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"Sports Quote of the Day"
"To fail is a natural consequence of trying, To succeed takes time and prolonged effort in the face of unfriendly odds. To think it will be any other way, no matter what you do, is to invite yourself to be hurt and to limit your enthusiasm for trying again." ~ David Viscott, Psychiatrist, Author, Businessman and Media Personality
Trending: Cubs Joe Maddon Wins National League Manager of the Year Award. (See the baseball section for details).
(Photo/GODANDSPORTS.COM)
Trending: Cubs Kris Bryant wins NL Rookie of the Year Award. (See the baseball section for details).
Trending: Bears' John Fox claims Broncos just 'next game on the schedule'. (See the football section for Bears updates).
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! Adam Gase's play calling has Bears' offensive line 'fired up'.
By John Mullin
Bears players’ belief in offensive coordinator Adam Gase extends well beyond prime pupil Jay Cutler and the quarterback room. Gase has earned it in one especially demanding area – the offensive line – that is beyond critical given the Bears’ philosophical orientation under coach John Fox.
Even with a 4-5 record that includes needs for comebacks, Gase has balanced the offense 55:45 pass:run, as he and coach John Fox promised from the outsets of their tenures. If there is a quirkiness in the balance, it’s that the Bears ran the football considerably less in their wins over Oakland, Kansas City and Oakland (combined 38.5 percent), suggesting a flexibility in Gase that has not been lost on his players.
“When I’m in the huddle next to Pat [Omameh] and ‘Slau’ [Matt Slauson] and those guys, and we get a play call, there’s never a time where we look at each other and think, ‘Oh, [man],’” said tackle Kyle Long.
Gase has made good the verbal commitment to balance and running the football, with no fewer than 25 rushing attempts in any of the Bears’ nine games.
“We’re fired up when we hear the play call,” Long said, “because it’s on our shoulders to get these guys some openings.
“That’s Adam Gase.”
Broncos confirm Peyton Manning (foot) will not play vs. Bears.
#BEARSTALK
Denver Quarterback Peyton Manning, #18). (Photo/csnchicago.com)
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak confirmed that quarterback Peyton Manning will not play in Week 11 against the Bears due to a foot injury. Brock Osweiler is expected to make his first career start.
"I told the team that this week Peyton is not going to play. Brock is going to play this week," Kubiak said in a press conference on Monday afternoon. "All of our full attention is going to be on getting Peyton back and healthy."
Bears coach John Fox had positive things to say about Manning after spending three seasons with the five-time MVP in Denver.
"I’ve got nothing but great respect. He’s a great, great quarterback," Fox said before the Broncos announced Manning would be out Sunday. "Arguably the best to play the game. I don’t know his status right now, so I really can’t speak too knowledgeably of it, other than I know what a tremendous competitor he is. We have great respect, I know a lot of people in that organization have great respect for him. It’ll be a big challenge here in Chicago."
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that Manning had suffered a tear of plantar fascia in his left foot, an injury he had reportedly been battling that worsened over time.
Manning went 5 of 20 for 35 yards and threw four interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs before being benched in the third quarter.
Osweiler threw for 146 yards on 14 of 24 passing with one touchdown and an interception in relief of Manning.
Despite departure, Bears' John Fox claims Broncos just 'next game on the schedule'.
By John Mullin
Living well is indeed the best revenge. And for John Fox, a win over the Denver Broncos next Sunday to reach .500 for the first time in 2015 would be part of living well, and by extension, the best revenge, if Fox needed any of it with respect to John Elway and the Broncos. Which he probably doesn’t but…
The New York Jets were the next game on the schedule for Rex Ryan as coach of the Buffalo Bills, too.
Fox’s departure from Denver was ostensibly by mutual agreement; after all, the press release said so. But head coaches don’t usually leave billets where they’ve taken a team to four straight playoff appearances, including one with Tim Tebow at quarterback, and on the heels of a 12-4 season, which the Broncos were last year.
The underlying real story was that Fox and John Elway, now Broncos general manager and executive vice president of football operations, did simply disagree on certain personnel decisions and ultimately over what reaching the highest level in the NFL entailed, although both men had reached more than one Super Bowl in their careers to that point.
And Elway said he was unhappy that the Broncos did not exit the playoffs “kicking and screaming’’ the last two seasons, which ended with a Super Bowl blowout loss to Seattle in 2013 and a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in last year’s divisional round.
Elway’s disappointing took the form of de facto questioning how Fox had the Broncos primed for those losses.
"It’s disappointing that we didn’t have more fire,” Elway said in a news conference. “I don’t know why we didn’t have more fire.’’
Meaning: Any split where one side questions and finally rejects the other’s ways may not be overtly hostile, but entirely amicable? Not impossible, but that would be an anomaly, with Elway not convinced of Fox’s intensity and coaching style in situations where Elway favored a more wide-open, go-for-it style.
“I think the biggest miss between us was how we can take that next step and what is was going to take to get to that next step,” Elway said after the conclusion of the 2014 season. “I think that's where that disagreement came from."
Players in the time after Sunday’s win over the St. Louis Rams already were talking privately about wanting to get the Denver game for Fox. It is not his style to foment thoughts of vindication or revenge, but the Denver Broncos will not be completely just another game to everyone on the Chicago sideline.
“Well, you know, the familiarity and all of that, when you’ve been doing this for 26 years, you kind of run into a lot of people you know,” Fox said, then laughed. “When you’re with your eighth team, you end up playing your ex-team a bunch.
“I think everybody has that maybe the first time, whether you’re a player or a coach. I feel for the people who have got to play against family. You know, that’s the ultimate of really knowing somebody. I think that becomes maybe the hardest thing to do. But a lot of close friends there, a lot of people I have shared some great moments with. But it’s the next team on the schedule.”
That's his story and he's stickin' to it.
"I told the team that this week Peyton is not going to play. Brock is going to play this week," Kubiak said in a press conference on Monday afternoon. "All of our full attention is going to be on getting Peyton back and healthy."
Bears coach John Fox had positive things to say about Manning after spending three seasons with the five-time MVP in Denver.
"I’ve got nothing but great respect. He’s a great, great quarterback," Fox said before the Broncos announced Manning would be out Sunday. "Arguably the best to play the game. I don’t know his status right now, so I really can’t speak too knowledgeably of it, other than I know what a tremendous competitor he is. We have great respect, I know a lot of people in that organization have great respect for him. It’ll be a big challenge here in Chicago."
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that Manning had suffered a tear of plantar fascia in his left foot, an injury he had reportedly been battling that worsened over time.
Manning went 5 of 20 for 35 yards and threw four interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs before being benched in the third quarter.
Osweiler threw for 146 yards on 14 of 24 passing with one touchdown and an interception in relief of Manning.
Despite departure, Bears' John Fox claims Broncos just 'next game on the schedule'.
By John Mullin
Living well is indeed the best revenge. And for John Fox, a win over the Denver Broncos next Sunday to reach .500 for the first time in 2015 would be part of living well, and by extension, the best revenge, if Fox needed any of it with respect to John Elway and the Broncos. Which he probably doesn’t but…
The New York Jets were the next game on the schedule for Rex Ryan as coach of the Buffalo Bills, too.
Fox’s departure from Denver was ostensibly by mutual agreement; after all, the press release said so. But head coaches don’t usually leave billets where they’ve taken a team to four straight playoff appearances, including one with Tim Tebow at quarterback, and on the heels of a 12-4 season, which the Broncos were last year.
The underlying real story was that Fox and John Elway, now Broncos general manager and executive vice president of football operations, did simply disagree on certain personnel decisions and ultimately over what reaching the highest level in the NFL entailed, although both men had reached more than one Super Bowl in their careers to that point.
And Elway said he was unhappy that the Broncos did not exit the playoffs “kicking and screaming’’ the last two seasons, which ended with a Super Bowl blowout loss to Seattle in 2013 and a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in last year’s divisional round.
Elway’s disappointing took the form of de facto questioning how Fox had the Broncos primed for those losses.
"It’s disappointing that we didn’t have more fire,” Elway said in a news conference. “I don’t know why we didn’t have more fire.’’
Meaning: Any split where one side questions and finally rejects the other’s ways may not be overtly hostile, but entirely amicable? Not impossible, but that would be an anomaly, with Elway not convinced of Fox’s intensity and coaching style in situations where Elway favored a more wide-open, go-for-it style.
“I think the biggest miss between us was how we can take that next step and what is was going to take to get to that next step,” Elway said after the conclusion of the 2014 season. “I think that's where that disagreement came from."
Players in the time after Sunday’s win over the St. Louis Rams already were talking privately about wanting to get the Denver game for Fox. It is not his style to foment thoughts of vindication or revenge, but the Denver Broncos will not be completely just another game to everyone on the Chicago sideline.
“Well, you know, the familiarity and all of that, when you’ve been doing this for 26 years, you kind of run into a lot of people you know,” Fox said, then laughed. “When you’re with your eighth team, you end up playing your ex-team a bunch.
“I think everybody has that maybe the first time, whether you’re a player or a coach. I feel for the people who have got to play against family. You know, that’s the ultimate of really knowing somebody. I think that becomes maybe the hardest thing to do. But a lot of close friends there, a lot of people I have shared some great moments with. But it’s the next team on the schedule.”
That's his story and he's stickin' to it.
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Chicago Blackhawks-Edmonton Oilers Preview.
By JEFF MEZYDLO
Following two consecutive strong performances, the Chicago Blackhawks have built some momentum heading into their longest trip of the season.
They'll kick off the six-game western trek looking for a third consecutive victory Wednesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
With Patrick Kane still on an offensive tear and veteran defensemen Duncan Keith and Michael Rozsival back on the ice, Chicago (10-7-1) won 4-2 at St. Louis on Saturday, then 4-1 over Calgary a night later.
"That was probably our best two games back-to-back, and the consistency that we always look for was right there,'' coach Joel Quenneville said. "We've got to play well on this road trip and prove we can play the same way."
The Blackhawks are 2-5-0 on the road and allow an average of 3.3 goals there - 1.4 more than at home - but head into their annual circus trip feeling confident. After snapping that five-game road skid Saturday, Chicago outshot the Flames 41-26.
"I think we're excited about that and hopefully carry it on to the road," said Keith, who has played almost 52 minutes in two games since missing 10 with a knee injury.
Kane has 10 goals and 12 assists during a 13-game point streak - one shy of matching his career-high run from 2013-14. He can also become the first Blackhawk to score a goal in eight consecutive contests since Joe Murphy's nine-game run in 1994-95.
''I think if you start worrying about that stuff, it's only going to go to your disadvantage,'' Kane said.
''We want to show up every game for our team and make sure we're doing our job, whether it's offensively or defensively.''
