SB Nation User Blog: ChiFan13

The Bears Den - 6/30/09

ChiFan13 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:52:33 -0000

....where mention of Favre, Marshall, and Burress will continue as long as there's nothing else to talk about.

In The Den

ChicagoBears.com

Tickets for the August 8th Family Day at Soldier Field are now on sale.

Chicago Now

This author beats the Burress horse beyond death.

Chicago Press Release

Here's a wrap-up on the Northern Illinois Food Bank's "Strike Out Hunger" campaign. They partnered with the Chicago Bears and turned out to be a huge success.

ESPN Chicago

A day late and a dollar short: Jeff Dickerson writes on the ridiculous Prisco rankings that GB brought you on Friday.

Suburban Chicago News

The Bears' Youth Football Camps always seem to be a big hit. Here's some info on where to find one in your area.

The Brownsville Herald

Here's a hint to the editors of this newspaper: If you're going to comment on what an NFL player is doing (good or bad), just make sure to get his name right.

Weekly Musings from an Excited Blogger

ChiFan13 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:50:53 -0000

More photos » by Nam Y. Huh - AP

I'm looking forward to seeing you at Soldier Field. And if you don't sign my jersey, I'll act like a petulant little child and write a letter to the Tribune questioning your maturity.

Browse more photos »

Why am I excited? I'm headed up to northern Minnesota for six days starting Tuesday to fish and get away from civilization. WCG will be taking over the Bears Den until my return. Hopefully, I'll come back a little less cynical and with enough fish to last a month.

Until training camp starts, I'll be detailing everything you need to know about the upcoming college football season and the 2010 NFL Draft.

This week, I'll be highlighting the best college football games to watch each week of the season. Please be aware that I am not including all of the traditional college rivalries (such as OSU - Michigan) because I'm more focused on highlighting the best games. All times listed are in CDT.

Week 1

Oregon @ Boise State

Thursday, September 3 at 9:15 PM

The #3 team in the Pac-10 faces off against the top WAC team.

Georgia @ Oklahoma State

Saturday, September 5 at 2:30 PM

The Bulldogs lost their stud QB and RB, but they return a lot of strong veterans at key areas. Oklahoma State is the team to crash the Texas - Oklahoma dominance of the Big XII South this year.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM

Both teams have some deficiencies they must overcome to prove BCS-worthy, but it promises to be a good Week 1 game.

Western Michigan @ Michigan

Saturday, September 5 at 2:30 PM

GallopingGhost: Western Michigan is going to be a much improved team in the MAC West this year, as Ball State will not be as good and Central Michigan will be the team to beat.

Sleeper: Northern Iowa @ Iowa

Saturday, September 5 at 11:00 AM

Unless you get the Big 10 Network or live in Iowa, you most likely won't see this game. Northern Iowa was three minutes from the FCS championship when they collapsed against Richmond. They are returning most of their offensive and defensive starters. Add in Iowa's loss of RB Shonn Greene and DT's Mitch King and Matt Kroul, and there's a decent chance of an upset.

Week 2

USC @ Ohio State

Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 PM

Last year's game was a snoozefest early on. I expect this game to be different. Both teams lost substantial talent to the NFL. I'm giving the early edge to Ohio State.

Central Michigan @ Michigan State

Saturday, September 12 at 11 AM

GallopingGhost: I think this is Central Michigan's year with QB Dan Lefevour and a good run game. It will be fun to see how many wins against the Big Ten the MAC can rack up.

Week 3

Tennessee @ Florida

Saturday, September 19; Time TBA

This does not promise to be a good game. However, after Tennessee HC Lane Kiffin's remarks about Urban Meyer, it does promise to be full of revenge from the Gators.

Nebraska @ Virginia Tech

Saturday, September 19; Time TBA

Under Bo Pelini, Nebraska should be the king of the Big XII North for years to come. If Virginia Tech makes it through the Alabama game unscathed, this could be a big game early in the year.

