CS&T/AllsportsAmerica Monday Sports News Update, 10/26/2015.

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Sports Quote of the Day:

"The longer you hang in there, the greater the chance that something will happen in your favor. No matter how hard it seems, the longer you persist, the more likely your success.” ~ Jack Canfield, Author, Motivational Speaker, Seminar Leader, Corporate Trainer, and Entrepreneur

Trending: The Blackhawks beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-0 in overtime Saturday night for three in a row. They play the Anaheim Ducks tonight and are raring to go. (See the hockey section for Blackhawks updates).

(Photo taken from Chicago Blackhawks page on Facebook)

Trending: GM Ryan Pace's message for Bears: If you don't fit, you don't stay. (See the football section for Bears updates).

Trending: The Chicago Bulls 2015-16 season starts Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Let's go Bulls. (See the basketball section for Bulls updates).

NFL Scores 10/25/2015.

Seattle Seahawks 20
San Francisco 49ers 3

Buffalo Bills 31
Jacksonville Jaguars 34

Tampa bay Buccaneers 30
Washington Redskins 31

Atlanta Falcons 10
Tennessee Titans 7

New Orleans Saints 27
Indianapolis Colts 21

Minnesota Vikings 28
Detroit Lions 19

Pittsburgh Steelers 13
Kansas City Chiefs 23

Cleveland Browns 6
St. Louis Rams 24

Houston Texans 26
Miami Dolphins 44

New York Jets 23
New England Patriots 30

Oakland Raiders 37
San Diego Chargers 29

Dallas Cowboys 20
New York Giants 27

Philadelphia Eagles 16
Carolina Panthers 27

Baltimore Ravens    Monday Night's Game
Arizona Cardinals    10/26/2015

Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! GM Ryan Pace's message for Bears: If you don't fit, you don't stay. 

By Dan Wiederer

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace, walks on the sidelines, before the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks, at CenturyLink Field, at 800 Occidental Ave S. on September 27, 2015. (Photo/Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)

Somewhere, somehow, on the one Sunday of the fall he is allowed to decompress, you could picture Bears general manager Ryan Pace retreating to a quiet place, staring off into the distance and finally taking a deep breath.

Wow. This has been some month.

In the always chaotic NFL, the Bears have had themselves quite an eventful stretch, a fall filled with roster shake-ups and heartening comebacks and drama of all kinds.

So as the sun set Sunday on the Bears' off week and the team glanced forward at a demanding five-game November, it was imperative that Pace return to the controls with one necessary action: Ctrl+Alt+Del.

A reboot is necessary in Lake Forest after a midweek disturbance that proved downright, well, disturbing. On Wednesday, respected veteran Jeremiah Ratliff arrived at Halas Hall in no condition to work, according to multiple sources. And when asked to leave — with a family member summoned to pick him up — Ratliff exploded.

He became, according to sources, belligerent and insubordinate. And when it became obvious he was no longer standing on solid ground with his employer, Ratliff's anger sparked multiple returns to team headquarters with outbursts menacing enough that the Bears called Lake Forest police as a precaution.

On the surface it was a disruption that hearkened back to last season's debilitating dysfunction within the franchise. Yet Pace's swift and decisive action to terminate Ratliff's contract spoke volumes for a new regime unwilling to tolerate misconduct and pushing to stifle threats to the team's growing chemistry.

Comeback wins over the Raiders and Chiefs to start October sparked an energy surge within the locker room, creating widespread confidence that progress is escalating. And in that context, the Bears could not let the month end with growing tension, anxiety and uncertainty surrounding what exactly will be tolerated.

Say this much for Pace, a 38-year-old rookie GM still feeling out the nuances of his new role: he's firm in his convictions. He is certain there has been a positive culture change within the organization since January. And he's determined to protect that cohesiveness by attacking his front-office responsibilities without fear.

Ratliff, keep in mind, isn't the first big-name Bear to depart suddenly.

On Sept. 28, linebackers Jared Allen and Jon Bostic were traded, to the Panthers and the Patriots, respectively. A day later, safety Brock Vereen was cut.

When Pace becomes certain that a player just isn't a fit for what the Bears are aiming to accomplish, he doesn't waste time acting.

Allen, it turns out, just wasn't going to become an impact outside linebacker, no matter how hard he worked to adapt to the role the team needed him in. And at 33, with his best football behind him, obvious indicators revealed that Allen wouldn't be part of the long-term plan. So off he went.

Bostic? He was too often injured and subsequently too often rattled by those setbacks, his recovery timetables dragging on and on to the point that the coaching staff had no idea what they'd ever be able to squeeze out of him. So off he went.

Vereen, meanwhile, lacked the physicality to be an impact playmaker. So off he went too.

And while Pace may have made what many saw as an unwise and impractical gamble by signing legally troubled defensive lineman Ray McDonald this spring, the GM did at least install a zero-tolerance setup that made McDonald a former Bear at his first misstep.

It's far too early to assert definitively that Pace has the right formula to mold the Bears back into a Super Bowl contender. But what can be said is that he knows the stakes and he knows the business. Failed GMs rarely get second chances in this league. So if this is indeed his one and only shot as a team-building foreman, Pace is not going to sit on his hands and later look back with regret on all the moves he wishes he had made.

As the Bears return to Halas Hall on Monday after a four-day break, reaction to Ratliff's departure figures to be muted. And whether it was an opportune time or not, a long weekend reboot was needed.

Now the Bears will charge forward in their preparations for the Vikings with clear minds.

Yes, Ratliff's exit leaves them even thinner up front defensively. Yet there will be no ambiguity in the standards and expectations being established.

Players who don't fit, don't fit. For whatever reason. Talent. Role. Durability. Behavior.
And off they'll go.

In The NFC North, It's The Quarterback Play...Or Lack Of It.

By Ted Glover

It's no secret that the Minnesota Vikings have struggled to compete within the NFC North in recent seasons, and one of the primary reasons is quarterback play. Quite frankly, it's been atrocious for the Vikings, and pretty stellar for the opponents.

But just how bad has it been?

Well...pretty ugly. Going back to 2011, it's been brutal, actually. Let's look at what the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers quarterbacks have done, collectively:

Year	W-L record	Att	Comp	Comp %	Yards	TD	Int	TD/Int ratio
2011	6-0	191	135	70.6	1617	14	1	14/1
2012	2-4	254	162	63.8	1811	11	5	2/1
2013	3-2-1	232	152	65.5	1822	12	3	4/1
2014	5-1	191	124	64.9	1227	10	3	3/1
2015	0-1	53	32	60.3	286	2	1	2/1
Total	16-8-1	921	605	65.7	6763	49	13	3.8/1
Avg season	4-2	230	151	65.7	1691	12	3	4/1
Avg game		36.8	24.2	65.7	270.2	2	0.5	4/1

The quarterbacks that the Vikings have faced in those 25 games are:

Chicago: Jay Cutler, 6 starts Josh McCown (2), Jason Campbell (mop up duty in 2012 blowout win)

Green Bay: Aaron Rodgers, 7 starts, Scott Tolzien/Matt Flynn, 1 (2013 tie game. Tolzien started, Flyyn relieved)

Detroit: Matthew Stafford, 9 starts (includes 2015 week 2 game)

Conversely, let's take a look at how the Vikings quarterbacks have fared over that time:

Year	W-L record	Att	Comp	Comp %	Yards	TD	Int	TD/Int ratio
2011	0-6	230	123	53.4	1323	6	9	1/1.3
2012	4-2	171	101	59.0	935	7	4	1.75/1
2013	2-3-1	183	112	61.2	1323	5	6	0.8/1
2014	1-5	212	132	62.2	1302	5	10	1/2
2015	1-0	18	14	77.8	153	1	0	--
Total	8-16-1	814	482	59.2	5036	24	29
Avg season	2-4	203.5	120.5	59.2	1259	6	7.25	.8/1
Avg game		32.6	19.3	59.2	201.4	0.96	1.2

The quarterbacks that have started for the Vikings in that time span are:

2011: Donovan McNabb (2), Christian Ponder (4). However, Joe Webb saw more action in 2 of Ponder's starts as he replaced Ponder for poor play early in the second quarter, so it was essentially McNabb, Webb, and Ponder getting two starts apiece.

2012: Ponder (6)

2013: Ponder (4), Matt Cassel (2)

2014: Teddy Bridgewater (5), Ponder (1)

The chasm between the QB play between the Vikings and the rest of the division is stark. The Vikings can't complete 60% of their passes against what are three average to bad defenses, for the most part. The TD/Int ratio is atrocious, and if you'd like some more eye opening numbers, consider this:

The Vikings have had as many quarterbacks start or play a majority of the game against the NFC North teams as Green Bay, Chicago, and Detroit have had start...combined.

