Top 10 List of Side Bets on the Super Bowl
Side bet No. 10: Which player is more likely to win this season’s Super Bowl MVP award? Mike Brown or Tommie Harris?
Side bet No. 9: Which player is more likely to get tackled for a safety? Peyton Manning or Kyle Orton?
Side bet No. 8: Which unit is more likely to score Chicago’s first points—offense, defense, or special teams?
Side bet No. 7: After the game, is Rex Grossman or Peyton Manning most likely to enter therapy?
Side bet No. 6: How soon will the Colts complain that the Bears have a Tank on their defensive line?
Side bet No. 5: When will the Colts figure out that Bear defensive end Mark (The Giant Squid) Anderson’s arms extend 10 feet each?
Side bet No. 4: In which quarter will Robbie Gould kick a 75-yard field goal?
Side bet No. 3: At what time will a giddy Ron Rivera take the field as a replacement for Hunter Hillenmeyer?
Side bet No. 2: In which quarter will the Bears start singing the Super Bowl Shuffle ON the field?
Side bet No. 1: Which Colt player will be the first to ask for Brian Urlacher’s autograph DURING the game?
Chicago & Illini Sports
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
To get an outsider’s view of Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts, we offer excerpts from the analysis of the online phillyburbs.com:
COLTS OFFENSE VS. BEARS DEFENSE
Wouldn't it be humorous if Peyton Manning finally wins the big one in what, so far, has been a horrible postseason, statistically speaking? Through three playoff games so far, Manning has been intercepted six times to just two TD passes. Manning, though, silenced his critics -- for a week anyway -- who said he couldn't win the big postseason games when he guided the Colts to an 18-point comeback over the Patriots to reach the Super Bowl. His three victories this year have doubled his playoff win total and moved his mark to 6-6.
A common theme between the two Super Bowl clubs this year is the usage of a 1-2 punch at running back. The Colts will counter Chicago's duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson with the less sexy names of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai. Addai carried the load in the Colts' playoff-opening win over the Chiefs with 122 yards and a score, but has managed just 95 yards and a touchdown in the last two games. Rhodes, meanwhile, has carried the ball about 14 times a game so far this postseason and is averaging just over 64 yards per game. Both Addai and Rhodes are also contributing little out of the backfield in the passing game.
It's been all Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne for the Colts this season, except in the playoffs. Harrison (95 receptions, 12 TD) and Wayne (86 receptions, 9 TD) both went over 1,300 yards receiving in the regular season, but have been limited to just one touchdown between the two of them so far in the postseason. However, Manning's struggles early in the playoffs as well as the emergence of tight end Dallas Clark as his favorite target thus far are the most likely factors in Harrison and Wayne's struggles. They'll be just fine for the Super Bowl.
The Colts' offensive line is anchored by Jeff Saturday, who was selected to play in his first Pro Bowl this year. Saturday and company were a brick wall during the regular season, as they allowed just 15 sacks, tops in the league. The line has allowed five sacks so far this postseason, including three against the Patriots. Still, it will be a great matchup to watch, as the best on the offensive side go against the dangerous and talented Bears defense.
The Bears have the luxury of possessing three very good pass-rushing linemen in Adewale Ogunleye (43 tackles, 6.5 sacks), Alex Brown (46 tackles, 7 sacks) and rookie sensation Mark Anderson (28 tackles), who led the team with 12 sacks in a situational role. Chicago is in pretty good shape along the interior. Tank Johnson (26 tackles, 3.5 sacks) has played well. Ian Scott (22 tackles) is a steady and experienced run-stopper.
The strength of Chicago's defense lies in the linebacking corps, as Brian Urlacher (141 tackles, 3 INT) and weakside starter Lance Briggs (130 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) are two of league's best at their positions. Blessed with the speed of a safety on a 255-pound frame, Urlacher can roam sideline-to-sideline and excels in coverage. He will likely spend a lot of time shadowing Clark. Briggs is also very good against the pass and will be responsible for keeping Manning's damage underneath to a minimum, since the Bears don't blitz that often. Hunter Hillenmeyer (48 tackles), the other member of the trio, is a tough and solid tackler on the strong side but is subbed out in nickel situations.
Nathan Vasher (45 tackles, 3 INT) made the Pro Bowl in 2005, but Charles Tillman (80 tackles, 5 INT) had a better year among the two Bears corners this season. Tillman, the more physical and experienced of the pair, will mostly be matched up on the savvy Harrison. Nickel back Ricky Manning Jr. (53 tackles, 2 sacks) has made an impact in his first season in Chicago, as the former Carolina Panther tied Tillman for the club lead with five picks.
The safety spot is probably Chicago's largest area of concern, and has been a sore spot ever since standout Mike Brown (23 tackles) suffered a season-ending foot injury in mid-October. The Bears haven't been as effective stopping the run without Brown in the lineup. Todd Johnson (32 tackles) later gave way to Chris Harris (54 tackles, 2 INT), who lost his starting free safety job to rookie Danieal Manning (67 tackles, 2 INT) in Week 3. Manning is a terrific athlete, but has had bouts of inconsistency that show he's still an unfinished product.
Tomorrow: BEARS OFFENSE VS. COLTS DEFENSE
COLTS OFFENSE VS. BEARS DEFENSE
Wouldn't it be humorous if Peyton Manning finally wins the big one in what, so far, has been a horrible postseason, statistically speaking? Through three playoff games so far, Manning has been intercepted six times to just two TD passes. Manning, though, silenced his critics -- for a week anyway -- who said he couldn't win the big postseason games when he guided the Colts to an 18-point comeback over the Patriots to reach the Super Bowl. His three victories this year have doubled his playoff win total and moved his mark to 6-6.
A common theme between the two Super Bowl clubs this year is the usage of a 1-2 punch at running back. The Colts will counter Chicago's duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson with the less sexy names of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai. Addai carried the load in the Colts' playoff-opening win over the Chiefs with 122 yards and a score, but has managed just 95 yards and a touchdown in the last two games. Rhodes, meanwhile, has carried the ball about 14 times a game so far this postseason and is averaging just over 64 yards per game. Both Addai and Rhodes are also contributing little out of the backfield in the passing game.
It's been all Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne for the Colts this season, except in the playoffs. Harrison (95 receptions, 12 TD) and Wayne (86 receptions, 9 TD) both went over 1,300 yards receiving in the regular season, but have been limited to just one touchdown between the two of them so far in the postseason. However, Manning's struggles early in the playoffs as well as the emergence of tight end Dallas Clark as his favorite target thus far are the most likely factors in Harrison and Wayne's struggles. They'll be just fine for the Super Bowl.
The Colts' offensive line is anchored by Jeff Saturday, who was selected to play in his first Pro Bowl this year. Saturday and company were a brick wall during the regular season, as they allowed just 15 sacks, tops in the league. The line has allowed five sacks so far this postseason, including three against the Patriots. Still, it will be a great matchup to watch, as the best on the offensive side go against the dangerous and talented Bears defense.
The Bears have the luxury of possessing three very good pass-rushing linemen in Adewale Ogunleye (43 tackles, 6.5 sacks), Alex Brown (46 tackles, 7 sacks) and rookie sensation Mark Anderson (28 tackles), who led the team with 12 sacks in a situational role. Chicago is in pretty good shape along the interior. Tank Johnson (26 tackles, 3.5 sacks) has played well. Ian Scott (22 tackles) is a steady and experienced run-stopper.
The strength of Chicago's defense lies in the linebacking corps, as Brian Urlacher (141 tackles, 3 INT) and weakside starter Lance Briggs (130 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) are two of league's best at their positions. Blessed with the speed of a safety on a 255-pound frame, Urlacher can roam sideline-to-sideline and excels in coverage. He will likely spend a lot of time shadowing Clark. Briggs is also very good against the pass and will be responsible for keeping Manning's damage underneath to a minimum, since the Bears don't blitz that often. Hunter Hillenmeyer (48 tackles), the other member of the trio, is a tough and solid tackler on the strong side but is subbed out in nickel situations.
Nathan Vasher (45 tackles, 3 INT) made the Pro Bowl in 2005, but Charles Tillman (80 tackles, 5 INT) had a better year among the two Bears corners this season. Tillman, the more physical and experienced of the pair, will mostly be matched up on the savvy Harrison. Nickel back Ricky Manning Jr. (53 tackles, 2 sacks) has made an impact in his first season in Chicago, as the former Carolina Panther tied Tillman for the club lead with five picks.
The safety spot is probably Chicago's largest area of concern, and has been a sore spot ever since standout Mike Brown (23 tackles) suffered a season-ending foot injury in mid-October. The Bears haven't been as effective stopping the run without Brown in the lineup. Todd Johnson (32 tackles) later gave way to Chris Harris (54 tackles, 2 INT), who lost his starting free safety job to rookie Danieal Manning (67 tackles, 2 INT) in Week 3. Manning is a terrific athlete, but has had bouts of inconsistency that show he's still an unfinished product.
Tomorrow: BEARS OFFENSE VS. COLTS DEFENSE
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Illinois Stays on Bubble
Illinois remained a bubble team, and we’re not blowing hot air. The Illini needed another signature win and got it by smacking down 17-5 Michigan State 57-50 tonight in Champaign. The Illini avenged an earlier loss to MSU in East Lansing and survived tonight in spite of another pathetic performance (16 of 35) from the free-throw line. Illinois ranks last in the Big Ten in free-throw shooting.
The victory over the Spartans, tied for fourth place in the conference, was crucial for NCAA tournament consideration. Now Illinois’s “resume” includes wins over Missouri, Indiana, and Michigan State but probably still leaves the Illini on the bubble.
The MSU game was a thriller, with Illinois dominant early and then Michigan State making a ferocious comeback. Illinois led 28-17 at halftime. The Illini took their biggest lead at 32-17 but saw that margin shrink to 54-50 in the last minute.
The highlights for Illinois?
--An amazing rebound by Chester Frazier, who followed up an embarrassing game against Purdue by tying his career high with 17 points
--A fourth straight strong performance by Shaun Pruitt, with 15 points
--A strong offensive game by Rich McBride, 12 points, including three three-pointers, and a superb defensive game in helping hold MSU’s high-scoring Drew Neitzel to 10 points
--Good hustle and defense by Brian Carlwell
Lowlights for Illinois?
--Jamar Smith? Scoreless, again
--Calvin Brock? Two points
--The Illini made only 16 of 35 free throws
It’s now clear who the go-to guy is: Shaun Pruitt. Trouble is, the Illini don’t go to him enough.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the 2007 NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games (with some signature games) to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 16-8, needs four more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana (W 51-43), Michigan State (57-50), Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57), Minnesota (W 64-52), Purdue (L 64-47), Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins (still possible) would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game: Saturday against Minnesota in Champaign.
Illinois remained a bubble team, and we’re not blowing hot air. The Illini needed another signature win and got it by smacking down 17-5 Michigan State 57-50 tonight in Champaign. The Illini avenged an earlier loss to MSU in East Lansing and survived tonight in spite of another pathetic performance (16 of 35) from the free-throw line. Illinois ranks last in the Big Ten in free-throw shooting.
The victory over the Spartans, tied for fourth place in the conference, was crucial for NCAA tournament consideration. Now Illinois’s “resume” includes wins over Missouri, Indiana, and Michigan State but probably still leaves the Illini on the bubble.
The MSU game was a thriller, with Illinois dominant early and then Michigan State making a ferocious comeback. Illinois led 28-17 at halftime. The Illini took their biggest lead at 32-17 but saw that margin shrink to 54-50 in the last minute.
The highlights for Illinois?
--An amazing rebound by Chester Frazier, who followed up an embarrassing game against Purdue by tying his career high with 17 points
--A fourth straight strong performance by Shaun Pruitt, with 15 points
--A strong offensive game by Rich McBride, 12 points, including three three-pointers, and a superb defensive game in helping hold MSU’s high-scoring Drew Neitzel to 10 points
--Good hustle and defense by Brian Carlwell
Lowlights for Illinois?
--Jamar Smith? Scoreless, again
--Calvin Brock? Two points
--The Illini made only 16 of 35 free throws
It’s now clear who the go-to guy is: Shaun Pruitt. Trouble is, the Illini don’t go to him enough.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the 2007 NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games (with some signature games) to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 16-8, needs four more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana (W 51-43), Michigan State (57-50), Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57), Minnesota (W 64-52), Purdue (L 64-47), Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins (still possible) would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game: Saturday against Minnesota in Champaign.
Usually, the outcome of a football game comes down to how the game was played in the trenches.
The trenches are where the big men push, grab, block, hold, sack, and tackle. The trenches are that moving stage where the combat is hand to hand, toe to toe, body to body. The trenches are where the holes open, or they don’t. The trenches are where one team manhandles the other, and the game is won or lost.
In the Saints game, the Chicago Bears won the battle in the trenches against the supposed best offense in the NFL. No sacks of quarterback Rex Grossman and lots of big plays—1 TD pass, 3 field goals 1 safety, 3 TD runs. The Bear defenders are well known for their prowess. So today we take our hats off to the grunts in the O-line—John Tait, Ruben Brown, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza, Fred Miller, and Desmond Clark.
On Sunday, the Bears will win in the trenches.
The trenches are where the big men push, grab, block, hold, sack, and tackle. The trenches are that moving stage where the combat is hand to hand, toe to toe, body to body. The trenches are where the holes open, or they don’t. The trenches are where one team manhandles the other, and the game is won or lost.
In the Saints game, the Chicago Bears won the battle in the trenches against the supposed best offense in the NFL. No sacks of quarterback Rex Grossman and lots of big plays—1 TD pass, 3 field goals 1 safety, 3 TD runs. The Bear defenders are well known for their prowess. So today we take our hats off to the grunts in the O-line—John Tait, Ruben Brown, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza, Fred Miller, and Desmond Clark.
On Sunday, the Bears will win in the trenches.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Look for some surprises in the Chicago Bear passing game in the Super Bowl.
That’s because the Colts figure to focus on stopping the powerful Bear running game. Even the fans on Mars and Venus know the Bears will try to run the Colts out of town. The Colts probably will note that the New Orleans Saints blunted the Bear rushing attack in the third quarter by using eight men in the box.
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
Unfortunately for the Colts, the Bears will counter by sending out its cavalry of superb receivers Bernard Berrian, Muhsin Muhammad, Rashied Davis, Mark Bradley, and Desmond Clark. And, hopefully, Hurricane Hester.
When the Bear passing game gains ascendancy (look for at least one flea flicker), the befuddled Colts will revise their focus.
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
Because then the bone-crushing runs of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson will reduce the Colt defense to mush. The bewildered Colts will wave the white flag.
Note: The Chicago area office pools have established a new bet: Which Bear unit will score the most points—the offense, the defense, or the special teams? Neat!
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
But we’ll go with the offense.
That’s because the Colts figure to focus on stopping the powerful Bear running game. Even the fans on Mars and Venus know the Bears will try to run the Colts out of town. The Colts probably will note that the New Orleans Saints blunted the Bear rushing attack in the third quarter by using eight men in the box.
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
Unfortunately for the Colts, the Bears will counter by sending out its cavalry of superb receivers Bernard Berrian, Muhsin Muhammad, Rashied Davis, Mark Bradley, and Desmond Clark. And, hopefully, Hurricane Hester.
When the Bear passing game gains ascendancy (look for at least one flea flicker), the befuddled Colts will revise their focus.
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
Because then the bone-crushing runs of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson will reduce the Colt defense to mush. The bewildered Colts will wave the white flag.
Note: The Chicago area office pools have established a new bet: Which Bear unit will score the most points—the offense, the defense, or the special teams? Neat!
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
But we’ll go with the offense.
Bear bites. The doomsday clock is ticking for the Indianapolis Colts. Two big reasons the Chicago Bears should win the Super Bowl: They have Brian Urlacher. And the Colts don’t.
How come they cast wimpy Russell Crowe as the “Gladiator” instead of Brian Urlacher?
Since Bears quarterback Rex Grossman has regained his mojo, isn’t it appropriate he should be played in The 2006 Bears: The Movie by Mike Myers?
Any number of Bears might be going to Disney World after the Super Bowl. We think the MVP winner will come from this group:
Urlacher—he’ll cement his standing among the great Bear middle linebackers and start comparisons with Dick Butkus; Devin Hester—he’s got people, lots of them, in Hurricane territory; Bernard Berrian—he’ll be Rex’s favorite target in the end zone; Mark Bradley—he’s been out so much for injuries, defenses don’t know how good he is; Mark Anderson—the Colts mistakenly think he’s an octopus, but he’s really a giant squid; and Ricky Manning Jr.—he’ll shine as the best of the three Mannings in the game.
How come they cast wimpy Russell Crowe as the “Gladiator” instead of Brian Urlacher?
Since Bears quarterback Rex Grossman has regained his mojo, isn’t it appropriate he should be played in The 2006 Bears: The Movie by Mike Myers?
Any number of Bears might be going to Disney World after the Super Bowl. We think the MVP winner will come from this group:
Urlacher—he’ll cement his standing among the great Bear middle linebackers and start comparisons with Dick Butkus; Devin Hester—he’s got people, lots of them, in Hurricane territory; Bernard Berrian—he’ll be Rex’s favorite target in the end zone; Mark Bradley—he’s been out so much for injuries, defenses don’t know how good he is; Mark Anderson—the Colts mistakenly think he’s an octopus, but he’s really a giant squid; and Ricky Manning Jr.—he’ll shine as the best of the three Mannings in the game.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Can the 1985 Chicago Bears cause the demise of the Indianapolis Colts in this season’s Super Bowl?
Absolutely, according to one argument.
The argument goes this way:
Today’s Bears won’t say it publicly, but they wish everyone would stop comparing them with the 1985 Super Bowl darlings. In most cases, the 2006-07 Bears don’t fare too well in comparison. And that’s bugging them. Really bugging them.
