COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Never mind that No. 2 Ohio States clash with No. 3 Michigan this week is the most meaningful contest between the bitter rivals in a decade. In Columbus, the game against The Team Up North doesnt need any additional hype.Legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes hung the TTUN moniker on Michigan so he wouldnt have to say the name of the hated state and school. The tradition continues to this day here. So does the contempt.We dont like them, and they dont like us, quarterback J.T. Barrett said.We dont say that M word, guard Billy Price said.Both teams are 10-1, and the winner of the rivalry games 113th version likely will end up in the final four of the College Football Playoff.We approach it as its `The-Team-Up-North week, so that already has its own standard and level of expectation, Barrett said. So as far as us being ranked in the top five, both teams, I dont think thats changed it.Ohio State will see the nations top-ranked defense after windy conditions forced the Buckeyes to take to the ground to beat Michigan State 17-16 last Saturday. The win came also thanks to a failed 2-point attempt after the Spartans scored with 4:41 left in the game. Chris Worley intercepted a Tyler OConnor pass in the end zone that would have put Michigan State ahead. Gareon Conley picked off another pass late in the fourth quarter to seal it.Michigan struggled with Indiana and the weather last week, beating the Hoosiers 20-10 in the blowing snow. Theres a good chance the Wolverines will again have their backup quarterback John OKorn playing in place of injured Wilton Speight. OKorn also will face a stout Ohio State defense thats given up just 12 touchdowns this season and allowed only four rushing TDs.When we play its always going to be a battle, linebacker Chris Worley said. You can take the records and throw them out, you can take the seasons and throw them out, honestly. Its all about one thing -- just beat `The Team Up North.Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has emphasized rivalry games at every coaching stop, and he thinks that was developed while growing up in Ohio and being around the culture of Ohio State-Michigan.I think that came from Coach Hayes and (former Michigan coach) Bo Schembechler, Meyer said. I just think that was the classiest -- both programs had a tremendous respect for each other, both coaches did, and they played so damn hard.Elflein, who grew up and went to school in the Columbus suburb of Pickerington, said the magnitude of the annual game was drilled home for him years ago.It was like another holiday, I remember that, Elfelin said. Youd have your Thanksgiving Day celebration and there was a quick turnaround for a big party, a big celebration.---More AP college football at www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 .---This version corrects to OKorn---Follow Mitch Stacy at http://twitter.com/mitchstacy Jeremy Jeffress Jersey . "It doesnt get any better than that," Giambi said. "Im speechless." The Indians are roaring toward October. Giambi belted a two-run, pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a shocking 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, keeping the Indians up with the lead pack in the AL wild-card race. Cecil Cooper Jersey . Their 38th instalment is arguably their biggest fight card to date, including three-title fights and a main event which was selected by the fans. The promotion boasts 14-straight years of business and is operated by MFC president Mark Pavelich, who is often overlooked in this country for the foundation hes established for MMA in Canada. http://www.brewersteamshop.com/Brewers-Domingo-Santana-Kids-Jersey/ . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. Eric Thames Jersey . Meanwhile, there were huge victories for Sunderland and West Ham over fellow relegation rivals, leaving the battle to avoid the drop up for grabs with the bottom 11 teams separated by just six points. Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres scored second-half goals to seal a fourth straight victory for Chelsea, which climbed above Arsenal and Manchester City in the standings ahead of their games on Monday and Sunday respectively. Josh Hader Jersey . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. The Atlanta Falcons?signed Robert Alford to a four-year contract extension, keeping one of their starting cornerbacks from hitting the open market after the season.The Falcons announced the signing Thursday. The deal is worth $38 million and includes $21 million guaranteed, league sources told ESPNs Adam Schefter.It feels good, Alford said of the extension. It feels good to be in the same place. I love it here. I love the coaching staff. I love Coach (Dan) Quinn. Just for them to give me the extension, Im very blessed. Thats all I can say.Alford, 28, was a second-round draft pick in 2013 out of Southeastern Louisiana. He became a regular starter during his second season and has started all 12 games this year.Robert loves the culture and the organization and the city, and he believes theres something special going on here, said Brian Mackler, Alfords agent. He wanted to be part of it for the next four years and become a Falcon for life.Alford is the second player to receive an extension this season, joining right tackle Ryan Schraeder, who received a five-year, $33 million extension. Owner Arthur Blank also rewarded general manager Thomas Dimitrooff with an extension through 2019.ddddddddddddAlford was one of two cornerbacks the Falcons drafted in 2013, joining first-round pick and fellow starter Desmond Trufant. Trufant is on injured reserve after undergoing pectoral surgery, but the 2015 Pro Bowler figures to be rewarded with a lucrative extension. The Falcons exercised the $8 million fifth-year option on Trufants contract through 2017.Alford was in the last year of his deal. Because of his speed and athleticism, he was destined to attract some type of attention had he hit the open market. Although Alford has struggled at times with penalties, the Falcons think he can thrive in Quinns defense.Its the speed that he plays with out on the outside and the ability to match up on different guys, Quinn said. Hes got the versatility to also play nickel. ... Hes got a real awareness for the football in terms of going after it and ballhawking.Alford leads the team with 12 passes defended to go with two interceptions. He is fifth on the team with 47 combined tackles. ' ' '