Bleacher Report - Articles by Adam Musto

Questions For Devin Hester, Jay Cutler

Adam Musto — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:23:33 -0400

Questions for Devin Hester:

What have you learned most since switching to wide receiver?

Do you feel you'd make a better return man if you only played special teams?

Describe your emotions on your opening kickoff return in Super Bowl XLI, 108 yard field goal return against the New York Giants, and punt return on Monday Night Football in the epic comeback against the Arizona Cardinals?

How close are the Bears from returning to and winning the Super Bowl?

Do you think you'd make a good cornerback?

What's your favorite play?

Questions for Jay Cutler:

Do you feel pressure playing in Chicago after your trade really made history as one of the biggest transactions in Bears history?

How do you feel playing will Devin Hester and Juaquin Inglesisas?

Do you have any animosity for the Denver Broncos? Do you want to prove Josh McDaniels wrong?

What are your expectations for this season? Most people feel anything short of a playoff berth or division title is a huge disappointment.

The Bears seem to have become the Vanderbilt Alumni Association. How is it playing with your old college teammate?

Chicago Bears 1985 Offense: Underrated

Adam Musto — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:13:21 -0400

When people think of the 1985 Chicago Bears, the first think they think of is the defense.

However, the Bears had a powerful offense which made them the NFL's greatest team.

Chicago led the NFC in points. Jim McMahon became a Pro Bowler, despite playing hurt and missing many games. Walter Payton, the NFL's greatest running back, led the team in rushing and broke an NFL record for most consecutive 100-yard games.

Speedster Willie Gault and Dennis McKinnon rounded out the wide receivers. However, the Bears best weapon was its dominating offensive line. In the 1980s, Chicago constantly finished among the NFL's best in rushing yards.

Center Jay Hilgenberg, guards Mark Bortz and Tom Thayer, and tackles Keith Van Horne and Jim Covert protected quarterbacks and paved holes for Payton, Matt Suhey, Calvin Thomas, and Thomas Sanders, not to mention William "The Refrigerator" Perry, who didn't need much open space.

And if that wasn't enough, Kurt Becker was a pretty darn good backup. In the first month of the season, the Bears had to record late game comebacks to get victories. The offense was there and is what helped the 1985 Bears go down as the NFL's best.

The 1985 Chicago Bears: the NFL's Greatest All-Time Team

Adam Musto — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:03:02 -0400

When NFL Films released its America's Game documentary series, it listed the 1985 Chicago Bears as the second greatest Super Bowl winner after the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who finished a perfect 17-0.

The Bears' lone loss in an 18-1 season was coincidentally to the Miami Dolphins in the Orange Bowl on Monday Night Football.

Chicago's 1985 defense is still a feared topic to discuss. The team featured Hall-of-Famers Mike Singletary and Dan Hampton.

Richard Dent was named Super Bowl XX's MVP and is still a perennial finalist in the HOF balloting, which he greatly deserves to be elected to. On the inside was Steve McMichael, who was recently elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, and the 'Fridge, William Perry.

The linebackers alongside Singletary were Otis Wilson and Wilbur Marshall. After the 1985 season, Marshall played for the Washington Redskins.

When I met Steve McMichael in person, he told me if Marshall would have finished his career in Chicago, he would have been a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer.

Safety Gary Fencik still holds the Chicago Bears' career interception record. Leslie Frazier, Dave Duerson, and Mike Richardson rounded out the secondary.

To put in some perspective, Singletary is currently the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and Frazier is the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator. McMichael coaches the CIFL's Chicago Slaughter, who currently stand at a perfect 9-0.

Also, two members of Chicago's defense held out of the 1985 season because of contract disputes, Todd Bell and Al Harris, so the team could have been even better.

With Jay Cuter, Chicago Bears Can Dream Big In 2009

Adam Musto — Sat, 09 May 2009 23:28:42 -0400

The Chicago Bears have a quarterback. The question is, how will the rest of the team do?

Will Jay Culter become the next John Elway or Rick Mirer?

The Chicago Bears' defense will hold its own near year. With Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown, Tommie Harris, Charles Tillman, and Nathan Vasher, the Monsters of the Midway have potential to play like it's 2006.

With the addition of Jarron Gilbert and Henry Melton and additions to the safety, the defense will lead the Bears.

However, this year the offense is there too. Jay Cutler already makes the offense a threat, even with suspect wide receivers. The offensive line is rebuilt, a littler younger, and former No. 1 overall pick Orlando Pace still has a few years left in the tank.

Anything short of a playoff berth or NFC North Division championship will be a disappointment for the Bears.

In 2009, in order to win games, Chicago must:

1. Protect Jay Cutler. The offensive line can't let the franchise quarterback get injured. Strong play by the defense will help if Chicago stays ahead in games.

2. Depth at running back. If Matt Forte expects to play more than three seasons in the NFL, he can't carry the ball 400 or 500 times a season. Kevin Jones and Garrett Wolfe need to become viable change of pace backs.

3. Devin Hester needs to stick to special teams. This is not going to happen, because the Bears aren't going to pay Hester all that money just to return kicks. A couple of plays on offense per game is fine, but the Windy City Flyer needs to stick to special teams. Right now, he either could be a Hall of Fame return specialist or a ham-and-egger mediocre wide receiver. And it looks like it will be the former.

4. Defense talented, not deep. Chicago has a strong defense, but they need to stay healthy. In the last few years Nathan Vasher, Tommie Harris, and former safety Mike Brown could not stay on the field.

Western Kentucky-Illinois: Hilltoppers Prove Experts Right, Upset Illini

Adam Musto — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:56:56 -0400

PORTLAND, ORE—Maybe the experts were right after all.