The problem is that the 1985 bunch was like a dream come true for central casting. It had characters (not character) to the left, right, up, down, that is, everywhere.
The most famous player was the All World—and mischievous—Walter Payton. But others who molded their own unforgettable reputations included the original spunky quarterback Jim McMahon, the baby-faced assassin Gary Fencik, the beastly Mongo McMichael and Dan Hampton, the unstoppable Richard Dent, Butthead Kevin Butler, the wall Jimbo Covert, the wild Mike Singletary and Wilber Marshall, and the irrepressible Refrigerator, William Perry—and others. And, of course, da fiery coach Mike Ditka.
For the most part (Rex and Brian Urlacher are exceptions), the current Bears seem to be a band of businesslike employees who do their jobs efficiently and quietly. And that’s why they are going to surprise the football world and destroy the Colts. They are going to put to rest all the comparisons with the 1985 Bears by ripping the Colts to shreds. It’s the only way.
Look for at least a 40-point margin of victory.
Absolutely, according to one argument.
The argument goes this way:
Today’s Bears won’t say it publicly, but they wish everyone would stop comparing them with the 1985 Super Bowl darlings. In most cases, the 2006-07 Bears don’t fare too well in comparison. And that’s bugging them. Really bugging them.
The problem is that the 1985 bunch was like a dream come true for central casting. It had characters (not character) to the left, right, up, down, that is, everywhere.
The most famous player was the All World—and mischievous—Walter Payton. But others who molded their own unforgettable reputations included the original spunky quarterback Jim McMahon, the baby-faced assassin Gary Fencik, the beastly Mongo McMichael and Dan Hampton, the unstoppable Richard Dent, Butthead Kevin Butler, the wall Jimbo Covert, the wild Mike Singletary and Wilber Marshall, and the irrepressible Refrigerator, William Perry—and others. And, of course, da fiery coach Mike Ditka.
For the most part (Rex and Brian Urlacher are exceptions), the current Bears seem to be a band of businesslike employees who do their jobs efficiently and quietly. And that’s why they are going to surprise the football world and destroy the Colts. They are going to put to rest all the comparisons with the 1985 Bears by ripping the Colts to shreds. It’s the only way.
Look for at least a 40-point margin of victory.
Anyone keeping track of the ways the media, fans, and some Chicago Bears players have described quarterback Rex Grossman this season?
Here are a few we’ve heard:
Good Rex
Bad Rex
Evil Rex
Evil Twin
Happy Rex
Clutch Rex
Testy Rex
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Focused Rex
Unfocused Rex
Humpty Dumpty
Dr. Jekyll
Mr. Hyde
Franken Rex
Wow! With all these guys on the roster, do the Bears need any other quarterbacks?
Here are a few we’ve heard:
Good Rex
Bad Rex
Evil Rex
Evil Twin
Happy Rex
Clutch Rex
Testy Rex
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Focused Rex
Unfocused Rex
Humpty Dumpty
Dr. Jekyll
Mr. Hyde
Franken Rex
Wow! With all these guys on the roster, do the Bears need any other quarterbacks?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Purdue Crushes Illinois
Illinois hit the road today, and the road hit back. Purdue steam-rollered the injury-plagued Fighting Illini hoopsters 64-47 in West Lafayette. The Illini loss, coming in unfriendly Mackey Arena, was not unexpected. The Boilermakers have won their last 12 games in the arena. Illinois again played without one of its leaders, Brian Randle, who is suffering from a sore foot.
The victory over Indiana earlier in the week gave the Illini a much-needed win over a signature team for NCAA tournament consideration. Up to that point, Illinois’s only “resume” win was over Missouri. Now, the better Indiana plays, the better Illinois looks.
The Purdue game was a blowout. With the score tied at 4, the Boilermakers went on a 21-0 run. Purdue opened up a 22-point lead in the first half. It took a 34-20 advantage at halftime. The second half was not much better for the Illini although they cut the deficit to 11 points a few times.
The highlights for Illinois?
--A third straight double-double for Shaun Pruitt, with 13 points and 11 rebounds
That’s it.
Lowlights for Illinois?
--Jamar Smith? One basket
--Calvin Brock? Scoreless
--The Illini made only 15 of 25 free throws
--The Illini were outrebounded 21-13
--Purdue didn’t guard Chester Frazier out front, daring him to shoot. He showed little confidence and passed up numerous open shots
--The Illini couldn’t defend Purdue’s David Teague (28 points, career high) and Carl Landry (17 points)
If Smith’s sore ankles are so painful he can’t make a jump shot, he shouldn’t be playing. Chester, start practicing three-point shooting.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games (with some signature games) to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 15-8, needs five more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana (W 51-43), Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57), Minnesota (W 64-52), Purdue (L 64-47), Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins (still possible) would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game: Tuesday against Michigan State in Champaign.
Illinois hit the road today, and the road hit back. Purdue steam-rollered the injury-plagued Fighting Illini hoopsters 64-47 in West Lafayette. The Illini loss, coming in unfriendly Mackey Arena, was not unexpected. The Boilermakers have won their last 12 games in the arena. Illinois again played without one of its leaders, Brian Randle, who is suffering from a sore foot.
The victory over Indiana earlier in the week gave the Illini a much-needed win over a signature team for NCAA tournament consideration. Up to that point, Illinois’s only “resume” win was over Missouri. Now, the better Indiana plays, the better Illinois looks.
The Purdue game was a blowout. With the score tied at 4, the Boilermakers went on a 21-0 run. Purdue opened up a 22-point lead in the first half. It took a 34-20 advantage at halftime. The second half was not much better for the Illini although they cut the deficit to 11 points a few times.
The highlights for Illinois?
--A third straight double-double for Shaun Pruitt, with 13 points and 11 rebounds
That’s it.
Lowlights for Illinois?
--Jamar Smith? One basket
--Calvin Brock? Scoreless
--The Illini made only 15 of 25 free throws
--The Illini were outrebounded 21-13
--Purdue didn’t guard Chester Frazier out front, daring him to shoot. He showed little confidence and passed up numerous open shots
--The Illini couldn’t defend Purdue’s David Teague (28 points, career high) and Carl Landry (17 points)
If Smith’s sore ankles are so painful he can’t make a jump shot, he shouldn’t be playing. Chester, start practicing three-point shooting.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games (with some signature games) to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 15-8, needs five more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana (W 51-43), Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57), Minnesota (W 64-52), Purdue (L 64-47), Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins (still possible) would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game: Tuesday against Michigan State in Champaign.
Bear bites. The playoffs haven’t always been fun for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. He’s 6-6 in playoff games. No Super Bowl ring yet. In playoff games this season, he’s thrown for one TD and had five passes intercepted. Seems like he’s got his priorities mixed. According to an Indianapolis sports columnist, Manning can’t handle big moments, and lots of Colts fans are shaky in their support of their quarterback. Sound familiar?
Bears quarterback Rex Grossman recently got reading material that is only available to a select few. It’s a relatively short book worthy of keeping in his bookcase for the rest of his life. It is titled Super Bowl Game Plan, and it laid out the road map to a Bear victory in the upcoming battle against the Indianapolis Colts. Rex was so happy.
At about the same time, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning got reading material that is only available to a select few. It’s a relatively short book worthy of keeping in his bookcase for the rest of his life. It is titled Super Bowl Game Plan, and it laid out the road map to a Colts victory in the upcoming battle against the Chicago Bears. Peyton was so happy.
Now winning the Super Bowl sounds easy. Just go by the book.
Bears quarterback Rex Grossman recently got reading material that is only available to a select few. It’s a relatively short book worthy of keeping in his bookcase for the rest of his life. It is titled Super Bowl Game Plan, and it laid out the road map to a Bear victory in the upcoming battle against the Indianapolis Colts. Rex was so happy.
At about the same time, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning got reading material that is only available to a select few. It’s a relatively short book worthy of keeping in his bookcase for the rest of his life. It is titled Super Bowl Game Plan, and it laid out the road map to a Colts victory in the upcoming battle against the Chicago Bears. Peyton was so happy.
Now winning the Super Bowl sounds easy. Just go by the book.
Friday, January 26, 2007
What have we discovered about Chicago Bear quarterback Rex Grossman as the team heads toward the Super Bowl? At the end of the season, he became unpredictable.
And so even though he’s played pretty well recently, you always wonder what’s coming next. Your palms are sweating before the game starts and, once the game begins, you might get nervous whenever Rex goes back to pass.
Are Bear fans and the local media ever going to have confidence in Rex? Does he deserve it?
When a quarterback sinks to a passer rating of 0.3 in one game and 0.0 (yep, that’s the worst) in another, we admit that’s hard to forget. It will take some time, maybe years. On the other hand, Rex has shown some remarkable comeback abilities. He could star in both TV shows “Lost” and “Survivor.”
The reason for the success Rex has accomplished should be noted. Rex has convinced himself that he is a winner. Think of how much he has been ridiculed and criticized by win-starved Bear fans and the media. How many of us could stand up to the verbal abuse that he has been subjected to and retain our sanity?
But Rex is a leader. Leaders can do that. A leader holds a team together when facing adversity. This is why the players and coaches and many fans support Rex. The bottom line is that when Rex has his back to the wall, he usually makes the necessary plays.
The latest example of his leadership occurred at the end of the third quarter in the Saints game. The Saints had dominated the quarter and stopped the Bear running game. You sensed a shift in momentum and the Bears’s 18-14 lead slipping away. But Rex then connected with Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian on four passes in a row, culminating in a 33-yard TD pass to Berrian. Game over.
So how should Bear fans react toward Rex? Like Packer fans react toward their wily quarterback Brett Favre. Of course, such a comparison is premature. But both of these guys are gunslingers and gamblers who like to go for the big play. So, sure, they’re going to throw a lot of interceptions. But they’re also going to throw a lot of long TD passes. As fans, we just have to live with them. How?
Switch from being a glass half-empty fan to a glass half-full fan. It’s not that hard. We did it.
And so even though he’s played pretty well recently, you always wonder what’s coming next. Your palms are sweating before the game starts and, once the game begins, you might get nervous whenever Rex goes back to pass.
Are Bear fans and the local media ever going to have confidence in Rex? Does he deserve it?
When a quarterback sinks to a passer rating of 0.3 in one game and 0.0 (yep, that’s the worst) in another, we admit that’s hard to forget. It will take some time, maybe years. On the other hand, Rex has shown some remarkable comeback abilities. He could star in both TV shows “Lost” and “Survivor.”
The reason for the success Rex has accomplished should be noted. Rex has convinced himself that he is a winner. Think of how much he has been ridiculed and criticized by win-starved Bear fans and the media. How many of us could stand up to the verbal abuse that he has been subjected to and retain our sanity?
But Rex is a leader. Leaders can do that. A leader holds a team together when facing adversity. This is why the players and coaches and many fans support Rex. The bottom line is that when Rex has his back to the wall, he usually makes the necessary plays.
The latest example of his leadership occurred at the end of the third quarter in the Saints game. The Saints had dominated the quarter and stopped the Bear running game. You sensed a shift in momentum and the Bears’s 18-14 lead slipping away. But Rex then connected with Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian on four passes in a row, culminating in a 33-yard TD pass to Berrian. Game over.
So how should Bear fans react toward Rex? Like Packer fans react toward their wily quarterback Brett Favre. Of course, such a comparison is premature. But both of these guys are gunslingers and gamblers who like to go for the big play. So, sure, they’re going to throw a lot of interceptions. But they’re also going to throw a lot of long TD passes. As fans, we just have to live with them. How?
Switch from being a glass half-empty fan to a glass half-full fan. It’s not that hard. We did it.
We were surprised to learn that the Indianapolis Colts have only one backup for the thumb. The backup is Jim Sorgi. You’ve heard of him, haven’t you? Colt quarterback Peyton Manning says his injured thumb is okay, and Manning has been exceptionally durable.
Still, keeping only one backup quarterback seems risky. The quarterback, Manning or Sorgi, is, after all, the guy who is being chased by 500 to 1,000 pounds of snarling opponents. Realistically, the Colts are one thumb away from getting trampled. In fact, it’s more likely that the thumb would be reinjured by an awkward snap from the Colts’s center than from the grabbing, smacking hands of Bear defenders.
So there’s a lot resting on Manning’s thumb. That’s dumb.
Still, keeping only one backup quarterback seems risky. The quarterback, Manning or Sorgi, is, after all, the guy who is being chased by 500 to 1,000 pounds of snarling opponents. Realistically, the Colts are one thumb away from getting trampled. In fact, it’s more likely that the thumb would be reinjured by an awkward snap from the Colts’s center than from the grabbing, smacking hands of Bear defenders.
So there’s a lot resting on Manning’s thumb. That’s dumb.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Inspiring the Chicago Bears. Deep, man, deep. We’re referring to a little book and movie titled 212 The Extra Degree by S. L. Parker and Mac Anderson. The inspirational simplespeak is published by a Naperville Publishing company called Simple Truths. The book reportedly is now circulating through the Bears’s locker room and is being promoted as an edge to enable the Bears to beat the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl.
An edge, you say.
Yes.
Brilliant!
What’s the extra degree?
Why it’s extra effort, of course.
Extra effort?
Yes.
Brilliant! How do you measure this extra effort.
Well, you could think of it this way. If you have a pot of water and you heat it to 211 degrees, the water is hot. But if you…
Yes, yes?
… heat the water to 212 degrees, it boils. You see, the difference between hot and boiling is the extra degree.
The extra degree, so it is. Brilliant.
So the Bears can win the Super Bowl by making tea?
Precisely.
And what else can you do with extra effort?
You can lift your spirits.
Yes. Of course. Yippee!
And fire your passion.
Yes, I can feel the pressure building. My heart is pounding. You mean this little book can do that?
Yes.
So the Bears can make tea, read this book, and win the Super Bowl?
Yes.
Brilliant!
An edge, you say.
Yes.
Brilliant!
What’s the extra degree?
Why it’s extra effort, of course.
Extra effort?
Yes.
Brilliant! How do you measure this extra effort.
Well, you could think of it this way. If you have a pot of water and you heat it to 211 degrees, the water is hot. But if you…
Yes, yes?
… heat the water to 212 degrees, it boils. You see, the difference between hot and boiling is the extra degree.
The extra degree, so it is. Brilliant.
So the Bears can win the Super Bowl by making tea?
Precisely.
And what else can you do with extra effort?
You can lift your spirits.
Yes. Of course. Yippee!
And fire your passion.
Yes, I can feel the pressure building. My heart is pounding. You mean this little book can do that?
Yes.
So the Bears can make tea, read this book, and win the Super Bowl?
Yes.
Brilliant!
The Curse of the Colts
The jinxes keep getting worse. As if there weren’t enough dissing developments to light a fire under the Chicago Bears in their battle against the Indianapolis Colts in the upcoming Super Bowl, now add the ultimate sports curse to the problems of the Colts— their quarterback Peyton Manning is on the cover of Sports Illustrated. This is the mother of all omens of bad sports luck. You’re on the cover, you’re doomed. You have a choice of facing menacing Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher or being on the cover of SI, you choose Urlacher.
There is nothing Manning can do about the magazine’s evil eye. But he is trying to make friends with Urlacher, complimenting the brutish Bear at every opportunity. Manning apparently remembers the Colts’s Nov. 5, 2000, game against Urlacher and the Bears in Soldier Field. The Bears won 27-24, and Urlacher made 14 tackles.
Hoping to have pacified Urlacher (not a chance!), Manning also has attempted to soothe the beastly natures of such Urlacher associates as Lance Briggs, Adawale Ogunleye, and Alex Brown. Oops. Nice try, Peyton, but there’s another Bear you missed who plans to make your acquaintance on a regular basis—rookie defensive end Mark Anderson. We call him the Octopus because his arms extend to about six feet in length, and he uses them to wrap up and sack unsuspecting quarterbacks. Here's a tip: Once he's got you, don't struggle. Else he'll squeeze all the air out of your lungs. So you might consider saying something nice about Anderson.
Oh yeah. Enjoy your TV commercials. They won’t be running too much longer.
The jinxes keep getting worse. As if there weren’t enough dissing developments to light a fire under the Chicago Bears in their battle against the Indianapolis Colts in the upcoming Super Bowl, now add the ultimate sports curse to the problems of the Colts— their quarterback Peyton Manning is on the cover of Sports Illustrated. This is the mother of all omens of bad sports luck. You’re on the cover, you’re doomed. You have a choice of facing menacing Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher or being on the cover of SI, you choose Urlacher.
There is nothing Manning can do about the magazine’s evil eye. But he is trying to make friends with Urlacher, complimenting the brutish Bear at every opportunity. Manning apparently remembers the Colts’s Nov. 5, 2000, game against Urlacher and the Bears in Soldier Field. The Bears won 27-24, and Urlacher made 14 tackles.
Hoping to have pacified Urlacher (not a chance!), Manning also has attempted to soothe the beastly natures of such Urlacher associates as Lance Briggs, Adawale Ogunleye, and Alex Brown. Oops. Nice try, Peyton, but there’s another Bear you missed who plans to make your acquaintance on a regular basis—rookie defensive end Mark Anderson. We call him the Octopus because his arms extend to about six feet in length, and he uses them to wrap up and sack unsuspecting quarterbacks. Here's a tip: Once he's got you, don't struggle. Else he'll squeeze all the air out of your lungs. So you might consider saying something nice about Anderson.
Oh yeah. Enjoy your TV commercials. They won’t be running too much longer.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The motivation factor for the Chicago Bears just keeps getting better. We mentioned earlier that the oddsmakers began the latest round of dissing the Bears by favoring the Indianapolis Colts. How odd, considering that the Bears shut down the top-rated offense and the Colts just squeezed in. And in hopes of making up for their past mistakes in judgment, most of the ESPN analysts will again pick against the Bears.
