TRIPLE THREAT CLE

Friday, December 8, 2017

Browns Preview 12/8/17: Green Bay Packers @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The 6-6, Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers travel to Cleveland this week to take on the 0-12 Browns. If at the beginning of the season someone told you the Packers would be 6-6, the Browns were winless but still had a chance no one would have believed you. Its also been a fun Thursday as a Browns fan, Sashi Brown was fired and Hue Jackson will remain the Head Coach in 2018. *insert Mike Polk "Fun times in Cleveland Again". But on to actual game...

Browns Offense vs Packers Defense

I know this is crazy to say but the Browns might be able to put up some points against the Packers defense. Their passing defense isn't that good, and DeShone Kizer could actually throw an accurate pass to Josh Gordon we could see Gordon go for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Again, I know it sounds nuts, but what Gordon did last week against Casey Hayward isn't really anything to take lightly. The guy shut down all the other top receivers he's gone up against this year and is ranked as the top cornerback this year. Gordon against a struggling Packers secondary screams Kizer's first 300 yard game.

The running game needs to keep on keeping on. And that means Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, and DeShone Kizer. Last week they had just under 100 yards against a really tough defense in the Chargers. Now the Packers run defense is better than their pass defense because of Mike Daniels and Blake Martinez. If the Browns can get a lead and use the run game to win the time of possession it could be a recipe for success.

Browns Defense vs Packers Offense

The Packers will have to start Brett Hundley for one more week. With the help of two defensive touchdowns last week the Packers beat the Buccaneers 26-20 in overtime. In that game Hundley threw for 84 yards and threw one pick. Its fairly obvious that Green Bay misses Rodgers. The key for the Browns this game is to let Hundley beat you with his arm. He's thrown for only five touchdowns in the eight games he's played. And he's also prone to turnovers, throwing eight picks and fumbling three times.

The Browns should key in on stopping the run this week. The Packers have a running back by committee with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones as their leading rushers. The Browns also can't forget about Hundley scrambling out of the pocket. He has good speed and ran for 66 yards last week in the overtime win.

Five Guys To Watch

1. Josh Gordon: In his first game in almost three seasons Gordon went for four catches for 85 yards. He also went up against the best corner in the league. It should be exciting to see how he plays against a struggling secondary.

2. DeShone Kizer: If it weren't for Kizer the Browns probably would have won last week. Multiple terrible throws to a wide open Josh Gordon and a sack-fumble in the redzone. That's exactly why we lost. But Sunday is another chance to redeem himself.

3. David Njoku: Njoku had a career game last week. Four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully this means we get to see Njoku on the field more.

4. Joe Schobert: In a game where the Browns need to stop the run Schobert seems like an obvious pick for a guy to watch.

5. Hue Jackson: Let's be 100%...Hue Jackson won the power struggle against Sashi Brown. And with that he has security for 2018. I'm curious if Jackson starts to change up his playcalling knowing his job is safe going forward. I expect him to go into his bag of tricks this week and have a good game overall.

Injury Report:

Weather Report:

Betting Line (As of 12/7/17)
Packers -3

Prediction:
Browns 24 Packers 14

I know, I'm crazy for picking the Browns but with everything that's happened this week it seems like a game the Browns could accidentally win...the stars are lining up. The Packers are struggling on defense, they don't have Aaron Rodgers, and the Browns have Josh Gordon and a head coach who really doesn't have any pressure on him to win a game since 2018 is already guaranteed.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 12/7/17: NXT Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

NXT returned this week for more NXT action at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. This week, the new NXT World Champion Andrade "Cien" Almas was in the building to celebrate his world title victory from NXT WarGames.

** NXT TV Card **

- Trent Seven battled Killian Dain.
- Ruby Riot battled Sonya Deville in a No Holds Barred Match.
- Kassius Ohno battled Johnny Gargano.

- New NXT World Champion Andrade "Cien" Almas celebrates his world title victory.

** NXT **

- Andrade "Cien" Almas' World Title Celebration: New NXT World Champion Andrade "Cien" Almas kicked off this week's show with the celebration of his title win at NXT WarGames. Zelina Vega says we're all witnesses to a historic championship reign. Almas says he told us all he'd do it and then sarcastically apologizes for injuring and defeating Drew McIntyre. Almas brags about being the new NXT World Champion and we need to all embrace the legend.

- "Fatal Four Way Qualifying Match": Trent Seven vs. Killian Dain: NXT GM William Regal announced at the beginning of the show that there would be four one on one matches with the winners advancing to a Fatal Four Way Match to determine a new #1 Contender to the NXT World Championship. Seven hits the Seven Stars Lariat on Dain, but Dain kicks out at two and a half. Dain counters a slam, drops Seven and then hits a senton to score the pinfall.

- "No Holds Barred Match": Ruby Riot vs. Sonya Deville: The second match of the night saw Ruby and Sonya continuing their fued in a No Holds Barred Match. Both ladies unload on each other. Ruby with a springboard DDT on Sonya and then a suicide dive. Sonya catches Ruby and traps her in a triangle choke submission. Ruby refuses to tap out and ends up passing out, forcing the referee to stop the match.

- "Fatal Four Way Qualifying Match": Kassius Ohno vs. Johnny Gargano: Originally it was supposed to be The Velveteen Dream battling Ohno, but due to injury it wasn't to be. The main event of the show saw Ohno battle Gargano to determine spot number two in the Fatal Four Way Match. Gargano counters an electric chair drop and gets a near fall rollup on Ohno. Ohno attempted the rolling elbow on Gargano, but Gargano counters and unloads three stiff kicks. Gargano with a spinning head scissors on Ohno and turns that into the Gargano Escape submission. Ohno can't fight it and ends up tapping out.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 12/6/17: Smackdown Live San Diego Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Smackdown Live was live this week in San Diego, California. Things continue to heat up over on the blue brand as we get closer to next Sunday's WWE Clash of Champions pay per view.