All week long, it seemed like all the national media picked the No. 12 seed Western Kentucky Hilltoppers to upset No. 5 seed Illinois.

And that's what happened.

The Fighting Illini fell behind the Hilltoppers in the first half, and despite a valiant late run that brought Illinois back to within a one-possession game, Western Kentucky prevailed 76-72 at the Rose Garden Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball National Tournament.

Western Kentucky (24-8, 15-3 Sun Belt) advances to the second round and will play No. 4 Gonzaga, who defeated Akron 77-64 Thursday.

With 5:58 remaining in the game, a Steffphon Pettigrew tip-in gave the Hilltoppers a 68-51 lead. Illinois began a 20-3 run to cut the score to 71-68 with a Demetri McCamey layup with 0:32 left in the game.

Trent Meacham hit a couple of running bank shots to keep the Fighting Illini in the game, maintaining a one-possession difference. But Western Kentucky did not allow Illinois to get any closer.

Western Kentucky hit two free-throws, Meacham answered with a field goal to make it 73-70. Meacham hit another shot with eight seconds left in the game to make it 74-72. But the Hilltoppers controlled the inbound pass and iced the game away when Anthony Sally hit both of his free-throws.

Senior Trent Meacham scored 24 points for the Illini and senior Calvin Brock recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds. For the Hilltoppers, Sergio Kerusch scored 14 points and Orlando Mendez-Valdez tallied 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

The Illini led 10-9 after a McCamey layup with 13:12 in the first half. The Hilltoppers began a 22-7 to go up 31-17 in the first half.

One year after missing the NCAA tournament, Illinois finished 24-9 overall and 11-7 in the Big Ten.

Illinois-Minnesota: Illini Avenge Earlier Loss, Defeat Gophers 52-41

Adam Musto — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:47:32 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL—No. 20 Illinois wanted revenge against Minnesota after the Fighting Illini’s humiliating loss to the Golden Gophers 59-36 on Jan. 29 in Minneapolis, its worst defeat of the season.

But more importantly, Illinois wanted a Big Ten win to catch Purdue for the conference’s second best record and distance itself from Minnesota.

The Fighting Illini (23-6, 11-5 Big Ten) did so with a 52-41 victory over Minnesota (20-8, 8-8) before 16,395 fans at the Assembly Hall Thursday. Now the Illini host Big Ten-leading No. 9 Michigan State on Sunday, March 1.

“That was a real physical game. [Minnesota’s] backs were against the wall,” Illinois guard Chester Frazier said. “It was an ugly game. I don’t think either team shot particularly well, but we took advantage when we needed and got defensive stops when we needed.”

Leading 42-41, Illinois opened the game up with three-pointers by both Demetri McCamey and Trent Meacham to go up 48-41 with three minutes remaining in the game. The onslaught continued, and when it was all over, the Illini had scored the game’s final 10 points.

“Obviously this is a huge win for us. I don’t think our players understand it, and I don’t think the fans understand it. [We] came ready to play,” Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. “We [played Minnesota on the road] and they took us in the alley and beat us, they beat us bad.

“We didn’t do a great job in the paint or rebounding, but to win a game like this, I couldn’t be happier. You wish it was prettier, but you have to win games like this is a league like [the Big Ten].”

In a game with five lead changes and five ties, Illinois got off to a slow start and fell behind 9-2 early in the game’s first three minutes. Mike Tisdale hit a shot from inside and was fouled, and McCamey nailed a three-pointer which cut the score to 9-7.

Meacham gave the Illini its first lead with 7:58 left in the first half with a three-pointer, making the score 19-17. After the Gophers tied the game at 21-all, Illinois finished the first half on a 7-2 run to go up 28-23 at the break.

“It was a battle from the beginning,” Meacham said. “Our coaches said it was going to be a dogfight, and it was.”

The Gophers charged back after Illinois scored the first two points in the second half. Trailing 32-23, Minnesota outscored the Illini 9-2 to close the game to 34-32. However, the Gophers only led for 24 seconds in the second half, briefly holding a 40-39 advantage midway through the half.

“We just wanted to come out, we didn’t want to get swept by any team,” Frazier said, talking about the Illini’s previous game at Minnesota. “It was a difference in us, we played a lot harder, we fought from the beginning and played with a lot of life.”

Mike Davis (14 points), Trent Meacham (13), and Demetri McCamey (10) each reached double figures for Illinois. Davis added 11 rebounds. For Minnesota, Damian Johnson scored 18, but no other player recorded over eight points.

“Both teams were battling, didn’t particularly shoot the ball well. We shot the ball poorly because of their defense and were giving their guys open shots,” Minnesota coach Tubby Smith said. “We had a good game plan coming in, but didn’t execute. We haven’t been able to get any type of continuity or consistency from our backcourt in late game situations.

“You have to be willing to play the right way. Basketball is basketball. It’s a contact sport.”

After playing the Spartans, Illinois wraps up its regular season on the road at Penn State on March 5.

Notes

Prior to the game, the University of Illinois honored Bruce Weber with a game ball from Illinois’ 70-68 victory over Ohio State on Feb. 22. At Ohio State, Weber recorded his 150th career victory. ... Illinois legend Ken Norman was also honored, and his banner was raised in the rafters. Norman played from 1985-87 and in his senior season averaged 20.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Women's Basketball: Nittany Lions Bite Illinois 67-56

Adam Musto — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:59:57 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.-Despite 22 points and 13 rebounds from Jenna Smith, Illinois lost to the Penn State Nittany Lions 67-56 Sunday before 2,386 fans in the Fighting Illini's home finale at the Assembly Hall.

