CS&T/AllsportsAmerica Friday Sports News Update and What's Your Take? 12/16/2016.

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Trending: Artemi Panarin, power play push Blackhawks past Islanders. (See the hockey section for Blackhawks updates and NHL news).

Trending: Bears preparing for epic cold temperatures and Packers in different ways.
 (See the football section for Bears News an NFL updates).

Trending: NFLPA to take closer look at Thursday Night Football in the offseason. (See the last article on this blog for our take. Please take a moment and share your thoughts with us on this issue).

Trending: With Koji Uehara, Cubs keep building bullpen for next October. (See the baseball section for Cubs and White Sox updates).

Trending: College Bowl Game predictions for all forty games. (See the college football section, NCAAFB, for our comprehensive picks).

How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Artemi Panarin, power play push Blackhawks past Islanders.

By Tracey Myers

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Artem Anisimov had the expected response of a Blackhawks player, one so used to strong defensive games, after Thursday’s goal-laden contest. 

“It was fun for the fans, but not for us,” Anisimov said. “We just needed to play good defense in D-zone. They created so many chanced on odd-man rushes but we find a way to win the game today. It’s a good thing.”

Artemi Panarin scored twice, both times on the power play, and Richard Panik scored the game winner in the Blackhawks’ 5-4 victory over the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Marian Hossa scored his 16th of the season and Anisimov added his 14th, a power play goal. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook had two assists each.

The Blackhawks didn’t look good at the start, falling behind 2-0 before the game was four minutes old. Former Blackhawks forward Andrew Ladd had the Islanders’ first and Casey Cizikas scored about 90 seconds later.

But a few minutes later, Ryan Hartman’s restraint after a big hit proved pivotal. Cizikas was called for roughing Hartman, who didn’t retaliate. That gave the Blackhawks a much-needed power play, which led to a much-needed goal.

“We were a little loose right off the bat and then Hartsy did a good job of a big hit, turned the momentum around for us,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Scoring on that power play certainly got us going.”

The power play was key for the Blackhawks, as they went 3-for-3 on the advantage. Both of Panarin’s goals were lethal shots from the left circle, something that’s become his trademark.

“He practice every day these one-timers. All day long,” Anisimov said of Panarin. “He shoots the puck from that position.”

Panarin’s second was the biggest, coming with just 18.7 seconds remaining in the second period to force a 4-4 tie. Panik’s game winner, off a great pass from Dennis Rasmussen, came with 6:13 remaining in regulation.

“It was a really good pass. I was kind of surprised I got it like in the right spot,” Panik said. “I just try to shoot it. I’m glad it went in.”

Thursday’s game is not typical Blackhawks hockey. The Blackhawks had allowed just three goals in their four previous contests. It was a wild one, and one that the Blackhawks would rather not repeat anytime soon. But they nevertheless found a way to win. Pretty or not, they’ll take it.

“I think today it was a different game than we’re used to playing,” Paniks said. “They play really good. They play rush hockey. Yeah, finally we got more than three goals and we won the game. That’s all that matters.”

Five Things from Blackhawks-Islanders: Ryan Hartman helps momentum shift.

By Tracey Myers

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?

Seriously, every now and then you need a topsy-turvy game. Coach Joel Quenneville wasn’t to thrilled at the start of that one but he’ll take the end, as the Blackhawks got past a 2-0 deficit to beat the New York Islanders 5-4 on Thursday night.

That wraps up another New York trip. While we lament leaving this fabulous city, let’s look at Five Things to take away from the Blackhawks’ latest victory.

1. Defense optional. Six goals in the first period? What parallel universe is this? Scott Darling and the Blackhawks had allowed three goals in the last three games. They gave up that many in the first period on Thursday night. Granted, the Blackhawks were in as much of a receiving mood as a giving one through the first 20 minutes. But in light of the Blackhawks’ recent games, what they gave up was surprising.

2. The power play is potent again. You wonder if the Islanders winced when Josh Bailey headed to the penalty box with 1:32 remaining in the second period. The Blackhawks had two power-play goals on the night heading into that advantage. A little more than a minute later, they made it 3-for-3. Artemi Panarin had two of those goals with that patented rocket from the left circle.

3. Ryan Hartman’s momentum shifter. The Blackhawks were struggling and down 2-0 when Hartman landed a big open-ice hit on Casey Cizikas in the first period. Cizikas took exception to it and went after Hartman. The Blackhawks rookie let him, drawing a roughing penalty. Less than two minutes later the Blackhawks scored the first of their three power-play goals of the night. Quenneville pointed to that moment as a critical one, giving the Blackhawks much-needed momentum – or at least taking it away from the Islanders. Indeed, the shift was on after that.

4. Second line finding its rhythm again? I asked Artem Anisimov that after he, Panarin and Patrick Kane connected on some beautiful passing that led to Anisimov’s power-play goal in the first period. Kane has struggled as of late but Anisimov now has 14 goals and Panarin has 13. Anisimov said the line is better, but still not where it needs to be. “In the power play, yeah, but we still need to do better at the 5-on-5 games,” he said.

5. Winning no matter what. The Blackhawks are winning the defensive-minded games. On Thursday they won the wide-open game. As Quenneville said, “we’ve been fortunate with a lot of games this year.” Sure. But despite all the concerns the Blackhawks had entering this season, the injuries they’ve faced, they’re atop the Western Conference. Most of the time it’s been goaltending. Thursday, it was an offensive outburst. Good teams just find ways.

Youth gains experience during Blackhawks’ injury woes.

By Tracey Myers

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

As the Blackhawks wrapped up their four-game homestand on Sunday, it appeared something else was ending: their rash of injuries.

With that in mind, Marian Hossa reflected on what healthy Blackhawks, especially younger players, meant to the team in Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook’s absence.

“Well, this was definitely a good test of what the team can do without key players,” Hossa said. “It’s hard to replace guys like that… but I think with the little things, guys doing baby steps, those guys get opportunities to play more and they’re taking advantage of it. That’s good for the future, when everybody’s going to be back.”

Indeed, with Toews and Seabrook back on Tuesday, the Blackhawks looked more complete in terms of roster and play in their 2-1 victory over the Rangers. Certainly, two veterans coming back does that. But the Blackhawks’ young players earned valuable experience during the injury rash and that’s showing in their games.

“It definitely gave a lot of guys extra responsibilities, ice time to try and make up for the missing parts, but I think we all did a good job,” said Ryan Hartman, who’s played with Marian Hossa for some time now. “I think it helped us feel a little more comfortable. Now having [Toews and Seabrook] back is a great thing. It’ll add more depth to our team, for sure.”

The Blackhawks did all right in Toews’ absence, going 5-2-2. When it came to younger players, coach Joel Quenneville got an idea of who can do what in an injury pinch.

“It gives you more options and you find out a little bit more. Guys that are playing maybe even out of position, or they’re taking some center spots in your own zone and taking some important faceoffs late in games against some top lines,” Quenneville said. “I think those experiences can add, as the season progresses, you can trust them and sometimes you can put them out there in those situations.”

Vinnie Hinostroza jumped around the lineup during Toews’ absence and learned plenty.

“It’s huge for us young guys to get some more minutes against top-end guys, other team’s first and second lines. That’s just part of the learning experience and playing against those guys will only make us better,” Hinostroza said. “We were on and off a few games, missing Toews and Seabs. But overall I think we did pretty well.”

Yeah, the Blackhawks did just fine with some of their top guys out. They’re still awaiting Crawford’s return, but Scott Darling has done great work in his absence. As for the guys in front of Darling, the trial-by-fire experience could be a little daunting at times. It was also beneficial, not just for their hockey education now but also for their games in the future.

“I think you’ve got to earn those opportunities as you go along, and then when you get it, get out there and take advantage of it. That’s a bonus for our team,” Quenneville said. “They’ve got some exposure to those situations now.” 

Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! Bears preparing for epic cold temperatures and Packers in different ways.

By John Mullin

Everybody complains about the weather but nobody does anything about it. Well, maybe the Bears do.

With game-time temperatures predicted to be at perhaps historic lows, the Bears practiced outside on Thursday.

“It was probably as close to what we think the game conditions will be, so it was kind of good to get the guys out there, get the proper footwear and clothing,” said coach John Fox, then conceding, “but it was a little chilly.”

Wind is more of a factor than cold in games. Usually. Brutal cold, however, is its own factor. Michael Vick once effectively quit in a 2005 game (coincidentally, also on Dec. 18, like Sunday’s Bears-Packers game) at Soldier Field that was inexplicably scheduled at night along the lakefront. Wind chill started at minus-3 at kickoff, and Vick wanted no part of the moment, at one point hurling the football at Brian Urlacher after the Bears linebacker had planted the Atlanta quarterback in the frozen turf in a game that saw Vick suffer to the fifth-lowest passer rating of his 143-game NFL career.

Bears players have their own plans for cold-management. Or not:

-- Quarterback Matt Barkley: “Probably [wearing sleeves], yeah. I’m not a polar bear.”

-- Coach John Fox: “One of the things I've shared is hydrate. A lot of people don't understand. I've seen a lot of guys cramp in cold-weather games and sometimes they don't hydrate either during the game or prior to the game as much. The common thought is it's just the humidity in the hot weather. But when you're wearing so much clothing and your body sweats like it does I've seen a lot of guys cramp in really cold games.”

-- Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery: “I don’t think the weather really matters… .I could (not) care less how cold it is. I’ve played in colder games.”

-- Linebacker Pernell McPhee: “I ain't wearing sleeves. As a D-lineman, as a front-seven guy, as a guy who plays defense, I think it's a sign of weakness, but I ain't wearing no sleeves.”

-- Guard Josh Sitton: “Stay by the heater all the way until the timeout’s over; don’t go on the field early.”

-- Considering that Barkley is from southern California, Jeffery is from South Carolina, and McPhee and Sitton are from Florida, Sunday’s game could be as much an exercise of adaptive skills as football skills.

Sitton played the first eight years of his NFL career with the Packers, whose Lambeau Field has been the scene of legendarily cold game days (“Ice Bowl”). He claimed to like Thursday’s outdoor practice, offering, “I’ve been playing in the cold for nine years now,” Sitton said, “so I think you can get used to it.”

After years of torment, Bears finally seeing 'bad' Aaron Rodgers? Not quite.

By John Mullin

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

It might be difficult for BearsNation to believe that the football gods have it in for their local gridders. For so many years the Bears and their followers have wept and gnashed their bicuspids, waiting for the Green Bay Packers to lose Brett Favre, and then when they did, Aaron Rodgers arose. Then the waiting began for Rodgers to begin faltering, when the time would come that the Bears could climb past the team that denied them the Super Bowl in 2010 and rained (literally and figuratively) on so many of their parades.

And finally, as 2016 began unfolding, it looked to be happening: Rodgers started being “bad” (if only by Rodgers standards), throwing more interceptions (7) through nine games as he typically has thrown in whole seasons and posting passer ratings down in the Jay Cutler range. The Packers were down to 4-6, and even the Bears in their diminished state, led the Packers 10-6 early in the third quarter of their game in Green Bay.

So there it was, the chance the Bears have been waiting years for…

Except that now it turns out…Rodgers wasn’t really “bad.”

“He never looked like he was off to me,” said Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, clearly puzzled at how anyone could see one of the NFL’s measure of excellence could have been judged to have been faltering.

“He’s a complete quarterback. He’s got a big arm. He’s very accurate. He anticipates things well. He’s got a quick release. And on top of all the passing talent, he has the scrambling and the improvising and the quarterback running just makes it really a complete package.”

So has Fangio been having sleepless nights during this Packer Week?

“I’ve been up all night a lot of weeks lately,” Fangio said, his frustrations clearly not limited to just Packer prep.

Indeed, waiting for Rodgers to fade or even falter has been futile in the past and just as much so now. For all of the reports of any rift between Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers have run off three straight victories, the last a 38-10 mauling of the runaway NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks.

Rodgers has not thrown an interception in four straight games and has had no passer rating below 108.9. The Bears have had just two passer performances that high — both by Brian Hoyer — in 13 games this season.

Rookie safety Deon Bush played 5 snaps on special teams, none on defense, the first time the Bears faced Rodgers this year. Now Bush has started four games and aware of how Rodgers can abuse safeties and every other position on defense.

“He’s been doing it at a high level for a long time,” Bush said, shaking his head. “He’s unpredictable, he makes great throws. Very unpredictable and it’s hard to read that.

“We’ve just to be ready to stick with the receivers for a long time. He extends plays with his feet… For me, it’s another week, another chance to play against someone you’ve watched for a long time.”

Bears defensive pieces inherited by Vic Fangio 'weren't built for anything'.

By John Mullin

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

A storyline that developed over the past couple of weeks was that Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was at odds with coach John Fox. Fangio scoffed at suggestions that a rift existed to the point of his planning to leave the Bears at the end of this season.

The “frustration” part of the story was accurate. But sources familiar with the situation said that Fangio’s true frustration was less anything with Fox than with the magnitude of the rebuilding task that confronted the incoming staff, with a deficient roster left behind by then-GM Phil Emery and the Marc Trestman coaching staff.

That frustration was apparent when the veteran defensive coordinator gave his candid assessment of the landscape on Wednesday. Fangio has consistently downplayed the differences between the 3-4 scheme he and Fox have installed and the 4-3 scheme that Emery drafted for with then-coordinator Mel Tucker.

