SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by Brandon Klinehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2013-01-01T10:24:44-06:00https://chicago.sbnation.com/authors/brandon-kline/rss2013-01-01T10:24:44-06:002013-01-01T10:24:44-06:00Jimbo Fisher touts Florida State offense
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<p>Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles present Northern Illinois with its toughest challenge all season. The two teams meet in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1.</p> <p>Many previews of the 2013 Orange Bowl have focused on the clash between Northern Illinois' top-10 offense and Florida State's top-five defense. In his final press conference before the Jan. 1 showdown, Seminoles' head coach Jimbo Fisher was quick to point out the strength of his own team's offense. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fncaaf%2Fbowls%2F2013%2F01%2F01%2Fbcs-orange-bowl-preview-florida-state-northern-illinois%2F1801913%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fchicago.sbnation.com%2F2013%2F1%2F1%2F3824490%2Forange-bowl-2013-jimbo-fisher-florida-state-northern-illinois" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Fisher told the media</a>:</p>
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<p>"We have a great defense. We do. But we have a very good offense, too, so we can go score our points. And I think when you put points on people, it puts pressure on people. ... So I think either way, we've proven we can win low-scoring games, and we've proven in the Clemson game we can win shootouts. We feel confident both ways."</p>
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<p>The statistics certainly support his claim. While the Huskies' much-touted offense averaged 40.8 points per game (eighth in the BCS), the Seminoles' mark of 39.9 is just as impressive. In terms of yards per play, Florida State (7.0) was slightly more efficient than Northern Illinois (6.6).</p>
<p>Historically speaking, Florida State's 2012 offense is almost as good as it has ever been. As Fisher pointed out, only two Seminole teams have ever passed for 3,000 yards and run for 2,500, this one, and the 1993 squad that won a national title.</p>
<p>Northern Illinois coach Rod Carey is well aware of the FSU offense, and is not letting media hype affect his preparation. Carey said:</p>
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<p>"We average like, what is it, like 40, 41 points a game? Well, they average like 40. It's not like they're slouches. It's going to come down to what defense can stop what offense, because both offenses are good, both defenses are good, and that's football."</p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/2013/1/1/3824490/orange-bowl-2013-jimbo-fisher-florida-state-northern-illinoisBrandon Kline2013-01-01T08:15:24-06:002013-01-01T08:15:24-06:00Mike Ditka calls Love Smith firing 'stupid'
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<p>The Bears made the controversial decision to fire coach Lovie Smith on Monday. Mike Ditka seems to think this move was unfair and unwise.</p> <p>Mike Ditka expressed his disapproval of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>' decision to fire their coach, Lovie Smith. If there's anyone who knows what it takes to be a great coach in Chicago it is Ditka, who is the Bears' second-winningest coach of all-time behind George Halas. Third on that list is Lovie Smith, who won 81 games in nine seasons.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4681702/ditka-firing-lovie-a-bad-move-by-bears" target="_blank">Ditka told ESPN 1000</a>, "I think Lovie is a very good coach ... Everybody is a little bit different in their manner." After starting the season 7-1, the Bears finished at 10-6. Chicago missed out on the playoffs despite having the same record as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>, who are both headed to the postseason. Ditka went on to say,</p>
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<p>"If Minnesota would have lost last night and the Bears were in the playoffs this wouldn't have happened. That's a fact. So how stupid is it then? It really is stupid. If they would have made the playoffs this would not have happened. They did what they did. They took care of their business and Minnesota played a great game against Green Bay."</p>
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<p>Ditka also noted that whomever the Bears choose to hire will have an easier job than most new coaches. Chicago missed the playoffs by just one win, and the Bears' defense was one of the league's best. In 2012, Chicago allowed just 17.3 points per game, which ranked third-lowest in the NFL.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2013/1/1/3824192/lovie-smith-fired-mike-ditka-bears-stupidBrandon Kline2012-12-18T11:01:32-06:002012-12-18T11:01:32-06:00Bulls offense struggles immensely vs. Grizzlies
