SB Nation Detroit: All Posts by Tom Lewishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48919/detroit-fave.png2013-01-03T10:00:16-05:00https://detroit.sbnation.com/authors/tom-lewis/rss2013-01-03T10:00:16-05:002013-01-03T10:00:16-05:00NFL mock draft: Mock has Manti Te'o to Lions
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>Dan Brugler of CBS Sports has the Lions looking at the Notre Dame linebacker in his latest NFL mock draft.</p> <p>CBS Sports' draft expert <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-DaneBrugler">Dane Brugler released his latest mock draft </a>earlier in the week with the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> selecting Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o to fill a defensive need with the No. 5 overall pick.</p>
<p>The Lions have several needs on the defensive side of the ball. While defending the pass better with an upgrade in pass rush or cornerback talent may be a priority, Brugler feels the all-around football talent Te'o would bring to the Lions would help along with the linebacker's leadership ability in the huddle.</p>
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<p>The Lions have been very streaky on defense and need to add some leadership on that side of the ball. Te'o would not only bring his talented skill-set to Detroit, but he would also bring a positive influence to a squad with more than a few questionable characters.</p>
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<p>Taking a linebacker with the fifth overall pick may be a reach unless the Lions become convinced that the total package Brugler describes is too valuable to pass up. According to the latest <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2012/12/31/3820618/2013-nfl-mock-draft" target="_blank">mock draft from SB Nation's Dan Kadar</a>, the Lions will look at cornerback Dee Milliner out of Alabama. Kadar has Te'o falling to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> with the No. 17 pick in his draft.</p>
<p>Te'o will finish an emotional senior season with Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship game against Alabama on Jan. 7. The 6'2, 255-pound linebacker was a runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting after making several big plays to help keep the Fighting Irish undefeated in 2012.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/lions/2013/1/3/3826492/2013-nfl-mock-draftTom Lewis2013-01-01T23:32:57-05:002013-01-01T23:32:57-05:00NFL power rankings: Lions ranked 28th by ESPN
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<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>The Detroit Lions completed a disappointing season on Sunday, leaving them among the last few teams in various NFL power rankings.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a>' free-fall throughout the 2012 NFL season from talented, young contender to a major disappointment came to an end this past Sunday. The Lions lost to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> to finish the season by losing their final eight games.</p>
<p>The collapse by Detroit dropped the Lions down the various power rankings from outlets covering the NFL. ESPN's final power rankings left the Lions at No. 28 among the 32 teams with no answers, just questions.</p>
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<p>Was it a step-back year like teams have sometimes after they first contend? Or was 2012 a sign of major systemic problems in Detroit?</p>
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<p>SB Nation's Joel Thorman leaves the Lions in a similar neighborhood in his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/1/3824414/nfl-power-rankings-2013-broncos-seahawks">final power rankings</a>, listing the Lions at No. 27.</p>
<p>For another take on where the Lions stack up in the NFL, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/power-rankings">Oddsshark.com has power rankings</a> based on their formulas to consider all of the statistics and schedule factors that influence winning and losing.</p>
<p>According to the formulas used to rank NFL teams, Oddsshark has the Lions ranked 13th. That puts Detroit ahead of playoff teams, Indianapolis (22), Minnesota (17) and Baltimore (15).</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/lions/2013/1/1/3826580/nfl-power-rankings-2012Tom Lewis2013-01-01T22:19:00-05:002013-01-01T22:19:00-05:00Kings vs. Pistons final score: Detroit wins 103-97
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<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Pistons continue their strong play of late with another home win over the Kings.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> tipped off 2013 in style with their third consecutive win after holding on to beat the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a>, 103-97, on Tuesday night at the Palace at Auburn Hills.</p>
<p>After the Kings took an early lead in a high-scoring first quarter, the Pistons rallied as guard <span>Will Bynum</span> scored 10 of the Pistons' 31 points in the second quarter to give the Pistons control of the game and a 10-point lead at halftime. Bynum finished the game with 15 points as one of five Pistons to score in double figures.</p>
<p><span>Austin Daye</span> also added 13 points off the bench for Detroit and came up big down the stretch as the Pistons denied Sacramento's comeback bid. With the lead down to three points in the final minute of the game, Daye knocked down a three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to put the Pistons back up by six points and seal up the win.</p>
<p>Point guard <span>Brandon Knight</span> led the Pistons with 20 points while <span>Greg Monroe</span> added 18 points and 11 rebounds.</p>
<p>Center DeMarcus Cousins paced the Kings with a game-high 21 points and 14 rebounds.</p>
<p>The Pistons moved to 11-22 on the season as the win was the team's fifth in their past six games. Detroit will try to maintain that winning momentum when they host the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> on Friday night.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/pistons/2013/1/1/3826366/detroit-pistons-sacramento-kings-score-recapTom Lewis2012-12-11T23:58:59-05:002012-12-11T23:58:59-05:00Kiper: Taylor Lewan among top tackles in NFL draft
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<figcaption>Gregory Shamus</figcaption>
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<p>Mel Kiper considers Lewan an elite draft prospect if he decides for forego his senior season at Michigan.</p> <p>Michigan junior offensive tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76886/taylor-lewan" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Lewan</a> turned into an elite NFL draft prospect while earning All-America honors for his play this season at left tackle.</p>
