Northwestern continues to set themselves up for failure. They scheduled a game against Illinois at Wrigley Field last year to try and prove that they were Chicago's favorite Big Ten team. Now, we all know that they are far from Chicago's favorite Big Ten team, but just to settle it the Illini beat the Cats like they were a High School football team.
Now, Northwestern has decided to take on another team that has more fans in Chicago than they do. Notre Dame and Northwestern will renew their series and play in South Bend in 2014, a great chance for the Irish to establish NU as "Chicago's third favorite college football team." That would look good on a billboard.
The two teams will play again in 2018 so that the Cats will have 4 years in between games to recover from their 2014 beating. I have no doubt that Ryan Field in Evanston will be packed with kelly green that day, just like all other visiting teams do at Ryan Field.
NU is just asking for their ad campaign to go down hill. No, ND is not a Big Ten team, but we all know that they are NU's major competition in the city fan-wise, other than the U of I. I can't wait for NU to come into South Bend in 2014 and get embarassed just like they did to Chicago's true Big Ten team. ND football is having some of the greatest recruiting years they've had since the days of Holtz, and many people see a National Championship for the Irish in the next 5 years. NU doesn't even stand a chance.
Showing posts with label illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label illinois. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Cubs open against Pirates in Friday
Regular season baseball is finally here! The Cubs will open the season at home against Pittsburgh, a team that is not known to rack up the wins, but a team that the Cubs struggled mightily against last season. They were even swept by the Pirates more than once.
But last year is behind us. The Cubs are coming in with a new manager, Mike Quade, who has been working with the team for a while and a guy the players know well. Quade took over after Lou Pinella's retirement last year with 30 games to go, and the Cubs won more games in that last month than any other team.
The Cubs named their 5th starter to the rotation, Andrew Cashner, on Friday. Ryan Dempster is to start on Friday, opening day for Chicago's NL ballclub, followed by Zambrano and then Matt Garza, a new addition to the team.
I am really looking forward to this baseball season. Lindy's Baseball Report called the Cubbies a "dark horse," saying that they have enough talent to do some damage as long as their pitching does what it is supposed to.
Check back here frequently for news and analysis. WCS is proud to cover Chicago's favorite baseball team!
But last year is behind us. The Cubs are coming in with a new manager, Mike Quade, who has been working with the team for a while and a guy the players know well. Quade took over after Lou Pinella's retirement last year with 30 games to go, and the Cubs won more games in that last month than any other team.
The Cubs named their 5th starter to the rotation, Andrew Cashner, on Friday. Ryan Dempster is to start on Friday, opening day for Chicago's NL ballclub, followed by Zambrano and then Matt Garza, a new addition to the team.
I am really looking forward to this baseball season. Lindy's Baseball Report called the Cubbies a "dark horse," saying that they have enough talent to do some damage as long as their pitching does what it is supposed to.
Check back here frequently for news and analysis. WCS is proud to cover Chicago's favorite baseball team!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Bears-Packers: NFC Championship Preview
We are one day away from the most anticipated Conference Championship in a long time. The Bears and the Packers haven't met in the playoffs since 1941, and they meet again, the winner going to Super Bowl XLV. This is the greatest rivalry in all of sports, and it is going to be a fun and intense game tomorrow. Here is my breakdown of the 2010 NFC Championship.
Offense
The Packers' offense is on fire. Scoring the second most points in a playoff game in NFL history last week, it appears that Aaron Rodgers is getting better and better. Jay Cutler and the Bears' offense was able to produce 35 points last week and got out to an early lead with a TD pass to Greg Olsen. The Packers have a clear advantage in the passing game, even though I was happy to see Cutler make big improvements against Seattle in last week's playoff game. Many will be watching Jay closely to see if he can handle the pressure that will be on him, and it is up to him to prove himself to the skeptics.
Running-wise, Green Bay has started to develop a run game towards the end of the season. The Bears, however, also made a presence last week. Chester Taylor caught a TD pass and he and Forte are looking like a good combination. The Bears have the advantage in the running game, but not by all that much, and not by enough to overcome Green Bay's adavantage passing the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, I think it is clear who has the advantage.
Edge: Green Bay
Defense
Both of these teams have impressive defenses, and both are ranked in the Top 5 overall defenseively. Green Bay's Clay Matthews has been an eye-opener and has emerged as one of the best defenders in the league. Bears DE Julius Peppers has also had a great season, and it is time for Peppers to earn his money, the playoffs is where it counts the most. Bears Safety Chris Harris is questionable for the game, but he says the only way he won't play is if his "leg was cut off." Harris is the only question the Bears have coming into the game. Harris has played well so far and has made the Bears' backfield satisfactory.
