(SALT LAKE CITY) – A fifteen-year scientific investigation is finished concerning wastewater from oil and gas production being injected into underground disposal wells. Utah Oil, Gas and Mining Representative, Jim Springer, says the study is beneficial for oil and gas companies. He says the study was conducted due to concerns that injected wastewater might migrate and mix with water contained within drinking-water aquifers. The study began in 1990 to monitor water quality and samples were collected and analyzed yearly through 2005. Springer said that data will continue to be collected on a long-term basis.

MANHATTAN, Kan.-For the first time in 105 years of playing basketball, the #17 Oregon Ducks faced a ranked opponent on the road. It proved to be successful as Bryce Taylor’s 18 points enabled Oregon to edge the #25 Kansas State Wildcats, 80-77 Thursday night at the Fred Bramlage Coliseum. The Ducks used their experience and timely shooting to pull out this tight contest, as they forced the much-younger Wildcats into a plethora of costly mistakes down the stretch. Kansas State was led by freshman standout Michael Beasley, who amassed 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Wildcats. In other Top 25 action Thursday, #19 Gonzaga outlasted Saint Joseph’s, 70-65 in overtime, and #24 USC got past Oklahoma, 66-55.

IRVING, Texas-Tony Romo completed 19 of 30 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns with one interception as the Dallas Cowboys obtained the inside track to home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a 37-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers Thursday night at Texas Stadium. Romo’s four scoring strikes made him the single-season leader in touchdown passes in Cowboys history, as his 33 touchdown tosses on the season trump the mark set by Danny White who previously had 30 in 1983. Nevertheless, the Packers kept things interesting notwithstanding an elbow injury incurred by Brett Favre in the second quarter. In his stead, Aaron Rodgers stepped up and tossed for 201 yards and a score while tailback Ryan Grant added a pair of scoring runs for Green Bay. The game turned in the fourth quarter, when Packers CB Tramon Williams was flagged for a controversial pass interference penalty against Cowboys wideout Miles Austin, which set up the game-clinching touchdown when Romo hit Patrick Crayton on a four-yard touchdown pass. The game was noteworthy as it marked the first time since December 1990 that two teams with identical records of 10-1 met in the same game. In the previously cited matchup, San Francisco edged the New York Giants, 7-3, although this contest was obviously more up-tempo than its predecessor.

(JUNCTION) – The Piute County Search and Rescue is seeking information on a missing person at Piute Reservoir. 47-year old, Thomas Hinds (HYNDES) Jr. of Texas, was last seen Oct. 14, 2007 in a camping area at the reservoir. County Sheriff, Marty Gleave, says it appeared the camping area has been untouched for about a month. Sheriff Gleave said the missing person report came in Sunday and Search and Rescue has spent most of the last two days searching the lake and surrounding areas with no success. He says that Hinds drives a brown 1984 Chevy Blazer TX. The license plate is 856-HFK. Gleave said that a note was in the truck indicating that Hinds may have gone to Panguitch for a few days. Sheriff Gleave also said that a local person had been in the area and reported that he hadn’t seen anyone at the campsite for about a month. Hinds is described as a 6-foot, white male, 210-pounds with blond hair and green eyes. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Hinds, you’re asked to call the Piute County Sheriff’s Office at 577-2893.

DALLAS-The Dallas Mavericks shattered a three-game losing streak with solid performances from Dirk Nowitzki (27 points, 11 rebounds) and Devin Harris (22 points) as they humbled the Minnesota Timberwolves, 109-103 Wednesday evening at the American Airlines Center. After the Mavs had uncharacteristically lost three consecutive games, head coach Avery Johnson decided to place Jason Terry and Erick Dampier into the starting lineup and the adjustments paid huge dividends. New acquisition Brandon Bass also came up huge for Dallas as he scored 15 points which propelled the Mavericks to a 7-1 start at home on the young season. Al Jefferson had 31 points and 14 rebounds to lead Minnesota. In other NBA action Wednesday, Atlanta shellacked Milwaukee, 96-80, Utah overpowered Philadelphia, 106-95, Toronto smacked Memphis, 103-91, Detroit decimated Cleveland, 109-74, San Antonio walloped Washington, 109-94, Houston edged Phoenix, 100-94, Indiana beat Portland, 95-89, Golden State got past Sacramento, 103-96, and Orlando crushed Seattle, 110-94.

(NEPHI) – An I-15 rollover south of Nephi early Tuesday morning sent a man to the hospital with critical injuries. Utah Highway Patrol investigated the accident which occurred about 2:45am. 51-year old, Sabas Correa, apparently fell asleep at the wheel while driving his 1996 Chevy S-10 Blazer southbound on I-15. UHP reports say that Correa crossed both lanes and rolled three times before ending up in the median. The report also said that no one was wearing seat belts. Correa was transporting passengers, 54-year old, Maria Correa, 19-year old, Aaron Duran and 20-year old, Omar Barajas. Duran and Barajas are Correa’s nephews and were ejected. Barajas sustained critical injuries and was taken to the Central Valley Hospital in Nephi. No information is available as to the extent of the other passenger’s injuries.