<p>After Michigan plays South Carolina in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day, the fourth-year junior could give up his remaining year of eligibility at Michigan to enter the NFL draft. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.freep.com/article/20121211/SPORTS06/121211067/1054?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreepMichiganWolverines+%28freep.com+%7C+Michigan+Wolverines%29">According to ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper</a>, Lewan won't have any problems getting selected near the top of the draft.</p>
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<p>"Taylor Lewan, right now, I don't think he's going to be the first left tackle taken. I think <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115454/luke-joeckel" class="sbn-auto-link">Luke Joeckel</a> from Texas A&M, who won the Outland Trophy, I think he will be," Kiper said. "Lewan, right now, is 13 on the big board. He will be battling, ironically, a kid from the Mid-American Conference, not far away at Central Michigan, in Eric Fisher. So it's Eric Fisher or Lewan to be the second tackle off the board, behind Joeckel."</p>
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<p>Lewan, from Scottsdale, Arizona, will wait until the season ends in Tampa before considering his options. Lewan has made 27 consecutive starts at left tackle for Michigan, but if he returns for his final year of eligibility, Lewan will risk sustaining an injury that could alter his pro career.</p>
<p>The payday awaiting an NFL first round pick will be hard for Lewan to pass up if he can live up to Kiper's early projections that have him among the players projected to be selected in the middle of the first round.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-football/2012/12/11/3757504/mel-kiper-michigan-wolverines-taylor-lewan-nfl-draftTom Lewis2012-12-11T22:18:40-05:002012-12-11T22:18:40-05:00Nuggets hold off Pistons to win, 101-94
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Denver came back from a first quarter deficit to take a halftime lead and then hold on to beat Detroit at the Palace at Auburn Hills.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a> (11-11) and point guard <span>Ty Lawson</span> in particular got off to a slow start against the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> (7-17) before rallying to earn a 101-94 win.</p>
<p>The Pistons took an early lead after one quarter while Lawson started the game by missing his first few shots for Denver. After the bench gave the Nuggets a boost, Lawson went on to lead his team to the win with 26 points, seven assists and four steals.</p>
<p>Detroit hung around throughout the second half but could never overcome the six-point halftime deficit. <span>Jason Maxiell</span> led the Pistons with 18 points, six rebounds and six blocked shots. Point guard <span>Brandon Knight</span> added 20 points and five assists for Detroit.</p>
<p>Denver's bench continues to play a big role in their wins of late, combining to score 42 points thanks to 15 points from <span>Corey Brewer</span> and 12 points from JaVale McGee. The Pistons countered with 33 points of the bench, including 17 points from <span>Rodney Stuckey</span>, but it wasn't enough to beat the Nuggets.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> have a couple of days off before travelling to Brooklyn on Friday to play the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a>.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/pistons/2012/12/11/3757190/detroit-pistons-denver-nuggets-score-recapTom Lewis2012-11-24T23:31:04-05:002012-11-24T23:31:04-05:00Cornell beats Michigan, 5-1 in Frozen Apple
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Big Red were too much for the Wolverines in front of a big crowd at Madison Square Garden.</p> <p>The Michigan Wolverines men's hockey team came up short against the Cornell Big Red, 5-1 in the Frozen Apple game played at Madison Square Garden in New York City.</p>
<p>A night after Michigan's men's basketball team won the NIT Tip-Off Tourney by beating Kansas State at MSG, the Wolverines hockey team fell behind the Big Red and were never able to recover in the game played before a sell-out crowd at the Garden.</p>
<p>After Michigan failed to score on several power play opportunities in the first period, Cornell's Joel Lowry scored a power-play goal giving the Big Red a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period.</p>
<p>Cornell took control in the second period with a pair of goals. Teemu Tiitinen and Greg Miller scored the goals for the Big Red to extend Cornell's lead heading into the final period. Miller also scored the final goal of the game for Cornell.</p>
<p>Michigan finally put a shot in the net in the third period when Mac Bennett scored his fourth goal of the season. Jacob Trouba and Andrew Sinelli assisted on Michigan's only score.</p>
<p>The win improved Cornell's record to 4-3-2 overall while Michigan dropped to 5-7-1 on the season.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-hockey/2012/11/24/3687446/michigan-cornell-hockey-madison-square-gardenTom Lewis2012-11-24T08:00:49-05:002012-11-24T08:00:49-05:00Michigan State vs. Minnesota: Game time and more
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<p>The Spartans need to win their last Big Ten game to become bowl eligible.</p> <p>The Michigan State Spartans (5-6, 2-5) take on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> (6-5, 2-5) on Saturday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium.</p>
<p>Michigan State will try to finish their Big Ten regular-season schedule in strong fashion, needing a win to even their season record at 6-6 and earn a bowl bid. The Spartans need the win to become bowl eligible after suffering a pair of tough losses in the past two weeks.</p>
<p>Legends Division leader Nebraska beat Michigan State two weeks ago, 28-24, and then Northwestern kicked a fourth-quarter field goal to give the Wildcats a 23-20 win last week. The loss was Michigan State's fourth in their last five games.</p>
<p>Minnesota is already bowl eligible thanks to a favorable non-conference schedule that had the Gophers 4-0 to start the season. The Gophers were only able to beat Purdue and Illinois in conference play, matching Michigan State's 2-5 conference record.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/michigan-state-minnesota-odds-november-24-2012">Michigan State is favored</a> by eight points.</p>