Chicago looked solid on both ends Nov. 8 when Kane had a goal with three assists, linemate Artemi Panarin scored twice and Corey Crawford made 34 saves in a 4-2 win over the Oilers (6-12-0). All of Kane's seven goals and 14 assists at Edmonton came during an 11-game point streak that ended with a 5-2 loss there Jan. 9.
Kane has 10 goals and 12 assists during a 13-game point streak - one shy of matching his career-high run from 2013-14. He can also become the first Blackhawk to score a goal in eight consecutive contests since Joe Murphy's nine-game run in 1994-95.
''I think if you start worrying about that stuff, it's only going to go to your disadvantage,'' Kane said.
''We want to show up every game for our team and make sure we're doing our job, whether it's offensively or defensively.''
Chicago looked solid on both ends Nov. 8 when Kane had a goal with three assists, linemate Artemi Panarin scored twice and Corey Crawford made 34 saves in a 4-2 win over the Oilers (6-12-0). All of Kane's seven goals and 14 assists at Edmonton came during an 11-game point streak that ended with a 5-2 loss there Jan. 9.
That also snapped a three-game winning streak at Edmonton for Chicago, which outscored the Oilers 16-3 during the run.
Since losing 2015 top-overall pick Connor McDavid for "months" with a broken clavicle in a 4-2 win over Philadelphia on Nov. 3, the Oilers have dropped four of five. Despite overcoming an early 2-0 hole Saturday, Edmonton concluded a 1-3-0 trip with a 4-3 loss at Los Angeles.
The Oilers allowed four goals three times and three another on the trip. Cam Talbot has dropped three straight and has a 3.89 goals-against average while losing five of his last six. He made 24 saves at Chicago.
Making matters worse, a host of Oilers - highlighted by forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - are dealing with illness in addition to those already banged up.
"Hopefully we'll have, not a full complement but, a larger complement of players to pick from," coach Todd McLellan told the Oilers' official website.
Jordan Eberle is one of those players who received a day off from practice Monday but should be ready. Eberle, who missed the first 13 games with a shoulder injury, registered his only point of the season with a goal at Chicago.
Taylor Hall was shut out against the Blackhawks but has two goals and two assists in three games since.
Crawford has won five straight starts against Edmonton, and has a 1.23 GAA in the last four.
Blackhawks must find road success again for annual Circus Trip.
By Tracey Myers
The Blackhawks were just that much happier following their victory against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night.
They’re always glad to get that Central Division victory, especially against longtime rival St. Louis. But they were especially pleased because this triumph came on the road, where victories have been elusive thus far. And as the Blackhawks embark on their annual Circus Trip they’re looking to build off their game in St. Louis, which was just their second road victory of this season.
“There was a sense of urgency, an importance to that game and we had to find a way to win on the road, too, which was important for us,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “It was a very intense game, very competitive game and I liked our team game across the board.”
What was going wrong through those early road games? It could’ve been the newness the Blackhawks experienced: new teammates, new lines and new defensive pairs. They got off to bad starts in a lot of those games, went into catch-up mode, and that is rarely good.
“I just think we’ve started slow in some of those games on the road, putting ourselves behind the 8-ball a little,” Trevor van Riemsdyk said. “I don’t know if there’s a real reason for that, but we just have to come out focused and ready to play a quick and smart game on the road. The home teams sometimes come out with that big jump and press early with the fans and all that excitement there. So we have to be ready for that, come out playing smart and keep it really simple.”
Two other problems were injuries and one line doing all the scoring. Both issues have improved recently. Duncan Keith and Michal Rozsival returned on Saturday and the others not named Artemi Panarin, Patrick Kane and Artem Anisimov have shown up on the score sheet.
Now the Blackhawks have to put it all together on the road. Here’s the good news for them about the Circus Trip: it’s usually been a successful trek. The Blackhawks went 5-1-0 on it last season, then won seven of their next eight after that. The team has always considered this trip a good bonding opportunity. Considering how many new faces are on the team this season, that time together may be especially beneficial.
“We spend time with each other, get to know each other. That’s been great,” Marcus Kruger said. “That trip is always something we look forward to and it’s good to come together as a team, practice, play and get to know each other a little bit better. We’ve done a good job in previous years with that. Hopefully we can keep that going.”
Quenneville said the Blackhawks seem to find the right balance on the Circus Trip.
“There’s a lot of business to be attended to and a lot of good moments as well for the team bonding to exist. I think there are some fun moments for everybody but I certainly think your team gets a lot closer. And with the number of new guys we have, I think that’ll be a good experience for some,” Quenneville said. “And the best thing about it is, it’ll be a good test for us to find out how we can play consistent on the road in some real tough buildings.”
The Blackhawks used to be as reliable on the road as they were at home. That wasn’t there at the start but they’re about to go on what’s usually been a good trip for them. They need to find that again.
“We need to keep it a little more simple. I think in previous years we’ve been pretty good on the road and pretty comfortable there, too,” Kruger said. “We have to climb back to that.”
Blackhawks' Michal Rozsival, ankle pass back-to-back games 'test'.
By Tracey Myers
Michal Rozsival felt a little apprehensive entering last weekend’s games.
Certainly, the Blackhawks defenseman was emotionally and mentally ready to get back to the lineup. He was physically ready, too, after six months of rehabilitating his fractured left ankle. Still, he was wondering how he would react to back-to-back games.
“You hope, you know, you did everything you could in the rehab process, which I think we did, and I felt great into practices. But going into games is obviously a different situation,” Rozsival said on Monday. “You basically have to go all out, put a lot of stress in that leg and at any given moment you need to. I did feel a little unsure going into it.”
His concerns, however, diminished with each passing shift. Now, instead of thinking about his ankle, Rozsival is just thinking about games and what the rest of this season could bring.
Rozsival played in back-to-back games last weekend, his first games since fracturing his left ankle in Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild last May. It was a long wait for Rozsival, and immediately going in for a back-to-back was a heck of a debut for him. But it all turned out well.
“It was a good challenge; it was a great test for the ankle and for myself,” Rozsival said. “I felt OK, you know? I didn’t feel my best, but OK. Obviously there are still some things I need to work on still, but overall I think I did OK. But most important we won both of the games. That’s what makes me happy the most.”
Rozsival played 13 minutes against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night, then close to 14 minutes against the Calgary Flames on Sunday. He said he came out of those games feeling no ill effects.
“As far as my ankle, everything looks fine,” he said. “Everything was OK even on back to back nights, which is a lot for an ankle to come back after six months. But it held up pretty good.”
Rozsival and Duncan Keith’s return this weekend provided a big boost for the Blackhawks. Keith was back supplying the big minutes. Rozsival gave the Blackhawks a veteran option they’ve been missing and some steadiness on the last pair.
“I liked his game, really appreciate his though process out there,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “He did some good things, defended well and added experience to our back end as well; a lot of direct plays, patience with the puck.”
Rozsival’s recovery took a while; he finished on the end of the 4-to-6-month window given for the injury. It wasn’t an easy time, from his summer of being able to do very little to the workouts and extra skates he participated in to play again. Now that his focus is back on the game and not his injury, however, all the work was worth it.
“You kind of forget about the thrill of getting ready for an NHL game,” he said. “It’s been a long time; six months is a long time. I’ve been around but it’s not the same. You’re not playing, not preparing. The adrenaline before the hockey game and playing the hockey game and winning hockey the game, it’s really a special feeling. It was great to be back.”
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session... Chicago Bulls-Phoenix Suns Preview.
By SCOTT GARBARINI
The Phoenix Suns' backcourt has been flourishing of late. The Chicago Bulls are once again dealing with an injury to theirs.
In a matchup of teams riding three-game winning streaks, the Suns attempt to finish off a perfect homestand Wednesday night against a Bulls team that may not have Derrick Rose available.
Rose exited Monday's game against Indiana midway through the fourth quarter after spraining his left ankle. Though the injury isn't believed to be serious, it wouldn't be surprising if Chicago (7-3) rests the 2011 league MVP considering his history of medical issues and a showdown with defending NBA champion Golden State on tap Friday.
"My ankle is a little bit sore, but I'm just happy nothing's tore or broken," said Rose, who tallied 23 points on a season-best 9-of-18 shooting in the 96-95 win. "I'll be all right."
Kirk Hinrich and E'Twaun Moore both saw time at point guard following Rose's departure, though Chicago will likely lean more heavily on Jimmy Butler if he sits.
That was the case down the stretch Monday, with Butler hitting a key jumper with 1:24 remaining and blocking Paul George on a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds.
That was the case down the stretch Monday, with Butler hitting a key jumper with 1:24 remaining and blocking Paul George on a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds.
Butler finished with 17 points after scoring a season-high 27 in Friday's 102-97 win over Charlotte. The All-Star guard is averaging a team-leading 19.2 per game.
The Suns' best run of the young season has been sparked by strong guard play as well, with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight each averaging 25.7 points in three straight double-digit victories on this homestand.
Knight posted his first career triple-double Monday, compiling 30 points, a career-high 15 assists and 10 rebounds in a 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He joined Magic Johnson, Pete Maravich and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to record a game with 30 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and four steals.
Bledsoe eclipsed 20 points for a fifth consecutive outing and is scoring 23.0 per game on 49.7 percent shooting, second only to Stephen Curry among guards with at least 100 shot attempts.
"They feed off each other," Lakers guard Lou Williams said of Bledsoe and Knight. "One night Eric Bledsoe can be the high guy then the next night it's Brandon Knight. It's tough to guard guys when they have it going like this."
T.J. Warren also has raised his play, with the second-year forward shooting 65.0 percent while averaging 15.5 points over his last four. He finished 9 of 13 from the field for a career-high 19 points Monday.
"The chemistry for this team is pretty good right now," coach Jeff Hornacek said. "They're all cheering each other on. A good sign for a coach to see is them all supporting each other. When you see that, good things happen."
The Suns (6-4) have won their last two despite Markieff Morris being sidelined by a sprained left knee. He's expected back for this game after practicing fully Tuesday. His career averages of 8.0 points and 27.3 percent shooting versus the Bulls are his worst against any opponent.
Chicago, which begins a four-game trip, had won five straight in Phoenix before a 99-93 loss Jan. 30. Pau Gasol had 22 points and 14 rebounds as the Bulls won 112-107 at home in the teams' most recent meeting Feb. 21.
Butler saves Bulls win after Rose leaves with ankle injury. (Monday night's game, 11/16/2015).
By Vincent Goodwill
By Vincent Goodwill
After his most efficient showing of the season, compiling 23 points with six assists on 9-for-18 shooting, one bad step brought the United Center crowd to a murmur when he came up lame after being fouled on a drive by Monta Ellis.
He tried to shake off the left ankle sprain, staying in the game for the next two possessions, but soon went to the bench and to the locker room for the final five minutes of the Bulls’ 96-95 win over the Indiana Pacers.