“I think the scheme thing is overblown because you're playing a lot of nickel [4-man front] right now and the group we inherited wasn't built for the 4-3 either, obviously, by the two years they had prior to us getting here,” Fangio said. “So they weren't built for anything. We had to start at ground zero.”

Despite Emery’s three drafts from 2012-14 ostensibly targeted on defense (seven of the combined top nine picks were on defense, including No. 1’s on Shea McClellin, 2012, and Kyle Fuller, 2014), the 2013 and 2014 units were the first in franchise history to allow more than 6,000 yards for a single season. The two highest points-allowed figures were given up in 2013 (478) and 2014 (442).

Outside linebacker Willie Young was signed as a 2014 free agent and is the only holdover from the Emery-Trestman-Tucker defenses starting for the current regime. Fuller is still sidelined from August knee surgery and not assured of a job when he returns. Cornelius Washington, a sixth-round pick in 2013 as a 4-3 end, added 30 pounds and is part of the rotation on the current defensive line. Other than that...

“You know, when you have our record nothing seems rosy,” Fangio said. “But I think we've made improvements. I think there's only one or two guys that we inherited still playing on defense. And I think those are mainly backups. So there's been a big transition.”

Just Another Chicago Bulls Session..... Bulls' late rally disguises an otherwise ugly loss to Bucks.

By Vincent Goodwill

(Photo/USA TODAY)

Giannis Antetokounmpo almost drew a technical foul in utter celebration after gliding down the sideline from the bench. Teammate Tony Snell slipped behind a napping Bulls defense for a dunk that put the Milwaukee Bucks up 27 points late in the second quarter.

The officials might have been the only thing to stop the athletic wonder on this night, because the Bulls had no answer for him.

Despite a late and spirited comeback, the Bulls’ lack of effort for most of the night came back to haunt them on the scoreboard as they dropped their second straight on the first night of a road-home back-to-back against the Bucks, 108-97 at the BMO Bradley Center.

Antetokounmpo, the only player in the NBA to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, only did his damage in two categories with 30 points and 14 rebounds, as Milwaukee shot 55 percent from 3 and tallied 32 assists.

Chicago native Jabari Parker scored 28 with five rebounds, three assists and two steals, owning a few of the Bucks’ 19 dunks.

After Fred Hoiberg promised lineup changes with the reserves—with Nikola Mirotic taking a seat in place of Bobby Portis, getting a “DNP-CD” on the scoresheet for the first time in his career, and Denzel Valentine getting some run in Isaiah Canaan’s place—the moves proved to be fruitless as they contributed next to no impact until late and neither did the Bulls’ main players.

“The meetings we had the last two days, I hoped it would’ve been solved,” Hoiberg said. “To play a half game or two-quarter game, in Minnesota it was a quarter-and-a-half. Tonight we played a full quarter the way you have to play a whole game.”

Dwyane Wade was a minus-28 and Rajon Rondo struggled defensively in his return after a one-game absence with a sprained ankle. Taj Gibson scored 19 and Jimmy Butler put in 21, but it was tangible effort that was missing when just a little bit could’ve resulted in a more competitive contest.

Despite falling to 13-12, Wade isn’t pushing the panic button just yet.

“I’m not concerned, I’ve been through everything. You might want to ask someone else that,” Wade said. “It’s my first season here. I’m learning this team, learning the guys. It’s things you see happening you want to correct but you have to go through the process. We’re learning how tough it is to win these games.”

It’s tough when you spot the other team 24 points as the Bulls did with the Bucks. With Wade leading the way, they cut it to 12 midway though the fourth and then to nine on a Doug McDermott triple with 4:13 left.

But being forced to play perfect on the road usually doesn’t bode well, as Butler had two late drives thwarted by blocked shots at the rim, and Matthew Dellavedova turned out the lights with a triple with 1:34 left to put the Bucks up, 108-97.

“They were too comfortable early,” Hoiberg said. “We don’t want to give them dare shots.”

It was an instant replay of the worst kind—as Antekounmpo and Parker replaced Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine on the “we've got athletes, you don’t” meter that inevitably gives the Bulls problems showed up in waves.

“Turnovers,” said Wade of the Bulls problems that began it all. “It’s tough to get back when you have two bulls in Jabari and the Greek Freak (Antetokounmpo). You have turnovers or you shoot long shots and they get it and they’re going.”

Mostly, though, it was the Bulls’ lack of effort that did them in, an attribute that was evident from the tip when the Bucks jumped out to a 16-8 lead in the first few minutes.

“We didn’t do our job early,” Butler said. “The game got out of hand. You love the way we fought back. Guys didn’t give up.”

Their early disinterest for the night was exploited by Antetokounmpo and Parker, a tough  matchup on a good day, decided to start hitting outside shots in addition to running past and jumping over the Bulls.

“They made eight threes in the first half. That’s not on the scouting report,” Wade said. “They got transition points. They got everything they wanted in the first half.”

The dunks came in waves, as the Bulls looked flat-footed defensively and uninspired offensively, turning the ball over six times in the first quarter and surrendering 10 fast-break points.

“You talk about the things you have to do to survive in a game like this: taking care of the basketball and get back in transition,” Hoiberg said.

The onslaught continued throughout, even though Parker and Antetokounmpo already outscored the Bulls in the first quarter.

Antetokounmpo was too quick for Taj Gibson, Butler or anybody the Bulls have employed currently. Parker hasn’t exactly lived up to his draft billing in his first couple of seasons but this year, he’s started to put it together and Thursday, the Bulls saw the entire package.

The open floor moves, the jumpers and even some explosiveness at the rim as a couple Bulls unfortunately had to experience to believe. It was ugly early and throughout, until the Bulls showed a little pride.

But there’s not much to be proud of when things look like an instant replay—of their last game, of last season.

Turner Sports sideline reporter Craig Sager passes away at 65.

By Mark Strotman

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Longtime Turner Sports sideline reporter Craig Sager passed away Thursday after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He was 65.

“Craig Sager was a beloved member of the Turner family for more than three decades and he has been a true inspiration to all of us,” Turner president David Levy said in a statement. “There will never be another Craig Sager. His incredible talent, tireless work ethic and commitment to his craft took him all over the world covering sports.”

Sager, a native of Batavia, Illinois, was diagnosed with the disease in April 2014. It caused him to miss that spring's NBA Playoffs and a good portion of the 2015 season. It was in Chicago, nearly one year after his diagnosis, where Sager returned to the sidelines to cover Bulls-Thunder. He received a standing ovation from the United Center crowd.

Later that month Sager was working a Bulls-Rockets telecast on TNT. During an in-game interview, Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg bypassed Sager's question to relay well-wishes of good health.

"Craig, first of all I just want to tell you how great you look, man," Hoiberg said. "You're an inspiration to everybody. I want to tell you how much it meant to me a couple years ago in the NCAA Tournament having the opportunity to be interviewed by you. I wasn't ever good enough as a player to get interviewed by you. That was a real thrill for me. I just want you to know - and I know I'm speaking on behalf of everybody in the NBA - we're praying for you, and to keep fighting."

Later that season Sager was asked by ESPN to join their broadcast team for Game 6 of the NBA Finals. It was the first time Sager had covered an NBA Finals game.

A few weeks before covering the NBA Finals, Sager, a lifelong Cubs fans, was a guest at Wrigley Field and threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Conquer Cancer Day. He joined SportsTalk Live to discuss his battle with cancer (which you can watch in full in the video above).

"I don't want to miss anything," he said. "It's not because I have this disease. You don't know how much time you have left, and the future's uncertain, you can't buy time, and all the cliches. But I've never had a bad day in my life. Every day is happy and I really have never been down. I don't like to be around negative people."

Sager was named the recipient of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYS this past summer, where he gave a passionate speech about the importance of time.

It was similar to the message he gave at Wrigley Field six months earlier.

"I'm not fighting just for me," he said. "I'm representing everybody who's fighting cancer. And we don't give up and we don't give in, and don't let it affect your attitude, don't let it affect your job, your life, whatever, if you can help it."

Dwyane Wade shared a video tribute to Sager on Instagram, in which he called the sideline reporter a "legend."

"Just woke up and heard the news about Craig Sager. I just want to share this. In our sport, people always throw around the word 'legend' or 'legacy.' And to me, having a legacy is what Craig Sager has," Wade said in the video. He was someone that we all wanted to be around, he was someone that, when the game was over, we couldn't wait to get interviewed. Whether we were going to talk about his suit, we were going to be interviewed by the greatest. Leaving a legacy is leaving a story to tell. Craig has left us with so many stories to tell, so many memories, so many moments. Whether it's people who want to be like him, whether it's people that never met him and just seen him from afar and enjoy his light that shined on him. That's a legacy. That's a legend.

"So I want to thank God for allowing us to touch, and be friends, and be a part of a real-life, on-earth legend. Your legacy will never be forgotten."

The Bulls and other members of the team also posted heartfelt thoughts on Sager's passing.
Chicago Bulls✔

                  @chicagobulls

A friend. An icon. An inspiration. You will be missed, Craig. #SagerStrong

3:17 PM - 15 Dec 2016

CUBS: Cubs expect Jason Heyward to hit the reset button and produce in 2017.

By Patrick Mooney

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Jason Heyward is the type of guy who paid for season-long hotel-suite upgrades for farewell-tour catcher David Ross and assistant hitting coach Eric Hinske, thanking them for all their help when he broke into the big leagues with the Atlanta Braves.

Heyward is someone with enough stature inside the clubhouse to get benched throughout the playoffs — and still organize a players-only meeting during Game 7 of the World Series.

Maybe what was said in that Progressive Field weight room will forever justify Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million megadeal. The Cubs paid for his intangibles when they gave him the biggest contract in franchise history — and he was on the field for the final out when they beat the Cleveland Indians and finally ended the 108-year drought.

But that decision in free agency revolved around the rest of Heyward’s career, a young core growing up together and how the Cubs would be positioned against the St. Louis Cardinals in the future.

In the same way that the 2016 team regrouped during that 17-minute rain delay, the Cubs expect Heyward to bounce back from the worst offensive season of his career, a nosedive that left him as one of the least productive hitters in the majors.

“Most guys who struggle hide,” general manager Jed Hoyer said. “He never asked out of the lineup. He’s helping the team defensively and on the bases and doing all the little things well. He never shied away from that.

“But, obviously, he wanted to be doing better offensively. I just think it’s hard in-season to make significant changes. We sort of needed the reset button of the offseason to be able to do that.”

Heyward is making Arizona a home base this winter, to be near the team’s Mesa complex and process a season that saw him post career lows in homers (seven) and OPS (.631), hit .213 after the All-Star break and go 5-for-48 during the playoffs.

“He’s got a great attitude about everything,” team president Theo Epstein said. “It’s just hard to make the kind of adjustments for some players in-season, because things are going so fast and you’re trying to compete.

“But the offseason is a great opportunity to take a deep breath, slow things down, look at video, work with your coaches, really think about the swing. Think about the bat path and make some adjustments and develop some muscle memory, work on your feel and then take it into games.

“We believe in Jason Heyward and his ability to tackle things head-on and make the necessary adjustments. And I think you’re going to see a much different offensive player next year.”

The Cubs never could have said something like this during Heyward’s welcome-to-Chicago press conference last December at Spiaggia, the fancy Italian restaurant on Michigan Avenue. But if a big-name free agent is going to be a bust offensively in Year 1, at least he's still only 27.

It’s not like Heyward hit the wall and can feel his body breaking down physically and sense his career sinking into a decline phase. In nearly 600 plate appearances, he drew 53 walks and struck out 93 times, or remarkably similar numbers to what he did in 2015, when he hit .293 for a 100-win St. Louis team and showed up in the National League MVP voting.

“The basic ingredients remain there,” Epstein said. “He hasn’t lost any of that. He sees the ball extremely well. He recognizes pitches extremely well and extremely early. He’s got really good hand-eye coordination.

“It really boiled down to certain things going on with his swing that made it difficult for him, even when he recognized the pitch and even when he made a good decision on whether to swing. And (then) when he made contact, he made it hard for himself to barrel up the ball and put backspin on the ball and hit it hard with carry.

“But that’s all just swing mechanics. That’s something you can adjust. It’s hard to develop better recognition or better hand-eye coordination. He has those things.”

You have to watch Heyward play every day to appreciate some of the subtleties to his game, how his alert, aggressive nature on the bases rubbed off on teammates and spectacular defense in right field made life easier for pitchers. All those highlight-reel throws and catches added a fourth Gold Glove to his collection.

But with Dexter Fowler now in Cardinal red and Albert Almora Jr. and Jon Jay taking over in center field, the Cubs are already sacrificing offense for defense and trying to fill a void at the top of their lineup.

Heyward might never live up to those unfair Hank Aaron comparisons he once got as Baseball America’s No. 1 prospect — or hammer 27 homers again like he did for the Braves in 2012 — but the Cubs are banking on an offensive breakthrough.

“He’s been a six-win player four times in his career — I would classify that as impact,” Epstein said. “He doesn’t need to do anything more than what he’s already done in his career to be a great player, because of everything that he contributes defensively and on the bases.

“Cub fans haven’t seen the type of hitter that Jason Heyward is — and can be — yet. But I think they will.”

With Koji Uehara, Cubs keep building bullpen for next October.