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<p>The Bulls' offense was historically bad in an 80-71 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> usually thrive on low-scoring, gritty, defensive battles. But on Monday night, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> beat the Bulls at their own game. Chicago scored just 71 points, which is their lowest point total in nearly five years.</p>
<p>Still, the Grizzlies scored only 80 points, and shot just 37.5 percent from the field. The difference, it seems, came down to rebounds, where Memphis outperformed Chicago, 51-39. Bulls' big man <a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/basketball-chicago-bulls/bulls-talk/Bulls-beaten-at-their-own-game-by-simila?blockID=814783&feedID=661&awid=7043931889745486726-914" target="_blank">Joakim Noah said</a>,</p>
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<p>"I think our defense was pretty good. We just got out-rebounded. We've got to do a better job of rebounding the ball as a team. We got a lot of good stops and then we ran in transition."</p>
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<p>Chicago's real struggles were on offense. The Bulls' leading scorers, <span>Luol Deng</span>, and <span>Carlos Boozer</span>, combined to shoot 11-for-34. Guard Marco Belinelli was also just 4-for-12.</p>
<p>But Bulls fans shouldn't be too disappointed by Monday's awful performance. The Grizzlies are the NBA's toughest defense, allowing just 90.0 points per game. Despite their offensive difficulties, the Bulls' defense is still second-best in the NBA, at 90.4 points allowed per game.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/12/18/3780518/chicago-bulls-offense-struggles-memphis-grizzliesBrandon Kline2012-12-18T10:30:45-06:002012-12-18T10:30:45-06:00Bob Diaco is happy to stay with Notre Dame
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<p>Bob Diaco has been forced to answer many questions about vacant head-coaching positions, but insists his focus is on preparing Notre Dame's defense for Alabama.</p> <p>Notre Dame's defensive coordinator Bob Diaco seems content to remain an assistant coach for the Fighting Irish, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/ncaa/notre-dame/irish-talk/Diaco-happy-to-be-at-Notre-Dame?blockID=814779&feedID=661&awid=7057453376413355869-914">according to Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago</a>. Although several media outlets have reported that Diaco was being considered for vacant head-coaching positions, the Irish DC said that he has not been in direct contact with any programs.</p>
<p>Diaco's defense at Notre Dame has been the best in the nation. Through 12 games, the Irish have allowed just 10.3 points per game, which ranks first among FBS schools. They also lead the nation in several other defensive categories, including fewest rushing touchdowns allowed, lowest red-zone touchdowns allowed percentage, and others. Not to mention, Diaco was awarded the Broyles Award for being the nation's top assistant coach.</p>
<p>Another reason Diaco is likely to stay is his close relationship with head coach Brian Kelly. "It's Batman-Robin," <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/ncaa/notre-dame/irish-talk/Diaco-happy-to-be-at-Notre-Dame?blockID=814779&feedID=661&awid=7057453376413355869-914">Diaco said</a>. "Obviously, he's Batman. Kelly previously hired Diaco at Cincinnati and Central Michigan.</p>
<p>For now, Diaco insists his focus is on preparing the Irish for the BCS Championship game against Alabama. The Crimson Tide's formidable offense scored 38.5 points per game this season.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/notre-dame-football/2012/12/18/3780402/Notre-Dame-defensive-coordinator-bob-diacoBrandon Kline2012-12-18T08:09:07-06:002012-12-18T08:09:07-06:00Hinrich struggles in return to Bulls lineup
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<p>Kirk Hinrich and the Chicago Bulls fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in an embarrassing fashion on Monday.</p> <p>Point guard <span>Kirk Hinrich</span> was just 2-for-8 from the field in his return to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls'</a> lineup, after missing a week with a left knee injury. But on Monday, it wasn't just Hinrich who struggled. The Bulls scored just 71 points against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a>, which is their lowest output in nearly five years. Chicago shot just 37.3 percent from the field.</p>
<p>The oft-injured Hinrich is part of an interesting dilemma for Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. Hinrich has already dealt with five separate injuries this season. When he has played, the guard has struggled with poor shooting and frequent turnovers. On the season, Hinrich is shooting just 35.4 percent, which is significantly lower than his career mark of 41.6.</p>
<p>If the slump continues, Thibodeau could bench Hinrich in favor of <span>Nate Robinson</span> or rookie Marquis Teague, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/11050/slumping-hinrich-a-dilemma-for-thibodeau?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com </a>suspects. But for now, Bulls players and coaches are supporting Hinrich, and hoping that he will find his groove soon.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/12/18/3779856/kirk-hinrich-struggles-in-return-to-chicago-bulls-lineupBrandon Kline2012-12-11T09:59:39-06:002012-12-11T09:59:39-06:00NHL lockout: Blackhawks try to stay upbeat