Go ahead, guys, pile on your skepticism.
And already another slap at the Bears comes by way of all the football gurus who point out that the AFC is far superior to the NFC.
Keep yapping, guys.
And, course, Peyton Manning of the Colts has already started to soak up all the superlatives in the comparisons with the unpredictable Bear qb, Rex Grossman. OK, Peyton’s got national TV ads—for now! But how desirable will he be as a pitchman when the Bears chew him up and spit him out? Grrrr!
The team has strongly supported Rex all season and doesn’t take kindly to his critics. So, go ahead, guys, and vilify Rex. But don’t be surprised if the Rex who shows up is not the Bad Rex but the Rex that is bad for the Colts—Tyrannosaurus Rex.
In addition, Colts’s backers are boasting about the team’s great receivers. Huh? Better start watching film, Colts fans. If there is a corps of receivers better than Bears Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, Rashied Davis, Mark Bradley, and Desmond Clark, show us!
So keep up the blather, blabbermouths. Keep dissing the Bears.
Make it unbearable.
Go ahead, guys, pile on your skepticism.
And already another slap at the Bears comes by way of all the football gurus who point out that the AFC is far superior to the NFC.
Keep yapping, guys.
And, course, Peyton Manning of the Colts has already started to soak up all the superlatives in the comparisons with the unpredictable Bear qb, Rex Grossman. OK, Peyton’s got national TV ads—for now! But how desirable will he be as a pitchman when the Bears chew him up and spit him out? Grrrr!
The team has strongly supported Rex all season and doesn’t take kindly to his critics. So, go ahead, guys, and vilify Rex. But don’t be surprised if the Rex who shows up is not the Bad Rex but the Rex that is bad for the Colts—Tyrannosaurus Rex.
In addition, Colts’s backers are boasting about the team’s great receivers. Huh? Better start watching film, Colts fans. If there is a corps of receivers better than Bears Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, Rashied Davis, Mark Bradley, and Desmond Clark, show us!
So keep up the blather, blabbermouths. Keep dissing the Bears.
Make it unbearable.
Now that the Chicago Bears have made it to the Super Bowl, it seems appropriate to help kick off our coverage of the big event by looking back at one of our early posts during the season:
After the Chicago Bears won their second game, against the Lions, Da Blog suggested that it was probably too early to start getting excited (“going looney” were the exact words) about the Bears’s chance to get to, and win, the Super Bowl.
Everyone agreed that the defense was sensational, but coach Lovie Smith attempted to keep the defense on its toes by giving the group a pop quiz on the upcoming game against the 2-0 Vikings. Lovie then began to give the quiz before every game. It went like this:
Linemen, what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission, that’s our goal.
That’s good. Now linemen, with a runner or receiver on the loose, you’ll redirect him?
We’ll disconnect him.
If he attempts to make a dash?
We’ll smash and bash him.
If he looks like trouble?
We’ll turn him into rubble.
You’ll eradicate him?
We’ll terminate him.
He’ll feel fear?
He’ll disappear.
You’ll deflate him?
We’ll obliterate him.
That’s very good, linemen, very good.
Linebackers, what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission and that’s our goal.
Now, linebackers, if an opponent shows no respect?
We’ll vivisect him.
You’ll sock ‘em?
We’ll rock ‘em.
You’ll resize him?
We’ll pulverize him.
You’ll smear him?
We’ll spear him.
That’s very good, linebackers, very good.
Linebackers, what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission and that’s our goal.
Now defensive backs, if an enemy enters your area, you’ll engage him?
We’ll rearrange him.
From fore to aft?
He’ll feel a draft.
You’ll redesign him?
We’ll realign him.
You’ll separate him?
We’ll demarcate him.
You’ll open wide him?
We’ll subdivide him.
Oh my, that’s very good, defensive backs, very good.
And what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission and that’s our goal.
After the Chicago Bears won their second game, against the Lions, Da Blog suggested that it was probably too early to start getting excited (“going looney” were the exact words) about the Bears’s chance to get to, and win, the Super Bowl.
Everyone agreed that the defense was sensational, but coach Lovie Smith attempted to keep the defense on its toes by giving the group a pop quiz on the upcoming game against the 2-0 Vikings. Lovie then began to give the quiz before every game. It went like this:
Linemen, what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission, that’s our goal.
That’s good. Now linemen, with a runner or receiver on the loose, you’ll redirect him?
We’ll disconnect him.
If he attempts to make a dash?
We’ll smash and bash him.
If he looks like trouble?
We’ll turn him into rubble.
You’ll eradicate him?
We’ll terminate him.
He’ll feel fear?
He’ll disappear.
You’ll deflate him?
We’ll obliterate him.
That’s very good, linemen, very good.
Linebackers, what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission and that’s our goal.
Now, linebackers, if an opponent shows no respect?
We’ll vivisect him.
You’ll sock ‘em?
We’ll rock ‘em.
You’ll resize him?
We’ll pulverize him.
You’ll smear him?
We’ll spear him.
That’s very good, linebackers, very good.
Linebackers, what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission and that’s our goal.
Now defensive backs, if an enemy enters your area, you’ll engage him?
We’ll rearrange him.
From fore to aft?
He’ll feel a draft.
You’ll redesign him?
We’ll realign him.
You’ll separate him?
We’ll demarcate him.
You’ll open wide him?
We’ll subdivide him.
Oh my, that’s very good, defensive backs, very good.
And what’s our goal?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl, that’s our mission and that’s our goal.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Welcome to Illinois, Kelvin.
Illinois, with the medical staff seated next to hoops coach Bruce Weber, gutted out another victory tonight by whipping No. 23-ranked Indiana 51-43 in Champaign. The medical corps did an excellent job of patching up the injured Shaun Pruitt and Chester Frazier, and both players helped key the crucial victory. The win was sweet since it came at the expense of new Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson, who somehow enchanted and enticed The Decommitter Eric Gordon to forsake the Illini for the Hoosiers.
The victory also gives the Illini a much-needed win over a signature team for NCAA tournament consideration. Up to this point, Illinois’s only “resume” win was over Missouri.
The game against the Hoosiers was a defensive struggle. Indiana quickly ran up and held onto a seven-point lead. Then the defenses began to wear each other like gloves, with Illinois hitting a stretch of 3-12 field goal attempts and Indiana, 3-14. Illinois finally rallied at the end of the first half, and the teams went into halftime tied at 23.
Illinois went on an 8-0 run at the start of the second half. The Hoosiers got within four points of Illinois at 41-37, but the Illini connected on a series of free throws to preserve the victory.
The highlights for Illinois?
--A second straight double-double for Shaun Pruitt, with 10 points and 13 rebounds
--Rich McBride, 15 points, including two killer three-pointers at the start of the second half
--A good balanced output by Warren Carter, with 14 points, including six free throws
--A strong defensive effort
Lowlights for Illinois?
--Jamar Smith? One three-pointer.
--Trent Meacham and Calvin Brock? Scoreless.
Do you get the feeling that the Illini play with one arm tied behind their backs? It’s a wonder that they can win any games.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games (with some signature games) to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 15-7, needs five more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana (W 51-43), Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota W 64-52), Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins (still possible) would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game: Saturday at Purdue.
Illinois, with the medical staff seated next to hoops coach Bruce Weber, gutted out another victory tonight by whipping No. 23-ranked Indiana 51-43 in Champaign. The medical corps did an excellent job of patching up the injured Shaun Pruitt and Chester Frazier, and both players helped key the crucial victory. The win was sweet since it came at the expense of new Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson, who somehow enchanted and enticed The Decommitter Eric Gordon to forsake the Illini for the Hoosiers.
The victory also gives the Illini a much-needed win over a signature team for NCAA tournament consideration. Up to this point, Illinois’s only “resume” win was over Missouri.
The game against the Hoosiers was a defensive struggle. Indiana quickly ran up and held onto a seven-point lead. Then the defenses began to wear each other like gloves, with Illinois hitting a stretch of 3-12 field goal attempts and Indiana, 3-14. Illinois finally rallied at the end of the first half, and the teams went into halftime tied at 23.
Illinois went on an 8-0 run at the start of the second half. The Hoosiers got within four points of Illinois at 41-37, but the Illini connected on a series of free throws to preserve the victory.
The highlights for Illinois?
--A second straight double-double for Shaun Pruitt, with 10 points and 13 rebounds
--Rich McBride, 15 points, including two killer three-pointers at the start of the second half
--A good balanced output by Warren Carter, with 14 points, including six free throws
--A strong defensive effort
Lowlights for Illinois?
--Jamar Smith? One three-pointer.
--Trent Meacham and Calvin Brock? Scoreless.
Do you get the feeling that the Illini play with one arm tied behind their backs? It’s a wonder that they can win any games.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games (with some signature games) to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 15-7, needs five more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana (W 51-43), Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota W 64-52), Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins (still possible) would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game: Saturday at Purdue.
Robert Hughes, a highly recruited high school running back from Chicago Hubbard, has accepted an offer from Notre Dame over one from Illinois football coach Ron Zook. Usually these decisions are based on how quickly the recruit expects to get major playing time. Which could mean that Hughes felt Illinois had a stronger group of running backs than Notre Dame.
So, hey, great! That’s what we like to know
So, hey, great! That’s what we like to know
Monday, January 22, 2007
Oddsmakers Diss Bears. Hooray!
Earlier today, the blog indicated that the oddsmakers favored the Chicago Bears to win the Super Bowl by 7 1/2 points. But now, according to TV reports, a revision in the odds favors the Indianapolis Colts by 7 1/2 points. Yippee! The Bears are underdogs again. Dissed once more.
Too bad for the Colts.
Earlier today, the blog indicated that the oddsmakers favored the Chicago Bears to win the Super Bowl by 7 1/2 points. But now, according to TV reports, a revision in the odds favors the Indianapolis Colts by 7 1/2 points. Yippee! The Bears are underdogs again. Dissed once more.
Too bad for the Colts.
The Chicago Bulls at midseason are right on schedule. Despite some recent setbacks, coach Scott Skiles’s team sits only 1 ½ games from the top in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The Bulls have a 23-18 record (17-6 at home), five games better than at this time last year.
We expected the team to struggle during the first half of the season as it attempted to acclimate eight new players. And then to pick up steam and wind up with a strong advance based on the young guns. This outcome still seems viable, including the goal of winning the division.
Our optimism is based on the wealth of talent up and down the roster. Draftees Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha are slowly “getting” Skiles’s plays; Ben Wallace has had some monster defensive games; Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Andres Nociones, and Kirk Hinrich are taking turns leading the way. And reserves Michael Sweetney, Malik Allen, and Victor Khryapa are also making important contributions.
One of the Bulls’s biggest challenges is to remain confident in the face of multiple suggestions by the media to trade for an established shooting forward. Deng, Ben Gordon, and Hinrich are the central figures in the proposed media deals. Fuhgettaboutit! The Bulls have good chemistry now and don’t need anyone new. The current roster is young and exciting, and it will go far into the playoffs.
We expected the team to struggle during the first half of the season as it attempted to acclimate eight new players. And then to pick up steam and wind up with a strong advance based on the young guns. This outcome still seems viable, including the goal of winning the division.
Our optimism is based on the wealth of talent up and down the roster. Draftees Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha are slowly “getting” Skiles’s plays; Ben Wallace has had some monster defensive games; Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Andres Nociones, and Kirk Hinrich are taking turns leading the way. And reserves Michael Sweetney, Malik Allen, and Victor Khryapa are also making important contributions.
One of the Bulls’s biggest challenges is to remain confident in the face of multiple suggestions by the media to trade for an established shooting forward. Deng, Ben Gordon, and Hinrich are the central figures in the proposed media deals. Fuhgettaboutit! The Bulls have good chemistry now and don’t need anyone new. The current roster is young and exciting, and it will go far into the playoffs.
It may be an inconvenient truth, but the desire to win the Super Bowl is a lame form of motivation. Every good team--and even the bad ones—declares at the beginning of the season that its goal for the year is to win the Super Bowl. So how can that goal make a difference?
As a result of the parity in motivation, teams need to find some other goal or rationale to inspire themselves. Sometimes, rationales are thrust upon a team, maybe by the sports media, during the season.
For example, at some point, the success of the New Orleans Saints convinced lots of observers that the team was a Cinderella team, in a fairy tale, headed to a rendezvous with destiny. And maybe the Saints came to believe it, and saw the Super Bowl as the way to brighten the days of their Katrina-plagued fans.
The Bears, similarly, might have been reminded that the team hadn’t won a Super Bowl in 21 years, and that the city’s great fans deserved better, like a winner this year. The Bears's journey to the Super Bowl was proceeding swimmingly until the last part of the season, when quarterback Rex Grossman and the team hit some big bumps in the road.
Suddenly, support for the Bears sank like an anchor. Suddenly, the Bears looked toothless to the media, many fans, and other teams. Dissing the Bears in the playoffs became fashionable. And this is how the Bears found their motivation. The Seattle Seahawks and the Saints paid the ultimate price for their disrespect.
Now the Bears move to the Super Bowl to face the Indianapolis Colts on February 4 in Miami.
And the question is: What’s their motivation? The Colts want to win just as much as the Bears do. The oddsmakers have made the Bears 7 ½ point favorites, but the Colts are certainly not going to diss the Bears publicly. Bears coach Lovie Smith is sure to convince the Bears they are in for a tough game.
Assuming neither team has a major advantage in the motivation area, what will determine the winner?
The usual—turnovers.
We like the Bears's chances of winning this category.
As a result of the parity in motivation, teams need to find some other goal or rationale to inspire themselves. Sometimes, rationales are thrust upon a team, maybe by the sports media, during the season.
For example, at some point, the success of the New Orleans Saints convinced lots of observers that the team was a Cinderella team, in a fairy tale, headed to a rendezvous with destiny. And maybe the Saints came to believe it, and saw the Super Bowl as the way to brighten the days of their Katrina-plagued fans.
The Bears, similarly, might have been reminded that the team hadn’t won a Super Bowl in 21 years, and that the city’s great fans deserved better, like a winner this year. The Bears's journey to the Super Bowl was proceeding swimmingly until the last part of the season, when quarterback Rex Grossman and the team hit some big bumps in the road.
Suddenly, support for the Bears sank like an anchor. Suddenly, the Bears looked toothless to the media, many fans, and other teams. Dissing the Bears in the playoffs became fashionable. And this is how the Bears found their motivation. The Seattle Seahawks and the Saints paid the ultimate price for their disrespect.
Now the Bears move to the Super Bowl to face the Indianapolis Colts on February 4 in Miami.
And the question is: What’s their motivation? The Colts want to win just as much as the Bears do. The oddsmakers have made the Bears 7 ½ point favorites, but the Colts are certainly not going to diss the Bears publicly. Bears coach Lovie Smith is sure to convince the Bears they are in for a tough game.
Assuming neither team has a major advantage in the motivation area, what will determine the winner?
The usual—turnovers.
We like the Bears's chances of winning this category.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Lov(i)efest!
Bear bites revisited. Congratulations coach Lovie Smith, widely ridiculed Rex Grossman, and the other Chicago Bears. It was exciting to see the defense, offense, and special teams working together in the Bears’s 39-14 thrashing of the New Orleans Saints today in Soldier Field. The victory made the Bears champions of the NFC, and Smith became the first African American head coach to lead a team into the Super Bowl.
Now let’s review how some of the factors we discussed yesterday played out as keys to the outcome of today’s game. Today’s comments are in parentheses.
Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher says the answer (key factor) is simple—the crowd. Urlacher says there’s nothing like a boisterous, roaring, cheering home crowd to inspire a team. The fans pick you up and keep your intensity high, Urlacher says. Advantage Bears. (The crowd did its part—it was one big Lov(i)efest.)
The Bears are rightfully upset over the lack of respect the team is receiving. They point to the ESPN analysts and other sports media picking the Saints. The oddsmakers are favoring the hosting Bears by only 2 ½ points. Put it on the bulletin board. Advantage Bears. (Picking against the team with the better win-loss record? How rude--and stupid. Apparently, the ESPN analysts need self-analysis first.)
The Saints throw to Reggie Bush a lot. Think maybe the Bears might pay special attention to him? Advantage Bears. (Urlacher wore Bush like a glove. That shadow Bush saw wasn’t his own, it was Urlacher’s.)
Sure the freezing weather won’t affect the dome team. Advantage Bears. (For the playoffs, it was Soldier Field 2, Seahawks and Saints 0.)
Public sentiment outside Chicago seems to favor the Katrina Kids. But public sentiment couldn’t get any tickets. Too bad, how sad. At Soldier Field, advantage Bears. (Think public sentiment learned anything?)
Defense usually trumps offense. Advantage Bears. (And to think the Saints had the top-rated offense in the NFL. Big deal! The Bear defense and special teams recovered three fumbles, got one interception, and--in the turning point of the game--forced a safety.)
Cedric Benson has the biggest chip on his shoulder of any Bear, possibly other than Rex. This is his time to shine. Does it look to you that he’s been getting more and more explosive? Who does he think he is, Thomas Jones? How would you like to have to tackle Benson? Advantage Bears. (Will anyone still be yapping about Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister? Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones are the best running tandem. Two TD’s for Thomas and one for Cedric, with a total of 183 yards gained on the ground.)
Wonder if the Bears are putting some new plays in the game plan? You’ll know when you see Devin Hester line up at wide receiver. Advantage Bears. (Didn’t need him this game. But can you think of any better way to win over the Super Bowl crowd in Miami than by using Hurricane Hester in new plays?)
We wish fans and the media would stop comparing the current team with the 1985 Bears. The 1985 group was one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Advantage 1985 Bears. (We can’t imagine the comparisons stopping now. And how many times will we be hearing broadcasts of the Super Bowl Shuffle in the next two weeks? But we think it’s cool.)
