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"Sports Quote of the Day"
"First, do enough training. Then believe in yourself and say: I can do it. Tomorrow is my day. And then say: the person in front of me, he is just a human being as well; he has two legs, I have two legs, that is all. That is mentally how you prepare." ~ Haile Gebrselassie, Olympian, Long Distance Track and Road Running Athlete
Trending: Bears hang on to top Lions, earn first win of the year. (See the football section for Bears and NFL updates).
Trending: U.S.A. completes the task, wins emotional Ryder Cup. (See the golf section for Ryder Cup and PGA updates).
Trending: Robin Ventura steps down as White Sox manager. (See the baseball section for Cubs and White Sox updates).
Trending: The Blackhawks training camp started last week and is in full swing now. The season will be upon us very quickly. We have high hopes for the Hawks this year!!! (Please see the hockey section for Blackhawks updates and NHL news).
Trending: Cubs and White Sox road to the "World Series".
Cubs 2016 Record: 103-58-1, Clinched 09/15/2016
White Sox 2016 Record: 78-84
White Sox 2016 Record: 78-84
(See the baseball section for Cubs and White Sox updates).
NFL SCORES, Sunday 10/03/2016.
Miami Dolphins 7
Cincinnati Bengals 22
Indianapolis Colts 7
Jacksonville Jaguars 30
Tennessee Titans 20
Houston Texans 27
Cleveland Browns 20
Washington Redskins 31
Seattle Seahawks 27
New York Jets 17
Buffalo Bills 10
New England Patriots 0
Carolina Panthers 33
Atlanta Falcons 48
Oakland Raiders 24
Baltimore Ravens 27
Detroit Lions 14
Chicago Bears 17
Denver Broncos 27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7
Los Angeles Rams 17
Arizona Cardinals 13
New Orleans Saints 35
San Diego Chargers 34
Dallas Cowboys 24
San Francisco 49ers 17
Kansas City Chiefs 14
Pittsburgh Steelers 43
New York Giants Monday Night Game,
Minnesota Vikings 10/03/2016
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! Bears hang on to top Lions, earn first win of the year.
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The countdown has ended at 364 days.
In danger of going a full calendar year without a victory at Soldier Field, the Bears mercifully put an end to that streak as they defeated the Detroit Lions, 17-14, on Sunday afternoon. The win also snapped a six-game losing streak to their NFC North rival with the previous win coming in Lovie Smith's final game as head coach of the Bears on Dec. 30, 2012.
Starting at quarterback for the second-straight game due to Jay Cutler's sprained thumb, Brian Hoyer (28/36, 302 yards, two touchdowns) had the Bears offense clicking on all cylinders from the outset. In their second series, Hoyer engineered a 10-play, 83-yard scoring drive as he completed passes to three different wide receivers. Hoyer capped off the drive when he escaped the pocket and kept the play alive with his mobility before setting his feet and finding Eddie Royal for a four-yard touchdown score.
The Bears defense forced the Lions to go three-and-out on three of their first four possessions before a Matt Prater 50-yard field goal gave the Lions their first score of contest midway through the first half. Despite being dominated in the first half, the Lions stole some momentum after Bears kicker Connor Barth missed a 50-yard field goal attempt wide right — ironically on the same day former Bears kicker Robbie Gould's picture was featured on the gameday ticket — late in the second quarter. Following Barth's miss, the Lions marched deep into Bears territory for a possible go-ahead score, but Matt Stafford was picked off by Jacoby Glenn to close out the first half.
Coming out of the break, the Lions quickly moved the ball down to the Bears' one-yard line, but were stuffed on consecutive running attempts before having to settle for a Prater chip shot, 21-yard field goal.
The Bears responded immediately when Hoyer connected with Royal for a 64-yard reception to put the Bears in scoring position. Just three plays later, Hoyer found tight end Zack Miller for a six-yard touchdown reception to give the Bears a 14-6 lead.
Bears rookie cornerback Deiondre' Hall all but sealed the victory when he picked off Stafford with under five minutes remaining with the Lions deep in Bears territory.
The Bears offense got a boost from rookie running back Jordan Howard, who made his first career NFL start. Howard finished the game with 111 yards on 23 carries and also hauled in three receptions for 21 yards.
Royal notched his first career 100-yard receiving game with the Bears as he had seven receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Hoyer, who moved his record to 16-12 as a starting quarterback, completed passes to seven different wide receivers.
Wide receiver Kevin White left Sunday's game with a left ankle injury. Before departing, White had six receptions for 55 yards.
The Bears will look for consecutive victories when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 5.
The Right Combination: Jordan Howard gives ground game a boost.
By #Bears Talk
Jordan Howard gave the Bears a big lift during Sunday's 17-14 win over the Detroit Lions.
The rookie from Indiana rushed for 111 yards on 23 carries, marking the first time a Bears running back surpassed the century mark this season.
Howard also helped the team's air attack, catching three passes for 21 yards. With Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey injured, Howard's expanded role will likely continue next week against the Indianapolis Colts.
Bears will ride Jordan Howard going forward after impressive first start.
By Scott Krinch
In danger of going a full calendar year without a victory at Soldier Field, the Bears mercifully put an end to that streak as they defeated the Detroit Lions, 17-14, on Sunday afternoon. The win also snapped a six-game losing streak to their NFC North rival with the previous win coming in Lovie Smith's final game as head coach of the Bears on Dec. 30, 2012.
Starting at quarterback for the second-straight game due to Jay Cutler's sprained thumb, Brian Hoyer (28/36, 302 yards, two touchdowns) had the Bears offense clicking on all cylinders from the outset. In their second series, Hoyer engineered a 10-play, 83-yard scoring drive as he completed passes to three different wide receivers. Hoyer capped off the drive when he escaped the pocket and kept the play alive with his mobility before setting his feet and finding Eddie Royal for a four-yard touchdown score.
The Bears defense forced the Lions to go three-and-out on three of their first four possessions before a Matt Prater 50-yard field goal gave the Lions their first score of contest midway through the first half. Despite being dominated in the first half, the Lions stole some momentum after Bears kicker Connor Barth missed a 50-yard field goal attempt wide right — ironically on the same day former Bears kicker Robbie Gould's picture was featured on the gameday ticket — late in the second quarter. Following Barth's miss, the Lions marched deep into Bears territory for a possible go-ahead score, but Matt Stafford was picked off by Jacoby Glenn to close out the first half.
Coming out of the break, the Lions quickly moved the ball down to the Bears' one-yard line, but were stuffed on consecutive running attempts before having to settle for a Prater chip shot, 21-yard field goal.
The Bears responded immediately when Hoyer connected with Royal for a 64-yard reception to put the Bears in scoring position. Just three plays later, Hoyer found tight end Zack Miller for a six-yard touchdown reception to give the Bears a 14-6 lead.
Bears rookie cornerback Deiondre' Hall all but sealed the victory when he picked off Stafford with under five minutes remaining with the Lions deep in Bears territory.
The Bears offense got a boost from rookie running back Jordan Howard, who made his first career NFL start. Howard finished the game with 111 yards on 23 carries and also hauled in three receptions for 21 yards.
Royal notched his first career 100-yard receiving game with the Bears as he had seven receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Hoyer, who moved his record to 16-12 as a starting quarterback, completed passes to seven different wide receivers.
Wide receiver Kevin White left Sunday's game with a left ankle injury. Before departing, White had six receptions for 55 yards.
The Bears will look for consecutive victories when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 5.
The Right Combination: Jordan Howard gives ground game a boost.
By #Bears Talk
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Jordan Howard gave the Bears a big lift during Sunday's 17-14 win over the Detroit Lions.
The rookie from Indiana rushed for 111 yards on 23 carries, marking the first time a Bears running back surpassed the century mark this season.
Howard also helped the team's air attack, catching three passes for 21 yards. With Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey injured, Howard's expanded role will likely continue next week against the Indianapolis Colts.
Bears will ride Jordan Howard going forward after impressive first start.
By Scott Krinch
When the Bears decided to move on from veteran running back Matt Forte this past offseason, it opened the door for one of the young running backs in their stable to take the reins of the backfield and run away with the job.
Those reins appeared to have Jeremy Langford's name on them, but when he suffered an ankle injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, and with backup running back Ka'Deem Carey dealing with a hamstring injury, the door swung open for rookie running back Jordan Howard to show the Bears coaching staff what he could do in an expanded role.
Howard didn't disappoint.
Making his first career NFL start, Howard looked every bit the part of a bell cow running back. He carried the ball 23 times for 111 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and hauled in three catches for 21 yards in the Bears' 17-14 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon.
Howard became the first Bears running back to reach 100 yards on the ground since Forte accomplished the task in Week 1 of 2015 against the Green Bay Packers.
"I always knew that I might not be the fastest but I can get the job done," Howard said. "I've always believed in myself because if you don't believe in yourself nobody else will. You have to have self confidence. You have to be a determined runner. Not let the first person tackle you. You have to just keep moving your legs.
"I wasn't expecting the 100 yards but that made it even better. Just getting a win, I'm very excited about that."
Coming out of Indiana University, where he became the 150th player selected and 10th running back to go off the board in the 2016 NFL Draft, Howard was billed as a physical runner who didn't go down on first contact and had the ability to drive through would-be tacklers and fall forward for extra yards.
Howard's scouting report rang true against the Lions, as he wore down their defense by the time the fourth quarter rolled around. Howard notched an impressive 68 yards after first contact, according to ProFootballFocus.com.
Bears veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal wasn't surprised to see Howard's running style take a toll on Detroit's defense.
"I saw it in training camp. I'm like, 'This kid is going to be a great player for us,'" Royal said. "His physical nature of running the ball, defenses are going to get tired of tackling him and he just gets those extra yards for us, and he did a great job."
One member of the Bears who spent time blocking for Howard shared the same sentiment.
"He ran so well today," Bears tight end Zach Miller said. "The thing about him is the yards through contact. He keeps his feet turning and he's always falling forward, gaining extra yards. All those things matter so I'm happy for him to get over 100 in his first extended [action]."
Bears head coach John Fox has a history of deploying the running back-by-committee approach throughout his career. He did it Carolina with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and he used the same tendencies in Denver with the likes of Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson.
Fox also showed signs of taking that same approach in his first season with the Bears in 2015 with Forte, Langford and Carey. While it's not out of the question that Fox will go back to that game plan when the Bears have three healthy running backs, it's no secret he has faith in the rookie as evidenced by Howard's 23 carries compared to Joique Bell's three rushing attempts and third-stringer Raheem Mostert's goose egg.
"Obviously, he has a positive impact," Fox said. "We noticed pretty early on. Jordan is a big back and we knew that when he came out of Indiana University. The thing we didn't know is the quickness of his feet and the vision he has. I think he's outstanding and we will ride him pretty good going forward."
Howard's expanded role in the Bears offense is expected to continue next week when he draws the start at Lucas Oil Stadium — an hour drive from where he starred at Indiana — against the Indianapolis Colts. Don't expect him to shy away from the big stage.
"I don't feel like the moment is too big for me," Howard said. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity God blessed me with, and the Bears for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to play."
Bears Grades: Brian Hoyer leads error-free Bears offense to efficient win over erratic Lions.
Those reins appeared to have Jeremy Langford's name on them, but when he suffered an ankle injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, and with backup running back Ka'Deem Carey dealing with a hamstring injury, the door swung open for rookie running back Jordan Howard to show the Bears coaching staff what he could do in an expanded role.
Howard didn't disappoint.
Making his first career NFL start, Howard looked every bit the part of a bell cow running back. He carried the ball 23 times for 111 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and hauled in three catches for 21 yards in the Bears' 17-14 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon.
Howard became the first Bears running back to reach 100 yards on the ground since Forte accomplished the task in Week 1 of 2015 against the Green Bay Packers.
"I always knew that I might not be the fastest but I can get the job done," Howard said. "I've always believed in myself because if you don't believe in yourself nobody else will. You have to have self confidence. You have to be a determined runner. Not let the first person tackle you. You have to just keep moving your legs.
"I wasn't expecting the 100 yards but that made it even better. Just getting a win, I'm very excited about that."
Coming out of Indiana University, where he became the 150th player selected and 10th running back to go off the board in the 2016 NFL Draft, Howard was billed as a physical runner who didn't go down on first contact and had the ability to drive through would-be tacklers and fall forward for extra yards.
Howard's scouting report rang true against the Lions, as he wore down their defense by the time the fourth quarter rolled around. Howard notched an impressive 68 yards after first contact, according to ProFootballFocus.com.
Bears veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal wasn't surprised to see Howard's running style take a toll on Detroit's defense.
"I saw it in training camp. I'm like, 'This kid is going to be a great player for us,'" Royal said. "His physical nature of running the ball, defenses are going to get tired of tackling him and he just gets those extra yards for us, and he did a great job."
One member of the Bears who spent time blocking for Howard shared the same sentiment.
"He ran so well today," Bears tight end Zach Miller said. "The thing about him is the yards through contact. He keeps his feet turning and he's always falling forward, gaining extra yards. All those things matter so I'm happy for him to get over 100 in his first extended [action]."
Bears head coach John Fox has a history of deploying the running back-by-committee approach throughout his career. He did it Carolina with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and he used the same tendencies in Denver with the likes of Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson.
Fox also showed signs of taking that same approach in his first season with the Bears in 2015 with Forte, Langford and Carey. While it's not out of the question that Fox will go back to that game plan when the Bears have three healthy running backs, it's no secret he has faith in the rookie as evidenced by Howard's 23 carries compared to Joique Bell's three rushing attempts and third-stringer Raheem Mostert's goose egg.
"Obviously, he has a positive impact," Fox said. "We noticed pretty early on. Jordan is a big back and we knew that when he came out of Indiana University. The thing we didn't know is the quickness of his feet and the vision he has. I think he's outstanding and we will ride him pretty good going forward."
Howard's expanded role in the Bears offense is expected to continue next week when he draws the start at Lucas Oil Stadium — an hour drive from where he starred at Indiana — against the Indianapolis Colts. Don't expect him to shy away from the big stage.
"I don't feel like the moment is too big for me," Howard said. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity God blessed me with, and the Bears for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to play."
Bears Grades: Brian Hoyer leads error-free Bears offense to efficient win over erratic Lions.
By John Mullin
The point total was hardly overwhelming but the Bears’ offense for the first time this season played something close to two solid halves of football and was largely error-free: no interceptions, no fumbles, no egregious breakdowns.
“We executed,” said coach John Fox. “The problem in the first three games was that we didn’t execute for 60 minutes. It helps when you do that. There were a lot of guys that worked very hard in preparations all week. I think our offensive line blocked much better in the run and in the pass. Brian [Hoyer] moved the ball around quite a bit, as far as receiver use. Jordan Howard and Joique Bell ran the ball very physical and very hard. The offensive line blocked much, much better in this game.”
The Bears totaled 408 yards, most in the last 12 games, and controlled the football more than 33 minutes after failing to reach 25 minutes time of possession in any of the first three games. The offense still needs to convert opportunities, but was assessed only three penalties for the game and kept its overall composure and rhythm while scoring on two of its three red-zone chances.
Quarterback: A
Brian Hoyer gave the Bears a desperately needed boost, both psychologically and in performance, completing 28 of 36 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Most important, he again threw zero interceptions and consistently got the ball out of his hands and to receivers on time. The Lions sacked him twice and managed three other hits but Hoyer’s poise and execution helped his offensive line.
“He’s a pro,” said coach John Fox. “He works hard at it. I think he studies. He’s been there before. He has a winning record as a starter. I think he’s adapted well.”
Running backs: A
Jordan Howard started and played to a level that will make it difficult for Jeremy Langford to regain his No. 1 status. Howard ran with physicality, regularly produced yards after first contact, finishing with 111 yards on 23 carries in his first NFL start.
Receivers: A
Alshon Jeffery, Zach Miller and Eddie Royal each caught passes for first downs in the first quarter to establish an offensive rhythm not seen since early in the Houston game. Royal caught all seven passes directed to him by Brian Hoyer, finishing with 111 yards and a touchdown on a four-yard flip in the first quarter.
But it was his working the middle of the field on a slant in the third quarter that broke the game back in the Bears favor after the Lions had opened the third quarter with a drive for a field goal. Royal took advantage of coverage being rolled toward Alshon Jeffery and Hoyer found him across the middle for a 64-yard catch-and-run.
