In brief: Hanson is one loyal Lion

NFL: Detroit kicker Jason Hanson played his 297th game with the Lions on Sunday, setting an NFL record for games with one team.

Hanson, from Mead High School and Washington State, surpasses Hall of Fame center Bruce Matthews, who played 296 with the Houston-Tennessee franchise. Darrell Green played 295 with the Washington Redskins.

Hanson made two field goals and six extra points in Detroit’s 48-3 rout of Kansas City.

Associated Press

Ohio State drops out of Top 25

College football: Ohio State is out of the Associated Press college football rankings for the first time in nearly seven years, ending the nation’s longest streak of appearances in the Top 25.

Coming off a 24-6 beating at Miami, the Buckeyes dropped out of the rankings from No. 17 in the media poll released Sunday. Ohio State had been ranked in 103 straight Top 25s since last being left out on Nov. 20, 2004.

Oklahoma remained No. 1 after a 23-13 victory at Florida State. The loss dropped the Seminoles six spots to 11th.

Associated Press

Predators, Panthers play 2

NHL: Thanks to the Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, doubleheaders aren’t just for baseball anymore.

That’s right – two hockey teams, two games, one day.

Looking to generate some buzz as hockey’s preseason opens, the Panthers will host the Predators today in what’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind event for the NHL. There has been instances of teams playing twinbills on the same day at things like rookie camps, for example, but a true doubleheader at hockey’s top level is believed to have never been done before.

Let’s skate two, anyone?

“Not sure if it’s a one-tie or two-tie day … probably a two-shirt day,” Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said.

Associated Press