NFC North QB's have thrown for over 300 yards 10 times. Vikings QB's have done that once.

NFC North QB's have had multiple TD games 16 times. The Vikings have accomplished that five.

How about zero interception games? NFC North QB's 14 times.  The Vikings QB's have managed about half that, or eight times.

Well, how about multiple interception games? The most interceptions NFC North QB's have thrown against the Vikings in one game is two, and they've only done that three times, and all three of those games were against Jay Cutler. Yes kids, that's correct, the Vikings have not picked off Aaron Rodgers OR Matthew Stafford more than once in this time period.

How about multiple interception games for the Vikings? Eight times, with four of those games three interception games. Ponder had one, Webb had one, and Bridgewater had one.

Ever since the Bears traded for Jay Cutler and the Lions drafted Matthew Stafford, the arms race in the NFC North has been on, and the Vikings have been woefully behind. We're all encouraged by what Bridgewater has done since he became the starter for the Vikings, but to date, he is only 2-4 against NFC North teams...In Then but he is on a two game winning streak. Bridgewater has been good, for the most part, but it's time for him to step up his game.

Because if the Vikings are going to contend for the NFC North title on a consistent basis, the gap between the play of the Vikings quarterbacks and the rest of the quarterbacks in the division is going to have to close a lot more. And soon.

How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Anaheim Ducks-Chicago Blackhawks Preview.

By KEVIN CHROUST

One of the Western Conference finalists from a season ago has started to look the part. The other remains the worst team in the conference.

Anaheim will try to begin correcting that Monday night in Chicago, though the streaking Blackhawks might not be the ideal opponent to help the Ducks kick-start their attack.

The Blackhawks (5-3-0) have won the first three of a four-game home-stand with three goals allowed, and the last two have come with their top defenseman sidelined. Duncan Keith, who underwent right knee surgery on Tuesday to repair a meniscal tear and is expected to miss four to six weeks, wasn't a part of Saturday's 1-0 home overtime win against Tampa Bay.

It was Chicago's first shutout of the season, and also the first time it heard from Jonathan Toews with his first goal since facing the Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final.

"Nice to score a big one tonight," said Toews, who scored once in the final but had more success against the Ducks with five goals in the last four games of that series. "I don't think the pace was quite Stanley Cup Final worthy, but we knew what we had to do against that team."

In the last three games, Chicago has faced an average of 20.7 shots, which has made things easy for Corey Crawford. The Chicago goaltender is off to another strong start with a 1.84 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. He's also posted 2.03 and .931 marks over an 8-3-0 span against Anaheim since the start of 2013-14, including the postseason.

"We're playing strong defense, but we're getting the puck back pretty quick, and then we're going on offense," Crawford told the team's official website. "I think that's a key part of it too. Our (defensemen) are getting it back, skating and moving it quick to our forwards. When you have the puck, that's going to be good defense."

Patrick Kane has been the main offensive beneficiary with two goals and three assists on the winning streak, and he has seven goals and five assists in his last nine against the Ducks.

Chicago scored 19 goals in the final four games of the conference finals, which is 13 more than the Ducks (1-5-1) have this season. After Saturday's 3-0 loss in Minnesota, Anaheim has been shut out in four of seven games while being outscored 19-6.

"We're trying to say all the right things. As a group we're trying to encourage each other," said defenseman Cam Fowler, whose minus-8 rating is the worst on the team and among the worst in the league. "I'd be lying if I said it was easy to stay positive right now. This is a tough go that we have but we have to stay together through it. That's the only way we can come out on the other side."

No player has more than two points, and Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler - the Ducks' top three in points a season ago - have been limited to an assist each.

The team has scored once while losing the first two games of a five-game trip against a Central Division that's taking form as the toughest in hockey, and coach Bruce Boudreau thinks with each game the compounding mental aspect makes it more difficult.

"I think it mounts. Human nature would dictate that it would," Boudreau said. "And when you have chances and you don't score it's even magnified more. You're holding the stick so tight and you can't make plays."

It's been little fault of Frederik Andersen's with Anaheim's No. 1 goalie going 0-3-1 with a 1.86 GAA and .938 save percentage in five games. He's 3-6-0 with a 2.92 GAA and .901 save percentage against the Blackhawks.

Jonathan Toews scores OT winner as Blackhawks top Lightning.

By Tracey Myers

(Photo taken from Chicago Blackhawks page on Facebook)

Coach Joel Quenneville liked how the Blackhawks kept the Florida Panthers’ shot total low on Thursday, although he added, “we don’t expect too many nights like [Thursday] night.”

But on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Blackhawks kind of had another night like that. And it helped them gain a point before their captain helped them gain another.

Corey Crawford stopped all 21 shots he faced and Jonathan Toews scored the winner in overtime as the Blackhawks beat the Lightning 1-0 on Saturday night. The Blackhawks have won three in a row heading into Monday night’s game against Anaheim, the team they eliminated in the Western Conference Final last spring.

In their second game without Duncan Keith, the Blackhawks once again put defense first. As Quenneville said, the Blackhawks didn’t want to change their approach in Keith’s absence, and defense has always been a priority. It may be even more so now, and the Blackhawks have played accordingly.

The Lightning, who were averaging 3.4 goals per game entering this one, finished this night the same way they did Game 6 in June: held scoreless.

“I think we caught a couple breaks, too, tonight,” said Crawford, who recorded his first shutout of this season and 13th of his career. “They made a few good plays where it was off the post. A couple good bounces, fortunate bounces, but you get those some nights. Some nights they go our way. The other night they didn’t go our way on a goal. We played pretty solid against them. Both teams match up with their speed and skill game.”

Kristers Gudlevskis, the man who stopped 55 of 57 shots for Latvia against Team Canada in the 2014 Winter Olympics, stopped 31 of 32 against the Blackhawks.

Gudlevskis, recalled by Tampa on Friday, denied the Blackhawks on several great scoring opportunities.

Still, it was another 17-seconds moment for the Blackhawks when Toews scored at that point of the overtime.

“Yeah, it could go either way. Sometimes you just need one chance and that’s what happens,” Toews said. “Against a team like that, knowing the skill they have, you’re trying to get the puck as quick as you can. After that, if not, you’re trying to be on the prudent side, making sure you don’t give up anything too crazy against because we all know what they can do with the puck. It ended up going our way there.”

The Blackhawks are still putting defense first, even while their top defenseman recuperates from right-knee surgery. It’s worked for them for several seasons now. It worked for them in Game 6 against the Lightning. It worked again vs. Tampa Bay on Saturday.

“I don’t think the pace was quite Stanley Cup Final worthy but we knew what we had to do against that team,” Toews said. “They played last night, we wanted to wear them down, find our chances late in the game. We showed the type of game we’re looking for, given our new look, new group this year. That was a patient game we were looking for against a skilled team and we waited for our bounces. If it takes one goal, we’ll win that way. But I think we worked hard on the offensive side of the puck and finally got one that made the difference.”

Just Another Chicago Bulls Session... Bulls season preview: Roster breakdown.

Chicago Tribune Sports; K.C. Johnson

The 2014-15 Bulls were built to win a championship and failed. The 2015-16 Bulls will look mostly similar, although the coaching situation has yet to be determined. Derrick Rose pointed to the 2011 NBA champion Mavericks as precedent for a possible Bulls’ rise. (Photo/Chicago Tribune)

Aaron Brooks

Pos: G. Ht: 6-1. Wt: 161. Age: 30. College: Oregon.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 11.6 points; 42.1 percent shooting; 38.7 percent 3-point shooting; 83.3 percent free-throw shooting; 2 rebounds; 3.2 assists; 23 minutes per game; 82 games.

Comment: In theory, the Bulls won't need his bench scoring as much as last season. But he has proved to be a points-per-minute benefit consistently.

Derrick Rose

Pos: G. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 190. Age: 27. College: Memphis.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 17.7 points; 40.5 percent shooting; 28 percent 3-point shooting; 81.3 percent free-throw shooting; 3.2 rebounds; 4.9 assists; 30 minutes per game; 51 games

Comment: He can slide to more of a facilitator role because of myriad offensive options. But look for him to have the ball in his hands late.

Doug McDermott

Pos: F. Ht: 6-8. Wt: 225. Age: 23. College: Creighton.

2014-15 regular-season statistics; 3 points; 40.2 percent shooting; 31.7 percent 3-point shooting; 66.7 percent free-throw shooting; 1.2 rebounds; 0.2 assists; 8.9 minutes; 36 games.

Comment: He's poised to make the biggest jump if he can handle defensive duties and provide consistent scoring off the bench.

Bobby Portis

Pos: F. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 250. Age: 20. College: Arkansas.

2014-15 college statistics: 17.5 points; 53.6 percent shooting; 46.7 percent 3-point shooting; 73.7 percent free-throw shooting; 8.9 rebounds; 1.2 assists; 29.9 minutes; 36 games.

