SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by Patrick Vinthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2013-01-03T07:00:47-06:00https://chicago.sbnation.com/authors/patrick-vint/rss2013-01-03T07:00:47-06:002013-01-03T07:00:47-06:00Peyton Manning endorses Mike McCoy for Bears job
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<figcaption>Byron Hetzler-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Longtime NFL assistant is "ready" for top job in Chicago, according to the future Hall of Famer.</p> <p>Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, a top candidate for the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a>' open head coaching position, received an important endorsement Wednesday: his starting quarterback, <span>Peyton Manning</span>. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/01/peyton_manning_endorses_bears_.html">As Mark Potash of the Sun-Times reported</a> from a quote obtained by the Denver Post's Tom Kensler, Manning believes his new coordinator is ready for a promotion:</p>
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<p>''He's ready. He's paid his dues,'' Manning said. ''Mike's a good leader. He's got some good coaches that have been mentors to him, different coaches that he's worked with in the NFL that I think he's incorporated some of their leadership philosophies and his own philosophy.''</p>
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<p>McCoy began his coaching career as an offensive assistant with the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> in 2000. He remained on the Panthers staff when John Fox became head coach in 2002, eventually becoming passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. In 2009, McCoy accepted an offer from Josh McDaniels to become offensive coordinator at Denver. He remained in that position when his former boss, John Fox, took over in 2010. He developed the 2011 Denver offense that turned <span>Tim Tebow</span> into a playoff quarterback, and the 2012 <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> were fourth in the league in scoring.</p>
<p>In recent days, McCoy has been mentioned in connection with open head coaching positions in Buffalo, Arizona, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The Bears have reportedly asked for permission to interview him.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2013/1/3/3830244/peyton-manning-endorses-mike-mccoy-for-bears-jobPatrick Vint2013-01-02T21:10:34-06:002013-01-02T21:10:34-06:00Chicago survives late Orlando rally, wins 96-94
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<p>Last-minute free throws from Luol Deng prevented a Chicago collapse.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally from the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a>, securing a 96-94 win with two clutch free throws from <span>Luol Deng</span>. The Bulls (17-13) built an 11-point lead on the Magic entering the fourth quarter, and a <span>Carlos Boozer</span> layup with nine minutes to play maintained that advantage at 86-75. Orlando (12-20) scored the next nine points, pulling within two of Chicago with more than five minutes left. The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch. Deng rebounded a <span>Jameer Nelson</span> jump shot with seconds to play, then made two free throws to extend the Bulls' lead to 96-92 and put the game out of reach.</p>
<p>Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with a season-high 31 points and 11 rebounds. Deng added 23 points, and <span>Taj Gibson</span> scored 21 and rebounded 11. No other Bull scored more than seven. <span>Joakim Noah</span> did not play due to illness.</p>
<p>Orlando was led by 32 points by Nelson. Center Nikola Vucevic had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and guard <span>Arron Afflalo</span> added 19 points.</p>
<p>The Bulls travel to Miami for a Friday game against the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a>. Orlando next faces the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> on Saturday night.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2013/1/2/3830054/bulls-vs-magic-final-score-chicago-96-orlando-94Patrick Vint2012-12-27T07:00:49-06:002012-12-27T07:00:49-06:00Irish eager for test against Alabama dynasty
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>Fighting Irish excited for matchup with Saban's Crimson Tide defense.</p> <p>As preparations continue for their BCS National Championship matchup with Alabama, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish" class="sbn-auto-link">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> are excited for the opportunity to play the defending national champions. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/ncaa/notre-dame/irish-talk/Irish-excited-to-test-themselves-against?blockID=817423&feedID=661&awid=8764962305980543475-914" style="background-color: #ffffff;">As JJ Stankevitz of CSNChicago.com reported</a>, head coach Brian Kelly correctly called the Crimson Tide "the benchmark for college football" Wednesday. Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said Alabama is standing at the top of the mountain, waiting for the Irish to knock them off:</p>
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<p>"The fact of the matter is Alabama is king of the hill. Have you ever played King of the Hill? Did you walk up the hill and knock the guy off? That's what we've gotta do. They're King of the Hill. They set the precedent for defensive football in the country."</p>
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<p>Despite a 12-0 regular season that featured wins over Oklahoma, Stanford, and Southern Cal, Notre Dame is a double-digit underdog against the reigning SEC champions. An SEC participant has won every BCS National Championship game since 2007, and Alabama has won two of the previous three championship games. As Fighting Irish defensive tackle Louis Nix said, the game gives the Irish a chance to measure themselves against the nation's best:</p>