He walked to the locker room under his own power, showing an evident but not heavy limp. And all could’ve been lost considering the air had been sucked from the Madhouse, feeling more like a sad house until Jimmy Butler stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Butler had been chasing around a red-hot Paul George for most of the night, and with 5.1 seconds left George had a chance to complete a late comeback with a fadeaway jumper at the free-throw line.
But George couldn’t increase his 27-point night, due to Butler’s outstretched arm that disrupted the last chance for the Pacers, leaving George on the floor complaining and frustrated, sealing the Bulls’ win.
“Just knowing where it’s coming,” Butler said. “PG’s a hell of a player, a tough guard for anybody in this league. I was right there to contest it.”
Butler, in the argument with George and Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio) for the best two-way player in the game not named LeBron James, didn’t necessarily win the individual battle with George, as George added seven rebounds and five assists to his ledger compared to Butler’s 17 points, four assists and three rebounds.
“Paul made a strong move into the lane and made a great move to get open,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. “Butler also made a great play defensively. I don’t think there was a foul, he just made a good defensive play."
Butler did hit a late jumper to put the Bulls up three with 1:23 left, temporarily holding off the late charge when the Bulls’ free-flowing offense slowed to a crawl late, scoring just 17 in the fourth.
Making just 20 of 32 free throws contributed to the struggles, as well as Rose’s absence.
“We got stagnant,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We had some time of possession errors. I thought our flow was good all night, we had good pace. Just those last eight minutes we shut it down from the paint. We have to push out the lead and continue to do that.”
Rose’s best all-around performance of the season buoyed the Bulls to an early 13-point lead, as he made both of his 3-point attempts, his last in the fourth quarter when the Bulls were reeling.
“His tempo and his shot was really good,” Hoiberg said. “You could tell that first 3 was going in as soon as it left his hands. He’ll keep getting in better shape. I thought he played terrific.”
Rose was the key to the high-octane, efficient offense, and he displayed his most efficient basketball of the season. He played fast but under control, got to his sweet spots and followed a trend he began in last spring’s playoffs, using the glass on mid-range shots.
After dominating the game early, taking a 13-point lead due to Rose’s aggressiveness in the first quarter, the Pacers climbed back into the game, mostly due to the shooting of C.J. Miles and George.
Miles hit five triples on the way to 19 points, leaving Hoiberg no choice but to sit Nikola Mirotic, Miles' primary defender, after just 19 minutes.
It left a bit of a hole offensively as the game evolved late, but the defense played off some muscle memory when it counted.
“It was a dogfight,” said Taj Gibson (nine points, 11 rebounds), the only player to play the entire fourth quarter on either side. “We had a lot of plays on offense we usually make. A couple of ins and outs, that didn’t deter from my defense. We got some tough stops late, and that’s the ball game.”
The Bulls shot just 32.5 percent in the second half, and were out-rebounded by the smaller Pacers, 26-23, in that span, all playing a part in the comeback along with George and Ellis catching fire. Each scored 14 after the half, and Ellis finished with 20.
But even Rose’s minor injury couldn’t dampen the optimistic spirit afterwards, as the Bulls reminded themselves they still have a defensive mindset that won’t disappear overnight.
How Joe Maddon turned around Cubs and won NL Manager of Year.
By Patrick Mooney
(Photo/Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)
Joe Maddon checks all the boxes for the Cubs, the free agent who lived up to his contract and already feels like a North Side institution after one unbelievable season.
The Cubs felt like Maddon would be the right guy at the right time to take over a last-place team – and will still be the ideal manager for a World Series favorite next year.
So in the big picture, being named the National League Manager of the Year doesn’t mean all that much. Especially when the Cubs are coming off a 97-win season that represented a 24-game improvement from the year before, and the franchise finally has some stability in the dugout after going through Lou Piniella, Mike Quade, Dale Sveum and Rick Renteria since 2010.
But it’s still a nice reward for Maddon, who received the honor on Tuesday from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, getting 18 of 30 first-place votes and 124 points to beat out Mike Matheny (87) and Terry Collins (49).
The BBWAA voting closed before the Cubs eliminated Matheny’s Cardinals in the divisional round and got swept by Collins’ Mets in the NL Championship Series.
In the final analysis, it wouldn’t be that difficult of a decision for team president Theo Epstein, who fired Renteria after Maddon used an escape clause in his contract that triggered last October, when Andrew Friedman left the Tampa Bay Rays to run baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The White Sox recently hired Renteria, and the Cubs will be paying him while he works as Robin Ventura’s bench coach. But the Cubs made a great investment in Maddon, who has four seasons left on a contract that guarantees him around $25 million.
“Joe’s made a remarkable impact just by being himself,” Epstein said. “A major-league team over time starts to take on the personality of its manager, take on the sensibilities of its manager, take on the values of its manager, whether it knows it or not. That’s why I think we’re so nutty around here – in a great way.
“He pulled off the impossible, making a bunch of 21-, 22-, 23-year-old kids 40 years his junior gravitate towards him and feel comfortable around him and look forward to coming to work, in part because he was here and the environment that he created.”
Even if Maddon admits he didn’t do the heavy lifting in this rebuild, the Cubs still needed a leader to shape all this blue-chip talent, and so many players took huge steps forward this season.
Jake Arrieta is now a Cy Young finalist and will be featured in Wednesday’s award show. Anthony Rizzo finished with 31 homers, 101 RBI and an .899 OPS. Kyle Schwarber hit five home runs in the playoffs, one year after getting drafted fourth overall out of Indiana University. Addison Russell established himself as the everyday shortstop during his age-21 season.
“(Maddon) was a big factor,” said Kris Bryant, an All-Star third baseman and a Rookie of the Year this season. “From the very first day of spring training, encouraging us to be ourselves and (saying) don’t change the way you play and just being a real laid-back manager.
“It’s easy to talk to him. And (with) a lot of young guys on the team, I think that just breeds success. He definitely brought the best out of me.
“A lot of our success is just having him leading the way – and keeping us calm and confident – and at the same time having a lot of fun.”
There’s always a method to the madness. Maddon did it his way, trying to deflect negative attention away from the team, create good chemistry and distract the Chicago media by having Simon the Magician perform in the clubhouse, inviting zoo animals into Wrigley Field and playing dress-up on road trips.
“Joe takes it to (an) extreme as far as just how relaxed he is,” pitcher Jon Lester said. “What Joe’s allowed some of the older guys and (role players) to do is just relax and have fun and not worry about your job. Or worrying about when they do get a chance, they have to produce.
“Having Joe and that relaxed let’s-do-simple-better (attitude) morphed into this. Obviously, a few of these guys have taken it to extremes with some of the stuff that’s gone on.”
The “Play Stupid” Cubs won 34 one-run games and 13 in extra innings, never having a losing month or a losing streak that went longer than five games. Epstein’s front office couldn’t have found a better ringmaster for the Wrigleyville circus.
“He always tries to enjoy life,” said Hector Rondon, the Rule 5 pick who developed into a 30-save closer. “(Win or lose), he tries to get the best we have out of every game. That is a big difference when the manager and players have that good relationship. You can laugh (and relax). Whatever you want (to do) – do it. But the point is to play hard. If we play hard, we’re fine.”
The Cubs should have finished with a 90-72 record, according to the Pythagorean model. That doesn’t necessarily mean Maddon’s presence alone is worth seven wins. But the Cubs used 150 different batting orders, six different fifth starters and seven different relievers to save games.
The Cubs benched All-Star shortstop Starlin Castro, moved All-Star starter Travis Wood to the bullpen and juggled two different three-catcher rotations.
It couldn’t have been as easy as it looked from the outside, but Maddon had instant credibility as a two-time American League Manager of the Year with the Rays, and his stature helped change the culture.
“Joe’s been preaching since spring training about selflessness, about check your ego at the door,” infielder/outfielder Chris Coghlan said. “You can preach that all you want, but when it messes with guys’ livelihoods and how they play in different roles and things they’ve been used to, the only thing that really gets guys to buy in is wins.
“Joe has won (before). And Joe is winning here. That’s what enables (it). If we were losing a bunch, and Joe was asking us to do all these different roles, there would definitely be some guys that would be frustrated behind the scenes. But we’re winning. And that’s the point.
“It doesn’t matter what our role is – we all say that. But to buy in is totally different. I think slowly but surely throughout the year, our clubhouse has bought in, and (guys played at) different levels, even in different roles that they’re not used to.”
Epstein knows teams talk about five-year plans and watch those windows to contend slam shut. But with Maddon pushing the buttons, the Cubs feel like they can win big for a long time.
The Cubs felt like Maddon would be the right guy at the right time to take over a last-place team – and will still be the ideal manager for a World Series favorite next year.
So in the big picture, being named the National League Manager of the Year doesn’t mean all that much. Especially when the Cubs are coming off a 97-win season that represented a 24-game improvement from the year before, and the franchise finally has some stability in the dugout after going through Lou Piniella, Mike Quade, Dale Sveum and Rick Renteria since 2010.
But it’s still a nice reward for Maddon, who received the honor on Tuesday from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, getting 18 of 30 first-place votes and 124 points to beat out Mike Matheny (87) and Terry Collins (49).
The BBWAA voting closed before the Cubs eliminated Matheny’s Cardinals in the divisional round and got swept by Collins’ Mets in the NL Championship Series.
In the final analysis, it wouldn’t be that difficult of a decision for team president Theo Epstein, who fired Renteria after Maddon used an escape clause in his contract that triggered last October, when Andrew Friedman left the Tampa Bay Rays to run baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The White Sox recently hired Renteria, and the Cubs will be paying him while he works as Robin Ventura’s bench coach. But the Cubs made a great investment in Maddon, who has four seasons left on a contract that guarantees him around $25 million.
“Joe’s made a remarkable impact just by being himself,” Epstein said. “A major-league team over time starts to take on the personality of its manager, take on the sensibilities of its manager, take on the values of its manager, whether it knows it or not. That’s why I think we’re so nutty around here – in a great way.
“He pulled off the impossible, making a bunch of 21-, 22-, 23-year-old kids 40 years his junior gravitate towards him and feel comfortable around him and look forward to coming to work, in part because he was here and the environment that he created.”
Even if Maddon admits he didn’t do the heavy lifting in this rebuild, the Cubs still needed a leader to shape all this blue-chip talent, and so many players took huge steps forward this season.
Jake Arrieta is now a Cy Young finalist and will be featured in Wednesday’s award show. Anthony Rizzo finished with 31 homers, 101 RBI and an .899 OPS. Kyle Schwarber hit five home runs in the playoffs, one year after getting drafted fourth overall out of Indiana University. Addison Russell established himself as the everyday shortstop during his age-21 season.
“(Maddon) was a big factor,” said Kris Bryant, an All-Star third baseman and a Rookie of the Year this season. “From the very first day of spring training, encouraging us to be ourselves and (saying) don’t change the way you play and just being a real laid-back manager.