(NEPHI) – A Loa man died in a single vehicle rollover through Nephi Canyon early Sunday morning. At about 3am, 41-year old, Dallas Brown, was a passenger traveling westbound in a vehicle driven by 22-year old, Lance Ellett of Loa. According to a UHP report, Ellett drifted into the oncoming lane, overcorrected and rolled his vehicle. Brown was thrown from the vehicle and died of head trauma and a broken neck. Ellett apparently was not injured in the accident. UHP reports said that speed and alcohol were a factor in the fatal crash.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.-Eric Gordon and Jamarcus Ellis combined for 44 points and D.J. White added 18 points and 14 rebounds as the #15 Indiana Hoosiers evaded an upset bid from Georgia Tech in an 83-79 win in the BIG 10/ACC Challenge Tuesday night at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers won their 21st consecutive regular season game at home and also proceeded to give the BIG 10 its first victory in this hardwood series against the Atlantic Coast Conference. Although the Yellow Jackets defense which was already the worst in the ACC (surrendering 79 points per contest coming into this game), the offense was up to the challenge as Lewis Clinch amassed 18 points, while Anthony Morrow and Gani Lawal had 17 points apiece for Georgia Tech. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #3 Memphis decimated Austin Peay, 104-82, #7 Duke blitzed #20 Wisconsin, 82-58, #11 Pittsburgh ripped Boston U., 80-53, #12 Tennessee obliterated North Carolina A&T, 93-59, and #18 Clemson edged Purdue, 61-58.

KANAB, Utah-The Canyon View Falcons held the Kanab Cowboys to just four first-quarter points while building a 15 point lead at the end of the period in a 63-38 rout Tuesday evening at Kanab High School. Craig Brinkerhoff had 16 points to pace the Cowboys, while Ty Bunting added 12 more for Kanab.

(Manti) A recount of votes in the court bond issue in Sanpete County has not changed the original outcome. Following the official canvass last week, there were five more votes against the bond than for it. A petition was filed and a recount conducted today, but the only change was two extra votes were found against the bond, leaving the margin of victory for those against the project at seven rather than five. The recount should put the issue to rest until the courts decide on another course of action.

(RICHFIELD) – Representatives from Sen. Bennett’s office will be at the Sevier County Administration building to help individuals with federal agency questions or problems. His staff will be there Monday, Dec. 3, from 1-3pm. Over the past two years, Bennett staff members have held remote office hours throughout Central and Southeastern Utah, giving Utahns the opportunity to meet face-to-face with caseworkers who can help them with federal agency issues. If individuals are unable to attend on Monday and still want help, they’re encouraged to call the senator’s Provo office at (801) 851-2525.

The vote for the Spring City council seats which ended in a tie on election day, was decided by a coin toss. Tied for the third seat was Kimberly Stewart and incumbant Boyd Mickel. Stewart was chosen to choose a side of the coin. Stewart called heads while the coin was tossed in the air. The coin landed on tails, which lets Councilman Boyd Mickel retain his council seat for another 4 years. Mickel joins Thomas O. Allred and Pamela R. Anderson as the other council members that were elected.

PITTSBURGH-Jeff Reed hit a 24-yard field goal with 17 seconds left in regulation as the Pittsburgh Steelers remained in the hunt for a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs by edging the Miami Dolphins, 3-0 Monday night at Heinz Field. The turf, after hosting four high school playoff games and a college football home game for the University of Pittsburgh on Saturday was in a morbid state. Things only worsened when the kickoff was delayed by 25 minutes because of lightning in the region, as the field resembled a mud bog. Thus, both teams had immense struggles offensively, until Steelers signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger (who set a franchise record for accuracy by completing 86 percent of his passes, 18-21, 165 yards, INT) engineered a drive which led to Reed’s game-winner. Meanwhile, things remained horrific for the Dolphins this season as they increased their franchise record for futility in losing their sixth game of the year by three points or less. One bright spot for Miami was former Brigham Young signal-caller John Beck who completed 14 of 23 passes for 132 yards and moved the chains several times to put the Dolphins in scoring position. This was the NFL’s first game to end with a 3-0 outcome since the Jets beat the Redskins by that score in December of 1993.

(SALINA) – Salina City Police were called to Hatch Auto Repair Tuesday morning to investigate a hay theft. Deloy Hatch reported that about 30-40 bales of hay were stolen from his haystack during the night. No suspects have been apprehended in the theft and Salina Police are asking the public for help. They also want the public to be aware that with the rising cost of hay, thefts will also be on the increase and they’ll be watching for unusual movement of small hay bales throughout the area.

(Manti) A close call has prompted a petition to recount the ballots in the special bond election for a new court facility in Manti. The issue appeared dead as those against the proposal came up with five more votes following the canvass held last week. The Sanpete County Clerk’s office will conduct the recount tomorrow morning at 10:30 at the court house in Manti. The project may or may not proceed depending upon the outcome of the recount.

(AURORA) – A controlled burn in Aurora last Thursday got out of hand and burned a shed. At about 8:30pm, a trash pile was being burned and the fire got too close to a trailer, igniting the structure. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, the Aurora Fire Department already had the fire under control. No other structures were damaged and no one was injured in the fire.