** Smackdown Live Card **

- The New Day battled Rusev and Aiden English.
- The Bludgeon Brothers battled Adam James and Josh Carr.
- WWE United States Champion Baron Corbin battled Bobby Roode in a non title match.
- WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Charlotte battled Tamina in a non title match.
- Randy Orton battled Sami Zayn, with Kevin Owens handcuffed to the ropes.

** Smackdown Live **

- The Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens Show: Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens kick off Smackdown Live in the ring. Owens says that when you're as great of an athlete as he is, you never stop learning. Owens has learned that the McMahon family will stop at nothing when they make you a target. Owens and Zayn point out that Shane used Randy Orton to end his career last week and do his dirty work. Owens showed the world that he's not afraid of Orton or Shane's vendetta and actually outsmarted Shane. Zayn mocks the fans, announcers and the ringside staff. Orton suddenly appears out of nowhere and hits an RKO on Owens. Shane McMahon arrives next, states that he does have a vendetta against Owens and Zayn. Shane announces Zayn vs. Orton tonight with Owens handcuffed to the ropes and Zayn/Owens vs. Orton and a partner of his choice at WWE Clash of Champions.

- The New Day vs. Rusev and Aiden English: The first match of the night saw The New Day battle Rusev and Aiden English in tag team action. English avoids a Big Ending by raking Big E's eyes. Rusev sends Big E into the steel steps, but gets taken out by a Kofi suicide dive. Back in the ring, Kofi goes for a springboard on Rusev, but Rusev shakes the ropes, making Kofi hit the mat hard. Rusev hits a thrust kick on Kofi and scores the pinfall.

- The Bludgeon Brothers Stay Dominate: The second match of the night saw Luke Harper and Erick Rowan battle local wrestlers Adam James and Josh Carr. Harper and Rowan continue their dominance and finish off James and Carr in a quick squash match.

- Baron Corbin vs. Bobby Roode: The third match of the night saw Corbin and Roode go one on one. Earlier in the evening Dolph Ziggler confronted both Corbin and Roode and made it clear that both men have no chance of winning at WWE Clash of Champions now that Ziggler was added to the triple threat match. Roode and Corbin hit each other with clotheslines and lay each other out at the same time. Dolph Ziggler hits the ring and lays out Roode with the Zig Zag, giving Roode the DQ victory. Ziggler then measures up Corbin and hits him with a Zig Zag too.

- Charlotte vs. Tamina: Earlier in the show it was announced that Charlotte would now be defending her title at WWE Clash of Champions in a Lumberjill Match, after many of the women in the women's division argued with Smackdown Live GM Daniel Bryan that they should be the #1 Contender. Nattie Neidhart also confronted the women's division earlier in the show and tried to get some of the ladies on her side to help her during that match. The fourth match of the night saw the champ, Charlotte, battle one of the Lumberjills, Tamina. Charlotte counters the Samoan Drop, hits a Big Boot on Tamina and then gets the tap out win with the Figure Eight submission. After the match, Nattie Neidhart taunts Charlotte from the apron. Ruby Riot, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan arrive next and taunt the whole women's division. Tamina attacks Sarah and a huge brawl breaks out with with all the women. Carmella and Lana hold back Tamina. Ruby and Liv hold back Sarah. Charlotte escapes and celebrates with her title.

- Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn, With Kevin Owens Handcuffed To The Ropes: The main event of the show saw Randy Orton and Sami Zayn go one on one, with Kevin Owens handcuffed to the ropes. Zayn and Owens tried to go over Shane McMahon's head and get Smackdown Live GM Daniel Bryan to lift the handcuff clause, but had no luck. Zayn grabs bolt cutters and tries to cut Owens loose, but Orton drops Zayn. Back in the ring, Zayn goes to the top rope, but gets crotched on the ropes, as Owens tries to use the bolt cutters. Orton goes for a draping DDT on Owens, but Zayn gets a near fall rollup. Orton misses an RKO and Zayn misses the Helluva Kick. Orton rolls up Zayn and scores the pinfall. After the match, Owens and Zayn double team Orton until Shinsuke Nakamura hits the ring. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa on Owens as Orton hits the RKO on Zayn.

- Shane McMahon Makes A Huge Announcement: Backstage, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan are talking. Shane announces that he will make himself the special guest referee in the Zayn/Owens vs. Orton/Nakamura match at WWE Clash of Champions. If Owens and Zayn lose they will be fired from the WWE forever.

Podcast 12/5/17: On College Championship Weekend, Bowl Games, Browns/Josh Gordon, NFL Rough Play & More

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 12/5/17: RAW Los Angeles Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

It's the beginning of the week and time to kick things off in wrestling with Monday Night RAW! This week RAW was live in Los Angeles, California, at the famous Staples Center. Paige makes her return to the squared circle for the first time in almost two years as she battles Sasha Banks. Also Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose get their rematch for the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship against the champions Sheamus and Cesaro.

** Monday Night RAW Card **

- WWE Intercontinental Champion Roman Reigns defended his title against Jason Jordan.
- Paige battled Sasha Banks.
- Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali battled in a Fatal Four Way Match.
- Asuka battled Alicia Fox.
- Finn Balor battled Bo Dallas.
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Sheamus and Cesaro defended their titles against Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.