“That was a huge boost. They made some moves up front on their defensive line that got me hoping that that ball is out and next thing you know, Eddie’s across the middle,” said guard Kyle Long. “I told him that I thought he was going to the ‘house,’ but he said the guy had the angle on him. He does it all and he’s a guy who’s played on a few teams and he’s done it at a high level everywhere. He’s a smart guy, and he knows where to be, when to be and how to be there and you saw that today.”
Kevin White played with fire and production, with four catches in the first half. He finished with six for 55 yards before leaving with an undisclosed ankle injury.
“We executed,” said coach John Fox. “The problem in the first three games was that we didn’t execute for 60 minutes. It helps when you do that. There were a lot of guys that worked very hard in preparations all week. I think our offensive line blocked much better in the run and in the pass. Brian [Hoyer] moved the ball around quite a bit, as far as receiver use. Jordan Howard and Joique Bell ran the ball very physical and very hard. The offensive line blocked much, much better in this game.”
The Bears totaled 408 yards, most in the last 12 games, and controlled the football more than 33 minutes after failing to reach 25 minutes time of possession in any of the first three games. The offense still needs to convert opportunities, but was assessed only three penalties for the game and kept its overall composure and rhythm while scoring on two of its three red-zone chances.
Quarterback: A
Brian Hoyer gave the Bears a desperately needed boost, both psychologically and in performance, completing 28 of 36 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Most important, he again threw zero interceptions and consistently got the ball out of his hands and to receivers on time. The Lions sacked him twice and managed three other hits but Hoyer’s poise and execution helped his offensive line.
“He’s a pro,” said coach John Fox. “He works hard at it. I think he studies. He’s been there before. He has a winning record as a starter. I think he’s adapted well.”
Running backs: A
Jordan Howard started and played to a level that will make it difficult for Jeremy Langford to regain his No. 1 status. Howard ran with physicality, regularly produced yards after first contact, finishing with 111 yards on 23 carries in his first NFL start.
Receivers: A
Alshon Jeffery, Zach Miller and Eddie Royal each caught passes for first downs in the first quarter to establish an offensive rhythm not seen since early in the Houston game. Royal caught all seven passes directed to him by Brian Hoyer, finishing with 111 yards and a touchdown on a four-yard flip in the first quarter.
But it was his working the middle of the field on a slant in the third quarter that broke the game back in the Bears favor after the Lions had opened the third quarter with a drive for a field goal. Royal took advantage of coverage being rolled toward Alshon Jeffery and Hoyer found him across the middle for a 64-yard catch-and-run.
“That was a huge boost. They made some moves up front on their defensive line that got me hoping that that ball is out and next thing you know, Eddie’s across the middle,” said guard Kyle Long. “I told him that I thought he was going to the ‘house,’ but he said the guy had the angle on him. He does it all and he’s a guy who’s played on a few teams and he’s done it at a high level everywhere. He’s a smart guy, and he knows where to be, when to be and how to be there and you saw that today.”
Kevin White played with fire and production, with four catches in the first half. He finished with six for 55 yards before leaving with an undisclosed ankle injury.
Offensive line: A-
The offense posted its first 100-yard rushing game this season (114) and averaged 4 yards per carry without Brian Hoyer’s three kneel-downs at the end of the game. Cody Whitehair was excellent on combination blocks with Kyle Long and Josh Sitton inside and consistently got to the second level on run plays. A collective false start marred the end of the first half and Whitehair’s holding penalty on the first drive of the second was costly.
Protection was superb in the third quarter to allow Hoyer time in the pocket and Eddie Royal to work free across the middle for a 64-yard catch-and-run.
Bobby Massie’s false-start infraction on the next-to-last possession of the half added five yards to a long FG try that Connor Barth missed. The line also false-started to add yards to a Hail-Mary situation on the final possession.
But the line allowed just two sacks despite multiple no-backs formations that signaled pass, and “they did a great job,” Hoyer said. “Really the two sacks were probably on me. Trying to change the protection on the first one and the second one, trying to step up a little bit better. They’ve done a great job at protecting me and I think that’s kind of coming along with them getting together and molding together.”
Coaching: A-
The overall readiness of the collective team was impressive after three potentially demoralizing losses.
Offensive design and calling in particular was outstanding, arguably the best of the season as far as scheming and establishing mismatch opportunities. With the Lions clearly anticipating a run-oriented Bears offense, coordinator Dowell Loggains opened the game in a zero-backfield and threw, and began a second series with a throw, both tosses for first-down yardage. Loggains continued to mix formations effectively while maintaining some offensive balance, with 16 run plays vs. 25 passes in the first half – still not the run rate the Bears want, but more effective than recent weeks.
Brian Hoyer’s performance allowed the entire offense to function on schedule and avoid negative plays.
“I think Dowell Loggains and the offensive staff have an outstanding job coaching him up for his first two outings,” said coach John Fox, adding, “today being the best one because we got the W.”
The defensive performance was the best of the season, all the more remarkable because of the difficulties posed by the firepower of the Detroit offense and because of starters Eddie Goldman and Danny Trevathan out with injuries. The Bears schemed to challenge quarterback Matthew Stafford with coverage numbers rather than gamble heavily with blitzes, and the result was no Detroit play longer than 20 yards (22).
Special teams had breakdowns reflective more of execution breakdowns than scheme.
Bears Grades: Defense delivers “lights-out” performance to shut down Lions high-powered offense.
By John Mullin
The hoped-for dominance of a retooled Bears defense has been a mirage in 2016. Before Sunday.
Facing a top-5 Detroit Lions offense putting up 27 points and more than 410 yards per game, an injury-riddled Bears defense missing multiple starters throttled quarterback Matthew Stafford with two interceptions and held the Lions to 263 total yards and no offensive touchdowns.
But it was far more than just the numbers. The Bears were at risk of cracking when the offense was able to score just once in the first half, and the Lions opened the second half by driving 71 yards and controlling the ball for 13 plays. But the Bears were able to stop, in succession, a play from the 5 and then two straight from the Chicago 1 to force a field goal.
The Lions offense never scored again.
“I think guys are becoming more calloused, more resilient, thinking, ‘OK, we’ve seen this situation before, let’s play even harder,” said defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who collected his first sack as a Bear and had a tackle for loss among his three stops. “In this season already we’ve seen just about every scenario, and this is not a team that quits.”
The Bears had not intercepted a pass since the first series of the season, in Houston. They had two on Sunday, including one by rookie cornerback Deiondre’ Hall to end a 12-play drive in the fourth quarter.
The super-charged Detroit offense had no play longer then 22 yards.
“I think it was pretty lights-out,” said coach John Fox. “Most of [the defensive players] were not real pleased with their performance last week [at Dallas] and responded in a very focused week of preparation. The Lions are a talented offense. They’ve got a lot of weapons, have scored a lot of points and they are very capable.”
Defensive line: B+
Defensive linemen were involved in 10 tackles among the Lions 44 plays, and Lions running backs managed just 3.1 yards per carry as the Bears finally were able to stop the run and turn a team one-dimensional.
Akiem Hicks delivered his first sack as a Bear, fighting through a double team and taking down Matthew Stafford in the first quarter. Cornelius Washington committed an ill-advised encroachment penalty on a third-and-short to sustain a second-quarter Detroit drive. But Washington also broke through for his second career sack.
Linebackers: A-
John Timu, a surprise starter at inside linebacker, delivered the play of the game with a stop for minus-2 yards at the Chicago 3 to force a third quarter field goal. Timu was beaten in coverage a few too many times but was able to make plays in key situations.
Jerrell Freeman tied for team high with 7 tackles, according to initial stats. Freeman gave the defense a boost with a third-down pass defense in the second quarter to end a Detroit drive.
Nick Kwiatkoski in his second NFL start stood Lions back Dwayne Washington up in the hole and held the point for a first-quarter stop that helped build momentum on that side of the football.
Secondary: A
Bryce Callahan moved into the starting lineup at right corner in place of Jacoby Glenn, with Cre’Von LeBlanc setting up as the nickel corner for the second straight week. Callahan’s open-field tackle of Golden Tate in the second quarter was textbook and his pass defense on Tate on a second-quarter third down ended a drive and forced the Lions to settle for a field goal.
Jacoby Glenn gathered in a Matthew Stafford pass in the second quarter at the Chicago 13 for the Bears’ second interception of the season, this on a clear mis-play between Stafford and Tate. “I read the quarterback’s eyes and I made a play,” Glenn said. “I took points off the board for my team.”
Rookie Deiondre’ Hall intercepted a pass toward Anquan Bolden, also deep in Chicago territory to end a scoring threat.
Special teams: D
Connor Barth has gone from solution to problem area since replacing Robbie Gould, whose picture happened to be on the game-day ticket Sunday. Barth was wide right from 50 yards, the second miss in his first three attempts as a Bear.
More concerning, punt coverage allowed an 85-yard touchdown return by Andre Roberts to let the Lions to close within a field goal in the fourth quarter. Eddie Royal managed a punt return to near midfield in the first quarter but an illegal-block on DeAndre Houston-Carson pushed the offense back to the Chicago 17 instead. Pat O’Donnell uncharacteristically put his first two punts beyond his coverage and into the end zone for touchbacks.
Deonte Thompson gave the Bears a 29-yard return of the opening kickoff that gave the offense a decent starting point. Sherrick McManis provided a momentum-builder with a kickoff-return stop at the Detroit 16 after the Bears first touchdown.
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Tyler Motte making waves at Blackhawks camp.
By Tracey Myers
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Tyler Motte’s focus during the Blackhawks training camp has been sharp. Only once did he change his routine, and that was when his alma mater Michigan played Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon.
“I was peeking at the scores a little bit,” Motte said with a grin after the Wolverines’ victory over the Badgers.
By Saturday night, Motte’s focus was back on hockey and to his training camp, which to this point has been very, very good.
Motte, who scored two goals in the Blackhawks’ 4-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, is setting himself apart from his fellow forward prospects. Motte moved up and down the lineup in that game, playing just over 13 minutes, including 2:11 of penalty kill time. Coach Joel Quenneville said Motte’s Saturday was “special.”
“He did a lot of good things,” Quenneville said. “We moved him up a couple of spots in the lines. Penalty killing-wise he has speed off the attack and some finish. I know (Friday) he had three breakaways. (Saturday) he cashed in and did some really good things.”
The Blackhawks cashing in as a whole was a good thing. The team, which was prospect heavy in early contests, had gone goal-less in its first two preseason games. But as Quenneville said Motte had had his chances regardless. He capitalized on Saturday. His first goal was on a deflection, and it’s that type of net-front scoring the Blackhawks need with Andrew Shaw gone.
“It felt great,” Motte said. “I think our whole team’s been building game by game here. We got a few more chances tonight than a couple of nights before and good to see a couple of pucks go in for us.”
Motte left Michigan because he figured this was the time to try and make the Blackhawks. It looks like there’s no doubt of that, considering the way he’s played in these first few preseason games. He looked especially comfortable on the penalty kill; no surprise, really, since he was a big part of the Wolverines’ kill. And working with Marcus Kruger was a bonus.
“Krugs made it easy on me tonight,” Motte said. “He’s talking a lot to there. He’s one of the best, and he’s great at communicating on the ice and on the bench. Hopefully we get some more time killing penalties together.”
Motte’s carving his niche on the kill, but where will he fit in the lineup? That remains to be seen. The Blackhawks are still looking for forwards at vital positions, including the top line. Could Motte, who was at left wing on Saturday, get a shot with Jonathan Toews? It’s certainly worth a look.
The Blackhawks need their prospects, especially at forward, to step up this season. Motte has clearly done that these first few weeks.
“He gives you speed, offense and responsibility defensively. His versatility is something that we’re looking at, and he helped himself tonight,” Quenneville said. “We have a number of guys we’re putting in key roles, and he took advantage of every opportunity he’s had.”
“I was peeking at the scores a little bit,” Motte said with a grin after the Wolverines’ victory over the Badgers.
By Saturday night, Motte’s focus was back on hockey and to his training camp, which to this point has been very, very good.
Motte, who scored two goals in the Blackhawks’ 4-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, is setting himself apart from his fellow forward prospects. Motte moved up and down the lineup in that game, playing just over 13 minutes, including 2:11 of penalty kill time. Coach Joel Quenneville said Motte’s Saturday was “special.”
“He did a lot of good things,” Quenneville said. “We moved him up a couple of spots in the lines. Penalty killing-wise he has speed off the attack and some finish. I know (Friday) he had three breakaways. (Saturday) he cashed in and did some really good things.”
The Blackhawks cashing in as a whole was a good thing. The team, which was prospect heavy in early contests, had gone goal-less in its first two preseason games. But as Quenneville said Motte had had his chances regardless. He capitalized on Saturday. His first goal was on a deflection, and it’s that type of net-front scoring the Blackhawks need with Andrew Shaw gone.
“It felt great,” Motte said. “I think our whole team’s been building game by game here. We got a few more chances tonight than a couple of nights before and good to see a couple of pucks go in for us.”
Motte left Michigan because he figured this was the time to try and make the Blackhawks. It looks like there’s no doubt of that, considering the way he’s played in these first few preseason games. He looked especially comfortable on the penalty kill; no surprise, really, since he was a big part of the Wolverines’ kill. And working with Marcus Kruger was a bonus.
“Krugs made it easy on me tonight,” Motte said. “He’s talking a lot to there. He’s one of the best, and he’s great at communicating on the ice and on the bench. Hopefully we get some more time killing penalties together.”
Motte’s carving his niche on the kill, but where will he fit in the lineup? That remains to be seen. The Blackhawks are still looking for forwards at vital positions, including the top line. Could Motte, who was at left wing on Saturday, get a shot with Jonathan Toews? It’s certainly worth a look.
The Blackhawks need their prospects, especially at forward, to step up this season. Motte has clearly done that these first few weeks.
“He gives you speed, offense and responsibility defensively. His versatility is something that we’re looking at, and he helped himself tonight,” Quenneville said. “We have a number of guys we’re putting in key roles, and he took advantage of every opportunity he’s had.”
Why Kane-Panarin split might be necessary for Blackhawks.
By Tracey Myers
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Now Kane and Panarin might be separated because the Blackhawks need more than one line to work this season. Asked about that potential split on Saturday night, Kane’s answer was diplomatic.
“Last year, I think, is probably the one year that I really only played with a couple players, so I'm used to playing all over the place, playing with different guys,” Kane said. “We'll see what happens. I know they wanted to try something different for the game tonight and maybe throughout preseason, so I'll just play where they tell me to play, I guess.”
We don’t know what will happen if Kane and Panarin are split for a decent amount of time, but we certainly know what they can do when they’re together. We got a reminder of that on Saturday night when, put together again after a penalty kill, Kane hit Panarin with a perfect backhand pass. Panarin finished with a slick slap shot, snapping the Blackhawks’ preseason scoreless streak.
But here’s what we have to remember with all of this: If the split happens it’s not because coach Joel Quenneville wants to do it. It’s because right now, he has to do it. The Blackhawks’ depth at forward is thin, the thinnest it’s been in quite some time. Need a reminder of how depleted it is? Here are some of the forwards who were here last year who are now gone: Teuvo Teravainen, Bryan Bickell, Andrew Shaw, Marko Dano and Phillip Danault. You can also add Andrew Ladd, Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann — all acquired around the trade deadline — if you’d like.
Yeah.
The second line’s chemistry last season was beyond impressive. It worked, almost automatically; and thanks in large part to that line’s production and Corey Crawford’s goaltending, the Blackhawks put together a nice regular season. But one line does not a team make. The team wasn’t even close to getting that usual four-line rotation going last season, and if you don’t have that, you’re not going far.
Most attempts at finding Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa a top-line left wing failed. Quenneville is trying to spread the wealth, trying to give Toews that left wing, trying to make the most of what little depth he has. Panarin, who did play a few times with Toews last season, understands it might be necessary.
“Obviously I’m ready to play with anyone. That’s my role,” Panarin said through translator Igor Alfimov. “I played with Kane more last season, that’s why — that’s my experience. But I’m ready to play with anyone.”
But for grins, let’s look at another option: Could Tyler Motte emerge as a potential top-line left wing? The 21-year-old, who scored two goals in Saturday’s game, has been the best forward prospect in training camp thus far. He’s smart, he’s poised and he’s strong on the penalty kill. Quenneville loved what he saw out of Motte, and a Motte-Toews-Hossa combination would be worth a look. (Yes, we know Hossa could end up on that third line with Marcus Kruger again, but at the start it seems best he join Toews).