Final thought. We hope the coaches considered that Rex will always be just one play away from getting knocked out of the game. And so they gave Brian Griese more than his normal 20 percent of the passes during practice. If they did, advantage Bears. (No need for Brian in this game. Another good game for the Comeback Kid, Rex Grossman, with 11 completions in 26 attempts for 144 yards and one TD pass. No sacks, no fumbles, no interceptions.)
Bear bites revisited. Congratulations coach Lovie Smith, widely ridiculed Rex Grossman, and the other Chicago Bears. It was exciting to see the defense, offense, and special teams working together in the Bears’s 39-14 thrashing of the New Orleans Saints today in Soldier Field. The victory made the Bears champions of the NFC, and Smith became the first African American head coach to lead a team into the Super Bowl.
Now let’s review how some of the factors we discussed yesterday played out as keys to the outcome of today’s game. Today’s comments are in parentheses.
Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher says the answer (key factor) is simple—the crowd. Urlacher says there’s nothing like a boisterous, roaring, cheering home crowd to inspire a team. The fans pick you up and keep your intensity high, Urlacher says. Advantage Bears. (The crowd did its part—it was one big Lov(i)efest.)
The Bears are rightfully upset over the lack of respect the team is receiving. They point to the ESPN analysts and other sports media picking the Saints. The oddsmakers are favoring the hosting Bears by only 2 ½ points. Put it on the bulletin board. Advantage Bears. (Picking against the team with the better win-loss record? How rude--and stupid. Apparently, the ESPN analysts need self-analysis first.)
The Saints throw to Reggie Bush a lot. Think maybe the Bears might pay special attention to him? Advantage Bears. (Urlacher wore Bush like a glove. That shadow Bush saw wasn’t his own, it was Urlacher’s.)
Sure the freezing weather won’t affect the dome team. Advantage Bears. (For the playoffs, it was Soldier Field 2, Seahawks and Saints 0.)
Public sentiment outside Chicago seems to favor the Katrina Kids. But public sentiment couldn’t get any tickets. Too bad, how sad. At Soldier Field, advantage Bears. (Think public sentiment learned anything?)
Defense usually trumps offense. Advantage Bears. (And to think the Saints had the top-rated offense in the NFL. Big deal! The Bear defense and special teams recovered three fumbles, got one interception, and--in the turning point of the game--forced a safety.)
Cedric Benson has the biggest chip on his shoulder of any Bear, possibly other than Rex. This is his time to shine. Does it look to you that he’s been getting more and more explosive? Who does he think he is, Thomas Jones? How would you like to have to tackle Benson? Advantage Bears. (Will anyone still be yapping about Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister? Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones are the best running tandem. Two TD’s for Thomas and one for Cedric, with a total of 183 yards gained on the ground.)
Wonder if the Bears are putting some new plays in the game plan? You’ll know when you see Devin Hester line up at wide receiver. Advantage Bears. (Didn’t need him this game. But can you think of any better way to win over the Super Bowl crowd in Miami than by using Hurricane Hester in new plays?)
We wish fans and the media would stop comparing the current team with the 1985 Bears. The 1985 group was one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Advantage 1985 Bears. (We can’t imagine the comparisons stopping now. And how many times will we be hearing broadcasts of the Super Bowl Shuffle in the next two weeks? But we think it’s cool.)
Final thought. We hope the coaches considered that Rex will always be just one play away from getting knocked out of the game. And so they gave Brian Griese more than his normal 20 percent of the passes during practice. If they did, advantage Bears. (No need for Brian in this game. Another good game for the Comeback Kid, Rex Grossman, with 11 completions in 26 attempts for 144 yards and one TD pass. No sacks, no fumbles, no interceptions.)
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Illinois pushed No. 2 ranked Wisconsin to the edge of the cliff, but the powerful Badgers dug in and clawed their way back to beat the Illini 71-64 today in Champaign.
The Illinois loss broke a streak of seven victories over Wisconsin in Assembly Hall. The loss was not unexpected, so it has little bearing on Illinois’s pursuit of an invitation to the NCAA tournament. A win, however, probably would have guaranteed an invitation.
The game was a thrilling, hard-fought contest. There were 11 lead changes. The Badgers jumped out to a nine-point lead, but the Illini trimmed the deficit to three points. Wisconsin led 35-31 at the half. In the equally exciting second half, Illinois took leads of 40-39 and 62-61. In the end, Wisconsin’s free-throw shooting carried the day. The Badgers made 18 of 21 attempts. The Illini made 14 of 23 tries.
The highlights for Illinois?
--A double-double and career highs for Shaun Pruitt, with 19 points and 13 rebounds
--Rich McBride, 15 points, with four three-pointers
--A strong defensive effort by Brian Randle
Lowlights for Illinois?
--What’s happening to Jamar Smith? Scoreless again
--What’s happening to Trent Meacham? Scoreless again
Still, overall, a valiant effort against a powerhouse. Kind of reminded us of the Illini football team’s 17-10 loss to the Buckeyes last season.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 14-7, needs six more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota (W 64-52), Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game is a must: Indiana in Champaign Tuesday.
The Illinois loss broke a streak of seven victories over Wisconsin in Assembly Hall. The loss was not unexpected, so it has little bearing on Illinois’s pursuit of an invitation to the NCAA tournament. A win, however, probably would have guaranteed an invitation.
The game was a thrilling, hard-fought contest. There were 11 lead changes. The Badgers jumped out to a nine-point lead, but the Illini trimmed the deficit to three points. Wisconsin led 35-31 at the half. In the equally exciting second half, Illinois took leads of 40-39 and 62-61. In the end, Wisconsin’s free-throw shooting carried the day. The Badgers made 18 of 21 attempts. The Illini made 14 of 23 tries.
The highlights for Illinois?
--A double-double and career highs for Shaun Pruitt, with 19 points and 13 rebounds
--Rich McBride, 15 points, with four three-pointers
--A strong defensive effort by Brian Randle
Lowlights for Illinois?
--What’s happening to Jamar Smith? Scoreless again
--What’s happening to Trent Meacham? Scoreless again
Still, overall, a valiant effort against a powerhouse. Kind of reminded us of the Illini football team’s 17-10 loss to the Buckeyes last season.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 14-7, needs six more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin (L 71-64), Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota (W 64-52), Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing (didn’t happen). Six home wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game is a must: Indiana in Champaign Tuesday.
Bear bites. The key to the outcome of tomorrow’s Chicago Bear-New Orleans Saints game?
Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher says the answer is simple—the crowd.
Urlacher says there’s nothing like a boisterous, roaring, cheering home crowd to inspire a team. The fans pick you up and keep your intensity high, Urlacher says. Advantage Bears.
The Bears are rightfully upset over the lack of respect the team is receiving. They point to the ESPN analysts and other sports media picking the Saints. The oddsmakers are favoring the hosting Bears by only 2 ½ points. Put it on the bulletin board. Advantage Bears.
The Saints throw to Reggie Bush a lot. Think the Bears might pay special attention to him? Advantage Bears.
Sure the freezing weather won’t affect the dome team. Hah! Advantage Bears.
Public sentiment outside Chicago seems to favor the Katrina Kids. But public sentiment couldn’t get any tickets. Too bad, how sad. At Soldier Field, advantage Bears.
Defense usually trumps offense. Advantage Bears.
Cedric Benson has the biggest chip on his shoulder of any Bear, possibly other than Rex. This is his time to shine. Does it look to you that he’s been getting more and more explosive? Who does he think he is, Thomas Jones? How would you like to have to tackle Benson? Advantage Bears.
Wonder if the Bears are putting some new plays in the game plan? You’ll know when you see Devin Hester line up at wide receiver. Advantage Bears.
We wish fans and the media would stop comparing the current team with the 1985 Bears. The 1985 group was one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Advantage 1985 Bears.
Final thought. We hope the coaches considered that Rex will always be just one play away from getting knocked out of the game. And so that they gave Brian Griese more than his normal 20 percent of the passes during practice. If they did, advantage Bears.
Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher says the answer is simple—the crowd.
Urlacher says there’s nothing like a boisterous, roaring, cheering home crowd to inspire a team. The fans pick you up and keep your intensity high, Urlacher says. Advantage Bears.
The Bears are rightfully upset over the lack of respect the team is receiving. They point to the ESPN analysts and other sports media picking the Saints. The oddsmakers are favoring the hosting Bears by only 2 ½ points. Put it on the bulletin board. Advantage Bears.
The Saints throw to Reggie Bush a lot. Think the Bears might pay special attention to him? Advantage Bears.
Sure the freezing weather won’t affect the dome team. Hah! Advantage Bears.
Public sentiment outside Chicago seems to favor the Katrina Kids. But public sentiment couldn’t get any tickets. Too bad, how sad. At Soldier Field, advantage Bears.
Defense usually trumps offense. Advantage Bears.
Cedric Benson has the biggest chip on his shoulder of any Bear, possibly other than Rex. This is his time to shine. Does it look to you that he’s been getting more and more explosive? Who does he think he is, Thomas Jones? How would you like to have to tackle Benson? Advantage Bears.
Wonder if the Bears are putting some new plays in the game plan? You’ll know when you see Devin Hester line up at wide receiver. Advantage Bears.
We wish fans and the media would stop comparing the current team with the 1985 Bears. The 1985 group was one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Advantage 1985 Bears.
Final thought. We hope the coaches considered that Rex will always be just one play away from getting knocked out of the game. And so that they gave Brian Griese more than his normal 20 percent of the passes during practice. If they did, advantage Bears.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Chicago Bears coaches are trying to identify the weaknesses of the Katrina Kids for Sunday’s NFC title game. The consensus so far is to target Saints cornerback Fred Thomas, who has been burned on the field many times this season.
We like anything that encourages the long ball. The main reason is that the Rex Grossman-to-Bernard Berrian pass opens many possibilities, most of them good for the Bears. For example, the best outcome is that Berrian will catch the pass. Or the Saint defender might interfere and generate a flag. Of course, the Saints might pick off the pass, or the pass might just fall incomplete. An interception may not be bad if the Saint defender is downed deep in Saints territory. It’s as good as a favorable punt.
Another good reason for throwing long is that it loosens up the defense by opening the field, either for medium-range passes or running plays. The Saints’s defense is not that threatening. It ranks 11th in total defense. The Saints had only 11 picks during the regular season. The Bears had 24. The Bears forced 24 fumbles. The Saints forced 15.
So if the offense can give Rex time to throw, he could have a great game.
And morph once again into the Rex we’re all waiting for:
Tyrannosaurus Rex!
That would be huge. And so would the score: Bears 31-7.
We like anything that encourages the long ball. The main reason is that the Rex Grossman-to-Bernard Berrian pass opens many possibilities, most of them good for the Bears. For example, the best outcome is that Berrian will catch the pass. Or the Saint defender might interfere and generate a flag. Of course, the Saints might pick off the pass, or the pass might just fall incomplete. An interception may not be bad if the Saint defender is downed deep in Saints territory. It’s as good as a favorable punt.
Another good reason for throwing long is that it loosens up the defense by opening the field, either for medium-range passes or running plays. The Saints’s defense is not that threatening. It ranks 11th in total defense. The Saints had only 11 picks during the regular season. The Bears had 24. The Bears forced 24 fumbles. The Saints forced 15.
So if the offense can give Rex time to throw, he could have a great game.
And morph once again into the Rex we’re all waiting for:
Tyrannosaurus Rex!
That would be huge. And so would the score: Bears 31-7.
It’s not the mirrors. Okay, the kid with the long blonde hair on the TV commercial is cute. We see this ad a lot during Bear games, so we’ll widen our blog universe to make a point about it. We have no idea what she’s talking about. What's with the mirrors and the mammoth? We admit to being pretty low tech—we do have a computer but no cable TV or ipod. But who agrees with her that it’s the mirrors that count? We think it’s the game.
While we’re on TV commercials, which is the best football game ad? Our vote goes to the always hilarious Budweiser ad in which a surgeon in the hospital is explaining over the telephone how to help a bewildered guy do surgery on himself in his kitchen.
While we’re on TV commercials, which is the best football game ad? Our vote goes to the always hilarious Budweiser ad in which a surgeon in the hospital is explaining over the telephone how to help a bewildered guy do surgery on himself in his kitchen.
Thin blood. At the recent Illinois-Minnesota basketball game, the Gophers’s new football coach Tim Brewster was heard to say: ”I’m going to recruit, recruit, recruit.” Brewster played tight end for the Illini in the early 1980’s and more recently was a tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos of the NFL. Brewster has a son, Clint, who is a high school senior quarterback, and a pretty good one at that. He’s rated a four-star blue chipper. And where will Clint be playing next year? Illinois!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Mr. Morph. Are we seeing another transformation of Chicago Bear quarterback Rex Grossman? The season began with just plain Rex. But several games down the road, the Good Rex morphed into the Bad Rex. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The sports media started shooting zingers at Rex, but he was pretty cool and honest in talking about some play that was less than stellar.
Then near the end of the regular season, the Bad Rex directed some real clunkers. The Evil Twin entered the cast. But Rex remained calm and cooperative. Sometimes too honest. Like when he admitted that he didn’t prepare properly for the Packers finale. That led to a firestorm of criticism. The media pumped up the pressure in the bye week. But Rex, rocklike, stood his ground and played very well in leading the Bears to victory against the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs.
Some observers referred to Grossman as Happy Rex or Clutch Rex.
Then it happened. During the leadup to Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints for the NFC title, Testy Rex appeared. In what seemed like a grilling by the sports media, Rex snapped back. For the first time, he was abrupt and defensive. He referred reporters to coach Lovie Smith for some answers. Clearly, he was no longer the happy, smiley Rex.
Maybe Rex finally got tired of hearing about the Good Rex and the Bad Rex from reporters. Even some of his teammates used the twin monikers once in a while. Or is his annoyance based on the increasing pressure? Maybe Rex feels as if he’s carrying the world, or at least the multitudes of Bear fans, on his shoulders.
And the weight is getting unbearable.
Then near the end of the regular season, the Bad Rex directed some real clunkers. The Evil Twin entered the cast. But Rex remained calm and cooperative. Sometimes too honest. Like when he admitted that he didn’t prepare properly for the Packers finale. That led to a firestorm of criticism. The media pumped up the pressure in the bye week. But Rex, rocklike, stood his ground and played very well in leading the Bears to victory against the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs.
Some observers referred to Grossman as Happy Rex or Clutch Rex.
Then it happened. During the leadup to Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints for the NFC title, Testy Rex appeared. In what seemed like a grilling by the sports media, Rex snapped back. For the first time, he was abrupt and defensive. He referred reporters to coach Lovie Smith for some answers. Clearly, he was no longer the happy, smiley Rex.
Maybe Rex finally got tired of hearing about the Good Rex and the Bad Rex from reporters. Even some of his teammates used the twin monikers once in a while. Or is his annoyance based on the increasing pressure? Maybe Rex feels as if he’s carrying the world, or at least the multitudes of Bear fans, on his shoulders.
And the weight is getting unbearable.
Chicago Cub GM Jim Hendry wants injured and rehabbing pitcher Mark Prior to take a seven percent pay cut. Prior wants a six percent raise.
Hendry looks at Prior’s 2006 record and frowns—a 7.21 earned-run average, a 1-6 record, and assorted injuries. And an unknown future.
Hendry is still offering Prior over $3.6 million. Sound reasonable? How many of you can perform poorly in your job and then suffer a long-term illness with no idea of whether or when you can return in good health—and expect to get a raise?
Of course, you’re not a professional athlete who can draw millions of people through ballpark turnstiles.
So Hendry is thinking about the lousy record last season and unknown future. Why gamble? Just cut him and wish him well. Although….he just might make it all the way back. Then wow! Okay, I’ll cut his salary a bit and take a chance.
So Prior is thinking about all the cash that Hendry has been distributing during the offseason. And I’m asking for peanuts, you know. Not the big bucks some of the new guys—who may not be so special—are getting. Think how good the Cubs can be if I make a full recovery. And what would I deserve then? Besides, few baseball players ever get salary decreases. And I did get injured on the job, you know. I wasn’t just goofing off on the golf course.
Who’s got the best argument?
The envelope please…
And the winner in arbitration goes to…
Mark Prior.
Sorry, Jim. It’s a gamble, but less so than some of your other pitching bets.
Hendry looks at Prior’s 2006 record and frowns—a 7.21 earned-run average, a 1-6 record, and assorted injuries. And an unknown future.
Hendry is still offering Prior over $3.6 million. Sound reasonable? How many of you can perform poorly in your job and then suffer a long-term illness with no idea of whether or when you can return in good health—and expect to get a raise?
Of course, you’re not a professional athlete who can draw millions of people through ballpark turnstiles.
So Hendry is thinking about the lousy record last season and unknown future. Why gamble? Just cut him and wish him well. Although….he just might make it all the way back. Then wow! Okay, I’ll cut his salary a bit and take a chance.
So Prior is thinking about all the cash that Hendry has been distributing during the offseason. And I’m asking for peanuts, you know. Not the big bucks some of the new guys—who may not be so special—are getting. Think how good the Cubs can be if I make a full recovery. And what would I deserve then? Besides, few baseball players ever get salary decreases. And I did get injured on the job, you know. I wasn’t just goofing off on the golf course.
Who’s got the best argument?
The envelope please…
And the winner in arbitration goes to…
Mark Prior.
Sorry, Jim. It’s a gamble, but less so than some of your other pitching bets.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Staying alive! Illinois took advantage of a sloppy Minnesota basketball team tonight and registered an efficient 64-52 road win. The road win was not expected in Williams Arena, where the Golden Gophers usually are as good as gold. This game could be important in Illinois’s pursuit of an invitation to the NCAA tournament—unless nearly every other conference team duplicates Illinois’s feat.
Illinois jumped ahead immediately, taking a 13-0 lead. The Gophers made a good run, getting within four points. But Illinois went on a 21-2 rampage, aided by a bunch of turnovers and Illinois fast breaks. The Illini led 38-22 at halftime.