** RAW Highlights **

- Jason Jordan Demands A Chance: RAW GM Kurt Angle kicked off the show and immediately is interrupted by Jason Jordan. Jordan wants a shot at Roman Reigns and the IC Title, but Angle reminds Jordan about his leg injury. Jordan says he can handle it and knows he can beat Reigns. Roman Reigns interrupts and heads to the ring. Reigns says he wants Samoa Joe and if Jordan wants a title shot don't run to daddy to ask for it, step up and earn it. Jordan has words with Reigns as Samoa Joe interrupts. Joe accepts Reigns' challenge, but will allow Reigns to change his mind before it's too late. Jordan has words with Joe now and challenges Joe to a match as well. Reigns tells Jordan to back off, forcing Jordan to attack Reigns from behind. Angle holds Jordan back and orders him to leave the ring. Reigns orders Angle to give him Jordan right now. Angle tries to keep Jordan and Reigns apart to end the segment.

- Roman Reigns Defends The Gold: RAW GM Kurt Angle finally agreed to let Jason Jordan face Roman Reigns for the WWE Intercontinental Championship after their altercation to start RAW. Reigns goes after Jordan's bad knee during the match. Reigns hits a Superman Punch for a near fall. Jordan is able to dodge the spear and hit two northern lights suplexes for a near fall. Reigns is able to hit another Superman Punch and the spear to score the pinfall. After the match, Samoa Joe attacks Reigns in the ring. Joe goes for the Coquina Clutch submission, but Jordan suplexes Joe. Reigns hits a Superman Punch on Jordan and then talks trash to Joe, who's on the RAW stage.

- Paige's In Ring Return: The second match of the night saw Paige's first match back from injury, battling Sasha Banks. Paige arrived with Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Sasha Banks arrived with Mickie James and Bayley. Alexa Bliss was also out on commentary. Paige counters the Banks Statement submission, Sasha counters the RamPaige and is able to lock in the Banks Statement submission on the second attempt. Paige escapes and rolls to the floor where Paige's team and Sasha's team start brawling. Sasha gets distracted and gets kicked by Paige. Paige hits the RamPaige and scores the pinfall.

- The Cruiserweight Mini Tournament Continues: Last week, RAW GM Kurt Angle announced two fatal four way matches with the winner of both matches facing in a one on one match to determine a #1 Contender to the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Rich Swann won the first match last week. Before the match, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore demanded Drew Gulak and Tony Nese to make the Zo Train proud and win tonight. The third match of the night saw the second fatal four way match in the mini tournament. Nese hits double knees on Ali and then Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Nese. Alexander takes out Ali, then gets hit with a knee by Gulak. Gulak covers Ali and steals the pinfall, advancing to the finals to battle Rich Swann on next week's RAW.

- Elias Samson's Concert Performance: Earlier in the night, Elias Samson demanded a rematch against Roman Reigns for the IC Title, but didn't get it. RAW GM Kurt Angle turned down the idea, due to Jason Jordan already getting the title shot. Elias informed Angle he'd have a concert tonight instead until Angle could find Elias a worthy opponent. Elias is in the ring with his guitar and mocks the city of Los Angeles in his song. Braun Strowman interrupts and attacks Elias. Elias sends Strowman into the ringpost and then busts his guitar over Strowman's back. Strowman isn't fazed at all as he attacks Elias and hits the running power slam. Strowman continues the assault on Elias until Kane appears on the TitanTron. Kane promises to ascend Strowman into the abyss next week with only one monster coming out alive.

- Asuka's Dominance Continues: The fourth match of the night saw Asuka battle Alicia Fox. Alicia gets a good amount of offense in on Asuka and goes for the scissors kick. Asuka counters, kicks Alicia and gets Alicia to tap out to an arm bar submission. After the match, Paige, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose arrive and surround Asuka. Asuka again smiles and walks past all three ladies, leaving the ring. Paige tells Alicia how much she loves her, but Sonya and Mandy don't feel the same about Alicia. The trio attack and beat down Alicia. Absolution leave Alicia laid out in the middle of the ring and celebrate.

- Bo Dallas Battles The Demon: The fifth match of the night saw Finn Balor and Bo Dallas go one on one. Dallas tries to keep Balor grounded with submission style wrestling. Balor hits the Slingblade and the drop kick into the corner on Dallas. Balor goes to the top rope and hits Coup de Grace on Dallas and scores the pinfall.

- "Woken" Matt Hardy Awakens: Bray Wyatt cuts a promo backstage and gets interrupted by Woken Matt Hardy. Bray and Matt go back and forth with Bray calling Matt a coward and Matt delivering his trademarked broken Matt Hardy promos, thanking the entities for awakening him. Bray says he feels alive again and Matt sentences Bray to total deletion. Bray and Matt both laugh at each other as a "delete" chant begins.

- The Bar Defends The Gold: The main event of the show saw Sheamus and Cesaro defend their tag team titles against Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. Rollins counters The Neutralizer, but eats an uppercut from Cesaro. Rollins counters another Neutralizer and gets a near fall high knee. Sheamus attacks Rollins and unloads a series of knees and stomps on Rollins. The referee warns Sheamus, but he doesn't listen and gets he and Cesaro DQ'ed. After the match, RAW GM Kurt Angle arrives and restarts the match as a No DQ Match. Samoa Joe suddenly hits the ring and attacks Ambrose and Rollins. Roman Reigns hits the ring and chases Joe off. Reigns hits a Superman Punch on Cesaro. Sheamus, however, gets the Brogue Kick on Ambrose and scores the pinfall to retain the titles.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

On TV This Week 12/3 - 12/9

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

SUNDAY 12/3

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Championship Drive: Who's In (ESPN, 8:30pm)

NFL
Philadelphia Eagles @ Seattle Seahawks (NBC, 8:20pm)