Week 4

North Carolina @ Georgia Tech

Saturday, September 26; Time TBA

The ACC will be better than in past years, and these two teams are some of the ACC's best. Georgia Tech possesses a lethal running game and UNC should be better on defense.

Illinois @ Ohio State

Saturday, September 26; Time TBA

Illinois is my sleeper pick in the Big 10. OSU lost a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but a dangerous Terrelle Pryor returns to Columbus. This has the potential to be a great game and possible upset for OSU.

California @ Oregon

Saturday, September 26 at 2:30 PM

Mark my words: Cal will have the best defense in the Pac-10. Oregon will have an outstanding rushing offense. Combine those two and you have the mixture for an excellent game.

Week 5

LSU @ Georgia

Saturday, October 3; Time TBA

LSU has a question mark on the defensive line, but they won't be as bad as they were last year. Georgia has question marks of their own, which makes this game all the more intriguing.

USC @ California

Saturday, October 3 at 7:00 PM

Is this the year that Jeff Tedford beats Pete Carroll? This author thinks so.

Week 6

Alabama @ Mississippi

Saturday, October 10; Time TBA

LSU, Alabama, and Mississippi should all be in contention for the SEC West championship. Ole Miss has most of their defense and QB Jevan Snead returning, so I'm giving the early edge to Mississippi.

Week 7

USC @ Notre Dame

Saturday, October 17 at 2:30 PM

USC has a tough schedule in 2009. Notre Dame presents another stumbling block for the Trojans. I'm still leery of Notre Dame, but Jimmy Clausen has grown enough to warrant this a good game.

Central Michigan @ Western Michigan

Saturday, October 17; Time TBA

GallopingGhost: Tim Hiller vs. Dan Lefevour. This game could be epic. Both of these QBs are among the tops for next years draft, so this is a must-see game for college football fans.

Oklahoma vs. Texas

Saturday, October 17; Time TBA

Oklahoma will have weaknesses (or at least question marks) along its offensive line and safety spots while Texas must reload at DL. This should be a high-scoring affair, with both Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford having some veteran playmakers available for them.

Week 8

Iowa @ Michigan State

Saturday, October 24 at 6:00 PM

While this game most likely won't decide the Big 10 championship, it should be a good.

Buffalo @ Western Michigan

Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 PM

GallopingGhost: Last year's MAC champs visiting the MAC West's 2008 second place finisher. Buffalo lost its starting QB (Drew Willy) but has a young guy who saw action last season and should be ready to take over. This should be a good game.

TCU @ Brigham Young

Saturday, October 24 at 6:30 PM

BYU is tough to predict. They have enough to talent to succeed, but I don't see a repeat of their 2008 campaign. If BYU has lost once by this point, this will be an excellent game.

Week 9

North Carolina @ Virginia Tech

Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 PM

This game will help decide the ACC champion. I give the edge to Virginia Tech because North Carolina has too many question marks (at least on paper) to VT.

Georgia vs. Florida

Saturday, October 31; Time TBA

This will be the deciding game for the eventual SEC East champion. I have no doubt Florida will win, but it should be good regardless.

Texas @ Oklahoma State

Saturday, October 31; Time TBA

Both teams are fairly equal. The 2008 game between these two teams was a nailbiter and this should be no different. Expect a great game.

USC @ Oregon

Saturday, October 31 at 7:00 PM

If USC beat Cal, they can't rest on their laurels. Oregon looms ahead with a lethal rushing attack.

Week 10

Ohio State @ Penn State

Saturday, November 7; Time TBA

Most likely, these two teams will be fighting to be Big 10 champions. Both have dangerous offenses, so it should be a high-scoring shootout.

LSU @ Alabama

Saturday, November 7; Time TBA

These are two of the top three teams in the SEC West. Unless Mississippi has a monumental collapse this year, this game will help decide who takes the crown.

Week 11

Nebraska @ Kansas

Saturday, November 14; Time TBA

The two teams expected to battle for the Big XII North champion. My way-too-early guess is Kansas wins this tight one. Nebraska is replacing more people than Kansas at critical places.