I see these defenses as different, yet equal. The Bears have excellent run coverage, while Green Bay has excellent pass coverage. If the Bears can run the ball, they can win. If the Packers can throw sucessfully, they have a chance. Overall, though, this is going to be a close, defensive battle, and niether team has clearly the better defense.
Edge: Split
Special Teams
Special Teams could play a big part in Sunday's game. Devin Hester could give the Bears a lot of momentum by running back a kick or punt. It will be interesting to see if Green Bay kicks to Hester. If they do, he could do some serious damage. Kicker Robbie Gould could also have an effect. I envision this as being a close game, and Gould has hit a number of game winning kicks in his career. He has won games against the Packers, and he has also won games in the playoffs, for his team. Green Bay's special teams have been very questionable. Kick/punt returning has not been a bright spot for the Packers, and kicker Mason Crosby has been just alright. The Bears have been well known for having excellent special teams over the past 5-10 years, and they have a clear advantage.
Edge: Chicago
Coaching
Both head coaches have fallen under scrutiny this year, but both have also had sucess as head coaches. In fact, both coaches have been here before, with their current teams. In 2006 Lovie Smith coached the Bears to the Nfc Championship in which they beat New Orleans, and in 2007 Packers' coach Mike McCarthy brought the Packers to the NFC Championship, losing to the Giants. The head coaches are pretty even, in my opinion.
The Bears, however, have a stacked coaching staff, including three former head coaches on the staff below Lovie Smith: offensive genius Mike Martz, Mike Tice, and Rod Marinelli. The Packers have had some nice signs from their coaching staff, but Chicago has the edge (as long as Martz stays away from the wildcat formation).
Edge: Chicago
Prediction
This is going to be a fun game. It is nice to know that a team from the NFC North will be going to the Super Bowl. It would be nice to have bragging rights over the cheeseheads (those bragging rights wouldn't go away any time soon). This is going to be a very close game that I see coming down to the fourth quarter, or maybe even overtime. I can see either team coming out with a win tomorrow, but my gut tells me Robbie Gould kicks a game winning field goal to send the Bears to the Super Bowl.
Prediction: Chicago 23, Green Bay 20
Lovie Smith said in his first press conference as Bears' head coach, "Our number one goal is to beat Green Bay." Have fun watching the game tomorrow, and GO BEARS!
Offense
The Packers' offense is on fire. Scoring the second most points in a playoff game in NFL history last week, it appears that Aaron Rodgers is getting better and better. Jay Cutler and the Bears' offense was able to produce 35 points last week and got out to an early lead with a TD pass to Greg Olsen. The Packers have a clear advantage in the passing game, even though I was happy to see Cutler make big improvements against Seattle in last week's playoff game. Many will be watching Jay closely to see if he can handle the pressure that will be on him, and it is up to him to prove himself to the skeptics.
Running-wise, Green Bay has started to develop a run game towards the end of the season. The Bears, however, also made a presence last week. Chester Taylor caught a TD pass and he and Forte are looking like a good combination. The Bears have the advantage in the running game, but not by all that much, and not by enough to overcome Green Bay's adavantage passing the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, I think it is clear who has the advantage.
Edge: Green Bay
Defense
Both of these teams have impressive defenses, and both are ranked in the Top 5 overall defenseively. Green Bay's Clay Matthews has been an eye-opener and has emerged as one of the best defenders in the league. Bears DE Julius Peppers has also had a great season, and it is time for Peppers to earn his money, the playoffs is where it counts the most. Bears Safety Chris Harris is questionable for the game, but he says the only way he won't play is if his "leg was cut off." Harris is the only question the Bears have coming into the game. Harris has played well so far and has made the Bears' backfield satisfactory.
I see these defenses as different, yet equal. The Bears have excellent run coverage, while Green Bay has excellent pass coverage. If the Bears can run the ball, they can win. If the Packers can throw sucessfully, they have a chance. Overall, though, this is going to be a close, defensive battle, and niether team has clearly the better defense.