“It’s easy to talk to him. And (with) a lot of young guys on the team, I think that just breeds success. He definitely brought the best out of me.
“A lot of our success is just having him leading the way – and keeping us calm and confident – and at the same time having a lot of fun.”
There’s always a method to the madness. Maddon did it his way, trying to deflect negative attention away from the team, create good chemistry and distract the Chicago media by having Simon the Magician perform in the clubhouse, inviting zoo animals into Wrigley Field and playing dress-up on road trips.
“Joe takes it to (an) extreme as far as just how relaxed he is,” pitcher Jon Lester said. “What Joe’s allowed some of the older guys and (role players) to do is just relax and have fun and not worry about your job. Or worrying about when they do get a chance, they have to produce.
“Having Joe and that relaxed let’s-do-simple-better (attitude) morphed into this. Obviously, a few of these guys have taken it to extremes with some of the stuff that’s gone on.”
The “Play Stupid” Cubs won 34 one-run games and 13 in extra innings, never having a losing month or a losing streak that went longer than five games. Epstein’s front office couldn’t have found a better ringmaster for the Wrigleyville circus.
“He always tries to enjoy life,” said Hector Rondon, the Rule 5 pick who developed into a 30-save closer. “(Win or lose), he tries to get the best we have out of every game. That is a big difference when the manager and players have that good relationship. You can laugh (and relax). Whatever you want (to do) – do it. But the point is to play hard. If we play hard, we’re fine.”
The Cubs should have finished with a 90-72 record, according to the Pythagorean model. That doesn’t necessarily mean Maddon’s presence alone is worth seven wins. But the Cubs used 150 different batting orders, six different fifth starters and seven different relievers to save games.
The Cubs benched All-Star shortstop Starlin Castro, moved All-Star starter Travis Wood to the bullpen and juggled two different three-catcher rotations.
It couldn’t have been as easy as it looked from the outside, but Maddon had instant credibility as a two-time American League Manager of the Year with the Rays, and his stature helped change the culture.
“Joe’s been preaching since spring training about selflessness, about check your ego at the door,” infielder/outfielder Chris Coghlan said. “You can preach that all you want, but when it messes with guys’ livelihoods and how they play in different roles and things they’ve been used to, the only thing that really gets guys to buy in is wins.
“Joe has won (before). And Joe is winning here. That’s what enables (it). If we were losing a bunch, and Joe was asking us to do all these different roles, there would definitely be some guys that would be frustrated behind the scenes. But we’re winning. And that’s the point.
“It doesn’t matter what our role is – we all say that. But to buy in is totally different. I think slowly but surely throughout the year, our clubhouse has bought in, and (guys played at) different levels, even in different roles that they’re not used to.”
Epstein knows teams talk about five-year plans and watch those windows to contend slam shut. But with Maddon pushing the buttons, the Cubs feel like they can win big for a long time.
Kris Bryant lives up to hype, wins NL Rookie of the Year Award.
By Patrick Mooney
By Patrick Mooney
(Photo courtesy of sportingnews.com)
Bryant went 30-for-30 in first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, which unveiled the results on Monday night, the beginning of a week that could also see Joe Maddon and Jake Arrieta win Manager of the Year and Cy Young awards as part of the franchise’s resurgence.
The buzz kept building as the Cubs won 97 games and finished with the third-best record in baseball. Bryant played a huge part in turning around what had been a last-place team in 2014, putting up 26 homers, 99 RBIs and an .858 OPS during an unforgettable All-Star season.
“There is a way to top this year,” Bryant said on a BBWAA conference call. “And that’s to win a World Series.”
Bryant won this in a landslide, finishing with 150 points to beat out two worthy finalists: San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Duffy (70) and Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang (28).
Bryant became the first Cub to win the award since Geovany Soto in 2008. The other Cubs: Kerry Wood (1998), Jerome Walton (1989), Ken Hubbs (1962) and Hall of Famer Billy Williams (1961).
As Baseball America’s No. 1 prospect heading into the season, Bryant did all this with a huge target on his back.
The Cubs put it there when they drafted Bryant out of the University of San Diego with the second overall pick in 2013, right in the middle of a long-term rebuild for Theo Epstein’s front office and the Ricketts family that would focus on scouting and player development.
But Bryant magnified it by authorizing super-agent Scott Boras to fight his service-time battle in the media, getting his own adidas “WORTH THE WAIT” billboard across the street from the Wrigley Field marquee and shooting a down-on-the-farm advertisement with a goat for Red Bull.
Whether or not Bryant becomes a huge crossover star and cashes in on all that marketing potential, he definitely proved that he could play at this level, even with only 181 minor-league games on his resume.
“I don’t think there was any pressure for myself, just because you’re surrounded by (other young players),” Bryant said. “The only expectations that really matter are the ones that you put on yourself. And I certainly exceeded my expectations this year.”
Bryant did his live shot for the MLB Network award show with a Boras Corp. logo in the background. The third baseman obviously didn’t need those seven extra games at Triple-A Iowa to get into a “defensive rhythm” in April. The Cubs used the system to delay free agency until after the 2021 season.
“Honestly, I haven’t really thought about that much lately,” Bryant said. “I said what needed to be said earlier in the year. And right now, it’s really just enjoying the award that I won and the season that we had as a team.
“Things happen for a reason. I said it before: I think I played with a little chip on my shoulder this year. And it’s good to play that way sometimes. You really want to help your team win in any way possible. And sometimes when you have something to play for, you play even better.”
For a 6-foot-5 slugger with smash-the-video-board power and a swing that generated 199 strikeouts, Bryant still found different ways to contribute to a playoff team.
A better-than-advertised third baseman, Bryant also played all three outfield positions and even made a six-inning cameo at first base, demonstrating his versatility, athleticism and unselfish attitude.
Bryant also stole 13 bases and showed such surprising speed, aggressiveness and instincts that a major-league evaluator nicknamed him “The Untaggable Man.”
Bryce Harper — a Rookie of the Year in 2012 and a likely MVP winner for the Washington Nationals this season — grew up in Las Vegas playing with and against Bryant and tweeted a message, hashtagging a childhood nickname for his smooth game: “Nobody deserves it more than you brotha #Silk."
Bryant became the 20th overall player to unanimously win this award, joining a list that includes Frank Robinson, Mark McGwire, Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and Jose Abreu.
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa — a player the Cubs once worked out at Wrigley Field and thought might fall to them at the sixth pick if things broke a certain way in the 2012 draft — won the American League Rookie of the Year hardware. Correa went No. 1 overall to Houston, but the Astros did the Cubs a favor the next year by passing on Bryant and taking pitcher Mark Appel.
The BBWAA voting closed before the playoffs began and the Cubs advanced to the NL Championship Series. Maddon — a two-time AL Manager of the Year with the Tampa Bay Rays — is a finalist along with Terry Collins (New York Mets) and Mike Matheny (St. Louis Cardinals). Arrieta is going up against a pair of aces for the Los Angeles Dodgers — Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw.
Those trophies would be nice, but after a breakthrough season, the Cubs feel so much closer to their ultimate goal and that World Series ring.
“Twenty years from now,” Bryant said, “you’re not going to remember your batting average or how many home runs you hit in a certain season. It’s going to be the championship that you won.”
Offensive upgrade will come at cost for White Sox.
By Dan Hayes
Despite $67 million of high-end renovations and strong performances by Jose Abreu and Adam Eaton, the 2015 White Sox finished last in the American League with 622 runs scored. Not only was their run total third-worst in the majors, slightly ahead of the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, respectively, the White Sox also tied for the fifth-fewest home runs in baseball with 136.
But if they can, the White Sox want to avoid parting with their pitching to resolve their offensive woes. Even more so, they’d prefer to not even consider deals for Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon. While nothing is totally out of the question, general manager Rick Hahn has made it clear he has placed a premium on his top assets.
“It’s conceivable, but at the same time we realize how special some of the arms we have under control for the foreseeable future are and we’re reluctant given the cost of replacing those to dip into those,” Hahn said last week at the GM meetings in Boca Raton, Fla. “Everything is on the table. We haven’t closed off any avenues to make ourselves better. When you start talking about taking away from the strength of our rotation or even our bullpen part of the calculus you have to balance out is how much of a step back in our run prevention would we potentially take in trying to score more runs.”
The White Sox offense could use help almost everywhere across the diamond.
The team’s catchers ranked 17th in OPS, their first baseman were 16th, their centerfielders were sixth and left field ranked 17th. Aside from the designated hitters, who combined for the ninth-best OPS among 15 American League teams, every other position was in the bottom third for combined OPS. The team’s second baseman and third baseman ranked 30th, shortstop was 25th and right field was 21st.
Part of it was the power shortage and some could be attributed to the struggle to put runners on base as the White Sox finished with a .306 on-base percentage, which ranked 14th among 15 AL teams.
Hahn is likely OK moving forward with the current group of outfielders and Abreu at first base. But nothing else is set, although the White Sox like the defense Carlos Sanchez provided at second and they think he’s more like the hitter he was in the second half, when he hit .252/.302/.385 in 246 plate appearances.
“We’ve talked about behind the plate, we’ve got to figure out what we’re going to do in the middle of the diamond as well as third base,” Hahn said. “Those are all areas where really there’s room for improvement offensively.”
So how will they get it done (and, yes, Hahn thinks it’s possible)?
Though a trade of Sale could easily provide an immediate remedy for at least three or four issues, the White Sox are more likely to try to replicate a deal that netted them Adam Eaton. In exchange for their center fielder, the White Sox parted with Hector Santiago in a three-team trade in December 2013.
They also tried to solve third base that offseason by trading closer Addison Reed for Matt Davidson, who has yet to reach the majors.
Hoping for better execution on the latter, they might try the same idea.
With Spencer Adams, Tyler Danish, Carson Fulmer and Jordan Guerrero in the pipeline, the White Sox may be more willing to move Erik Johnson or Francellis Montas in hopes of getting young, controllable position players in return as painful as that option may be. They could also deal from several solid bullpen options, as David Robertson controls the ninth inning.
“We know the value of the talent that we have and the fact that they’re not only premium pitchers but controllable at affordable rates going forward makes them all the more valuable to us much less in the trade market,” Hahn said. “You don’t want to rob Peter to pay Paul to a huge extent but we need to get better offensively so we may have to make some sacrifices.”
Golf: I got a club for that..... Power rankings: The RSM Classic.
By Ryan Ballengee
This week's RSM Classic on St. Simons Island, Ga., marks the end of the 2015 portion of the PGA Tour's wraparound season, meaning it's the last time before January that players can cash in and earn critical early-season FedEx Cup points.
Robert Streb won here a year ago in a three-man playoff, but he's coming in with poor form, while a number of PGA Tour pros who call the island home get to compete in a home game.