Florida @ South Carolina

Saturday, November 14; Time TBA

If Florida didn't prepare for one game on their schedule, this would be the one. Potential, but unlikely, upset.

Utah @ TCU

Saturday, November 14 at 6:30 PM

Utah and TCU should be a great game. Utah won on a 4^th quarter drive in 2008; 2009's version should be just as interesting.

Week 12

LSU @ Mississippi

Saturday, November 21; Time TBA

Ole Miss surprised a lot of people last year while LSU's play left something to be desired from Tiger faithful. Will Ole Miss be able to handle LSU at home?

Penn State @ Michigan State

Saturday, November 21; Time TBA

Penn State possesses a potent offense, led by Daryll Clark (Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2008). This could be an upset game for Penn State; other games loom larger on the schedule than this one.

Central Michigan @ Ball State

Wednesday, November 8; Time TBA

GallopingGhost: I know BSU lost its best player in Nate Davis as well as a good chunk of the OL, but it returns a solid D and tailback MiQuale Lewis, who was top 10 in the nation in rush yards last year. BSU's new QB was an Oregon recruit and wanted a chance to start. Last years game was epic and this year's contest could still be a good fight.

Week 13

Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma

Saturday, November 28; Time TBA

Oklahoma is almost unbeatable at home. However, Oklahoma State has more talent than in previous years. I'm predicting a win for Oklahoma, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. I could see it easily falling either way. If Oklahoma does lose, it could be disastrous for the Sooners' BCS hopes.

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What games are you looking forward to?

The Bears Den - 6/29/09

ChiFan13 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:46:44 -0000

....where Billy Mays is no longer here :(

In The Den

Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Slaughter finish their season undefeated with their recent win in the championship game.

Terrell Suggs hasn't signed his tender with the Ravens yet, but he's finding an interesting way to stay in shape.

The State

Here's an excellent article on William 'Fridge' Perry.

USA Today

Can the Bears pull it together this year to make a deep playoff run?

Yahoo Sports

The article by Mike Silver that JerBear50 referred to below.

Charles Rogers ready for another shot in the NFL

ChiFan13 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:52:10 -0000

Charles Rogers ready for another shot in the NFL

It sounds like he's gotten his life together. Will anyone give him a shot?

The Weekend Bears Den - 6/27/09

ChiFan13 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:40:53 -0000

....where a lot of male members are already missing Farrah Fawcett’s gorgeous smile.

In The Den

Chicago Tribune

Charles Tillman is excited for Brett Favre's return to the NFC North.

A Chicago Slaughter player is wanting a title 11 years after his traumatic injury.

Chicago Sun Times

Here's a great article by Mark Konkol on how ex-Bear Roland Harper lost his 'American Dream.'

Daily Journal

Were you looking forward to watching the Bears at training camps closer to Chicago? Temper your enthusiasm; Lewis University has no football fields to offer the Bears.

ESPN Chicago

Here's an update on Plaxico Burress.

Bernard Berrian is ready to have a breakout season.

Las Cruces Sun-News

The University of New Mexico has renamed their indoor practice facility "Brian Urlacher Field."

Quad City Times

Here's a Q&A with Richard Dent before his autograph sessions last night.

PFT

PFTV does the NFC North over/under.

The Bears Den - 6/26/09

ChiFan13 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:15:43 -0000

....where we desperately need some one-liners, so let's hear 'em.

In The Den

Buffalo News

The Bears are counting on Corey Graham this year. Who knew?

ChicagoBears.com

Cutler recently visited the Friedman Diabetes Institute in New York City.

Chicago Defender

This author thinks Burress and Marshall are enticing options for the Bears.

Chicago Now

Matt Olsen breaks down the top ten Bears WR's of the last 25 years.

Daily Herald

Barry Rozner is tired of all the questions surrounding Cutler's maturity and leadership.

ESPN Chicago

Desmond Clark is hoping not to go through an uncapped year.

