TROON, Scotland -- Zach Johnson begins defense of his Open title on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. ET at Royal Troon along with Adam Scott and Henrik Stenson on the opening day of the 145th playing of the championship.U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson is in the group prior at 9:04 a.m. along with Martin Kaymer and Russell Knox.Each of the 156 competitors in the field begins off the first tee. The tournament will start with Scotlands Colin Montgomerie, 53, at 1:35 a.m. ET hitting the opening shot in a group with Marc Leishman -- who lost in a playoff to Johnson last year -- and Luke Donald.Other notable groups include Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry (4:03 a.m.); Masters champion Danny Willett, Rickie Fowler and Jason Day (4:25 a.m.); Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Bubba Watson (4:36 a.m.); Graeme McDowell, Matt Kuchar and?Andrew Johnston?(8:15. a.m.);?Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Ernie Els (8:26 a.m.)The last group tees off at 11:16 a.m. Tedy Bruschi Youth Jersey . The veteran safety was a starter for the Bengals from 2008-2012. He totaled 41 tackles and three interceptions while starting all but four of the 13 games he played last season. Rob Gronkowski Youth Jersey . LOUIS -- Lance Lynn was one of the more enthusiastic participants as the St. http://www.shoptheofficialpatriots.com/Elite-Tom-Brady-Patriots-Jersey/ . But by the time the game started, the Toronto Raptors forward felt even worse. And, for three quarters, it showed as Gay shot a woeful three-for-13 from the field. Irving Fryar Youth Jersey . -- Kyrie Irvings last-minute 3-pointer helped seal another victory for Cleveland -- and the Cavaliers longest winning streak since LeBron James left. John Hannah Patriots Jersey . After a first half in which he thought "the lid was on the basket," the Toronto Raptors coach watched his squad mount a second half surge to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 98-91. CULVER, Ind. -- Notre Dame opened practice Saturday looking to shore up a defense that was shaky at times last season.The Irish lost six of the top eight tacklers on a defense that ranked 45th in the nation in total defense, allowing 372.7 yards a game.The biggest challenge is replacing linebackers Jaylon Smith, who led the Irish with 114 tackles, and Joe Schmidt, the teams vocal leader. While three players will compete to replace Smith at weakside linebacker, the Irish know junior Nyles Morgan will take over for Schmidt in the middle.Coach Brian Kelly said Morgan, a former top recruit who struggled at first to learn the Irish defense, has gained the trust of defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder.The middle linebacker position is the most difficult position to get down and hes got it cold. He knows what hes doing, Kelly said.Morgan started the last four games of his freshman season after Schmidt went down with an injury, but played sparingly as a sophomore, finishing with 17 tackles. Morgan said he knew he needed to stay patient and remain hungry.I couldnt give up. That wasnt a question, he said.Up front, the Irish are hoping defensive tackle Jarron Jones can be a force again after missing all of last season with a torn MCL in his right knee. It was an injury he sustained when Schmidt fell into him during a practice last August. Jones, who practiced with the second team most of Saturday, admitted he played tentatively this past spring out of fear of aanother freak injury.ddddddddddddThe 6-foot-5, 315-pound senior said hes determined to prove himself, saying he has to show he can outwork his teammates.Just show I can be a dependable player because this past spring I didnt show that, he said. I did a horrible job at that. I did a horrible job of being in shape. I let my injuries get the best of me.Kelly said the Irish hope Jones can contribute.I think 25 to 35 plays is a pretty good for a big guy like that, if he can give us explosive plays, he said.The Irish also need some young players to step up in the defensive backfield and safety Max Redfield, another former top recruit, to play more consistently. Redfield was sent home before the Fiesta Bowl last season for being late to meetings.What we want to see is just that guy that does the basic things right, Kelly said. He was a guy that was up and down. Wed see great flashes and then we didnt see him for a couple of weeks. I think if we just get consistent play from him, were going to get really good play.Thats a challenge for an Irish