SPOKANE, Wash.-Taylor Rochestie had 22 points and Derrick Low hit six of eight three-pointers as the #9 Washington State Cougars got past Air Force, 71-62 Sunday at the Spokane Arena in the Cougar Hispanic College Fund Challenge. Despite the Cougars’ shooting success (they nailed 51 percent of their shots), the Falcons were the ones who started out hot as they made six of 12 three pointers and led 40-37 with just under 14 minutes left in regulation. Nevertheless, Washington State then went on a 14-0 run while the Cougars silenced the Falcons offense, holding them without a field goal for seven minutes. Tim Anderson had 15 points to pace Air Force. In other Top 25 action Sunday, #23 Butler got past Texas Tech, 81-71, #4 Kansas edged Arizona, 76-72 in overtime, #10 Duke obliterated Eastern Kentucky, 78-43, USC shellacked #18 Southern Illinois, 70-45, North Carolina State shocked #19 Villanova, 69-68, and #20 Kansas State hammered Rider, 82-69.

FOXBOROUGH, MASS.-Wes Welker had 13 receptions for 149 yards (both career-highs) and the New England Patriots evaded a major upset with a 31-28 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night at Gilette Stadium. Additionally, Asante Samuel amassed two interceptions, one was a 40-yard return for a score to give the Patriots their first touchdown while the other enabled New England to pull away with a win in the fourth quarter. Although the Patriots came into the game riding high as the NFL’s only unbeaten team and definitely one with a chance to shatter the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ perfect season in the record books, Philadelphia came out and played sound football and kept the Pats at bay for much of the game. The Eagles had two leads, at 21-17 when QB A.J. Feeley (27-42, 345 yards, 3 TD’s, 3 INT’s) hit Greg Lewis (4 rec, 88 yards, 2 TD’s) in the second quarter for a score and later in the fourth quarter, when he found Reggie Brown on an eight-yard strike for a 28-24 lead. New England seized the lead for good when tailback Laurence Maroney had a four-yard touchdown run, while Samuel’s theft of Feeley moments later sealed the win. In other NFL action Sunday, San Francisco stunned Arizona, 37-31 in overtime, Seattle held off St. Louis, 24-19, Minnesota embarrassed the New York Giants, 41-17, Tampa Bay edged Washington, 19-13, New Orleans smacked Carolina, 31-6, Jacksonville hammered Buffalo, 36-14, Cincinnati astonished Tennessee, 35-6, Cleveland handled Houston, 27-17, Oakland got past Kansas City, 20-17, Chicago erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Denver, 37-34 in overtime, and San Diego ripped Baltimore, 32-14. The Monday Night game this week features the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins, in which former Brigham Young star John Beck will get the nod at quarterback for Miami.

NEWARK, N.J.-D.J. Augustin scored 23 points and A.J. Abrams added 21 more as the #16 Texas Longhorns pummeled the #7 Tennessee Volunteers, 97-78 Saturday night in the final of the Stub Hub! Legends Classic at the Prudential Center. Texas remained unbeaten behind prolific shooting (they torched the nets to the tune of 63 percent shooting from the field) and offensive balance, as in addition to Augustin and Abrams’ excellence, Connor Atchley had a career-high 22 points and 11 rebounds while Justin Mason did his part by amassing 21 points. The Longhorns’ defensive efforts also paid huge dividends as they limited Preseason All-American Chris Lofton of Tennessee to just 18 points, while Tennessee only shot 39 percent for the night. Texas coach Rick Barnes commended his team for being more organized than they have been in previous seasons, including their matchup with the Volunteers last year wherein they were defeated in a shootout, 111-107. The win was Barnes’ 40th over a ranked opponent since his arrival in Austin in 1998. In other Top 25 action Saturday, Texas Tech surprised #14 Gonzaga, 73-63, #1 North Carolina evaded an upset against Brigham Young, 73-63, #6 Louisville handled Old Dominion, 64-53, Xavier shellacked #8 Indiana, 80-65, #9 Washington State obliterated Mississippi Valley State, 71-26, #11 Michigan State edged Oakland, 75-71, #11 Oregon (tied with Michigan State in the polls) hammered San Francisco, 110-79, #14 Gonzaga smacked Virginia Tech, 82-64, #22 Clemson massacred Gardner-Webb, 96-67, and #25 Davidson embarrassed UNC-Central, 98-50.

LAS VEGAS-Jonathan Tavernari had 29 points and Trent Plaisted added 21 points while snaring 12 rebounds as the Brigham Young Cougars surprised the #6 Louisville Cardinals, 78-76 Friday evening at the Las Vegas Invitational at the Orleans Arena. Derrick Caracter had 24 points for Louisville, who was obviously hurt by the injuries to David Padgett and Juan Palacios. This was only the Cougars’ fourth win in their last 40 contests against ranked opponents, but their first since December of 1965 when they defeated the-then #2 team in the land, St. Joseph’s. Tomorrow night, Brigham Young has a tall order as they face the #1 North Carolina Tarheels, who smoked Old Dominion, 99-82 in the nightcap. In other Top 25 action Friday, #1 UCLA battered Yale, 81-47, #7 Tennessee edged West Virginia, 74-72, #8 Indiana handled Illinois State, 70-57, #9 Washington State smacked Montana, 66-55, #15 Texas A&M steamrolled Ohio State, 70-47, #16 Texas overpowered New Mexico State, 102-87, #17 Pittsburgh decimated Buffalo, 92-45, #18 Southern Illinois roughed up Mississippi State, 63-49, #19 Villanova outlasted George Mason, 84-76, #20 Kansas State survived against Central Florida, 73-71 in overtime, #21 Syracuse outgunned Washington, 91-85, #23 Butler surged past Virginia Tech, 84-78 in overtime, and Florida State pummeled #24 Florida, 65-51.