And Quenneville knows even if Kane and Panarin aren’t line mates, they won’t be completely separated.
“Over the course of a season you know they’ll be together at times. But that’s something that’s going to get sorted out,” Quenneville said. “The chemistry among the two of them is special. They’ll always (have) some shifts together. Whether (or not) they will be permanently together is something we’ll evaluate.”
Kane and Panarin formed a productive duo. You know what you get when they’re together. Breaking them up isn’t the most welcome move, but right now it might be a necessary one.
Blackhawks break scoreless skid, beat Blues for first preseason win . (Saturday night's game, 10/01/2016).
By Tracey Myers
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Artemi Panarin broke the Blackhawks’ scoreless preseason streak and Tyler Motte scored twice as the Blackhawks beat the St. Louis Blues 4-0 on Saturday night.
Scott Darling stopped all 18 shots he saw.
Coach Joel Quenneville talked of potentially splitting up Panarin and Patrick Kane, putting Panarin with Jonathan Toews, when this season begins. But Saturday was a reminder of the great chemistry Kane and Panarin have when they are together. Kane threw a perfect pass to Panarin, who blasted one past former Blackhawks goaltender Carter Hutton at 12:36 of the second period. It was the Blackhawks’ first goal of this preseason.
Michal Kempny’s long shot, which looked like it deflected off something or someone, ended up being his goal to give the Blackhawks a 2-0 lead. Then Motte redirected a Dennis Rasmussen shot in front for a 3-0 edge. Motte added his second with 39 seconds remaining in regulation.
Scott Darling stopped all 18 shots he saw.
Coach Joel Quenneville talked of potentially splitting up Panarin and Patrick Kane, putting Panarin with Jonathan Toews, when this season begins. But Saturday was a reminder of the great chemistry Kane and Panarin have when they are together. Kane threw a perfect pass to Panarin, who blasted one past former Blackhawks goaltender Carter Hutton at 12:36 of the second period. It was the Blackhawks’ first goal of this preseason.
Michal Kempny’s long shot, which looked like it deflected off something or someone, ended up being his goal to give the Blackhawks a 2-0 lead. Then Motte redirected a Dennis Rasmussen shot in front for a 3-0 edge. Motte added his second with 39 seconds remaining in regulation.
Jon Lester on Cubs: ‘I don’t want to sound like an a--hole, but we haven’t really done anything yet’.
By Patrick Mooney
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Jon Lester says he speaks for the entire clubhouse when he offers to trade it all in – the individual numbers, All-Star selections, Cy Young honors, MVP hardware – for a World Series ring with the Cubs.
“I don’t want to sound like an a--hole or anything, but we haven’t really done anything yet,” Lester said after the Cincinnati Reds denied him his 20th win on Saturday at Great American Ball Park.
“Amen!” might be the response from anyone sick of the coronations from the national media and tired of Joe Maddon’s “Embrace The Target” act. Their first-round opponent will feel that way, whether it’s the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants or St. Louis Cardinals. But five words summed up Lester’s attitude after this 7-4 loss: “Flush it down the toilet.”
That’s essentially how the Cubs have handled everything this year, from all the magazine covers to getting everyone’s best shot between the lines to a rabid fan base that follows them all across the country to what could have been a season-devastating injury to Kyle Schwarber.
That’s why Lester isn’t concerned about the rust accumulating during the two-plus weeks since the Cubs clinched the National League Central title, or the four days off after Sunday’s regular-season finale in Cincinnati.
“The big thing with this team is we’re just consistent,” Lester said. “We show up every day ready to play. I think that’s huge, especially with the young group that we have. That’s hard to do. That’s a hard thing to learn at a young age.
“It’s hard to show up every day ready to go – and these guys do it. They have short memories, which I think makes us really good. And we have guys that want to win.
“But really when it comes down to it, this season isn’t anything unless we do what we showed up to spring training to do – win a World Series.”
That’s why the Cubs handed Lester a six-year, $155 million contract, and the big-game lefty with two World Series rings from his time with the Boston Red Sox has so far lived up to those ace expectations in the second season of that megadeal, going 19-5 with a 2.44 ERA.
Whether or not an ugly last start dents Lester’s Cy Young chances – the Reds scratched him for five runs in five innings and stole three bases off him and personal catcher David Ross, highlighting what could be a running-wild issue in October – he still reached the number that he believes defines the true value of a starting pitcher.
Lester surpassed 200 innings for the eighth time in his career, feeling strong enough to start Game 1 on Oct. 7 and help carry the Cubs through what they expect will be three playoff series.
“This is the real season now,” Lester said. “You play 162 to get to now. Yeah, it will be completely different when you step on that field come Friday with that crowd. Whoever we’re playing, I’m sure it will be electric.
“That’s when it becomes a lot of fun – every pitch is do or die.”
The Cubs are the NL’s most talented team, with enough hooks to capture casual fans and maybe help grow a stagnant sport. The Ricketts family and Theo Epstein’s crew have The Plan to be good for a long time. But this team will be judged in October.
“The hundred-and-whatever wins are great,” Lester said. “All the personal stuff is great. This is go time now. Now we got to really kind of live up to the expectations and the hype.”
As Cubs advance, will Kyle Hendricks’ game work in the playoffs?
By Patrick Mooney
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Is this sustainable? Can Kyle Hendricks dominate hitters in October the way he controlled lineups during the regular season? The Cubs are about to find out.
The Cubs aren’t an invincible team, but they have the National League’s strongest, deepest roster. The transformation of Hendricks from a No. 5 starter into a Cy Young Award contender helps explain why the Cubs won 103 games and head into the postseason with a World Series-or-bust attitude.
“This is the day we’ve been waiting for,” Hendricks said after Sunday’s 7-4 comeback victory over the Reds at Great American Ball Park. “Now that we’re here, none of that means anything. The playoffs is what it’s all about. If you go out first round – that’s all that matters – you’re done.”
Hendricks killed hitters softly and earned that Game 2 slot in the rotation – against either the defending NL champion Mets or even-year Giants – with a breakthrough performance that saw him capture the ERA title (2.13), become a 16-game winner and reach the 190-inning mark.
“Hendricks has had a very good season,” an NL Central scout said. “It’s just a little different in the playoffs with a command-and-control guy with limited margin for error.”
Precision is Hendricks’ trademark, but he didn’t have it in the first inning against this Cincinnati lineup, hitting Scott Schebler with a pitch to load the bases and then walking in the game’s first run after a five-pitch at-bat against Eugenio Suarez. That forced pitching coach Chris Bosio to hold a conference on the mound. Tucker Barnhart then knocked a two-out, two-run single into right field, pushing Hendricks’ major-league leading ERA over 2.00.
But Hendricks has been so remarkably consistent, always keeping his team in the game. This snapped a streak of 22 straight starts where the right-hander allowed three earned runs or fewer. Those four runs matched a season-high. He also lasted five innings, something he’s done 30 times through 30 starts.
“You can’t disregard the results,” an NL West scout said. “From a pure scouting standpoint, the changeup is obviously better than just like above-average. It’s probably more of an elite-type changeup. When you fill out all the boxes, it’s nothing (extraordinary). But when you look at the guy’s ability just to make pitches – and his feel to pitch – it’s in that elite category.
“When you got this one weapon, that changeup’s in the back of everybody’s mind. And it kind of makes everything else better.”
Hendricks doesn’t have the same arsenal, name recognition or bank account as San Francisco’s frontline guys. Hendricks certainly didn’t experience the same hype that followed New York’s young power pitchers (and some are now recovering from season-ending surgeries).
But this is what happens when you combine a Dartmouth College education with an intricate game-planning system, an elite defense and a snowballing sense of confidence. The Cubs won’t hesitate to give Hendricks the ball on Oct. 8 at Wrigley Field.
“I will admit – I’ve always undervalued him,” the NL West scout said. “He’s obviously a Cy Young candidate this year. He’s probably not that front-of-the-rotation starter at the end of the day. But he’s way better than people give him credit for.
“The guy obviously has a lot inside that you can’t quantify. I think the true test for him (will be): Can he match up (in the playoffs)?”
Hendricks says “definitely,” even if he never expected to here at this point in his young career.
“They’re also going to have to go up against our lineup,” Hendricks said, “so that’s always a big plus in our column. I’m just going to go out there with the same thing I’ve been doing, focusing on my game, simple thoughts and attacking whatever lineup it is.”
How Cubs plan to deploy Javier Baez in the playoffs.
By Patrick Mooney
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Using common sense and Geek Department probabilities, Joe Maddon wants to know where the ball should be hit before deciding where to play Javier Baez, the kind of elite defender the Cubs manager envisions when he talks about creating a Gold Glove for super-utility guys.
“I just like to put him where the most action may be,” Maddon said. “He really provides a lot of coverage on slow rollers. He’s got the arm. He’s got the flair.”
With lefty Jon Lester facing a Cincinnati Reds lineup stacked with right-handed hitters, Maddon started Baez at third base on Saturday at Great American Ball Park, where the Cubs gave a potential sneak preview for their Game 1 playoff lineup.
Baez has been credited with 17 Defensive Runs Saved this year while moving between second base, shortstop and third base, putting together a package of highlight-reel plays and giving Maddon even more freedom with his lineup and in-game strategy.
If offense will be at such a premium in the postseason – putting an even stronger emphasis on pitching and defense – could Baez become an everyday player in October?
“Not 100 percent,” Maddon said. “You catch a lead, he’ll be in the game. I think that we still may go with an offensive matchup – and then hopefully grab a lead – and then get him in there. Do that kind of a thing, not unlike what we did last year with ‘Schwarbs’ (Kyle Schwarber), as an example, (where you) pull him and move everything around.
“I haven’t decided, but that would be my first inclination.”
The Cubs lead the majors in defensive efficiency, a breakthrough that has contributed to 102 wins and helped Lester and Kyle Hendricks put up Cy Young Award-worthy numbers, giving this group an overall dimension that could separate them from the franchise’s previous playoff teams.
“That’s where our pitchers have just been able to relax,” Lester said. “(We) know that: ‘Hey, I don’t have to be so perfect with each pitch.’ We’ve got such good defense behind us that it’s kind of like: ‘OK, just hit it. Those guys will figure it out after that.’”
“That’s where our pitchers have just been able to relax,” Lester said. “(We) know that: ‘Hey, I don’t have to be so perfect with each pitch.’ We’ve got such good defense behind us that it’s kind of like: ‘OK, just hit it. Those guys will figure it out after that.’”
WHITE SOX: Robin Ventura steps down as White Sox manager.
By Dan Hayes
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Calling it a personal decision, Ventura stepped down as White Sox manager shortly after his team closed his fifth season with a 6-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field. Ventura — who finished with a 375-435 record and finished below .500 in four straight seasons — said he thought the club might be in need of a new voice. The team is expected to name current bench coach Rick Renteria its new manager in a press conference on Monday at 11 a.m.
“I just feel it’s the right time,” Ventura said. “I love being here. The organization means a lot to me. You can go as hard as you can and really the only thing you know is how you conduct your business and how you treat people. I’m good with that.
“Talking to (general manager Rick Hahn) through September, you just realize right now is the right time to do it and you need somebody else.”
Ventura’s final season as White Sox manager will likely be remembered for several high-profile incidents that took place within the clubhouse, namely the abrupt and public retirement of Adam LaRoche and Chris Sale’s five-game suspension for destruction of team property. While those incidents may have caused him some stress, Ventura said it was the team’s collapse after a 23-10 start that was the most difficult to deal with. Ravaged by key injuries, underperformance and a lack of depth to handle those issues, the White Sox fell apart in mid-May and never recovered.
“What's hardest is we started off so well, so you had the optimism that was there that you were going to keep that rolling and then it didn't continue,” Ventura said. “That's the hardest stuff. The other stuff, it just happens. There's probably stuff that happens all over the place that's like that. But that had nothing to do it with being tougher.”
Though he made the determination he wouldn’t return over the course of September, Ventura held off on an announcement until after the season concluded. Ventura said he wanted his players’ focus to remain on the field where it belonged and didn’t want to detract from that. Ventura addressed his team prior to Sunday’s game to inform them of his decision.
“You have that thing you grow up with from your parents that when you start something you do it,” Ventura said. “If you get fired, that’s one thing. But I knew I was going to finish what I signed up to do. And I did that.”
Ventura has no plans to take another job within the organization and for now has no designs to manage again. Once questioned whether or not he wanted to be the team’s manager, Ventura said he’d say “yes again” if he had to do it all over. Ventura lamented the lack of team victories but enjoyed the job.
“You just do what you can do and how you conduct yourself,” Ventura said. “It’s not like they’re going to be building a statue or putting a statue out on the concourse. You do what you can and that’s all you can really do.”
Depth issues too much for 2016 White Sox to overcome.
By Dan Hayes
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Rick Hahn had it pegged in July -- the White Sox truly are mired in mediocrity.
Despite a blistering hot start, the White Sox won’t be headed to the playoffs for an eighth straight season that wrapped up Sunday with a 6-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field.
And even though they actually improved for a third year in a row under reportedly soon to be ex-manager Robin Ventura, it wasn’t nearly enough for the White Sox to finish with a record above .500. The White Sox, who are expected to name Rick Renteria their new manager on Monday, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report, posted their fourth consecutive losing season.
“We had it early on, we were doing it, and it seemed right at that time,” Ventura said. “I think offensively we couldn't keep up the pace we were going on and once the injuries happened and the bullpen … it becomes a different bullpen. We just didn't have enough to do it and we didn't play well enough.”
The outcome shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
Oh sure, the White Sox looked every bit the postseason contender in April and early May when they won 23 of their first 33 games. But that was before the club’s biggest issue, one several prominent baseball analysts identified in January and has dogged the franchise for several years now, surfaced and sunk them.
Though the 2016 White Sox boasted enough top-tier talent to potentially propel them to their first postseason appearance since 2008, analysts believed the White Sox needed most everything else to go in their favor for that to happen. The thinking was, and Hahn called the assessment “fair”, that the White Sox farm system is paper thin and was incapable of providing the necessary replacements if required.
And boy were they needed.
The problem initially surfaced -- and remained for the duration of 2016 -- a month into camp when veteran hitter Adam LaRoche abruptly retired. While LaRoche’s exit solved a playing time issue, it created bigger obstacles as the team no longer had a left-handed power threat for the middle of the lineup. Manager Robin Ventura’s only remedy was to move switch-hitter Melky Cabrera from a better fit -- hitting in front of Jose Abreu -- to batting behind the slugger and third baseman Todd Frazier in order to break up a right-handed heavy lineup.
Cabrera succeeded with an .818 OPS in the fifth spot. But the trio who replaced him in the second spot -- Jimmy Rollins, Austin Jackson and Tyler Saladino -- combined for a .619 OPS in 275 plate appearances.
It also meant increased plate appearances for Garcia, who originally was scheduled for part-time duty and didn’t improve as the White Sox had hoped.
By the time the injury bug rolled around, and it smacked the White Sox pretty hard, the offense was in shambles.
The first of two injuries to catcher Alex Avila meant too much playing time for veteran Dioner Navarro and not enough offense from either. Jackson’s season-ending knee injury in June resulted in a starting role for outfielder J.B. Shuck, who has a .557 OPS in 237 plate appearances.
Injuries to Zach Putnam and Jake Petricka, both prominent relievers the previous two seasons, sapped an already-tired bullpen. An additional injury, to Daniel Webb, had the White Sox using untested pitchers in big spots throughout the summer, a problem that became even bigger once Zach Duke was traded.
When it came time to replace underperforming starting pitchers John Danks and Mat Latos, the White Sox couldn’t supply their own answers and instead took on James Shields, who allowed 31 home runs in 22 starts after he was acquired.
The White Sox also didn’t have enough contributions from the supporting cast when Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier slumped.
The combination of poor offense and unreliable pitching sunk the White Sox.
And the little depth the team had has been a mixed bag. The team traded Duke for Charlie Tilson, who was lost for the season only five innings into his major league debut. Matt Davidson came up to challenge Garcia for playing time only to also suffer an injury in his debut.
Brett Lawrie’s injury did, however, result in playing time for Saladino and Carlos Sanchez, who played well in his absence. Relievers Dan Jennings and Tommy Kahnle also have taken advantage of their tryouts. Miguel Gonzalez also thrived after taking over as the No. 4 starter and looks like a find.
But in the end it wasn’t enough.