With 10:44 left in the game, Penn State led 47-43 before Illinois tied the game at 47-all.A jumper by Smith gave the Illini a short lived 49-47 lead with 7:48 in the second half. Brianne O'Rourke put Penn State back 50-49 with a three. This sparked a 17-7 run on which the Nittany Lions' ended the game.

The game remained close in the first half. Illinois tied the game at 8-all before Penn State pulled ahead 24-15. The Illini answered and led 31-30 at halftime.

One of the game's metaphors, only five players scored for the Illini (8-18, 4-11) while Penn State (9-16, 4-11) had four players reaching double figures.

Janessa Wolff led Penn State with 15 points and Tyra Grant added 14. Mashea Williams (13) ad Brianne O'Rourke (12) also paced the offense. Julia Trogele recorded 11 rebounds.

For Illinois, Lydia McCully registered 12 points and Macie Blinn tallied nine.

Illinois travels to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes on Feb. 26 and wraps up its regular season at Minnesota on March 1.

No. 18 Illinois Holds off Ohio State, 70-68

Adam Musto — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:57:51 -0500

By Adam Musto

COLUMBUS, OHIO.-After scoring 33 points in a home loss to Penn State on Wednesday, Illinois more that doubled their output against Ohio State Sunday.

The Ohio State Buckeyes did not give Illinois anything easy at Value City Arena, however. Even though the Fighting Illini's men's basketball team led for most of the game, Illinios had to fight to the final seconds to pick up a 70-68 Big Ten Conference victory over the Buckeyes 70-68.

It was Bruce Webber's 150th victory at Illinois.

Illinois led 67-61 with 40 seconds remaining in the game. P.J. Hill put back a missed free throw to complete a four-point possession and cut Illinois' lead to 67-65.

On the Illini's ensuing possession, senior guard Trent Meacham hit two key free throws and Illinois led 69-65. The Buckeyes need a quick basket but never got a shot off. A turnover out of bounds gave Illinois the ball and Demetri McCamey hit one free throw, giving Illinois a 70-65 lead with 3.6 seconds left.

Ohio State's Jon Diebler made things interesting with a quick three to make the score 70-68 with 1.6 seconds left. Meacham took the inbound pass and was fouled with 0.6 left. Mecham missed the first and intentionally missed the second. Ohio State had no choice but to toss up a full court prayer that fell short of the basket.

Illinois (22-6, 10-5 Big Ten) is in third place in the conference and Ohio State fell to 17-8 overall and 7-7 in the Big Ten.

Mike Davis had 22 points and eight rebounds for Illinos. Meacham added 17 and McCamey scored 15.

Evan Turner and Diebler scored 17 points for Ohio State. William Buford scored 14.

Illinois returns to Assembly Hall for two more games against Minnesota on Feb. 26 at 6:00 p.m. CT and March 1 against Michigan State at 3:00 p.m. CT.

Purdue Tops Illinois in "Pink Zone" Game

Adam Musto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:49:27 -0500

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.- While sporting pink jerseys during "Pink Zone" week to support breast cancer research, the Purdue women's basketball team was too much for opposing Illinois to handle.

Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton scored 18 points and recorded 10 rebounds for Purdue (18-8, 11-4), and the Boilermakers earned a 68-50 Big Ten Conference victory at Mackey Arena Sunday.

Lacey Simpson scored 16 points for Illinois (8-18, 4-11) and Jenna Smith recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

The Fighting Illini never led but got as close as 20-15 in the first half.

Illinois shot 34.5 percent from the field as compared to the Boilermakers' 47.5 clip. The Illini committed 18 turnovers, shot just 22.2 percent from beyond the arc and hit just 66.7 percent of their free throws.

Illinois returns to the Assembly Hall on Feb. 22 for its own "Pink Zone" game against Penn State. They will also don pink uniforms for this special event.

Undermanned Illini Hockey Swept by CSCHL-Leading Lindenwood

Adam Musto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:44:00 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL.- The undermanned Illinois Hockey team did not feel a lot of love over the Valentine's weekend. The Fighting Illini lost both games to CSCHL-leading Lindenwood on both Friday and Saturday night at the Illinois Ice Arena.

On Friday, Illinois fell behind 4-0 after two periods and a goal by Tim Gilbert in the final period was not enough as the Illini lost 4-1. On Saturday, for the first time in nearly ten years, Illinois was shut out at home.

Goaltender DJ Kohler gave up four goals on 34 shots in a 4-0 loss.

The Lindenwood Lions were the unanimous No. 1 team in the CSCHL ranking and Illinois fell to No. 4.

The Illini were missing five players, however - Pierce Butler, JJ Heredia, Jordan Pringle, Johnny Liang, and Brad Hoelzer-who are competing for the U.S National Team in the World University Games in Harbin, China.

Illini, McCamey Stun Northwestern

Adam Musto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:41:32 -0500

EVANSTON, Ill.—Illinois' men's basketball team led for two seconds against in-state rival Northwestern. However, it was the game's most important two seconds: the final ones.

Trailing 59-58, the Illini got the ball and Trent Meacham found Demetri McCamey who banked the game winning shot in with two seconds left and the Fighting Illini (20-5, 8-4 Big Ten) stole a Big Ten Conference game with a 60-59 win over the Wildcats (13-9, 4-7) at Welsh-Ryan Arena before 8,117 fans.

McCamey finished the game with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists in 38 minutes. Meacham added 15 points. Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale both tallied 10 points for Illinois.

The Wildcats scored the game's first six points and led 10-2 before the Illini tied the game at 20-all. With 6:22 remaining in the second half, Northwestern led 55-41 before Illinois went on a 19-8 run.

For Northwestern, Luka Mirkovic recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Kevin Coble scored 14 points.