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<p>Jamal Mayers sat in on lockout negotiations last week. He came away with a positive message for fans and players.</p> <p><a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Blackhawks</a>' forward <span>Jamal Mayers</span> remains optimistic that a deal between the NHL and the NHLPA is close. Mayers sat in on meetings between the two sides last week in New York City. Although the negotiations ended poorly, Mayers' takeaway was that an agreement was imminent. Here's what Mayers had to say, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/hockey-chicago-blackhawks/blackhawks-talk/Mayers-says-NHL-NHLPA-are-close-remains-?blockID=812197&feedID=661&awid=6158372446029758829-914">via CSN Chicago</a>:</p>
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<p>"Being involved in those meetings, the reality is we are that close. My hope is when the dust settles and cooler heads prevail there's enough owners - quite frankly it'll have to come from them - to put pressure on (commissioner Gary Bettman) and say, ‘Are we going to lose a season over how close we are?'"</p>
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<p>Mayers implied that the players have made most of the compromises so far, and that the owners will have to offer more concessions. Although specifics remain unresolved, Mayers stressed the big picture, which shows that the two side are closer than one might think. Some of the issues that are still being contested include CBA length, player contract limits, and some transition items.</p>
<p>Ultimately, Mayers is optimistic that there will be an NHL season this year. Although nothing has been scheduled, the two sides are expected to meet again this week.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-blackhawks/2012/12/11/3754628/nhl-lockout-blackhawks-try-to-stay-upbeatBrandon Kline2012-12-11T09:35:51-06:002012-12-11T09:35:51-06:00Brandon Marshall sets Bears record for receptions
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<p>Brandon Marshall set a Bears receiving record on Sunday. Before the season is up, he has a chance to set a few more.</p> <p><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a>' wide receiver Brandon Marshall broke the franchise record for receptions in a season on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>. With his 101st reception, Marshall eclipsed <span>Marty Booker's</span> mark set in 2001.</p>
<p>Marshall had 10 catches on the day, and his 101st was a touchdown pass from backup quarterback <span>Jason Campbell</span>. Marshall also seems likely to break his personal record for receptions in a season (104), which he set in 2008 with the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a>. The wideout already has a career-high 1,342 receiving yards this season.</p>
<p>The Bears acquired Marshall from the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> during the offseason in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2012 and a third-round draft pick in 2013. Bears blogger <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2012/12/9/3747526/brandon-marshall-sets-bears-single-season-record-for-receptions-marty-booker">Steven Schweickert says</a> that this deal is "looking more and more like a steal. The impact he's made on the Bears' offense has really been something to watch."</p>
<p>Marshall has seven 100-yard games this season, which ties him with three others for the most in Bears history. With 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns and three games to play, Marshall also has a chance to break team records for yards (1,400) and touchdowns (13) in a season.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/12/11/3754508/chicago-bears-wr-brandon-marshall-sets-franchise-record-for-receptionsBrandon Kline2012-12-11T08:33:26-06:002012-12-11T08:33:26-06:00Robbie Gould expects to be healthy by Sunday
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<p>Robbie Gould continues to rehab his calf injury, but is confident that he will be able to play against the Green Bay Packers.</p> <p><span>Robbie Gould</span> expects to be healthy and active when the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> take on the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> on Sunday. The Bears' kicker was limited last week against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> because of a strained left calf that he suffered shortly before game time. Gould told the media that he has a small amount of rehab to complete, and is optimistic that he will be at full strength for the Packers game, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/football-chicago-bears/bears-talk/Cutler-Gould-expect-to-play-Sunday-vs-Gr?blockID=812251&feedID=10990&awid=7989390062557724155-914">according to CSNChicago</a>.</p>