Even with standout performances from Adam Eaton, Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, a 40-homer season from Frazier, 85 RBIs and a .790 OPS from Cabrera, a strong second half by Carlos Rodon and Abreu and a good rookie season from Tim Anderson, the White Sox finished woefully short.
The win-now method that has been employed for more than a decade and prompted Hahn to say the White Sox would have to look hard at their methods, has depleted the team’s ability to answer its questions internally. Whereas Cleveland thrived without its best position player (Michael Brantley) and suffered injuries to key starting pitchers, and Kansas City managed to stay afloat despite injuries to Mike Moustakas, Wade Davis and others, the White Sox have sunk.
“We were hot early and then not so much and we never got hot again,” Ventura said. “I think baseball, it's tough to be able to recapture that. We did have a couple injuries …
“We had a really good bullpen, offensively we were doing enough and then we struggled in that area for a while. It's tough to stay consistent and keep yourself afloat in a baseball season because it just doesn't stop. It just keeps coming and you're in a division that's tough.”
Despite a blistering hot start, the White Sox won’t be headed to the playoffs for an eighth straight season that wrapped up Sunday with a 6-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field.
And even though they actually improved for a third year in a row under reportedly soon to be ex-manager Robin Ventura, it wasn’t nearly enough for the White Sox to finish with a record above .500. The White Sox, who are expected to name Rick Renteria their new manager on Monday, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report, posted their fourth consecutive losing season.
“We had it early on, we were doing it, and it seemed right at that time,” Ventura said. “I think offensively we couldn't keep up the pace we were going on and once the injuries happened and the bullpen … it becomes a different bullpen. We just didn't have enough to do it and we didn't play well enough.”
The outcome shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
Oh sure, the White Sox looked every bit the postseason contender in April and early May when they won 23 of their first 33 games. But that was before the club’s biggest issue, one several prominent baseball analysts identified in January and has dogged the franchise for several years now, surfaced and sunk them.
Though the 2016 White Sox boasted enough top-tier talent to potentially propel them to their first postseason appearance since 2008, analysts believed the White Sox needed most everything else to go in their favor for that to happen. The thinking was, and Hahn called the assessment “fair”, that the White Sox farm system is paper thin and was incapable of providing the necessary replacements if required.
And boy were they needed.
The problem initially surfaced -- and remained for the duration of 2016 -- a month into camp when veteran hitter Adam LaRoche abruptly retired. While LaRoche’s exit solved a playing time issue, it created bigger obstacles as the team no longer had a left-handed power threat for the middle of the lineup. Manager Robin Ventura’s only remedy was to move switch-hitter Melky Cabrera from a better fit -- hitting in front of Jose Abreu -- to batting behind the slugger and third baseman Todd Frazier in order to break up a right-handed heavy lineup.
Cabrera succeeded with an .818 OPS in the fifth spot. But the trio who replaced him in the second spot -- Jimmy Rollins, Austin Jackson and Tyler Saladino -- combined for a .619 OPS in 275 plate appearances.
It also meant increased plate appearances for Garcia, who originally was scheduled for part-time duty and didn’t improve as the White Sox had hoped.
By the time the injury bug rolled around, and it smacked the White Sox pretty hard, the offense was in shambles.
The first of two injuries to catcher Alex Avila meant too much playing time for veteran Dioner Navarro and not enough offense from either. Jackson’s season-ending knee injury in June resulted in a starting role for outfielder J.B. Shuck, who has a .557 OPS in 237 plate appearances.
Injuries to Zach Putnam and Jake Petricka, both prominent relievers the previous two seasons, sapped an already-tired bullpen. An additional injury, to Daniel Webb, had the White Sox using untested pitchers in big spots throughout the summer, a problem that became even bigger once Zach Duke was traded.
When it came time to replace underperforming starting pitchers John Danks and Mat Latos, the White Sox couldn’t supply their own answers and instead took on James Shields, who allowed 31 home runs in 22 starts after he was acquired.
The White Sox also didn’t have enough contributions from the supporting cast when Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier slumped.
The combination of poor offense and unreliable pitching sunk the White Sox.
And the little depth the team had has been a mixed bag. The team traded Duke for Charlie Tilson, who was lost for the season only five innings into his major league debut. Matt Davidson came up to challenge Garcia for playing time only to also suffer an injury in his debut.
Brett Lawrie’s injury did, however, result in playing time for Saladino and Carlos Sanchez, who played well in his absence. Relievers Dan Jennings and Tommy Kahnle also have taken advantage of their tryouts. Miguel Gonzalez also thrived after taking over as the No. 4 starter and looks like a find.
But in the end it wasn’t enough.
Even with standout performances from Adam Eaton, Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, a 40-homer season from Frazier, 85 RBIs and a .790 OPS from Cabrera, a strong second half by Carlos Rodon and Abreu and a good rookie season from Tim Anderson, the White Sox finished woefully short.
The win-now method that has been employed for more than a decade and prompted Hahn to say the White Sox would have to look hard at their methods, has depleted the team’s ability to answer its questions internally. Whereas Cleveland thrived without its best position player (Michael Brantley) and suffered injuries to key starting pitchers, and Kansas City managed to stay afloat despite injuries to Mike Moustakas, Wade Davis and others, the White Sox have sunk.
“We were hot early and then not so much and we never got hot again,” Ventura said. “I think baseball, it's tough to be able to recapture that. We did have a couple injuries …
“We had a really good bullpen, offensively we were doing enough and then we struggled in that area for a while. It's tough to stay consistent and keep yourself afloat in a baseball season because it just doesn't stop. It just keeps coming and you're in a division that's tough.”
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session..... Fred Hoiberg wants a more aggressive Bulls defense.
By Vincent Goodwill
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Being a better defensive team was a prime objective for Fred Hoiberg coming into camp, as the Bulls hope to reclaim some of their defensive identity that disappeared last season.
Reciting a not-so-true stat routinely to reporters in the first few days, that the Bulls were last in forcing turnovers in 2015-16, means he’s likely barking it to the team in practices (they were actually second-to-last behind the New York Knicks).
“Absolutely,” said Hoiberg when asked if being more aggressive defensively is a goal. “We are turning the ball over way too much. After watching film, our defense is responsible for some of that. We have a guy in (Rajon) Rondo that's a high steals guy, got great hands, great instincts, great wingspan. Jimmy (Butler) is always had great anticipation and one of the top steals guy.”
Butler is one of the best two-way players, along with San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard and Indiana’s Paul George, but even he admitted his defense slipped last year as the Bulls fell to a middle-of-the-pack team in terms of advanced defensive rankings (15th).
Rondo was once one of the league’s best defensive point guards before tearing up his knee his last full season in Boston, and averaged two steals last year in Sacramento, but gave up a career-high 107 points per 100 possessions, according to basketball-reference.com.
Whether Rondo was a function of a bad defense overall for the Kings or a player who no longer fully commits himself to that end remains to be seen, but it’s clear Hoiberg wants a more hands-y defense. Too many times last year, the Bulls defense had leaks from the top down, resulting in compromised drives to the basket and breakdowns all around.
More than anything, the Bulls defense was one of indifference, especially after the first 30 games or so.
“Like all staffs we watched a ton of film and tried to figure out with this group how to create more turnovers, how to impact the ball better,” Hoiberg said. “Every day it's been a big emphasis in our defense and we get out and force turnovers and make sure the help is there behind the trap and being aggressive on the ball.”
Golf: I got a club for that..... U.S.A. completes the task, wins emotional Ryder Cup.
Reciting a not-so-true stat routinely to reporters in the first few days, that the Bulls were last in forcing turnovers in 2015-16, means he’s likely barking it to the team in practices (they were actually second-to-last behind the New York Knicks).
“Absolutely,” said Hoiberg when asked if being more aggressive defensively is a goal. “We are turning the ball over way too much. After watching film, our defense is responsible for some of that. We have a guy in (Rajon) Rondo that's a high steals guy, got great hands, great instincts, great wingspan. Jimmy (Butler) is always had great anticipation and one of the top steals guy.”
Butler is one of the best two-way players, along with San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard and Indiana’s Paul George, but even he admitted his defense slipped last year as the Bulls fell to a middle-of-the-pack team in terms of advanced defensive rankings (15th).
Rondo was once one of the league’s best defensive point guards before tearing up his knee his last full season in Boston, and averaged two steals last year in Sacramento, but gave up a career-high 107 points per 100 possessions, according to basketball-reference.com.
Whether Rondo was a function of a bad defense overall for the Kings or a player who no longer fully commits himself to that end remains to be seen, but it’s clear Hoiberg wants a more hands-y defense. Too many times last year, the Bulls defense had leaks from the top down, resulting in compromised drives to the basket and breakdowns all around.
More than anything, the Bulls defense was one of indifference, especially after the first 30 games or so.
“Like all staffs we watched a ton of film and tried to figure out with this group how to create more turnovers, how to impact the ball better,” Hoiberg said. “Every day it's been a big emphasis in our defense and we get out and force turnovers and make sure the help is there behind the trap and being aggressive on the ball.”
Golf: I got a club for that..... U.S.A. completes the task, wins emotional Ryder Cup.
By Ryan Lavner
(Photo/The Golf Channel)
A U.S. Ryder Cup team that has spent the better part of two decades finding new and interesting ways to produce the same demoralizing result now owns a system, a blueprint and, most importantly, a dominant victory.
And so it looked like Tiger Woods, striding onto the range, hands stuffed into his USA team windbreaker, to give Jordan Spieth a knowing nod and Patrick Reed a final fist bump. It wasn’t so much the words that were exchanged; it was the belief instilled in the players from knowing that Woods – THE Tiger Woods, the legend these 20-somethings grew up idolizing – expressed supreme confidence in their games. They couldn’t help but puff out their chests.
It looked like Phil Mickelson, the de facto playing captain, a veteran of 11 consecutive cups, giving dog tags to the team with the words “2016 Hazeltine” and “The Beginning” engraved on each side. Less than 24 hours later, he was skying six inches off the ground, celebrating his 10th and final birdie of the day.
It looked like Ryan Moore, the controversial 11th-hour pick, earning the final point of this 17-11 blowout and collapsing into his captain’s arms.
And it looked like this: a news conference with 12 players, five assistants and one captain, popping champagne bottles and giggling at inside jokes.
“This team has been questioned and beat up for a long time,” Love said, “and I’m proud of the way they came together and the way they played and the way they represented their country.”
Unlike two years ago, there was no animosity, no agenda at the presser. At Gleneagles, Mickelson torpedoed the captaincy of Tom Watson and set in motion the process of revamping the U.S. Ryder Cup efforts. What has transpired since then has either been ingenious or overkill, depending on whom you ask, but it created a tense week in which only a victory would be deemed a success.
“The pressure started,” Mickelson said with a smirk, “when some dumbass opened his big mouth two years ago in the media center.”
But Mickelson’s intention was to create a more inclusive approach to the Ryder Cup, and in that respect he was wildly successful. Here at Hazeltine, it was an all hands on deck. (Even Love’s son, Dru, sent in a lineup for consideration.) After all, it was Woods’ overriding decision to send Reed and Spieth out together for a fourth session that gave the Americans a three-point cushion heading into the final day.
Still, there was a level of uneasiness about the lead.
Buoying the European team was what happened just four years ago at Medinah. With Love at the helm, the Americans squandered a 10-6 lead on the final day, only adding to the Americans’ woes in this event since 1999.
But there would be no repeat of Medinah on Sunday. Not even close. Because even with a roster that included the Masters champion, Open winner, Olympic gold medalist and FedEx Cup champion, this was clearly a transitional year for the Europeans. Captain Darren Clarke had little choice but to frontload his singles lineup with his five stars, hoping an early barrage of blue flags would inspire the inexperienced back-end.
Off first were both teams’ most pugnacious talents, Reed and Rory McIlroy, and they put on an electric performance in front of crowds 20 deep in spots. The duo combined for eight birdies and an eagle on the front nine before fading on the back nine, unable to sustain the same type of energy, like two heavyweight champions battling into the 12th round. But leave it to Reed, hoarse from screaming, “Come on!” and “Let’s go!” for the past three days, to summon one last outburst, rolling in a 10-footer to knock out McIlroy, 1 up. They exchanged pleasantries, but McIlroy was ticked after what had become a contentious week of trash-talking with fans. Walking off the green, he chucked his putter at his bag.
“Getting that big point at the beginning,” vice captain Steve Stricker said, “that settled a lot of guys down. They see the red on the board and they feel comfortable and they start to roll.”
That’s an important point, because although the task force and committee put the Americans in the best position to succeed, ultimately it comes down to the players in singles. On Sunday, the Americans needed only 5 1/2 points to reclaim the cup, and the celebration began with three matches still on the course.
One of the many reasons for the Americans’ repeated failures in this event was the disappearing acts by their top players, but that didn’t happen this year. Reed starred for the U.S., going 4-1. Mickelson, often blamed for the past two decades of futility, posted a 2-1-1 record and matched Sergio Garcia with 10 birdies to halve his match. Rickie Fowler handed Rose his first singles loss. Every U.S. player earned at least one point – the first time that’s happened since 1975.
“This was a team effort,” Love said.
And the 13th man was the home crowd, as an estimated 50,000 fans turned through the gates Sunday. Cheering the action on video boards, they created an incredible arena – “That’s what fueled us,” Zach Johnson said – but also turned Hazeltine into an Oakland Raiders game, with the occasional over-served heckler. Fearful of an incident that could overshadow the matches, the PGA issued a statement early Sunday, reminding fans to show more decorum. This put the Americans in a tricky spot – they desperately needed the home-course advantage, but they clearly were uncomfortable with the treatment of the beleaguered Europeans. Although McIlroy thrived off the antagonistic crowd – he admittedly expended too much energy and wore down Sunday – the hostile environment overwhelmed a few of Europe’s inexperienced players. Four team members ended the week without a point.
Add it all up, and it was the Americans’ largest margin of victory since 1981.
“The American Ryder Cup team deserved to win this Ryder Cup,” Clarke said.
All week, Clarke and Co. said they were humbled by the American approach, which had seemingly copied their ideas of legacy and cohesion. The U.S. invited past captains into the team room, underscoring the “Ryder Cup family” theme that was so prevalent at Hazeltine.
“The environment that we were put in today, and this week, brought out some of their best golf that I’ve ever seen from them,” Mickelson said. “It was truly a remarkable thing to watch, and it’s a fun thing to be a part of.”
And so there was one final scene from the day that was just like they all envisioned. It took place on the elevated walkway, where Brandt Snedeker and Johnson led a lively rendition of the trendy soccer chant – “I believe that we won!” – and Jimmy Walker, with a plastic cup in his right hand, poured champagne onto the sunburned, delirious fans below.
Spieth and Fowler led cheers of “Pat-rick Reed! Pat-rick Reed!”, and Reed danced to the beat, thrusting his arms like he’d done so many times this week. A few moments later, Mickelson emerged and pretended to pour out the champagne, only to pull the bottle back and take a swig himself.
Finally, the captain appeared. After two years of hype and unrelenting pressure, Love extended his left fist in triumph, and the crowd roared. It was, perhaps, a new beginning.
Match-by-match results from 41st Ryder Cup.
By Golf Channel Digital
(Photo/GolfChannelDigital)
The U.S. dominated singles on Sunday and earned its first Ryder Cup victory since 2008, defeating Europe, 17-11. Here's how the foursomes matches played out:
Overall: U.S. 17, Europe 11
Day 3 singles
U.S. 7 ½, Europe 4 ½
Patrick Reed (U.S.) def. Rory McIlroy, 1 up
This was perhaps the greatest singles match in the history of the Ryder Cup through eight holes where they were trading blows like prized fighters. But it fizzled a little and both were clearly weary near the end. A Reed birdie on the par-5 16th hole was the final dagger.
Henrik Stenson (E) def. Jordan Spieth, 3 and 2
This match lived up to the hype but was overshadowed by the one ahead between McIlroy and Reed. A costly bogey for Spieth on the 13th hole put him 2 down, a margin that was too big to overcome against the man who has played as well as anyone in the world this summer.
Thomas Pieters (E) def. J.B. Holmes, 3 and 2
Pieters was sensational from beginning to end. On this day he collected seven birdies and completely overpowered a powerful Holmes. The victory gave the European rookie a 4-1 record. This won’t be the last time we see Pieters on a European Ryder Cup team.
Rickie Fowler (U.S.) def. Justin Rose, 1 up
Rose looked tired. Really tired. This was his fifth match of the week and he lacked firepower. Fowler should’ve won easier than he did but neither player had more than a 1-up advantage at any point in the match. Fowler called it a “pillow fight.” Sums it up.