Illinois heads to Indiana to play the Hoosiers on Feb. 15 and return to the Assembly Hall on Feb. 18 against Penn State.

No. 24 Minnesota Defeat No. 20 Illinois

Adam Musto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:40:02 -0500

The No. 20 Illinois men's basketball team was hoping to make a statement in Thursday's Big Ten game featuring two teams ranked in the Top-25.

The No. 24 Minnesota Golden Gophers were the team that made a statement, with a 59-36 win at "The Barn." It was Minnesota's (18-3, 6-3 Big Ten) first victory over Illinois in 10 years.

The Fighting Illini (17-4, 5-3) missed 21 first half shots and scored just 16 points. Illinois finished the game shooting 15-for 51. Dominique Keller led the team with nine points.

Illinois returns to Assembly Hall on Feb. 1 to face the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Women's Basketball: Illini Upset Big Ten Leading Indiana 61-52

Adam Musto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:38:11 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.-Illinois' women's basketball team is not the best in the Big Ten Conference, but they made a convincing case Sunday.

The Fighting Illini upset the the Big Ten leading Indiana Hoosiers 61-52 before 2,476 fans at the Assembly Hall Sunday.

Jenna Smith led the Illini (5-16, 1-9 Big Ten) with 24 points and 15 rebounds.

In a game that saw seven ties and lead changes, the Hoosiers (14-4, 7-2) broke up a 6-5 Illinois lead to score seven unanswered points and take a 12-6 lead midway through the first half. However, the Illini responded to tie the game at 12-all.

The Illini fell behind 28-24 in the second half but used a 21-5 run to pull ahead 45-33 and took control of the game. In the game's final seven minutes, the Hoosiers could not get closer than nine points.

Macie Blinn added 12 points and Fabiola Josil scored 10. Lacey Simpson recorded 13 rebounds. Jori Davis (14 points) and Amber Jackson (10) paced Indiana.

Illinois travels to Evanston, Ill. to play Northwestern on Jan. 29 and returns to the Assembly Hall Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. CT to face Michigan State.

Illinois Avenge Previous Loss to Michagan, Defeat No. 25 Wolverines 66-51

Adam Musto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:35:51 -0500

The University of Illinois men's basketball team proved it is a force to be reckoned with this season.

After losing to No. 25 Michigan 10 days ago in Ann Arbor, the Fighting Illini (15-2, 3-1 Big Ten) found revenge at Assembly Hall with a 66-51 victory over the Wolverines.

Michigan led 31-30 at halftime, but the Illini outscored the Wolverines 35-20 in the second half.

Illinois took control of the game with 13 minutes remaining in the second half. Ahead 42-41, the Illini scored eight unanswered points and pulled ahead 50-41. Michigan could not get any closer.

Mike Tisdale led all scorers with 24 points for Illinois and Demetri McCamey added 17. Trent Meacham scored 11 points.

Manny Harris scored 20 points for the Wolverines.

The Illini travel to East Lansing on Jan. 17 to face Michigan State and return home Jan. 20 and 24 to face Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Tisdale, McCamey, No. 25 Illini Run Past Ohio State 67-49

Adam Musto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:33:28 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.—llinois is enjoying itself as a Top 25 NCAA team.

In its first game in the national rankings, the No. 25 Fighting Illini defeated Ohio State 67-49 in a Big Ten Conference game at Assembly Hall before 15,549 fans Tuesday night.

Illinois (16-3, 4-2 Big Ten) never trailed in the game and the Buckeyes only tied the game two times, both early in the first half at five-all and seven-all.

Mike Tisdale led Illinois with 15 points, and Demetri McCamey (13 points), Dominique Keller (12), and Chester Frazier (10) also recorded double-figure points for the Illini.

B.J. Mullens led the Buckeyes (13-4 3-3) with 14 points and William Buford added 13. They were the only two players on Ohio State with more than seven points.

With the game tied at seven-all three minutes into the game, Illinois took control of the game with a 14-3 run to take a 21-10 lead. In the second half, Ohio State could not cut the Illini lead to under double-digits.

The Fighting Illini face Wisconsin at 3:00 p.m. CT on Jan. 24 at the Assembly Hall before traveling.

NFL on Fox or CBS? Who Is the Real No. 1?

Adam Musto — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:47:21 -0500

During the NFL Divisional Playoffs on CBS and Fox this weekend, both networks boasted that they were the most watched network.

Both said more people watch football on their channel than any other. This leads to the question, "Who is the real No. 1?"

Personally, does it matter?

CBS does AFC games and Fox does NFC games. Is it the announcers? Joe Buck, Troy Aikman vs. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms.

I guess statistics and television ratings can easily be altered, just about as easy as an NFL owner saying how much money his team won or lost in a season. But I want to know who is really No. 1?

Illinois Cornerback Vonte Davis Will Enter 2009 NFL Draft

Adam Musto — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:25:02 -0500

Junior cornerback Davis will turn pro

CHAMPAIGN, IL.-Illinois junior cornerback Vonte Davis will enter the 2009 NFL Draft despite having one more year of college eligibility.

Davis was named to the First-Team All-Big Ten in both 2007 and 2008, and in 2008 was named Third-Team All-American by Rivals.com and Fourth-Team All-American by Phil Steele.

The previous two seasons, he was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

Davis started all 36 games the last three seasons and tallied 206 total tackles for the Fighting Illini. Davis picked off two passes in 2008 and added four more as a sophomore in 2007.

Bears-Packers: Robbie Gould, Chicago Rally Past Green Bay, 20-17 in Overtime

Adam Musto — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:17:50 -0500

The Chicago Bears rallied past the Green Bay Packers Monday, in dramatic fashion, to keep playoff hopes alive with a 20-17 win in overtime.