Illinois continued to dominate the second half, at one point taking a 23-point lead over the hapless Gophers. Minnesota contributed 18 turnovers, and the Illini won the rebounding battle 33-24.
The highlights for Illinois?
--Rich McBride, nine points on three three-pointers
--A double-double for Warren Carter, with 17 points and 11 rebounds
--A strong effort by Brian Randle, with 12 points
--A swarming defense that contested all the Gophers’s shots
--A strange victory, with the two best Illini guards, Chester Frazier and Jamar Smith, both playing—but both going scoreless!
--Calvin Brock (six points) and Trent Meacham (12 points) showing improvement
Lowlights for Illinois?
--What’s happening to Frazier and Smith?
--Another lack of balanced scoring
--No leader on the court
The main message that came out of this game involves team chemistry: The Illini don’t have it, yet. Ouch!
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 14-6, needs six more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota W 64-52), Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six home wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game is huge: Saturday against national powerhouse Wisconsin at Champaign. A win would sure look good on Illinois’s resume.
Illinois jumped ahead immediately, taking a 13-0 lead. The Gophers made a good run, getting within four points. But Illinois went on a 21-2 rampage, aided by a bunch of turnovers and Illinois fast breaks. The Illini led 38-22 at halftime.
Illinois continued to dominate the second half, at one point taking a 23-point lead over the hapless Gophers. Minnesota contributed 18 turnovers, and the Illini won the rebounding battle 33-24.
The highlights for Illinois?
--Rich McBride, nine points on three three-pointers
--A double-double for Warren Carter, with 17 points and 11 rebounds
--A strong effort by Brian Randle, with 12 points
--A swarming defense that contested all the Gophers’s shots
--A strange victory, with the two best Illini guards, Chester Frazier and Jamar Smith, both playing—but both going scoreless!
--Calvin Brock (six points) and Trent Meacham (12 points) showing improvement
Lowlights for Illinois?
--What’s happening to Frazier and Smith?
--Another lack of balanced scoring
--No leader on the court
The main message that came out of this game involves team chemistry: The Illini don’t have it, yet. Ouch!
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 14-6, needs six more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota W 64-52), Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six home wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota (Yippee, got this one). Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
The next game is huge: Saturday against national powerhouse Wisconsin at Champaign. A win would sure look good on Illinois’s resume.
The New Orleans Saints may look like a formidable opponent for the Chicago Bears Sunday in Soldier Field, but…
The weather is going to be freezing
The Saints lost six games in the regular season (Bears 13-3)
The Bears scored 427 total points compared to the Saints’s 413
The Bears gave up a total of only 255 points; no other NFL team gave up less than 300 points. The Saints gave up 322 points
The weather is going to be freezing
The Saints lost regularly to teams with good defenses (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Carolina twice)
The Saints sound like a team just happy to get to the playoffs. The Bears are on a mission to win the Super Bowl
The field condition will favor straight-ahead power runners like Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones, and will adversely affect cutting runners like Reggie Bush
The weather is going to be freezing
The Bear rushing attack features long, methodical drives, which will keep the Saints offense off the field
Joe Horn, the Muhsin Muhammad of the Saints (middle-range receiver), will not play
The Saints’s defense against the rush is not that good. The Bears’s strength is the rushing attack
The weather is going to be freezing
The Bears are good at creating turnovers
The Bears have Devin Hester returning kicks and the Saints don’t
The Bears have Robbie Gould to kick field goals and the Saints don’t
Gould knows how to kick field goals in windy Soldier Field and the Saints’s John Carney doesn’t
The weather is going to be freezing
Feel better, Bears fans?
The weather is going to be freezing
The Saints lost six games in the regular season (Bears 13-3)
The Bears scored 427 total points compared to the Saints’s 413
The Bears gave up a total of only 255 points; no other NFL team gave up less than 300 points. The Saints gave up 322 points
The weather is going to be freezing
The Saints lost regularly to teams with good defenses (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Carolina twice)
The Saints sound like a team just happy to get to the playoffs. The Bears are on a mission to win the Super Bowl
The field condition will favor straight-ahead power runners like Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones, and will adversely affect cutting runners like Reggie Bush
The weather is going to be freezing
The Bear rushing attack features long, methodical drives, which will keep the Saints offense off the field
Joe Horn, the Muhsin Muhammad of the Saints (middle-range receiver), will not play
The Saints’s defense against the rush is not that good. The Bears’s strength is the rushing attack
The weather is going to be freezing
The Bears are good at creating turnovers
The Bears have Devin Hester returning kicks and the Saints don’t
The Bears have Robbie Gould to kick field goals and the Saints don’t
Gould knows how to kick field goals in windy Soldier Field and the Saints’s John Carney doesn’t
The weather is going to be freezing
Feel better, Bears fans?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Let’s go back to one of the things many of the Chicago Bears have been saying since training camp:
“Last year, we were just happy to be in the playoffs. This year, we expected to be there.”
So the Bears did not really see the Super Bowl in their 2005-06 season. And they were right. They got humiliated by the Carolina Panthers in their first playoff game.
But that loss left an indelible memory. A monkey on their back. A scar that still itches. And a vow to go farther next year, this year.
But is this vow just a show of bravado? Or did the loss to Carolina unleash an inferno that will torch the two remaining foes on the Bears’s quest to win the Super Bowl?
Based on the Seahawk game, the fire rages on in the bellies of the Bears.
One Bear who especially appeared to be heated to his core, for instance, was running back Thomas Jones. Jones is a powerful runner, and he scored on 7-yard and 9-yard runs. But his display of passion after his explosive runs was something that obviously has been bottled up all season.
If all the Bears play with such a fever Sunday, the New Orleans Saints will go marching home sick.
“Last year, we were just happy to be in the playoffs. This year, we expected to be there.”
So the Bears did not really see the Super Bowl in their 2005-06 season. And they were right. They got humiliated by the Carolina Panthers in their first playoff game.
But that loss left an indelible memory. A monkey on their back. A scar that still itches. And a vow to go farther next year, this year.
But is this vow just a show of bravado? Or did the loss to Carolina unleash an inferno that will torch the two remaining foes on the Bears’s quest to win the Super Bowl?
Based on the Seahawk game, the fire rages on in the bellies of the Bears.
One Bear who especially appeared to be heated to his core, for instance, was running back Thomas Jones. Jones is a powerful runner, and he scored on 7-yard and 9-yard runs. But his display of passion after his explosive runs was something that obviously has been bottled up all season.
If all the Bears play with such a fever Sunday, the New Orleans Saints will go marching home sick.
The Seattle Seahawks lost after they won.
The Seahawks sealed their 27-24 loss to the Chicago Bears when they won the coin flip for the overtime period. The brash Hawks won the toss and chose to receive. That choice allowed the Bears to put the wind at their backs, a good thing in the Windy City.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
The wind had not affected the passing games of either team, and so the Seahawks figured they should take advantage of the first opportunity to win. This decision turned out to be a fatal mistake.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
The Hawks failed to move the ball significantly and had to punt. The Bears got the ball at their own 34. They failed to gain any yardage on a run and a pass on the first two plays. Then, on a third and 10 play, Rex Grossman connected on the most important pass of his career with Rashied Davis for 30 yards and a first down.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
Cedric Benson then carried for one yard on first down, and ran for three yards on second down. Grossman threw an incomplete pass to Davis on third down. In came field goal kicker Robbie Gould for a 49-yard game winner.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
“ I didn’t think he was going to get it,” said Seattle tight end Jerramy Stevens. “I thought we were going back onto the field.”
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh! And it was blowing at Gould's back. Gould got it high up in the restless wind. The ball rocketed toward the uprights and then got caught in the jetstream. The ball sailed through the top of the uprights. And seemed to be still zooming upward.
Just the direction the Bears are headed. Swoosh!
The Seahawks sealed their 27-24 loss to the Chicago Bears when they won the coin flip for the overtime period. The brash Hawks won the toss and chose to receive. That choice allowed the Bears to put the wind at their backs, a good thing in the Windy City.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
The wind had not affected the passing games of either team, and so the Seahawks figured they should take advantage of the first opportunity to win. This decision turned out to be a fatal mistake.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
The Hawks failed to move the ball significantly and had to punt. The Bears got the ball at their own 34. They failed to gain any yardage on a run and a pass on the first two plays. Then, on a third and 10 play, Rex Grossman connected on the most important pass of his career with Rashied Davis for 30 yards and a first down.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
Cedric Benson then carried for one yard on first down, and ran for three yards on second down. Grossman threw an incomplete pass to Davis on third down. In came field goal kicker Robbie Gould for a 49-yard game winner.
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh!
“ I didn’t think he was going to get it,” said Seattle tight end Jerramy Stevens. “I thought we were going back onto the field.”
The wind was blowing at 16 m.p.h. Swoosh! And it was blowing at Gould's back. Gould got it high up in the restless wind. The ball rocketed toward the uprights and then got caught in the jetstream. The ball sailed through the top of the uprights. And seemed to be still zooming upward.
Just the direction the Bears are headed. Swoosh!
Monday, January 15, 2007
If you don’t mind, let’s discuss why the Chicago Bears’s chances to get to the Super Bowl look better than ever.
It’s all a matter of mind-set.
Now that the Bears have won a playoff game the way coach Lovie Smith expected—with Rex Grossman at the helm—he has been freed of his oft-stated commitment to Rex. That is, he fought critical fans and sports media the whole season about who could best lead the team to the Super Bowl, Grossman or backup Brian Griese. Lovie made up his mind to go with Rex. He said it so many times that he backed himself into a corner. As a result, he felt he could not change his mind without creating the impression he was indecisive.
Now the situation is different.
Lovie can adopt a new mind-set if he so chooses. He is no longer wedded to Rex as much as he was before. He’s king of the world of Chicago football. Now, at the first sight of the bad Rex in the upcoming New Orleans Saints game, he can easily switch to Griese.
And most fans won’t mind.
It’s all a matter of mind-set.
Now that the Bears have won a playoff game the way coach Lovie Smith expected—with Rex Grossman at the helm—he has been freed of his oft-stated commitment to Rex. That is, he fought critical fans and sports media the whole season about who could best lead the team to the Super Bowl, Grossman or backup Brian Griese. Lovie made up his mind to go with Rex. He said it so many times that he backed himself into a corner. As a result, he felt he could not change his mind without creating the impression he was indecisive.
Now the situation is different.
Lovie can adopt a new mind-set if he so chooses. He is no longer wedded to Rex as much as he was before. He’s king of the world of Chicago football. Now, at the first sight of the bad Rex in the upcoming New Orleans Saints game, he can easily switch to Griese.
And most fans won’t mind.
The good guys wore black. The Chicago Bulls dominated the powerful San Antonio Spurs 99-87 today in the United Center while surprisingly wearing black uniforms. The Spurs wore white, but like the snow outside, just melted away against the newly minted Bulls. The Bulls’s biggest lead was 17 points late in the fourth quarter.
The 22-17 Bulls ran their Eastern Conference-leading home record to 17-5. The victory follows a 111-66 rout of the Memphis Grizzlies last week. It was especially impressive because two starters, Chris Duhon and Ben Wallace, did not play. Duhon overslept and missed practice time, earning him a seat on the bench. Wallace had a sore back.
The veteran San Antonio backcourt of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili usually dominate their counterparts, but not today. Bulls’s guards Kirk Hinrich (23 points) and Ben Gordon (20) rained baskets from all over the court in a strong showing of the young guns.
In addition, Bulls fans were treated to spectacular plays by future stars, Bulls's rookies Thabo Sefolosha and Tyrus Thomas. On one play, Sefolosha took the ball down the court into the paint, where he avoided two Spurs with a 360-degree pirouette and a layup. Thomas scored eight points, pulled down eight rebounds, and blocked five shots. His last basket came on a rebound and twisting flip in one fluid motion that drew roars from the crowd.
What can we expect next from the Bulls?
Black uniforms?
The 22-17 Bulls ran their Eastern Conference-leading home record to 17-5. The victory follows a 111-66 rout of the Memphis Grizzlies last week. It was especially impressive because two starters, Chris Duhon and Ben Wallace, did not play. Duhon overslept and missed practice time, earning him a seat on the bench. Wallace had a sore back.
The veteran San Antonio backcourt of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili usually dominate their counterparts, but not today. Bulls’s guards Kirk Hinrich (23 points) and Ben Gordon (20) rained baskets from all over the court in a strong showing of the young guns.
In addition, Bulls fans were treated to spectacular plays by future stars, Bulls's rookies Thabo Sefolosha and Tyrus Thomas. On one play, Sefolosha took the ball down the court into the paint, where he avoided two Spurs with a 360-degree pirouette and a layup. Thomas scored eight points, pulled down eight rebounds, and blocked five shots. His last basket came on a rebound and twisting flip in one fluid motion that drew roars from the crowd.
What can we expect next from the Bulls?
Black uniforms?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Good as Gould.
With Brad Maynard as his sure-handed holder, Chicago Bear kicker Robbie Gould blasted a field goal 49 yards through the uprights to beat the visiting Seattle Seahawks 27-24 today in overtime. This new Gould standard allowed Bear fans to keep alive their hopes and dreams that their beloved team could win the Super Bowl.
Gould called his feat the greatest kick of his career. Which actually understates its importance since Gould’s pro career only spans two years. His previously greatest kick was the 41-yard field goal he rocketed through the goal posts to tie the game at 24-all in the fourth quarter.
The Bear victory propels the team into the NFC title game for the first time since 1988. The Bears will host the New Orleans Saints next Sunday to earn a ticket to the Super Bowl.
Gould entered the NFL in 2005 as an undrafted free agent by New England but was cut before playing in a regular season game. He got a tryout with Baltimore but did not stick with the regular roster. The Bears signed him in October 2005. As a rookie, Gould led the Bears in scoring with 82 points and made 21 of 27 field goals. This season, he made 32 of 36 attempts. He ranks as the most accurate kicker in Bear history among kickers with at least 25 attempts.
The win was also huge for vilified quarterback Rex Grossman. Fortunately for the players, coaches, and fans alike, the Good Rex showed up. He threw for 282 yards, completing 21 of 38 attempts. He threw a 68-yard TD pass to Bernard Berrian. But his best pass of the day—maybe of the season—was a strike to Rashied Davis for 30 yards to the Seattle 35 in the overtime. The crisply thrown ball set up Gould for the historic kick.
For one of the few times in recent weeks, Rex was truly happy.
And he deserved to be.
With Brad Maynard as his sure-handed holder, Chicago Bear kicker Robbie Gould blasted a field goal 49 yards through the uprights to beat the visiting Seattle Seahawks 27-24 today in overtime. This new Gould standard allowed Bear fans to keep alive their hopes and dreams that their beloved team could win the Super Bowl.
Gould called his feat the greatest kick of his career. Which actually understates its importance since Gould’s pro career only spans two years. His previously greatest kick was the 41-yard field goal he rocketed through the goal posts to tie the game at 24-all in the fourth quarter.
The Bear victory propels the team into the NFC title game for the first time since 1988. The Bears will host the New Orleans Saints next Sunday to earn a ticket to the Super Bowl.
Gould entered the NFL in 2005 as an undrafted free agent by New England but was cut before playing in a regular season game. He got a tryout with Baltimore but did not stick with the regular roster. The Bears signed him in October 2005. As a rookie, Gould led the Bears in scoring with 82 points and made 21 of 27 field goals. This season, he made 32 of 36 attempts. He ranks as the most accurate kicker in Bear history among kickers with at least 25 attempts.
The win was also huge for vilified quarterback Rex Grossman. Fortunately for the players, coaches, and fans alike, the Good Rex showed up. He threw for 282 yards, completing 21 of 38 attempts. He threw a 68-yard TD pass to Bernard Berrian. But his best pass of the day—maybe of the season—was a strike to Rashied Davis for 30 yards to the Seattle 35 in the overtime. The crisply thrown ball set up Gould for the historic kick.
For one of the few times in recent weeks, Rex was truly happy.
And he deserved to be.
Not to worry yet because of Illinois’s sloppy 63-57 loss to Michigan State today at East Lansing. This game would have been a good win but was not a disastrous loss in Illinois’s pursuit of an invitation to the NCAA tournament.
Illinois took advantage of a snail start by MSU, which didn’t score a field goal in the last 12 minutes of the first half. The Illini led 34-23 at halftime, paced by Rich McBride’s three three-pointers.
MSU came out smoking in the second half and flabbergasted the helpless Illini. Illinois was plagued by turnovers (18 total), and the Spartans caught the generous Illini at 36-36. MSU went on to outscore the Illini 28-5 at one point. But point guard Chester Frazier, who missed the last game with a groin injury, scored eight quick points and almost single-handedly brought the Illini back to within three points of MSU at 57-54. The Spartans, however, held off the scrappy Illini.
The highlights for Illinois?
--McBride, 12 points on four three-pointers
--The continued all-around strong play of Shaun Pruitt, with 10 points
--The return of Frazier
--A nice rally at the end of the second half when the game looked lost
Lowlights for Illinois?
--One game after the reappearance of the slashing, penetrating Brian Randle, he disappeared against MSU
--Also AWOL was Jamar Smith. What’s happened to our scoring machine?
--When the Illini needed Warren Carter to step up big in the second half, he scored four points
The main message that came out of this game is that Frazier must become the Dee Brown of 2004, who was a bigtime scorer, and give up on the Dee Brown of 2005, who focused on distributing the ball and not shooting. Unfortunately, this may have to wait for next year, when the Illini bring in Demetri McCamey and Quinton Watkins, two point guards who can take the pressure off Chester.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 13-6, needs seven more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Wednesday at Minnesota.