Comment: The first-round pick is slotted for frontcourt insurance for injury or, less likely, a trade. But he proved with a high motor and nice shooting touch in preseason that he belongs.

Cristiano Felicio

Pos: C. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 270. Age: 23. Pre-NBA: Brazil.

2014-15 Brazilian league statistics: 5.6 points; 65.2 percent shooting; (didn't attempt 3-pointer); 69.5 percent free-throw shooting; 4.9 rebounds; 0.7 assists; 15.4 minutes; 48 games.

Comment: Management and coaches are genuinely high on the big man's potential. But he could become a luxury tax casualty by season's end.

Kirk Hinrich

Pos: G. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 190. Age: 34. College: Kansas.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 5.7 points; 37.3 percent shooting; 34.5 percent 3-point shooting; 70 percent free-throw shooting; 1.8 rebounds; 2.2 assists; 24.4 minutes; 66 games.

Comment: Fred Hoiberg is the latest coach to praise Hinrich's organizational skills at both ends. He remains a reserve high on intangibles, and often injuries.

Joakim Noah

Pos: C-F. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 232. Age: 30. College: Florida.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 7.2 points; 44.5 percent shooting; 0-for-2 on 3-pointers; 60.3 percent free-throw shooting; 9.6 rebounds; 4.7 assists; 30.6 minutes; 67 games.

Comment: Fourth in most valuable player voting just two seasons ago, Noah must adjust to a bench role. But his rebounding and defense will still prove crucial.

Pau Gasol

Pos: C-F. Ht: 7-0. Wt: 250. Age: 35. Pre-NBA: Spain.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 18.5 points; 49.4 percent shooting; 46.2 percent 3-point shooting; 80.3 percent free-throw shooting; 11.8 rebounds; 2.7 assists; 34.4 minutes; 78 games.

Comment: He isn't projected to play or be featured as much as last season when he started the All-Star Game. But his scoring and pick-and-pop ability fit well for Fred Hoiberg's offense.

Tony Snell

Pos: G-F. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 200. Age: 23. College: New Mexico.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 6 points; 37.1 percent shooting; 37.1 percent 3-point shooting; 80 percent free-throw shooting; 2.4 rebounds; 0.9 assists; 19.6 minutes; 72 games.

Comment: Hoiberg hopes he can lessen the defensive load on Jimmy Butler, but the third-year player is still prone to inconsistent play and disappearing acts.

Jimmy Butler

Pos: G-F. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 220. Age: 26. College: Marquette.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 20 points; 46.2 percent shooting; 37.3 percent 3-point shooting; 83.4 percent free-throw shooting; 5.8 rebounds; 3.3 assists; 38.7 minutes; 65 games.

Comment: Thibodeau featured isolation plays for him often, so Butler must adapt to Hoiberg's read-and-react system to grow offensively. Still the team's best two-way player.

Taj Gibson

Pos: F. Ht: 6-9. Wt: 225. Age: 30. College: USC.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 10.3 points; 50.2 percent shooting; Didn't take 3-pointer; 71.7 percent free-throw shooting; 6.4 rebounds; 1.1 assists; 27.3 minutes; 62 games.

Comment: The veteran hopes his ankle problems are behind him after offseason left ankle surgery and remains a vital reserve.

Mike Dunleavy

Pos: G-F. Ht: 6-9. Wt: 230. Age: 35. College: Duke.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 9.4 points; 43.5 percent shooting; 40.7 percent 3-point shooting; 80.5 percent free-throw shooting; 3.9 rebounds; 1.8 assists; 29.2 minutes; 63 games.

Comment: He's out until at least late November following back surgery. When he returns, he'll provide shooting, intangibles and smarts as he's done throughout his career.

Cameron Bairstow

Pos: F-C. Ht: 6-9. Wt: 250. Age: 24. College: New Mexico.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 0.6 points; 21.4 percent shooting; Didn't attempt a 3; 80 percent free-throw shooting; 0.4 rebounds; 0.1 assists; 4 minutes; 18 games.

Comment: He's a strong, physical practice player. But if he's playing major minutes, something is up.

Nikola Mirotic

Pos: F. Wt: 6-10. Ht: 220. Age: 24. Pre-NBA: Real Madrid.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 10.2 points; 40.5 percent shooting; 31.6 percent 3-point shooting; 80.3 percent free-throw shooting; 4.9 rebounds; 1.2 assists; 20.2 minutes; 82 games.

Comment: Like McDermott, he could make a huge jump under Hoiberg, starting the season as a starter. He must improve his defense and 3-point efficiency, but the skill is obvious.

E'Twaun Moore

Pos: G. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 191. Age: 26. College: Purdue.

2014-15 regular-season statistics: 2.7 points; 44.6 percent shooting; 34.2 percent 3-point shooting; 60 percent free-throw shooting; 0.8 rebounds; 0.6 assists; 9 minutes; 56 games.

Comment: He's able to play both guard positions, which is why he's likely to stick in the rotation.

Hoiberg: Derrick Rose will play vs. Cleveland, but for how long?

By Mike Singer

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

A turbulent offseason isn’t going to keep Derrick Rose from playing in Tuesday’s NBA opener against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rose made his preseason debut last Friday against the Mavericks, this time coming back from a fractured left orbital suffered in the first practice of training camp. To rookie coach Fred Hoiberg’s delight, Rose pushed the pace, attacked the basket and showed little hesitancy despite wearing a mask in two separate five-minute stints.

Asked what might be a realistic expectation for Rose on Tuesday night, and Hoiberg was non-committal.

“I don’t know if he’s going to have a restriction on how many minutes,” Hoiberg said, although conditioning is still a concern. “We play three in four days to start this thing off, so we’ll have to be a little more careful with him just because he hasn’t had a ton of reps out there. I don’t know exactly how many minutes, but it will be good to have him out there.”

The Bulls are very much a work in progress. Integrating Rose back into the system is priority No. 1, but a close second on Hoiberg’s to-do list should be sorting out the frontcourt rotations. It appears he likes the Pau Gasol-Nikola Mirotic pairing for spacing and offensive purposes while playing Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson together off the bench. How much time rookie Bobby Portis seizes from any of the veterans remains to be seen.

Gibson, who played all sorts of roles last season under Tom Thibodeau, said the Bulls are benefitting from the depth.

“I feel comfortable in this offense. I feel like I’m back in college playing freely,” he said Sunday. “I feel like the practices have been harder for me than the games. That’s a good sign. We’ve just really been going at it.”

The biggest adjustment may be for former All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, who should still see fourth quarter minutes despite his reserve role. Given Sunday’s practice, the team’s emotional leader seems to be adapting quite well.

“He’s been awesome. He’s been our most vocal guy in practices,” Hoiberg said. “He has that group frothing at the mouth today in that second unit, so it was fun.”

The last several weeks have been dedicated to implementing Hoiberg’s offensive schemes, but that won’t prepare the Bulls for what awaits them in LeBron James on Tuesday. For what it’s worth, Hoiberg did say he and his staff watched a lot of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals vs. Cleveland in preparation.

“He’s so good, he’s a freight train at getting down the floor with the ball in his hands. He’s a great passer, he can hurt you on the glass,” Hoiberg said. “You just have to try and make him make jump-shots. You have to give up something with him.”

Fortunately, the Bulls can rest assured that their superstars will be active as well.

“I think (Rose) is in top form,” Gibson said. “He’s been doing great in practice. I think the mask, I don’t know, I think it’s the mask. We’ve been talking a lot of trash to him, and he’s been responding well. We’ve been really getting into him, throwing so many bodies at him, and we couldn’t stop him today.” 

They hope the same can be said on Tuesday night.

Minnesota Timberwolves coach and president Flip Saunders dies at 60.

By Kelly Dwyer

Flip Saunders earned a 654-592 record as head coach of three different NBA teams. (Getty Images)

Flip Saunders, longtime coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, passed away on Sunday at the age of 60. The T'wolves president was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma earlier in 2015.

The Timberwolves announced the news in a statement:

Saunders coached 17 years in the NBA, joining the head ranks partway through 1995-96 in Kevin Garnett’s rookie season. The University of Minnesota graduate native paired with Garnett to make the playoffs in all but one of his full seasons with the 7-footer, earning his conference’s best record in 2003-04.

He would do the same in his first year as Detroit Pistons coach in 2005-06, working with four Pistons All-Stars on his way toward a 64-win season. Saunders then moved on to Washington before returning to Minnesota as a part-owner and president in 13.

Flip took over as head coach of a young T'wolves team in 2014-15, trading for Garnett midseason to help guide his stable of young talent. Saunders announced his diagnosis over the offseason and named Sam Mitchell – the player who helped Garnett acclimate to the pro lifestyle after KG was drafted straight out of high school – as interim head coach. Flip won 654 games as an NBA lead man.