By Adam Musto

CHICAGO, IL.-After the Chicago Bears tied the Green Bay Packers at 17-all, it looked like the Bears' special teams blew it.

After another special teams play saved Chicago's season and sent the game into overtime, the Bears special team won the game.

With seven minutes remaining in regulation and the Packers leading 17-10, the Bears drove 49 yards on eight plays, seven Matt Forte runs. This included a 4th-and-1 attempt that Forte converted by about one yard and one inch.

The following play, Forte ran three yards for a touchdown, which tied the game. However, on the ensuing kickoff—a play which remained the Bears about their earlier season loss against the Atlanta Falcons—the Packers' Will Blackmon returned the kickoff to midfield and an Adrian Peterson personal foul gave Green Bay the ball at Chicago's 35-yard line.

The Packers got a first down and Mason Crosby came on to attempt a 38 yard field goal. Alex Brown raised up to block the kick and the game was headed into overtime.

In the extra period, Chicago won the toss and on the first play, Kyle Orton hit Greg Olsen for 17 yards and the Bears gained an additional 15 yards on a horse collar personal foul. Forte caught an Orton 14-yard swing pass and Robbie Gould was in position for a 38-yard field goal.

Gould kicked it through and Chicago (9-6) defeated Green Bay (5-10) 20-17 Monday night at Soldier Field.

Green Bay led 14-3 at halftime, but the Bears got back into the game after a Brad Maynard punt hit one of the Packers and Chicago recovered the fumble. It led to an Orton to Olsen touchdown pass.

Orton threw two costly interceptions that nearly cost the Bears. He finished 14 for 27 with 142 yards and one touchdown. His Packers counterpart Aaron Rogers was 24 for 39 for 260 yards with two scores and one pick. Forte finished with 73 yards on 23 carries.

Notes: This was the second consecutive overtime game the Bears played; last week Gould kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime to push Chicago over the New Orleans Saints 27-24...On the overtime coin toss, the Bears won the toss after the coin hit Bears' captain Brian Urlacher in the helmet.

Chicago stay in the playoff hunt and needs a win at Houston next week and a Vikings loss against the New York Giants to win the NFC North...Green Bay plays the 0-15 Detroit Lions.

4 Illini Earn All-American Honors

Adam Musto — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:59:11 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL.-This week multiple All-American teams have been named and four members Illinois' football team have made the lists.

Senior linebacker Brit Miller was named to the third-team and sophomore receiver
Arrelious Benn was picked on the fourth-team by Phil Steeler Magazine. Junior cornerback Vontae Davis was selected to the third-team by Rivals.com, and true-freshman offensive tackle Jeff Allen earned a spot on the second-team Freshman All-America list by The Sporting News.

Miller replaced J Lehman as Illinois' defensive leader. Miller recorded 132 total tackles, 15 for a loss. He also tallied six sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. On Sept. 13 against Louisiana-Layfayette, Miller returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown.

Benn was named Illinois' Team MVP in 2008. He caught 67 passes for 1,055 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned 20 kickoffs for 398 yards and 15 punts for 114. He ended the season with 1,668 all purpose yards. In 2008, Benn tallied five games with at least 100 receiving yards and two more with at least 90. This included four consecutive 100 yard receiving games. On Oct. 11, he caught 12 passes for 181 yards against Minnesota.

Davis tallied 78 tackles in 2008. He also broke up eight passes, picked off two passes and forced three fumbles. Davis recorded the a game-clinching interception against Iowa on Nov. 1.

Allen was part of the Illini offense that led the Big Ten in total offense (448.3) and passing (274.5). Illinois also led the Big Ten averaging 30.4 points a game. As a true freshman, he made his first start at Penn State on Sept. 27.

Illinois Football Honors Players at Awards Banquet

Adam Musto — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:56:43 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL—The Fighting Illini announced its 2008 team award winners at its 107th annual football banquet Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Sophomore receiver Arrelious Benn was named the Most Valuable Player, and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui earned the Most Improved Player award.

Benn caught 67 passes for 1,055 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned 20 kickoffs for 398 yards and 15 punts for 114. He ended the season with 1,668 all-purpose yards.

In 2008, Benn tallied five games with at least 100 receiving yards and two more with at least 90. This included four consecutive 100-yard receiving games. On Oct. 11, he caught 12 passes for 181 yards against Minnesota.

Hoomanawanui recorded 25 catches for 312 yards with two touchdowns for Illinois. In his first two seasons he combined for seven total catches.

Freshmen Jason Ford, running back, and Corey Liuget, defensive tackle, shared the award for Rookie of the Year.

Ford started two games and ran for 294 yards on 81 rushes. He led the team with eight touchdowns. On Oct. 18 against Indiana, Ford ran for 172 yards and scored three times.

Liuget recorded 26 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Five of his tackles were behind the line of scrimmage, and he recovered two fumbles.

Junior quarterback Juice Williams was named the Outstanding Offensive Back in his third season as Illinois' signal caller. Williams passed for 3,173 yards with 22 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. He ran for 719 yards with five scores on the ground.

Senior linebacker Brit Miller, who replaced J Leman as Illinois' defensive leader, won the Outstanding Linebacker award. Miller recorded 132 total tackles, 15 for a loss. He also tallied six sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. On Sept. 13 against Louisiana-Lafayette, Miller returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown.

Illinois honored 17 seniors, and other players who received accolades were defensive end Derek Walker (Outstanding Defensive Lineman) and cornerback Dere Hicks for Outstanding Defensive Back. The 2008 team captains were Benn, Williams, Miller, and defensive lineman David Linquist.