NBA
San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA TV, 7pm)
Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers (NBA TV, 9:30pm)

NHL
Los Angeles Kings @ Chicago Blackhawks (NHL, 7pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Seton Hall @ Louisville (ESPN 2, 4pm)
Tennessee @ Georgia Tech (ESPNU, 6pm)
Coppin State @ Georgetown (FOX Sports 1, 6:30pm)

OTHER SPORTS
ACL Southern College Cornhole Championships (ESPN 2, 8:30pm)
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The Carol Burnett 50th Anniversary Special (CBS, 8pm)

Manson Speaks: Inside The Mind Of A Madman, PREMIERE (History, 9pm)

Curb Your Enthusiasm, FINALE (HBO, 10pm)

MONDAY 12/4

NFL
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals (ESPN, 8:15pm)

NBA
Milwaukee Bucks @ Boston Celtics (NBA TV, 7:30pm)
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls (FOX Sports Ohio, 8pm)

NHL
San Jose Sharks @ Washington Capitals (NHL, 7pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Michigan @ Ohio State (FOX Sports 1, 6:30pm)
Wisconsin @ Penn State (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Florida State @ Florida (ESPN 2, 9pm)
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The Newspaperman: The Life And Times Of Ben Bradlee (HBO, 8pm)
The Great Christmas Light Fight, PREMIERE (ABC, 8pm)

Ride With Norman Reedus, FINALE (AMC, 9pm)
Vanderpump Rules, PREMIERE (Bravo, 9pm)

RelationShep, PREMIERE (Bravo, 10pm)
Cash Cab, PREMIERE (Discovery, 10pm)
Tarantula, PREMIERE (TBS, 10pm)

TUESDAY 12/5

NBA
Phoenix Suns @ Toronto Raptors (NBA TV, 7:30pm)
Washington Wizards @ Portland Trail Blazers (NBA TV, 10pm)

NHL
New Jersey Devils @ Columbus Blue Jackets (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins (NBC Sports, 7:30pm)
Minnesota Wild @ Los Angeles Kings (NBC Sports, 10pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Villanova vs. Gonzaga (ESPN, 7pm)
Texas @ VCU (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Virginia @ West Virginia (ESPNU, 7pm)
Vermont @ Marquette (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)

Syracuse vs. Connecticut (ESPN, 9pm)
Texas A&M vs. Arizona (ESPN 2, 9pm)
St. Francis (Pa.) @ Duke (ESPNU, 9pm)
Utah @ Butler (FOX Sports 1, 9pm)
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Below Deck, FINALE (Bravo, 9pm)

Stripped, PREMIERE (Bravo, 10pm)

WEDNESDAY 12/6

NBA
Sacramento Kings @ Cleveland Cavaliers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Golden State Warriors @ Charlotte Hornets (ESPN, 8pm)
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Clippers (ESPN, 10:30pm)

NHL
Chicago Blackhawks @ Washington Capitals (NBC Sports, 8pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Siena @ Louisville (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Wisconsin @ Temple (ESPNU, 7pm)
Kent State @ Xavier (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
Washington vs. Kansas (ESPN 2, 9pm)
Central Connecticut State @ DePaul (FOX Sports 1, 9pm)
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Are You The One, FINALE (MTV, 10pm)
Happy!, PREMIERE (Syfy, 10pm)
Knightfall, PREMIERE (History, 10pm)
South Park, FINALE (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Broad City, FINALE (Comedy Central, 10:30pm)

THURSDAY 12/7

NFL
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (NBC/NFL, 8:25pm)

NBA
Los Angeles Lakers @ Philadelphia 76ers (TNT, 8pm)
Houston Rockets @ Utah Jazz (TNT, 10:30pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
College Football Awards (ESPN, 7pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Valparaiso @ Purdue (FOX Sports 1, 6:30pm)
Iowa @ Iowa State (ESPN 2, 8pm)
Howard @ Georgetown (FOX Sports 1, 8:30pm)
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Psych: The Movie (USA, 8pm)
Shrek The Halls (ABC, 8pm)
Toy Story That Time Forgot (ABC, 8:30pm)

The Great American Baking Show, PREMIERE (ABC, 9pm)
The Orville, FINALE (FOX, 9pm)

Top Chef, PREMIERE (Bravo, 10pm)

FRIDAY 12/8

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
NCAA FCS Championship, Quarterfinal: (ESPN 2, 7pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
WOMENS: Connecticuit @ DePaul (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)

NBA
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Indiana Pacers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Golden State Warriors @ Detroit Pistons (ESPN, 7pm)
Boston Celtics @ San Antonio Spurs (ESPN, 9:30pm)

NHL
Columbus Blue Jackets @ New Jersey Devils (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
New York Rangers @ Washington Capitals (NHL, 7pm)

NFL
A Football Life: Aeneas Williams (NFL, 9pm)

MMA & BOXING
Boxing: Ahmed Elbiali vs. Jean Pascal (FOX Sports 1, 9pm)
---
Finding Escobar's Millions, FINALE (Discovery, 10pm)
Ridiculousness (MTV, 10pm)
Amazingness (MTV, 10:30pm)

SATURDAY 12/9

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
NCAA FCS Championship, Quarterfinal: (ESPN 2, 12pm)
Army vs. Navy (CBS, 3pm)
Heisman Trophy Presentation (ESPN, 8pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UCLA @ Michigan (CBS, 12pm)
Duke @ Boston College (ESPN, 12pm)
Monmouth @ Kentucky (ESPNU, 12pm)
Marquette @ Wisconsin (FOX Sports 1, 12pm)