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<p>"A team from the SEC, a team like Alabama, coached by Nick Saban, those guys will make you better all around. I'm just happy we get a chance to play these guys in the National Championship."</p>
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<p>Nix will have one of the most difficult assignments of all, squaring off with Alabama center Barret Jones. The Crimson Tide center won the Rimington Award this year and the Outland Trophy as a left tackle in 2011.</p>
<p>Notre Dame plays for its first national championship in 24 years on Jan. 7 in Miami.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/notre-dame-football/2012/12/27/3806948/notre-dame-alabama-bcs-championship-gamePatrick Vint2012-12-05T22:39:45-06:002012-12-05T22:39:45-06:00Schierholtz gives Cubs platoon potential
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>Former Giant could join right field platoon in Chicago.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> signed outfielder <span>Nate Schierholtz</span> to a one-year contract Wednesday. The 29 year-old Schierholtz came up with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a> organization, spending parts of six seasons with the big league club. He was traded to Philadelphia on trade deadline day as part of the <span>Hunter Pence</span> deal. He hits left handed, and excelled against righties in 2012, hitting .287/.360/.466. Over his six major league seasons, Schierholtz has hit .270/.319/.409, but has a .276/.320/.424 line away from his pitcher-friendly home parks.</p>
<p>While Schierholtz has played the vast majority of his games in right field, he has the defensive ability to play all three outfield positions. With <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> locked into the left field position and <span>David DeJesus</span> in right or center, Schierholtz could join <span>Dave Sappelt</span> in a right field platoon, with DeJesus or <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2012/12/5/3731796/brett-jackson-cubs-outfield-problem-solution" target="_blank">much-hyped prospect Brett Jackson in center</a>. Schierholtz will likely be in competition with fellow left-handed outfielders <span>Tony Campana</span> and <span>Brian Bogusevic</span> for a spot on the Cubs' active roster. </p>
<p>As a low-risk, low-cost acquisition, Schierholtz makes sense for the Cubs. If Schierholtz is left on the outside looking in, his low cost and list of potential suitors this winter guarantees he can be moved, either through trade or on the waiver wire. If he has a good season, Schierholtz still has less than five years of MLB service time and, therefore, is arbitration eligible in 2013.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2012/12/5/3734214/nate-schierholtz-gives-cubs-outfield-flexibility-ability-to-hit-rightPatrick Vint2012-12-05T20:47:40-06:002012-12-05T20:47:40-06:00Tice: Bears won't retaliate against Jared Allen
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<figcaption>Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Vikings defensive end was fined for illegal hit on Lance Louis two weeks ago.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> offensive coordinator Mike Tice told reporters Wednesday that his team would not retaliate against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> defensive end <span>Jared Allen</span> for an illegal hit in the teams' Nov. 25 game. Allen hit Bears guard <span>Lance Louis</span> with a crushing block during an interception return. Louis tore his ACL on the hit, ending his season. Bears coach Lovie Smith called the hit "unnecessary" after the game, and the NFL later fined Allen $21,000 after finding the hit to be illegal.</p>
<p>Despite the bad blood engendered by the block, Tice stated that his players would not retaliate against Allen. <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4680868/bears-goal-is-to-block-allen-not-retaliate">Rather, the Bears are focusing on keeping Allen from wreaking havoc in their backfield</a>. Via ESPN Chicago:</p>
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<p>"So it's very important to make sure we account for Jared Allen every time we throw the ball, and we will. (They're a) different defense at home on that field turf with that crowd noise, and we just have to make sure we're smart about the calls and how we're helping J'Marcus (Webb) out."</p>
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<p>Allen was asked about the hit Wednesday, and appeared regretful:</p>
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<p>"I saw a guy running and I just made a block, and that happened. My apologies for the knee. That's never, ever the intent. I was asking Webb and I asked coach Tice after the game if he was O.K. They said, ‘No,' and I said, ‘Dang, that sucks.' That's never the intent, but you can't take it back."</p>
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<p>The Bears (8-4) and Vikings (6-6) renew their NFC North feud for the 103rd time Sunday at noon CT in the Metrodome. Television coverage is available on Fox.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/12/5/3734076/chicago-bears-wont-retaliate-against-jared-allenPatrick Vint2012-11-22T07:03:52-06:002012-11-22T07:03:52-06:00Notre Dame's 2011 loss to USC still haunts Irish
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>Fighting Irish learned how to handle hype and expectation after unforced errors derailed 2011 game against Trojans.</p> <p>On the eve of top-ranked Notre Dame's final regular season game of 2012 against the hated <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a>, the Fighting Irish are still thinking of a game from 2011. In last year's game against the Trojans, the first night game ever played at Notre Dame Stadium, the Irish lost, 31-17. The loss broke a four-game winning streak and dropped Notre Dame to 4-3 on the season.</p>