Defensive back Nate Bussey and kicker Matt Eller shared the Outstanding Special Team Award.

Offensive lineman Ryan McDonald won the Scholar-Athlete Award. With a 3.83 GPA, McDonald received his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering and is working toward a master's degree.

Illinois finished with a 5-7 record and failed to earn a trip to a bowl game after playing in the Rose Bowl in 2007.

Illini Swept Triangular, Defeat Findlay, McKendree

Adam Musto — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:51:28 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL.- The No. 8 Illinois Fighting Illini opened up its 2008 home regular season Saturday. At the end of the day, the team was right where it wanted to be.

The Fighting Illini (2-0) defeated Findlay 32-6 and McKendree 39-9 in a triangular before 845 fans at Huff Hall,

No. 2 Jimmy Kennedy (133), No. 6 John Wise (Heavyweight), No. 11 Roger Smith-Bergsrud (165), No. 11 John Dergo (174), No. 17 Jordan Blanton (184), B.J. Futrell (125), and Grant Paswall (157) each won both of their matches against both Findlay and McKendree opponents.

Illinois recorded five pins against McKendree.

Wise won in an 11-1 major decision over Findlay's Travis Clark, and pinned McKendree's Andrew Davis at 1:55. Blanton pinned Tom Edwards of McKendree at 1:18. Kennedy registered a technical fall over Alex Shumaker of Findlay and defeated McKendree's Wade Lowe at 5:37. Dergo pinned McKendree's Andrew Cheesman after 51 seconds and tallied a 24-7 technical fall over Findlay's Jeff Havelka.

The Fighting Illini travel to Evanston, Ill. For the Midlands Invitational Dec. 29-30 open Big Ten play on the road against Iowa on Jan. 25. The wrestling squad returns to Huff Hall against Northwestern on Feb. 6 to take on the Wildcats in the first Big Ten home meet of the season.

My Letter to Jared Allen, You Asked for It, So Here It Is

Adam Musto — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:40:39 -0500

Dear Jared Allen,

You are a dirty player, but no one seems to care.

Last week, when I watched your overrated team barely beat the 0-13 Detroit Lions, I remember seeing you run across the field where you where hit in knee by a Lions' offensive lineman.

It was a clean and fair hit, and in all honesty, if your MCL and ACL had been shredded into oblivion, you would have deserved it. Do not worry though, if you continue to take steroids, this will naturally happen to you.

You are a dirty player. You blatantly hit Matt Schaub in the knees twice. You hit him in the side and from behind and caused him to miss multiple games which in turn cost the Houston Texans a chance to go to the playoffs.

Not only do you deserve to be out for the rest of the season, but so do your fat and ugly teammates Pat and Kevin Williams, but for whatever reason, a MINNESOTA!!! judge was able to negate an NFL ruling.

Maybe a Chicago judge, or a Bears fan in general can negate three of the Bears losses this year in games which they should have won, against Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta.

You also hit Kyle Orton late and probably taught Gus Frerotte how to take a dive when he was touched from behind and acted like he was paralyzed (although these reports have not been verified, they are just my personal opinion).

This Sunday on Fox NFL Sunday, you told Pam Oliver that you would like to meet the naysayers who said that you deserved getting hit in the knee against the Lions.

Well I am one of them. I do not want to fight you, because you would kick my ass. I am fat and slow, but have and never will have any respect for you.

I enjoyed watching you when you played for the Kansas City Chiefs, but changed my mind when you signed with the Vikings and began driving your helmet into quarterbacks knees after they threw the ball and you were on the ground.

Anyway, if you want to settle this like men, my email is adammusto@gmail.com. We can meet sometime.

And in closing, your team still sucks and if someone blew up the Metrodome, NOBODY would shed a tear except for the fat ugly Viking fan that wears the animal skin and blows that stupid foghorn every time your team gets a first down.

Sincerly,

Adam Musto

Bears or Rams? Champaign, IL Needs To Figure Out What NFL Market It Is in

Adam Musto — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:13:39 -0500

What a misearble football week in Champaign, IL.

Four days of being forced to sit through NFL.com's horrendous attempt to broadcast the New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears live on Thursday, Sunday's matchups on the local Champaign CBS and Fox stations are not exactly the games of the week.

Champaign is in Illinois, it is two hours south of Chicago and the Bears are Illinois' only team. George Halas made the Bears' colors navy and orange after his Alma mater, the Fighting Illini.

Yet, Champaign is still not in the Chicago area, and therefore, Thursday's NFL Network game was not on free tv.

On Sunday, instead of showing a key matchup, the most meaningful game for Bear fans, the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, the Champaign Fox station is showing the game of the weak: the 2-11 Seattle Seahawks and 2-11 St. Louis Rams.

Yawn.

The Rams' game is not even on in the St. Louis area because the Edward Jones Dome failed to sell out 72 hours prior to kickoff.

CBS is showing two games with all AFC teams, meaning they have absolutely no impact on the NFC playoff race.

The problem is that the Seattle-St. Louis game is at noon and the Vikings-Arizona game starts at 3:00. Both can be broadcast on Fox, but instead for the second time in four days, Bear fans will be unable to follow a key game that is vital to the team's playoff hopes.

Bears-Saints: Robbie Gould Kicks Chicago Bears Past New Orleans Saints

Adam Musto — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:11:55 -0500

Robbie Gould Caps Chicago Bears late comeback

By Adam Musto

CHICAGO, IL-The Chicago Bears have an interesting game plan whenever they play the New Orleans Saints late in the season at Soldier Field: Jump out to an early lead, let the Saints back into the game, and then win the game in the end.

For the third time in three seasons, the Bears (8-6) defeated New Orleans at the lakefront, this time a 27-24 win in overtime Thursday night at Soldier Field.

