SID's JOTTINGS

• Don't be surprised to see Christian Ponder play against Carolina on Sunday if Matt Cassel runs into any problems.

• While Carolina quarterback Cam Newton is generally considered the biggest threat to opposing teams, Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is just as dangerous on the defensive side of the football. Kuechly was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season after recording 164 tackles, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. The Panthers defense enters Sunday ranked No. 3 in the league, giving up 301.5 yards per game.

• Going into the bye week, the Gophers football team was ranked No. 9 in the 12-team Big Ten in offense at 22.1 points per game and No. 8 in defense at 24.7 points per game.

• Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek, the former Gophers hockey standout who is a free agent next year, was off to a good start this year with four points in his first five games entering Saturday. Vanek might be available to the Wild next season if they need another scoring forward.

• Tyus Jones told a Duke basketball website this week that he and Jahlil Okafor, two of the top high school recruits in the country, don't pay attention to rumors on where the duo are headed next season. Jones, the Apple Valley point guard, and Okafor, a center from Chicago Whitney Young, have repeatedly said they are being recruited as a package deal.

• With the Major League Baseball playoffs having entered the League Championship Series, three former Twins players remain: Dodgers infielder Nick Punto, Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter and Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz. Catcher Drew Butera is not on the Dodgers NLCS roster, but he has remained with the team during the postseason.