Illinois took advantage of a snail start by MSU, which didn’t score a field goal in the last 12 minutes of the first half. The Illini led 34-23 at halftime, paced by Rich McBride’s three three-pointers.
MSU came out smoking in the second half and flabbergasted the helpless Illini. Illinois was plagued by turnovers (18 total), and the Spartans caught the generous Illini at 36-36. MSU went on to outscore the Illini 28-5 at one point. But point guard Chester Frazier, who missed the last game with a groin injury, scored eight quick points and almost single-handedly brought the Illini back to within three points of MSU at 57-54. The Spartans, however, held off the scrappy Illini.
The highlights for Illinois?
--McBride, 12 points on four three-pointers
--The continued all-around strong play of Shaun Pruitt, with 10 points
--The return of Frazier
--A nice rally at the end of the second half when the game looked lost
Lowlights for Illinois?
--One game after the reappearance of the slashing, penetrating Brian Randle, he disappeared against MSU
--Also AWOL was Jamar Smith. What’s happened to our scoring machine?
--When the Illini needed Warren Carter to step up big in the second half, he scored four points
The main message that came out of this game is that Frazier must become the Dee Brown of 2004, who was a bigtime scorer, and give up on the Dee Brown of 2005, who focused on distributing the ball and not shooting. Unfortunately, this may have to wait for next year, when the Illini bring in Demetri McCamey and Quinton Watkins, two point guards who can take the pressure off Chester.
Now let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the tournament. So Illinois, now 13-6, needs seven more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State (L 63-57, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Wednesday at Minnesota.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Who will be the hero or heroes who will lead the Chicago Bears to victory over the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow?
Every fan has his or her own choice. Based on sports media interviews and examinations, the leading candidates of the unscientific polls are Devin Hester (32 percent), Brian Urlacher (20 percent), Thomas Jones (10 percent), Cedric Benson (8 percent), Bernard Berrian (7 percent), Mark Bradley (6 percent), Ricky Manning Jr. (5 percent), Peanut Tillman (4 percent), Mark Anderson (3 percent), Desmond Clark (2 percent), Cameron Worrell (2) percent, and Brian Griese (1 percent).
Fans in Seattle were also polled, but most were clueless because they were sleepless.
Bear fans, on the other hand, were pumped. Some even started tailgating parties at Soldier Field three days ago.
However, getting back to the hero thing—it’s so simple. Both teams have unpredictable passing games. So both will emphasize their running games. And so neither will run exceptionally well against the other. And so the game will be a battle for field position. And who will win this battle?
Da Bears!
And who will be the hero or heroes?
The envelope please…
Brad Maynard and/or Robbie Gould!
We see it Bears 16-10.
Bye Bye Birdies!
Every fan has his or her own choice. Based on sports media interviews and examinations, the leading candidates of the unscientific polls are Devin Hester (32 percent), Brian Urlacher (20 percent), Thomas Jones (10 percent), Cedric Benson (8 percent), Bernard Berrian (7 percent), Mark Bradley (6 percent), Ricky Manning Jr. (5 percent), Peanut Tillman (4 percent), Mark Anderson (3 percent), Desmond Clark (2 percent), Cameron Worrell (2) percent, and Brian Griese (1 percent).
Fans in Seattle were also polled, but most were clueless because they were sleepless.
Bear fans, on the other hand, were pumped. Some even started tailgating parties at Soldier Field three days ago.
However, getting back to the hero thing—it’s so simple. Both teams have unpredictable passing games. So both will emphasize their running games. And so neither will run exceptionally well against the other. And so the game will be a battle for field position. And who will win this battle?
Da Bears!
And who will be the hero or heroes?
The envelope please…
Brad Maynard and/or Robbie Gould!
We see it Bears 16-10.
Bye Bye Birdies!
And then there were three.
With Marcus Arnold suffering a broken nose in the Iowa game, there are reports that the three remaining scholarship players who have not yet been ill, hurt, or suspended—Calvin Brock, Trent Meacham, and C. J. Jackson—are considering leaving the Illinois basketball team.
“It’s just too dangerous,” said Meacham.
“My folks are scared,” said Jackson.
“Who’s next?” asked Brock.
Does this rash of curious circumstances seem like an Agatha Christie mystery or what?
The worst situation is that of point guard Chester Frazier, who first had to play through a nagging toe problem and then was benched for the entire Iowa game by a groin injury. Chester had become the soul of the team, and his leadership cannot be replaced by that of any of the other players.
Actually, Brock and Meacham benefited from earlier problems of starters, and got valuable playing time, which has enabled them to play quality minutes in the conference games.
And Brian Carlwell stands to get a similar benefit while Arnold recovers.
But the question remains: Agatha, who’s next?
With Marcus Arnold suffering a broken nose in the Iowa game, there are reports that the three remaining scholarship players who have not yet been ill, hurt, or suspended—Calvin Brock, Trent Meacham, and C. J. Jackson—are considering leaving the Illinois basketball team.
“It’s just too dangerous,” said Meacham.
“My folks are scared,” said Jackson.
“Who’s next?” asked Brock.
Does this rash of curious circumstances seem like an Agatha Christie mystery or what?
The worst situation is that of point guard Chester Frazier, who first had to play through a nagging toe problem and then was benched for the entire Iowa game by a groin injury. Chester had become the soul of the team, and his leadership cannot be replaced by that of any of the other players.
Actually, Brock and Meacham benefited from earlier problems of starters, and got valuable playing time, which has enabled them to play quality minutes in the conference games.
And Brian Carlwell stands to get a similar benefit while Arnold recovers.
But the question remains: Agatha, who’s next?
Friday, January 12, 2007
Man, how long does it take for Sunday to come?
That’s when the Chicago Bears begin the next phase of what many believe is their impossible dream—victory in the Super Bowl.
Now, only 8 teams remain eligible to grab the prize, and the Bears are one of them. In recent weeks, the Bears have thought about last year’s early departure from the playoffs and the humiliating loss to the Packers in the regular season finale this year.
As the days approached the showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, the words buzzing around Halas Hall were lessons, wandering minds, focus, fundamentals, concentration. And they morphed into preparedness, handling emotions, and handling excitement.
But perhaps Bear defensive end Alex Brown compared 2005 and 2006 best: “Last year, we were happy to make the playoffs. This year, we expected to be here.”
If making progress is the key factor, however, the edge goes to the Seahawks. They made it to last year’s Super Bowl, but lost to Pittsburgh 21-10.
But in this winter of our content, the weird weather may give the Bears the edge. If the Bears can’t stop the Seahawks’s passing game, the weather probably can. The gametime forecast is an icy mix of sleet and rain, a high of 33 degrees (cooler at the lake, of course), and winds howling at 16 m.p.h.
So when all the pluses and minuses are totaled, the winner may be the team that can best weather the weather.
That’s when the Chicago Bears begin the next phase of what many believe is their impossible dream—victory in the Super Bowl.
Now, only 8 teams remain eligible to grab the prize, and the Bears are one of them. In recent weeks, the Bears have thought about last year’s early departure from the playoffs and the humiliating loss to the Packers in the regular season finale this year.
As the days approached the showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, the words buzzing around Halas Hall were lessons, wandering minds, focus, fundamentals, concentration. And they morphed into preparedness, handling emotions, and handling excitement.
But perhaps Bear defensive end Alex Brown compared 2005 and 2006 best: “Last year, we were happy to make the playoffs. This year, we expected to be here.”
If making progress is the key factor, however, the edge goes to the Seahawks. They made it to last year’s Super Bowl, but lost to Pittsburgh 21-10.
But in this winter of our content, the weird weather may give the Bears the edge. If the Bears can’t stop the Seahawks’s passing game, the weather probably can. The gametime forecast is an icy mix of sleet and rain, a high of 33 degrees (cooler at the lake, of course), and winds howling at 16 m.p.h.
So when all the pluses and minuses are totaled, the winner may be the team that can best weather the weather.
Wow! What a great year for the Illini football team. It may have won only one game in the Big Ten Conference, but it sure looks good in the liars, er, statistics, department.
The Big Ten has released its final conference statistics, and Insideillini.com has reported that the Fighting Illini finished atop the rushing list, averaging 188.8 yards per game. Illinois moved ahead of Michigan (which finished second with 175.5 yards per contest) after the regular season. The average also placed Illinois among the nation's elite, ranking 10th in the NCAA.
The 2006 UI squad rushed for 2,266 yards, the best total number for an Illinois team since 1973, and its average of 188.8 yards per game was the best since 1978. The offense also recorded 5.2 yards per rush, which was a conference best, and ranked fifth nationally. With a combination of three backs in Pierre Thomas, E.B. Halsey, and Rashard Mendenhall, as well as quarterback Juice Williams, the Illini improved from their 10th-place finish in that statistic a year ago.
Other notable Big Ten statistics: The Illinois defense improved from 10th in 2005 to fifth during the 2006 season, highlighted by a second-place ranking in passing yards allowed ... The Illini had two players rank among the Big Ten's best tacklers, including All-Big Ten linebacker J. Leman, who led the conference in total tackles (152) and tackles per game (12.7). Ranking 10th was fellow linebacker Antonio Steele, who posted 7.1 tackles per contest ... Leman also was second in tackles for loss, while Illini defenders David Lindquist led the Big Ten in fumbles recovered and cornerback Alan Ball was third in passes defended ... Junior Jason Reda, who earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, finished in the top-3 in each kicking statistical category; he was third in field goals per game (1.25), third in field goal percentage (78.9) and first in PAT percentage (100.0).
The Big Ten has released its final conference statistics, and Insideillini.com has reported that the Fighting Illini finished atop the rushing list, averaging 188.8 yards per game. Illinois moved ahead of Michigan (which finished second with 175.5 yards per contest) after the regular season. The average also placed Illinois among the nation's elite, ranking 10th in the NCAA.
The 2006 UI squad rushed for 2,266 yards, the best total number for an Illinois team since 1973, and its average of 188.8 yards per game was the best since 1978. The offense also recorded 5.2 yards per rush, which was a conference best, and ranked fifth nationally. With a combination of three backs in Pierre Thomas, E.B. Halsey, and Rashard Mendenhall, as well as quarterback Juice Williams, the Illini improved from their 10th-place finish in that statistic a year ago.
Other notable Big Ten statistics: The Illinois defense improved from 10th in 2005 to fifth during the 2006 season, highlighted by a second-place ranking in passing yards allowed ... The Illini had two players rank among the Big Ten's best tacklers, including All-Big Ten linebacker J. Leman, who led the conference in total tackles (152) and tackles per game (12.7). Ranking 10th was fellow linebacker Antonio Steele, who posted 7.1 tackles per contest ... Leman also was second in tackles for loss, while Illini defenders David Lindquist led the Big Ten in fumbles recovered and cornerback Alan Ball was third in passes defended ... Junior Jason Reda, who earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, finished in the top-3 in each kicking statistical category; he was third in field goals per game (1.25), third in field goal percentage (78.9) and first in PAT percentage (100.0).
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Rex thinks about how wonderful it is to work for Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears head coach. Even if Rex screwed up a couple of times—screwed up bigtime—Lovie forgives him and recommends that he work on his fundamental skills and stay focused.
Lovie tells Rex he’s in a box and needs to fight his way out. Rex tries his best, and he scores 0.3 and, worse yet, 0.0, in his latest activities.
Lovie admonishes Rex: concentrate, don’t let your mind wander. Lovie continues to build Rex’s self-confidence. You’re still our leader, he says.
Man, what a great boss, Rex thinks.
When Rex gets to Halas Hall the next day, he is asked to go meet the new human resources director.
“Okay, what’s his name?”
“Donald Trump.”
“Easy to talk to?”
“He’s got a few choice words.”
Lovie tells Rex he’s in a box and needs to fight his way out. Rex tries his best, and he scores 0.3 and, worse yet, 0.0, in his latest activities.
Lovie admonishes Rex: concentrate, don’t let your mind wander. Lovie continues to build Rex’s self-confidence. You’re still our leader, he says.
Man, what a great boss, Rex thinks.
When Rex gets to Halas Hall the next day, he is asked to go meet the new human resources director.
“Okay, what’s his name?”
“Donald Trump.”
“Easy to talk to?”
“He’s got a few choice words.”
We asked some Chicago Bears fans how they feel when they think about the playoff game Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Listen to responses we got at a local sports bar:
“I get the jitters.”
“I twitter.”
“I twitch.”
“I fidget.”
“I vibrate.”
“I palpitate.”
“I get the heebie-jeebies.”
“I get the jeebies-heebies.”
“I quiver.”
“I shiver.”
Wow! Seem a little on edge, don’t they?
Asked if there is any one source of their agitation, they all nod and yell collectively: “Rex!”
Listen to responses we got at a local sports bar:
“I get the jitters.”
“I twitter.”
“I twitch.”
“I fidget.”
“I vibrate.”
“I palpitate.”
“I get the heebie-jeebies.”
“I get the jeebies-heebies.”
“I quiver.”
“I shiver.”
Wow! Seem a little on edge, don’t they?
Asked if there is any one source of their agitation, they all nod and yell collectively: “Rex!”
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Illinois held off a furious Iowa comeback to escape with a 74-70 victory tonight in Champaign. The scrappy Illini captured their first Big 10 win in three games. Illinois was in trouble even before the game started as point guard Chester Frazier was anchored to the bench with a groin injury. The Illini have no other point guards, and their ball movement was haphazard.
Illinois took an early lead on the surprisingly effective three-point shooting of slumping Rich McBride, who hit three threes in the first half. But the Hawkeyes, paced by Adam Haluska’s 13 points, caught the Illini and led 31-29 at halftime. Iowa entered the game with a losing streak in Assembly Hall that extended back to 1999.
The highlights for Illinois?
--Warren Carter, 16 points, with two crucial three-pointers
--The reappearance of the slashing, penetrating Brian Randle, with 15 points
--The debut of the beast in Shaun Pruitt, with 16 points
--The 5—for—10 three-point shooting of McBride
--A 19-3 run for Illinois in the second half
--Defense with passion
--Withstood a Hawkeye rally that wiped out a 13-point lead
How big was the Illini win? Huge for Illinois, which needs to take advantage of its home court.
How come?
Well, let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out after the last preconference game, the loss to Xavier. We’ll keep a running record to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the NCAA tournament. So Illinois, now 13-5, needs seven more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Sunday against Michigan State in East Lansing.
Illinois took an early lead on the surprisingly effective three-point shooting of slumping Rich McBride, who hit three threes in the first half. But the Hawkeyes, paced by Adam Haluska’s 13 points, caught the Illini and led 31-29 at halftime. Iowa entered the game with a losing streak in Assembly Hall that extended back to 1999.
The highlights for Illinois?
--Warren Carter, 16 points, with two crucial three-pointers
--The reappearance of the slashing, penetrating Brian Randle, with 15 points
--The debut of the beast in Shaun Pruitt, with 16 points
--The 5—for—10 three-point shooting of McBride
--A 19-3 run for Illinois in the second half
--Defense with passion
--Withstood a Hawkeye rally that wiped out a 13-point lead
How big was the Illini win? Huge for Illinois, which needs to take advantage of its home court.
How come?
Well, let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out after the last preconference game, the loss to Xavier. We’ll keep a running record to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the NCAA tournament. So Illinois, now 13-5, needs seven more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L 62-44), Iowa (W 74-70), Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L 71-61), Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Sunday against Michigan State in East Lansing.
Back to the future. Of Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith.
Seems we were speculating very recently about the promised extension of Smith’s contract. Publicly, neither GM Jerry Angelo nor Smith has expressed any concern that there is a problem with the negotiations. In fact, Angelo suggested the extension was okayed and would be announced at the proper time.
As of today, nothing has happened.
So when is the proper time?
And does the proposed extension depend on how the Bears do in the playoffs despite Angelo’s denial of that thread?
Aye, there’s the rub. Maybe it is not Angelo but Smith who is holding up the announcement. Smith may believe he can push for a better deal if the Bears reach—and even win—the Super Bowl. So he feels it’s a win-win situation for him.
Could be right.
Seems we were speculating very recently about the promised extension of Smith’s contract. Publicly, neither GM Jerry Angelo nor Smith has expressed any concern that there is a problem with the negotiations. In fact, Angelo suggested the extension was okayed and would be announced at the proper time.
As of today, nothing has happened.
So when is the proper time?
And does the proposed extension depend on how the Bears do in the playoffs despite Angelo’s denial of that thread?
Aye, there’s the rub. Maybe it is not Angelo but Smith who is holding up the announcement. Smith may believe he can push for a better deal if the Bears reach—and even win—the Super Bowl. So he feels it’s a win-win situation for him.
Could be right.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Reponses by visitors:
Getting Brian Carlwell more minutes isn't going to save the team. Shaun Pruitt and Warren Carter have been doing OK. But if the backcourt and Randle don't start hitting their shots, we won't win another game. Randle looks as gaunt as a prison camp inmate right now. He physically isn't right. Jamar Smith and Chester Frazier and Rich McBride will have to carry the team. Coach Bruce Weber doesn't want to put Carlwell in over his head and hurt his confidence early on. The regression of Marcus Arnold has been a major setback for the whole program.
I can't figure out Illinois. I'd like to think we will beat Iowa easily, but who knows? Quinton Watkins, the California recruit, looks like the real deal. Rivals.com ranks him 9th among all California players for 2007, 22nd in the country at shooting guard, 83rd in the country over all, and four stars. Scout.com ranks him a bit lower at 3 stars, but still likes him a lot. I wish him and Demetri McCamey were eligible right now.
The main thing is we got a blue chipper at a key position. Dee Brown and Luther Head and Deron Williams continue to recruit for us by reputation. The team needs some good news right now. The psyche is very fragile just now.
Seattle 21, Chicago, 10.