In all three contests, which included the 2006 NFC Championship, Chicago took an early lead and the Saints came back.

In the 2006 title game, Chicago went up 16-0 before New Orleans scored two touchdowns which included an 88-yard catch and run by Reggie Bush before the Bears scored on a safety and 23 unanswered points in a 39-14 win.

In the 2007 regular season finale, the Bears went up 10-0 in the first quarter before the two Marques Colston touchdowns made in 17-14 and the Bears led 24-17 at halftime. In the second half, Devin Hester returned a punt for a touchdown and Chicago held on 33-25

This time, the Bears led 21-7 at halftime. Danieal Manning did his Super Bowl XLI impression of Devin Hester and returned the game’s opening kickoff for a touchdown and returned another kick to midfield which set up another Bear touchdown.

The Saints (7-7) only score came when Olin Kruetz snapped the ball early with Chicago backed up on its own one-yard line. The Bears fumbled, the Saints recovered and scored on a Drew Brees pass to Pierre Thomas.

Kyle Orton threw two interception in the second half and after a 42-yard touchdown run by Thomas to make the score 21-17, Brees hit Colston and with 2:12 remaining in the game, the Saints led for the first time 24-21.

Suddenly, Orton and the offense, which had been in dry dock the entire second half marched down the field and got in range for Robbie Gould to drill a 28 yard field goal which tied the game.

Chicago could have won the game when Orton threw a fade route to Greg Olsen, the Saints defensive back grabbed Olsen by the back, chest and arm but no flag was thrown.

In overtime, Chicago won the coin toss and elected to receive. Orton went deep to Devin Hester who drew his second pass interference penalty of the game and the Bears were in field goal possession.

Gould his a 35 yarder straight as could be.

NFL Network Fails Miserably During New Orleans Saints-Chicago Bears Game

Adam Musto — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:42:25 -0500

As a student at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Thursday’s National Football League game between the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints was not on television because Champaign is not considered in the “Chicago” area, even though it is only two hours south.

Since my dorm’s cable does not contain the NFL Network, my only other option was the Internet. I felt like, “OK, this is fine, I’ve watched previous games on Thursday Night Football on the NFL’s website. No problem, right?”

Wrong.

The Internet feed on www.nfl.com/live was horrendous. Fortunately, I tuned into the game just in time to catch Daniael Mannings’ opening kickoff return for a touchdown, but that was about as far as it got for supposedly being a “live broadcast.”

For the next three-and-a-half-hours, the stream showed about one out of every three drives, had a 1:15 ratio for plays to commercials and 1:10 ratio for plays shown online to actual plays played in the game.

Maybe for a casual fan this would have been sufficient, but not for someone whose entire mood for the upcoming week depends on whether the Bears win, including it being finals week on campus.

This was, in essence, a playoff game, and the NFL and its network failed to give fans an accurate and fair broadcast.

It constantly flipped back to the studios and talked to sideline reporters while action was going on. FOX and CBS have been able to develop a system under which the sideline reporters talk and, instead of showing their faces, they can actually show the game and just use the reporter's audio. It is a good system; the NFL should try it.

Thursday night, the NFL sold me out along with all other Saints and Bears fans not in the direct New Orleans and Chicago city limits. If the NFL is going to boast about how NFL Network games are available free and live over the Internet, it should at least show the majority of the game.

McCully’s Shot Pushes Illinois over Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Adam Musto — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:39:08 -0500

Women’s Basketball: McCully’s shot pushed Illinois over Wisconsin-Milwaukee

By Adam Musto

MILWAUKEE, WIS.-With 3.4 seconds remaining in a 61-all tie, Illinois redshirt freshman Lydia McCully hit a 15-foot jumper that pulled the Fighting Illini past Wisconsin-Milwaukee 63-61 Wednesday at the Klotesche Center in Milwaukee.

The Fighting Illini (4-6) led 37-25 at halftime and went up 49-29 with 14:12 remaining in the second half. The Panthers (3-5) began a 8-0 run and began to chip away at Illinois’ lead.

The Illini went up 52-38 later in the period before Wisconsin-Milwaukee went on a 17-3 run. With 1:07 remaining in the game, the Panthers’ Traci Edwards scored on a layup to cut Illinois’ lead to 61-59, and after a turnover by Illinois’ Jenna Smith, Edwards tied the game at 61-all with another layup.

This led to McCully’s game-winning shot and Lacey Simpson sealed the victory with a steal on Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s final possession.

Smith led the Illini with 20 points, five assist and 12 rebounds. McCully added 13 points and Macie Blinn tallied 12. Simpson recorded 12 points, five assists, five steals and six rebounds.

Edwards led all scorers with 22 points and added 13 rebounds. The Panthers’ Turquoise McCained recorded 18 points.

The Illini return to action Dec. 20 against North Carolina in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and take on Purdue on Dec. 22 at the Assembly Hall.

New Mexico Hires Illinois' Mike Locksley As Head Coach

Adam Musto — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:47:49 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL—After spending four seasons as the offensive coordinator at the University of Illinois, Mike Locksley finally has his dream job as the head coach at the University of New Mexico.

On Monday, the Lobos’ athletic department officially announced Locksley as the school’s 29th football coach.

Locksley, who will turn 39 on Christmas Day, has been the offensive coordinator at Illinois since 2005. In addition, he has also been the quarterbacks coach since 2006 and coached tight ends in 2005.

He replaces Rocky Long, who resigned Nov. 17 after 11 seasons.

Locksley came to the Fighting Illini with Ron Zook from Florida. He was the Gators’ running backs and recruiting coordinator from 2003-04.