By Patrick Mooney

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Kyle Hendricks. Jon Lester. Aroldis Chapman. Joe Maddon didn’t want anyone else to throw a single pitch during Game 7 of the World Series. Of course, it wouldn’t have been so Cub or quite as epic if everything went according to script against the Cleveland Indians.

The Cubs survived some questionable in-game decisions at Progressive Field and got through the 10th inning with a pitcher once drafted in a 48th round that no longer exists (Carl Edwards Jr.) and a guy who thought he might be playing in Japan this year (Mike Montgomery).

But the Cubs understand what might work through October and into early November isn’t sustainable. That’s why Theo Epstein’s front office finalized Koji Uehara’s one-year, $6 million contract on Wednesday, giving Maddon another option in front of new All-Star closer Wade Davis.

If seven-month seasons become the new normal in Wrigleyville, then the Cubs will have to plan accordingly.

“You try to make that the lens through which you view your personnel decisions,” Epstein said. “But it should be anyways, (because) it’s hard. I don’t think human beings were designed to play 162 baseball games in 183 days — and that will change a little bit with the CBA when we get an additional three or four off-days — but the more depth you have, the better.”

The Cubs are working backwards from the ninth inning with Davis, who pitched in seven playoff rounds combined for the Kansas City Royals in 2014 and 2015 — and twice went on the disabled list with a flexor strain in his right forearm this year.

The Cubs say Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop will be healthy and back in Maddon’s circle of trust in 2017.

Rondon is a Tommy John survivor who has saved 77 games across the last three years and shown flashes of being an elite closer. Strop has been credited with 84 holds — and made 232 appearances — since coming over from the Baltimore Orioles in the Jake Arrieta trade in the middle of the 2013 season.

Uehara has experience as a closer (93 career saves), in the playoffs (World Series champion with the 2013 Boston Red Sox) and a right-handed look that frustrates left-handed hitters (.183 batting average against). But the accomplished Japanese pitcher will also turn 42 the day after Opening Day.

The Cubs also know that beneath Maddon’s charms — and willingness to work with The Geek Department and explain his decisions to the media — is an aggressive manager who gives his starters a quick hook, pushes his relievers hard and wants to win every pitch.

The Cubs already built up one side of their organization with these ideas of versatility and flexibility in mind. Edwards showed enough as a rookie to make the Cubs think he could develop into a future closer or an Andrew Miller-type weapon.

“We really enjoyed the position-player depth we had last year,” Epstein said, “where we could rest guys and still put a great 1 through 8 out there. We could survive a quick DL stint. We could make in-game moves and still love the position players we had on the field.

“We’d love to get to that point with the bullpen this year, too, where we had that kind of depth, no matter who’s down on a given day. (So) if someone had an extended inning yesterday, or someone had to go up and down and get five outs yesterday, well, we’re down today.

“Instead of: ‘Oh, we might need this guy for a couple outs in the eighth inning.’ No, he’s down, because we’re thinking (big picture) and we want to keep them healthy.”

The Cubs now have a staff featuring three pitchers who’ve notched the last out in three of the last four World Series in Uehara (2013), Davis (2015) and Montgomery (who’s currently ticketed for the rotation).

David Ross weighing opportunity to join Cubs’ front office.

By Patrick Mooney

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

David Ross is an in-demand personality who can pivot in several different directions during his post-playing career. But rejoining the Cubs in a front-office role sounds like a matter of when, not if.

Waking up from a dream season where he homered in Game 7 and teammates carried him off the field after the Cubs won the World Series, Ross already has a deal lined up with Hachette Book Group and co-author Don Yaeger for “Teammate: My Life in Baseball.”

Ross also has the type of upbeat, energetic personality that would translate on TV. And after catching almost 6,000 innings in The Show, he’s accumulated so much practical experience and made enough connections that the industry could envision him on a track to become a bench coach or a manager.

“I’ve got three or four things I need to sift through,” Ross said this week during a sit-down interview at his home in Tallahassee, Florida, part of the reflections that will help anchor CSN Chicago’s upcoming replay of those 11 playoff wins. “I have been waiting for the kids to get out of school so we can go through them with my family.

“I want to see what the time commitment is. It’s time to stop having my family adjust to my schedule – and for me to start adjusting to theirs a little more. They’ve always had to come see Dad – and fly here or fly there – and get out of school to go here for me.”

Ross is still only three months away from his 40th birthday – and if we’re talking about backup catchers, we would probably rather read a Miguel Montero memoir on the 2016 Cubs – but “Grandpa Rossy” became a glue guy for the teams that won 200 games and five playoff rounds across the last two years.    

Ross worked as Jon Lester’s personal catcher, turned into a social-media sensation on the Instagram account started by Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant and drew waves of reporters to his locker after playoff games (whether or not he played that night).

“I’m still going to stay in baseball,” Ross said. “I feel like I’m connected to the Cubs for life – or (at least) I want to be. For me to not take advantage of the knowledge that front office has would be naïve.

“There’s a lot of Hall of Famers in that front office. And I want to get to know that side of things. So, yeah, I’m sure there’s something that’s going to work out in the future with the Cubs.

“But I have a lot of other commitments and things I want to do (while trying) to get a life after baseball where I keep my foot in the door some way.”    

That door will remain open in Wrigleyville. 

“There’s definitely interest on our part,” general manager Jed Hoyer said during last week’s winter meetings. “It would seem almost a shame if he wasn’t (around). He was such a big part of what we did from a team-chemistry standpoint.

“Probably no one has a better feel for what we’ll need – what tweaks we’ll need in the clubhouse or what’s going on – than he will. So I think having him around in the next few years (would be) really valuable.”

Ross made more than $22 million, according to the salary database at Baseball-Reference.com, during a big-league career that began in 2002 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and saw him earn a World Series ring with the 2013 Boston Red Sox.

Theo Epstein’s group already features Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly and Kerry Wood as special assistants, with ex-players like Kevin Youkilis and John Baker also involved in baseball operations. Maybe Ross stays involved as a catching consultant while trying to figure out his next big move.

“Certainly, we’d love to have him around,” Hoyer said. “He has such a good feel. It’s so rare to have a guy that has that kind of feel for our own clubhouse. How do you not want that guy around?”

WHITE SOX: Who might be the next player traded away from White Sox?

By CSN Staff

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

The White Sox have made it clear they're willing to part with anyone for the right price, trading away Chris Sale and Adam Eaton already this offseason. So who could be the next to go?

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal looked at the potential future of the White Sox busy offseason Wednesday and pointed to Jose Quintana and David Robertson as two of the most intriguing trade candidates — though he was sure to mention that those deals might not come right away.

Quintana has obvious value as an All-Star starting pitcher, but Rosenthal wrote that the White Sox could hold onto him and find a partner willing to pay their price come the trade deadline or even next offseason, given how long Quintana remains under club control.

As for Robertson, Rosenthal said the closer "remains in demand," listing the Washington Nationals — who just sent a huge prospect package to the South Side in exchange for Eaton — as a team in need of a ninth-inning arm. But Rosenthal said Robertson, too, could be a guy that doesn't get moved until the deadline, potentially fetching a huge return like a few big-name relievers did last season.

Rosenthal also listed Jose Abreu, Melky Cabrera and Todd Frazier as players that might not be in as much demand as the two aforementioned pitchers.

Check out Rosenthal's full writeup here.

White Sox sign free-agent pitcher Derek Holland.

By Dan Hayes 

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

Derek Holland will take the spot vacated by Chris Sale in the White Sox rotation.

The left-hander signed a one-year deal worth $6 million with the White Sox on Wednesday. Holland went 7-9 with a 4.95 ERA in 22 games (20 starts) for the Texas Rangers last season. To make room for Holland on the 40-man roster the White Sox designated pitcher Matt Purke for assignment.

Holland’s signing became a necessity after the White Sox traded Sale to Boston last week. The club also traded Adam Eaton last week and has entertained offers for Jose Quintana this offseason as it undergoes its first rebuild since 1997.

“Derek gives a veteran, left-handed presence for our starting rotation with a proven track record of pitching well in big games," White Sox senior vice president/general manager Rick Hahn said. “This move provides us with additional depth and flexibility in the rotation.”

Holland, who has dealt with knee and shoulder injuries the past three seasons, averaged 195 innings per year from 2011-13, a span in which he went 38-21 with a 3.98 ERA for the Rangers.

Were the White Sox to trade both Sale and Quintana they would need to replace a duo that has averaged 393 innings per season since 2012, including 434 2/3 innings in 2016.

The White Sox acquired several young arms in the deals for Sale and Eaton. Even though Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez reached the big leagues last season, general manager Rick Hahn said the White Sox want to be patient with their young pitchers, a group that also includes Michael Kopech, among others.

MLB.com’s Scott Merkin was the first to report the sides were close. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported the terms of the deal.

Golf: I got a club for that..... Walker Cup headed to Seminole, Cypress Point.

By Will Gray

(Photo/Golf Channel Digital)

The USGA announced Thursday that it will be taking the Walker Cup to two of the most exclusive courses in the country.

The biennial matches, pitting 10 amateurs from the U.S. against 10 from Great Britain & Ireland, will be played in 2021 at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla. The next domestic matches, slated for 2025, will be held at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, Calif.

The event will move to May when played at Seminole before returning to its typical early September slot in 2025. Seminole will be hosting the matches, and a USGA championship, for the first time, while Cypress Point will host the Walker Cup for the first time since 1981.

"To have two of the United States' greatest courses as host sites will not only produce memorable competitions but reinforces the stature of amateur golf in this country," said Stuart Francis, chairman of the USGA championship committee.

The 2017 matches will be held at Los Angeles Country Club, which will also host the 2023 U.S. Open. The matches were held at Royal Lytham in 2015 and will return to England in 2019 at Royal Liverpool.

First contested in 1922, the Walker Cup is a team competition for top amateurs styled after the Ryder Cup. The U.S. holds a 35-9-1 all-time advantage, having won four of five prior to a GB&I win last year.

Woods signs deal to play Bridgestone B330-S.

By Matt Adams

Excited to have him on board, Brandt Snedeker shortly after the announcement tweeted this picture of Woods hanging with some of his new Bridgestone friends: Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau and Fred Couples. (Photo/Golf Channel Digital)

When Tiger Woods arrived at the Hero World Challenge two weeks ago competing with a Bridgestone B330-S golf ball and TaylorMade woods, the golf world, as it does with Tiger, took notice.

After that trial run, Bridgestone and Woods made it official Thursday, announcing that Woods has entered into a multi-year agreement to endorse and play the B330-S.

In a news release, Bridgestone claimed Woods came to the conclusion that the B330-S was the best ball for him by his own accord, noting, “Through his personal research, Woods determined the Bridgestone ball provided superior distance and accuracy off the tee for him, as well as optimal spin on shots into and around the green.” 

Woods, along with other Nike Golf ambassadors like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Keopka, are now equipment free agents following Nike's August announcement that it was departing the ultra-competitive hard-goods side of the business.  

“Finding the right golf ball is extremely important. It’s an essential part of my equipment, and the Bridgestone B330-S ball is hands-down the best for my game,” Woods said through in the release. “Controlling launch and trajectory is critical and with this ball I feel I have total control to hit all shots accurately.  I’m not here just to play; I’m here to win and the innovative breakthroughs of the Bridgestone B330-S ball can help me do that.”

He also tweeted about the agreement later Thursday morning, emphasizing the "extensive golf ball testing" that led to his decision:

Tiger Woods✔

                  @TigerWoods
 

After extensive golf ball testing, I chose the best one for me. I am proud to join @BridgestoneGolf and play the #B330-S! - TW

8:03 AM - 15 Dec 2016

Per the agreement, Woods will be featured in Bridgestone’s digital, social, print and broadcast marketing.

The multi-layer B330-S golf balls were introduced earlier this year as a Tour-caliber ball designed to maximize distance on swings over 105 mph. Utilizing a proprietary tourcore, Bridgestone has engineered a core that is super reactive for the golfer with the clubhead speed to compress it. The “S” part of the B330-S is related to Bridegestone’s SlipRes cover which clings to the face and grooves of the higher lofted clubs for more greenside spin and control.

One-Fourth of Forbes' Highest-Paid Athletes of All Time List Are Golfers.

By Golf Wire

It's good to be a golfer.

Forbes recently ranked the 20 highest-paid athletes of all time, and one-fourth of the list is comprised of current or past PGA Tour players -- more than any other sport. Three golfers landed in the top four.

Forbes' estimates bring into account salaries, bonuses, earnings, endorsements and licensing through May 2016.

Michael Jordan held down the top spot with $1.7 billion, but he barely edged Tiger Woods ($1.65 billion), who ranked second. Arnold Palmer ($1.35 billion) was third and Jack Nicklaus ($1.15 billion) was fourth. The other two golfers on the list were Phil Mickelson (8th, $760 million) and Greg Norman (12th, $680 million).

The legendary Palmer died in September at age 87, and only $3.6 million of his $1.35 billion total came from prize money on the golf course. According to Forbes, Palmer earned more than $40 million annually leading up his death. His AriZona Beverage Co. generated $200 million in revenue last year.

NASCAR: The 2016 NASCAR season by the numbers.

By George Winkler

(Photo/nascar.com)

.010: The margin of victory (in seconds) for Denny Hamlin over Martin Truex Jr. in the season-opening Daytona 500, the closest finish in the 58-year history of the Great American Race.