Here are our top five players for this week:
1. Justin Thomas – It would seem luck favors the young Thomas of late on the PGA Tour, so it's not unreasonable to make the CIMB Classic winner our top pick this week. Thomas had to hang on to make the cut here last year and was DFL on the weekend, but he's changed a lot as a player.
McIlroy looking to end season on a high at WGC in Dubai.
AP
Robert Streb won here a year ago in a three-man playoff, but he's coming in with poor form, while a number of PGA Tour pros who call the island home get to compete in a home game.
Here are our top five players for this week:
1. Justin Thomas – It would seem luck favors the young Thomas of late on the PGA Tour, so it's not unreasonable to make the CIMB Classic winner our top pick this week. Thomas had to hang on to make the cut here last year and was DFL on the weekend, but he's changed a lot as a player.
2. Graeme McDowell – McDowell may be a little spent from winning on Monday in Mexico, but we have to love what he showed in the win, especially in windy and nasty conditions. Sea Island will get some wind, and McDowell will handle it.
3. Patton Kizzire – After a pair of top-five finishes to start his PGA Tour career, Kizzire was T-58 at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. That's OK. This is a home game for Kizzire, so he should fare well.
4. Zach Johnson – Johnson will be a little rusty since this is his first start since the Presidents Cup. However, he's a home-gamer, too, and has a couple of top-20 finishes here. He missed the cut here last year, but what's more important is his incredible 2014-15 season in whole.
5. Brendon de Jonge – We typically don't rank de Jonge. Despite the high birdies-per-round average, he can drop off quickly. However, he has a great record here. He was a playoff loser last year and was T-4 in 2012.
McIlroy looking to end season on a high at WGC in Dubai.
AP
Rory McIlroy is planning to round off his season as the European number one with a winning performance at the DP World Tour Championship this week.
Top of the standings, McIlroy is in pole position among seven players with a chance of winning the Race to Dubai on Sunday after the last event of the European Tour season at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
McIlroy, who missed last week's BMW Masters in Shanghai, leads England's Danny Willett by 1,613 points. He needs to finish ahead of Willett, and inside the top-three in case any of the next five players win the tournament, to secure his third European number one crown.
McIlroy, who missed last week's BMW Masters in Shanghai, leads England's Danny Willett by 1,613 points. He needs to finish ahead of Willett, and inside the top-three in case any of the next five players win the tournament, to secure his third European number one crown.
"I didn't quite think I'd be in this position, especially after taking the week off last week," McIlroy said Tuesday. "But a few of the guys didn't capitalize on that in China thankfully and I find myself in a position where it's totally in my hands.
"If I go out and win the tournament, I win the overall thing no matter what anybody else does, and that's a nice position to be in. I just want to win the tournament. I don't care who finishes second, who finishes third."
McIlroy's bid for the European title has been hampered by an ankle injury this year ruled him out of three tournaments that would have counted toward the Race to Dubai - the Scottish Open, British Open and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
He has played only 11 events this season and needed special intervention from the European Tour to get into the $8 million DP World Tour Championship.
The event is open only to the top-60 players on the Race to Dubai who have met the minimum requirement of having played at least 12 events.
McIlroy will not be playing any tournaments after this one until the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship from Jan. 21-24 next year.
NASCAR; Power Rankings: Kyle Busch keeps the top spot.
NASCAR; Power Rankings: Kyle Busch keeps the top spot.
By Nick Bromberg
1. Kyle Busch (LW: 1): Harvick led 143 laps to Busch's 1. And he finished a spot ahead of Busch. But we're keeping Kyle here because he's made it to the final race of the Chase in title contention for the first time. That's an achievement, especially for a driver who has had such Chase failures like Busch has. But enough about those, he's going to get asked about them a lot over the week. He's handling the pressure of the last nine weeks well. There's no reason to think that he won't handle the final week well too.
2. Kevin Harvick (LW: 2): There's part of us that wonders if Harvick will pick Busch as a trash-talk target if he decides to throw a few verbal jabs at Media Day on Thursday. You can't exactly try to trash talk Jeff Gordon and what are you going to say to Martin Truex Jr.? Busch is not only the only remaining competitor, but he and Harvick aren't exactly the best of friends anyway. We're betting, however, that Harvick will be a little different on Thursday.
3. Jeff Gordon (LW: 3): OK, NASCAR. Here's your story to save the dreadfulness that has been the 2015 Chase so far. Will Gordon give NASCAR the moment it's desperately wanting? While a Gordon title would be a great way for the four-time champion to end his career, it'd also be a perfect example of the randomness of the Chase. If you were ranking drivers over the course of the season, Gordon wouldn't be in the top five.
4. Martin Truex Jr. (LW: 4): Here's our fourth title contender. Yeah, the one-car team based in Denver storyline will be overrun this week, but we find something more interesting about Truex's candidacy. He's driving for a team that's switching manufacturers at the end of the season in an attempt to further improve performance. While Brad Keselowski won the 2012 title in a Dodge, Penske was on an island and working on its cars themselves. Furniture Row Racing gets equipment from Richard Childress Racing, a stalwart Chevrolet team.
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (LW: 8): Congratulations to Dale Earnhardt and, more specifically, his crew chief Greg Ives. If Junior was pitted on the turn 1 side of the start/finish line at Phoenix, Kevin Harvick probably wins the race. Instead, Junior was in front of the start/finish line and ended up being scored as the leader after the cars that didn't pit under green headed to pit road. We won't beat the dead horse here, but if the caution came out just a bit later at Talladega, Junior would be one of the final four drivers.
6. Joey Logano (LW: 7): While Kurt Busch has a huge "what if?" gripe given the rule that he violated on the start of Sunday's race, Logano's game is pretty massive too. Logano has been one of the best drivers over the past two seasons at restarts. And he had a pretty fast car throughout the entirety of Sunday's race. He would have restarted third had the race gone green. It's not crazy to think he would have been in a heads-up battle with Kevin Harvick for the chance to run for the title again.
7. Jimmie Johnson (LW: 6): Johnson finished fifth after starting on the pole. His fifth-place run was his fourth top-five in the nine races since the track has been repaved. He's still been pretty damn good there (he has other finishes of sixth and 11th), but it's not like the dominance he showed on the old pavement. Before the track was repaved, Johnson had finished outside the top 10 twice in 16 races. And those two finishes were 15th-place ones. Damn.
8. Kurt Busch (LW: 10): Look, Busch violated a rule at the start of Sunday's race. The second-place car can't beat the polesitter to the start and he did just that. But it's a cruel punishment when you see that the same scenario happened in the spring Phoenix race and went unpunished. Yeah NASCAR said it was taking a closer look at starts and restarts during the Chase. But unlike restarts, which have a lot of room for variance, what Logano did in the spring race in beating Harvick to the line was a cut and dried penalty. He escaped, while Busch got the wrath of NASCAR. Oh, by the way, he finished seventh. Hell of a comeback.
9. Brad Keselowski (LW: 5): We applaud Brad Keselowski for sticking to the theme that the Chase's entertainment value trumps fairness. It does, and that search for entertainment leaves it open to being underwhelming like it is currently. The old Chase format had elimination built in. While all drivers were still theoretically part of the Chase at Homestead, the self-selection that happened over the previous nine races left just a handful or less of drivers racing for the title every year. This format with forced elimination guarantees a close title race, but that's about it.
10. Carl Edwards (LW: 9): Edwards soooooo wanted to keep racing Sunday night. He was two spots ahead of Martin Truex Jr. and needed to make up five points. There's no guarantee he could have done that, but it would have been a fascinating subplot to what would likely have been a pretty good fight for the lead and a Chase berth. Instead, Edwards was left to wallow in the rain and, again, lose a title thanks to mother nature. Remember, in 2011 when he was racing Tony Stewart at Homestead for the title, a rain shower helped Stewart get track position late in the race to fend off Edwards.
11. Denny Hamlin (LW: NR): Hamlin finished eighth at Phoenix. And honestly, he's here because we're out of drivers to put in the top 12. Jamie McMurray finished towards the bottom part of the top 20. Ryan Newman was 11th. Paul Menard was 13th. In case you were wondering, Carl Edwards has a 15-point lead on Joey Logano for the not-at-all-important bonus for finishing in fifth.
12. Erik Jones (LW: 12): Jones finished 19th on Sunday after qualifying seventh. Two top-20 finishes isn't a bad way to sub for a championship driver. Now we just need to see if Joe Gibbs Racing wants to pull Edwards out of the No. 19 this week to let Jones see time in all four of its Cup cars this year. Yeah, it won't happen, but it'd be pretty cool and funny to see.
The Lucky Dog: Aric Almirola was 10th while teammate Sam Hornish Jr. was 31st.
The DNF: We'll give it to Ricky Stenhouse and Joey Gase for causing the caution that turned the end of the race into a cluster.
Dropped out: Jamie McMurray.
NASCAR chairman Brian France calls meeting with Matt Kenseth.
AP - Sports
NASCAR chairman Brian France met Monday with Matt Kenseth three days after the suspended driver defiantly promised to remain aggressive when he returns for the season finale this weekend.
France met with Kenseth in Charlotte and ''was pleased with the dialogue,'' said NASCAR spokesman Brett Jewkes, who declined to disclose details of the discussion. He said attention was now being turned to the championship weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kenseth was suspended two races for intentionally wrecking Joey Logano as payback for an earlier incident in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Kenseth's action ultimately cost Logano a spot in Sunday's title-deciding race. Kenseth was knocked out of the playoffs in part because Logano spun him while the two raced for the win at Kansas last month.
In an interview with The Associated Press last week, Kenseth stood by his actions and said he felt encouraged to retaliate because France praised Logano's actions at Kansas as ''quintessential NASCAR.'' The two-time Daytona 500 winner told AP he had no regret over wrecking Logano and vowed to be more aggressive upon his return. Kenseth also noted that NASCAR officials failed to mediate the feud between Kenseth and Logano as it continued to simmer.
Kenseth found it unusual that NASCAR did not sit the drivers down, and said he felt he had no choice but to retaliate or risk losing respect in the garage area.
Logano and Kenseth were two of the top drivers this season and neither will race for the title. Logano won the Daytona 500 and five other races, including a three-race sweep of the second round of the Chase.
Before Kenseth wrecked him, Logano was likely going to win at Martinsville to earn an automatic berth into the finale.
Kenseth won five races, but was in a must-win situation to avoid elimination in the second round of the Chase. He was headed to the win at Kansas that would have moved him into the third round of the Chase, but Logano spun him to snatch the victory.
Logano chalked it up as a racing incident, but Kenseth felt the act was intentional. The two never attempted to clear the air before Martinsville, where most everyone had a hunch that Kenseth would exact revenge.
Jeff Gordon went on to win at Martinsville and will race for his fifth championship on Sunday in his final event before retirement. He'll be racing reigning champion Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. for the title.