HONOLULU-Colt Brennan was 40-53 for 495 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions as the #15 Hawaii Warriors won their first outright WAC title in school history with a 39-27 pasting of #19 Boise State Friday evening at Aloha Stadium. When Brennan hit wideout Davone Bess (14 rec, 170 yards, two TD’s) on a 23-yard scoring strike in the second period, he broke Ty Detmer’s NCAA record for career passing touchdowns with his 123rd touchdown pass. With the nation watching in rapt anticipation, Brennan showed voters in the AP and BCS polls just how viable this Warriors squad is with his proficiency and sound decisions in the passing game. In order to procure a bid in one of the BCS bowls, Hawaii must cement its status by defeating the Washington Huskies next Saturday, Dec.1, but as for now, head coach June Jones said his team will celebrate the WAC title and see how far they can go as they prepare for next week’s bout. In other Top 25 action Friday, Arkansas stunned #1 LSU, 50-48 in triple overtime and Texas A&M got the best of #13 Texas, 38-30.

Box Score (Final)

Score by Quarters     1  2  3  4   Score

Broncos.............  7 10 10  0  - 27       Record: (10-2,7-1)
Warriors............  7 12 20  0  - 39       Record: (11-0,8-0)

Scoring Summary:                                                         BOSESTAT - HAWAII

1st 05:13 BOSESTAT - Ian Johnson 50 yd run (Kyle Brotzman kick)
                                             1 play, 50 yards, TOP 0:10         7 - 0
    03:53 HAWAII - Ryan Grice-Mull 11 yd pass from Colt Brennan (Dan Kelly kick)
                                            5 plays, 70 yards, TOP 1:20         7 - 7
2nd 14:12 HAWAII - Colt Brennan 1 yd run (Dan Kelly kick blockd)
                                            7 plays, 96 yards, TOP 2:27         7 - 13
    08:39 BOSESTAT - Ian Johnson 1 yd run (Kyle Brotzman kick)
                                           11 plays, 69 yards, TOP 5:33        14 - 13
    05:33 HAWAII - Davone Bess 22 yd pass from Colt Brennan (Dan Kelly kick failed)
                                            8 plays, 67 yards, TOP 3:06        14 - 19
    01:35 BOSESTAT - Kyle Brotzman 39 yd field goal
                                            4 plays, 11 yards, TOP 1:48        17 - 19
3rd 13:20 HAWAII - Davone Bess 22 yd pass from Colt Brennan (Dan Kelly kick)
                                            6 plays, 70 yards, TOP 1:33        17 - 26
    09:03 BOSESTAT - Richie Brockel 6 yd pass from Taylor Tharp (Kyle Brotzman kick)
                                            9 plays, 50 yards, TOP 4:17        24 - 26
    06:52 BOSESTAT - Kyle Brotzman 37 yd field goal
                                             4 plays, 2 yards, TOP 2:01        27 - 26
    03:23 HAWAII - Jason Rivers 7 yd pass from Colt Brennan (Colt Brennan pass failed)
                                           10 plays, 70 yards, TOP 3:29        27 - 32
    00:26 HAWAII - C.J. Hawthorne 38 yd pass from Colt Brennan (Dan Kelly kick)
                                            4 plays, 85 yards, TOP 1:06        27 - 39
FIRST DOWNS...................       20       34
RUSHES-YARDS (NET)............   35-100    24-85
PASSING YDS (NET).............      231      495
Passes Att-Comp-Int...........  36-22-1  53-40-2
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS.....   71-331   77-580
Fumble Returns-Yards..........      0-0      0-0
Punt Returns-Yards............     2-42      0-0
Kickoff Returns-Yards.........     6-87    6-146
Interception Returns-Yards....     2-14     1-17
Punts (Number-Avg)............   4-55.5   2-45.0
Fumbles-Lost..................      1-1      0-0
Penalties-Yards...............     3-25     4-47
Possession Time...............    32:15    21:19
Sacks By: Number-Yards........     3-10     3-25

BOSESTAT   HAWAII

RUSHING: Broncos-Ian Johnson 22-85; Jeremy Avery 8-41; Kyle Wilson 1-minus
1; Taylor Tharp 4-minus 25. Warriors-Rob Pilares 9-47; Colt Brennan 11-22;
David Farmer 4-16.

PASSING: Broncos-Taylor Tharp 22-35-1-231; Tanyon Bissell 0-1-0-0.
Warriors-Colt Brennan 40-53-2-495.

