding tight to his new gig as an ESPN analyst. He'll fit right in with his new co-workers if he sticks with gems such as these: On Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson: "He's real. He's as good as I've ever seen, and I've watched 25 games of him probably."

UCLA's Ben Olson-led offense will be tested by Utah's blitz-happy defense Saturday at the Rose Bowl. "Since I've been here, I haven't seen a team that blitzes as much as Utah," junior fullback Michael Pitre said. "It's because they have so much confidence in their corners that they can cover man to man."

CHRIS DUFRESNE'S RANKINGS AND COMMENTS: Rk.; Team (Rec.) ; Comment 1. OHIO STATE (10-0); Big win over Illinois finally convinces Rankman that Buckeyes are best. 2. LOUISVILLE (8-0); Hot-knife-through-butter offense works to perfection against West Virginia. 3. MICHIGAN (10-0); Lessons of Ball State dissected in Advanced Theory of Football courses. 4. TEXAS (9-1); Bevo fitted for soft hooves as team prepares sneak attack on BCS standings. 5.