Saunders was an outstanding coach. His innovative offense encouraged ball movement, endless pin-down screens and open mid-range looks at the hoop. His work with zone defense was ahead of its time, predating the NBA’s move to abandon illegal defense rules prior to the 2001-02 season. He was likely one Sam Cassell injury away from winning a title in 2004.

Flip Saunders changed the game, in what would have registered as another lost season in Minnesota, by handing the ball to a skinny 19-year old and asking him to be himself. Other coaches would have demanded Garnett pound it on the block, smarten up, toss in jump hooks and eat 15,000 calories a day. Saunders coached KG as he saw fit, allowing a once-in-a-lifetime talent to act appropriately.

The league, thankfully, hasn’t been the same since. And it will not be the same without Flip Saunders. He will be missed.

Addison Russell made his presence felt during rookie year with Cubs.

By Patrick Mooney

(Photo/USATSI)

The Cubs essentially viewed Addison Russell as untouchable heading into this season, and winning two playoff rounds with him as their shortstop only reinforced that idea. 

Russell didn’t generate the same Rookie of the Year buzz as Kris Bryant — and couldn’t match Kyle Schwarber taking aim at the Allegheny River and a Wrigley Field video board — but he showed he’s just as much a core player as those two power hitters.

Just ask manager Joe Maddon if the Cubs missed Russell’s presence during the National League Championship Series. 

To be clear, the New York Mets never trailed during that four-game sweep and outplayed the Cubs in every phase of the game from start to finish. It’s not like Russell’s presence would have meant facing the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Russell — who had been sidelined with a strained left hamstring — couldn’t have stopped Daniel Murphy from turning the biggest games of his life into batting practice. Russell wouldn’t have intimidated that rotation — Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom — or lights-out closer Jeurys Familia.

But Javier Baez committing an error on a defensive shift on the second pitch set the tone for a sloppy Game 3 loss. And it underlined why the Cubs see the low-key Russell as their franchise shortstop and a stabilizing force for low-scoring games in October.  

“Of course, we miss Addison,” Maddon said. “You look at the record that we had with him playing at shortstop. And this is by no means a negative towards Javy. But (with) Addison (it’s) the combination of what he does for us defensively and offensively. This guy could drive in a critical run and (it’s) just (his) understanding of what’s going on in the field. He really grew quickly this year.”

The Cubs had been a 59-48 team on Aug. 7 — when they benched Starlin Castro and moved Russell from second base — and held only a half-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for the second wild card. The Cubs swept the defending World Series champs that weekend at Wrigley Field, finding another gear and finishing with 97 wins and the third-best record in baseball.   

“In order to get our defense at the level we wanted to, we needed to move Addie over to shortstop,” Maddon said. “With that, Starlin was outstanding regarding how he accepted the new assignment, how he embraced the new role and how he’s made the adjustment to second base and (really) picked up his offense.

“That one particular move right there probably more than anything we did this year set us up for this moment — the fact that Addie has played it as well as he has, the way Starlin has embraced the other side of the infield (and) then the offense coming back. 

“Maybe Schwarber showing up and combining with Dexter (Fowler) in the second half — that really did a lot to boost our offense. But I love the pitching/defense component, and I think that we tightened it up when we went and got Addie at short and Starlin eventually at second base. It kind of tightened things up — and I think we’ve played a better brand of baseball since then.”

Russell graded out well at second base/shortstop in terms of Defensive Runs Saved (nine/10) and Ultimate Zone Rating (7.3/6.1), finishing seventh in the majors in defensive WAR (2.6). 

During his age-21 season, Russell also finished with 13 homers, 29 doubles and 54 RBI in 142 games after his fast-track promotion from Triple-A Iowa in late April.

“For my standards, it’s not the best season,” Russell said. “But I did a lot of good things this season. I believe I had a decent season to look back on, just looking at how I struggled and then overcame that adversity.

“I know I got better this year. I know the things I need to work on to get better.”

For a team built on a shaky defensive foundation, Russell looks like the Opening Day shortstop in 2016 and beyond.

Cubs still don't have all the answers for Kyle Schwarber's future.

By Tony Andracki

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

When the Cubs take the field on Opening Day in 2016, what position will Kyle Schwarber be playing?

It doesn't take a trip in a DeLorean to predict that Schwarber will be in the lineup somewhere when the Cubs begin next season. But will he be catching? Playing left field? Right field?

"We have to sit down and discuss that," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said at his end-of-season press conference Thursday at Wrigley Field. "We haven't yet. The presumption as we look toward next year is that he would continue to work as a catcher and probably get some playing time as a catcher and continue to develop and continue to learn.

"But that he would also get a lot of at-bats in the outfield with an emphasis on keeping his potent bat in the lineup. This game takes a lot of turns and we're not good enough to forecast exactly how his career is going to go in terms of what position he's going to play.

"I think keeping all the options open for as long as possible makes sense, as long as we're not doing anything that gets in the way of his development and his ability to stay in the lineup and his long-term health.

"We'll have more specific conversations about that, but I think as we sit here right now and look forward to spring training next year, you'll see him getting work both behind the plate and in the outfield."

Schwarber went through a roller coaster of a first season, going from the fourth overall pick in the 2014 Draft to making his big-league debut roughly a year later and almost instantly becoming a key cog in the Cubs' everyday lineup.

He exploded on the scene with a 1.021 OPS through his first 36 games, but then endured a slump for the final month-plus of the regular season, hitting just .177 with a .655 OPS in the final 33 games.

Of course, he turned it on again in the playoffs, setting a Cubs franchise record for most homers in a postseason (five) while slashing .333/.419/.889 (1.308 OPS).

Schwarber drove in eight runs in nine playoff games and was a one-man wrecking crew at several points in the postseason, including three RBI in the 4-0 wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

But Schwarber also had some issues defensively in the postseason, looking out of place in left field in the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.

It's not like his defense directly cost the Cubs any wins, but it reignited the storyline headed into the offseason and the onslaught has started on Chicago talk radio with callers suggesting the Cubs should trade Schwarber to an American League team.

That's obviously a short-sighted thought and a pretty extreme overreaction given Schwarber won't even turn 23 until March and just finished his first full professional season (at any level).

But there's also the chance that Schwarber can stick behind the plate. He's driven to prove all the doubters wrong and he's already impressed the Cubs with his progress at catcher.

"There are ways to continue to develop him behind the plate," Epstein said. "We have a wonderful catching instructor at the big-league level in Mike Borzello, [Schwarber] will continue to be around [minor-league catching coordinator] Tim Cossins in spring training as well.

"Teaching, learning, developing doesn't just stop because [the kids] are in the big leagues. He's going to continue to get better and better with all the reps that he gets in spring training and during the season next year. Even the reps that aren't in games; he catches a lot of bullpens.

"It usually takes catchers three, four years at least - at least - in the minor leagues before they're ready to start the process to become a big-league catcher. He just has gotten here really soon because of his bat, his character, everything else."

In 136 innings at catcher, Schwarber was credited with -2 Defensive Runs Saved. By comparison, Miguel Montero had -2 DRS in 825 innings and 38-year-old David Ross had +5 DRS in 402.1 innings behind the plate.

If the Cubs are going to be in the heat of contention again next season, they can't afford to give Schwarber unlimited time to develop behind the plate in the context of the 2016 regular season.

Wouldn't the Cubs be better off committing to just one position for Schwarber? Isn't having him work at both outfield and catcher something of an imperfect development?

"I'd say it is," Epstein said, "but when the alternative is sticking that kind of bat in the minor leagues until he's Johnny Bench defensively, I like the imperfect path.

"We love what he brings to the table. His personality is already a huge part of our culture. That is a prolific middle-of-the-order bat that we need at the big-league level."

Cubs weighing options in center field beyond Dexter Fowler.

By Patrick Mooney

Joe Maddon kept telling Dexter Fowler: You go, we go. And the Cubs went all the way to the National League Championship Series. But after a sensational walk year for the leadoff guy, it could be looking more like: He gone.

Fowler will cash in somewhere as a free agent, and if the Cubs have to choose between investing in center field or pitching, that money will probably be transferred into the rotation.

Even during a subpar first half, the Cubs planned to give Fowler the $15.8 million qualifying offer, knowing they would either get a good one-year solution or the draft pick. And then Fowler caught fire after the All-Star break, getting on base almost 39 percent of the time and finishing with 102 runs scored, 17 homers and 20 stolen bases.

“I believe God has a process,” Fowler said. “At the end of the day, if this is where I need to be, this is where I need to be.”

President of baseball operations Theo Epstein didn’t rule out a return during Thursday’s state-of-the-team address at Wrigley Field. But the Cubs also know an athletic player with on-base skills will get paid this winter.