.010: The margin of victory (in seconds) for Kevin Harvick over Carl Edwards three weeks later at Phoenix International Raceway, the closest finish ever at the 1-mile track. We hear a lot about door-buster deals this time of year, but this finish was a door-banging deal instead.

$20,000: The amount NASCAR officials fined Danica Patrick for walking toward the racing surface and gesturing at Kasey Kahne's passing car during the Auto Club 400 in March at Auto Club Speedway.

$10,000: The amount NASCAR officials fined Kyle Busch for failure to fulfill his post-race media obligations following the XFINITY Series race at Auto Club.

Not sure what was going on under the California sun that weekend, but both drivers managed to avoid similar situations the rest of the season, which was good for everyone involved.

.75 miles: That's how close Kyle Busch was to victory in April at Richmond before teammate Carl Edwards used his No. 19 Toyota to nudge Busch's No. 18 out of the way. It was Edwards' second win in a row for the season and it was the first last-lap win in the track's history. The silence on Busch's radio afterward was deafening. | Listen to in-car audio

18 (Part 1): The number of cars that wrecked during a restart pileup in May at Dover when Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet had a mechanical failure. This opened the door for Matt Kenseth to hold off a hard-charging Kyle Larson for the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team's first win of the season.

392: The number of laps Martin Truex Jr. led out of 400 laps in the Coca-Cola 600 in May at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He spent 588 of the 600 miles at the front, which set a record for a NASCAR race. Pity to the poor souls who removed him from their NASCAR Fantasy Live lineups right before the green flag.

23.0: The average age of the podium finishers in the June race at Michigan International Speedway, a record for the youngest first-, second- and third-place finishers in NASCAR history. Joey Logano (26) won the race and was followed by Chase Elliott (20) and Kyle Larson (23).

49: Tony Stewart's win total in the NASCAR premier series after he bumped Denny Hamlin out of the way in the final corner in June at Sonoma for what turned out to be his last victory. The win ended an 84-race drought for Stewart and wrapped up with him in Victory Lane drinking wine from a crystal goblet.

18 (Part 2): The number of races Dale Earnhardt Jr. would eventually miss because of concussion-related symptoms believed to be brought on after a crash at the season's first race at Michigan. Alex Bowman drove the Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet starting with the July race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and Jeff Gordon also filled in for his former teammate starting at Indianapolis.

1: The number of road-course races Denny Hamlin has won in his career after he took the checkered flag in August at Watkins Glen International. Hamlin rebounded from his last-lap disappointment at Sonoma to hold off Martin Truex Jr., whose No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota wiped out on the last lap after contact with Brad Keselowski's No. 2 Team Penske Ford.

99: It took Kyle Larson this many starts before reporters could finally stop writing stories about when the talented Chip Ganassi Racing driver would win a premier series race, because he did so in August at Michigan International Speedway. And with Brett Moffitt winning in the Camping World Truck Series at Michigan and Michael McDowell winning at Road America that weekend, it marked the first time in history that there were first-time winners in all three NASCAR national series in one weekend.

17: The number of spots Kevin Harvick lost on pit road throughout the Bojangles' Southern 500 -- giving new meaning to the term "throwback" at Darlington Raceway's annual nod to racing's past. So despite leading a race-high 214 laps, Harvick was unable to win -- with that honor instead going to Martin Truex Jr., whose pit crew was on point when it mattered most.

.006: The margin (in seconds) that Denny Hamlin finished ahead of Kurt Busch for third place in October at Talladega Superspeedway, allowing Hamlin to tie Austin Dillon for the final Round of 8 transfer spot -- with the best finish tiebreaker propelling Hamlin into the next round. All three of Hamlin's Joe Gibbs Racing teammates also made the Round of 8. Those teammates rode in the back of the field for much of the race, employing a controversial strategy with the potential aim of avoiding the "Big One."

9: Jimmie Johnson won for the ninth time at Martinsville Speedway in the October Chase race that guaranteed him a berth in the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The win also gave the green light for pundits to ponder, along with the driver, the possibility of a seventh championship.

7: Three weeks later at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Jimmie Johnson earned the new nickname "Seven-Time" with his dramatic come-from-behind win in the Ford EcoBoost 400. Johnson's seventh championship tied him with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most all-time and came after a wreck by Carl Edwards, who was trying to block Joey Logano following a late restart. For Johnson, it was career win No. 80, and now, the key stat entering next year is eight, as in Johnson attempting to stand alone in greatness.

NASCAR Fan Appreciation Day set for late January.

By Kelly Crandall

(Photo/Streeter Lecka/Stewart-Haas Racing via Getty Images)

NASCAR’s annual NASCAR Fan Appreciation Day has been scheduled for January 21, 2017, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The event will feature current national series drivers as well as the NASCAR Next class participating in question-and-answer sessions, signing autographs, and photo opportunities.

Also expected to be a part of the day’s festivities is the NASCAR Hall of Fame unveiling the granite markers for each member of the 2017 class, which will be inducted the night before. Richard Childress, Rick Hendrick, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks, and Benny Parsons will officially take their place in the Hall of Fame on January 20.

Information about the autograph sessions schedule, as well as wristband and ticket information, will be announced at a later date.

SOCCER: Fire to make two trips to Florida in preseason.

By Dan Santaromita

(Photo/USA TODAY)

The Chicago Fire announced its preseason schedule on Thursday. The club will be making two trips to Florida.

After kicking off training camp on Jan. 23 and spending a week of training at the PrivateBank Fire Pitch in Chicago, the Fire will head to Fort Myers, Fla., to train at Florida Gulf Coast University from Jan. 29 to Feb. 10. The Fire will then return to Chicago before heading back to Florida to train at the IMG Academy in Bradenton from Feb. 13-26.

The day after returning from IMG, the Fire will host the annual Season Kickoff Luncheon.

More details, including match opponents and dates, will come at a later date.

This is a slight departure from last year's preseason when the Fire went to Tampa for the first trip of the preseason and followed that by heading to Portland for the Simple Invitational hosted by the Timbers. The Fire participated in Portland's tournament the last two preseasons.

In the 2014 preseason the Fire played an exhibition match against Florida Gulf Coast and later played three matches at the IMG Academy.

Top 5 Premier League Storylines: Merseyside Derby, Blues travel to Palace.

By Matt Reed

(Photo/Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

As the Premier League season nears its halfway point, it’s time to start separating the real contenders from the pretenders as Chelsea continues its impressive run atop England’s top flight.

Merseyside encounter holds significant weight

Everton vs. Liverpool — Monday, 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Entering the weekend, 11 points separate Liverpool and Everton in the PL, making a Toffees victory all the more important at Goodison Park. Fresh off of their 2-1 win against Arsenal, the Toffees could use a string of victories as the holiday season approaches if Everton is to catch the league’s elite once more.

Liverpool sits six points behind Chelsea at the summit, but Jurgen Klopp‘s side continues to fight through injuries to remain firmly in the mix. After stumbling against Bournemouth and West Ham, the Reds got back on track with a dominating win over Middlesbrough.

Which club will halt the Blues?

Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea — Saturday, 7:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN

Wednesday’s victory over Sunderland extended Chelsea’s unbeaten run to 10 games in the PL, and now the question remains: which team will be the one to stop Antonio Conte‘s side?

While the club’s wins as of late haven’t been overly-impressive, Chelsea holds a six-point lead atop the PL after Arsenal’s stumble against Everton on Wednesday. Conte’s switch to a three-back system continues to pay dividends for the Blues, who have allowed just two goals in 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Palace has won just once in its last 10 fixtures, as Alan Pardew‘s side have stumbled to 16th place after a hot start. Since the Eagles last won against Southampton, Palace has fallen to Manchester United and settled for a draw at Hull.

Gunners look to rebound against Citizens

Manchester City vs. Arsenal — Sunday, 11 a.m. ET on NBCSN

With the gap slowly widening at the top of the table, a loser in this weekend’s contest could be in a world of trouble. The Gunners need to rebound quickly following their defeat against Everton, and their task against Manchester City doesn’t get any easier.

The Citizens came back from their disappointing loss to Leicester with three points against Watford, but Arsene Wenger‘s side will be gunning for the Light Blues as they meet at the Etihad Stadium. City will still be without top scorer Sergio Aguero and midfielder Fernandinho, both of whom are suspended, which makes Pep Guardiola‘s task much more difficult.

Surprise Baggies meet United

West Bromwich vs. Manchester United — Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC

The Baggies could become the West Ham of a season ago after their strong first half of the PL season. While aspirations of replicating Leicester’s dream season are likely far-fetched, West Brom will certainly present a challenge for United, who has been up and down in Jose Mourinho’s first season.

Despite United’s struggles, the Red Devils are unbeaten in seven straight PL matches, giving Mourinho’s men a lift in spirits as the critical juncture of the season continues. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic firing once more and Paul Pogba‘s play improving in the central midfield, United can start to make its way back into the title conversation with a victory at The Hawthorns.

Relegation battle heats up

Middlesbrough vs. Swansea — Saturday, 10 a.m. ET available online

Sunderland vs. Watford — Saturday, 10 a.m. ET on CNBC

With one win in their last six, Middlesbrough has fallen into a rut, while Swansea has struggled mightily in Bob Bradley‘s short tenure in England.

Meanwhile, Sunderland remain at the bottom of the table through 16 rounds of play but a recent upswing in form gives the Black Cats an opportunity to climb out from last place. Despite losses to Swansea and Chelsea as of late, Sunderland faces a tough task against a Watford side that sits mid-table.

Premier League Player Power Rankings: Week 15/16.

By Joe Prince-Wright

(Photo/nbcsports.com)

With two matchdays within the space of a few days in the Premier League, our latest player Power Rankings will take into account the performances of players in Week 15 and 16 of the 2016-17 season.

The video above shows my top five players from Week 15, while below is a full list of the top 20 players in the Premier League right now. There are all of a sudden plenty of Manchester United and Liverpool players in the list, while new entries include players from West Brom, Bournemouth and Leicester City after they secured big wins in recent days.

Remember: this is a list of the top 20 performing players over the past seven days in the Premier League.

Let us know in the comments section below if you agree with the selections of the top 20 players in the PL right now.

1. Diego Costa (Chelsea) – Up 1
2. Adam Lallana (Liverpool) – New entry
3. Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) – Down 2
4. Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) – Up 6
5. Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) — Down 2
6. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham) – Up 2
7. Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) – New entry
8. Harry Kane (Tottenham) – Down 4
9. Divock Origi (Liverpool) – Up 8
10. Salomon Rondon (West Brom) – New entry
11. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United) – New entry
12. Paul Pogba (Manchester United) – New entry
13. Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City) – New entry
14. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United) – New entry
15. N'Golo Kante (Chelsea) – Down 9
16. Hugo Lloris – New entry
17. Gary Cahill (Chelsea) — Up 2
18. Steve Cook (Bournemouth) – New entry
19. Matt Phillips (West Brom) – Down 6
20. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) – New entry

MLS reveals timetable for sides 25,26; expansion fee set at $150 million.

By Matt Reed

(Photo/Daniel Smith/Getty Images)

As expansion continues in Major League Soccer, the top U.S. division could have a decision made as to whom will be the next to enter as soon as next summer.

The league announced on Thursday that the league’s next two expansion sides are expected to be revealed by the second or third quarter of 2017 and will likely begin play in MLS during 2020.

All teams interested in submitting a formal application for entry into MLS must apply by January 31 of 2017, with Sacramento and St. Louis the two most likely candidates to fill spots 25 and 26.

Both cities currently have sides competing in USL and have the funding necessary to prop up a bid. According to a media release from the league, the expansion fee for teams 25 and 26 will be $150 million.

MLS has long planned on getting to 28 teams before halting expansion, and the timetable for announcing those final two teams will come at a later date.

While Minnesota and Atlanta will begin their respective seasons in 2017 and Los Angeles FC follows the following year, the continued questions over Miami’s expansion bid remain unanswered.

Report: MLS has improved racial, gender hiring practices.

Associated Press

(Photo/Monica Schipper/Getty Images for NYC & Company)

Major League Soccer made improvements in both its racial and gender hiring practices, according to an annual report by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport.

MLS received an overall grade of B+ with a combined grade of 84.7, up by a significant 1.5 percentage points from the league’s 2015 overall grade.

Richard Lapchick, the author of the report, said MLS’s improvements are encouraging.

“The league office is doing really in the racial and gender hiring practices and we’re seeing some increases at the team level as well, so that’s definitely a plus,” Lapchick told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Laphchick said that MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s office has been the pacesetter with an A+ in racial hiring and an A- in gender hiring and added, “The teams need to follow the League’s example more closely.”

For its racial hiring practices, MLS earned 88.5 points, up a substantial 2.1 percentage points from 86.3 in 2015. This resulted in a B+, the same letter grade as last year.

MLS received an A- for head coaches, a B+ for team professional administration, and a B for team senior administration and assistant coaches when it came to racial hiring practices. There was a major improvement in the general manager position where four GMs who were people of color were hired, prompting the grade to rise from an F in 2015 to a B+ this year.

MLS earned a B for gender hiring practices, the same letter grade as in 2015. In so doing, MLS remains the only other men’s professional league other than the NBA with a B for gender hiring practices.

The most notable achievement for gender hiring practices came at the league office employee level, where the MLS received an A- grade. The team senior administration received a C- and team professional administration received a C+. There was also major improvement for gender in senior administration where the MLS jumped from an F in 2015 to a C- in 2016, although Lapchick said in his report that area remains “a serious concern.”