Edge: Split
Special Teams
Special Teams could play a big part in Sunday's game. Devin Hester could give the Bears a lot of momentum by running back a kick or punt. It will be interesting to see if Green Bay kicks to Hester. If they do, he could do some serious damage. Kicker Robbie Gould could also have an effect. I envision this as being a close game, and Gould has hit a number of game winning kicks in his career. He has won games against the Packers, and he has also won games in the playoffs, for his team. Green Bay's special teams have been very questionable. Kick/punt returning has not been a bright spot for the Packers, and kicker Mason Crosby has been just alright. The Bears have been well known for having excellent special teams over the past 5-10 years, and they have a clear advantage.
Edge: Chicago
Coaching
Both head coaches have fallen under scrutiny this year, but both have also had sucess as head coaches. In fact, both coaches have been here before, with their current teams. In 2006 Lovie Smith coached the Bears to the Nfc Championship in which they beat New Orleans, and in 2007 Packers' coach Mike McCarthy brought the Packers to the NFC Championship, losing to the Giants. The head coaches are pretty even, in my opinion.
The Bears, however, have a stacked coaching staff, including three former head coaches on the staff below Lovie Smith: offensive genius Mike Martz, Mike Tice, and Rod Marinelli. The Packers have had some nice signs from their coaching staff, but Chicago has the edge (as long as Martz stays away from the wildcat formation).
Edge: Chicago
Prediction
This is going to be a fun game. It is nice to know that a team from the NFC North will be going to the Super Bowl. It would be nice to have bragging rights over the cheeseheads (those bragging rights wouldn't go away any time soon). This is going to be a very close game that I see coming down to the fourth quarter, or maybe even overtime. I can see either team coming out with a win tomorrow, but my gut tells me Robbie Gould kicks a game winning field goal to send the Bears to the Super Bowl.
Prediction: Chicago 23, Green Bay 20
Lovie Smith said in his first press conference as Bears' head coach, "Our number one goal is to beat Green Bay." Have fun watching the game tomorrow, and GO BEARS!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Bears playoff situation
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is playoff time for the Bears, the first time since their '07 Super Bowl run. The Bears are the #2 NFC seed heading into the postseason, which means they get a first round bye and home-field advantage over every NFC team except Atlanta, the #1 seed. The Bears will host their first game on Sunday, January 16, at Noon. The opponent in that game is undecided, but it will be either the Eagles, Seahawks, or Saints.
The Bears are going to have a tough time getting to the Super Bowl, having to get passed some teams that looked weak early, but came back big, like the Eagles and Saints. The Falcons are also a big challenge, as they have shown that they can do a lot of damage.
Overall, however, any team could go to Dallas. The Falcons look to be dominant, but New Orleans has already beaten them once, and Green Bay nearly beat them. It will be interesting to see how things go.
Make sure you stay with Windy City Sports both here on Blogspot as well as on Twitter (search WCSBlog and click follow). WCS will have in-depth coverage with statistics and opinion on the Bears as they make their playoff run.
The Bears are going to have a tough time getting to the Super Bowl, having to get passed some teams that looked weak early, but came back big, like the Eagles and Saints. The Falcons are also a big challenge, as they have shown that they can do a lot of damage.
Overall, however, any team could go to Dallas. The Falcons look to be dominant, but New Orleans has already beaten them once, and Green Bay nearly beat them. It will be interesting to see how things go.
Make sure you stay with Windy City Sports both here on Blogspot as well as on Twitter (search WCSBlog and click follow). WCS will have in-depth coverage with statistics and opinion on the Bears as they make their playoff run.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Illinois 41, Northwestern 27
Huge college football developments took place Saturday, including the first college football game played at Wrigley Field since the 1930's.
In a much anticipated battle between in-state rivals at Wrigley Field on Saturday, the Illini started strong. When it appeard NU was coming back, the Illini shut the door and established themselves as "Chicago's Big Ten Team" and gave themselves state bragging rights, which come along with the Land of Lincoln Trophy the two schools play for each year. Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure ran for 330 yards and carried the Illini victory.
As you know, I have been talking about this game for a long time. I saw this game as Northwestern trying to establish themselves as Chicago's team, I saw it as a direct shot at the Illini. I saw it as a way for them to get positive publicity and finally establish themselves in the area. While they definitely increased publicity, most off all their efforts were ruined by the Illini victory, a victory that has given Illinois bowl eligibility. Illinois is the best team in the state, and is Chicago's team.
Moving forward, I could see and would like to seethis develop into a great rivalry. It would be excellent if Illinois and Northwestern could set up, like the Trib suggested, playing their annual meeting at Soldier Field each year and making this into an intense, fun rivalry every year like it was this year. It was great to see these two teams get together in a historic stadium in a game that benefeited both programs. Of course, I wouldn't reccomend doing a yearly meeting at Wrigley. It was a fun event, but too difficult to do each year.