“Dexter Fowler had an unbelievable year,” Epstein said. “He fit in tremendously well in this organization. I think really highly of him as a player and as a person.

“He’s a free agent. He’s earned that status. It’s not something I take lightly. Players rarely have the ability to go out and see what their market is and what teams are interested in them.

“We’ll see what the future holds. But certainly there’s an interest in sitting down at the appropriate time with Dexter and his agent, Casey Close, and seeing if there’s a way to keep him as a Chicago Cub.”

If healthy, the Cubs see Denard Span as another possible option for center field in 2016. Injuries limited Span to only 61 games, and the Washington Nationals missed his presence during a massively disappointing year. Span, who hit .301 with a .796 OPS, will be 32 next season and would probably be a defensive upgrade.

Maddon’s mix-and-match philosophy means the Cubs could move Kris Bryant from third base to the outfield, but it’s hard to see center being his permanent home.

There are too many injury risks – collisions with the wall and teammates – for a premium power hitter with superstar potential. Bryant hasn’t fully developed all those defensive instincts yet – the sense for speed and angles and positioning – and ideally would prefer to play third base.

After watching Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler misread too many balls hit by the New York Mets during that NLCS sweep, the Cubs see outfield defense as a glaring area for improvement.

After watching Schwarber and Bryant rocket through the farm system, the Cubs also need to remind themselves to be patient and remember how long this process usually takes with prospects.

Albert Almora – a strong defender and the first player drafted by the Epstein administration in 2012 – won’t be ready to play center field on Opening Day 2016.

Almora didn’t have an exceptional wire-to-wire season at Double-A Tennessee, but he’s still only 21 and seemed to hear the wake-up call as other players debuted and made their marks at Wrigley Field. Almora hit .301 with an .834 OPS in the second half for the Smokies, though that surge and first-round pedigree could make him an interesting trade chip this winter.

Fowler and Epstein said all the right things publicly, but the Cubs are probably looking for a free agent or a trade target to help bridge the next two seasons in center field.

Given the franchise’s wave of young talent, we’ll see how many years the Cubs are willing to go for someone who will be 30 next season. And Fowler will never be in a better position to maximize his earning potential.

“This is a great organization,” Fowler said. “Awesome city. And the fans were awesome. This is Wrigley Field. Not a better place to play.”

MLB 2015 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE.

Yahoo Sports

*All games air on Fox. First pitch is at 8:07 p.m. ET and the pregame show starts at 7:30 p.m. ET, except where noted otherwise. Full pitching match-ups and rosters haven't been announced yet. We'll update when more information is available. 

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Game 1 — New York at Kansas City

Matt Harvey vs TBD

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Game 2 — New York at Kansas City

Jacob deGrom vs. TBD

Friday, Oct. 30

Game 3 — Kansas City at New York

TBD vs. Noah Syndergaard

Saturday, Oct. 31

Game 4 —Kansas City at New York

TBD vs. Steven Matz

Sunday, Nov. 1

Game 5 — Kansas City at New York

*if necessary

* First pitch at 8:15 p.m. ET, pregame at 8 p.m. ET.

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Game 6 —New York at Kansas City

*if necessary

Wednesday, Nov 4

Game 7 — New York at Kansas City

*if necessary

Golf: I got a club for that..... Smylie Kaufman posts 61 early, outlasts the field to win Shriners Open in Vegas.

By Ryan Ballengee

Smylie Kaufman hoists the trophy after winning the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open golf tournament Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

A man who goes by Smylie is a winner on the PGA Tour.

Smylie Kaufman – whose first name is Carter, but goes by his given middle name – won the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Sunday in Las Vegas for his breakthrough victory in just his fifth career PGA Tour start. 

Kaufman, who finished T-10 last week at the Frys.com Open in his debut as a full-fledged PGA Tour member, posted 10-under 61 at TPC Summerlin in the final round, wrapping his tournament more than two hours before the final group. He then had to wait as player after player was unable to match his 16-under 268 total.

Likely 2015 Web.com Tour Player of the Year Patton Kizzire polished off a 63, but came up a shot shy.

Cameron Tringale, searching for his first PGA Tour win, made a par at the last and couldn't tie Kaufman. 

Rejuvenated veteran Jason Bohn had a look, but missed by a foot.

Alex Cejka needed an eagle from the fairway to tie Kaufman but settled for a 38-foot birdie to finish.

Kevin Na, following a bungled chip that led to a bogey on the 17th, couldn't bounce back and into a playoff.

Finally, Brett Stegmaier came up a foot-and-a-half short from the fringe in a bid to send the tournament to the PGA Tour's second playoff in as many weeks.

Instead, all six finished tied for second at 15-under par as Kaufman celebrated an unlikely win.

Kaufman, who earned his PGA Tour card by finishing sixth on the 2015 Web.com Tour regular-season money list, becomes the second rookie to win in the first two events of the new season, marking just the second time since 1960 (back in 1980) that's happened. With the win, the 23-year-old LSU product earns a trip to the Masters, The Players and a spot in the PGA Championship. 

Rickie Fowler smashes drive to 5 feet, setting up a par-4 eagle in Vegas.

By Ryan Ballengee

Rickie Fowler had to battle on Friday to make the cut at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas. He didn't make up any ground on the lead on Saturday at TPC Summerlin, but The Players champion did make a splash on the drivable par-4 15th. 

With the hole playing 303 yards for the third round, Fowler hit a towering drive that landed just over a bunker guarding the hole location, then stopping 5 feet from the hole. 

From there, the putt was academic, leading to an eagle 2. However, on the 16th and 17th hole, Fowler went bogey-double bogey to erase his eagle on the 15th. That deuce was the difference between being over or under par on the day, as Fowler shot 1-under 70.  He trailed 54-hole leader and PGA Tour rookie Brett Stegmaier by seven shots entering the final round.

NASCAR: Logano wins at ‘Dega; Earnhardt, Kenseth, Hamlin, Newman eliminated.

By Jerry Bonkowski

Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) holds up the trophy after winning the during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Joey Logano held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the start of a green-white-checker attempt before another caution froze the field of Sunday’s CampingWorld.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, handing the victory to Logano.

The race finished eight laps longer than the 188 scheduled laps, making it a 196-lap event. There was one attempt at a green-white-checkered finish after NASCAR altered the policy (which normally permits three attempts) for Talladega only.

Logano swept all three races in Round 2 with wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and Talladega.

There was one GWC attempt to restart the race after a late caution on Lap 184 when Jamie McMurray‘s engine expired. However, the field failed to reach the start/finish line prior to yet another caution resulting from contact between Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Larson, prompting NASCAR to rule it was not an official GWC attempt and that the race had not resumed.

That prompted another GWC, and Logano was ahead of Earnhardt by about a half-fender when the green flag dropped on the restart, followed almost immediately by a race-ending caution that involved at least a dozen cars, the only big wreck of the race.

The multicar crash appeared to start when Kevin Harvick, whose No. 4 Chevrolet was experiencing engine problems, hit the No. 6 Ford of Trevor Bayne.

Just as important as the win was for Logano, the other big story was the four drivers who were eliminated from advancement in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Nearly one hour after the race ended and much discussion and review of video tape, NASCAR officials determined that the final results stood — for now. However, those results remain unofficial until NASCAR does further review and rules those results official on Monday.

Pending any change when results are made official, Earnhardt, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Ryan Newman were eliminated as the Chase field was cut from 12 to just eight remaining drivers.

Earnhardt led a race-high 61 laps and finished second, unofficially followed by Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards. Sixth through 10th appeared to be Paul Menard, Martin Truex Jr.,Clint Bowyer, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kurt Busch.

How Logano won: In perhaps the most important restart of the season, Logano crossed the start/finish line as the green flag fell on Lap 196. Almost immediately afterward, a multi-car wreck occurred, prompting NASCAR to throw a caution flag that immediately froze the field and ended the race.

Who else had a good race: Despite being eliminated from advancement to Round 3 in the Chase, Dale Earnhardt Jr. still had a strong run. He led the most laps (61) and finished second. … Even though he still has yet to win a race in 2015, pole-sitter Jeff Gordon finished third in his final race at Talladega and advances to Round 3 of the Chase. … Even though he was eliminated from the Chase after Round 1, Paul Menard had a strong run and finished sixth in Sunday’s race.

Who had a bad race: Denny Hamlin was hampered by a loose exit hatch above him, causing him to fall two laps off the pace and to be eliminated from the Chase. It was a similar situation to that of teammate Kyle Busch last year, who came into Talladega ranked No. 2, but exited No. 11 and was eliminated from advancing to Round 3. … Jamie McMurray was running strong until his engine expired on Lap 184. Justin Allgaier and Ryan Blaney both suffered early exits due to engine problems, as well. … Matt Kenseth was in a win-or-else situation, but finished 26th, being involved in the last-lap multi-car wreck.