Quad Cities Online

Are you from around the Quad Cities area and looking for something to do on Saturday night? Go to the Steamwheelers game and meet former Bear great Richard Dent.

The Bears Den - 6/25/09

ChiFan13 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:15:03 -0000

....where fans wake up every day to the sobering reality that it’s still not football season yet.

In The Den

ChicagoBears.com

Colts DE Dwight Freeney promoted Richard Dent for the Pro Football HOF.

ESPN Chicago

Jeff Dickerson's Stock Up and Stock Down.

Charles Tillman has nothing but good things to say about Mike Brown.

Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

Memories of Walter Payton are still strong ten years after his death.

Gambling 911

The Bears and Broncos 2009 Super Bowl odds.

KDH News

Juaquin Iglesias visited the Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas recently.

USA Today

Overplaying another topic: Marshall to the Bears?

Way Outside NFL Football

LSU powered their way over Texas to an 11-4 victory in Game 3 of the CWS. Congrats to LSU on their 6th national title.

A Coaching Legend is No More

ChiFan13 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:01:18 -0000

Blogging is a fun hobby; I enjoy writing about the NFL and the Chicago Bears in particular. However, posts like these are never easy or fun to write.

Aplington-Parkersburg (IA) head football coach Ed Thomas was shot in the head five times at point-blank range this morning while supervising a lifting session at the high school. He died a short time later. Football players were in the weight room when the shooting occured.

You may be wondering why this story is showing up on a Chicago Bears blog. First, the towns of Aplington and Parkersburg are less than twenty minutes from where I live. Second, he's a football coaching legend in Iowa. He's coached four NFL players from a town of 1,900 (Aaron Kampman, Brad Meester, Jared DeVries, and Casey Wiegmann). Even though his house was destroyed in the F-5 tornado last year, he helped rebuild the town and made sure the football team would have a place to play last fall. He knew how much watching the team would mean to the town's residents. I know the last statement seems rather fake and cheesy, but it was something the town could (and did) rally around. For a town still reeling from that devastating tornado, this isn't the best news to hear.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thomas family and the towns of Aplington and Parkersburg.

Link to the E:60 clip of Parkersburg rebuilding after the tornado last year.

KCCI-TV is reporting the suspect is Mark Becker, 24, from Parkersburg.

Becker was involved in a high-speed chase last Saturday. After he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, he was taken to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

The Bears Den - 6/24/09

ChiFan13 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:14:23 -0000

....where you don't deserve a funny one-liner today..

In The Den

ChicagoBears.com

Marcus Freeman's latest installment of his weekly diary.

Chicago Tribune

For those of you who are interested in the recent Webio collapse, here's an interview transcript between David Hernandez, Mike North, and Dan Jiggetts.

Devin Hester has a message to those who question Cutler's leadership without being around him: Shut up.

ESPN Chicago

Is Devin Hester a #1 receiver? Jeff Dickerson breaks it down.

Examiner.com

The summer fantasy football breakdown of the Bears.

Virginian-Pilot

I'm fairly certain the state of Virginia just got Internet access. Why? Tom Robinson is writing a story about Cutler's ego and what else he brings to the Bears.

Way Outside NFL Football

In Game 2 of the College World Series, the Texas Longhorns rode the arm of Taylor Jungmann to a 5-1 win over LSU. Game 3 starts tonight at 6 PM.

The Bears Den - 6/23/09

ChiFan13 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:13:42 -0000

....where we want the date to read July 23 instead of June 23.

In The Den

ChicagoBears.com

Peanut Tillman is hosting his third annual Celebrity Gridiron Challenge at Elmhurt College on Friday free of charge.

Remember when Jerry was super focused on getting a QB? Here's Larry "PR" Mayer's take on Cutler.

Chicago Sun Times

Are you a tailgater? If so, expect a rate hike this next fall.

Chicago Tribune

Jay Cutler talked up Brandon Marshall in an interview recently.

Morris Daily Herald

This author believes Marshall would look just fine in a Bears uniform.