Rafa Cabrera Bello (E) def. Jimmy Walker, 3 and 2
Another good match that no one was paying any attention to because others were higher profile. Both players had six birdies but Walker was too wayward at times and made four bogeys. Cabrera Bello didn’t lose a match all week, going 2-0-1.
Phil Mickelson (U.S.) vs. Sergio Garcia, halved
All the focus was on Reed-McIlroy early, but this may be the best complete singles match in Ryder Cup history. The two combined for 19 (yes, 19!) birdies. Garcia birdied the last four holes and Mickelson birdied four of the last five. A fitting result, although halves, in general, stink.
Ryan Moore (U.S.) def. Lee Westwood, 1 up
This match clinched the Ryder Cup for the Americans. Westwood was 2 up with three holes to play but Moore won all three holes to win the match. It wrapped up an abysmal week for Westwood (0-3) and continues a remarkable two-week stretch for Moore (2-1).
Brandt Snedeker (U.S.) def. Andy Sullivan, 3 and 1
Snedeker was the only undefeated American (3-0) and putted lights out all week. He was emotionally charged and delivered with key shot after key shot. Sullivan was scrappy but two bogeys in the last four holes cost him dearly. He ended the week 0-2 but played better than that indicates.
Dustin Johnson (U.S.) def. Chris Wood, 1 up
Surprisingly, this was close. DJ never had more than a 2-up advantage, but he did make seven birdies. Wood got off to a hot start but couldn’t sustain that momentum. The cup was already decided over the last couple holes so this result didn’t matter.
Brooks Koepka (U.S.) def. Danny Willett, 5 and 4
Believe it or not, this match was actually close through eight holes. But from that point forward Willett made two bogeys and Koepka collected two birdies. It got out of hand quick. Koepka shined in his first Ryder Cup, Willett went 0-3 and never found form.
Martin Kaymer (E) def. Matt Kuchar, 1up
This match was the last one on the course and was inconsequential. Kaymer won the 15th hole with a birdie to go 1 up and they halved the final three holes. Kaymer didn’t play well at all this week and collected his first and only point here against Kuchar.
Zach Johnson (U.S.) def. Matthew Fitzpatrick, 4 and 3
This was an ugly match and, thankfully, one that not many watched. If it would have come down to this one Europe was always going to be in trouble. Johnson only made three birdies on a day when birdies were flying everywhere. Fitzpatrick was overwhelmed and made four bogeys.
Day 2 fourballs
U.S. 3, Europe 1
Rory McIlroy-Thomas Pieters (E) def. Brooks Koepka-Dustin Johnson, 3 and 1
McIlroy and Pieters moved their record to 3-0 together this week. This one was billed as a heavyweight bout with all four players among the longest hitters in golf. It was great but Europe had more firepower. Pieters was 7 under and McIlroy was 4 under. They were sensational.
J.B. Holmes-Ryan Moore (U.S.) def. Danny Willett-Lee Westwood, 1 up
Neither team had more than a 1-up advantage all day and it was pretty decent golf considering that it got lost in the shuffle of the other higher-profile matches. Westwood played well through 10 holes but missed two crucial, short putts late in devastating fashion. Holmes made seven birdies.
Phil Mickelson-Matt Kuchar (U.S.) def. Martin Kaymer-Sergio Garcia, 2 and 1
Have to hand it to Mickelson. He went two matches this day. After getting smoked in the morning he was remarkable down the stretch and birdied three of the last four holes to close it out. It was Kuchar early, Mickelson late. Garcia was essentially fighting alone as Kaymer continued to be out of sorts.
Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed (U.S.) def. Justin Rose-Henrik Stenson, 2 and 1
Oddly, Spieth and Rose were afterthoughts in this match. Stenson played great but Reed was otherworldly. Honestly, this had to be the best Reed has ever played. He drained putts all over the lot, holed out for eagle on the sixth hole and did everything he needed to do. It was an amazing performance.
Day 2 foursomes
Europe 2 ½, U.S. 1 ½
Rory McIlroy-Thomas Pieters (E) def. Rickie Fowler-Phil Mickelson, 4 and 2
Europe was 3 up after seven holes and Mickelson drained a long par putt on No. 8 to keep it from going to 4. The Americans then won the next two holes to pull close. But McIlroy and Pieters were both animals throughout and there was no way they were going to be denied.
Brandt Snedeker-Brooks Koepka (U.S.) def. Henrik Stenson-Matthew Fitzpatrick, 3 and 2
Match was close all along and was all square on the 13th tee. But Snedeker and Koepka both made incredible putts over the next three holes and put it out of reach. After Reed-Spieth, surprisingly, this has been the second-best U.S. duo.
Justin Rose-Chris Wood (E) def. Jimmy Walker-Zach Johnson, 1 up
This one was way closer than it should’ve been. Europe was 3 up after 13 and then played tight and sloppy. It went to the last hole but Johnson hit his approach over the back of the green on a hole the Americans had to win for any hopes of a halve.
Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed (U.S.) vs. Sergio Garcia-Rafa Cabrera Bello, halve
Biggest shocker of the week. Hands down. Not because it ended up as a halve, but because of how it happened. The U.S. was 6 under through 12 holes and 4 up at that point. But they bogeyed three consecutive holes (Nos. 13-15) and squandered all momentum. Huge, huge momentum swing. Felt like a victory for Europe.
Day 1 fourballs
Europe 3, U.S. 1
Henrik Stenson-Justin Rose (E) def. Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed, 5 and 4
The Americans made six birdies and got absolutely smoked. Stenson made five birdies and Rose made four to avenge a morning foursomes loss to the same U.S. team. Set the tone for Europe in the afternoon.
Sergio Garcia-Rafa Cabrera Bello (E) def. J.B. Holmes-Ryan Moore, 3 and 2
How do you know it’s the Ryder Cup? Because Sergio Garcia makes important putts. The all-Spanish duo combined for seven birdies and easily won. Holmes was out of sorts and Moore held his own but couldn’t do it alone.
Brandt Snedeker-Brooks Koepka (U.S.) def. Martin Kaymer-Danny Willett, 5 and 4
Seven total birdies for the Americans helped produce the rout. Willett made only two birdies but Kaymer played horribly. The two-time major champ recorded a score for his team only three times in 14 holes.
Rory McIlroy-Thomas Pieters (E) def. Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar, 3 and 2
McIlroy played with his second different rookie of the day. This one was closer than it should’ve been. Europe was 4 up after 13 but the U.S. won the next two holes when Europe tightened up. Ultimately the hot start (five birdies in the first seven holes) was the difference.
Day 1 foursomes
U.S. 4, Europe 0
Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed (U.S.) def. Henrik Stenson-Justin Rose, 3 and 2
The best U.S. team was just too much to handle and made five birdies including one from 20 feet on the 16th hole to end the match. Both Spieth and Reed were spectacular. Europe only made one birdie.
Phil Mickelson-Rickie Fowler (U.S.) def. Rory McIlroy-Andy Sullivan, 1 up
Americans were 2 down after six holes and 2 down after 14 holes. But they somehow won the next three holes to secure the match. There was tons of pressure on Mickelson and this was Fowler’s first outright win in the Ryder Cup.
Jimmy Walker-Zach Johnson (U.S.) def. Sergio Garcia-Martin Kaymer, 4 and 2
Walker made a key par save on 12 to get the match to even, then the Americans won the next four holes in a row. Europe only made two birdies in a match where they were heavily favored.
Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar (U.S.) def. Lee Westwood-Thomas Pieters, 5 and 4
Europe was horrid with bogeys on the first two holes and a double bogey on the seventh. Europe didn’t hit a fairway in the first nine holes. Pieters was overwhelmed. Westwood was mediocre.
Tiger a future Ryder Cup captain? 'I would love to'.
By Jay Coffin
Tiger Woods will be a Ryder Cup captain. Someday. After a week behind the scenes as an assistant captain to Davis Love III, Woods isn’t ready for the head gig anytime soon.
Woods was asked Sunday if he’s ready to become a Ryder Cup captain and he playfully acted like he didn’t understand the question.
“Another vice captain, yeah,” he said. No, captain. “Another vice captain, yeah,” he said again.
“There’s a lot of things that I didn’t realize that went on, and very eye opening,” Woods said. “I learned a lot and I became really close to a lot of these guys and it’s been just an honor to be part of it.”
About being captain though.
“Yeah, I would love to do it,” he said. “I would be honored to do it in the future, if asked. But from the player standpoint of it, I like playing.”
So book Tiger Woods as Ryder Cup captain whenever he finally wants the gig.
Overall: U.S. 17, Europe 11
Day 3 singles
U.S. 7 ½, Europe 4 ½
Patrick Reed (U.S.) def. Rory McIlroy, 1 up
This was perhaps the greatest singles match in the history of the Ryder Cup through eight holes where they were trading blows like prized fighters. But it fizzled a little and both were clearly weary near the end. A Reed birdie on the par-5 16th hole was the final dagger.
Henrik Stenson (E) def. Jordan Spieth, 3 and 2
This match lived up to the hype but was overshadowed by the one ahead between McIlroy and Reed. A costly bogey for Spieth on the 13th hole put him 2 down, a margin that was too big to overcome against the man who has played as well as anyone in the world this summer.
Thomas Pieters (E) def. J.B. Holmes, 3 and 2
Pieters was sensational from beginning to end. On this day he collected seven birdies and completely overpowered a powerful Holmes. The victory gave the European rookie a 4-1 record. This won’t be the last time we see Pieters on a European Ryder Cup team.
Rickie Fowler (U.S.) def. Justin Rose, 1 up
Rose looked tired. Really tired. This was his fifth match of the week and he lacked firepower. Fowler should’ve won easier than he did but neither player had more than a 1-up advantage at any point in the match. Fowler called it a “pillow fight.” Sums it up.
Rafa Cabrera Bello (E) def. Jimmy Walker, 3 and 2
Another good match that no one was paying any attention to because others were higher profile. Both players had six birdies but Walker was too wayward at times and made four bogeys. Cabrera Bello didn’t lose a match all week, going 2-0-1.
Phil Mickelson (U.S.) vs. Sergio Garcia, halved
All the focus was on Reed-McIlroy early, but this may be the best complete singles match in Ryder Cup history. The two combined for 19 (yes, 19!) birdies. Garcia birdied the last four holes and Mickelson birdied four of the last five. A fitting result, although halves, in general, stink.
Ryan Moore (U.S.) def. Lee Westwood, 1 up
This match clinched the Ryder Cup for the Americans. Westwood was 2 up with three holes to play but Moore won all three holes to win the match. It wrapped up an abysmal week for Westwood (0-3) and continues a remarkable two-week stretch for Moore (2-1).
Brandt Snedeker (U.S.) def. Andy Sullivan, 3 and 1
Snedeker was the only undefeated American (3-0) and putted lights out all week. He was emotionally charged and delivered with key shot after key shot. Sullivan was scrappy but two bogeys in the last four holes cost him dearly. He ended the week 0-2 but played better than that indicates.
Dustin Johnson (U.S.) def. Chris Wood, 1 up
Surprisingly, this was close. DJ never had more than a 2-up advantage, but he did make seven birdies. Wood got off to a hot start but couldn’t sustain that momentum. The cup was already decided over the last couple holes so this result didn’t matter.
Brooks Koepka (U.S.) def. Danny Willett, 5 and 4
Believe it or not, this match was actually close through eight holes. But from that point forward Willett made two bogeys and Koepka collected two birdies. It got out of hand quick. Koepka shined in his first Ryder Cup, Willett went 0-3 and never found form.
Martin Kaymer (E) def. Matt Kuchar, 1up
This match was the last one on the course and was inconsequential. Kaymer won the 15th hole with a birdie to go 1 up and they halved the final three holes. Kaymer didn’t play well at all this week and collected his first and only point here against Kuchar.
Zach Johnson (U.S.) def. Matthew Fitzpatrick, 4 and 3
This was an ugly match and, thankfully, one that not many watched. If it would have come down to this one Europe was always going to be in trouble. Johnson only made three birdies on a day when birdies were flying everywhere. Fitzpatrick was overwhelmed and made four bogeys.
Day 2 fourballs
U.S. 3, Europe 1
Rory McIlroy-Thomas Pieters (E) def. Brooks Koepka-Dustin Johnson, 3 and 1
McIlroy and Pieters moved their record to 3-0 together this week. This one was billed as a heavyweight bout with all four players among the longest hitters in golf. It was great but Europe had more firepower. Pieters was 7 under and McIlroy was 4 under. They were sensational.
J.B. Holmes-Ryan Moore (U.S.) def. Danny Willett-Lee Westwood, 1 up
Neither team had more than a 1-up advantage all day and it was pretty decent golf considering that it got lost in the shuffle of the other higher-profile matches. Westwood played well through 10 holes but missed two crucial, short putts late in devastating fashion. Holmes made seven birdies.
Phil Mickelson-Matt Kuchar (U.S.) def. Martin Kaymer-Sergio Garcia, 2 and 1
Have to hand it to Mickelson. He went two matches this day. After getting smoked in the morning he was remarkable down the stretch and birdied three of the last four holes to close it out. It was Kuchar early, Mickelson late. Garcia was essentially fighting alone as Kaymer continued to be out of sorts.
Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed (U.S.) def. Justin Rose-Henrik Stenson, 2 and 1
Oddly, Spieth and Rose were afterthoughts in this match. Stenson played great but Reed was otherworldly. Honestly, this had to be the best Reed has ever played. He drained putts all over the lot, holed out for eagle on the sixth hole and did everything he needed to do. It was an amazing performance.
Day 2 foursomes
Europe 2 ½, U.S. 1 ½
Rory McIlroy-Thomas Pieters (E) def. Rickie Fowler-Phil Mickelson, 4 and 2
Europe was 3 up after seven holes and Mickelson drained a long par putt on No. 8 to keep it from going to 4. The Americans then won the next two holes to pull close. But McIlroy and Pieters were both animals throughout and there was no way they were going to be denied.
Brandt Snedeker-Brooks Koepka (U.S.) def. Henrik Stenson-Matthew Fitzpatrick, 3 and 2
Match was close all along and was all square on the 13th tee. But Snedeker and Koepka both made incredible putts over the next three holes and put it out of reach. After Reed-Spieth, surprisingly, this has been the second-best U.S. duo.
Justin Rose-Chris Wood (E) def. Jimmy Walker-Zach Johnson, 1 up
This one was way closer than it should’ve been. Europe was 3 up after 13 and then played tight and sloppy. It went to the last hole but Johnson hit his approach over the back of the green on a hole the Americans had to win for any hopes of a halve.
Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed (U.S.) vs. Sergio Garcia-Rafa Cabrera Bello, halve
Biggest shocker of the week. Hands down. Not because it ended up as a halve, but because of how it happened. The U.S. was 6 under through 12 holes and 4 up at that point. But they bogeyed three consecutive holes (Nos. 13-15) and squandered all momentum. Huge, huge momentum swing. Felt like a victory for Europe.
Day 1 fourballs
Europe 3, U.S. 1
Henrik Stenson-Justin Rose (E) def. Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed, 5 and 4
The Americans made six birdies and got absolutely smoked. Stenson made five birdies and Rose made four to avenge a morning foursomes loss to the same U.S. team. Set the tone for Europe in the afternoon.
Sergio Garcia-Rafa Cabrera Bello (E) def. J.B. Holmes-Ryan Moore, 3 and 2
How do you know it’s the Ryder Cup? Because Sergio Garcia makes important putts. The all-Spanish duo combined for seven birdies and easily won. Holmes was out of sorts and Moore held his own but couldn’t do it alone.
Brandt Snedeker-Brooks Koepka (U.S.) def. Martin Kaymer-Danny Willett, 5 and 4
Seven total birdies for the Americans helped produce the rout. Willett made only two birdies but Kaymer played horribly. The two-time major champ recorded a score for his team only three times in 14 holes.
Rory McIlroy-Thomas Pieters (E) def. Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar, 3 and 2
McIlroy played with his second different rookie of the day. This one was closer than it should’ve been. Europe was 4 up after 13 but the U.S. won the next two holes when Europe tightened up. Ultimately the hot start (five birdies in the first seven holes) was the difference.
Day 1 foursomes
U.S. 4, Europe 0
Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed (U.S.) def. Henrik Stenson-Justin Rose, 3 and 2
The best U.S. team was just too much to handle and made five birdies including one from 20 feet on the 16th hole to end the match. Both Spieth and Reed were spectacular. Europe only made one birdie.