Indiana @ Louisville (ESPN, 2pm)
Coppin State @ Connecticut (ESPNews, 2pm)
Nebraska @ Creighton (FOX Sports 1, 2:30pm)
VCU @ Seton Hall (FOX, 3pm)
Pennsylvania @ Dayton (NBC Sports, 3pm)
Wichita State @ Oklahoma State (ESPN 2, 4pm)
Colorado @ Xavier (FOX Sports 1, 5pm)
California @ San Diego State (CBS SportsNet, 5pm)
Florida vs. Cincinnati (ESPN 2, 6pm)

West Virginia @ Pittsburgh (ESPN 2, 8pm)
Alabama @ Arizona (ESPN 2, 10pm)
Illinois @ UNLV (ESPN 2, 12am)

NBA
Miami Heat @ Brooklyn Nets (NBA TV, 6pm)
Philadelphia 76ers @ Cleveland Cavaliers (FOX Sports Ohio, 8pm)
Utah Jazz @ Milwaukee Bucks (NBA TV, 8:30pm)

NHL
Arizona Coyotes @ Columbus Blue Jackets (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, 7pm)

SOCCER
Premier League: Newcastle United FC vs. Leicester City FC (NBC, 12:30pm)
MLS Cup: (ESPN, 4pm)

MMA & BOXING
Bellator MMA Live (Spike, 8pm)
UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega - Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
Boxing: Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Vasyl Lomanchenko (ESPN, 9pm)
UFC Fight Night: Cub Swanson vs. Brian Ortega (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)
Bellator Kickboxing (Spike, 10:15pm)

OTHER SPORTS
Triathlon: IRONMAN World Championship (NBC, 2:30pm)
Snowboarding: U.S. Grand Prix, Halfpipe (NBC, 4pm)
---
MOVIE: Logan (HBO, 8pm)

Mary Poppins (ABC, 8pm)
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (CBS, 8pm)
It's A Wonderful Life (USA, 8pm)

Frosty The Snowman (CBS, 9pm)
Frosty Returns (CBS, 9:30pm)

Saturday Night Live; James Franco, SZA (NBC, 11:30pm)

Weekend 3 Count 12/3/17

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, Impact, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE

** Theme Song of the Week **
This week's theme song of the week goes to Braun Strowman.

*** WWE ***

- Matt Hardy Shows Signs Of Being Broken: This past week on RAW, Hardy suffered a loss to Bray Wyatt. After the match, Hardy began to snap and chanted "delete" repeatedly, appearing to be releasing the Broken Matt Hardy gimmick.

- Daniel Bryan Still Hoping For A Return To The Ring: This past week, Daniel Bryan's wife, Brie Bella, tweeted out that Bryan has been cleared by every doctor he's been to return to the ring to wrestle. WWE doctors, however, still have not given the ok to Bryan and have him currently still on the uncleared list.

- AJ Styles Silences Rumors: This past week a rumor began circling around Twitter that Styles was planning on retiring after Wrestlemania 34. Styles commented on the rumor and made the official announcement that the rumor was false and Styles wants to wrestle a few more years before he officially retires.

- Ford Suing John Cena: It was announced this week that Ford has filed a lawsuit against John Cena. According to the lawsuit, Cena was contractually obligated by Ford to hold onto the vehicle for at least two years. Ford, which is only producing 250 of the supercars a year that Cena purchased, carefully selected buyers out of an applicant pool of celebrities and Ford enthusiasts, alleges that Cena unfairly made a large profit from the unauthorized resale flip of the vehicle. Ford has suffered additional damages and losses, including, but not limited to, loss of brand value, ambassador activity and customer goodwill due to the improper sale.

- Marine 6 News: WWE announced this past week that The Miz will be taking time off to film the movie Marine 6. The movie will also guest star Becky Lynch. Both Miz and Becky Lynch have been written off WWE TV with injuries.

- Goldberg To Appear On CW's The Flash: WWE's Goldberg announced this week on his Twitter account that he will guest star in an episode of the CW show The Flash. It's unknown what character he'll be playing at the moment.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Rich Swann battled Noam Dar: The first match of the show saw, Rich Swann, who won the first Fatal Four Way Match to determine a #1 Contender on RAW, battle Noam Dar, who's still a loyal member of the Zo Train. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore was at ringside and made it clear before the match that he was upset that the Zo Train allowed Swann to win on Monday. Enzo tried to run distraction and help Dar during this match, but Swann hits the Phoenix Splash on Dar and gets the win.

- Jack Gallagher battled Kalisto: The second match of the night saw Gallagher, who was accompanied to the ring by his current running buddy Brian Kendrick, take on Kalisto. Gallagher was in control of things until Kalisto makes the comeback and unloads. Kalisto sets Gallagher up for Salida Del Sol, however, Kendrick hits the ring, attacks and beats down Kalisto, getting Gallagher DQ'ed.

- Tony Nese and Drew Gulak battled Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali: The main event of the show saw all four men that will battle it out in the second Fatal Four Way Match on this Monday's RAW battle in tag team action. Alexander and Ali showed a little bit of miscommunication in this match, as Gulak and Nese took advantage of it. Ali gets sent into Alexander, who flies off the apron and to the floor. Nese rolls up Ali during the mishap and gets the pinfall.

** Starrcade Recap **

WWE brought back the NWA classic event for a live house show last Saturday night in Greensboro, North Carolina. Greensboro has been the home of many classic NWA events in the past and was dubbed the heart of NWA Wrestling.

- Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler, Special Enforcer Arn Anderson: The opening match of the show saw Roode and Ziggler go one on one with NWA/WCW great and WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson serving as special enforcer. Ziggler would get two near falls on Roode with a Fameasser and a Zig Zag. Ziggler grabs a steel chair and looks to use it on Roode. Arn Anderson enters the ring and has a stare down with Ziggler, after stopping Ziggler from using the chair. Anderson lays out Ziggler with one of his trademarked spinebusters, which allows Roode to hit the Glorious DDT on Ziggler for the pinfall.

