Holcomb makes Browns better

Two of the most-discussed topics continue to be the Browns' quarterback situation and the Maurice Clarett saga.
In Berea, coach Butch Davis is expected to announce today or Monday that either Tim Couch or Kelly Holcomb will be the starting quarterback.
Holcomb, who plays a more aggressive game, in that he'll take more chances with longer passes, is the fan favorite. Couch, who prefers the short, quick passing game (and because of it has his arm strength questioned), has been the starter in all but one game in which he has played since being the No. 1 draft choice out of Kentucky in 1999.
Davis has indicated that Holcomb would have to clearly outplay Couch in order to wrest away the starting role. He didn't appear to do that Friday night, despite leading Cleveland to a pair of touchdown drives in his three series.
Unfortunately for Holcomb, his last appearance was a one-play drive, ended by an interception in which he underthrew the intended receiver.
On the other hand, Couch didn't come through with what could be considered a spectacular performance either. He led the Browns to a touchdown on his first drive, but then settled for short passes on his second and final possession.
On third down, he threw to a receiver short of the necessary yardage to gain a first down, a particularly galling trend that he has followed in his pro career.
Rumors floating around
One of the many rumors floating around is that Davis favors Holcomb, while the front office, and particularly owner Randolph Lerner (who must pay the salary), want Couch.
While I think Couch has more talent, it's obvious that as the incumbent starter, he's faced more pressure in this showdown than Holcomb, who is the challenger.
There is no dispute that Couch was stung by the fans' vocal criticism of him last season. He almost seems to be looking across his shoulder after every play, either for a pat on the back or to get yanked. As such, his play appears more tentative than Holcomb's, and that's a dangerous make-up to have. Just look at the opposing quarterback Saturday night for proof -- Brett Favre's aggressive play is what has made him a hall of fame-caliber player.
Couch may be the better player, but the Browns will be a better team with Holcomb in the starting lineup.
No news is good news
In Columbus, very little news has surfaced regarding Clarett, which in this case is good news.
So far, the Ohio State athletic department has made all the right moves -- taking the lead in the investigation of the academic probe, cooperating with the NCAA and sitting the standout running back until all the questions are answered.
Coach Jim Tressel has been criticized by some for not responding to the original New York Times story that began the controversy, or to Clarett's use of a car.
But, it only makes sense for Tressel, and everyone else in the Buckeye athletic program, to remain quiet. In a situation like this, the fewer voices heard the better, and athletic director Andy Geiger has been able to represent the university as a spokesman.
When the dust settles, I predict the NCAA will find no wrongdoing, Ohio State will announce it is going to overhaul the academic support program for student-athletes, and Clarett will not be suspended.
He may not start the season opener against Washington on Aug. 30, but expect to see him in the game sometime in the first half.
Great expectations
New West Branch football coach Steve Saulnier played at North Carolina State and has coached at the collegiate level.
He learned quickly, though, that pressure isn't confined to the college game.
West Branch, under former coach Jim Laut, has had 19 consecutive non-losing seasons, including the Division III state championship in 1994.
Upon his hiring, Saulnier was greeted by one fan: "Coach, we're behind you 100 percent ... just win at least eight games every year and make the playoffs."
XRob Todor is sports editor of The Vindicator. Write to him at todor@vindy.com.