MLS earned an A+ for its outstanding diversity initiatives for the eighth consecutive season.

Some other notes from the report:

– The MLS League Office continued to be the standard-bearer for the entire league with people of color comprising 36.4 percent of all professional positions, while women filled 37 percent of these positions.

– People of color with head coaching positions increased from 10 percent in 2015 to 20 percent in 2016. The Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo, New York City FC and FC Dallas were the four MLS franchises led by Latinos.

– Assistant coaches of color decreased by 5.2 percentage points from 18.8 percent in 2015 to 13.6 percent in 2015.

– MLS teams have the worst record in professional sport for hiring people of color as team vice presidents. There was a decrease in vice presidents who were people of color in the 2016 season from 6.4 percent in 2015 to 4 percent in 2016.

– Alex Leitao with Orlando City Soccer was the only person of color holding the position of CEO/president.

– Earnie Stewart, of the Philadelphia Union, was the first African-American GM in MLS since its inception.

NCAAFB: Would your coach use leaked game plan if given the opportunity?

By Pat Forde

Wake Forest has contacted several schools to investigate whether they were given the Demon Deacons’ game plan. (Photo/Getty)

DiNardo has stories.

In 1999, his LSU team was preparing to host No. 10 Georgia. DiNardo had an open-door practice policy – it wasn’t difficult at all to get into the Tigers’ practice fields during the week. Turns out it was too open.

During that week, Georgia coach Jim Donnan called DiNardo. The two had been friendly since their days as offensive coordinators in the old Big Eight Conference – Donnan at Oklahoma and DiNardo at Colorado. Now, Donnan wanted DiNardo to know he had a “security breach,” to use Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson’s modern term.

Someone who had attended those LSU open practices had sent the Georgia staff information on what he had seen. Donnan blew the whistle to his competitor.

“I just called up Gerry and told him,” Donnan said. “I felt like he needed to know what was going on and understand who had access to practice.”

The next day, DiNardo changed his practice policy. He reduced access, and those who were allowed to attend had to sign a waiver saying they would not disseminate practice information.

(LSU lost the game, 23-22, on a failed two-point conversion. DiNardo was fired later in the season.)

DiNardo had another story, one his boss at Colorado, Bill McCartney, told the staff. It dated to McCartney’s days on Bo Schembechler’s staff at Michigan, alongside Gary Moeller (the two worked together under Bo in 1980 and ’81). Before one game, someone sent Michigan a list of formations that week’s opponent planned to run.

The formations were presented to Moeller, the defensive coordinator. He refused to look at them.

As McCartney told it, that week’s opponent came out for the first series in a formation Michigan had not seen or prepared for and drove for a touchdown. But Moeller made sideline adjustments and the Wolverines won the game. Afterward, he looked at the information that was sent to Michigan and it showed the exact formation the opponent opened the game with.

So, are there honorable coaches who wouldn’t want to win with unethically obtained information? Apparently so.

“I think the majority would [decline such information],” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said Thursday. “But I’m not here to judge.”

Regardless of how you feel about Louisville’s conduct, the opinion of what Elrod allegedly did to sell out his alma mater and employer is unanimous in the coaching fraternity.

“Shameful,” Meyer said.

While that sort of internal subterfuge would seem extremely rare, it has heightened insecurities in an already insecure profession. One coach who is transitioning to a new head-coaching job has already asked his new boss to be aware of any employees on the way out who might be considered security risks.

Of course, coaches wouldn’t come with a built-in paranoid streak if there weren’t reasons for it. A sport that is heavily dependent on out-scheming the opponent is naturally susceptible to attempts at game plan espionage.

From practice spies to stolen signals, football has a long history of covert operations, and efforts to counteract it.

During his playing days at Notre Dame in the early 1970s, DiNardo remembers Fighting Irish coach Ara Parseghian having managers tape over holes in the fence around the practice field to deter snoops. And years after Donnan’s four-season stint as an assistant coach at North Carolina in the 1970s, he heard from former rivals how they spied on the Tar Heels.

Turns out the school library overlooked Carolina’s practice fields at the time, and opponents would send in scouts posing as UNC students to chronicle everything they saw.

Those stories are part of the lore of the sport, and often are laughed off in the re-telling. But you can be sure nobody at Wake Forest is laughing in the direction of Louisville’s staff, or any other programs that acquired game plan information from Elrod. It isn’t funny when it’s happening to you.

And as Gerry DiNardo and others would like a cynical world to know, not every college football coach would do what some at Louisville did to Wake Forest.

Forde-Yard Dash: Bowl predictions.

By Pat Forde

There are 40 bowl games, which means the sport has achieved harmonic convergence with this column. This is the way it was meant to be.

On the down side, that’s also way too many games, as we all know. Yet enough people will watch that ESPN will make a buck by carpet-bombing us with Matthew McConaughey Lincoln ads, because nobody ever went broke overestimating the American public’s thirst for mediocre football.

(Apologies to H.L. Mencken for co-opting the famous paraphrase of his quote.)

Thus the games will be played from Albuquerque to Tampa, spread out over 23 days, with enough special-teams penalties and replay reviews and extended halftimes to drive us all stark-raving mad before 2017 even gets here. But, again, we will tune in. We will calm jangling holiday nerves with a tall Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and a Bahamas Bowl chaser. Because watching Eastern Michigan-Old Dominion is still better than listening to uncle Bob rehash the presidential election, am I right?

On to the picks:

New Mexico Bowl (1): New Mexico vs. UTSA

When: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET

Where: Albuquerque, N.M.

Watchability: If you don’t watch the first one, you can’t watch them all. Beyond that, however, it would take a rapt interest in 6-6 UTSA’s first-ever bowl appearance to be excited about this one. Only about 12 people fit that description.

Line: New Mexico by 7.

If the New Mexico Bowl were a person: It would be the first family in the neighborhood to put up Christmas decorations. Every year.

The pick: New Mexico 41, UTSA 31. The Roadrunners’ rush defense improved as the season went on, but it will face a severe test against the nation’s No. 1 rushing offense. In its final game of the regular season, New Mexico ran for 568 yards and seven touchdowns against a Wyoming team that won its division of the Mountain West.

Conference records: Mountain West 1-0, Conference USA 0-1.

Las Vegas Bowl (2): San Diego State vs. Houston

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Where: Las Vegas, surprisingly enough.

Watchability: Do not get talked into Christmas shopping while this game is on. You get to see San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey try to break the FBS career rushing record – he has 6,290 yards, just 108 short of Ron Dayne’s mark. You also get to see the team that beat Oklahoma and Louisville behind dynamic quarterback Greg Ward and the best freshman in the country, defensive lineman Ed Oliver.

Line: Houston by 3.

If the Las Vegas Bowl were a person: It would be Vince Neil.

The pick: San Diego State 32, Houston 31. The Cougars might have calmed the transition waters by naming offensive coordinator Major Applewhite the head coach, but there still will be no Tom Herman. And that doesn’t figure to help. The Cougars’ rush defense led the American Athletic Conference but was creased by Navy, SMU and Memphis; can they reasonably expect to slow down Pumphrey?

Conference records: Mountain West 2-0, American 0-1.

Camellia Bowl (3): Toledo vs. Appalachian State

When: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Montgomery, Ala.

Watchability: The Allstate Mayhem commercials playing on a four-hour loop might be more watchable.

Line: Toledo by 1.

If the Camellia Bowl were a person: It would be the hash brown cook at Waffle House.

The pick: Appalachian State 27, Toledo 24. Proficient offense of the Rockets vs. stout defense of the Mountaineers. Toledo QB Logan Woodside has had an outstanding season, ranking second nationally in pass efficiency to Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield. But he’s been a little loose with the football down the stretch, throwing four interceptions in his last 87 passes, and App State has 20 picks on the year.

Conference records: Sun Belt 1-0, Mid-American 0-1.

Cure Bowl (4): Central Florida vs. Arkansas State

When: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Orlando.

Watchability: No.

Line: UCF by 5.

If the Cure Bowl were a person: It would be the person who lists “entrepreneur” in his Twitter and LinkedIn bios, with no evidence of working in any capacity.

The pick: UCF 27, Arkansas State 20. In a game packing all the pageantry imaginable for teams with a combined 13-11 record, go with the squad whose coach was loony enough to say his team “outhit” Michigan in a 36-point loss.

Conference records: American 1-1, Sun Belt 1-1.

New Orleans Bowl (5): Southern Mississippi vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

When: Saturday, 9 p.m.

Where: New Orleans.

Watchability: You’ve been watching football at 9 on Saturday nights since Labor Day weekend. No need to stop now. Don’t question the quality; just do it out of habit.

Line: Southern Miss by 3½.

If the New Orleans Bowl were a person: It would be the bearded hipster who plays accordion in a zydeco band while waiting for a cable channel to discover him and make him a reality star.

The pick: Southern Mississippi 35, Louisiana-Lafayette 34. The immutable law of bowl predictions is that you do not pick against the Ragin’ Cajuns in the New Orleans Bowl, which they won four straight years from 2011-14. But The Dash is doing it anyway. The Golden Eagles have been spectacularly sloppy with the ball, committing 30 turnovers on the season, but quarterback Nick Mullens returned from injury for the regular-season finale and USM got its act together for a big win over Louisiana Tech. Time to break the UL-L stranglehold on this bowl.

Conference records: C-USA 1-1, Sun Belt 1-2.

Miami Beach Bowl (6) Tulsa vs. Central Michigan

When: Monday, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Miami.

Watchability: A random Monday afternoon game is immediately elevated several levels on the watchability scale, simply for the work/school hooky dynamic. Beyond that, the Golden Hurricane isn’t bad and you never know when the Chippewas are going to pull off a Hail Mary-lateral combo touchdown.

Line: Tulsa by 11½.

If the Miami Beach Bowl were a person: It would be a bartender at The Clevelander who charges you for only two drinks instead of four so you can scratch his back with an extra-large tip.

The pick: Tulsa 47, Central Michigan 28. The Chips are down, having lost four of their final five games to stagger into the postseason at 6-6. Tulsa, on the other hand, has won five of its past six and brings the nation’s No. 6 offense to the party. This could escalate quickly enough that the Golden Hurricane has a chance to get receiver Josh Atkinson 73 yards, which would make Tulsa the first team ever with a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers and two 1,000-yard receivers.

Conference records: American 2-1, Mid-American 0-2.

Boca Raton Bowl (7): Memphis vs. Western Kentucky

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Boca Raton, Fla.

Watchability: On paper these are two teams with entertaining offenses playing on a night when they have the stage to themselves. We’ll see how much WKU coach Jeff Brohm’s departure for Purdue lessens the entertainment value of the Hilltoppers’ offense, and the focus of the entire team.

Line: Western Kentucky by 4½.

If the Boca Raton Bowl were a person: It would be someone who has no idea how he’s making the next payment on that leased Mercedes S-Class Coupe.

The pick: Memphis 44, Western Kentucky 41. Tigers receiver Anthony Miller shows up for big games: 15 catches for 169 yards in an upset of Houston; 10 for 153 against South Florida; 12 for 250 against Tulsa; 9 for 134 against Navy; 10 for 132 against Mississippi. WKU gave up 502 passing yards to Louisiana Tech in the C-USA championship game. Look out.

Conference records: American 3-1, C-USA 1-2.

Poinsettia Bowl (8): BYU vs. Wyoming

When: Wednesday, 9 p.m.

Where: San Diego.

Watchability: If you’re into throwback WAC/Mountain West rivalry games – the two have met 77 times previously – this is a classic. But even beyond that, we have two teams that are addicted to drama – they’ve each played seven games decided by eight points or less. Worth staying up to watch.

Line: BYU by 8½.

If the Poinsettia Bowl were a person: It would be the slightly boring woman who brings the same dish every year to the holiday party. But it’s a good dish, so everyone is happy to see her.

The pick: BYU 42, Wyoming 35. The Cowboys will be fired up for their first bowl appearance in five years, but their porous run defense will be vulnerable against the Cougars’ productive ground game. BYU beats Wyoming for the eighth straight time.

Conference records: Independents 1-0, MWC 2-1.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (8): Idaho vs. Colorado State

When: Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

Where: Boise, Idaho.

Watchability: Blue turf. Vandals. Rams. What more do you need? OK, probably a lot more – maybe a snowstorm will materialize for added entertainment value.

Line: Colorado State by 13½.

If the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl were a person: It would be Yukon Cornelius.

The pick: Colorado State 35, Idaho 29. This is Idaho’s biggest game in years – its first bowl game since 2009, and it’s a virtual home game, and it might be the Vandals’ last FBS hurrah with a drop to FCS scheduled for 2018. Unfortunately for them, it comes against a CSU team that is on a rampage, having blown out Mountain West Conference divisional champions San Diego State and Wyoming in its past two games. If the Rams don’t turn the ball over – they have just three times in their past seven games – they should hold off a theoretically inspired Idaho team.

Conference records: MWC 3-1, Sun Belt 1-3.

Bahamas Bowl (9): Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion

When: Dec. 23, 1 p.m.

Where: Nassau, Bahamas.

Watchability: If you have transitioned out of the office and into holiday slack mode, an afternoon kickoff is always welcome. As for the game itself, hope for a lot of cutaways to beach scenes.

Line: Old Dominion by 3½.

If the Bahamas Bowl were a person: It would be the Wall Street burnout who moved to the tropics, opened a tackle shop and lives in mellow poverty.