SOCCER; USA 0-0 Trinidad & Tobago: Lackluster Performance Leads To Scoreless Draw.
By Kyle Lynch
The United States leave Port of Spain with just one point after settling for a 0-0 draw against Trinidad & Tobago in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
The U.S. was outplayed in the first half and didn’t finish their chances in the second, as it was another lackluster performance from Jurgen Klinsmann’s men.
The United States leave Port of Spain with just one point after settling for a 0-0 draw against Trinidad & Tobago in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
The U.S. was outplayed in the first half and didn’t finish their chances in the second, as it was another lackluster performance from Jurgen Klinsmann’s men.
The Soca Warriors nearly went ahead within the opening 30 seconds, but Chicago Fire’s Joevin Jones hit his shot just over the bar as the USMNT was lucky to avoid a disastrous start.
T&T continued to control most of the play in beginning of the match, although the U.S. did settle in and gain a bit more possession. However, most of the play was kept in the middle-third of the pitch, as neither side looked overly threatening going forward.
After a slow opening frame, the United States could have turned the tide a minute into the second half. Jozy Altidore played a cross into Gyasi Zardes at the back post, whose header rang off the crossbar. Zardes really should have done better as the game remained scoreless.
The USMNT controlled possession in the second half but lacked intent, never making T&T pay for sitting back. Unable to break through the defense, Jermaine Jones took his chances from 40 yards out in the 78th minute. His strike was headed for the top corner, but Jan-Michael Williams was able to get his fingertips on the shot, deflecting it off the crossbar and out for a corner kick.
Darlington Nagbe and Bobby Wood both came off the bench to try and bring some energy to the U.S. attack, but neither changed the run of play as the match ended a scoreless draw, a deserved result for both sides.
Four points from two matches is good in the standings, but there weren’t many positives to take away from tonight’s performance.
The emotional scenes of solidarity at Wembley before England-France friendly.
By Leander Schaerlaeckens
England and France players stand together before the international friendly soccer match between England and France at Wembley Stadium in London, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. France is playing England at Wembley on Tuesday after the countries decided the match should go ahead despite the deadly attacks in Paris last Friday night which killed scores of people. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Wembley Stadium's iconic arch, like many landmarks all over the world, was lit up in France's blue, white and red. A big digital board read "liberté, égalité, fraternité" – "liberty, equality, fraternity" – the French national motto. France's flag was displayed on both sides of the marquee for the England-France friendly on Tuesday.
It was to be the first game Les Bleus would play since the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, during which the Stade de France, where they were in the middle of another friendly against Germany, was also targeted.
Before the game, the tension was so thick that it was palpable even through a television feeds thousands of miles away. Indeed, over in Hanover, the Germany-Netherlands friendly was called off at the last moment by local police, who were concerned about safety and turned the team busses around and evacuated the stadium.
But this game would go ahead. And the entire teams came out on the field for anthems, rather than just the starters. And France manager Didier Deschamps, his English counterpart Roy Hodgson and Prince William laid a wreath beside the field, as other dignitaries including Prime Minister David Cameron looked on.
The players of both countries, sporting black mourning bands, intermingled during the brief ceremony.
Then, unusually, the home side's national anthem was sung first, before the whole stadium joined in for the French anthem, La Marseillaise.
One section of the stands held up the French flag.
By Nick Bromberg
The third week of the College Football Playoff rankings looks a lot like the second week. At least at the top.
The top four teams were unchanged in the latest edition of the rankings. Clemson stayed at No. 1, Alabama at No. 2, Ohio State at No. 3 and Notre Dame at No. 4. The first two teams out of the four-team playoff field were Iowa at No. 5 and Oklahoma State at No. 6. The Cowboys replaced Baylor in the top six.
The highest non-power five team was Navy. The Midshipmen are at No. 16.
No. 2 Ohio State hopes its best is yet to come in last games.
It was to be the first game Les Bleus would play since the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, during which the Stade de France, where they were in the middle of another friendly against Germany, was also targeted.
Before the game, the tension was so thick that it was palpable even through a television feeds thousands of miles away. Indeed, over in Hanover, the Germany-Netherlands friendly was called off at the last moment by local police, who were concerned about safety and turned the team busses around and evacuated the stadium.
But this game would go ahead. And the entire teams came out on the field for anthems, rather than just the starters. And France manager Didier Deschamps, his English counterpart Roy Hodgson and Prince William laid a wreath beside the field, as other dignitaries including Prime Minister David Cameron looked on.
The players of both countries, sporting black mourning bands, intermingled during the brief ceremony.
Then, unusually, the home side's national anthem was sung first, before the whole stadium joined in for the French anthem, La Marseillaise.
One section of the stands held up the French flag.
French flags waved all over stadium. One banner riffed on the "Pray for Paris" hashtag and read "Play for Paris."
Finally, the players mixed up again and formed a circle around the center of the field for a minute of silence for the victims.
The French government soon sent a tweet from its official account.
Finally, the players mixed up again and formed a circle around the center of the field for a minute of silence for the victims.
The French government soon sent a tweet from its official account.
Some 10 minutes into the game, the crowd sang La Marseillaise again.
England won 2-0 on a deflected but still wondrous Dele Alli strike and a Wayne Rooney volley. The French looked out of sorts for much of the first half. Dazed, perhaps. They regrouped in the second half, putting together a more coherent performance but they couldn't get on the board.
England won 2-0 on a deflected but still wondrous Dele Alli strike and a Wayne Rooney volley. The French looked out of sorts for much of the first half. Dazed, perhaps. They regrouped in the second half, putting together a more coherent performance but they couldn't get on the board.
Ultimately, the game itself sort of wasn't the point.
And after the final whistle, France went to thank the sizable section of their fans. The French flags still waved.
NCAAFB: CFP rankings: Top 4 teams unchanged from the previous week.
By Nick Bromberg
The third week of the College Football Playoff rankings looks a lot like the second week. At least at the top.
The top four teams were unchanged in the latest edition of the rankings. Clemson stayed at No. 1, Alabama at No. 2, Ohio State at No. 3 and Notre Dame at No. 4. The first two teams out of the four-team playoff field were Iowa at No. 5 and Oklahoma State at No. 6. The Cowboys replaced Baylor in the top six.
Alabama and Notre Dame each have a loss. Clemson, Ohio State, Iowa and Oklahoma State are undefeated. It's clear the committee currently values the way Alabama is playing after losing to Ole Miss at home and the closeness of Notre Dame's loss at Clemson.
Oklahoma, which beat Baylor last Saturday, is at No. 7. Outside of possibly Iowa, Oklahoma is in the best position of any team with a loss currently outside the top four to move in. The Sooners play TCU in Week 12 and also still have to play Oklahoma State. However, TCU fell three spots in the rankings to No. 18 after narrowly beating Kansas without the services of QB Trevone Boykin for much of the game.
The remaining members of the top 10 (in order) were Florida, Michigan State and Baylor. Michigan State plays Ohio State on Saturday. The team outside the top 10 with the biggest impact could be Stanford. The Cardinal fell from No. 7 after losing to Oregon in Week 11 but are high enough to give Notre Dame a perhaps-needed boost at the end of the season. The Fighting Irish and the Cardinal play each other on November 28. If Notre Dame wins, the game could solidify the Irish's status inside the top four.
Oklahoma, which beat Baylor last Saturday, is at No. 7. Outside of possibly Iowa, Oklahoma is in the best position of any team with a loss currently outside the top four to move in. The Sooners play TCU in Week 12 and also still have to play Oklahoma State. However, TCU fell three spots in the rankings to No. 18 after narrowly beating Kansas without the services of QB Trevone Boykin for much of the game.
The remaining members of the top 10 (in order) were Florida, Michigan State and Baylor. Michigan State plays Ohio State on Saturday. The team outside the top 10 with the biggest impact could be Stanford. The Cardinal fell from No. 7 after losing to Oregon in Week 11 but are high enough to give Notre Dame a perhaps-needed boost at the end of the season. The Fighting Irish and the Cardinal play each other on November 28. If Notre Dame wins, the game could solidify the Irish's status inside the top four.
North Carolina, which has looked incredibly impressive as of late, jumped from No. 23 to No. 17. You can argue that the Tar Heels should be ranked higher at 9-1, but UNC's schedule strength isn't the best. The Tar Heels have played two FCS teams in 2015 and lost to South Carolina to open the season.
The highest non-power five team was Navy. The Midshipmen are at No. 16.
No. 2 Ohio State hopes its best is yet to come in last games.
By CRAIG MERZ
The defending national champions are still an enigma to many, including themselves.
No. 2 Ohio State has won all 10 games this season. Its current winning streak is 23 games.
But the Buckeyes have looked unimpressive at times against unranked teams, while repeating the mantra that playing their best is most important at the end of the season.
That time is approaching as Ohio State (10-0, 6-0 Big Ten, No. 3 CFP) faces its sternest - and first, some would argue - challenge of the season against No. 9 Michigan State (9-1, 5-1, No. 13) Saturday in Ohio Stadium.
''We haven't really been tested,'' Ohio State left tackle Taylor Decker said. ''This is a huge gauge for us going into some of the biggest games at the end of the season, because this is the biggest game we've played yet this season.
''We haven't even played our best yet,'' Decker said. ''We have to focus on that and not what people are talking about.''
The games against Michigan State and Nov. 28 at No.14 Michigan have long been targeted as Ohio State's most important of the season, almost rendering the previous 10 as warmup acts.
If the Buckeyes reach the Big Ten Championship Game, they might face No. 5/6 Iowa.
''It's do or die time, make it or break it these last few games if we want to get what we trained for,'' Ohio State right guard Pat Elflein said. ''It's part of being a Buckeye. You feel the pressure all the time to be the best at everything you do.''
If the Buckeyes reach the Big Ten Championship Game, they might face No. 5/6 Iowa.
''It's do or die time, make it or break it these last few games if we want to get what we trained for,'' Ohio State right guard Pat Elflein said. ''It's part of being a Buckeye. You feel the pressure all the time to be the best at everything you do.''
Ohio State has struggled offensively beyond running back Ezekiel Elliott, a Heisman Trophy candidate with 15 straight games of 100-plus yards rushing.
The quarterback debate ended with J.T. Barrett winning the starting job over Cardale Jones, but a 28-3 win last week at Illinois did nothing to dispel the perception that the offense is not clicking.
Or maybe the expectations coming off last season can't be met.
Or maybe the expectations coming off last season can't be met.
''There's probably 10 places like this in America where you keep building a beast and you've got to feed it,'' Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said.
''We know there are issues. This is not a perfect team. I've never seen a perfect team. As a matter of fact, we've got a long way to go,'' he said. ''There are certain areas we're not playing very good, and that's why we practice all the time.''