Getting Brian Carlwell more minutes isn't going to save the team. Shaun Pruitt and Warren Carter have been doing OK. But if the backcourt and Randle don't start hitting their shots, we won't win another game. Randle looks as gaunt as a prison camp inmate right now. He physically isn't right. Jamar Smith and Chester Frazier and Rich McBride will have to carry the team. Coach Bruce Weber doesn't want to put Carlwell in over his head and hurt his confidence early on. The regression of Marcus Arnold has been a major setback for the whole program.
I can't figure out Illinois. I'd like to think we will beat Iowa easily, but who knows? Quinton Watkins, the California recruit, looks like the real deal. Rivals.com ranks him 9th among all California players for 2007, 22nd in the country at shooting guard, 83rd in the country over all, and four stars. Scout.com ranks him a bit lower at 3 stars, but still likes him a lot. I wish him and Demetri McCamey were eligible right now.
The main thing is we got a blue chipper at a key position. Dee Brown and Luther Head and Deron Williams continue to recruit for us by reputation. The team needs some good news right now. The psyche is very fragile just now.
Seattle 21, Chicago, 10.
The ranking info on Quinton Watkins, the new basketball recruit, is confusing. The first rating we saw was 100-125 in the 2007 class. Then we saw a ranking of No. 83. By tomorrow, he no doubt will be ranked in the top 10 nationally. If this kid can shoot as well as he can jump in the rankings, we've got a real gem.
In yesterday’s post on the upcoming Seattle Seahawks-Chicago Bears game, we revealed what was characterized as a top secret Seattle plan. The plan was a ploy to goad the Bears into focusing on their passing game, generally the weakest part of their attack.
Why would the Bears go to the passing game? Because Seattle has two little used cornerbacks.
What is Seattle hoping will happen? That the Bear passing attack will be led by the Bad Rex, one of the alter egos of Bear qb Rex Grossman.
However, the Bears have developed a top secret plan of their own. Bloggers, of course, have learned the secret. We’ll share it with you, Bear fans, but please keep it under your hat.
We heard from a little birdie at the local Staples store that the Bears are going high tech. Each Bear will be fitted with a Staples Easy button under his uniform. The buttons will not be visible to the Seahawks or the referees. They will be used sparingly—that is, on third down or end zone situations.
The way they will work is, well, easy. When the quarterback (even the Bad Rex) throws a pass, the intended receiver presses his Easy button, and the ball makes any necessary adjustments in the air and hits the receiver right in his hands. If the ball hits the receiver’s hands and begins to fall, the receiver presses the Easy button, and the ball reverses course and ends up as a catch. Neat, huh?
The running backs can use the button as well. This can occur when the back takes the handoff from the qb and runs into a brick wall, with no place to go. Then he hits his Easy button and bodies fall away and create a hole as wide as the Grand Canyon. It's like the parting of the Red Sea. Swoosh! And there goes the Bear rusher, untouched, on his way to a big gainer.
The Easy button will be a natural for field goals. If the kick starts veering off center, the field goal kicker presses his Easy button, and the ball makes the necessary correction to split the uprights.
A victory against the Seahawks? It’ll be easy!
Why would the Bears go to the passing game? Because Seattle has two little used cornerbacks.
What is Seattle hoping will happen? That the Bear passing attack will be led by the Bad Rex, one of the alter egos of Bear qb Rex Grossman.
However, the Bears have developed a top secret plan of their own. Bloggers, of course, have learned the secret. We’ll share it with you, Bear fans, but please keep it under your hat.
We heard from a little birdie at the local Staples store that the Bears are going high tech. Each Bear will be fitted with a Staples Easy button under his uniform. The buttons will not be visible to the Seahawks or the referees. They will be used sparingly—that is, on third down or end zone situations.
The way they will work is, well, easy. When the quarterback (even the Bad Rex) throws a pass, the intended receiver presses his Easy button, and the ball makes any necessary adjustments in the air and hits the receiver right in his hands. If the ball hits the receiver’s hands and begins to fall, the receiver presses the Easy button, and the ball reverses course and ends up as a catch. Neat, huh?
The running backs can use the button as well. This can occur when the back takes the handoff from the qb and runs into a brick wall, with no place to go. Then he hits his Easy button and bodies fall away and create a hole as wide as the Grand Canyon. It's like the parting of the Red Sea. Swoosh! And there goes the Bear rusher, untouched, on his way to a big gainer.
The Easy button will be a natural for field goals. If the kick starts veering off center, the field goal kicker presses his Easy button, and the ball makes the necessary correction to split the uprights.
A victory against the Seahawks? It’ll be easy!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Who’s happier the way the NFL playoffs worked out—the Chicago Bears or the Seattle Seahawks? The Bears beat the Seahawks pretty easily 37-6 on Oct. 1. Since then, however, the Bears have often played pretty ugly.
For instance, since the Bear-Seahawk game, the Bears have lost two All-Pro players, Mike Brown and Tommie Harris. No team could replace the talent and contributions of these players. The Seahawks’s top rusher, Shaun Alexander, did not play against the Bears.
Also since the first meeting, the Seahawks got Alexander back. And the Bears saw the coming of the Bad Rex. The Bad Rex was a mutant form of the punky Bears quarterback Rex Grossman. Some observers called him the Evil Rex or the Evil Twin.
Bear fans and coaches were stupefied as the Good Rex and the Evil Twin alternated throughout the season. During the last game of the regular season, against the Packers, the Evil Twin appeared and threw more passes to the Packers than he did to the Bears. He even scared the bejabbers out of the Phantom of the Opera. It’s recommended that parents watch Sunday’s game with their kids in case the Evil Rex shows up.
The Seahawks have reportedly developed a top secret game plan. But all bloggers have learned the chief details. The Seahawks have replaced their starting cornerbacks—cleverly listing them as injured—so the Bears will forsake their touted running game. They believe the Bears will take the bait and throw at the rookie cornerbacks.
You say throw at the rookie cornerbacks?
Yes.
Brilliant!
Yes, the Seahawks are hoping to entice the Good Rex to turn into his alter ego and start throwing passes easily catchable by the Seahawks.
You say easily catchable by the Seahawks?
Yes.
Brilliant!
What will happen next?
There will be a fight on the Bear sideline among the Good Rex, the Bad Rex, the Evil Rex, and the Evil Twin.
It’s gonna be ugly.
For instance, since the Bear-Seahawk game, the Bears have lost two All-Pro players, Mike Brown and Tommie Harris. No team could replace the talent and contributions of these players. The Seahawks’s top rusher, Shaun Alexander, did not play against the Bears.
Also since the first meeting, the Seahawks got Alexander back. And the Bears saw the coming of the Bad Rex. The Bad Rex was a mutant form of the punky Bears quarterback Rex Grossman. Some observers called him the Evil Rex or the Evil Twin.
Bear fans and coaches were stupefied as the Good Rex and the Evil Twin alternated throughout the season. During the last game of the regular season, against the Packers, the Evil Twin appeared and threw more passes to the Packers than he did to the Bears. He even scared the bejabbers out of the Phantom of the Opera. It’s recommended that parents watch Sunday’s game with their kids in case the Evil Rex shows up.
The Seahawks have reportedly developed a top secret game plan. But all bloggers have learned the chief details. The Seahawks have replaced their starting cornerbacks—cleverly listing them as injured—so the Bears will forsake their touted running game. They believe the Bears will take the bait and throw at the rookie cornerbacks.
You say throw at the rookie cornerbacks?
Yes.
Brilliant!
Yes, the Seahawks are hoping to entice the Good Rex to turn into his alter ego and start throwing passes easily catchable by the Seahawks.
You say easily catchable by the Seahawks?
Yes.
Brilliant!
What will happen next?
There will be a fight on the Bear sideline among the Good Rex, the Bad Rex, the Evil Rex, and the Evil Twin.
It’s gonna be ugly.
To believe or not to believe--in Brian Carlwell. That is the question Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber needs to wrestle with.
Carlwell is a 6-11 wide body freshman who has rarely played this season. It was hoped he would be an impact player immediately and give Illinois more size in the post than it has had in years. Didn’t happen. He was rarely used in the preconference games. Weber apparently deemed him a project. The more experienced Marcus Arnold got the minutes that might have gone to Carlwell.
In hindsight, to be fair, Weber goofed. Arnold has been a big disappointment on a team with lots of disappointments. Arnold has played far more often than Carlwell, but both are averaging about two points a game. Against Ohio State, Arnold went scoreless; Carlwell scored four points. Carlwell played tough defense against OSU’s 7-0 Greg Oden, helping hold him to seven points. Both Arnold and Carlwell have about 15 rebounds. Arnold has a total of three blocks, and Carlwell has nine.
Carlwell might have been redshirted considering the paucity of his playing time. But he wasn’t, and so Weber should dramatically increase Carlwell’s playing time. He can get this time from Arnold and somewhat from the underwhelming Brian Randle. Weber should view Carlwell as he does Calvin Brock—an athletic but inexperienced and promising player who will pay off down the road.
If he starts to get playing time now.
Carlwell is a 6-11 wide body freshman who has rarely played this season. It was hoped he would be an impact player immediately and give Illinois more size in the post than it has had in years. Didn’t happen. He was rarely used in the preconference games. Weber apparently deemed him a project. The more experienced Marcus Arnold got the minutes that might have gone to Carlwell.
In hindsight, to be fair, Weber goofed. Arnold has been a big disappointment on a team with lots of disappointments. Arnold has played far more often than Carlwell, but both are averaging about two points a game. Against Ohio State, Arnold went scoreless; Carlwell scored four points. Carlwell played tough defense against OSU’s 7-0 Greg Oden, helping hold him to seven points. Both Arnold and Carlwell have about 15 rebounds. Arnold has a total of three blocks, and Carlwell has nine.
Carlwell might have been redshirted considering the paucity of his playing time. But he wasn’t, and so Weber should dramatically increase Carlwell’s playing time. He can get this time from Arnold and somewhat from the underwhelming Brian Randle. Weber should view Carlwell as he does Calvin Brock—an athletic but inexperienced and promising player who will pay off down the road.
If he starts to get playing time now.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
It’s nice to see him laughing again. Chicago Bulls coach Scott Skiles is all smiles. Because the Bulls gored their old nemesis, the Detroit Pistons, 106-89 yesterday in Chicago.
Because the Bulls’s main offseason acquisition, Ben Wallace, who came over from the Pistons, put on a superb show with six blocks, 12 points, and 14 rebounds.
Because the Bulls pummeled the team Skiles called the best team in the Eastern Conference.
Because the Bulls were charged particles of energy that shocked the Pistons with their intensity.
Because the Bulls ended a 12-game losing streak at home to Detroit.
Because the Bulls showed they could regroup after tough losses to division leaders Phoenix and New Jersey.
Because the Bulls ran their home record to 15-3, second best behind only Dallas in the NBA.
It’s clear that the brash, battling Bulls, sparked by Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni, and Ben Gordon, are coalescing into serious playoff contenders.
And that’s really why Skiles is all smiles.
Because the Bulls’s main offseason acquisition, Ben Wallace, who came over from the Pistons, put on a superb show with six blocks, 12 points, and 14 rebounds.
Because the Bulls pummeled the team Skiles called the best team in the Eastern Conference.
Because the Bulls were charged particles of energy that shocked the Pistons with their intensity.
Because the Bulls ended a 12-game losing streak at home to Detroit.
Because the Bulls showed they could regroup after tough losses to division leaders Phoenix and New Jersey.
Because the Bulls ran their home record to 15-3, second best behind only Dallas in the NBA.
It’s clear that the brash, battling Bulls, sparked by Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni, and Ben Gordon, are coalescing into serious playoff contenders.
And that’s really why Skiles is all smiles.
A Memo to the Assembly Hall
What happened to you yesterday? How come you were asleep at the switch as Ohio State throttled the Illini basketball team 62-44?
You know we count on you to bring some parity against the good teams. And you didn’t yesterday. You haven’t used up all your parity for the season, have you?
Your performance yesterday, or lack of it, was disappointing. After all, you’ve helped the Illini defeat all but a couple of opponents in the last three years or so. So what gives? The start of a new trend?
Your input wasn’t that bad? Are you kidding? It was disgusting.
All we heard from the Illini shots was clang clang. All we heard from OSU’s shots was swish swish. Wrong song, Mr. Hall. That was more output than input. And we’re put out about it. We expect your help in pulling off an upset, and all you do is upset us.
Sure, OSU only shot 35 percent. But the Illini only shot 24 percent. What was that? On their own court, the Illini connecting on only a quarter of their shots?
Sure, OSU’s 7-0 center Greg Oden was held to only seven points. But Illinois had only one player in double figures, Warren Carter with only 11 points.
Sure, the Buckeyes missed 20 three-point attempts. But so did the Illini! With your baskets. Your usually friendly baskets. How could that happen? Where was our home cooking? You weren’t cooking yesterday? It was your day off from kitchen duty? You refuse to take out all the refuse on your day off?
Well listen up, Mr. bigshot Assembly Hall. We expect you to be primed and ready for the next home game. We don’t want any more excuses. Only Illinois victories. Remember, your performance evaluation is coming up soon. So you better start practicing those swishes—for the Illini.
What happened to you yesterday? How come you were asleep at the switch as Ohio State throttled the Illini basketball team 62-44?
You know we count on you to bring some parity against the good teams. And you didn’t yesterday. You haven’t used up all your parity for the season, have you?
Your performance yesterday, or lack of it, was disappointing. After all, you’ve helped the Illini defeat all but a couple of opponents in the last three years or so. So what gives? The start of a new trend?
Your input wasn’t that bad? Are you kidding? It was disgusting.
All we heard from the Illini shots was clang clang. All we heard from OSU’s shots was swish swish. Wrong song, Mr. Hall. That was more output than input. And we’re put out about it. We expect your help in pulling off an upset, and all you do is upset us.
Sure, OSU only shot 35 percent. But the Illini only shot 24 percent. What was that? On their own court, the Illini connecting on only a quarter of their shots?
Sure, OSU’s 7-0 center Greg Oden was held to only seven points. But Illinois had only one player in double figures, Warren Carter with only 11 points.
Sure, the Buckeyes missed 20 three-point attempts. But so did the Illini! With your baskets. Your usually friendly baskets. How could that happen? Where was our home cooking? You weren’t cooking yesterday? It was your day off from kitchen duty? You refuse to take out all the refuse on your day off?
Well listen up, Mr. bigshot Assembly Hall. We expect you to be primed and ready for the next home game. We don’t want any more excuses. Only Illinois victories. Remember, your performance evaluation is coming up soon. So you better start practicing those swishes—for the Illini.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Published reports have revealed more reasons why high school recruits love Illinois football coach Ron Zook. Zook has stunned the recruiting world this year and has led the woeful Illini to a top-10 ranking nationally in the recruiting derby.
He jumped on our dining room table, says one of Zook’s former recruits at Florida. “He has so much enthusiasm, he looks young, like you can relate to him.” Zook’s intensity sold the parents, too.
As we know, recruiting is important, but winning games is even more vital. However, if this coaching thing doesn’t work out for Zook, it looks like he could easily develop a number of other lines of work.
Here are the top 10 other jobs Zook could pursue:
Job No. 10 Zook could pursue--Snake charmer
Job No. 9 Zook could pursue--Pharmaceutical salesman
Job No. 8 Zook could pursue--PBS fundraiser
Job No. 7 Zook could pursue—Roofing salesman
Job No. 6 Zook could pursue--Fundraiser for both the Democratic and Republican parties
Job No. 5 Zook could pursue--Cable guy
Job No. 4 Zook could pursue--Used car salesman
Job No. 3 Zook could pursue--Chief Illiniwek
Job No. 2 Zook could pursue--Cruise ship social director
Job No. 1 Zook could pursue--Recruiter for Illini hoops coach Bruce Weber
He jumped on our dining room table, says one of Zook’s former recruits at Florida. “He has so much enthusiasm, he looks young, like you can relate to him.” Zook’s intensity sold the parents, too.
As we know, recruiting is important, but winning games is even more vital. However, if this coaching thing doesn’t work out for Zook, it looks like he could easily develop a number of other lines of work.
Here are the top 10 other jobs Zook could pursue:
Job No. 10 Zook could pursue--Snake charmer
Job No. 9 Zook could pursue--Pharmaceutical salesman
Job No. 8 Zook could pursue--PBS fundraiser
Job No. 7 Zook could pursue—Roofing salesman
Job No. 6 Zook could pursue--Fundraiser for both the Democratic and Republican parties
Job No. 5 Zook could pursue--Cable guy
Job No. 4 Zook could pursue--Used car salesman
Job No. 3 Zook could pursue--Chief Illiniwek
Job No. 2 Zook could pursue--Cruise ship social director
Job No. 1 Zook could pursue--Recruiter for Illini hoops coach Bruce Weber
The No.6 Ohio State hoopsters came into Assembly Hall today and played one of their poorer games. The Buckeyes had a shooting percentage of 36 percent. They missed 20 three’s. They were held to about 20 points under their average points per game. Illinois won? Nah, OSU still prevailed 62-44. It was painful for Illini fans to watch.
The highlights for Illinois? There weren’t any.
Do Illini fans need to start worrying about not making the Big Dance? Not yet. Keep your Angst bottled until further notice. The decapitation by OSU was not unexpected, so it is not a loss that moves the Illini toward the NIT.
How come?
Well, let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out after the last preconference game, the loss to Xavier. We’ll keep a running record to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the NCAA tournament. So Illinois, now 12-5, needs eight more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L), Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L), Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Wednesday against Iowa in Champaign.
The highlights for Illinois? There weren’t any.
Do Illini fans need to start worrying about not making the Big Dance? Not yet. Keep your Angst bottled until further notice. The decapitation by OSU was not unexpected, so it is not a loss that moves the Illini toward the NIT.
How come?
Well, let’s take our latest look at the scenario laid out after the last preconference game, the loss to Xavier. We’ll keep a running record to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The conference schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the NCAA tournament. So Illinois, now 12-5, needs eight more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State (L), Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L), Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Wednesday against Iowa in Champaign.