- "Twelve Man Tag Team Match": The Bludgeon Brothers, The Colons, Mike Kanellis and Rusev vs. Breezango, The Ascension, Tye Dillinger and Sin Cara: The second match of the night saw some classic multi men tag team action. The Bludgeon Brothers finally get involved in the match and destroy everyone in their path, including their own teammates. The Bludgeon Brothers hit their double team Crucifix Power Bomb and score the pinfall for their team.

- Naomi vs. Tamina: The third match of the night turned to women's wrestling action. Naomi was able to fight off the powerhouse Tamina and pick up the pinfall with the split legged moonsault.

- "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes vs. Dash Wilder: Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) made an appearance with his WCW gimmick "The Natural", which he competed as at past NWA/WCW Starrcades. Rhodes gets a quick win over Wilder with the Bionic Elbow and the Bulldog. After the match, Dustin cuts a promo about his father, the late great Dusty Rhodes and how proud Dusty would be right now to see the NWA tradition of Starrcade back tonight.

- Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat Promo: NWA legend and WWE Hall of Famer Ricky The Dragon Steamboat makes a special appearance and talks about the NWA. Steamboat calls Greensboro Coliseum hollowed ground and it was known as the Madison Square Garden of the NWA. Steamboat talks about some of his great memories in the NWA and told stories of some of his NWA/WCW United States Championship matches.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Baron Corbin (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: The fifth match of the night saw Ricky Steamboat ring announce both men to the ring as Corbin defended his title against Nakamura. Nakamura hits a knee on Corbin and then goes for the Kinshasa. Corbin grabs a steel chair and hits Nakamura with it to get himself DQ'ed. Nakamura wins but Corbin retains his title.

- The Hardy Boys And The Rock N Roll Express: Current WWE icons the Hardy Boys and former NWA tag team and WWE Hall of Famers The Rock N Roll Express came out to give the fans some history on how important wrestling has been in North Carolina. The Hardy's tell the Rock N Roll Express that they were their heroes growing up. The Rock N Roll Express talk about all their great battles in the past at Starrcade. The New Day interrupt next and start dancing with The Hardy's and Rock N Roll Express. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn interrupt next and head to the ring for their tag team match next.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": The Usos (c) vs. The New Day vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn: The sixth match of the night saw The Usos defending their tag team titles and retaining, after unloading an Uso Kick party.

- Ric Flair Promo: 16 time world champion and 2 time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair arrives. Flair was given an NWA tribute video and says that he's cried three times today already being back in Greensboro. Flair talks about his NWA memories and meeting with his legendary friends backstage. Flair introduces his daughter, the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion, Charlotte, for her title defense tonight.

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship, Steel Cage Match": Charlotte (c) vs. Nattie Neidhart: In the first of two steel cage matches tonight, Charlotte defended her title against Nattie. Nattie lands a superplex off the ropes and gets Charlotte trapped in The Sharpshooter submission twice. Charlotte is able to hold on and escape the submission. Charlotte hits a spear on Nattie and then makes her tap out to the Figure Eight submission to retain her title.

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Steel Cage Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. Jinder Mahal: The main event of the show saw the second steel cage match of the show, as Styles defended his title against Mahal. The Singh Brothers climb into the cage and try to attack Styles. Styles hits the Styles Clash on both Singh Brothers. Mahal tries to escape through the cage door as Styles tries to escape by climbing over the cage wall. Styles meets Mahal on the other side and kicks the door into Mahal's head, stopping him from escaping. Styles jumps down to the floor and escapes the cage to retain his title.

*** NXT ***

- New Tag Team Champions Crowned: This week during NXT TV tapings, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly defeated SAnitY to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship.

- Main Event For NXT Philadelphia Announced: This week during the NXT tapings, it was revealed that newly crowned NXT World Champion Andrade "Cien" Almas will defend his title against Johnny Gargano at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, which takes place the night before the WWE Royal Rumble in January.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact TV Recap **

- "Impact Knockouts Championship Tournament, Triple Threat Match": Laurel Van Ness vs. KC Spinelli vs. Madison Rayne: With Gail Kim officially vacating the title and retiring, Impact began a tournament to crown a new champion. KC lifts Madison into the air and hits the electric chair drop. Laurel grabs KC and lays her out with the Unprettier to score the pinfall and advance into the finals of the tournament.

- Hakim Zane vs. Taiji Ishimori: The second match of the night saw Hakim Zane and Taiji Ishimori battle in a one on one match. Zane attempts a hurricanrana, but gets countered and hit with knees to the face by Taiji. Taiji climbs the ropes and hits a 450 Splash on Zane for the pinfall. After the match, Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley hit the ring, attack and lay out Taiji.

- Sami Callihan vs. Randy Myers: The third match of the night is shown in Seattle, Washington with Defy Wrestling. Callihan hits a huge lariat on Myers to score the pinfall in this one.

- KM Tries To Prove Himself To American Top Team: KM is spotted backstage attacking random people, trying to prove himself in joining Bobby Lashley and American Top Team. KM finds ATT arriving and asks them if he proved enough to them. Dan Lambert says they didn't see anything because they just arrived to the building. KM tries to talk to Lashley, but Lashley isn't listening.