He began his coaching career in 1992 as Towson University’s defensive backs and special teams coach. He also coached at the U.S. Naval Prep School and the University of Maryland from 1996-97.

Under Locksley, in 2008 the Fighting Illini ranked third in the Big Ten with 344 points, led the conference in passing offense with 269.3 yards per game, and ran for 169.5 yards a game ,which was fifth in the Big Ten. Illinois led the Big Ten in rushing in both 2007 and 2006, averaging 256.8 yards per game last season and 188.8 yards in 2006.

Sunday Belongs to Illini Alumni

Adam Musto — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:35:52 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL—When most people watch football on Sunday, they notice former college stars from USC, Miami (“the U!”), Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan.

Rarely do University of Illinois alums make headlines. Sure, Illinois hails prominent former athletes such as George Halas, Red Grange, and Dick Butkus. But over the years, the notable alumni has thinned. However, this past Sunday, former Illinois football players shined in the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints’ Pierre Thomas ran for 102 yards against Atlanta with a 6.4 average and a rushing touchdown. Thomas also scored on a seven-yard pass reception in the Saints’ 29-25 win.

The Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback Kelvin Hayden intercepted two passes against the lowly Cincinnati Bengals in a 35-3 Colts’ win. Hayden returned one of his picks for an 85-yard touchdown, his first career regular season touchdown.

Neil Rackers kicked two field goals and four extra points to help lead the Cardinals to a 34-10 win over the St. Louis Rams and in doing so, Arizona wrapped up the NFC West Division Title.

This is the Cardinals’ first division championship since 1975, when they played in St. Louis and will host their first home playoff game since 1947, when they were in Chicago.

Along with these performances, Dave Diehl (New York Giants), Tony Pashos (Jacksonville Jaguars), and Steve Weatherford (Jacksonville Jaguars) also remained consistent for their teams despite losing efforts.

Illinois may not boast the NFL’s top athletes or be home to Rose Bowl and BCS Championships, but a sense of pride was returned to the school Sunday.

Illinois-Hawaii: Keller, Frazier Lead Illini to 68-58 Win Over Warriors

Adam Musto — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:33:06 -0500

CHAMPAIGN, IL—Illinois jumped out to a 39-26 halftime lead over the Hawaii Warriors Monday, which provided more than enough cushion for the Fighting Illini to hold on for the team’s eighth victory this season.

Chester Frazier and Dominique Keller led the team with 14 points each, and Illinois (8-1) defeated Hawaii 68-58 before 14,303 fans at the Assembly Hall.

Frazier hit four three-pointers, and Trent Meacham added two more from long range.

The key to the game was turnovers. The Illini defense forced 22 Hawaii turnovers, which led to 28 points. This came two days after causing a season-high 28 takeaways against Georgia Saturday at the United Center in Chicago.

Mike Davis added 10 points for Illinois. The Warriors’ (3-3) Petras Balocka led all scorers with 21 points, and teammate Roderick Flemings added 14 points.

Illinois returns to the Assembly Hall Wednesday to take on Chicago State and concludes a three-game home stand on Dec. 20 against Detroit.

Bears-Jaguars: Chicago Freezes Out Jacksonville, Earns 700th Franchise Victory

Adam Musto — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:18:48 -0500

CHICAGO, IL.-The Chicago Bears won the franchise’s 700th game and Matt Forte eclipsed Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie. But the team’s main goal remains clear: continue winning and hope to win the NFC North.

The Bears (7-6) defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, 23-10, at Soldier Field and remain one game behind the division leading Minnesota Vikings (8-5), who defeated the winless Detroit Lions 20-16 Sunday at Ford Field.

Chicago got on the board early when Danieal Manning intercepted a David Garrard pass on the third play of the game and returned it to the Jaguars’ (4-9) four-yard line.

Manning fumbled on the play and at first the referees’ ruled that the ball hit the pylon and was a touchback, however, Bears’ coach Lovie Smith challenged the call and it was overturned. The interception led to a touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Desmond Clark and Chicago led 7-0.

The Jaguars answered with a field goal on the ensuing drive to make it 7-3, but the Bears reeled off 13 unanswered points to go up 20-7 by halftime. Robbie Gould hit two field goals and with 24 seconds left in the first half Orton threw a 22 yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen.

The Jaguars added a touchdown in the second half, a Maurice Jones-Drew pass reception from Garrard, but Chicago answered to go up 23-10 and was able to suppress Jacksonville’s offense the rest of the game.

Chicago’s defense held Jacksonville to 278 yards. Garrard threw for 178 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Jones-Drew ran for 55 yards and added 47 receiving. Fred Taylor added 53 rushing yards and surpassed Corey Dillon and O.J. Simpson on the all-time NFL rushing list.

Orton finished with 219 passing yards with two scores and an interception. Matt Forte recorded 69 rushing yards and 37 receiving. He broke Gale Sayers’ rookie record for most yards from scrimmage.

On the season, Forte tallied 1,081 rushing yards and 385 receiving yards. Devin Hester led all receivers with 80 yards and added a 22 yard punt return that set up one of three Robbie Gould field goals.

The Bears’ offense got off to a quick start with two touchdowns, two field goals and two punts in the first half. Chicago had drives of 13, seven and seven plays. However, in the second half, the Bears offense went three-and-out four times with one interception and just one field goal.

Notes

Most likely, the only playoff team from the NFC North will be the division winner, not a wild-card team, and most likely, Chicago will have to win the division outright. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head, and the Bears and Vikings split the season series.

The second tiebreaker is divisional record, which the Bears can tie but cannot win. Chicago is 3-2 against NFC North teams and still plays Green Bay. The Vikings are 4-2. The next tie breaker is record among similar opponents.