Phil Mickelson-Rickie Fowler (U.S.) def. Rory McIlroy-Andy Sullivan, 1 up
Americans were 2 down after six holes and 2 down after 14 holes. But they somehow won the next three holes to secure the match. There was tons of pressure on Mickelson and this was Fowler’s first outright win in the Ryder Cup.
Jimmy Walker-Zach Johnson (U.S.) def. Sergio Garcia-Martin Kaymer, 4 and 2
Walker made a key par save on 12 to get the match to even, then the Americans won the next four holes in a row. Europe only made two birdies in a match where they were heavily favored.
Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar (U.S.) def. Lee Westwood-Thomas Pieters, 5 and 4
Europe was horrid with bogeys on the first two holes and a double bogey on the seventh. Europe didn’t hit a fairway in the first nine holes. Pieters was overwhelmed. Westwood was mediocre.
Tiger a future Ryder Cup captain? 'I would love to'.
By Jay Coffin
Tiger Woods will be a Ryder Cup captain. Someday. After a week behind the scenes as an assistant captain to Davis Love III, Woods isn’t ready for the head gig anytime soon.
Woods was asked Sunday if he’s ready to become a Ryder Cup captain and he playfully acted like he didn’t understand the question.
“Another vice captain, yeah,” he said. No, captain. “Another vice captain, yeah,” he said again.
“There’s a lot of things that I didn’t realize that went on, and very eye opening,” Woods said. “I learned a lot and I became really close to a lot of these guys and it’s been just an honor to be part of it.”
About being captain though.
“Yeah, I would love to do it,” he said. “I would be honored to do it in the future, if asked. But from the player standpoint of it, I like playing.”
So book Tiger Woods as Ryder Cup captain whenever he finally wants the gig.
NASCAR: Martin Truex Jr. dominates at Dover for his fourth win of the season.
By Kelly Crandall
(Photo/nbcsports.com)
Martin Truex Jr. further established himself as championship favorite by dominating the Citizen Soldier 400 at Dover International Speedway.
Already locked into the Round of 12 following a victory in the Chase opener at Chicagoland Speedway, Truex picked up his second win of in the first round after leading 187 of 400 laps Sunday afternoon. The victory is the second at Dover for Truex, a New Jersey native, who earned his first career win at his home track in June of 2007.
It is also his seventh career win and fourth of the season. Truex finished first, seventh, and first in the Chase’s first three races while leading a total of 360 laps.
“We’re not messing around, I guess,” Truex told NBC Sports of his first round performance. “I don’t know. What else can you say? We are here to get it done and golly, the best bunch of guys you could ever ask for and just amazing to drive their racecars and do what we’re able to do. I’m just ecstatic.”
Truex took control of the race after Jimmie Johnson, who led 90 laps, was penalized for having too many crew members over the wall during a round of green flag pit stops on Lap 280. Johnson had been leading at the time but would finish seventh, the first car one lap down.
The No. 78 of Truex then took the lead for the final time on Lap 374 after the race’s final round of pit stops. His margin of victory was seven seconds over Toyota teammate, Kyle Busch.
The top five were Truex, Busch, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and Matt Kenseth. The first four drivers eliminated from the Chase were Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, Jamie McMurray, and Chris Buescher.
HOW TRUEX WON: Truex cycled to the race lead by seven seconds with 26 laps to go following the final round of pit stops.
WHO ELSE HAD A GOOD RACE: Chase Elliott earned his second top-five finish in the Chase with a third-place run … Team Penske put both cars in the top-10 with pole-sitter Brad Keselowski finishing fourth and Joey Logano finishing sixth … Jimmie Johnson recovered from a pit road penalty to finish seventh … Jeff Gordon earned his first top-10 finish in the No. 88 car with a 10th-place effort.
WHO HAD A BAD RACE: Kyle Larson finished 25th, six laps down after losing power in his Chevrolet, being issued a pit road penalty, and hitting the wall … Kevin Harvick broke a track bar mount and finished 37th … Ryan Blaney blew a tire and finished 38th … Jamie McMurray blew an engine and finished last, 40th.
NOTABLE: With his fourth win at Dover, Truex is now tied with Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch for the most in the series. Dover is also the first track where Truex has scored multiple race wins. Truex has also now led more laps in the last six races (588) than each of his prior seasons entering 2016.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It feels good. Now it’s time to knock some more of these guys out because we’ve got this opportunity and I’m going to say we’re going to be the underdog in this next round, so let’s go do it.” — Austin Dillon on advancing to the Round of 12 in the Chase.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Round of 12 begins at Charlotte Motor Speedway with the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. ET on NBC.
Martin Truex Jr. takes Sprint Cup point lead after Dover.
Already locked into the Round of 12 following a victory in the Chase opener at Chicagoland Speedway, Truex picked up his second win of in the first round after leading 187 of 400 laps Sunday afternoon. The victory is the second at Dover for Truex, a New Jersey native, who earned his first career win at his home track in June of 2007.
It is also his seventh career win and fourth of the season. Truex finished first, seventh, and first in the Chase’s first three races while leading a total of 360 laps.
“We’re not messing around, I guess,” Truex told NBC Sports of his first round performance. “I don’t know. What else can you say? We are here to get it done and golly, the best bunch of guys you could ever ask for and just amazing to drive their racecars and do what we’re able to do. I’m just ecstatic.”
Truex took control of the race after Jimmie Johnson, who led 90 laps, was penalized for having too many crew members over the wall during a round of green flag pit stops on Lap 280. Johnson had been leading at the time but would finish seventh, the first car one lap down.
The No. 78 of Truex then took the lead for the final time on Lap 374 after the race’s final round of pit stops. His margin of victory was seven seconds over Toyota teammate, Kyle Busch.
The top five were Truex, Busch, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and Matt Kenseth. The first four drivers eliminated from the Chase were Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, Jamie McMurray, and Chris Buescher.
HOW TRUEX WON: Truex cycled to the race lead by seven seconds with 26 laps to go following the final round of pit stops.
WHO ELSE HAD A GOOD RACE: Chase Elliott earned his second top-five finish in the Chase with a third-place run … Team Penske put both cars in the top-10 with pole-sitter Brad Keselowski finishing fourth and Joey Logano finishing sixth … Jimmie Johnson recovered from a pit road penalty to finish seventh … Jeff Gordon earned his first top-10 finish in the No. 88 car with a 10th-place effort.
WHO HAD A BAD RACE: Kyle Larson finished 25th, six laps down after losing power in his Chevrolet, being issued a pit road penalty, and hitting the wall … Kevin Harvick broke a track bar mount and finished 37th … Ryan Blaney blew a tire and finished 38th … Jamie McMurray blew an engine and finished last, 40th.
NOTABLE: With his fourth win at Dover, Truex is now tied with Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch for the most in the series. Dover is also the first track where Truex has scored multiple race wins. Truex has also now led more laps in the last six races (588) than each of his prior seasons entering 2016.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It feels good. Now it’s time to knock some more of these guys out because we’ve got this opportunity and I’m going to say we’re going to be the underdog in this next round, so let’s go do it.” — Austin Dillon on advancing to the Round of 12 in the Chase.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Round of 12 begins at Charlotte Motor Speedway with the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. ET on NBC.
Martin Truex Jr. takes Sprint Cup point lead after Dover.
By Kelly Crandall
Thirteen of 16 Chase drivers changed positions in the points following the Citizen Soldier 400 at Dover International Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. won for the second time in three races and assumed the point lead. Defending Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch moved to second in points. Truex and Busch are two of the 12 drivers moving onto the second round of the Chase, which begins next Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson fell out of the top 12 in points – allowing Austin Dillon to move into a transfer spot – and was eliminated from the Chase along with Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray, and Chris Buescher.
Click here to see Sprint Cup points after Dover
SOCCER: Fire lose third straight in rout at Columbus.
Martin Truex Jr. won for the second time in three races and assumed the point lead. Defending Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch moved to second in points. Truex and Busch are two of the 12 drivers moving onto the second round of the Chase, which begins next Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson fell out of the top 12 in points – allowing Austin Dillon to move into a transfer spot – and was eliminated from the Chase along with Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray, and Chris Buescher.
Click here to see Sprint Cup points after Dover
SOCCER: Fire lose third straight in rout at Columbus.
By Dan Santaromita
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The loss followed defeats on the road at New York City FC and Seattle. It is the Fire’s fourth loss in five games.
Harrison Afful gave Columbus (8-12-11, 35 points) an early lead with a wicked knuckling shot in the eighth minute. Mohammed Saeid played a short corner to an unmarked Afful on the corner of the box. He lined it up and Sean Johnson was unable to keep out the swerving ball.
This is the third straight match the Fire (6-16-9, 27 points) have conceded a goal from a corner kick and the fourth straight match the Fire have allowed a goal from a set piece.
Columbus added two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Justin Meram cut inside on Khaly Thiam in the box to score in the 50th minute and former Fire midfielder Dilly Duka scored on a counter in the 59th minute.
The Fire had 53 percent of the possession in the first half, but had no shots on target. The Fire finished with one shot on target, a long distance drive from John Goossens that Steve Clark saved and eventually smothered the rebound.
David Arshakyan made his second start in a Fire uniform. It was the first time he started alongside fellow forward Michael de Leeuw. Arshakyan was subbed off in the 63rd minute after registering one shot, which was off target.
Columbus was able to get a comfortable win despite not starting key players in Ola Kamara and Wil Trapp. Both subbed on in the second half after the score was already 3-0.
PL Sunday Roundup: United coughs one up, Spurs beat City, Arsenal wins late. (10/02/2016).
By Kyle Bonn
(Photo/Getty Images)
The Premier League leaders went down and the defending champions were held scoreless as the final day before the next international break came and went.
Manchester United had a lead on Stoke City but coughed it up, and Arsene Wenger celebrated 20 years in charge of Arsenal with
Here, recapped, is Sunday in England’s top flight.
Manchester United 1-1 Stoke City — FULL RECAP
Manchester United dominated the entire first half and much of the second as well, but they were wasteful in front of net, and Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant was fantastic to keep the Red Devils to just one. It was Anthony Martial off the bench to finally give the home side a deserved lead, but Joe Allen capitalized on a mistake by David De Gea with just eight minutes to go in a game that Jose Mourinho called Manchester United’s “best performance of the season.”
Tottenham 2-0 Manchester City — FULL RECAP
Spurs remained the only unbeaten team in Premier League play as they handed Manchester City and Pep Guardiola its first loss of the year. Aleksandar Kolarov awkwardly touched the opener into his own net, and Dele Alli was there for the second, assisted by the in-form Heung-Min Son. City was not without its chances in the match, but Hugo Lloris was up to the task in front of the home fans at White Hart Lane.
Leicester City 0-0 Southampton — FULL RECAP
The two sides had a few half-chances, but both Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin wasted their team’s best one and defenses held firm the rest of the way as Leicester and Southampton shared the points at King Power Stadium, hardly serving to move either side out of midtable obscurity.
Burnley 0-1 Arsenal — FULL RECAP
Arsenal bagged all three points on the last kick of the match, with Laurent Koscielny tapping in the winner in the third minute of injury time. However, it didn’t come without controversy, as it appeared Koscielny was offside on the touch by Oxlade-Chamberlain, and it clearly hit the defender’s arm on its way in as well. Either way, the goal was given and Burnley sunk despite a solid defensive showing that locked down the Gunners most of the way.
Premier League roundup: Wins for Chelsea, Liverpool; Draws for six others. (10/01/2016).
By Nicholas Mendola
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The European tournament week left us with just five Premier League clubs in action on Saturday, but we still saw some sensational goals and stunning saves.
For the most part, we saw expected results aside from West Ham’s failure to capitalize against visiting Middlesbrough.
Here, recapped, is our Saturday in England’s top flight.
Swansea City 1-2 Liverpool — RECAP
James Milner converted his fourth penalty kick of the season to complete Liverpool’s road comeback over Swansea City, casting further doubt on Francesco Guidolin‘s time as Swans boss. Roberto Firmino equalized off a Philippe Coutinho free kick after Leroy Fer gave the hosts an early lead.
West Ham United 1-1 Middlesbrough — RECAP
West Ham will be happy to have “stopped the rot” and not lost a fifth-straight game, but it took some “pure magic” from Dimitri Payet to avoid another loss at the Olympic Stadium. Cristhian Stuani netted early to give Boro a road lead, but Payet dribbled through the 18 before cutting the ball across his body and past Victor Valdes.
Hull City 0-2 Chelsea — RECAP
The Blues ended their three-match winless skid in style, working very good possession and build-up before breaking through after the hour mark with Willian and then Diego Costa. Chelsea now starts a brutal five match run which includes Premier League matches against Leicester, Manchester United, Southampton, and Everton.
Sunderland 1-1 West Bromwich Albion — RECAP
Nacer Chadli has proven a good buy for the Baggies so far, as the ex-Spurs man scored again, but Patrick Van Aanholt continued his knack for big goals by pulling back a point for the woeful host Black Cats.
Watford 2-2 Bournemouth — RECAP
The Cherries had a pair of leads thanks to Callum Wilson and Josh King, and Jack Wilshere hit the post twice in a game the visitors could have and maybe should have claimed. But Troy Deeney and exciting sub Isaac Success nabbed goals for the Hornets as the two sides split the points.
La Liga roundup: Celta drops Barca, Valencia falls despite Alves heroics. (10/02/2016).
By Matt Reed
(Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Celta Vigo earned an impressive 4-3 win over Barcelona on Sunday as the Blaugrana were forced to deal with the absence of Lionel Messi. Celta pushed Luis Enrique’s side early on and were rewarded with three first-half goals, including a Jeremy Mathieu own goal in the 33rd minute. Despite Barcelona’s efforts to pull it back to 4-3 in the second stanza, Pablo Hernandez put the match permanently out of reach with 13 minutes remaining.
Despite two penalty stops from Diego Alves, Valencia fell 2-0 to Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian goalkeeper made key saves from the penalty spot on both sides of halftime, however, second-half finishes from Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro gave Atletico the win to move up to second place in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Madrid’s other side continued its struggles and stumbled once again against Eibar. Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Eibar at the Santiago Bernabeu after Gareth Bale‘s 16th minute strike cancelled out Fran Rico’s early finish. Eibar went ahead in the sixth minute when Rico headed home Ander Capa’s cross, and from there the visitors defended stoutly to earn a road point.
Elsewhere in Spain:
Espanyol 0-0 Villareal
Malaga 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
La Liga roundup: Sevilla flying high after Ben Yedder brace. (10/01/2016).
Associated Press
(Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Seville and the Spanish language have been puzzling French forward Wissam Ben Yedder.
On the football pitch, though, he’s no longer confused.
Ben Yedder proved he’s got his groove back with a pair of goals – the second in stoppage time – to snatch a 2-1 win for Sevilla over a tough Alaves side at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on Saturday.
The victory pulled Sevilla provisionally level with Real Madrid on points at the top of the Spanish league, and underlined for the second time this week the worth of Ben Yedder’s offseason signing. On Tuesday, the former Toulouse standout also scored in a 1-0 victory over Lyon in the Champions League.
“I’m very happy for (Ben Yedder),” coach Jorge Sampaoli said. “He was having difficulties adapting to Seville, to the language, his teammates, understanding my orders, our system, many things. But in these two games he has shown why he is at Sevilla.”
His first goal came in the 74th when substitute Ganso passed superbly to set him up. Ganso had his back to the goal and was falling forward from a collision, but still managed to flick his left boot back and send a perfect assist for Ben Yedder to fire home.
After Alaves defender Victor Laguardia scrambled in the equalizer from a corner kick in the 84th, Ben Yedder’s winner went in off the side of his left heel, deflecting Victor “Vitolo” Machin’s low cross under goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco.
Before the late flurry of goals, the match was marred by several leg injuries, with all the injured walking off the pitch when substituted.
Alaves lost Kiko Femenia and Daniel Torres in the first half, while Sevilla lost forwards Samir Nasri and Luciano Vietto in a three-minute span with a half-hour to play. Referee Mateo Lahoz also had to be replaced late because of a calf problem.
Madrid hosts Eibar on Sunday when Barcelona, which trails Madrid and Sevilla by a point, visits Celta Vigo.
Ben Yedder’s second goal was one of three injury-time scores that swayed results across La Liga.
Former Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel scored a scorching goal from outside the area in stoppage time to give Deporitvo La Coruna its first win in six rounds.