Notable: In his 59th career start at Talladega, Michael Waltrip had a strong run, finishing 13th. … Logano has now won 11 races in the last two seasons, the most of any driver in that period. Logano is also the first driver to win three straight Chase wins since Jimmie Johnson in the 2007 Chase and 2004 Chase. … There were no issues in post-race inspection. The cars of Logano, Earnhardt, Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman and Michael Waltrip were all taken back to the NASCAR R&D Center in Concord, N.C., for further inspection, as is routine after every race.

Quote of the day: “I was thirsty anyway. There were a couple of iced cold Coca-Cola’s, too. Everything’s okay. I was trying to peg them off the front bumper, off the windshield. It was cool they exploded. It was kind of neat.” – Race winner Joey Logano after his car was hit by several thrown cans of beer and soda after the final lap.

What’s next: Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500, Nov. 1, Martinsville Speedway.

Drivers angrily say Kevin Harvick intentionally caused final caution at Talladega.

By Daniel McFadin

At least four of Kevin Harvick‘s competitors believe the 2014 Sprint Cup champion intentionally caused the multicar wreck Sunday that effectively ended the CampingWorld.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

The wreck began at the start-finish line that began with Harvick’s car making a right turn into Trevor Bayne, which caused the Roush Fenway Racing driver to spin and collect several cars behind him. Harvick drove away unscathed.

“That’s a crappy way for Harvick to have to get in the Chase is to wreck somebody – what I believe to be on purpose – maybe it wasn’t,” Bayne said. “The restart before that he had engine problems and got out of the way. I think he realized if the caution came out he was gonna be fine, so I go by and get hooked in the left-rear. Harvick is a really good driver. I think he knows the limits of his car and where it’s at, so that’s why I think it was intentional.”

Harvick’s chances of advancing to the third round seemed bleak if his No. 4 Chevrolet wasn’t able to run under full power for the last two laps of the race.

Harvick said his car “wasn’t running really well on the restarts. Then at the end, I was trying to get out of the way. I don’t know if I clipped (Bayne) or if he came across as I was coming up.

“It was one of those days where everything went well until the very end until the bottom fell out on those lap couple of restarts when it cooled off. It has a broken exhaust pipe or something.”

NASCAR released the race’s unofficial results at shortly after 7 p.m. (more than an hour after the race), putting Harvick in 15th place and in the final spot for the Chase. Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Ryan Newman were eliminated from Chase contention.

In an interview with NBCSN, Matt Kenseth was the first to imply Harvick intentionally wrecked Bayne.

“It was a pretty tough ending,” Kenseth said. “(Harvick) knew he was blowing up, and he told everyone he would stay in his lane. Well, he did that so someone would get outside him, and he could cause the wreck to finish the race.

“It’s disappointing. It wasn’t really racing. It was just a lot of games going on. You can hardly blame a guy for doing it. He’s going to make it if he does that and wrecks people going slow, or he’s not going to make it if it goes green for a few laps. I don’t know.  It feels like we kind of lost control in this situation. I hope we get back to racing next week with everyone going fast and trying to win.”

Kenseth’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin also suggested that Harvick hit Bayne’s No. 6 Ford on purpose, triggering the crash.

“(Harvick) could only run about 30 mph,” said Hamlin, whose car fell off the lead lap because of roof flap problems. “He saw people coming. He knew he was going to be 30^th. Last car on the lead lap. He caused a wreck.

“That’s neither here nor there. It was self-inflicted day. Took us four times to get our roof fixed, and unfortunate. I feel I’ve done everything I possibly can to advance. One bad race in a three-race season obviously takes you out. It’s frustrating. I can’t put anything positive on it now.”

Hamlin also tweeted about Harvick and the race later.

Both drivers were involved in the accident.

NASCAR vice chairman Mike Helton said the sanctioning body had determined no immediate wrongdoing by Harvick but didn’t rule out possible future sanctions. Helton said other teams had expressed misgivings about Harvick’s actions.

Front Row Motorsports driver David Gilliand also indicated his displeasure with Harvick on Twitter.

SOCCER: Fire's late rally falls short in narrow loss to Red Bulls.

By Danny Michallik

(Photo/csnchicago.com)

The Fire came close to staging a late rally in the second half, but were unable to complete the comeback in a narrow, 2-1 defeat to the New York Red Bulls at Toyota Park on Sunday.

Two first-half strikes from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Sacha Kljestan, despite Gilberto's second-half tally, were enough for the Red Bulls (18-10-6, 60 points) to clinch an away victory and raise the MLS Supporters' Shield trophy in front of an announced crowd of 19,850.

Interim head coach Brian Bliss made his statement clear regarding the Men in Red’s poor mentality during last week’s 4-0 defeat to D.C. United, and implemented a handful of personnel changes, with goalkeeper Alec Kann deputizing for Jon Busch. Matt Polster replaced Lovel Palmer at right back, Chris Ritter - who came off in the 21st minute with an apparent head injury - stood in for Daneil Cyrus at center back and Patrick Doody returned to left back in place of Joevin Jones, who occupied a wide midfield role in place of David Accam. Matt Watson also relieved Michael Stephens in central midfield. 

In his first MLS start, Kann's nerves were put to the test early on with a flurry of sloppy clearances in the opening minutes. The 25-year-old was kept in check by the Red Bulls, and was forced into his first save on Wright-Phillips' effort in the seventh minute.

Ninety seconds later, a familiar scenario came back to haunt the hosts. Kljestan drove in a corner-kick delivery to Damien Perrinelle, whose flick-on header was sent to the back post to an unmarked Wright-Phillips, who tapped in for an early Red Bulls lead. 

Ten minutes before the halftime break, the visitors doubled their advantage. Fire veteran Patrick Nyarko was adjudged to have unlawfully pushed down Mike Grella in a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge in the box and conceded a penalty kick in the process, which Kljestan coolly slotted past Kann for his third tally from the spot in three meetings between the two teams this season.

After maintaining 59 percent of possession in the opening 45, the Fire emerged from the halftime interval with their backs still against the wall. Gilberto showed more conviction in front of goal, sending a bending effort toward Robles in the 56th minute before collecting a long ball from Doody at the edge of the area in the 68th, chesting down and volleying a shot toward Robles, who did well to parry aside.

Second-half substitute Accam ringed a side-footed shot off the post in the 73rd minute before Gilberto's persistence was rewarded five minutes later. Doody streaked down the left flank and sent a looping ball toward the back post. Nyarko headed down for the Brazilian to acrobatically finish past Robles from close range to cut the Red Bulls' lead in half.

Despite throwing numbers forward in the latter stages, Bliss' group was unable to pull level. At the sound of the final whistle, some players stood in agony, others strolled around the field applauding the fan base. By the end of the night, the Fire (8-20-6, 30 points) were left disheartened, but perhaps lifted by the notion of what may lie ahead under new leadership.

Chicago Fire Starting XI (subs)

Alec Kann; Matt Polster, Jeff Larentowicz, Chris Ritter (Daneil Cyrus, 21'), Patrick Doody; Patrick Nyarko, Matt Watson (Kennedy Igboananike, 84'), Razvan Cocis, Joevin Jones (David Accam, 58'); Harry Shipp; Gilberto  

Here's the complete picture of the 2015 MLS Cup playoff field.

By Joe Lago

The four early matches settled the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Columbus Crew captured the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, while the New England Revolution secured the East's remaining postseason spot as the No. 5 team.

The six late matches completed the West bracket and determined the top overall seed. Vancouver moved up to second to join FC Dallas in the conference semifinals with first-round byes, while the New York Red Bulls, courtesy of a 2-1 victory at Chicago, won their second Supporters' Shield in the last three seasons with a league-best 60 points (FCD also finished with 60, but NYRB won the tiebreaker on goal differential – plus-19 to plus-13).

And now, the most unpredictable domestic title race in world soccer is ready to begin. Here is the entire MLS Cup playoff picture.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Seeds

1. New York Red Bulls, 2. Columbus Crew, 3. Montreal Impact, 4. D.C. United, 5. New England Revolution, 6. Toronto FC.

First Round

Wednesday: No. 5 New England at No. 4 D.C., 7:30 p.m. ET (TV: UniMas)

Thursday: No. 6 Toronto at No. 3 Montreal, 7 p.m. ET (TV: UniMas)

Conference Semifinals

TBD: Lower remaining seed at No. 1 New York

TBD: Higher remaining seed at No. 2 Columbus

Conference Finals

TBD

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Seeds

1. FC Dallas, 2. Vancouver Whitecaps, 3. Portland Timbers, 4. Seattle Sounders, 5. Los Angeles Galaxy, 6. Sporting Kansas City.