The Illini are now bowl eligible. They'll go into Fresno next weekend to try and solidify chances at a bowl oppourtunity/increase the prestige of their bowl game. For now, however, the Illini shouldn't be thinking about next weekend. It's time to soak in a win that feels so good because of NU's marketing jabs at the Illini in the past year and because the Illini have finally won their sixth game to become bowl eligible.
WCS's other college team, Notre Dame, beat Army Saturday night in Yankee Stadium, also giving them bowl eligibility. It was a satisfactory day in Chicago sports, and hopefully the Fighting Irish and Illini can continue to make improvements in their programs, two programs that are definitely looking up.
So, let NU fans know that they played a great game, that it was a lot of fun, and that the Illinois Fighting Illini are Chicago's Big Ten team. Oh, it feels so good to say!
In a much anticipated battle between in-state rivals at Wrigley Field on Saturday, the Illini started strong. When it appeard NU was coming back, the Illini shut the door and established themselves as "Chicago's Big Ten Team" and gave themselves state bragging rights, which come along with the Land of Lincoln Trophy the two schools play for each year. Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure ran for 330 yards and carried the Illini victory.
As you know, I have been talking about this game for a long time. I saw this game as Northwestern trying to establish themselves as Chicago's team, I saw it as a direct shot at the Illini. I saw it as a way for them to get positive publicity and finally establish themselves in the area. While they definitely increased publicity, most off all their efforts were ruined by the Illini victory, a victory that has given Illinois bowl eligibility. Illinois is the best team in the state, and is Chicago's team.
Moving forward, I could see and would like to seethis develop into a great rivalry. It would be excellent if Illinois and Northwestern could set up, like the Trib suggested, playing their annual meeting at Soldier Field each year and making this into an intense, fun rivalry every year like it was this year. It was great to see these two teams get together in a historic stadium in a game that benefeited both programs. Of course, I wouldn't reccomend doing a yearly meeting at Wrigley. It was a fun event, but too difficult to do each year.
The Illini are now bowl eligible. They'll go into Fresno next weekend to try and solidify chances at a bowl oppourtunity/increase the prestige of their bowl game. For now, however, the Illini shouldn't be thinking about next weekend. It's time to soak in a win that feels so good because of NU's marketing jabs at the Illini in the past year and because the Illini have finally won their sixth game to become bowl eligible.
WCS's other college team, Notre Dame, beat Army Saturday night in Yankee Stadium, also giving them bowl eligibility. It was a satisfactory day in Chicago sports, and hopefully the Fighting Irish and Illini can continue to make improvements in their programs, two programs that are definitely looking up.
So, let NU fans know that they played a great game, that it was a lot of fun, and that the Illinois Fighting Illini are Chicago's Big Ten team. Oh, it feels so good to say!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
VICTORIOUS
CHICAGO IS FEELING GOOD TODAY
The Blackhawks are Stanley Cup champions, and how sweet it is. Pat Kane's goal in overtime last night sealed the deal for a team that has been enveloped in non-stop attention and TV coverage for three months now. Although no one else was sure if it was a goal, Kane knew it, and his attitude pretty much sums up the Hawks' season: NO DOUBT.
The team arrived at O'Hare just before 4am and they have been partying with the fans since, making bar stops at Harry Caray's of Rosemont and they left Pony's Restaurant and are going to another location now.
The players weren't the only one's celebrating, though. Fans clogged the streets, dancing and cheering for what is Chicago's first championship in five years for Sox fans, but everyone else has been waiting since 1998 when the Bulls won. Wrigleyville seemed to be the location choice, as traffic stopped on Clark St. and fans attempted to tip a police truck.
The celebration will continue, as the Blackhawks are having their victory parade and rally tomorrow on Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. The parade will begin somewhere between 11am and 11:30am. We need all Hawks fans there! Here is the map for the Parade route:
It is really amazing what the Hawks have done. In three years they have gone from the laughing stock of the NHL, to Stanley Cup Champions. They've done so much for the sport and for their fans. What an amazing story they have put together: it will be told for years and years.
Congratulations to the players, coaches and staff along with their families. Congrats to all of the Hawks fans, especially the ones who have been waiting 49 years for this. Thanks to Rocky Wirtz for taking this team where it has. Thanks to Joel Quennville, Jonathan Toews, and the rest of the Hawks staff and players. It feels different saying this as Stanley Cup Champions: GO HAWKS!!!