<p>Notre Dame's performance against USC was marred by a number of unforced Irish errors. Trojan quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Barkley</a> drove USC to a pair of first-quarter touchdowns, while the Irish managed just eight plays from scrimmage. A kick return for a touchdown allowed the Irish to cut the halftime lead to seven, but a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50230/dayne-crist" class="sbn-auto-link">Dayne Crist</a> fumbled snap was recovered by the Trojans and returned for a touchdown to give USC a 24-10 third-quarter lead, a lead from which Notre Dame was never able to recover. A <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113577/tommy-rees" class="sbn-auto-link">Tommy Rees</a> interception in the fourth sealed the Trojan win.</p>
<p>Notre Dame learned from the loss, especially in preparing for pregame hype and high expectations. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/ncaa/notre-dame/irish-talk/2011-loss-to-USC-still-resonates-with-No?blockID=804749&feedID=3126&awid=7135730080928485306-914">As JJ Stankevitz of CSN Chicago reports</a>:</p>
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<p>"Guys really learned that you can't get caught up in all the hype that's going in to the game," center Braxston Cave said. "Last year, it was our first night game, and we had new helmets and obviously the whole ND nation was coming down on you because they want this win so bad. I think a lot of guys got wrapped up in all of this and it really affected the way we played."</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>"We know we got one shot to get to 12-0, and if we don't stay focused and do our job then we have no chance of accomplishing that," Cave said.</p>
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<p>The Irish, 11-0 and playing for a berth in the BCS National Championship Game, face the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Coliseum Saturday.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/notre-dame-football/2012/11/22/3678720/notre-dame-vs-usc-last-seasons-loss-still-haunts-irishPatrick Vint2012-11-17T07:20:05-06:002012-11-17T07:20:05-06:00Notre Dame-Wake Forest Preview
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<figcaption>Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The vaunted Fighting Irish defense faces a less-than-stellar opponent Saturday.</p> <p>The third-ranked <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish" class="sbn-auto-link">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> look to keep their BCS hopes alive -- and avoid looking ahead to next week's game with USC -- with a home win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wake-forest-demon-deacons" class="sbn-auto-link">Wake Forest Demon Deacons</a> on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT at Notre Dame Stadium, with television coverage on NBC.</p>
<p>The Irish are 10-0 for the first time since 1993 after last week's methodical 21-6 win over Boston College. A victory over Wake Forest would give Notre Dame its first 11-0 record since its 1988 National Championship campaign. After allowing the Eagles just six points last week, Notre Dame took the national lead in scoring defense at a paltry 11.1 points allowed per game. Quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133679/everett-golson" class="sbn-auto-link">Everett Golson</a>, who established himself as the starter after beating Oklahoma, has thrown for more than 200 yards and completed two touchdowns in each of Notre Dame's last two games.</p>
<p>Wake Forest was blown out, 37-6, by North Carolina State last week, dropping the Demon Deacons back to 5-5 on the season and 3-5 in the ACC. Wake Forest's offense has struggled all season, ranking 114th in FBS football in rushing yards and 108th in points. The Demon Deacons have managed more than 16 points just once since September, a 28-14 win over Boston College on Nov. 3.</p>
<p><b>Game time, TV channel:</b> 2:30 p.m. CT, NBC</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/odds">Point spread</a>:</b> Notre Dame is a 24-point favorite.</p>
<p><i><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/scoreboards/divia/today/?xid=sbnation">Check the national college football scoreboard right here</a>, and look through SB Nation's many excellent <a href="http://sbnation.com/blogs#college">college football blogs</a> to find your team's community.</i></p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/notre-dame-football/2012/11/17/3647740/notre-dame-wake-forest-2012-game-time-schedule-oddsPatrick Vint2012-11-17T07:01:28-06:002012-11-17T07:01:28-06:00Northwestern-Michigan State preview
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<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Wildcats play for bowl positioning and pride Saturday in East Lansing.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northwestern-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Northwestern Wildcats</a> may be out of contention for the Big Ten Legends Division championship, but they still have plenty to play for when they face Michigan State at Spartan Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. CT, with the television broadcast on ESPN2.</p>
<p>Northwestern fell to 7-3 last week following a 38-31 overtime loss to Michigan, a game where the Wildcats outgained the Wolverines but committed eight penalties for 75 yards. Northwestern continues to implement a two-quarterback rotation, but has relied heavily on junior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114053/kain-colter" class="sbn-auto-link">Kain Colter</a> in recent weeks. Colter, who did not factor heavily in the squad's one-point loss to Nebraska, ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa, then put together 178 yards of total offense against Michigan. Junior tailback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114071/venric-mark" class="sbn-auto-link">Venric Mark</a> ran for 104 yards against the Wolverines, his fourth consecutive 100-yard game and sixth in Northwestern's last seven games.</p>