<p>The game is scheduled to kick off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on the Big Ten Network.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/11/24/3674186/minnesota-michigan-state-2012-schedule-game-time-spreadTom Lewis2012-11-20T23:11:40-05:002012-11-20T23:11:40-05:00Gary Harris injury: Spartans guard waits on MRI
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<figcaption>Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
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<p>The freshman starter injured his shoulder early in Tuesday's game against Boise State.</p> <p>Michigan State's heralded freshman guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175055/gary-harris">Gary Harris</a> injured his left shoulder shortly after the opening tip in the Spartans' win over Boise State on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Harris didn't return to the court, and according to reports following the game, Michigan State head coach <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Tom Izzo</a> isn't too optimistic about Harris playing any time soon.</p>
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<p>Big loss RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/diamond83">diamond83</a>: Gary Harris will be out for a while, according to Tom Izzo. MRI tomorrow.</p>
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobDauster/status/271097611891662848" data-datetime="2012-11-21T03:48:02+00:00">November 21, 2012</a>
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<p>Harris added a dynamic presence on the wing for Michigan State while leading the team in scoring through the first three games, with 16 points per game.</p>
<p>Following the win over Boise State,<a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNDanaOneil/status/271099884613029888" target="_blank"> Izzo thought the best case for Harris</a> would be a sprain that would keep him out of action for a couple of week. Izzo wasn't optimistic about the prognosis for Harris, with a worst-case scenario keeping him out for an undetermined amount of time. Harris will have an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-basketball/2012/11/20/3674114/gary-harris-injury-michigan-state-basketballTom Lewis2012-11-14T08:02:10-05:002012-11-14T08:02:10-05:00College football: Michigan hosts Iowa on Saturday
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<figcaption>Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan has to take care of business against Iowa on Saturday to keep pace in the Big Ten's Legends Division.</p> <p>The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines host the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday at Michigan Stadium while trying to keep pace with the Nebraska Cornhuskers atop the Big Ten's Legends Division. With two conference games remaining, Michigan needs to keep winning and then hope that Nebraska stumbles in one of their last two games.</p>
<p>The Cornhuskers host Minnesota on Saturday and then finish conference play the following week at Iowa. Nebraska owns the head-to-head tie breaker over Michigan after beating the Wolverines earlier in the season.</p>
<p>In other games of interest this week, Michigan State will try to become bowl eligible with their sixth win of the season when they host Northwestern. The Spartans are trying to salvage a frustrating season after losing three of their last four games.</p>
<p>Here is the full slate of Big 10 games this week:</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/iowa-hawkeyes">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a> (12 p.m. ET, ESPN)</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/indiana-hoosiers">Indiana Hoosiers</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/penn-st-nittany-lions">Penn St. Nittany Lions</a> (12 p.m. ET, BTN)</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northwestern-wildcats">Northwestern Wildcats</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-st-spartans">Michigan St. Spartans</a> (12 p.m. ET, ESPN2)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers" class="sbn-auto-link">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> (3:30 p.m. ET, BTN)</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/purdue-boilermakers">Purdue Boilermakers</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> (3:30 p.m. ET, BTN)</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ohio-st-buckeyes">Ohio St. Buckeyes</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers">Wisconsin Badgers</a> (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN2)</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-football/2012/11/14/3643440/college-football-2012-scheduleTom Lewis2012-11-13T21:03:23-05:002012-11-13T21:03:23-05:00Week 11 power rankings drop Lions following loss
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<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>NFL writers pushed the Lions down their respective league rankings after the team dipped back below .500 for the season.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> halted any momentum that was building for a strong second half of the season with their 34-24 loss to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> on Sunday. The Lions had won two consecutive games and three of their last four before losing at Minnesota.</p>
<p>The loss dropped the Lions to 4-5 for the season, leaving them in last place in the NFC North division standings. NFL writers took note of the Lions' record dropping below .500 again, pushing Detroit down their NFL team rankings.</p>
<p>The Lions are No. 17 in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/11/13/3639796/nfl-power-rankings-week-11-falcons-texans-bears">SB Nation's NFL power rankings for Week 11</a>. Joel Thorman points out that Detroit's high expectations heading into the season make the team's current record that much tougher on fans.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings">ESPN's power rankings</a> has the Lions at No. 17, noting both the offense and defense have too many holes to keep pace in the difficult NFC North. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/powerrankings">Pete Prisco's CBSSports.com power rankings</a> dropped Detroit to No. 20 but thinks the Lions have a chance to turn around a disappointing season starting with their game against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> this week.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/lions/2012/11/13/3642902/nfl-power-rankings-week-11Tom Lewis