ad nearly as much to celebrate lately.Mullen said he hopes the Bulldogs will do a better job in the passing game against Kentucky after an up-and-down week against BYU. Sophomore Nick Fitzgerald c

ELDORET, Kenya -- Olympic champion David Rudisha was beaten into third place in the 800 meters at the Kenyan trials on Friday but the world-record holder was still selected to defend his title in Rio de Janeiro.Rudisha finished behind former world junior champion Alfred Kipketer and Ferguson Rotich, who is Rudishas nemesis this year. Those two took the two automatic places in the 800, leaving Rudisha to fill the selectors wild-card pick. Officials said before the trials that they would pick Rudisha no matter what.Still, the defeat continues a sluggish buildup to Rio for the Olympic and world champion, who also had two mediocre performances in the Diamond League.Rudisha produced one of the memorable Olympic performances when he broke the world record at the 2012 London Games but he has now been beaten three times this season by Rotich.The top two finishers in each event at the trials qualify for Kenyas team automatically, and officials can select a third athlete as they see fit.Rudisha wasnt the only big name to be surprised at the trials, a notoriously tough event for the favorites with dozens of contenders in the worlds top distance running nation.On Thursday, 2012 Olympic silver medalist Sally Kipyego failed to qualify in the womens 10,000, and Olympic bronze medalist Thomas Longosiwa missed out in the mens 5,000.In the famous high-altitude running town of Eldoret, Rudisha trailed in fifth at the final turn and was forced wide to get a clear run down the straight. He only just claimed third.Two-time Olympic 3,000 steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi also finished third at the trials but knew he was already assured of a place at the Rio Games. Former Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto and Conseslus Kipruto also qualified in the steeplechase.Reigning world champions Asbel Kiprop in the 1,500 meters, Julius Yego in the javelin, Nicholas Bett in the 400 hurdles, and Vivian Cheruiyot all made Kenyas team, with Cheruiyot targeting a 5,000-10,000 double at the Olympics.Wholesale Cheap Shoes Canada . Any real chance at payback wont come until the playoff. Still, Pittsburgh knows its taut 3-2 win over the Bruins on Wednesday night is a pretty good place to start laying the groundwork. "They are a very good defensive team," Penguins forward Brandon Sutter said. Shoes Sale Online Canada . Aaron Harrison scored a 22 points for Kentucky (6-1), which has won four in a row following a Nov. 12 loss to current No. 1 Michigan State. Julius Randle overcame a scoreless first half and added his sixth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 10 rebounds. http://www.wholesaleshoescanada.com/ . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. Clearance Shoes Canada Online .Y. -- Paul Byron and Matt Stajan scored as the Calgary Flames started a five-game road trip with a 2-1 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. Cheap Shoes Canada Free Shipping . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods.Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen says a little bit of adversity isnt always a bad thing and tough times can make a team better.If thats the case, the Bulldogs hope the results come sooner rather than later.Theres no denying its been a rough first half of the season for Mississippi State (2-4, 1-2 Southeastern Conference), which has lost three of its last four games, including last weeks 28-21 double overtime loss at BYU.The BYU setback was undeniably frustrating -- especially since Mississippi State led for a big chunk of the evening -- but at least there was some reason for optimism. The Bulldogs were much more competitive than the week before, when they fell behind 35-0 at home before losing to Auburn 38-14.Mullen said the team played physical and hard in the BYU loss, but crucial mistakes -- including personal foul penalties and missed assignments -- are keeping the Bulldogs out of the win column.Some of the silly penalties we had overshadowed some tremendous efforts we had on the defensive side of the ball, but you see some young guys start to make plays and play a little better, Mullen said.Mississippi State appears to have a few winnable games ahead of it, starting with a road matchup against Kentucky (3-3, 2-2) on Saturday. The Bulldogs have won seven straight games in the series dating back to 2009.But Kentucky has played better of late, winning three of its last four.Mississippi State hasnt had nearly as much to celebrate lately.Mullen said he hopes the Bulldogs will do a better job in the passing game against Kentucky after an up-and-down week against BYU. Sophomore Nick Fitzgerald continued his inconsistent play, completing 17 of 36 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.ddddddddddddOne bright spot was Fitzgeralds short pass to freshman Keith Mixon, who ran 44 yards down the sideline for the Bulldogs first touchdown against BYU. Other than that, Mississippi State struggled to create big offensive plays.Mullen says hes willing to take shots downfield. Its up to his players to execute.I dont think weve decreased the number of shots we have taken down the field, Mullen said. I think weve decreased the efficiency of our shots downfield. I think we have to hit a couple of those.Mississippi States offense is working around the absence of starting running back Brandon Holloway. The senior missed the BYU game because of an ankle injury and his return for the Kentucky game is in doubt.Thats meant larger roles for others like sophomore Aeris Williams, who ran for a team-high 82 yards against BYU. Mixon, who has scored a touchdown in two straight games, and sophomore Malik Dear have also become a bigger part of the offense.Its just opportunities for someone else to take and step up, Dear said. Brandon (Holloway) is a great player and we are going to try to do what he does best and to fill his role. But Brandon can only be Brandon, Keith can only be Keith and Malik can only be Malik. So we are going to go out there and do what we can do.-----Follow David Brandt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbrandtAP . AP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org . ' ' '