<p>Gould was able to kick the extra points after Chicago's two touchdowns, but could not come on for longer attempts. In the first quarter, the Bears elected to punt on fourth down from the Minnesota 35-yard line, rather than attempt a 52-yard field goal with the injured Gould or the punter, <span>Adam Podlesh</span>.</p>
<p>Gould is the fourth-most accurate kicker in NFL history, with an 85.6 field goal percentage. He is on his way to another solid season for the the Bears. Last year, Gould nailed a career-long 57-yard field goal.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/12/11/3754304/bears-should-have-healthy-robbie-gould-vs-packersBrandon Kline2012-12-11T08:09:40-06:002012-12-11T08:09:40-06:00Coach Thibodeau wants Noah to keep pushing
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<p>On Friday, Joakim Noah set career highs in points (30) and rebounds (23) against the Detroit Pistons.</p> <p>After <span>Joakim Noah</span> set career highs in points and rebounds on Friday, coach <span>Tom Thibodeau</span> knows that the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>' center is capable of performing on that level every night. <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/10930/noah-tries-to-take-next-step-in-his-game">Coach Thibodeau said</a>,</p>
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<p>"It's in him. I think he's got to continue to push himself. I think he could do a lot better than he's doing right now. He's worked at his game, but there's things (in his game) I still think that he could get to that he hasn't gotten to yet."</p>
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<p>Noah had a career-high 30 points and 23 rebounds on Friday against the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a>. While one great game is certainly encouraging, Thibodeau would like to see this type of effort every night:</p>
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<p>"Just be consistent," Thibodeau said. "Come back the next night and do it again. Just keep growing, play hard every play. I felt he did all the things necessary and needed in that game. I thought we were flat, (he) gave us great energy, multiple effort, scored, play-maked, played great defense, was a leader. He has to do it every night, though."</p>
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<p>Noah is a fairly reliable scorer and rebounder, but he still has the tendency to occasionally come out flat. When he does, the whole team suffers. The Bulls are 11-8 so far this season, and they are 10-4 when Noah scores 10 or more points.</p>
<p>The Bulls have won five of their last six, and they take on the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a> on Tuesday night. The last time Chicago took on the Clippers, Noah had just four points and seven rebounds, and the Bulls lost, 101-80.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/12/11/3754216/chicago-bulls-tom-thibodeau-joakim-noahBrandon Kline2012-12-04T11:09:30-06:002012-12-04T11:09:30-06:00Manziel, Klein, Te'o named Heisman finalists
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<p>Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o joins a pair of quarterbacks as Heisman Trophy finalists invited to New York City. The ceremony is set for Dec. 8</p> <p><span class="sbn-auto-link">Texas A&M quarterback</span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134696/johnny-manziel"> Johnny Manziel</a>, Kansas State QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein">Collin Klein</a> and Notre Dame linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o">Manti Te'o</a> have been invited to attend the Heisman presentation ceremony in New York City on Dec. 8.Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o joins a pair of quarterbacks as Heisman Trophy finalists invited to New York City. The ceremony is set for Dec. 8 While Manziel is considered by most to be the favorite, Manti Te'o would be a deserving winner of the Heisman Trophy.</p>
<p>Te'o became the face of the No. 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> defense, putting up impressive stats along the way. He finished the year with 101 tackles, seven interceptions, two sacks, four quarterback hits and two fumble recoveries. He would be the first player to win the Heisman who only played defense during a season.</p>
<p>"Johnny Football" is a redshirt freshman from Texas A&M. Manziel has thrown for 3,419 yards with 24 touchdowns, adding 1,181 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground, leading the Aggies to a 10-2 record. He would be the first freshman to ever win the award.</p>
<p>Klein may have been the favorite earlier in the season, but a late-season loss to Baylor in which Klein coughed up three interceptions likely hurt his chances. Still, Klein has an impressive resume. The senior QB ran for 22 touchdowns and threw for 15 more. He carried the Wildcats to an 11-1 record and a Big 12 title.</p>
<p>The Heisman announcement will be made Saturday night.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/notre-dame-football/2012/12/4/3727032/heisman-trophy-finalists-2012Brandon Kline