The pick: Old Dominion 34, Eastern Michigan 28. First, pause to appreciate the accomplishments by both teams: EMU hasn’t been to a bowl since 1987, and football newbie ODU (which started its program in 2007) has never been to a bowl. Combine that with the dreamy locale and you should have the two happiest teams in all of bowldom. The Monarchs are more careful with the ball (just nine turnovers all year), which could make the difference.

Conference records: C-USA 2-2, Mid-American 0-3.

Armed Forces Bowl (10): Navy vs. Louisiana Tech

When: Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Fort Worth, Texas.

Watchability: Suitable diversion to lessen the mundane drudgery of wrapping presents.

Line: Navy by 1½.

If the Armed Forces Bowl were a person: It would be the sketchy dude who keeps it more real than his phony cousin over in Dallas.

The pick: Navy 51, Louisiana Tech 45. The Dash is scared to think of how many rushing yards the Midshipmen option game will put on Tech, which was steamrolled for 253 on the ground by Western Kentucky in the C-USA championship game. On the other hand, Tech can and will chuck it all over the yard to some talented receivers. Expect points.

Conference records: American 4-1, C-USA 2-3.

Dollar General Bowl (11): Troy vs. Ohio

When: Dec. 23, 8 p.m.

Where: Mobile, Ala.

Watchability: The Dash suggests watching “Elf” instead.

Line: Troy by 3½.

If the Dollar General Bowl were a person: It would be a Dollar General assistant manager tasked with curtailing holiday shoplifting.

The pick: Troy 28, Ohio 24. Virtual home game for the Trojans, who stumbled late in the season and lost two of their past three but should be fired up to still have their coach, up-and-coming Neal Brown. Ten of the Bobcats’ 13 games have been decided by 10 points or less, and you can expect this one to be the same way.

Conference records: Sun Belt 2-3, Mid-American 0-4.

Hawaii Bowl (12): Hawaii vs. Middle Tennessee

When: Dec. 24, 8 p.m.

Where: Honolulu.

Watchability: Your family is well within its rights to shoot yuletide death glares at you if you pick up the remote and put this game on. Maybe you can sell them on just a quick peek to see if there’s still confetti and trash constantly blowing across the field at Aloha Stadium like it used to do back in the day.

Line: Pick’em.

If the Hawaii Bowl were a person: It would be that one friend who tries to get you to go out in search of an open bar on Christmas Eve.

The pick: Middle Tennessee 37, Hawaii 35. Kudos to the Warriors for their first bowl bid in six years. But unlike some previous Hawaii teams, this year’s edition is not appreciably better at home than on the road. If Blue Raiders quarterback Brent Stockstill returns after breaking his collarbone in early November, it’s definitely advantage Middle Tennessee.

Conference records: C-USA 3-3, MWC 3-2.

St. Petersburg Bowl (13): Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State

When: Dec. 26, 11 a.m.

Where: St. Petersburg, Fla.

Watchability: It’s the morning after Christmas and you’ve about had enough of the family bonding. Reach for the remote. But temper your enthusiasm with the knowledge that you’re watching a 6-6 team take on a 5-7 team, the start of a day-long mediocrity binge.

Line: Mississippi State by 12½.

If the St. Petersburg Bowl were a person: It would be James Caan. Angry, down-on-his-luck James Caan.

The pick: Mississippi State 40, Miami (Ohio) 31. RedHawks quarterback Gus Ragland has been one of the best stories of 2016, returning from a spring ACL tear to save Miami’s season with six straight victories after an 0-6 start without him. But this is Mississippi State, not Ball State. And even a 5-7 Southeastern Conference team is tougher than anyone Miami has faced in months. Nick Fitzgerald runs wild again for the Bulldogs.

Conference records: SEC 1-0, Mid-American 0-5.

Quick Lane Bowl (14): Maryland vs. Boston College

When: Dec. 26, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Detroit.

Watchability: It’s the first Power Five matchup of bowl season, but it’s also a matchup of 6-6 teams. The real reason to tune in is to see whether either apathetic fan base schlepped halfway across the country to Detroit for a game played the afternoon after Christmas. Like, anyone other than direct relatives of the players.

Line: Maryland by 2.

If the Quick Lane Bowl were a person: It would be the mom who spends 16 hours a day either on Facebook or talking about what her friends posted on Facebook.

The pick: Maryland 20, Boston College 16. Here’s the thing about the Eagles’ top-10 defense: Its statistical prowess is built upon suffocating four bad non-conference opponents. Against ACC teams? They gave up 414 yards per game. Maryland, while not exactly a powerhouse, is at least a Power Five opponent. The Terrapins will move the ball enough.

Conference records: Big Ten 1-0, ACC 0-1.

Independence Bowl (15): North Carolina State vs. Vanderbilt

When: Dec. 26, 5 p.m.

Where: Shreveport, La.

Watchability: If you’re hungering for a 6-6 pillow fight right at the conclusion of the previous 6-6 pillow fight, you’re in luck.

Line: N.C. State by 4.

If the Independence Bowl were a person: It would be the guy who won the booster-club raffle at halftime of the local high school game for a free shotgun.

The pick: Vanderbilt 21, North Carolina State 20. Both teams come in off exhilarating, bowl-berth-clinching upsets of archrivals, so they should arrive feeling good about themselves. In a game that seems like a legit tossup, go with the team that has the plus-nine turnover margin (Commodores) over the team that is even on the season (Wolfpack).

Conference records: SEC 2-0, ACC 0-2.

Heart of Dallas Bowl (16): Army vs. North Texas

When: Dec. 27, noon.

Where: Dallas.

Watchability: If you like option football, revel in the Cadets’ glorious return to bowl action after a six-year hiatus. The Mean Green are 5-7 and don’t bring much entertainment value to the party.

Line: Army by 9.

If the Heart of Dallas Bowl were a person: It would be the sales exec who subsists on high-end steaks, scotch and cigars and swears that next week is when he starts getting in shape.

The pick: Army 42, North Texas 30. The Mean Green actually beat Army by 17 points on the road Oct. 22, but that had a flukish quality to it – the Cadets were a disastrous minus-six in turnovers in the game. It’s been downhill ever since for UNT: four losses in the past five games, including a 52-24 embarrassment at UTEP. Army, meanwhile, is riding high after finally turning the tables on nemesis rival Navy.

Conference records: Independents 2-0, C-USA 3-4.

Military Bowl (17): Temple vs. Wake Forest

When: Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m.

Where: Annapolis, Md.

Watchability: Worth checking out just to see if alleged WakeyLeaks culprit Tommy Elrod shows up on the Temple sideline.

Line: Temple by 13.

If the Military Bowl were a person: It would be someone with sufficient security clearance to order a wiretap of your cell phone. Or, in the case of this year’s matchup, steal your gameplan.

The pick: Temple 24, Wake Forest 13. The only X-factor is whether the Owls are sulking or unfocused after the departure of coach Matt Rhule to Baylor. Otherwise, they are the better team and playing very well down the stretch – Temple is on a seven-game winning streak, the past six of them by 16 or more points. Wake, meanwhile, lost its past three games and didn’t score more than 14 in any of them.

Conference records: American 5-1, ACC 0-3.

Holiday Bowl (18): Washington State vs. Minnesota

When: Dec. 27, 7 p.m.

Where: San Diego.

Watchability: Almost always an aesthetically pleasing game on the green grass of Jack Murphy Stadium, and it’s not every day you can flip on the TV and see these two teams match up in a warm-weather locale (last of five meetings was in 1988, and all five meetings were in Minneapolis). Plus, there is the whole question of how many Gophers are eligible.

Line: Washington State by 6½.

If the Holiday Bowl were a person: It would be the person who shows up at the 25-year class reunion still looking 30 years old. Without forcing it.

The pick: Washington State 31, Minnesota 20. The Gophers’ defense has allowed 21 touchdown passes and made eight interceptions, tied with Rutgers for the worst ratio in the Big Ten. The Cougars (39 TD passes, 11 interceptions) throw it better than anyone Minnesota has faced. That’s a bad combination.

Conference records: Pac-12 1-0, Big Ten 1-1.

Cactus Bowl (19): Boise State vs. Baylor

When: Dec. 27, 10:15 p.m.

Where: Phoenix.

Watchability: Worth starting. Could be hard to finish. If you’re on East Coast time and make it to the end, you’re either a true football fanatic or an insomniac.

Line: Boise State by 7½.

If the Cactus Bowl were a person: It would be the person who never is ready to go out before 10 p.m. and always wants pizza at 2 a.m.

The pick: Boise State 37, Baylor 28. The Bears have quit on the season, having lost six straight. But a Boise team that is a minus-seven turnover margin has had a tendency to give the opposition excessive opportunities. If the Broncos hang on to the ball and give it to Jeremy McNichols, he should have a big night against Baylor’s flimsy run defense.

Conference records: MWC 4-2, Big 12 0-1.

Pinstripe Bowl (20): Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern

When: Dec. 28, 2 p.m.

Where: The Bronx, N.Y.

Watchability: Inspirational Pitt running back James Conner will play his final college game before entering the NFL draft, and the Panthers have averaged 58 points over their past three games. Northwestern is just kind of along for the ride, but bringing the purple to the Pinstripe is kind of cool.

Line: Pitt by 4½.

If the Pinstripe Bowl were a person: It would be George Costanza.

The pick: Pittsburgh 38, Northwestern 31. The 6-6 Wildcats haven’t beaten a bowl team since Oct. 22, and are just 2-5 against bowl teams on the year. The Panthers are 3-4 but have a couple of quality skins on the wall in Clemson and Penn State. The Pat Bowl goes to Narduzzi.

Conference records: ACC 1-3, Big Ten 1-2.

Russell Athletic Bowl (21): West Virginia vs. Miami

When: Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Orlando.

Watchability: Worth your time. Hurricanes come in on a roll, Mountaineers have been good all season against everyone who isn’t from the state of Oklahoma.

Line: Miami by 3.

If the Russell Athletic Bowl were a person: It would be the fast-talking car salesman now working at his fifth different dealership in town.

The pick: Miami 31, West Virginia 27. The Hurricanes are the streakiest team in the country: won their first four, lost their next four, won their last four. In the current-four game streak, they’ve won every game by at least two touchdowns. West Virginia has performed a makeover from the early Dana Holgorsen days, implementing more power running and increasingly better defense. Give Miami QB Brad Kaaya time and he can do some damage.

Conference records: ACC 2-3, Big 12 0-2.

Foster Farms Bowl (22): Utah vs. Indiana

When: Dec. 28, 8:30 p.m.

Where: Santa Clara, Calif.

Watchability: Even Indiana fans might not tune in; the basketball Hoosiers open Big Ten play at home that night against Nebraska. Utah fans will fill most of the seats and provide most of the viewership.

Line: Utah by 8.

If the Foster Farms Bowl were a person: It would be the world-weary barista with a philosophy PhD and an attitude.

The pick: Utah 28, Indiana 17. How do the Hoosiers handle the abrupt dismissal of successful Kevin Wilson? Replacing him with popular defensive coordinator Tom Allen looks like a good short-term fix – and for purposes of this column, the short term is all that matters. But the Utes are Team Automatic in bowl games, having won eight out of nine under Kyle Whittingham.

Conference records: Pac-12 2-0, Big Ten 1-3.

Texas Bowl (23): Texas A&M vs. Kansas State

When: Dec. 28, 9 p.m.

Where: Houston.

Watchability: There is no guarantee how much longer K-State coach Bill Snyder’s drab brilliance will be on display, so check it out while you still can. And it’s always good to get a look at the 2017 potential No. 1 NFL draft pick, Aggies defensive end Myles Garrett.

Line: Texas A&M by 2.

If the Texas Bowl were a person: It would be Vince McMahon.

The pick: Kansas State 28, Texas A&M 26. The Aggies enter bowl season on yet another tailspin, having lost to everyone not named UTSA and New Mexico State since Oct. 8. The Wildcats are on a three-game winning streak and have established themselves as the best defensive team in the Big 12. If A&M quarterback Trevor Knight isn’t 100 percent, Kevin Sumlin’s team could struggle to score.

Conference records: Big 12 1-2, SEC 2-1.

Birmingham Bowl (24): South Florida vs. South Carolina

When: Dec. 29, 2 p.m.

Where: Birmingham, Ala.

Watchability: You have gifts to return. This is an acceptable time to do so.

Line: USF by 10½

If the Birmingham Bowl were a person: It would be sending wistful late-night texts to the VP of corporate sponsorship at BBVA Compass, asking them to please come back.

The pick: South Florida 27, South Carolina 14. One of the under-reported stories of the year was the progression of USF quarterback Quinton Flowers. He improved his passing dramatically as a sophomore and then added a great running dynamic this season as a junior, making him the No. 2 dual-threat QB in the country behind Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. Unless Flowers backslides in the aftermath of coach Willie Taggart’s departure for Oregon, South Carolina doesn’t have the offensive weaponry to keep pace.

Conference records: American 6-1, SEC 2-2.

Belk Bowl (25): Virginia Tech vs. Arkansas

When: Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Charlotte.

Watchability: Any opportunity to see Big Sexy Bret Bielema should be seized.

Line: Virginia Tech by 7.

If the Belk Bowl were a person: It would be the rich kid with Bama Bangs, Vineyard Vines shirt, cranberry pants and saddle shoes who you want to hate, but turns out to be pretty cool.