First Round

Wednesday: No. 5 L.A. Galaxy at No. 4 Seattle, 10 p.m. ET (TV: UniMas)

Thursday: No. 6 Sporting K.C. at No. 3 Portland, 10 p.m. ET (TV: UniMas)

Conference Semifinals

TBD: Lower remaining seed at No. 1 FC Dallas

TBD: Higher remaining seed at No. 2 Vancouver

Conference Finals

TBD

MLS CUP 2015

December 6: TBD

NCAAFB: AP Top 25 Ranking, 10/25/2015.

AP

Ranking	Team	Record	Points
1	Ohio State	7-0	1,428
2	Baylor	6-0	1,416
3	Utah	6-0	1,362
4	TCU	7-0	1,338
5	LSU	6-0	1,306
6	Clemson	6-0	1,252
7	Michigan State	7-0	1,202
8	Alabama	6-1	1,133
9	Florida State	6-0	1,041
10	Stanford	5-1	917
11	Notre Dame	6-1	898
12	Iowa	7-0	820
13	Florida	6-1	785
14	Oklahoma State	6-0	735
15	Texas A&M	5-1	614
15	Michigan	5-2	614
17	Oklahoma	5-1	565
18	Memphis	6-0	554
19	Toledo	6-0	346
20	California	5-1	337
21	Houston	6-0	318
22	Temple	6-0	217
23	Duke	5-1	211
24	Mississippi	5-2	158
25	Pittsburgh	5-1	73

No. 4 LSU, No. 7 Alabama now can only wait for showdown.

By JOHN ZENOR

Alabama and LSU have navigated rugged stretches leading up to a two-week wait. Then comes what figures to be the most hyped Southeastern Conference game of the regular season.

The seventh-ranked Crimson Tide and No. 4 LSU both have open dates before the big SEC West rendezvous at Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 7.

''Definitely looking forward to it,'' Tigers receiver Malachi Dupre said after Saturday night's 48-20 win over Western Kentucky. ''You are talking about a game that everybody has marked on their calendar a year before it happens.''

Alabama (7-1, 4-1) has won the last four meetings. LSU (7-0, 4-0) is the last unbeaten team in the league and powered by the nation's leading rusher Leonard Fournette.

Both received at least one first-place vote in Sunday's Associated Press Top 25. Now, they get a week of rest, fine tuning, extra film study - and, of course, hype. The break comes at a good time before a matchup of smash-mouth teams powered by big, powerful runners and top-10 rushing defenses.

Fournette is regarded as the Heisman Trophy front-runner with 1,352 yards and 15 touchdowns. Alabama's Derrick Henry has racked up 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns.

''I expect a matchup between two power football teams,'' LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith said. ''I guess you can call us twin teams. I definitely think they are going to come out and try and pound the football. We will be ready. We see it every day in practice. We will be ready.''

Beyond Fournette, LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is coming off a career performance. He passed for 286 yards and three touchdowns, two of them for 50-plus yards, against Western Kentucky.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said he could tell his team was getting weary in Saturday's 19-14 win over Tennessee on Henry's 14-yard touchdown with 2:24 left followed by a forced fumble.

''We were tired out there, dead-legged,'' Saban said. ''Didn't look very quick, didn't look very fast. Didn't have a lot of energy like we usually do. I think that's playing eight games in a row.

''But the best thing I can say is you've got to really respect a team that finds a way to win, makes plays when they have to make plays.''

Other SEC teams have fallen by the wayside since 10 teams were ranked in the Top 25. Now, there are five, including No. 11 Florida, No. 19 Mississippi and No. 25 Mississippi State.

The Tide has been an overwhelming force on the road but has had some struggles at home, losing to No. 19 Mississippi and either trailing or tied with Arkansas and Tennessee at halftime.

''I don't know why that is, it's just funny,'' Henry said. ''We haven't played a complete game at home yet, but we've got to build off this win, prepare right in the bye week into next week.

''We've got to finish better when we're at home.''

Miami fires coach Al Golden one day after blowout loss to Clemson.

By Graham Watson

The news was announced via the school’s website and Twitter account one day after the Hurricanes suffered a 58-0 loss to Clemson. It was the worst loss in school history.

“Coach Golden has led our program through some very difficult times and he has done so with class, integrity and a true desire to see our students succeed on the field, in the classroom and in the community.” athletic director Blake James said in a statement.  “However, we have a proud tradition of excellence at Miami, not just in football but in all sports, and we want to compete for ACC and national championships. I simply believe that now is the time to bring the Hurricane Family together and rally behind our young men.”

James maintained last week — and even after Saturday’s stunning loss — that he would wait until the end of the season before making a decision about Golden’s future. However, the outcries for new leadership have been loud by fans and even louder by former players, who took to Twitter during the Clemson game to express their displeasure with the state of the program.

Golden was 32-25 in five seasons at Miami and led the Hurricanes to bowl games in 2013 and 2014. The Hurricanes are 4-3 this season, but have lost three of their last four contests.

“On behalf of my family I want to thank the University of Miami for a tremendous opportunity,” Golden said in a statement. “I believe in what we are doing and how we are doing it and we have some outstanding young men in our football program. Though this moment is difficult, we wish the Canes the best of luck going forward.”

Assistant coach Larry Scott will finish the season as the interim head coach. Scott has been Miami's tight end coach and run game coordinator for the past three seasons.

Miami travels to No. 22 Duke this Saturday.

Thorson helps Northwestern hang on to beat Nebraska 30-28.

By ERIC OLSON

This time Northwestern prevailed in yet another close game with Nebraska.

Clayton Thorson's 37-yard touchdown pass to Dan Vitale and Jack Mitchell's third field goal gave the Wildcats an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter and they hung on to win 30-28 on Saturday.

Nebraska won on a Hail Mary the last time Northwestern visited Memorial Stadium. In the teams' five meetings since the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten, four have been decided by three points or less.

The Wildcats (6-2, 2-2 Big Ten) bounced back from consecutive losses of 38-0 to Michigan and 40-10 to Iowa and became bowl eligible for the first time since 2012.

''It's tough being shut out and then losing by 30. It weighs on you,'' Thorson said. ''We came together on Monday morning and said we're not letting this happen, we're not letting down.''

Thorson passed for 177 yards and ran for a career-high 126. The Wildcats didn't do a lot offensively early but led 17-12 at half. Thorson broke runs of 68 and 49 yards to set up scores, and Nick VanHoose returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown.

''We stuck together and found a way to make some plays in the first half and make it a game,'' Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. ''Great team win, huge team win to get us over the hump.''

For Nebraska, the loss spoiled an afternoon when Tom Osborne and the 1995 national championship team were honored in a pregame ceremony. The '95 team, considered one of the greatest in college football history, walked out of the tunnel ahead of the current Huskers and formed a corridor for them to run through.

Nebraska (3-5, 1-3) must win three of its last four to play in a bowl. Its five losses - the most since Bill Callahan's 2007 team went 5-7 - are by a combined 13 points.

''We've got to make sure we keep grinding,'' Huskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. said. ''We can either give up or we can keep riding this season out and keep working together.''

Mitchell's 27-yard field goal put Northwestern up 30-22, but the Huskers drove 75 yards in eight plays to pull within two points. Armstrong's two-point pass to Stanley Morgan Jr. fell incomplete, and Northwestern was able to run out the final 4:18.

The Huskers led 22-20 on Drew Brown's 48-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter.

Northwestern went ahead with a long drive that saw Thorson convert a couple of third-down passes before he hit Vitale with a pass along the sideline for 37 yards.
Vitale dived into the end zone, with the play withstanding a video review.

After Nebraska went three-and-out, Mitchell kicked the field goal that put the Wildcats up by eight points.

Armstrong hit Brandon Reilly for 37 yards on a fourth-and-6 before he ran in from 3 yards to make it a two-point game, but he couldn't convert on the try for two points.

Anthony Walker made 13 tackles and Dean Lowery had 10 stops, including a school-record six for losses and two sacks for the Wildcats.

''Losing to Iowa was a tough loss,'' Lowery said. ''We responded well in terms of work ethic and attitude. Fitz at halftime called us out and said we just have to be us out there.''

Northwestern gets a week off before hosting Penn State on Nov. 7.

''We've got a big month ahead of us. Postseason eligibility is huge for us,'' Fitzgerald said.

Nebraska won at Minnesota on the road in its previous game, and first-year coach Mike Riley said he thought the Huskers had overcome the inconsistency they showed on offense earlier in the season.

That wasn't the case. The Huskers were limited to a season-low 82 yards rushing, and Armstrong threw 48 passes, completing 24 for 291 yards.

''I told them we're going to coach football and practice football on Monday and we're going to continue to work to get better,'' Riley said. ''Everyone who wants to do that will be there. I think this group will be.''

NCAABKB: Duke, Kentucky top initial Ken Pomeroy ratings.