Friday, January 05, 2007
A contract extension for Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith is reportedly in the works. And GM Jerry Angelo says it won’t be affected by the team’s performance in the playoffs.
So what’s holding up the offer?
Angelo says the team is waiting for the proper time.
That’s like saying the team is focusing on fundamentals. It’s flat out incomprehensible Bearspeak.
If the playoff results don’t matter, isn’t now the proper time? The team goes 13-3 in the regular season. Isn’t that a good reason for the extension?
The team wins the North Division title. Not good enough for a reward now?
The team earns home field advantage up to the Super Bowl. Good reason for an extension now?
So why the holdup?
Smith has said qb Rex Grossman is still a work in progress. Same for Smith’s extension?
So what’s holding up the offer?
Angelo says the team is waiting for the proper time.
That’s like saying the team is focusing on fundamentals. It’s flat out incomprehensible Bearspeak.
If the playoff results don’t matter, isn’t now the proper time? The team goes 13-3 in the regular season. Isn’t that a good reason for the extension?
The team wins the North Division title. Not good enough for a reward now?
The team earns home field advantage up to the Super Bowl. Good reason for an extension now?
So why the holdup?
Smith has said qb Rex Grossman is still a work in progress. Same for Smith’s extension?
Since it’s playoff time in the NFL, the sports media will trot out all kinds of statistics and comparisons showing why one team should beat another team.
Don’t believe any of this rot. These stats don’t mean a thing for the upcoming games. We’re in a new season now. The postseason, where every team is 0-0. The stats are what they were for the regular season. In effect, they’re liars now.
Think the other playoff teams are worried because the Chicago Bears have better stats? These other players must be laughing themselves to tears when they read that the Bears are focusing on fundamentals.
The Bears need something to restore their shattered confidence. How about an upbeat song? Like the Super Bowl Shuffle. Bears, get those happy feet shufflin’ again.
Don’t believe any of this rot. These stats don’t mean a thing for the upcoming games. We’re in a new season now. The postseason, where every team is 0-0. The stats are what they were for the regular season. In effect, they’re liars now.
Think the other playoff teams are worried because the Chicago Bears have better stats? These other players must be laughing themselves to tears when they read that the Bears are focusing on fundamentals.
The Bears need something to restore their shattered confidence. How about an upbeat song? Like the Super Bowl Shuffle. Bears, get those happy feet shufflin’ again.
We’ve got to go back to the fundamentals. Where have you heard that lame excuse before? From the Chicago Cubs, of course, every year around midseason when the Cubs are already out of contention.
But from the Chicago Bears? The 13-3 Bears!
What a copout.
Reviewing the fundamentals is what pro teams do in training camp. Before the start of the regular season, not after it. The start of the playoffs is not the time to be saying things like “go back to” or “review the basics.” Please, come up with some other plan on how to attack the upcoming games. Getting better at what you do is not new. What you need to do is something new. Work on some adjustments or some new plays, some gadget plays, some player promotions. Anything new.
The review the fundamentals approach is infectious. It’s the party line now.
Just what does this approach involve?
Improving our techniques.
What is that?
Executing.
Er, what does that mean?
Making sure you do all the little things right.
As in?
As in making sure you have your steps in the proper place, at the proper angle.
What nonsense. If you’re concentrating on your fundamentals, how can you possibly focus on the play called by your quarterback? Maybe all the Bears should be wired with ipods playing the fundamentals over and over.
And while the Bears are focusing on fundamentals, the other teams are actually practicing adjustments and new plays. It’s not fair that they should have this advantage over the Bears.
Bears, spend the bye week on these fundamentals: Passion, Pressure, and Perseverance! Or it soon will be bye-bye!
But from the Chicago Bears? The 13-3 Bears!
What a copout.
Reviewing the fundamentals is what pro teams do in training camp. Before the start of the regular season, not after it. The start of the playoffs is not the time to be saying things like “go back to” or “review the basics.” Please, come up with some other plan on how to attack the upcoming games. Getting better at what you do is not new. What you need to do is something new. Work on some adjustments or some new plays, some gadget plays, some player promotions. Anything new.
The review the fundamentals approach is infectious. It’s the party line now.
Just what does this approach involve?
Improving our techniques.
What is that?
Executing.
Er, what does that mean?
Making sure you do all the little things right.
As in?
As in making sure you have your steps in the proper place, at the proper angle.
What nonsense. If you’re concentrating on your fundamentals, how can you possibly focus on the play called by your quarterback? Maybe all the Bears should be wired with ipods playing the fundamentals over and over.
And while the Bears are focusing on fundamentals, the other teams are actually practicing adjustments and new plays. It’s not fair that they should have this advantage over the Bears.
Bears, spend the bye week on these fundamentals: Passion, Pressure, and Perseverance! Or it soon will be bye-bye!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Another reason to watch the all-star high school football game Saturday. Prized running back Robert Hughes will pick between Illinois and Wisconsin during the game. Three Illini recruits will be playing--Arrelious Benn, Martez Wilson, and D'Angelo McCray. The game is on TV at noon. Unfortunately, it overlaps the Illini-Ohio State game.
Top Five List
Thanks to newly acquired pitcher Neal Cotts, we now know how imaginative Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry can be in finalizing contracts. It was revealed that the left-hander Cotts will get an extra $150,000 if he becomes the MVP of the 2007 World Series.
Wonder what incentives Hendry handed out to other new or current players?
Here’s a list of the top five enticing incentives offered by Hendry.
Incentive No. 5 Aramis Ramirez—A free, three-year supply of peanut butter and jelly. Yummy.
Incentive No. 4 Alfonso Soriano—A free, three-year supply of twizzlers. Better than chewing tobacco.
Incentive No. 3 Wade Miller—A $200,000 bonus if he wins or saves three games by July 1. That is, July 1 of 2008.
Incentive No. 2 Kerry Wood—A $300,000 bonus for retiring immediately if errant warmup pitches hit fans sitting along the third base line three times. Ouch. Could happen quickly. And…
Incentive No. 1 Daryle Ward—A $1 million bonus if he hits .235 and bats in 10 runs for the season. Hendry called this deal a steal. He’s right about that.
Thanks to newly acquired pitcher Neal Cotts, we now know how imaginative Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry can be in finalizing contracts. It was revealed that the left-hander Cotts will get an extra $150,000 if he becomes the MVP of the 2007 World Series.
Wonder what incentives Hendry handed out to other new or current players?
Here’s a list of the top five enticing incentives offered by Hendry.
Incentive No. 5 Aramis Ramirez—A free, three-year supply of peanut butter and jelly. Yummy.
Incentive No. 4 Alfonso Soriano—A free, three-year supply of twizzlers. Better than chewing tobacco.
Incentive No. 3 Wade Miller—A $200,000 bonus if he wins or saves three games by July 1. That is, July 1 of 2008.
Incentive No. 2 Kerry Wood—A $300,000 bonus for retiring immediately if errant warmup pitches hit fans sitting along the third base line three times. Ouch. Could happen quickly. And…
Incentive No. 1 Daryle Ward—A $1 million bonus if he hits .235 and bats in 10 runs for the season. Hendry called this deal a steal. He’s right about that.
Not to worry. Yet. Illinois’s 71-61 loss at Michigan yesterday was one of those bubble games: nice to win, but not a loss that moves the Illini toward the NIT.
Illinois highlights
--the team played Michigan head to head the entire first half, no slow start as in most previous games.
--the resuscitation of Chester Frazier, who scored 11 points. Welcome back from the dead, Chester.
--another good shooting performance from Jamar Smith, who got 17.
--clearly played with a lot of energy.
That’s it.
Illinois lowlights
--inability to stop Dion Harris. There are lots of players better than him.
--Shaun Pruitt limited by Courtney Sims.
--Brian Randle still looks lost.
--Rich McBride still missing in action.
--Little support from the little supporting cast.
Now let’s take a look at the scenario laid out after the last preconference game, the loss to Xavier. We’ll keep a running record to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The team began conference play at Michigan with a 12-3 record. The schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the NCAA tournament. So Illinois needs eight more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L), Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Saturday against Ohio State in Champaign.
Illinois highlights
--the team played Michigan head to head the entire first half, no slow start as in most previous games.
--the resuscitation of Chester Frazier, who scored 11 points. Welcome back from the dead, Chester.
--another good shooting performance from Jamar Smith, who got 17.
--clearly played with a lot of energy.
That’s it.
Illinois lowlights
--inability to stop Dion Harris. There are lots of players better than him.
--Shaun Pruitt limited by Courtney Sims.
--Brian Randle still looks lost.
--Rich McBride still missing in action.
--Little support from the little supporting cast.
Now let’s take a look at the scenario laid out after the last preconference game, the loss to Xavier. We’ll keep a running record to measure Illinois’s chances of making the NCAA tournament.
The team began conference play at Michigan with a 12-3 record. The schedule consists of eight home games and eight road games. The goal is to win a total of at least 20 games to qualify for the NCAA tournament. So Illinois needs eight more wins.
Where will they come from?
The eight games in friendly Assembly Hall are against Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Michigan.
The eight road games are against Michigan (L), Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa.
The Illini could win six home games, losing only to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beating either of them would be a good thing. A real plus. Six wins would give the Illini 18 wins.
Where could Illinois win on the road? The best possibilities are Northwestern, Iowa, and Penn State, with a remote chance at always difficult Minnesota. Any two wins gives Illinois 20.
Next game: Saturday against Ohio State in Champaign.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera reportedly is meeting with officials of the Arizona Cardinals about their head coach vacancy.
Are we missing something here?
Is the Bear season over?
We didn’t catch the Super Bowl results. Were the Bears in it? Did they win?
What ever happened to “We’ll talk about it after the season?”
Is the possibility of switching teams next year the mother of all distractions or what? And Bear head coach Lovie Smith says he’ll help Rivera in any way he can. Well that’s nice, of course, but shouldn’t the two of them be concentrating on the Bears’s current needs? Like figuring out what is going on with Rivera’s disappearing pass defense?
Can Rivera really focus on the next game if he is trying to convince Arizona officials that he is their man and then sweating out their answer? And what if he gets an offer for an interview with another club?
Agreeing to meet Arizona officials at this time was a bad decision. There’s no defense for it.
Are we missing something here?
Is the Bear season over?
We didn’t catch the Super Bowl results. Were the Bears in it? Did they win?
What ever happened to “We’ll talk about it after the season?”
Is the possibility of switching teams next year the mother of all distractions or what? And Bear head coach Lovie Smith says he’ll help Rivera in any way he can. Well that’s nice, of course, but shouldn’t the two of them be concentrating on the Bears’s current needs? Like figuring out what is going on with Rivera’s disappearing pass defense?
Can Rivera really focus on the next game if he is trying to convince Arizona officials that he is their man and then sweating out their answer? And what if he gets an offer for an interview with another club?
Agreeing to meet Arizona officials at this time was a bad decision. There’s no defense for it.
Less than two weeks remain to save the floundering ship that is the Chicago Bears.
What a challenge!
Two questions that have been bothering us: Did Cade McNown ever achieve a passer rating of 0.0? Has any quarterback other than the bad Rex Grossman ever done it?
We know the answers don’t mean anything. Just wanted to provide food for thought.
But we’ve got meaningful questions as well. For instance, does it matter who plays quarterback if the Bears are going to revert to their strength, that is—the running game? Can Grossman hand off better than backup Brian Griese?
It’s unfortunate that Grossman can no longer be trusted to pass because the Bears have a great receiving corps with Bernard Berrian, Muhsin Muhammad, Mark Bradley, Desmond Clark, and others. What a colossal waste of talent! At least Griese knows what the pocket is and how and when to step into it, as was pointed out in the Packer game by John Madden.
It’s really a shame when many fans are calling for punter Brad Maynard to play quarterback. But Maynard is not the fan favorite. Other more popular suggestions include Sid Luckman, Otto Graham, Brian Urlacher, Mike Ditka, Joe Montana, and George Blanda. The biggest votegetter was ABR—Anybody But Rex.
Since the Bears are going to focus on their traditional approach, rushing, they might as well pull out all the stops and keep the useless receivers on the bench. In their places, use fatties like Alfonso Boone and Antonio Garay to line up on offense and provide wedge blocking for the runners. Who cares if the Bears march down the field three and four yards at a time as long as they reach the end zone.
And if the quarterback is just going to hand off to a running back, why use a quarterback at all? Let Olin Kreutz center the ball directly to one of two running backs. Or one of three. Bring back the old T-formation without the quarterback—or with the quarterback.
Sure it’s a stretch. But aren’t the Bears more desperate than the desparate housewives?
What a challenge!
Two questions that have been bothering us: Did Cade McNown ever achieve a passer rating of 0.0? Has any quarterback other than the bad Rex Grossman ever done it?
We know the answers don’t mean anything. Just wanted to provide food for thought.
But we’ve got meaningful questions as well. For instance, does it matter who plays quarterback if the Bears are going to revert to their strength, that is—the running game? Can Grossman hand off better than backup Brian Griese?
It’s unfortunate that Grossman can no longer be trusted to pass because the Bears have a great receiving corps with Bernard Berrian, Muhsin Muhammad, Mark Bradley, Desmond Clark, and others. What a colossal waste of talent! At least Griese knows what the pocket is and how and when to step into it, as was pointed out in the Packer game by John Madden.
It’s really a shame when many fans are calling for punter Brad Maynard to play quarterback. But Maynard is not the fan favorite. Other more popular suggestions include Sid Luckman, Otto Graham, Brian Urlacher, Mike Ditka, Joe Montana, and George Blanda. The biggest votegetter was ABR—Anybody But Rex.
Since the Bears are going to focus on their traditional approach, rushing, they might as well pull out all the stops and keep the useless receivers on the bench. In their places, use fatties like Alfonso Boone and Antonio Garay to line up on offense and provide wedge blocking for the runners. Who cares if the Bears march down the field three and four yards at a time as long as they reach the end zone.
And if the quarterback is just going to hand off to a running back, why use a quarterback at all? Let Olin Kreutz center the ball directly to one of two running backs. Or one of three. Bring back the old T-formation without the quarterback—or with the quarterback.
Sure it’s a stretch. But aren’t the Bears more desperate than the desparate housewives?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
A visiting Illini fan comments on the Illinois basketball team:
I was very discouraged by the game at Xavier. We should have won by 15
points. Coach Bruce Weber has to sit Rich McBride down. He's a waste of space. With him on the floor we are playing 5 against 4. It's dispiriting how he has
regressed in the past two seasons. I would start Jamar Smith to get his firepower on
the floor from the opening tip and bring McBride and Trent Meacham off the bench.
If we don't win at Michigan tomorrow, we are looking at an NIT bid.
I was very discouraged by the game at Xavier. We should have won by 15
points. Coach Bruce Weber has to sit Rich McBride down. He's a waste of space. With him on the floor we are playing 5 against 4. It's dispiriting how he has
regressed in the past two seasons. I would start Jamar Smith to get his firepower on
the floor from the opening tip and bring McBride and Trent Meacham off the bench.
If we don't win at Michigan tomorrow, we are looking at an NIT bid.
The next two weeks will be horrible for Chicago Bears fans.
And probably for the Bears as well.
After the Packer debacle, waiting two weeks to play again is flat out torture. For one thing, think of all the useless information the sports media will regurgitate in the newspapers and on radio.
It started today with one published report that the last two NFC winners got to the Super Bowl even though they lost their last regular season game. Big deal! Is that supposed to cheer us up? Most fans remember that both of those teams—Philadelphia and Seattle—lost in the Super Bowl.
For another thing, think of all the suggestions and advice the Bear coaches will get from pundits and bloggers. Do this. Use this player. Change this. Of course, this blogger wouldn’t think of exacerbating the coaches’s problems with any recommendations.
But if we were going to provide some much-needed sense and clarity, which we’re not going to do, we would propose that the team focus on the leaky pass defense. However, we’re not going to propose anything, wouldn’t think of it.
But if we were to try to be helpful, which we’re not going to do, which we wouldn’t think of doing, we would advise, and we’re not really advising, we’re just thinking out loud, without any knowledge of who is listening, we would advise that the team make a few minor adjustments: (1) fire defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, (2) hire Green Bay’s defensive coordinator, and (3) hire Brett Favre as a consultant.
These would be our suggestions, just a little tweaking, that is, if we were going to suggest anything.
Which we’re not going to do.
And probably for the Bears as well.
After the Packer debacle, waiting two weeks to play again is flat out torture. For one thing, think of all the useless information the sports media will regurgitate in the newspapers and on radio.
It started today with one published report that the last two NFC winners got to the Super Bowl even though they lost their last regular season game. Big deal! Is that supposed to cheer us up? Most fans remember that both of those teams—Philadelphia and Seattle—lost in the Super Bowl.
For another thing, think of all the suggestions and advice the Bear coaches will get from pundits and bloggers. Do this. Use this player. Change this. Of course, this blogger wouldn’t think of exacerbating the coaches’s problems with any recommendations.
But if we were going to provide some much-needed sense and clarity, which we’re not going to do, we would propose that the team focus on the leaky pass defense. However, we’re not going to propose anything, wouldn’t think of it.
But if we were to try to be helpful, which we’re not going to do, which we wouldn’t think of doing, we would advise, and we’re not really advising, we’re just thinking out loud, without any knowledge of who is listening, we would advise that the team make a few minor adjustments: (1) fire defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, (2) hire Green Bay’s defensive coordinator, and (3) hire Brett Favre as a consultant.
These would be our suggestions, just a little tweaking, that is, if we were going to suggest anything.
Which we’re not going to do.
By Warren Silver, a lifelong resident of the Chicago area (except when he was attending college at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) and a newcomer to blogging. Comments are welcome at wsilver9735@yahoo.com.
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