The pick: Virginia Tech 38, Arkansas 28. If the Razorbacks’ 10-game streak of win one-lose one-win one continues, this is an Arkansas victory. But their porous defense might struggle against underrated Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans and a quality receiving corps.

Conference records: ACC 3-3, SEC 2-3.

Alamo Bowl (26): Oklahoma State vs. Colorado

When: Dec. 29, 9 p.m.

Where: San Antonio.

Watchability: Competitive game between two quality teams that were in the same conference from 1960-2010 and have met 46 previous times. There’s a lot worse on the schedule.

Line: Colorado by 3.

If the Alamo Bowl were a person: It would be the family that never minds when a bunch of friends invite themselves over to sit around their fire pit.

The pick: Colorado 24, Oklahoma State 19. Among Big 12 teams, only Texas Tech and Kansas gained a higher percentage of their yards through the air than the Cowboys’ 66 percent. That’s a bad plan against the nation’s No. 3 pass defense. Unless defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt’s reported move to Oregon messes with the Buffaloes’ preparation, Oklahoma State will struggle to throw with its usual productivity.

Conference records: Pac-12 3-0, Big 12 1-3.

Liberty Bowl (27): Georgia vs. TCU

When: Dec. 30, 12 p.m.

Where: Memphis, Tenn.

Watchability: It’s noon on a Friday. Start the weekend and the New Year’s celebration early with Dogs vs. Frogs. Also a chance to see two of the top sideline stress cases in action in Gary Patterson and Kirby Smart.

Line: Georgia by 1.

If the Liberty Bowl were a person: It would be Betty White.

The pick: Georgia 22, TCU 17. The Bulldogs haven’t had a great season by any means, but they’ve certainly been tested more and achieved more than the Horned Frogs. Georgia’s record against 2016 bowl teams: 5-4. TCU’s record against 2016 bowl teams: 1-5. In a Big 12 that lacked distinction, the Frogs lacked more distinction than most.

Conference records: SEC 3-3, Big 12 1-4.

Sun Bowl (28): Stanford vs. North Carolina

When: Dec. 30, 2 p.m.

Where: El Paso, Texas.

Watchability: Last chance to see Christian McCaffrey in a college uniform, and a first chance for some NFL draftniks to see highly regarded North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

Line: Stanford by 3½.

If the Sun Bowl were a person: It would be the guy who owns the best barber shop in town but won’t raise his rates because he doesn’t want to tick off the old clientele.

The pick: Stanford 35, North Carolina 24. The Cardinal has averaged 323 rushing yards per game during its five-game winning streak. The Tar Heels are last in the ACC in rushing defense. How do you think this will turn out? Maybe not as bad as Baylor’s 645-rushing-yard emasculation of UNC last year, but it won’t be pretty.

Conference records: Pac-12 4-0; ACC 3-4.

Music City Bowl (29): Tennessee vs. Nebraska

When: Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m.

Where: Nashville, Tenn.

Watchability: You’ll want to tune in to see which team is farther in the tank after being embarrassed by its rival to end the regular season – the Volunteers (who gave up 45 points to Vanderbilt) or the Cornhuskers (who lost by 30 to Iowa)?

Line: Tennessee by 3.

If the Music City Bowl were a person: It would be Vince Gill.

The pick: Nebraska 31, Tennessee 30. Volunteer juniors Derek Barnett, Alvin Kamara and Josh Malone are weighing NFL decisions; will that affect their focus on and interest in this game? The Cornhuskers likely have far less concerns in that area. If Nebraska can contain Josh Dobbs and not get burned on first-down passes – Dobbs threw more often and more successfully on that down than any other – it can win the game.

Conference records: Big Ten 2-3, SEC 3-4.

Arizona Bowl (30): Air Force vs. South Alabama

When: Dec. 30, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Tucson, Ariz.

Watchability: This would be an opportune time to go out shopping for New Year’s Eve party supplies.

Line: Air Force by 12½.

If the Arizona Bowl were a person: It would be the guy who practices his golf swing while he’s talking to you.

The pick: Air Force 45, South Alabama 31. The nation’s No. 3 rushing offense takes on the nation’s No. 98 rushing defense. Do the math. The only caveat is USA coach Joey Jones’ uncanny knack for hitting the high notes, with major upsets of San Diego State (twice) and Mississippi State in the past two seasons.

Conference records: MWC 5-2, Sun Belt 2-4.

Orange Bowl (31) Michigan vs. Florida State

When: Dec. 30, 8 p.m.

Where: Miami Gardens, Fla.

Watchability: Oodles. A Heisman finalist in Jabrill Peppers. Another sure-fire first-round draft pick in Dalvin Cook. Two coaches who were fined and reprimanded after their past losses for losing their minds on the refs. Considerable tradition and fan ego on both sides. This will be fun.

Line: Michigan by 6½.

If the Orange Bowl were a person: It would be the maître d’ at Joe’s Stone Crab.

The pick: Michigan 24, Florida State 17. The Seminoles lead the nation in sacks with 47. The Wolverines are fourth with 44. Which already battered quarterback can stand up to what figures to be a game-long assault? The Dash is going with the junior over the freshman.

Conference records: Big Ten 3-3, ACC 3-5.

Citrus Bowl (32): Louisville vs. LSU

When: Dec. 31, 11 a.m.

Where: Orlando.

Watchability: You’ve got the Heisman Trophy winner, who is one of the most electrifying college players in years. You’ve got Leonard Fournette, a first-round pick and owner of the most savage stiff-arm in college football. You’ve got Coach O and Coach Oh No We Did Not Cheat Against Wake Forest. That’ll do.

Line: LSU by 3½.

If the Citrus Bowl were a person: It would be the underappreciated standup comedian you can’t quite convince your friends to go see.

The pick: LSU 35, Louisville 34. The Cardinals’ sloppy skid to end the season – seven turnovers in upset losses to Houston and Kentucky – can be corrected with several weeks of sharp bowl prep. But Lamar Jackson won’t get a new offensive line to play behind or better receivers to throw to in that time. And if Fournette is healthy after missing his fourth game of the year in the regular-season finale, he and Derrius Guice will be a massive challenge for the Louisville defense.

Conference records: SEC 4-4, ACC 3-6.

TaxSlayer Bowl (33): Kentucky vs. Georgia Tech

When: Dec. 31, 11 a.m.

Where: Jacksonville, Fla.

Watchability: The simultaneous action from Orlando will be more interesting, but the smart fan has two TVs going and is watching this one at the same time.

Line: Georgia Tech by 3½

If the TaxSlayer Bowl were a person: It would be Spencer Hall in a crushed velvet tuxedo stoically juggling lit torches.

The pick: Georgia Tech 35, Kentucky 31. Both teams felt much better about their seasons after upsetting their rivals – the Yellow Jackets over Georgia and the Wildcats over Louisville. Now Tech gets to send senior quarterback Justin Thomas out a winner when he dices Kentucky’s soft run defense.

Conference records: ACC 4-6, SEC 4-5.

Peach Bowl (34): Alabama vs. Washington

When: Dec. 31, 3 p.m.

Where: Atlanta.

Watchability: Self-explanatory.

Line: Alabama by 16.

If the Peach Bowl were a person: It would be the hedge-fund manager who made one great stock call and now owns vacation homes in Vail and St. Kitts.

The pick: Alabama 24, Washington 10. Here’s the Huskies’ hope – they lead the nation in turnover margin, and maybe they get freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts (nine interceptions thrown, five fumbles lost) to make multiple mistakes. Here’s the Huskies’ fear – their offensive line can’t handle the best unit in college football, Alabama’s front seven. Unable to run the ball, Washington’s offense might be overwhelmed – think of QB Jake Browning looking like a frazzled mess against USC, a team ‘Bama beat by 46 points. The only way this is close is if Alabama gives away possessions.

Conference records: SEC 5-5, Pac-12 4-1.

Fiesta Bowl (35): Clemson vs. Ohio State

When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

Where: Glendale, Ariz.

Watchability: Self-explanatory.

Line: Ohio State by 3½.

If the Fiesta Bowl were a person: It would be Martha Stewart.

The pick: Clemson 27, Ohio State 24. Both teams have flirted with playoff-ruining disaster multiple times. The Buckeyes won their past two games thanks to a failed two-point conversion try by a 3-9 team and a matter of inches on a fourth-down spot. The Tigers tried to give away a game to North Carolina State (the Wolfpack refused the largesse) and had to hold on for dear life in the ACC title game against Virginia Tech. So there are warts aplenty in this matchup – but also great players and great coaches and great confidence on both sides. The Dash is going with the more experienced playoff team over the very young Buckeyes, most of whom had little to do with the 2014 national title.

Conference records: ACC 5-6, Big Ten 3-4.

Outback Bowl (36): Florida vs. Iowa

When: Jan. 2, 1 p.m.

Where: Tampa

Watchability: Of course you’ll watch. This is the last big day of games for the year. Think how guilty you’d feel by June if you didn’t.

Line: Florida by 2½

If the Outback Bowl were a person: It would be the person at the tailgate who goads everyone into Bloody Marys the morning after a hard party.

The pick: Florida 19, Iowa 16. The Hawkeyes are confounding: capable of losing to North Dakota State and beating Michigan on the same field; of surrendering 505 yards to Purdue but just 217 to Nebraska; of wheezing past Rutgers but knocking the Wolverines from the playoff. The Gators are simply what they are: a fabulous defensive team with major offensive issues. The X-factor here is the relocation of defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to Temple and whether it affects the Gators’ preparation on that side of the ball.

Conference records: SEC 6-5, Big Ten 3-5.

Cotton Bowl (37): Wisconsin vs. Western Michigan

When: Jan. 2, 1 p.m.

Where: Arlington, Texas.

Watchability: See above. Although there is a concern that this game inevitably will become unwatchable.

Line: Wisconsin by 7½.

If the Cotton Bowl were a person: It would be a fried Twinkie vendor relocated from the State Fair to JerryWorld.

The pick: Wisconsin 35, Western Michigan 17. The Dash watched Ball State gash the Broncos between the tackles for 298 rushing yards. What do you think Corey Clement and Co. might do? Western Michigan has good enough talent and sufficient experience to hang with the Badgers elsewhere, but this looks like the day when the row boat runs into reality and sinks.

Conference records: Big Ten 4-5, Mid-American 0-6.

Rose Bowl (38): USC vs. Penn State

When: Jan. 2, 5 p.m.

Where: Pasadena, Calif.

Watchability: For a non-playoff game it gets no better. Red-hot blueblood programs meeting in football’s prettiest setting.

Line: USC by 7.

If the Rose Bowl were a person: It would be George Clooney.

The pick: USC 34, Penn State 24. The Trojans haven’t just won eight in a row; only one of them was even close (21-17 over Pac-12 South champion Colorado). And while the Nittany Lions have been equally impressive in winning nine straight, they haven’t faced an offense with the balance USC possesses – especially outside of Happy Valley. Fight on.

Conference records: Pac-12 5-1, Big Ten 4-6.

Sugar Bowl (39): Oklahoma vs. Auburn

When: Jan. 2, 8:30 p.m.

Where: New Orleans

Watchability: What else do you have to do? A crossword puzzle?

Line: Oklahoma by 4.

If the Sugar Bowl were a person: It would be Huey Long.

The pick: Auburn 34, Oklahoma 31. This is the Sooners’ chance to prove they can beat someone from outside the Big 12. With Baker Mayfield getting the ball in space to Oklahoma’s tandem of playmakers, it will present a big challenge for a good Auburn defense. The Tigers aren’t much built for an aerial shootout and will have to control the ball on the ground – which, against Oklahoma’s defense, isn’t the hardest thing to do.

Conference records: SEC 7-5, Big 12 1-5.

College Football Playoff Championship Game (40)

When: Jan. 9, 8 p.m.

Where: Tampa, Fla.

Watchability: If you don’t know, you haven’t been paying attention.

If the College Football Playoff championship game were a person: It would be Vince Lombardi.

The pick: Alabama 35, Clemson 30. The Crimson Tide unearths O.J. Howard, executes daring onside kick, withstands aerial assault from Deshaun Watson … oh wait, that was last year. Well, maybe the same formula will apply this time around, too. Regardless, make it an unprecedented five national titles in eight years for Nick Saban, as he continues to extinguish hopes and crush dreams from coast to coast.

Conference records: SEC 8-5, ACC 5-7.

Notre Dame WR Torii Hunter Jr. to bypass final season, pursue baseball career.

By Sam Cooper

Notre Dame’s Torii Hunter Jr. had 38 catches for 521 yards and three touchdowns this season. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Torii Hunter Jr. will not return to Notre Dame for his fifth season of eligibility.

The wide receiver announced Thursday that instead of returning for his final season of college football, he will instead follow the path of his MLB All-Star father and pursue a career in professional baseball.

Hunter, who also played baseball for Notre Dame, was drafted in the 23rd round of the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels in June. He signed a contract with the team on June 25.

Even after signing a deal with the Angels, Hunter was allowed to play football this season for the Irish because of an NCAA rule that allows players to play professionally in one sport while keeping their amateur status in another. In nine games, Hunter caught 38 passes for 521 yards and three touchdowns. He missed three games because of injuries, including a concussion stemming from a brutal hit from Texas safety DeShon Elliott (who later apologized for the hit).

Overall for his career, Hunter caught 73 passes for 949 yards and six touchdowns.