Babel joined Deportivo two weeks ago on a free transfer. The Dutchman had most recently played for Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
Babel went on with just over 20 minutes to play and made his impact when he sent his right-footed strike streaking in off the post, dealing Sporting a fourth consecutive defeat.
Another stoppage-time goal completed Las Palmas’ fightback at Osasuna, denying the hosts an elusive first win of the season.
David Garcia scored from a rebound off the upright after 90 minutes to take the point for the Canary Islands outfit.
“We deserved this point because we were the only team that should have won today,” Garcia said. “We carried the weight of the match throughout.”
Osasuna said coach Enrique Martin left the match in the first half because of an unspecified health issue.
Leganes continued its excellent debut in the top flight with a third win in seven rounds. This latest pushed Granada to the bottom of the standings.
Leganes defender Alexander Szymanowski struck in the 76th with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area after Robert Ibanez sprung a counterattack.
Granada’s latest loss ruined the debut of its caretaker coach, Lluis Planaguma, who took over managing duties following the firing of Paco Jemez.
Serie A roundup: Juventus cruises, AC Milan outlasts Sassuolo in thriller.
By Matt Reed
(Photo/Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
A trio of goals in a span of five minutes gave Juventus a comfortable 3-0 victory on Sunday at Empoli. Paulo Dybala’s strike in the 65th minute proved to be the deciding goal on the afternoon, but Gonzalo Higuain made certain that the points would go in favor of Juventus when he added a brace with goals in the 67th and 70th minutes. The visitors were largely in control for much of the match, racking up 26 shots on the day, while 11 of those landed on target.
In the most entertaining match on the day, AC Milan narrowly escaped with three points against Sassuolo, winning 4-3. Down 3-1 with under a half hour remaining, Carlos Bacca’s penalty kick helped spur on the hosts to a comeback win. Gabriel Paletta netted his first goal for Milan in the 77th minute, which proved to be the decisive finish for his side. The win moves AC Milan up to fifth place in Serie A, while Sassuolo falls to 13th place.
Goals from Edin Dzeko and Kostas Manolas on opposite ends of halftime gave Roma a 2-1 win over Inter Milan. Ever Banega leveled the match at one apiece in the 72nd minute, however, Manolas’ go-ahead goal came just four minutes later to put the Giallorossi permanently in front.
Elsewhere in Italy:
Torino 2-1 Fiorentina
Atalanta 1-0 Napoli
Bologna 0-1 Genoa
Cagliari 2-1 Crotone
Sampdoria 1-1 Palermo
NCAAFB: 2016 NCAA Associated Press Football Rankings, 10/02/2016.
AP
| RANK | SCHOOL | POINTS | PREVIOUS | RECORD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama (53) | 1514 | 1 | 5-0 |
| 2 | Ohio State (6) | 1451 | 2 | 4-0 |
| 3 | Clemson (1) | 1403 | 5 | 5-0 |
| 4 | Michigan (1) | 1334 | 4 | 5-0 |
| 5 | Washington | 1234 | 10 | 5-0 |
| 6 | Houston | 1233 | 6 | 5-0 |
| 7 | Louisville | 1160 | 3 | 4-1 |
| 8 | Texas A&M | 1113 | 9 | 5-0 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 1045 | 11 | 5-0 |
| 10 | Miami (Fla.) | 909 | 14 | 4-0 |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 882 | 8 | 4-1 |
| 12 | Nebraska | 821 | 15 | 5-0 |
| 13 | Baylor | 805 | 13 | 5-0 |
| 14 | Mississippi | 712 | 16 | 3-2 |
| 15 | Stanford | 711 | 7 | 3-1 |
| 16 | Arkansas | 528 | 20 | 4-1 |
| 17 | North Carolina | 497 | NR | 4-1 |
| 18 | Florida | 391 | 23 | 4-1 |
| 19 | Boise State | 385 | 24 | 4-0 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | 324 | NR | 2-2 |
| 21 | Colorado | 276 | NR | 4-1 |
| 22 | West Virginia | 240 | NR | 4-0 |
| 23 | Florida State | 230 | 12 | 3-2 |
| 24 | Utah | 86 | 18 | 4-1 |
| 25 | Virginia Tech | 85 | NR | 3-1 |
Others receiving votes: Western Michigan 76, UCLA 56, LSU 49, North Dakota State 46, Auburn 46, Georgia 42, Oklahoma State 41, TCU 26, Maryland 23, Air Force 17, San Diego State 10, Michigan State 7, South Florida 6, Arizona State 4, California 3, Indiana 3, Texas 1.
Winners and Losers: Why college football’s traditional powers should feel nervous...
It seems like every week we lead this post with pretenders and contenders and perhaps that’s because the cream continues to rise to the top.
But while the old standbys, traditional powers and those who have been there before strengthened their footing atop of the college football heap, newcomers such as Washington, Houston and even Louisville, have the old guard scooting over and making room just a bit.
Houston exercised a demon on Thursday night by defeating Connecticut, the only team that beat the Cougars last season and the only loss in coach Tom Herman’s tenure. While that might not seem like a big feat because UConn isn’t one of the nation’s elite teams, it’s a big mental hurdle for a team that’s trying to assert itself as one of the haves in a have-not part of the FBS.
Washington’s 44-6 win against Stanford was the Huskies largest-ever win over a Top 10 team, and proved that the young Huskies were ready to step into the spotlight. Coach Chris Petersen has made his reputation by turning underdogs into major contenders and his work with the Huskies in a short amount of time is nothing short of amazing. Washington is 5-0 for the first time since 1992.
Right now, Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson and Michigan, all teams with rich and/or recent history as an elite program, are locking up those spots at the top of the rankings. But those teams should feel a little pressure from the newcomers looking to start a new guard in college football.
Here are this week’s and winners and losers:
WINNERS
Nik Shimonek and Jonathan Giles, Texas Tech: Texas Tech fans may have a had a mini-panic attack during the teams’ Big 12 opener vs. Kansas when starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes II got injured in the third quarter, but backup Nik Shimonek stepped up to the plate and swung for the fences. Shimonek finished the game with four touchdown passes and 271 yards passing as the Red Raiders thoroughly dominated the Jayhawks 55-19. Jonathan Giles led Tech with 12 catches for 219 yards and two TDs.
Jamaal Williams, BYU: In a game where ESPN commentator and former Texas head coach Mack Brown left the broadcast booth early to catch a flight back to Bristol, BYU running back Jamaal Williams put up huge numbers on the ground vs. Toledo. Had Brown stayed until the end, he would’ve seen Williams carve up the Toledo defense for a career-high 286 yards, which broke a Cougars record for rushing yards in a single game that was set back in 1962 by Eldon Fortie. The record-breaking performance by Williams also included five rushing touchdowns.
Nik Shimonek and Jonathan Giles, Texas Tech: Texas Tech fans may have a had a mini-panic attack during the teams’ Big 12 opener vs. Kansas when starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes II got injured in the third quarter, but backup Nik Shimonek stepped up to the plate and swung for the fences. Shimonek finished the game with four touchdown passes and 271 yards passing as the Red Raiders thoroughly dominated the Jayhawks 55-19. Jonathan Giles led Tech with 12 catches for 219 yards and two TDs.
Jamaal Williams, BYU: In a game where ESPN commentator and former Texas head coach Mack Brown left the broadcast booth early to catch a flight back to Bristol, BYU running back Jamaal Williams put up huge numbers on the ground vs. Toledo. Had Brown stayed until the end, he would’ve seen Williams carve up the Toledo defense for a career-high 286 yards, which broke a Cougars record for rushing yards in a single game that was set back in 1962 by Eldon Fortie. The record-breaking performance by Williams also included five rushing touchdowns.
J.T. Barrett, Ohio State: J.T. Barrett added another school record to his credit after his third touchdown pass in OSU’s blowout win over Rutgers. The Ohio State QB needed just 27 games to rack up 58 touchdowns through the air, passing Bobby Hoying to take over the top spot for the storied program. Barrett finished with 238 yards passing and four touchdowns while adding 46 yards rushing in the win.
Ifeadi Odenigbo, Northwestern: The defensive end played a huge part in Northwestern’s 38-31 road win over Iowa with four of the Wildcats’ six sacks.
Colorado: Last week, Colorado beat Oregon for the first time since 1998 thanks to a miraculous touchdown catch. Today, the Buffs are 2-0 in Pac-12 play for the first time after a 46-7 rout of Oregon State. The Buffs, which hadn’t won two conference games since 2011, can make it three in a row next weekend at USC.
Western Michigan: Though five weeks, Western Michigan looks like the best Group of 5 team in the country. With a 49-10 blowout over in-state foe Central Michigan (the same team that “beat” Oklahoma State earlier this year) on Saturday, the Broncos rowed their boats to a 5-0 start. Behind three TDs from quarterback Zach Terrell, 132 yards and two scores on the ground from Jarvion Franklin and a swarming defense, WMU was dominant on Saturday. WMU already has wins over two Big Ten teams, Northwestern and Illinois, and are the clear favorites in the MAC.
Row the boat, indeed.
Ed Orgeron and LSU: Ed Orgeron’s debut as interim head coach for LSU was a good one. The Tigers demolished Missouri 42-7 at home and rushed for a whopping 418 yards in the process. With Leonard Fournette out, Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams rushed for 163 and 130 yards apiece. Guice and Williams also had three touchdowns each. On defense, LSU limited Mizzou to just 265 yards and 4-of-14 on third down. The Tigers are now 3-2 headed into Gainesville next weekend.
BONUS WINNER: Virginia safety Jordan Mack deserves praise for this bone-crunching sack of Duke’s Daniel Jones which resulted in a fumble recovery TD. Virginia picked up its second win of the year over Duke, a team that upset Notre Dame on the road last weekend.
LOSERS
San Diego State: San Diego State’s 13-game winning streak was snapped by a mid-tier Sun Belt team with losses to UL-Lafayette and Georgia Southern already this season. That mid-tier Sun Belt team is South Alabama, which knocked off the 19th-ranked Aztecs for a second straight season. This is the first win over a ranked team for South Alabama, which knocked off Mississippi State earlier this season. San Diego State, with running back Donnel Pumphrey playing at such a high level, looked like a team that could represent the Group of 5 in a College Football Playoff bowl game. After Saturday night’s loss, that dream likely gets tossed out the window.
Derek Mason, Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt’s offense continues to be dreadful. Nonetheless, the Commodores were in striking distance late in the game vs. No. 23 Florida. Down 13-6 with 1:40 left in the game, Mason opted to punt from his own 43. Decisions like this are why he may be out of a job by the time the season ends. Vandy dropped to 2-3 with the loss.
Rutgers: If Chris Ash thought his former boss was going to take it easy on him, he was wrong. The former Ohio State defensive coordinator took his Scarlet Knights into Columbus on Saturday afternoon and walked away with a 58-0 loss. The second-ranked Buckeyes outgained Rutgers 669 yards to 116. Of those 116 yards, 33 came through the air on a combined 3-of-16 passing from Chris Laviano and Tylin Oden. Rutgers, which dropped to 2-3 with the loss, welcomes No. 4 Michigan to town next weekend. Good luck, fellas.
Kansas State: The Wildcats had a golden opportunity to open their Big 12 slate with a road win over unbeaten West Virginia, but let things slip away in the fourth quarter. KSU led 16-3 when the final frame began, but allowed the Mountaineers to come back and win 17-16. Despite putting up just 108 yards of offense in the second half, the Wildcats had a chance to regain the lead with just over two minutes to go, but Matthew McCrane’s 43-yard field goal try sailed left. K-State’s Jesse Ertz completed just 10-of-30 passes in the loss, which dropped the Wildcats to 2-2.
WVU improved to 4-0. Dana Holgorsen was thrilled.
People who bet on Marshall: We thought last weekend had rough backdoor covers (hello Cal and Stanford), but Pittsburgh may have topped that. Pitt, a 15.5-point favorite, led Marshall 27-0 at halftime.
The Thundering Herd stormed back in the second half, and cut Pitt’s lead to 30-27 with 4:01 to go. From there, Pitt scored a game-sealing touchdown with just over a minute to go. The score was 37-27 and Marshall bettors were safe… until they weren’t. Marshall regained possession quickly went backwards. On a 4th & 24 play with the clock ticking down, Marshall Chase Litton threw the ball right to Pitt’s Avonte Maddox, who returned it 33 yards for a score as time expired.
Pitt won 43-27, covering the spread by half a point. That is a brutal beat.
Oregon: It sounds strange to say it, but let’s all do it together: Oregon is not very good. The Ducks have been one of the best teams in the Pac-12 over the last decade, but that is not the case in 2016. The Ducks were thoroughly outplayed by Washington State Saturday night in Pullman.
Brady Hoke and the Oregon defense had no answer for Mike Leach’s Cougars. Leach is known for his passing attack. In this one, WSU torched Oregon on the ground. Wazzu racked up 280 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in a 51-33 win. The rushing game was coupled with 371 yards through the air, totaling 651 yards in all allowed by Hoke’s defense.
The loss, Oregon’s third straight (it’s the first time that’s happened since 2006), drops the Ducks to 2-3 with Washington coming into Eugene next weekend.
Rice: Rice dropped to 0-5 for the first time since 2009 with a loss at Southern Miss. The Owls’ defense allowed 702 yards of total offense, a Southern Miss record. Nick Mullens had 591 yards and four touchdowns throwing for the Golden Eagles. Rice has given up more than 600 yards of offense in three of its five losses.
Northwestern offense comes to play in upset win over Hawkeyes.
By Vinnie Duber
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Forget everything you thought you knew about the Northwestern offense.
A unit that's looked sluggish through a rough 1-3 start came to play Saturday, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive second-half drives to pull an upset 38-31 win over Iowa at Kinnick Stadium.
Down 24-17 early in the third quarter, the Wildcats scored on touchdown drives of 75, 77 and 80 yards, all the while the defense holding the Hawkeyes to just a pair of three and outs in that same span.
Clayton Thorson hit Austin Carr for touchdowns on two of those drives — Carr had three touchdown catches on the afternoon — and Justin Jackson sprinted away for a 58-yard scoring rush as Northwestern put a two-score gap between itself and Iowa. Even a fourth-quarter score by the Hawkeyes couldn't close that gap.
The Cats piled up a not-all-that-impressive 362 yards of offense, but it was plenty compared to the Hawkeyes' 283 yards. Northwestern out-rushed Iowa, 198-79.
The game started in almost near-perfect fashion for the Cats, with Thorson running in for a touchdown after a long punt return by Flynn Nagel. But the Hawkeyes evened the score shortly thereafter, Akrum Wadley rushing in for a touchdown after a long punt return by Desmond King.
After a field goal, Thorson hit Carr for the first time on the day to put Northwestern up 17-7, but the momentum turned from there. Iowa scored on a short field off a punt, Jay Scheel making a great catch on a C.J. Beathard pass to set up another Wadley touchdown run. Then Brandon Snyder forced a Jackson fumble, and the Hawkeyes turned that into another score, Beathard finding Riley McCarron for a go-ahead touchdown before halftime.
But after an Iowa field goal, Northwestern's offense took over in the third quarter. The Cats got a score to cap a 75-yard drive with Carr making a highlight-reel catch in the end zone. Then the defense forced a three and out. Then Jackson scampered for that 58-yard score. Then the defense forced a three and out. Then an 80-yard drive wrapped with Thorson finding Carr on a crossing route, and the receiver bounced off a would-be tackler to reach the end zone for a two-score lead.
Iowa did score once more in the fourth quarter, Beathard leading a nice 75-yard touchdown drive. But once more the Northwestern defense stood tall and picked off Beathard at game's end to secure the upset.
The Cats looked like a totally different team on both sides of the ball, particularly after an ugly, mistake-filled loss to Nebraska last weekend. The offense was incredibly productive for that second-half stretch, 38 points being the most Northwestern has scored in a game since last September's win over Eastern Illinois and the most scored against an FBS team since November 2014 wins over Purdue and Notre Dame.
The defense deserves a heck of a lot of credit, too, limiting Iowa's offense to just 283 total yards and just 79 rushing yards a week after getting shredded by Nebraska for 556 yards. Ifeadi Odenigbo sacking Beathard four times and doing so in clutch moments, all four of his sacks coming on third down. The Cats had six sacks on the game.
Meanwhile, Iowa continued to have offensive struggles two weeks after falling to North Dakota State and one week after mustering just 14 points in a one-touchdown win over Rutgers. And the defense, as it did in those two games, had more trouble shutting down the run as Northwestern racked up 198 rushing yards.