RECEIVING: Broncos-Jeremy Childs 8-104; Ian Johnson 3-38; Richie Brockel
3-35; Julian Hawkins 3-23; Titus Young 2-14; Austin Pettis 2-10; Ryan Putnam
1-7. Warriors-Davone Bess 14-170; Jason Rivers 12-111; C.J. Hawthorne 5-118;
Ryan Grice-Mull 5-61; Rob Pilares 3-35; David Farmer 1-0.

INTERCEPTIONS: Broncos-Mike T. William 1-0; Dallas Dobbs 1-14.
Warriors-Jacob Patek 1-17.

Stadium: Aloha Stadium         Attendance: 50000
Kickoff time: 7:00      End of Game: 10:51     Total elapsed time: 3:51
Officials: Referee: Sean McDonough; Umpire: Chris Spielman;
Linesman: Quinn Kessenich; Line judge: Reece Davis; Back judge: Mark May;
Field judge: Ed Cunningham; Side judge: Lisa Salters; Scorer: Brad James;
Temperature: 81        Wind: Slight    Weather: Pleasant

Broncos vs Warriors (Nov 23, 2007 at Honolulu)

SACKS (UA-A): Broncos-Ryan Winterswyk 1-1; Dallas Dobbs 1-1. Warriors-Jacob
Patek 1-0; John Fonoti 1-0; Blaze Soares 1-0.

TACKLES (UA-A): Broncos-Dallas Dobbs 5-6; Kyle Grigg 3-6; Ryan Winterswyk
4-2; Marty Tadman 4-2; Austin Smith 4-1; Brandyn Thompso 3-1; Kyle Wilson
1-3; Derrell Acrey 3-0; Rashaun Scott 2-1; Jason Robinson 2-1; Ian Smart
2-1; Orlando Scandri 2-0; Ellis Powers 2-0; Mike T. William 1-1; Keith
McGowen 1-0; Nick Schlekeway 1-0; Vinny Perretta 1-0; Jeremy Childs 0-1;
David Shields 0-1; Mike Altieri 0-1; Andy Silsby 0-1; Michael Lose 0-1.
Warriors-Solomon Elimimi 4-7; Jacob Patek 4-6; Blaze Soares 4-2; Dezmon
Thomas 3-3; Amani Purcell 1-5; Gerard Lewis 4-1; Myron Newberry 3-2; John
Fonoti 1-3; Ryan Mouton 2-1; Erik Robinson 2-0; Adam Leonard 1-1; Ryan
Keomaka 1-1; Brad Kalilimoku 1-1; Karl Noa 0-2; Rocky Savaiigae 0-2; Keala
Watson 0-2; Timo Paepule 0-2; David Veikune 0-2; Brashton Satele 1-0; Calvin
Roberts 1-0; R.J. Kiesel-Kau 1-0; David Farmer 1-0; Ryan Perry 1-0; Siave
Seti 0-1; Fale Laeli 0-1; Michael Lafaele 0-1; Jason Laumoli 0-1; Dane
Porlas 0-1.

(RICHFIELD) – The northwest quadrant of Richfield City continues to have several problems with water drainage. In this month’s city council meeting, Business Administrator, Woody Farnsworth, said that about a four-block area is affected during rain storms and spring runoff. Farnsworth said that the blocks needing the most attention include the North side of 500 North, the West side of 600 West and the North and East sides of 400 North and 500 West. He said that solutions could be placing curb and gutter to catch the runoff in those areas, raising the road grades or installing catch basins.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City officials are moving forward on a Water Conservation Plan for water users within the city limits. In this month’s city council meeting, Financial Director, Mike Langston, discussed the plan saying that water users will save alot of money in the process. Langston presented a graph showing present and future water needs in the city and pointed out that in 2007, culinary water usage by 7250 people, was more than 300 gallons of water per capita per day. That was compared to a statewide average of 321 gallons and nationally at 179 gallons. City officials determined the best way to start conserving water now and in the future would be to educate the public in newsletters in the city bill sent out each month.

TEMPE, Ariz.-John David Booty shook off the effects of an inconsistent season by tossing for 375 yards and four scores as the #11 USC Trojans blitzed the #6 Arizona State Sun Devils, 44-24 Thursday evening at Sun Devil Stadium. The Trojans seized control in a 17-17 deadlock late in the first half with a 27-0 run which culminated in the third quarter when Booty hit TE Fred Davis on a 34-yard scoring strike to build an insurmountable 44-17 lead. The USC defense placed relentless pressure on ASU signal-caller Rudy Carpenter as they sacked him six times, with four of those amassed by Lawrence Jackson, the most by a Trojan since 1989. The win was also USC’s eighth consecutive victory against the Sun Devils who for all intents and purposes, have been eliminated from the PAC-10 title race.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.-Derek Drews had 18 points, and all five of Western Michigan’s starters scored in double figures as the 4-2 Broncos continued their impressive start to the season with an 83-76 victory over #25 Davidson Wednesday evening at the University Arena in Real Fieldhouse. Drews hit five three-pointers in the game (tying a career-best) while the Broncos and Wildcats combined for 21 field goals behind the arc on the night. Stephen Curry (the son of former NBA guard Dell Curry) had 20 points for Davidson, while Jason Richards added 23 points for the Wildcats. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #4 Kansas shellacked Northern Arizona, 87-46, #5 Georgetown humbled Ball State, 57-48, #6 Louisville battered Nevada-Las Vegas, 68-48, #10 Duke held off #13 Marquette, 77-73, #15 Texas A&M obliterated Washington, 77-63, Ohio State shocked #21 Syracuse, 79-65, and #22 Clemson smoked Presbyterian, 74-57.

