BC-AP Sports Preview Digest

Some of the sports stories The Associated Press is covering Thursday. A full Sports Digest will be sent by about 3 p.m. All times EDT:

- CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Jordan Spieth goes for a career Grand Slam when the PGA Championship begins at Quail Hollow. This is a course where Rory McIlroy thrives.

- LONDON - With Usain Bolt not running, a new 200-meter world champion will be crowned for the first time in 10 years. Wayde van Niekerk is going for double gold after winning the 400.

- LOS ANGELES - NBA star Zach Randolph is arrested on a marijuana charge. His agent/attorney calls the charges false. Randolph signed with Sacramento in July.

- ST. LOUIS - The Cardinals, winners of five straight and making a push in the NL Central, play the Kansas City Royals to conclude their cross-city series. Game starts 7:15 p.m.

- MILWAUKEE - Zach Davies (13-5) starts for the Brewers, who are 1 1/2 games out of first and looking to avoid a four game sweep by the Minnesota Twins. Game starts 8:10 p.m.

- Seven NFL exhibition games: Vikings-Bills (7 p.m.); Falcons-Dolphins (7 p.m.); Redskins-Ravens (7:30 p.m.); Jaguars-Patriots (7:30 p.m.); Broncos-Bears (8 p.m.); Saints-Browns (8 p.m.); Eagles-Packers (8 p.m.).

- TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Several of the Crimson Tide's biggest defensive stars headed to the NFL, but few are worried. Says linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton: ''We're `Bama.''

- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State returns 17 starters from a team that finished 10-3 last year. The Seminoles get an immediate test in their opener: Alabama in Atlanta on Sept. 2.

- COLUMBUS, Ohio - J.T. Barrett is again at quarterback for Ohio State, which is intent on avenging last year's 31-0 thumping in the playoffs by national champion Clemson.

- Other college football team previews from the Power Five conferences: ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12.

- LONG POND, Pa. - Jimmie Johnson has hired renowned photographers to chronicle his run toward a record eighth Cup championship. They will have complete access to the driver.

- MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Lynx are 21-3 and leading the WNBA, with center Sylvia Fowles the league's dominant force.

- The U.S. and Canada are taking different approaches to a Winter Olympics without NHL players. Canada hired a full-time coach; the U.S. picked a college coach with an everyday job.