The win sent the Cats to 2-3 on the campaign, and they have a bye next weekend before a trip to Michigan State.
The Hawkeyes fell to 3-2 with the loss and face Minnesota in the Floyd of Rosedale game next weekend.
By Jeff Eisenberg
Iowa State’s Monte Morris could be the senior who makes a Buddy Hield-esque leap this year (Photo/AP)
Since Villanova coach Jay Wright climbed atop a ladder and trimmed that last strand of net in Houston last April, we’ve all patiently waited for college basketball to resume.
At long last it’s finally almost here.
Friday is the first day that Division I college basketball teams can begin practicing for the upcoming season. Yahoo Sports begins its season preview coverage by posing and answering eight key questions entering a new year in college hoops.
1. Who’s the favorite to capture the national title?
Oddsmakers have anointed Duke the favorite to win a championship next April, and with good reason. With four key players back from last season’s 25-win team, Amile Jefferson returning from injury and the nation’s most decorated recruiting class now on campus, Mike Krzyzewski’s program boasts a superior blend of talent and experience than either of his two most recent national title teams.
Duke’s deepest position is at wing, where preseason national player of the year candidate Grayson Allen, sharpshooter Luke Kennard, veteran Matt Jones and heralded freshman Jayson Tatum will each compete for playing time. Allen will also spell McDonald’s All-American Frank Jackson at point guard or play out of position for longer stretches if the freshman struggles.
While Harry Giles is still recovering from a torn right ACL that cost him his entire senior season in high school, Duke has ample frontcourt depth to bring its most ballyhooed freshman along slowly. Jefferson is entrenched as one starter and Marques Bolden would be the leading candidate to play next to him if Giles isn’t ready. Six-foot-10 sophomore Chase Jeter should be more capable of contributing off the bench this season and Tatum is tall enough to handle spot duty at power forward in a pinch.
2. Besides Duke, which other programs could emerge as contenders?
If swiss-cheese defense or suspect point guard play derail Duke’s title hopes, there are a handful of programs poised to capitalize. Reigning national champ Villanova returns all but two key players from last year’s title team, Kentucky boasts its usual stable of coveted freshmen and Kansas, Oregon, North Carolina and Michigan State are also each loaded with talent.
Departing senior Ryan Arcidiacono may have been Villanova’s leader the past few years, but the Wildcats have plenty of perimeter talent to make up for his loss, from point guards Jalen Brunson and Phil Booth, to wings Josh Hart and Mikael Bridges. The graduation of center Daniel Ochefu is more concerning now that the NCAA has ruled prized freshman big man Omari Spellman ineligible this season. Veteran Darryl Reynolds will likely move into the starting lineup in Ochefu’s place alongside national title game hero Kris Jenkins.
While Bam Adebayo and the rest of Kentucky’s five-man freshman class will receive ample preseason hype, John Calipari’s best teams have typically received key contributions from returning players too. The Wildcats will need Derek Willis to space the floor with his 3-point range, Isaac Humphries to score and rebound in the paint and Isaiah Briscoe to provide lockdown perimeter defense and improved outside shooting.
3. Which conference race will be the most compelling?
Xavier should challenge Villanova in the Big East, Arizona is a threat to Oregon in the Pac-12 and North Carolina should push Duke in the ACC, but the most balanced conference race could be the Big Ten. Michigan State, Wisconsin, Indiana and Purdue could each start the season with top 15 rankings and legitimate Big Ten title aspirations.
If there is a slim favorite, it might be Michigan State, which says goodbye to last year’s senior stars Denzel Valentine, Bryn Forbes and Matt Costello but welcomes a top-three recruiting class. As long as talented newcomers Miles Bridges, Cassius Winston and Joshua Langford mesh with the returning players and make an immediate impact, the Spartans are capable of contending in the Big Ten and making a deep NCAA tournament run.
A combination of talent and continuity makes Wisconsin a major threat. Every key player is back from last year’s Badgers team that rallied from a 8-8 start to reach the Sweet 16 including standout point guard Bronson Koenig, NBA prospect Nigel Hayes and emerging big man Ethan Happ.
Both Indiana and Purdue are dominant frontcourt-oriented teams relying on unproven point guards. For the Hoosiers, it’s Pittsburgh transfer Josh Newkirk. For the Boilermakers, it’s injury-plagued Michigan transfer Spike Albrecht or returner P.J. Thompson. If those point guards pan out, then the two in-state rivals should be right there with Wisconsin and Michigan State.
4. What small-conference program could be a March giant killer?
Having accomplished virtually everything a MAAC team could besides winning its conference tournament, Monmouth had legitimate hope of attaining an at-large bid on Selection Sunday last March. The Hawks instead had to settle for an NIT bid despite winning 27 games, capturing the MAAC title outright and upsetting Notre Dame, USC, UCLA and Georgetown.
The memory of that disappointment will no doubt fuel a Monmouth team that brings back nearly its entire roster. Four starters and numerous key reserves are back including standout guards Justin Robinson and Micah Seaborn, both of whom combined to average 32.5 points and 5.7 assists last season.
Among the major-conference programs on Monmouth’s schedule this season are North Carolina, Syracuse, South Carolina and Memphis. Unless the Hawks win at least a couple of those games and perform well in league play, their NCAA tournament fate will probably once again come down to outdueling fellow contenders Siena and Iona in the MAAC tournament.
5. Which teams that missed last season’s NCAA tournament are most likely to make it next March?
Thanks to the strongest recruiting class of Steve Alford’s four-year UCLA tenure, the Bruins have an excellent chance to bounce back from last year’s 15-17 debacle even if they’re probably still not in Arizona’s or Oregon’s class in the Pac-12. Lonzo Ball is an elite point guard prospect whose passing and court vision is reminiscent of Jason Kidd, T.J. Leaf is a skilled forward and Ike Anigbogu adds a much-needed rim protector.
The biggest concern for UCLA is whether it can stop anyone. This was the Pac-12’s third worst defensive team last season, and adding freshmen into the rotation is typically not a cure-all.
Besides the Bruins, look for Ohio State to rebound from an uncharacteristic 14-loss season. The Buckeyes return their top six scorers from last season including senior Marc Loving and juniors Keita Bates-Diop and Jae-Sean Tate.
Seven other high-profile programs with an excellent chance to return to the NCAA tournament this season: Creighton, Florida, Rhode Island, San Diego State, Saint Mary’s and Virginia Tech.
6. Which teams that made last season’s NCAA tournament are most likely to miss it next March?
With Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil both off to the NBA, it’s difficult to imagine Providence duplicating last year’s 24-win season. In fact, the Friars are likely a bottom-four Big East team this season unless forward Rodney Bullock can emerge as a lead dog, point guard Kyron Cartwright proves he can score in addition to distributing and wing Jalen Lindsey gets more consistent shooting from the perimeter.
Iowa too lost an abundance of talent with four starters graduating and shooting guard Peter Jok the lone returner who averaged more than 17 minutes per game last season. Jok may be asked to do too much for Iowa to return to the NCAA tournament unless forward Dom Uhl can make a big leap in production, Jordan Bohannon and Christian Williams combine to solidify the point guard position and promising freshman forward Tyler Cook makes an immediate splash.
Five other high-profile programs at risk of taking a step backward this season: Northern Iowa, Saint Joseph’s, Temple, Texas Tech and USC.
In the year of the senior in college basketball, Hield and Valentine made the biggest impact last season. They evolved from good players as juniors to national player of the year front runners as seniors, Valentine leading Michigan State to a 29-win season and Hield spearheading Oklahoma’s Final Four run.
Of all the players in this year’s senior class, Iowa State point guard Monte Morris may have the best opportunity to make a similar leap. Morris posted an assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 4-to-1 last season, but he’ll be asked to do far more than distribute this season with George Niang, Jameel McKay and Abdel Nader all gone.
In his previous job at Murray State, Iowa State coach Steve Prohm coached a pair of high-scoring, ball-dominant point guards who are now in the NBA — Isaiah Canaan and Cameron Payne. Look for Morris to evolve into a greater threat to score this season while still keeping talented wings Matt Thomas, Naz Mitrou-Long and Deonte Burton involved in the offense.
8. Which new face in a new place will have the most immediate success?
While Brad Underwood at Oklahoma State and Jamie Dixon at TCU could prove to be the best longterm fits, it may take both some time to have their respective programs contending for league titles. Not so for new Western Kentucky coach Rick Stansbury, whose recruiting has the Hilltoppers poised to challenge UAB in Conference USA this season and emerge as the league’s dominant program by the following year.
Hired in April following the resignation of Ray Harper, Stansbury preceded to add a trio of graduate transfers in Que Johnson (Washington State, Junior Lomomba (Providence) and Pancake Thomas (Hartford). That exciting new backcourt will team with last year’s top scorer and rebounder, Justin Johnson, Tennessee transfer Willie Carmichael and 7-foot-1 Ben Lawson to form a talented nucleus.
There’s always a chance the newcomers don’t mesh quickly enough and Western Kentucky underwhelms in Stansbury’s debut season, but his second year should be a very good one. The Hilltoppers have already landed a pair of top 50 recruits and are in contention to add a couple more coveted prospects
California Chrome wins; Beholder loses again at Santa Anita.
By Beth Harris
(Photo.yahoosports.com)
Breaking from the rail sure isn't a problem for California Chrome.
Drawing the No. 1 post for the second straight race, Chrome led all the way in cruising to a 2 1/4-length victory in the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita, improving to 6-0 this year as the front-runner for Horse of the Year honors.
Three-time defending champion Beholder lost to Stellar Wind in the $300,000 Zenyatta Stakes, extending the longest skid of her career to three races. She also lost to Stellar Wind in the Clement L. Hirsch and to Chrome in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar this summer.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Chrome ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.07 and paid $2.80, $2.10 and $2.10 as the 2-5 favorite in one of five Grade 1 stakes on the card with Breeders' Cup implications in front of 18,563.
''He's a challenging horse to run against because he's versatile on top of his talent,'' Espinoza said. ''He can run on the front end and can come from behind. If someone wants to try and run with us again, maybe I'll take back the next time. That's the best part, he doesn't have to be up there on the lead.''
Espinoza was aboard Stellar Wind in the Zenyatta, winning by a neck to earn his third victory of the day. The 4-year-old filly claimed an automatic berth in the BC Distaff.
Chrome earned an all-fees paid berth in the $6 million BC Classic next month on the same track. The victory also kept alive the 5-year-old's bid to earn a $1 million bonus for sweeping the Pacific Classic, Awesome Again and BC Classic.
Chrome won the Pacific Classic by five lengths from the inside post last month.
Two down, one to go.
''Each race seems a little bit better, it's a little scary,'' said Art Sherman, Chrome's 79-year-old trainer. ''I never had the ability to buy the most expensive horses. This is just like a gift from, I don't know where.''
Dortmund returned $2.20 and $2.10, while Win the Space was another 4 1/2 lengths back in third and paid $2.80 to show.
It was nearly a match race between Chrome and Dortmund, who dueled at the front while the other three runners lagged behind. Chrome pulled away from Dortmund approaching the final turn. Espinoza didn't use his whip in the stretch and eased Chrome nearing the finish line.
Hard Aces was fourth and Soi Phet last.
Chrome, the 2014 Kentucky Derby winner, ran the opening quarter-mile in a speedy 22.76 seconds.
''I ran the first part fast yes, but then eased up on him,'' Espinoza said. ''I didn't want to overuse him. We've got a big race coming up. It seemed like he was doing everything very easily. Hopefully he'll run big in the Breeders' Cup.''
As Chrome and Espinoza made their way past the grandstand, the jockey waved to cheering ''Chromies,'' the horse's fans.
Wearing blinkers for the first time since his career debut, Dortmund lost for the first time in six starts at Santa Anita under trainer Bob Baffert.
The victory, worth $180,000, increased Chrome's career earnings to $13,432,500 as North America's career earnings leader.
In the Zenyatta, Stellar Wind ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:35.06 and paid $6 to win. Beholder was the 2-5 favorite in the field of five. Argentina-bred Vale Dori finished 11 3/4 lengths back in third.
Beholder went to the lead, which wasn't the plan in the five-horse field.
''Nothing really went wrong except I was on the lead and a sitting duck once again,'' her jockey Gary Stevens said. ''I flat got out-run. Unfortunately, three losses in a row and it's tough for a champion. Hopefully, we can bounce back and get some pace in the Breeders' Cup.''
In other stakes:
- Espinoza rode Gormley to a three-length upset in the $300,000 FrontRunner Stakes, giving the 2-year-old colt a berth in the BC Juvenile.
Gormley ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.57 and paid $23.60, $9 and $3 at 11-1 odds. He's owned by Jerry and Ann Moss and trained by John Shirreffs, the same group that campaigned superstar mare Zenyatta.
''I like that when he got into that big gear he has, he didn't get too excited for a young horse and today he was all business,'' Shirreffs said.
Gormley also won his career debut by 4 1/2 lengths at Del Mar on Sept. 4.
Klimt, the 1-5 favorite trained by Baffert, finished second. Straight Fire was third.
Secret House, a 60-1 shot, was rambunctious in the starting gate and jockey Santiago Gonzalez stepped off before the gate opened. That triggered an inquiry by the stewards, who ruled Secret House was a non-starter and the track refunded all money wagered on him. Gonzalez did something similar in a race last week at Los Alamitos.
Gonzalez was ordered to appear before the stewards on Sunday to discuss his actions.
- Avenge won the $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes by three-quarters of a length to earn a berth in the BC Filly & Mare Turf.
Ridden by Flavien Prat, Avenge ran 1 1/4 miles in 1:58.52 on turf and paid $12.40 to win.
Zipessa, the 2-1 favorite, was second and Britain-bred Frenzified took third.
- Noted and Quoted won the $300,000 Chandelier Stakes by a half-length to claim a berth in the BC Juvenile Fillies.
Ridden by Rafael Bejarano and trained by Baffert, the 2-year-old gray filly ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.88 and paid $16.80 to win.
With Honors finished second and 5-2 favorite Zapperkat was third.
American Cleopatra, a full sister to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, finished eighth.
On This Date in Sports History: Today is Monday, October 03, 2016.
emoriesofhistory.com
1951 - CBS-TV aired the first coast-to-coast telecast of a prizefight. Dave Sands defeated Carl Olson at Soldier Field in Chicago.
1951 - The New York Giants won the pennant by beating the Brooklyn Dodgers on a Bobby Thompson bottom-of-the-ninth home run.
1974 - Frank Robinson took over the management position of the Cleveland Indians baseball team. He was the first black manager in major league baseball.
1989 - Art Shell became the first African-American head coach in the modern NFL when he took over the Los Angeles Raiders.
1995 - O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the 1994 murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman. Simpson was later found liable in a civil trial.
2001 - ESPN began its 10th season of National Hockey League (NHL) coverage.
2001 - Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants) broke Babe Ruth's major league single-season record for walks at 171.
2002 - The Texas Rangers put John Rocker on waivers for the purpose of his unconditional release.
2004 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. used a vulgar term during a live postrace television interview with NBC after winning a race in Talladega. On October 5, NASCAR penalized him $10,000 and 25 points in the Nextel Cup standings.
2012 - Miguel Cabrera achieved baseball's first Triple Crown since 1967. He lead the league with a .330 average, 44 home runs and 139 RBIs in the regular season.
1951 - The New York Giants won the pennant by beating the Brooklyn Dodgers on a Bobby Thompson bottom-of-the-ninth home run.
1974 - Frank Robinson took over the management position of the Cleveland Indians baseball team. He was the first black manager in major league baseball.
1989 - Art Shell became the first African-American head coach in the modern NFL when he took over the Los Angeles Raiders.
1995 - O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the 1994 murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman. Simpson was later found liable in a civil trial.
2001 - ESPN began its 10th season of National Hockey League (NHL) coverage.
2001 - Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants) broke Babe Ruth's major league single-season record for walks at 171.
2002 - The Texas Rangers put John Rocker on waivers for the purpose of his unconditional release.
2004 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. used a vulgar term during a live postrace television interview with NBC after winning a race in Talladega. On October 5, NASCAR penalized him $10,000 and 25 points in the Nextel Cup standings.
2012 - Miguel Cabrera achieved baseball's first Triple Crown since 1967. He lead the league with a .330 average, 44 home runs and 139 RBIs in the regular season.
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