(COVE FORT) – The Utah Highway Patrol of Cedar City is notifying the traveling public to be aware of a planned traffic detour at the I-15 and I-70 Junction at Cove Fort this morning. Crews will be repairing a power line and traffic in both lanes along I-15 will be diverted for about 30 minutes between 9 and 10:00 this morning. After crews repair the line, traffic will resume to normal travel.

Green Bay vs. Detroit: Our NFL weekend begins a bit earlier than usual, because of the Thanksgiving tradition which features the Lions and Cowboys with home games every year. In all honesty, the timing could not be more propitious for Detroit to play this game. For starters, they’re coming off a disappointing loss to the Giants wherein Jon Kitna made numerous plays to get the Lions back in the game until an interception caromed off the hands of wideout Shaun McDonald, thus enabling New York to escape. While the Lions have lost three consecutive games on Turkey Day, their last victory was in 2003 against these same Green Bay Packers. On paper, it seems that the Packers will clean up in this game as Brett Favre faces a pass defense that ranks 30th in the NFL, surrendering nearly 258 yards a game. However, Detroit still is among the league leaders in turnover ratio at +5. While Favre has tossed only eight interceptions this season, the Lions are exceptionally adroit at forcing turnovers and since Kitna (2,673 yards, 13 TD’s) will take care of the ball and move the chains consistently, Detroit will call upon their strong tradition of Thanksgiving football against the Packers, (they’re 11-5-1 all-time against the Packers on Thanksgiving) and will win a crucial divisional game. Call the final, Lions 34 Packers 27

New York Jets vs. Dallas: Any momentum the Jets amassed after upsetting the Steelers last Sunday will be sorely tested as they travel to the Big D to face one of the NFL’s elite teams this season. The Jets pulled out numerous surprises against Pittsburgh as they sacked Ben Roethlisberger seven times last week and Thomas Jones (723 yards) became the first tailback to amass 100 yards against the Steelers in the last 35 games. Thus, the Jets are primed and poised to potentially pull off an upset in this one. However, if they are to do so, they must put comparable pressure on Tony Romo (2,848 yards, 27 TD’s) who is poised to break Danny White’s single-season touchdown record in Dallas, set back in 1983. Romo primarily relies upon Terrell Owens (1,028 yards, 12 receiving TD’s) to make the Cowboys high-octane passing offense (276 yards per game, third in the NFL) thrive. This will be a closer game than people expect because the Jets will play with sufficient confidence and Kellen Clemens’ athleticism and poise in the pocket gives the moribund offense a chance to be much better. Call the final Cowboys 27 Jets 20

Indianapolis vs. Atlanta: The Colts have hit some hard times of late, but still behind Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, and head coach Tony Dungy, Indianapolis remains atop the AFC South at 8-2, just ahead of the solid Jaguars. Thus, the pressure is on the Colts to maintain their divisional lead, and because of the Falcons’ numerous struggles this season, they should be able to take care of business on the field with relative ease notwithstanding their numerous injuries. After giving Byron Leftwich some experience, the Falcons have gone back to Joey Harrington (1,876 yards, six TD’s) as head coach Bobby Petrino has elected to make the former Oregon star and NFL journeyman his starter for the interim. The Colts know the importance of this game, and I expect them to come out early and build a double-digit lead against the plodding Falcons. Call the final Colts 27 Falcons 10

Buffalo vs. Jacksonville: The Bills are on life support as one more loss, for all intents and purposes, knocks them out of wild card contention in the AFC. Thankfully for them, rookie phenom Marshawn Lynch (751 yards, six TD’s) will return to the lineup and will perhaps find success against a Jaguars defense which will be without the services of star LB Mike Peterson. The Jaguars’ key to success offensively is the proficiency of QB David Garrard (1,330 yards, eight TD’s) as he has not thrown an interception in the last seven games. Thus, defenses that have faced the Jacksonville offense this season have had a dearth in the turnover battle with the Jaguars checking in at +6 in the ratio. Additionally, tailback Maurice Jones-Drew not only knocks Shawne Merriman flat on his back, he’s also a prolific scorer as he has 23 touchdowns in his last 24 games. The Bills have not shown me anything that shows they’re capable of winning a tough game like this on the road, so I’ll give the Jaguars a 31-14 victory.