Besides the inside track to winning the East Division, there are bragging rights at stake. Although Ohio State has won 30 straight regular-season conference games since Meyer became coach in the 2012 season, the Spartans handed him his only Big Ten loss - a 34-24 defeat in the 2013 conference title game that ended Ohio State's 23-game winning streak.
Last season, the 14-ranked Buckeyes went to East Lansing and beat the No. 8 Spartans 49-37. Meyer said it was the best offensive performance of the season.
Decker said he hopes this year's game can have a similar effect.
Decker said he hopes this year's game can have a similar effect.
''If we perform well (Saturday) it will show everybody we're for real because people are questioning how good we really are,'' he said.
Boston College-Notre Dame Preview.
AP - Sports
Just because it looks like the easy part of the schedule doesn't mean No. 5 Notre Dame is about to let up.
AP - Sports
Just because it looks like the easy part of the schedule doesn't mean No. 5 Notre Dame is about to let up.
Coach Brian Kelly wants his Fighting Irish to be more aggressive Saturday night at Fenway Park as they take on stingy Boston College, which has a top-ranked defense but only three wins in 10 games to show for it.
''We just have to be probably a little more aggressive. I thought we were a little conservative at times,'' Kelly said Tuesday after a less than stellar 28-7 win over Wake Forest last week. ''Probably a little more aggressive in the areas where we've been pushing the ball vertically.''
The Irish (9-1) completed two passes of 15 yards or more against Wake Forest, and failed to top 400 yards of offense for the first time this season. The Irish came up with one play longer than 25 yards - a 98-yard touchdown run by Josh Adams.
Boston College is second in the country in preventing big plays, allowing 15 plays of 40 or more yards this season. Kelly says they like to ''get up in your face.''
''It's really a defensive unit philosophy that you're working at more than anything else,'' he added. ''So it's not one particular guy. So you're really looking at how they're coached and how they're defending down and distance and formationally.''
''We just have to be probably a little more aggressive. I thought we were a little conservative at times,'' Kelly said Tuesday after a less than stellar 28-7 win over Wake Forest last week. ''Probably a little more aggressive in the areas where we've been pushing the ball vertically.''
The Irish (9-1) completed two passes of 15 yards or more against Wake Forest, and failed to top 400 yards of offense for the first time this season. The Irish came up with one play longer than 25 yards - a 98-yard touchdown run by Josh Adams.
Boston College is second in the country in preventing big plays, allowing 15 plays of 40 or more yards this season. Kelly says they like to ''get up in your face.''
''It's really a defensive unit philosophy that you're working at more than anything else,'' he added. ''So it's not one particular guy. So you're really looking at how they're coached and how they're defending down and distance and formationally.''
Notre Dame will counter with C.J. Prosise, who missed last week's game after sustaining a concussion two weeks ago. Prosise leads the team with 975 yards rushing and has five 100-yard games. With Prosise out, Adams has piled up 288 yards.
''We're a better football team with both of them, without question. C.J.'s an elite player,'' Kelly said.
Prosise has broken off 18 runs of 15 yards or more, including a 91-yard touchdown against Georgia Tech. Big plays, not 3-yard gains, are what Kelly is looking for.
''They would hope that that's the way you kind of play the game,'' Kelly said. ''We've got to try to find explosive plays, so that's why C.J. Prosise needs to be in this game.''
It's also why they need to get the ball to Will Fuller, who was held to three catches for 37 yards. The receiver is averaging 93.7 yards a game and has 12 touchdowns.
However, receivers rarely have good days against a BC defense which has surrendered six TD passes all season. The Eagles (3-7) lead the FBS in total defense, allowing 236.5 yards per game, and give up an average of 14.4 points to rank third.
Still, coach Steve Addazio knows this is likely the biggest challenge that unit has faced this year.
"This is one of the most talented teams that Notre Dame has had in a long time on both sides of the ball and special teams," he said. "On offense, DeShone Kizer, the quarterback, is an exceptional player, but he has a great offensive line in front of him. ... I believe C.J. Prosise is a heck of a back behind a good offensive line. And of course, William Fuller, who I knew when I was at Temple - (he was) right down the street at Roman Catholic (High School). I think he is exceptional. He is a high-round draft pick; very fluid and very fast."
Even with the stout defense, BC has dropped six in a row as the offense has totaled 56 points. The program hasn't had a longer losing streak since dropping eight straight bridging the 1990 and '91 seasons.
However, Addazio has had extra time to get the offense on track and prepare for the Irish with his team coming off a bye week following a 24-8 loss to North Carolina State on Nov. 7.
Notre Dame has taken the past four meetings, most recently winning 21-6 in 2012, and BC has lost 15 of 16 against Top 25 foes.
"They are number four or five in the country, that is where they should be," Addazio said. "They are ranked very appropriately, so this will be a great challenge for us."
TCU-Oklahoma Preview.
''We're a better football team with both of them, without question. C.J.'s an elite player,'' Kelly said.
Prosise has broken off 18 runs of 15 yards or more, including a 91-yard touchdown against Georgia Tech. Big plays, not 3-yard gains, are what Kelly is looking for.
''They would hope that that's the way you kind of play the game,'' Kelly said. ''We've got to try to find explosive plays, so that's why C.J. Prosise needs to be in this game.''
It's also why they need to get the ball to Will Fuller, who was held to three catches for 37 yards. The receiver is averaging 93.7 yards a game and has 12 touchdowns.
However, receivers rarely have good days against a BC defense which has surrendered six TD passes all season. The Eagles (3-7) lead the FBS in total defense, allowing 236.5 yards per game, and give up an average of 14.4 points to rank third.
Still, coach Steve Addazio knows this is likely the biggest challenge that unit has faced this year.
"This is one of the most talented teams that Notre Dame has had in a long time on both sides of the ball and special teams," he said. "On offense, DeShone Kizer, the quarterback, is an exceptional player, but he has a great offensive line in front of him. ... I believe C.J. Prosise is a heck of a back behind a good offensive line. And of course, William Fuller, who I knew when I was at Temple - (he was) right down the street at Roman Catholic (High School). I think he is exceptional. He is a high-round draft pick; very fluid and very fast."
Even with the stout defense, BC has dropped six in a row as the offense has totaled 56 points. The program hasn't had a longer losing streak since dropping eight straight bridging the 1990 and '91 seasons.
However, Addazio has had extra time to get the offense on track and prepare for the Irish with his team coming off a bye week following a 24-8 loss to North Carolina State on Nov. 7.
Notre Dame has taken the past four meetings, most recently winning 21-6 in 2012, and BC has lost 15 of 16 against Top 25 foes.
"They are number four or five in the country, that is where they should be," Addazio said. "They are ranked very appropriately, so this will be a great challenge for us."
TCU-Oklahoma Preview.
By TAYLOR BECHTOLD
With Baker Mayfield, Samaje Perine and Sterling Shepard playing at an elite level, Oklahoma has been a team on the rise since a perplexing loss in early October.
TCU appears to be heading in the other direction and now could be missing its two stars.
The seventh-ranked Sooners will try to continue their pursuit of the program's first Big 12 title since 2012 on Saturday night when they host the No. 11 Horned Frogs, who hope to turn things around in time to earn a shot at a second straight conference crown.
Oklahoma suffered a setback in its bid to win a Big 12 title and national championship Oct. 10 when it fell 24-17 in Dallas to a Texas team that was in the midst of its worst start in 59 years.
Mayfield threw for 211 yards and Perine ran for just 36 as the Sooners finished with a season-low 278 total yards. Since then, however, the squad has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 55.2 points and 618.0 total yards while winning five straight by 38.4 points per game.
Mayfield completed 24 of 34 passes for 270 yards with three touchdowns and Perine added 166 yards and two scores in last Saturday's 44-34 road win that snapped Baylor's nation-best 20-game home winning streak. Shepard also came up big with 14 catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns.
Mayfield has completed 74.7 percent of his attempts with 17 scores and two picks since the loss to the Longhorns, while Perine has 552 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in his last four games.
''(Perine) hasn't been in the national talk as far as best backs in the nation. I feel like there's no way he shouldn't be mentioned right up there with Leonard Fournette (of LSU) and Derrick Henry (of Alabama) and all those guys," center Ty Darlington said.
The Sooners (9-1, 6-1) can clinch their ninth Big 12 title and first since sharing the crown with Kansas State in 2012 with a win over TCU and at first-place Oklahoma State on Nov. 28. Coach Bob Stoops even believes they could be a playoff contender if they win out.
"We're one of those teams that has a chance,'' he said.
The Horned Frogs had similar success early on, ranking second in the nation with 48.9 points and 616.3 yards per game during an 8-0 start. Their undefeated run and possibly their playoff chances ended Nov. 7 when Trevone Boykin threw four picks in a 49-29 loss at Oklahoma State.
TCU (9-1, 6-1) then matched a season-low point total and put up just 487 total yards - its second-lowest of the season - last Saturday when Boykin didn't play after turning his right ankle in the first half of a 23-17 home win over winless Kansas. Josh Doctson has 79 catches for a nation-best 1,337 yards and 14 scores, but has been limited to seven for 76 without a touchdown while playing with an injured left wrist the last two weeks.
''We're going to find out Saturday if they play,'' coach Gary Patterson said.
Patterson has revealed that Foster Sawyer could be the starter for Boykin, who has a Big 12-best 402 total yards per game. The redshirt freshman went 1 for 7 with a touchdown last Saturday.
TCU still has a chance to claim a second straight Big 12 title if it wins its last two games and Oklahoma State loses its last two - both at home - against No. 10 Baylor and then the Sooners.
''This group will battle,'' Patterson said. ''They'll play hard the next two weeks. So don't get any indication I'm all set to throw in the towel 'cause that's not going to happen.''
If the two stars are unable to go, Patterson's squad will likely lean on Aaron Green. The senior running back finished with career highs of 177 yards and 30 carries versus Kansas.
The Horned Frogs, however, could have their hands full with the Big 12's top-ranked defense.
The Sooners held Texas Tech 19.5 points under its season average Oct. 24 and Baylor 20.8 below its nation-best average last weekend. They also limited Kansas State, Kansas and Iowa State to a combined 23 points in the other three games during this winning streak.
Oklahoma had won three straight in the series before a 37-33 loss in Fort Worth last season. Boykin led the Horned Frogs with 395 total yards and two touchdowns, while Perine rushed for three scores and Shepard had 215 receiving yards and a touchdown for the Sooners.
NCAABKB: Kentucky too quick, too fast and too good for Duke.
By Jeff Eisenberg
Marcus Lee #00 of the Kentucky Wildcats tries to keep control of the ball as he moves between Grayson Allen #3 and Matt Jones #13 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Champions Classic at the United Center on November 17, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Five minutes into the second half of the showcase game of this year's Champions Classic, Kentucky ran a play seldom seen at any level of basketball.
The 5-on-1 fast break.