<p>Michigan State, a dark-horse national championship contender as the season began, has struggled to a 5-5 record on the year and a 2-4 mark in the conference. Sparty's four conference losses have come by a total of 10 points. The much-hyped Spartan defense has played to expectations, leading the Big Ten in total defense and scoring defense. However, the Spartan offense has not gotten off the launch pad. Quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77183/andrew-maxwell" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Maxwell</a> is averaging just 214 passing yards per game and has completed just 10 touchdown passes. While halfback Leveon Bell has had a huge year (283 carries, 1249 yards, 10 TD), the Spartans have needed the passing game to win; they are just 1-4 in games where Maxwell throws for less than 200 yards.</p>
<p><b>Game time, TV channel:</b> 11:00 a.m. CT, ESPN2</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/odds">Point spread</a>:</b> Michigan State -7</p>
<p><em><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/scoreboards/divia/today/?xid=sbnation">Check the national college football scoreboard right here</a>, and look through SB Nation's many excellent <a href="http://sbnation.com/blogs#college">college football blogs</a> to find your team's community.</em></p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/northwestern-wildcats/2012/11/17/3647616/michigan-state-northwestern-2012-game-time-schedule-oddsPatrick Vint2012-11-17T07:01:25-06:002012-11-17T07:01:25-06:00Illinois faces Purdue on Senior Day
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<figcaption>Reid Compton-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Fighting Illini hope to avoid a winless Big Ten campaign with a victory over the visiting Boilermakers.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini" class="sbn-auto-link">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> will be looking to avoid a winless Big Ten season over the final two weeks of the season, with their best opportunity for a victory likely coming this Saturday when they host the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/purdue-boilermakers" class="sbn-auto-link">Purdue Boilermakers</a>. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage available on Big Ten Network.</p>
<p>The Illini have struggled through Tim Beckman's first season as head coach, going just 2-8 overall and losing six straight Big Ten games. The Illinois offense ranks 121st in FBS football in scoring, 109th in passing, and 102nd in rushing, and has averaged just 10.5 points per game in conference contests. It is Senior Day in Champaign, and players like tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75953/hugh-thornton" class="sbn-auto-link">Hugh Thornton</a>, center <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36306/graham-pocic" class="sbn-auto-link">Graham Pocic</a>, cornerbacks <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75933/terry-hawthorne" class="sbn-auto-link">Terry Hawthorne</a> and Justin Green, and nickelback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36300/ashante-williams" class="sbn-auto-link">Ashante Williams</a> will be honored.</p>
<p>Purdue broke its own five-game conference losing streak last week in a 27-24 victory at Iowa. Quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5136/robert-marve" class="sbn-auto-link">Robert Marve</a> had arguably his best game as a Boilermaker, throwing for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-33 passing. With their final two games against Illinois and Indiana, the 4-6 Boilermakers have a plausible chance of winning their final two contests and becoming bowl eligible.</p>
<p><b>Game time, TV channel:</b> 3:30 p.m. ET, BTN</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/odds">Point spread</a>:</b> Purdue -7.</p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/illinois-fighting-illini/2012/11/17/3647496/illinois-purdue-2012-game-time-schedule-oddsPatrick Vint2012-11-10T07:01:40-06:002012-11-10T07:01:40-06:00Northwestern, Michigan face off Saturday
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<p>The Wildcats and Wolverines fight to keep their title hopes alive.</p> <p>Big Ten Legends title hopes are on the line Saturday when the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northwestern-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Northwestern Wildcats</a> face the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines" class="sbn-auto-link">Michigan Wolverines</a> at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines are <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/northwestern-michigan-odds-november-10-2012">10.5-point favorites</a> to beat the Wildcats.</p>
<p>Michigan enters the weekend a disappointing 6-3 overall, but the Wolverines' 4-1 record in the Big Ten has them tied with Nebraska atop the Legends Division with three games to play. Perennial Heisman Trophy contender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76856/denard-robinson" class="sbn-auto-link">Denard Robinson</a> continues to recover from the ulnar nerve injury in his throwing arm that kept him out of last week's win against Minnesota. Backup <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113843/devin-gardner" class="sbn-auto-link">Devin Gardner</a> was effective against the Gophers, completing 12-of-18 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>At 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the conference, Northwestern clings to a faint hope of a division championship but will need a win over the Wolverines to keep those hopes alive. The Wildcats have had to manage their own quarterback rotation, with run-first option <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114053/kain-colter" class="sbn-auto-link">Kain Colter</a> splitting snaps with pocket passer <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114052/trevor-siemian" class="sbn-auto-link">Trevor Siemian</a>. Northwestern's rushing attack is one of the nation's best, generating 236 yards per game.</p>
<p>Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT, with television coverage available on ESPN.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/northwestern-wildcats/2012/11/10/3615904/michigan-northwestern-2012-game-time-schedule-oddsPatrick Vint