By Raphielle Johnson

(Photo/Associated Press)

Sunday afternoon we moved yet another step closer to the start of the college basketball season, as Ken Pomeroy “rebooted” his ratings website in advance of the upcoming campaign.

Atop his ratings for the 2015-16 season is defending national champion Duke, which has to account for the loss of four starters from last season’s team. Mike Krzyzewski returns some contributors from that team, including guards Grayson Allen and Matt Jones and forwards Amile Jefferson and Marshall Plumlee, and they’re joined by one of the top recruiting classes in the country.

Following Duke in the ratings is Kentucky, another team that lost a lot from last season. Seven players from last year’s 38-1 squad turned pro, leaving some large holes to fill with a combination of returning role players (team leader and PG Tyler Ulis leads the way) and a highly regarded recruiting class that includes guards Jamal Murray and Isaiah Briscoe and forward Skal Labissiere. Rounding out the top five are Virginia, Kansas and Villanova.

Arizona, which lost four starters from last year’s Elite Eight squad, is ranked sixth with North Carolina, Gonzaga, national runner-up Wisconsin and Baylor completing the top ten.

Michigan State has the lowest rating of the Final Four participants of a season ago, coming in 18th. As for the early favorite in the Spartans’ conference, Maryland is 24th in Pomeroy’s preseason ratings. The Big Ten and ACC each have six teams in the Top 25, which falls in line with the opinion of some that those two leagues will be the toughest in college basketball this season.

The Big 12 has four teams in the Top 25 of Pomeroy’s ratings, with Baylor (10th), Oklahoma (11th) and Iowa State (19th) joining regular season champion Kansas. These are good ratings to follow throughout the course of the season, as they do a better job of taking into consideration the impact of newcomers (including transfers, which aren’t factored into the calculations until the season begins).

The full list can be viewed here.

Michigan's core getting closer to full strength.

By NOAH TRISTER

Zak Irvin is ready for Michigan to play at full strength again at long last.

''I just can't wait for everyone to get healthy,'' Irvin said. ''We've at least had an injury I think all throughout last year.''

Irvin's back problem is the last major issue the Wolverines are waiting on after an offseason in which several key players needed to work their way back from injuries. Michigan held its media day Thursday and allowed reporters to watch an hour of practice. Irvin was able to do some light shooting and participated in other drills as well.

The school announced in early September that Irvin was having back surgery and would miss 6-8 weeks. The Wolverines open the season Nov. 13 against Northern Michigan.

''I'm definitely not going to go out there if I'm not 100 percent - with my back 100 percent, also being in shape,'' the 6-foot-6 Irvin said. ''I can't just get back on the court and not be in shape.''

Irvin is showing patience with his recovery, and guard Spike Albrecht continues to make progress with his. Albrecht had hip surgery in the offseason and is almost back to full strength.

''Obviously I'm not where I want to be,'' Albrecht said. ''I think it's been a little bit tougher than I expected, just because I kind of jumped back in and just kind of expected myself to be right where I was, skill-wise and shooting the basketball and things like that. I'm not there yet.''

Caris LeVert (foot injury) and Derrick Walton (toe problem) both missed significant time last season, but they're back now.

Those four players - LeVert, Irvin, Walton and Albrecht - give Michigan a talented, experienced core that should help the Wolverines recover nicely from missing the postseason last season. And the injuries that made 2014-15 so difficult allowed some of Michigan's younger players more minutes. Aubrey Dawkins and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman started 13 games apiece.

''I think that our skill level, as far as seeing the floor, understanding offense and defense, is at a different level than it was last year,'' coach John Beilein said. ''We've worked a lot on it, all last year, but the Aubreys and Muhammads and guys like that, the game was moving so fast. The game has slowed down for them.''

Beilein said Abdur-Rahkman has ''his work cut out for him'' if he wants to play as much as he did last season. For once, the Wolverines aren't dealing with a major exodus to the NBA - and that depth could certainly be an asset.

''Our best teams had two or three guys that we could go to late,'' Beilein said. ''Caris is certainly going to be one of those, but I don't think he's like the only option late in a game.''

Who gets a World Series ring? Sometimes, you'd be surprised.

By JANIE McCAULEY

Dan Uggla was long gone by the time the Giants won the World Series last fall. He'd played four games for San Francisco in late July, going 0 for 11 with six strikeouts, and made two errors at second base.

That earned him a World Series ring.

"With him struggling like he did, it opened up the door for Joe Panik, and we probably wouldn't have won the World Series without Joe Panik," recently retired Giants pitcher Tim Hudson said. "So everybody who's hating on Dan should probably be glad he didn't do so well. If he had hit .240 or .250, he might have stuck around and there wouldn't have been Joe Panik."

Brayan Villarreal got a ring with the champion Red Sox in 2013. His contribution? He got into one game for Boston - in August, he relieved with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of a tie game at San Francisco, and walked Marco Scutaro on four pitches to force home the winning run.

Those were Villarreal's last four pitches in the majors, in fact.

Jacob deGrom, Johnny Cueto and the rest of the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals are hoping to do a lot more in the next week to clinch a crown. As for who will get a World Series ring, that's to be determined as the clubs have combined to use a total of nearly 100 players this season.

Bengie Molina and Arthur Rhodes have left little to chance in recent years. They played for both teams that made the Series in the same year.

Molina received a pair of sparkly rings for 2010, one for his time with the AL champion Texas Rangers and the other from the Series champion Giants. He began the year as the starting catcher in San Francisco before rookie Buster Posey's promotion.

From the Texas dugout five years ago, Molina watched the visiting Giants team that had traded him just four months earlier win the title. Molina was briefly frozen: His instincts told him to rush out and celebrate with his good friends from the other side, but he knew he couldn't do it.

"It was really, really tough in my heart. It was tough to play. It was tough to hit," Molina recalled last week. "When they won, I was sitting down in the dugout watching them, and I didn't know if I should jump around and enjoy the win. That's how weird it was."

Molina has both rings in a safe place at home in Gilbert, Arizona. He touched on his experiences that year in his new book, "Molina: The Story of the Father Who Raised an Unlikely Baseball Dynasty," about his father raising three future major league catchers - Bengie, Yadier and Jose.

Rhodes began 2011 with Texas, was released on Aug. 8 and signed a few days later with St. Louis - which beat the Rangers in a seven-game World Series.

The Giants decided to give Uggla a World Series ring despite his brief, unproductive time. Manager Bruce Bochy rewards every player who spends even a day on a title team, and Uggla received his jewelry from general manager Bobby Evans behind the scenes before a game Aug. 14 at AT&T Park while he was on the disabled list for the Washington Nationals.

"It was a really cool thing for them to include everybody, even if it was a short few days there," Uggla said. "It really goes a long way, especially with people like me, to get a ring like that. I'll tell you what, I got goosebumps when I opened it up and looked at it. It's pretty awesome."

For Bochy, the toughest call isn't whether to gift the ring. Instead, it's which one to present - there is a fanciest version - to a bit player during a championship season.

"Maybe the type of ring, A versus B, they're all very similar," Bochy said. "We talk about it. A guy who was with the club at one time, that's usually how it works in our game. I heard (Uggla) was very excited about it, which is good. Granted it was a short time, but he was here and part of our club. They've done something."

Humor aside, Hudson figured Uggla deserves some credit.

"He was on the roster, he was on the team, he put on the uniform just like everybody else did," Hudson said. "Will it be something he wears with pride? Probably not, just because he probably didn't feel like he contributed to it, (but) to show your grandkids and your kids one day that he was on that team."

A three-time All-Star, Uggla joined the Giants after being released by Atlanta. No matter that some fans wanted to ring him up for his struggling stay in the Bay Area. He wasn't about to apologize for walking off with a World Series ring.

"I don't really care," he said with a smile. "It doesn't bother me. It worked out the best. I needed to go home and regroup and do a bunch of stuff. They had some young studs coming up, like (Matt) Duffy and Panik. It was crunch time. They needed help right then, and I'm not sure I would have been able to do that for them. I'm glad to see it worked out for them, a lot of good people over there."

"I guess you could say I got lucky," he said.

On This Date in Sports History: Today is Monday, October 26, 2015.

Memoriesofhistory.com

1990 - Wayne Gretzky became the first NHL player to reach 2,000 points.

1995 - Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh Penguins) scored his 500th National Hockey League (NHL) career goal against the New York Islanders in his 605th game. He became the second-fastest player to attain the plateau. Wayne Gretzky had reached 600 goals by his 575th NHL game.

2005 - The Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 7-5 in the first World Series game to be held in Texas. The game was also the longest in World Series history at 5 hours and 41 minutes. The game actually began on October 25th.

2005 - The Chicago White Sox won their first World Series in 88 years. They defeated the Houston Astros four games to zero.

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