- Texano vs. James Storm: The fourth match of the night saw James Storm continue in his feud with Texano. Texano targets Storm's back during the match. Storm attempts Eye of the Storm twice, but can't hit it due to his back pain. Storm finally is able to lift Texano on the third attempt, but Texano counters and hits a super kick. Texano puts on Storm's cowboy hat and taunts him. Texano walks right into The Last Call and Storm scores the pinfall. After the match, American Top Team hit the ring and attack Storm. Lashley sends Storm back first into the apron and then the steel steps. Storm tries to fight back, landing The Last Call on an ATT member. Lashley scoops up Storm and plants him on his bad back with a running power slam. Moose hits the ring with a steel chair and saves Storm from anymore damage. Dan Lambert announces that next week it'll be him and Lashley vs. Moose and Storm, so they can end Impact Wrestling once and for all.

- Tyson Dux vs. Matt Sydal: The fifth match of the night saw Tyson Dux battle Matt Sydal, as Ethan Carter looked on from the commentary table. Sydal climbs the ropes, going for the Shooting Star Press, when Dux cuts him off with a near fall DDT. Sydal hits double boots to the face and then hits the Shooting Star Press to score the pinfall. After the match, EC3 and Sydal have a stare down with EC3 stating that Sydal can't beat him.

- Johnny Impact vs. Alberto El Patron: The main event of the show saw Impact and El Patron finally get their one on one match against each other. El Patron cost Impact the World Title at Bound For Glory and both men brawled all over the arena last week, as Impact looked for revenge. The referee goes down and El Patron hits a low blow on Impact. El Patron puts Impact in a tree of woe, rips Impact's tape off his arm and shoves it in Impact's mouth. Eli Drake suddenly appears and distracts El Patron. El Patron attacks Drake and beats him down on the floor. El Patron gets pulled back to the ring by Impact, who hits Starship Pain and scores the pinfall. After the match, Drake hits El Patron with his world title, as Chris Adonis attacks Impact. Petey Williams hits the ring and attacks Drake and Adonis. Drake attempts Gravy Train on Williams, but he counters it. Impact hits a super kick on Drake and Williams follows with the Canadian Destroyer to end the show.

- Anthem Announces They Have Dropped The Broken Gimmick Lawsuit: Anthem announced this week that they have dropped the lawsuit on Matt Hardy, banning him from using the "Broken" gimmick in the WWE or anywhere else. Anthem stated that they have now given all their wrestlers the right to use any gimmick they come up with and use it in other promotions.

- Laurel Van Ness Asks For Her Release: PWInsider announced this week that Laurel Van Ness has asked for her release from Impact Wrestling. As of this time Impact Wrestling has not agreed to release Laurel yet as her contract isn't up until the summer of 2018.

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **

- "#1 Contender Match": Silas Young vs. Jonathan Gresham: The winner of this match received the final spot in the Fatal Four Way Survival Match at ROH Final Battle, for the ROH Television Championship. Beer City Bruiser gets involved and distracts the referee. Gresham comes off the top rope, but Young dodges it. Young hits Misery on Gresham and scores the pinfall to take the final spot.

- The Addiction Attacks War Machine: War Machine made their way to the ring for their match when suddenly Christopher Daniels and Kazarian jumped them from behind. Rowe picks up Kazarian and tosses him into the crowd, taking out a female fan at ringside. Both teams are separated and the fan, who was bleeding from the nose, was given medical attention.

- The Kingdom Continues To Blame Conspiracy: The Kingdom state that they should be ROH World Tag Team Champions and ROH Six Man Tag Team Champions, but there is a conspiracy within ROH holding them back. The Kingdom state that they will end that next week when they defeat The Motor City Machine Guns and take home the tag team titles.

- Coleman's Pulpit With Special Guest Kenny King: King is excited to be defending the ROH Television Championship at ROH Final Battle. Coleman tells King that ROH is using him as a pawn and only want the ratings that he's bringing. King says he's doing this for his daughter. Coleman accuses King of not being a good father, using his daughter for ratings and calls King a pimp. King calls Coleman a false prophet and is going to tell ROH officials to put his title on the line so he can get his hands on Coleman for talking about his family. After King storms off, Coleman smiles because he just baited King into a match for his title.

- Eight Man Tag Team Action: The main event of the show saw The Bullet Club battle Flip Gordon, Scorpio Sky and Coast To Coast in an eight man tag team match. Before the match The Bullet Club mocked their opponents, calling them spot monkeys and mocking Flip Gordon, stating he'll never flip again when they get done with him. Gordon attempted a suicide dive, but eats four Bullet Club super kicks. Sky hits a hurricanrana and Gordon with a 450 Splash gets the near fall. The Bullet Club hit an Indytaker, a Meltzer Driver and The Rite of Passage on Sky and Gordon to take the victory.

And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!

Friday, December 1, 2017

Buckeyes Preview 12/1/17: Big Ten Championship, Ohio State vs. Wisconsin Badgers

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE

The last time Ohio State and Wisconsin got together to battle it out for a Big Ten Championship the Buckeyes were on their third string quarterback as JT Barrett broke his ankle against Michigan in the final game of the regular season. The Buckeyes only threw the ball 17 times that day but backup to the backup, Cardale Jones completed 12 of those 17 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns leading Ohio State to a 59-0 waxing of Wisconsin in the 2014 Big Ten Championship.

JT Barrett almost found himself in the same situation as 2014.

Barrett had surgery this past Sunday, a day after a cameraman hit him while warming up before Michigan. JT was able to play most of the game against Michigan until re-injuring his knee on a third quarter run. JT allegedly re-aggravated a meniscus issue he had been having and had it cleaned up arthroscopically.

When asked about whether the Buckeye signal caller will be able to play head coach Urban Meyer said, “He’s been cleared to play so he’s going to play in the game. He’ll practice today and be ready to go.”