Seattle vs. St. Louis: As Matt Hasselbeck continues to delight fantasy owners and play the best football of his career (2,638 yards, 17 TD’s), the Seahawks, despite their unconventional play-calling ratio (60 percent passes to 40 percent rushes) are beginning to assert themselves as a power in the NFC once again. Still, this game will be difficult, because the Rams, notwithstanding their horrendous record have won two consecutive games (each of which occurred on the road) and now return to a raucous TWA Dome) to face the NFC-West leading Seahawks. While the Rams are a respectable 16th against the pass (211 yards a game), a fully-healthy Seattle receiving corps will challenge them consistently. This will have to be a shootout if the Rams are to have chance, which bodes well for them because they’re healthy on offense as well and Marc Bulger (1,757 yards, six TD’s) is beginning to find his groove once again. In a close call, the Seahawks’ Josh Brown will hit a 46-yard field goal to secure the win in the closing seconds. Call the final Seahawks 38 Rams 35

Minnesota vs. New York Giants: As cliché and trite as this perhaps seems, this week’s game for the Giants is all about Eli Manning’s performance. This is true because he will be without tailbacks Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward against a Vikings’ rush defense which obviously is solid (only 74 yards per game surrendered, first in the NFL). Thus, Manning should have innumerable opportunities against Minnesota’s 32nd ranked pass defense (288 yards a game given up) to win the game, but he must be on his A game. Furthermore, Minnesota still remains an enigma offensively and wide receiver Sidney Rice seems to be a more prolific QB than Tarvaris Jackson. Still, with Chester Taylor (468 yards, four TD’s), the Vikings running game should click in the absence of Adrian Peterson. Because of the home-field advantage and Eli Manning’s stellar performance, (let’s call it 315 yards and four TD’s), I’ll take the Giants in a 35-20 win.

Oakland vs. Kansas City: In this junkyard scrap in the AFC West, it’s amazing that somehow these teams remain in contention in the division. Notwithstanding this, the Broncos are now poised to blow everyone else away, but as for the matchup, Arrowhead still gives the Chiefs a decisive home-field advantage. The Raiders have shown glimpses of a potent aerial attack as Daunte Culpepper (1,161 yards, five TD’s) when given an opportunity has excelled. The Raiders’ rush defense (153 yards a game allowed) is among the most horrendous units in the league, and if Kansas City can run with rookie TB Kolby Smith, this could be a blowout. Chiefs signal-caller Brodie Croyle was accurate and prescient in last week’s game against Indianapolis, and traditionally, Kansas City has owned the Raiders, as they are the only AFC West foe to have a winning all-time record against the Silver & Black. I like the Chiefs to grind out what should be a difficult game as the Raiders will officially be thrust into the 2008 season, as the ’07 campaign will be over for them after this weekend. Call the final Chiefs 16 Raiders 10

Houston vs. Cleveland: This game has shootout written all over it. The Texans, with receiver Andre Johnson in their arsenal are an increasingly solid team. His performance last week against New Orleans (six rec, 120 yds) was instrumental in the team’s victory and his presence ensures that QB Matt Schaub (1,951 yards, seven TD’s) will have an explosive target to use throughout the course of any given game. The Browns, have become the modern-day version of the Kardiac Kids and Derek Anderson is relishing his role as the new Brian Sipe. The Oregon State product (2,505 yards, 20 TD’s) has been poised late in the game consistently and judging from their improbable victory over Baltimore last week, this is perhaps shaping up as a special season on the banks of Lake Erie. His two greatest targets, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. have combined for nearly 1,650 yards and 14 TD’s on the season, which enables Cleveland to be among the more prolific offenses in the league. Because of their continuity, and Phil Dawson’s proclivity to make clutch kicks down the stretch, I’ll take the Browns in a 34-31 victory.

New Orleans vs. Carolina: As the season progresses, it becomes increasingly perplexing as to how the Saints can be this pathetic. They have fallen well below expectations up until this point and regrettably for the denizens of the Big Easy, they’re showing no signs of turning things around. The Panthers have been equally disappointing and as the teams meet in Charlotte, N.C., with identical 4-6 records, this is shaping up as an official elimination game. The Saints’ plummet is mystifying in part because Drew Brees (2,737 yards, 15 TD’s) has retained his form from 2006, although the fact that New Orleans falls behind quickly in ballgames doesn’t bode well for them. The plodding Panthers shouldn’t be able to build a lead early on as the offense, led by ageless veteran Vinny Testaverde is anything but dynamic. The key for the Panthers is to win in the kicking game and to have DeShaun Foster (675 yards, two TD’s) have an effective game as Carolina is 16-1 when he exceeds the 70-yard plateau. While Foster should run effectively against New Orleans, I have a gut feeling that they’ll pull this one out in a 23-20 win when incidentally Olindo Mare makes a clutch field goal in the final minutes.