Hunter Jr. played in 23 games as a member of the Notre Dame baseball team in 2015 and 2016, mainly as a reserve outfielder. His father played 19 major league seasons and was a five-time all-star and nine-time Gold Glove winner. The elder Hunter retired after the 2015 season.

NCAABKB: CBT Roundtable: College Basketball’s Biggest Surprises.

By Rob Dauster

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rob Dauster: Be honest with me for a second, I promise I won’t tell anyone. Before the season started, how many players on Baylor could you name? I’m guessing you probably knew Scott Drew because everyone knows Scott Drew – he’s the running joke that pulled a hammy. If you’re a fan of a Big 12 team, you probably knew Johnathan Motley’s name, too. Motley is a talented dude that has never found the consistency to live up to his potential. Beyond that, however, unless you played high school ball with someone on that roster, you Baylor was probably an afterthought for you back in October.

Hell, they were an afterthought for me entering the year.

And man, what a difference a month makes, right? The Bears have put together what is, to date, the most impressive résumé in college hoops. They beat Oregon by 17. They beat Xavier by 15. They have wins over VCU and Michigan State. They beat Louisville despite trailing by 22 points in the first half. Point guard Manu Lecomte is one of the nation’s most improved players. Jo Lual-Acuil, one of the nation’s leading shot-blockers, has teamed with Motley to give Scott Drew one of the longest and most athletic front lines in college basketball. Baylor myriad of wings – Ish Wainwright, Al Freeman, Jake Lindsay, King McClure – have all played their roles well. The Bears are justly ranked in the top five and look like they will actually give Kansas a run for the league title. If you say you saw this coming a month ago, you’re a liar and we all know it.

Travis Hines: The season Luke Kennard is having for Duke. We all knew he was good. The kid was a five-star recruit who played over 25 minutes a game as a freshman for Mike Krzyzewski. That doesn’t happen on accident. The thinking went, though, that potential National Player of the Year Grayson Allen might have to take a backseat to freshmen phenoms Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum and Marques Bolden, let alone Kennard. But with those three youngsters sidelined due to injury, Kennard has emerged as perhaps the Blue Devils’ best player of the year candidate. He’s shooting 52 percent from the floor and 40.9 percent from 3-point range while averaging 20 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists for a team, despite being shorthanded or feeling its way through lineup changes this season, looks to be, maybe, head-and-shoulders above the rest of the country. Kennard being good is certainly no surprise. His being one of – if not the – frontrunners for National Player of the Year is shocking given the situation we expected him to be inhabiting.

Terrence Payne: Notre Dame has reached the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons, yet when the ACC preseason poll was released in October, the Fighting Irish were pegged to finish seventh in the conference. A month later, Mike Brey’s team finds itself in the top-25 nationally, sitting on a 9-1 record with the only blemish coming to No. 1 Villanova. Despite going undefeated through the first nine games – its best wins were over Colorado and Northwestern – Notre Dame didn’t prove it was the real deal until its first loss of the season, falling to No. 1 Villanova 74-66 on a neutral floor. The game was closer than the final score indicated, as the Irish had an 11-point lead at one point over the reigning national champions.

A big part of this is the play of experienced upperclassmen. Junior Bonzie Colson, the undersized forward, is having a breakout year averaging 16.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Steve Vasturia and V.J. Beachem, two seniors, are averaging 16.6 and 15.5 points per game, respectively. But the biggest surprise has been the emergence of Matt Farrell. When Jerian Grant graduated in 2015, Brey was left with the assurance that he had another future NBA Draft pick, Demetrius Jackson, to fill the void. When Jackson left, it was up to Matt Farrell, a junior guard who was in-and-out of the rotation last season.

Not only is Farrell averaging 13.0 points and 5.5 assists per game (an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3:1), his best games have been against Villanova and sophomore point guard Jalen Brunson and during the Legends Classic, where he earned MVP honors. It’ll be a tall feat to unseat Duke atop the standings this season, but Notre Dame looks the part of a top-five team in the loaded ACC.

Scott Phillips: To me, the story – not just the biggest surprise – of the 2016-17 college basketball season is UCLA. We knew they had as good of a shot to be good as they did to crash and burn again. Some people had them ranked in the preseason, many others didn’t. But nobody except Lavar Ball could have predicted this. The father of UCLA’s star freshman point guard, Lonzo Ball, predicted a national championship for a team that finished 15-17 last season, and then the Bruins back up that sentiment by going into Rupp and winning. This UCLA team is changing the way we watch college basketball by playing a blistering, three-point oriented attack that is overwhelming opponents. They could, statistically, turn out to be the best three-point shooting team ever. UCLA passes my patented “Friends and Family Test” with wild outlet passes and flying colors. If someone I know shows even the slightest bit of interest in an orange bouncing ball, I force them to watch this team play. They never regret it.

CBT Roundtable: College Basketball’s Biggest Disappointments.

By Rob Dauster

(Photo/Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Travis Hines: Given the expectations weren’t all that high for the Huskies, consider this one hell of an achievement to find them here. They’ve been that bad while Markelle Fultz has been amazing. You have to start with Fultz’s brilliance to fully understand Washington’s ineptitude. The potential No. 1 draft pick is averaging 22.8 points on 49.7 percent shooting from the floor and 48.7 percent from the 3-point line while also putting up 6.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Throw in the 2.1 steals and 1.2 blocks, and he’s literally on pace to post numbers that have never been posted in college basketball. As a freshman. That’s just absurd. What else is absurd is that Washington has a guy of Fultz’s caliber performing up to the hype and still somehow sits 4-5 with losses to Yale, TCU (twice), Nevada and Gonzaga, which came in especially embarrassing fashion in a 27-point drubbing on national television.

The “how’ of Washington’s struggles clearly land on the defensive end of the floor, where one coach remarked to our Rob Dauster that “They were so ******* bad on defense. It was like they had never been coached. They had no plan.” So, that’s not good, I don’t think. The Huskies’ season is disappointing on a number of levels, first being it appears that we won’t be watching Fultz in the NCAA tournament, which is a bummer. The second is Lorenzo Romar didn’t need to surround Fultz with McDonald’s All-Americans to have a successful season. Capable dudes (given a defensive plan) would have been enough. And Washington wasn’t able to do that. How disappointing.

Rob Dauster: UConn has been an absolute mess this season. They lost to Wagner and Northeastern at home in their first two games. They barely escaped Loyola Marymount with a win. They went 1-2 in the Maui Invitational, with the one win coming in a closer-than-it-should’ve-been win over Chaminade. If that wasn’t enough, UConn has also been devastated by injury, with two starters – McDonald’s All-American point guard Alterique Gilbert and Terry Larrier, who was their best player at the start of the year – going down with season-ending injuries. This was a team that entered the season with a legitimate case to be considered a top 25 team and is, in all likelihood, going to end the year with a win over a potentially NIT-bound Syracuse team in Madison Square Garden being the highlight of their year.

This is how bad things have gotten for UConn: When I was at the game at MSG, a UConn fan told me that he would consider this season a success “if UConn shows up as a bad loss when they show Syracuse’s NCAA tournament résumé.” For a team that has won two of the last six national titles, that’s quite a fall from grace.

Terrence Payne: Outside of the major six conferences, the Atlantic 10 is up there as one of the best. The A10 looked like it was on its way to another banner year when the preseason poll included both Rhode Island and Dayton. Currently, both teams find themselves outside the top-25, but more importantly, the conference as a whole finds itself with an underwhelming non-conference résumé. The A-10 is slightly above the American Athletic Conference for seventh place in the Conference RPI rankings, while KenPom rates the A10 as the eighth toughest league.

Rhode Island landed an early-season victory over No. 24 Cincinnati on a neutral floor, but the Rams have lost three out of four, all on the road, to Valparaiso, Providence and Houston. Dayton has been plagued by injuries to Kendall Pollard and transfer Josh Cunningham, which contributed to a 2-2 start. The Flyers have won five straight since, but Dayton could enter conference player with its best out of league win being against Northwestern or New Mexico, neither team pegged to land an at-large bid at this point. And it’s not just the team’s that began the season ranked. VCU, another A-10 power, hasn’t looked up to par, dropping back-to-back games against Illinois and Georgia Tech.

With a few weeks before conference play begins, the A-10 is lacking signature wins. Three years after receiving six bids, an all-time high for the conference, the A-10 is on pace to have, at best, half that amount this upcoming March.

Scott Phillips: It’s tough to call a young, injury-riddled team disappointing, but if Tom Izzo can angrily sit at the end of his own bench in the middle of games then we’re allowed to have such feelings. This Spartans team is 7-4 with single-digit home wins over Florida Gulf Coast, Oral Roberts and Tennessee Tech. Michigan State’s rebounding and free-throw shooting woes have cast serious concerns about their ability to win games early in the Big Ten without Miles Bridges. Of course, I expect Michigan State to make the NCAA tournament – and figure things out quickly – but they better do that before conference play begins.

Report: One-and-done rule to stay NBA’s new CBA.

By Travis Hines

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The one-and-done rule is staying in place, for at least the moment.

The NBA and its players’ union have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement and the requirement that players be a year removed from their high school graduating class remains a part of the agreement, according to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.

While the one-and-done rule will be a part of the new CBA, it could be negotiated during the life of the new agreement.

“The league and union will continue discussing alternatives to the draft-entry rule and could agree to change the early-entry rule over the course of the labor agreement, “ Wojnarowski wrote, citing league sources.

The NBA’s age requirement is one of the biggest influences on college basketball with players who would otherwise prefer to join the professional ranks right out of high school being, for all intents and purposes, forced into the NCAA. Kentucky, Duke and others have found great success recruiting such players who make immediate – and significant – contributions before moving on to the NBA.

Some players have found ways around the requirement, which was implemented in 2006, by heading overseas, most notably Brandon Jennings, Emmanuel Mudiay and Terrance Ferguson, and that appears to be a continuing viable path for players that would rather be paid for their games.

It’ll be interesting to see how much this issue lingers beyond this initial agreement. Ben Simmons recently – and very publicly – criticized the requirement, which seem to jump start the conversation regarding the rule.

College basketball certainly benefits from having these top-tier players in the sport, if even only for a year, but the ancillary issues that arise due to their (essentially forced) presence certainly creates problems as well.

NFLPA to take closer look at Thursday Night Football in the offseason.

By Mike Florio

(Photo/AP)

Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, a member of the NFL Players Association’s Executive Committee, has strong and colorful feelings about Thursday Night Football. The NFLPA, however, has not yet decided to apply any entertaining labels to the effort.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the NFLPA intends to take a closer look at TNF in the offseason. Given that the NFL is interested in renegotiating the current labor deal, changes to short-week football could be among the adjustments discussed.

Given the revenue generated by Thursday Night Football, the NFLPA likely will be inclined to find a way to strike a balance between keeping the package and promoting player health and safety. One possibility will be to ensure that each team playing on Sunday won’t play on the preceding Sunday.

In most cases, this means that the Thursday teams will have their bye the prior Sunday. (One exception would be where teams play on consecutive Thursdays, like the Cowboys and Vikings did in 2016.) While that will create some unusual situations, with two teams not playing in most weeks of the season (including Week One), the NFL had an unusual bye-week configuration from 1999 through 2001, when the league had an odd numbers of teams. In those seasons, one team was on a bye each week of the season, Week One through Week 17.

So the creative use of byes can address one of the primary objections to Thursday games. While that won’t eliminate the reality that every team will play on a Thursday (including the bad teams), let’s address the major flaws one at a time.

Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Take: The biggest concern from the players is their health, safety and welfare. They feel Thursday night games do not give their bodies enough time to heal. The owners and NFL management are in favor of the games because of it's revenue producing effect. As stated in the article above, there are some considerations that could be made to strike a balance and make the games formidable.

Our question is for our readers and diehard NFL fans, what are your thoughts and what's your take on Thursday night games? Do you like them or not? Would you miss them if the league cancelled them? Do you have another alternative for Thursday night's games? 

We'd be very interested in hearing your opinions and your thoughts. Please go to the comment section and share your opinion with us. We love hearing from you and truly value your take. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

The Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Editorial Staff.

On This Date in Sports History: Today is Friday, December 16, 2016.

Memoriesofhistory.com

1929 - The Chicago Blackhawks played their first game at Chicago Stadium. They beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1.

1972 - The Miami Dolphins became the first NFL team to go unbeaten and untied in a 14-game regular season.

1973 - O.J. Simpson broke Jim Brown’s single-season rushing record in the NFL. Brown had rushed for 1,863 yards, while Simpson became the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards when he attained 2,003 yards in a single season.

1979 - Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys) played his last regular season game. The Cowboys came from behind to win the game in the last five minutes.

1990 - Warren Moon (Houston Oilers) threw for 527 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.

1991 - The Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators were officially granted membership in the NHL.

1995 - Fox-TV aired a fight between Mike Tyson and Buster Mathis Jr. Tyson knocked Mathis out in the third round. The fight brought in Fox's highest Nielsen rating to date.

2001 - The Detroit Lions won their first game of the 2001-2002 season against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions, after the win, had the record 1-12.

2001 - An instant replay decision led to a bottle-throwing melee in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The decision disallowed a catch by the Browns with 48 seconds left in the game. The Jaguars won the game 15-10.

2006 - During a game in New York, a fight occurred between multiple players for the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks. Ten players were ejected from the game. The NBA suspended several players and both teams were fined $500,000.

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