If Barrett isn’t able to go or the Buckeyes need to make the call to redshirt freshman Dwayne Haskins the Ohio State offense has confidence that they won’t miss a beat.

“Whoever’s out there I feel confident,” Buckeye wide receiver Terry Mclaurin said. “I know the competitor JT is that he’s going to do whatever it takes to play in this game.”

Regardless of who is behind center the Buckeyes will have to have all hands-on deck against the Wisconsin Badgers.

The Badgers are the only undefeated team left from the power five conference and boasts one of the nations best defenses and a freshman running back, Jonathan Taylor, who leads the Big Ten in rushing. Anyone that follows Wisconsin football isn’t surprised by what the Badgers are bringing on Saturday night.

“They’re, I can’t tell you the exact ranking, but I think they’re No.1 in everything,” Meyer said. “And very good skilled athletes… Giant offensive linemen in Wisconsin. And obviously a very good challenge against an elite running back.”

Along with having the Big Ten’s leading rusher, the Badgers give up the fewest rushing yards (80.5), total yards (236.9), and points per game (12.0) in the conference.

It’s those workman like stats that really embody Wisconsin football.

The Badgers are looking at this game like any other game, and for Wisconsin that’s not just coach speak.

“We’ve obviously played in the Big Ten Championship, obviously,” Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook said. “But with the implications after this game, it’s probably a little bit bigger.”

It’s safe to say at No.4 in the nation and a spot in the Playoff at risk, yeah, for the Badgers it’s a little bit bigger.

But the Buckeyes may have more at stake than a Big Ten Championship as well.

After the most recent rankings the Buckeyes find themselves at No.8 in the nation. But more important is where Wisconsin and Alabama are.

Without a game left to play and no conference championship Alabama sits at No.5 with Wisconsin at No.4. If the Buckeyes can take care of business Saturday night it will give them a win over the No.4 team in the nation which will be their second top ten win, plus a conference championship. None of which Alabama has on their resume.

Despite Ohio State having an outside shot at the playoffs, they know that only one thing is guaranteed Saturday night.

“You can’t really worry about the playoffs,” Buckeye linebacker Chris Worley said. “Our message has been beat Wisconsin. Our message has been do what you can to win the game that week.”

What: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Wisconsin Badgers for the Big Ten Championship
When: December 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Watch: FOX
Spread: OSU -6
Over/Under: 51
Money Line: OSU -225, Wisc +220

Browns Preview 12/1/17: Cleveland Browns @ Los Angeles Chargers

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Cleveland Browns travel to LA to take on the Chargers Sunday. The Browns are still winless after losing to the Bengals last week. But good news for the Browns...Josh Gordon will play and start this Sunday! Gordon will play in his first regular season game since week 16 in 2014.

Browns Offense vs Chargers Defense

The Browns are going up against an interesting team defensively. The Chargers are the 7th best pass defense but rank last when it comes to rush defense. The Browns offensively had a solid game last week. And they need to repeat that success the next five games in order to win. Isaiah Crowell finally showed up last week with 95 yards on the ground and needs to carry the team this week against the worst run defense. Duke Johnson is going to be a huge threat this week also. With the return of Josh Gordon, and Corey Coleman playing well since returning from injury, Johnson should have plenty of space to catch the ball out of the back field and make something happen.

The passing game for the Browns will have its hands full this week preventing Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram out of the backfield. The Browns need to get the ball out of DeShone Kizer's hands as quickly as possible. They need to scheme up plays to keep the pass rush on edge. I expect Hue Jackson to call a few screens in this game to make sure the rush isn't always coming up field.

The return of Josh Gordon is super exciting. Even though he hasn't played in almost three seasons he is without a doubt the best receiver on the roster and outside of Corey Coleman, the only player who would make it on another teams roster.

Browns Defense vs Chargers Offense

This is could be a long day for the Browns defense. They've had issues stopping the run the past couple weeks and will go up against one of the top young running backs in Melvin Gordon. If the Browns key on stopping the run, the Chargers have one of the top quarterbacks and receivers in the game to counter.

Philip Rivers is incredible and one of the top quarterbacks the past 15 plus seasons. This season with Keenan Allen healthy, Rivers is having another great season. Allen is Rivers favorite receiver recording 67 catches for over 900 yards already this season. The Browns will also have to focus on tight end Hunter Henry who has 31 catches on the season. The tight ends have given the Browns issues this season.

Again it could be a long day defensively but Rivers is prone to throw the ball into coverage so it is extremely important for the Browns to force multiple turnovers in order to stay in the game.

Five Guys To Watch

1. Josh Gordon: Arguably the most talented receiver in the past five years is finally playing a regular season game. It will be interesting to see how often the Browns use him and how they use him going forward.

2. DeShone Kizer: The return of Gordon goes hand in hand with Kizer playing to be the guy next year. Kizer has an opportunity to show that his mistakes all aren't on him. Kizer having Gordon could be like Deshaun Watson having Hopkins.

3. Joe Schobert: Schobert is second in tackles this season. The Browns need him to show up and force the Chargers offense into either passing or running. If the Browns can make the Chargers one dimensional the Browns could force a turnover or two.

4. Myles Garrett: Basically the opposite of Schobert. If Garrett can get to Rivers multiple times it could really be the difference in a blow out or a close game.

5. Spencer Drango: Drango has had a tough go of it after playing well against the Vikings. He needs to keep Kizer upright. Its going to be a tough task for Drango go up against the elite pass rush of the Chargers.

Injury Report

Weather Report

Betting Line (as of 11/30/17) Chargers -14

Prediction: Chargers 35 Browns 14

Unfortunately I think the Browns will get blown out this Sunday. They've had problems against good passing teams and they don't match up well against this team.