The possession, which ended with an uncontested Marcus Lee put-back, exemplified why second-ranked Kentucky was able to keep fifth-ranked Duke at arm's length for much of their battle between two of college basketball's most tradition-rich programs. The quicker, faster Wildcats won 74-63 because they generated many more easy baskets off the dribble and in transition than the Blue Devils did.
Kentucky was at its most dangerous in the open floor when the ball was in the hands of its trio of talented guards. Tyler Ulis, Jamal Murray and Isaiah Briscoe attacked relentlessly, creating scoring chances off the dribble in half-court sets and seemingly turning every Duke turnover or long rebound into a fast-break layup or dunk.
Of the 30 baskets Kentucky scored, Ulis, Murray or Briscoe either scored or assisted on all but six of them. Ulis finished with 18 points and six assists, Briscoe had 12 points and one assist while battling cramps and Murray tallied 16 and five, most notably a spinning reverse layup from a virtually impossible angle.
The dominance of Kentucky's guards drained the drama out of one of the most hotly anticipated nonleague games of this year's college basketball season.
The Champions Classic delivered the heavyweight matchup many expected in last April's national title game, but neither team bore much resemblance to the ones that competed in last year's Final Four. The seven leading scorers from a Kentucky team that started 38-0 all entered the NBA draft, as did Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones, Justise Winslow and Quinn Cook, the four pillars of Duke's national championship team.
The Wildcats and Blue Devils remain factors in this year's title chase because these programs are recruiting at a level no other schools can match. Both teams reloaded with top recruiting classes, but whereas many of Kentucky's newcomers were effective in their first big college game, the stage looked too big for some of Duke's freshmen.
Skilled forward Brandon Ingram sank only one basket and was too slow to defend the perimeter. Sharpshooter Luke Kennard missed all five of his field goal attempts. And the only true point guard on Duke's roster, Derryck Thornton did not appear ready to assume that position in the Blue Devils' starting five.
The effort and offensive rebounding of 7 footer Marshall Plumlee and 6-9 Amile Jefferson kept Duke within striking distance in the first half, but Kentucky's lead ballooned to double digits as soon as the Blue Devils' second-chance points dried up. None of Duke's perimeter standouts besides veteran Matt Jones had any success at all either getting by their man off the dribble or knocking down contested jump shots.
Grayson Allen scored 54 points in Duke's season-opening victories against Siena and Bryant, but the sophomore could not come close to replicating that production against a Kentucky defense geared to stop him. The Wildcats overplayed Allen's right hand and funneled him toward their shot blockers, limiting him to six points on 2-for-11 shooting.
What Duke's biggest challenge going forward will be is finding a playmaker capable of generating open looks for someone besides himself. Maybe Allen can evolve into that type of combo guard. Perhaps Thornton will grow into the starting point guard position. But otherwise the Blue Devils will have other games like this one where they shoot 40 percent from the field and finish with nearly twice as many turnovers as assists.
As for Kentucky, the primary goal will be getting tougher inside, where freshman Skal Labissiere got pushed around by the older Plumlee and Jefferson. Nonetheless, with a perimeter trio as good as Kentucky's, the Wildcats can afford a few frontcourt growing pains.
Experienced, determined Tulsa knocks off No. 9 Wichita State.
The possession, which ended with an uncontested Marcus Lee put-back, exemplified why second-ranked Kentucky was able to keep fifth-ranked Duke at arm's length for much of their battle between two of college basketball's most tradition-rich programs. The quicker, faster Wildcats won 74-63 because they generated many more easy baskets off the dribble and in transition than the Blue Devils did.
Kentucky was at its most dangerous in the open floor when the ball was in the hands of its trio of talented guards. Tyler Ulis, Jamal Murray and Isaiah Briscoe attacked relentlessly, creating scoring chances off the dribble in half-court sets and seemingly turning every Duke turnover or long rebound into a fast-break layup or dunk.
Of the 30 baskets Kentucky scored, Ulis, Murray or Briscoe either scored or assisted on all but six of them. Ulis finished with 18 points and six assists, Briscoe had 12 points and one assist while battling cramps and Murray tallied 16 and five, most notably a spinning reverse layup from a virtually impossible angle.
The dominance of Kentucky's guards drained the drama out of one of the most hotly anticipated nonleague games of this year's college basketball season.
The Champions Classic delivered the heavyweight matchup many expected in last April's national title game, but neither team bore much resemblance to the ones that competed in last year's Final Four. The seven leading scorers from a Kentucky team that started 38-0 all entered the NBA draft, as did Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones, Justise Winslow and Quinn Cook, the four pillars of Duke's national championship team.
The Wildcats and Blue Devils remain factors in this year's title chase because these programs are recruiting at a level no other schools can match. Both teams reloaded with top recruiting classes, but whereas many of Kentucky's newcomers were effective in their first big college game, the stage looked too big for some of Duke's freshmen.
Skilled forward Brandon Ingram sank only one basket and was too slow to defend the perimeter. Sharpshooter Luke Kennard missed all five of his field goal attempts. And the only true point guard on Duke's roster, Derryck Thornton did not appear ready to assume that position in the Blue Devils' starting five.
The effort and offensive rebounding of 7 footer Marshall Plumlee and 6-9 Amile Jefferson kept Duke within striking distance in the first half, but Kentucky's lead ballooned to double digits as soon as the Blue Devils' second-chance points dried up. None of Duke's perimeter standouts besides veteran Matt Jones had any success at all either getting by their man off the dribble or knocking down contested jump shots.
Grayson Allen scored 54 points in Duke's season-opening victories against Siena and Bryant, but the sophomore could not come close to replicating that production against a Kentucky defense geared to stop him. The Wildcats overplayed Allen's right hand and funneled him toward their shot blockers, limiting him to six points on 2-for-11 shooting.
What Duke's biggest challenge going forward will be is finding a playmaker capable of generating open looks for someone besides himself. Maybe Allen can evolve into that type of combo guard. Perhaps Thornton will grow into the starting point guard position. But otherwise the Blue Devils will have other games like this one where they shoot 40 percent from the field and finish with nearly twice as many turnovers as assists.
As for Kentucky, the primary goal will be getting tougher inside, where freshman Skal Labissiere got pushed around by the older Plumlee and Jefferson. Nonetheless, with a perimeter trio as good as Kentucky's, the Wildcats can afford a few frontcourt growing pains.
Experienced, determined Tulsa knocks off No. 9 Wichita State.
By Kyle Ringo
Gregg Marshall will have to wait a little longer for his 400th career coaching victory.
Marshall watched his ninth-ranked Wichita State team struggle on the road Tuesday night against a talented and experienced Tulsa team falling 77-67 to the unranked Golden Hurricane, in yet another early season upset. The loss ended a run of seven straight victories for Wichita State in the series.
The Shockers never found any offensive rhythm and didn't shoot the ball well, despite having stellar point guard Fred VanVleet in the lineup. VanVleet has been working through a strained hamstring and a sprained ankle.
VanVleet brought his team back at the end of the first half hitting three consecutive 3-pointers in the span of 77 seconds to give the Shockers a one-point advantage. The Shockers held their largest advantage early in the second half up five, but they couldn't hold the lead with poor shooting against an inspired Tulsa team with nine seniors.
While VanVleet enjoyed some stellar moments and scored 11 points, he clearly wasn't himself and Marshall might have to consider sitting VanVleet until he his healthy. Yet, Marshall's biggest problem might be getting more scoring from the rest of his team outside of his two stars.
Starting forward Anton Grady scored 18 to complement the experienced backcourt, but the Wichita State bench combined for just eight points.
Ron Baker led all scorers with 23 for Wichita State, but senior Shaquille Harrison answered with 20 for Tulsa and was one of four Tulsa players to score in double figures. Marquel Curtis and Pat Birt combined to score 30 points off the bench for Tulsa.
It is the kind of confidence-building, early season victory that could propel Tulsa to memorable season. Coach Frank Haith felt good about the potential of his team and its experience prior to the season and he has to feel even better about the Golden Hurricane now that they have a signature victory.
Michael Jordan's last regular-season Bulls jersey sells for $173K at auction.
By Matt Moore
It is crazy how much Michael Jordan's used gear still goes at auctions. Two years ago, the "Flu Game" shoes went for over $104,000 and on Sunday, the jersey from his last regular season game with the Bulls went for a whopping $173,240 ESPN reports:
- The jersey that Michael Jordan wore in his final regular-season game with the Chicago Bulls sold for $173,240 early Sunday.
- The amount paid is the highest price paid for a Jordan collectible at auction, surpassing Jordan's "flu game" shoes, which was sold last year for just under $105,000.
- "No one who has been out of the game fewer than fifteen years has had items sell for these kinds of prices," said Ken Goldin of Goldin Auctions, which sold the jersey and a pair of game-worn shoes from the 1996 NBA Finals for $34,160. "Michael Jordan is the collectible equivalent of Babe Ruth."
Source: Michael Jordan's final Chicago Bulls jersey sells for $173,240 at auction.
This is so bizarre. How does the jersey from his last regular season game, not last game for his career, not last Finals game, not the last game that season, but the last regular season Bulls game in '98 go for more than the Flu Game shoes? How is this possible? Good on the Goldin Auctions folks, but man, I'd show every living soul that went to my home, including the mailman and the cable guy the Flu Game shoes.
I would hang the jersey in the den. It's nice, but come on.
Anyway, Jordan remains an absolute money fountain for anything he's ever touched.
This is the appropriate reaction to how much Jordan's jersey sold for on Sunday. (Photo/Getty Images)
Memoriesofhistory.com
1943 - Philadelphia Phillies President William Cox was banned from baseball for betting on his team.
1949 - Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn Dodgers) was named the National Leagues Most Valuable Player.
1951 - Chuck Connors (Los Angeles Angels) became the first player to oppose the major league draft. Connors later became the star of the television show "The Rifleman."
1966 - Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers) announced his retirement from major league baseball.
1985 - Joe Theismann (Washington Redskins) broke his leg after being hit by Lawrence Taylor (New York Giants). The injury ended Theismann's 12 year NFL career.
1996 - Chris Boniol (Dallas Cowboys) tied an NFL record when he kicked seven field goals against the Green Bay Packers.
1997 - The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays participated in their initial expansion draft.
1949 - Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn Dodgers) was named the National Leagues Most Valuable Player.
1951 - Chuck Connors (Los Angeles Angels) became the first player to oppose the major league draft. Connors later became the star of the television show "The Rifleman."
1966 - Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers) announced his retirement from major league baseball.
1985 - Joe Theismann (Washington Redskins) broke his leg after being hit by Lawrence Taylor (New York Giants). The injury ended Theismann's 12 year NFL career.
1996 - Chris Boniol (Dallas Cowboys) tied an NFL record when he kicked seven field goals against the Green Bay Packers.
1997 - The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays participated in their initial expansion draft.
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