Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 8, 2008 3:15PM
AP Photo/Paul Beaty
Blackhawks Thrash Phoenix
We guess our boys on the ice were dealing with some pent-up frustration after blowing a two-goal lead to rival Detroit on Saturday and it looks like they took it out on the Phoenix Coyotes. By mid-way through the second period, the 'Hawks had already scored all seven (seven!) goals they would need on their way to a 7-1 victory. Ben Eager had a pair of goals while five others - Bolland, Toews, Byfuglien, Sharpe, and Ladd - all added a goal apiece. Huet was on lockdown in goal, stopping 20 of 21 shots. With the win, the 'Hawks maintain the slightest of leads (one point) over Nashville for second place in the division.
Bears Dismiss Jags
It never really seemed to be much of a contest as the Bears took care of Jacksonville 23-10 yesterday at Soldier Field. Benjy's up later with your full recap. Next up, my beloved Saints come to Soldier Field for the third straight season, the second straight regular season visit. What? Are the Bears scared of Bourbon Street?
Santo Waiting...
Former Cubs great and current radio broadcaster Ron Santo - whose endearing emotional outbursts provide us grand entertainment - will find out today if he finally and deservingly gets into the Hall of Fame via the Veteran's Committee.
Going Bowling
Whether it was right of Oklahoma to jump Texas or not, at least we can't complain that much about the national title game: Florida vs. Oklahoma. Our early pick is Florida since no one in the Big 12 seems to play defense. ANYWAY. A few local teams are also going bowling. Find out who after the jump.
Sheraton Hawa'ii Bowl
Notre Dame vs Hawa'ii
In what is essentially an extra home game for the Warriors, the Irish get to spend their Christmas in Honolulu. Maybe Charlie Weis can put this Obama birth certificate case to rest once and for all, for the good of the tinfoil hat wearers country.
December 24, 7 p.m., ESPN
Champs Sports
Wisconsin vs Florida State
There are a whole lot of Badger fans - and we know several of them - and after barely escaping Cal-Poly in OT a few weeks back, we wonder if they're nervous about taking on Bowden's tenacious Defense. Could be a 10-7 ball game.
December 27, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Independence Bowl
NIU vs Louisiana Tech
Hot damn! With so many MAC teams eligible, we weren't sure if the Huskies would sneak in to a bowl game but sure enough, here they are. Having been to Shreveport a few times in my life, I advise the Huskie coaches: bring Wiis to keep the boys occupied.
December 28, 7:15 p.m., ESPN
Alamo Bowl
Mizzou vs Northwestern
After a 5-0 start, Northwestern finished the season 4-3 but still managed to get into a pretty solid bowl game. It's not New Years Day, but it'll do. And with Mizzou QB Chase Daniel on the field, the Wildcats will have their hands full.
December 29, 7 p.m., ESPN
GMAC Bowl
Ball State vs Tulsa
How this wound up being the lead-in to the National Championship game is beyond us, but you know what? In spite of that disappointing loss for BSU to Buffalo in the MAC Championship game, this match-up may be one of the most entertaining of the season. We're guessing the over/under will be somewhere north of 110 total points. Muncie FTW!
January 6, 7 p.m., ESPN