The Blackhawks are Stanley Cup champions, and how sweet it is. Pat Kane's goal in overtime last night sealed the deal for a team that has been enveloped in non-stop attention and TV coverage for three months now. Although no one else was sure if it was a goal, Kane knew it, and his attitude pretty much sums up the Hawks' season: NO DOUBT.
The team arrived at O'Hare just before 4am and they have been partying with the fans since, making bar stops at Harry Caray's of Rosemont and they left Pony's Restaurant and are going to another location now.
The players weren't the only one's celebrating, though. Fans clogged the streets, dancing and cheering for what is Chicago's first championship in five years for Sox fans, but everyone else has been waiting since 1998 when the Bulls won. Wrigleyville seemed to be the location choice, as traffic stopped on Clark St. and fans attempted to tip a police truck.
The celebration will continue, as the Blackhawks are having their victory parade and rally tomorrow on Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. The parade will begin somewhere between 11am and 11:30am. We need all Hawks fans there! Here is the map for the Parade route:
It is really amazing what the Hawks have done. In three years they have gone from the laughing stock of the NHL, to Stanley Cup Champions. They've done so much for the sport and for their fans. What an amazing story they have put together: it will be told for years and years.
Congratulations to the players, coaches and staff along with their families. Congrats to all of the Hawks fans, especially the ones who have been waiting 49 years for this. Thanks to Rocky Wirtz for taking this team where it has. Thanks to Joel Quennville, Jonathan Toews, and the rest of the Hawks staff and players. It feels different saying this as Stanley Cup Champions: GO HAWKS!!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Hawks play to clinch on Wednesday
Despite roughing out a series that has, so far, been much more difficult than the series' against San Jose and Vancouver, the Hawks are in Philly, set to play on Wednesday, June, 9, 2010, with ONE GOAL: to bring the Stanley Cup home. The Blackhawks made the series 3-2 in a fairly uncontested win on Sunday after a string of very close games.
The Hawks are being careful not to be too optimistic, though, as they are yet to win a game in Philly this series.
The battle between Chris Pronger and "Big Buff" will likely continue, they guarentee it. Pronger displayed sarcasm to the media after Game 5, saying, "I'm hurt. My feeling are hurt." The two have been going at it from the very beginning.
The puck drops tomorrow at 7pm midwest time on NBC Network TV (Ch 5 in Chicago) and Radio 720 WGN (Chicago, IL).
The Hawks are being careful not to be too optimistic, though, as they are yet to win a game in Philly this series.
The battle between Chris Pronger and "Big Buff" will likely continue, they guarentee it. Pronger displayed sarcasm to the media after Game 5, saying, "I'm hurt. My feeling are hurt." The two have been going at it from the very beginning.
The puck drops tomorrow at 7pm midwest time on NBC Network TV (Ch 5 in Chicago) and Radio 720 WGN (Chicago, IL).
Friday, May 22, 2009
Why the Cubs are missing out
The other day the Padres and White Sox worked out a deal to bring Jake Peavy to the South Side. However, Jake Peavy did not give approval on the deal, so it fell through. Peavy has made it clear that the only team he wants to go to is the Cubs.
The Padres were willing to make a deal with the Cubs back in February at the Winter Meetings. However, Jim Hendry decided he didn't want to make a deal for unknown reasons. That was a big mistake. It couldn't be any easier for him to bring in talent, and he's pushing it away!
All he had to do was work out a little deal with San Diego, who is going to be very generous since they're having trouble getting rid of Peavy. Hendry is missing out on a major oppourtunity. If a star pitcher says that you are the only team he wants to go to, you should be able to work something out.
Hendry better get his act together, or people are going to start getting very angry at him and he'll eventually be out of a job.
For response to this blog post e-mail me at ChicagoIllinoisGuy@yahoo.com
The Padres were willing to make a deal with the Cubs back in February at the Winter Meetings. However, Jim Hendry decided he didn't want to make a deal for unknown reasons. That was a big mistake. It couldn't be any easier for him to bring in talent, and he's pushing it away!
All he had to do was work out a little deal with San Diego, who is going to be very generous since they're having trouble getting rid of Peavy. Hendry is missing out on a major oppourtunity. If a star pitcher says that you are the only team he wants to go to, you should be able to work something out.
Hendry better get his act together, or people are going to start getting very angry at him and he'll eventually be out of a job.
For response to this blog post e-mail me at ChicagoIllinoisGuy@yahoo.com
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