Washington vs. Tampa Bay: This is perhaps the best game in the NFC this weekend as the Redskins and Buccaneers are both in good condition to make a run for the playoffs while this will be a huge game down the stretch when tiebreakers come into play. Washington is currently fighting for their playoff lives in the NFC East while the Buccaneers have a comfortable lead in the NFC South. Jason Campbell had his coming-of-age performance against the Cowboys last weekend and should be able to continue his chemistry with Santana Moss, although the Buccaneers’ defense ranks third against the pass in NFL annals (178 yards per game) so Campbell will have to make wise decisions and not take any unnecessary risks. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will again thrive behind Jeff Garcia and Joey Galloway, (who has two touchdowns in his past two games against Washington). Because the Redskins are more on the brink of desperation, I think they’ll find a way to pull this one out late. In what will be an exceptionally entertaining game, the Redskins’ defense will find a way to put consistent pressure on Garcia and Santana Moss will snare two touchdown passes. Call the final Redskins 31 Buccaneers 17

Tennessee vs. Cincinnati: We now know that the Tennessee Titans are at their best when they don’t have to light up the scoreboard and after giving up numerous big plays in the passing game to the underrated Broncos offense last Monday, they’ll have their work cut out for them as they battle the Bengals. Nevertheless, the Titans have shown some spark offensively as Vince Young (1,417 yards, five TD’s) threw for a career-high 305 yards on Monday night, while the rushing offense should maintain its excellence agaisnt a Bengals defense which is among the worst in the league against the run. Carson Palmer (2,793 yards, 18 TD’s) has shown some troubling tendencies in the passing game of late, as he threw three costly picks against the Cardinals. The Titans still have much to play for, while for all intents and purposes, the Bengals’ season is over, so this should motivate Jeff Fisher’s squad to pull a tough one out on the road. As Young accounts for nearly 350 yards of total offense, the Titans should win, 24-21 in a squeaker.

San Francisco vs. Arizona: This just in: the Cardinals are legitimate contenders to take a wild card in the NFC playoffs, and all the credit justly goes to Ken Whisenhunt, who in less than one season has dramatically changed the fortunes of this sad-sack franchise. Although the Seahawks have recently caught fire in the NFC West, the Cards are not far behind them and should make quick work of the apathetic 49ers. Until San Francisco can find a way to amass more than 11 points and 221 yards per game, they will scare no one and will consequently be blown off the ball by their superior opponents. While Arizona has been bolstered by the resurgence of Kurt Warner (1,525 yards, 11 TD’s, and incidentally is 7-0 against San Francisco all-time), the defense has been equally impressive, as they have six interceptions in their last two games. Thus, San Francisco, if they can’t change these trends has no shot. In a laugher, call the final Cardinals 34 49ers 9.

Baltimore vs. San Diego: This is the disappointing game of the week, not because it will be a bad game (it should be quite good), but because these teams had sky-high expectations coming into this season and have been mired in underachieving slumps. The Ravens have gone to Kyle Boller full-time and judging by his performance against the Browns (22-41, 279 yards, TD, 2 INT’s), he’s shown glimpses of excellence. Nevertheless, the way they lost to Cleveland, with the weird field goal, can demoralize any team. However, if the Ravens’ stout rush defense (77 yards a game) can keep LaDainian Tomlinson in check, then Baltimore has the game secured because the erratic Philip Rivers (2,052 yards, 11 TD’s) has been inconsistent and ruined the Chargers more than he’s helped them. This will be a tight game, but once again, a field goal will determine the outcome, and Matt Stover is as clutch as anyone else this side of Jason Elam, so he’ll save the Ravens and Brian Billick will rejoice as a close one FINALLY goes in his favor. Call the final Ravens 27 Chargers 24

Denver vs. Chicago: This leads us to the game that piques my interest the most this week, as the Broncos can (if my Chargers-Ravens prediction holds serve) seize complete control of the AFC West. Why shouldn’t they? Well, for starters, as Jay Cutler increases in magnificence (2,082 yards, 11 TD’s, and nearly a perfect performance against the Titans on Monday), the Broncos increase in confidence. They also became the first team since the 2003 Vikings to amass four touchdowns in excess of 40 yards against Tennessee, so they have a penchant for the big play if needed. Additionally, with the exception of the heartbreaking loss to the Packers, the Broncos have won all of their close games. As for the Bears, their fall from grace has been swift and brutal as quarterback quandaries, an inconsistent defense and a running game that has hit the skids have all contributed to their abrupt downfall. The Bears have virtually no momentum, and Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil should be able to wreak havoc against the turnover-prone Chicago signal-caller Rex Grossman. Still, I have a feeling the Bears will keep things close, but in the end, Jason Elam will boot the Broncos to the divisional lead with a 35-yard field goal. Call the final Broncos 23 Bears 20

Philadelphia vs. New England: Yes, once again NBC’s Cris Collinsworth continues to develop his unsavory man crush on the Pats. Fortuitously, the Peacock will no longer be able to broadcast the polarizing Patriots because every NFL team has a six-time prime time appearance limit. As it is, the Pats have once again evaded injury while Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb remains a game-time decision. If McNabb can’t go, it will be a blowout. If he can, the Eagles have a shot. Because everything’s going the Patriots’ way, they’ll probably luck out and not have to deal with McNabb. Call the final Patriots 35 Eagles 20, as Brian Westbrook will have a good game for Philadelphia to give them a fighting chance, as remote as it may seem.

Miami vs. Pittsburgh: The Dolphins have hit the big time. While they’re winless, John Beck (9-22, 109 yards, NO TURNOVERS, rejoice Dolphins fans!!!) has shown signs that he can be the quarterback of the future which ultimately means that somehow this season has been successful without any traces of a “pyrrhic” win. The Steelers are embarrassed after their stunning loss to the J