Chicago Sports

After missing two major-league seasons because of Tommy John surgery and six weeks with a strained oblique, left-hander Drew Smyly is enjoying one of the best stretches of his 10-year career.

Smyly threw seven-plus innings of one-hit ball Friday in outdueling former White Sox lefty Carlos Rodon and earning a 4-2 victory against the Giants.

“You never know somebody’s true character until you’re with them every day and [see] how bad they want to be out there,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “To manage him and watch him go about his business and continue to want to go out there and stay out there, it’s just really rewarding when you watch him pitch, and it finally pays off. [He has] been such a big piece for us.”

Smyly, 33, has allowed one run or fewer in five of his last seven starts, posting a 2.29 ERA. He matched his season high in innings and might have pitched longer had it not been for a throwing error by shortstop Nico Hoerner to start the eighth inning.

“It’s definitely nice to feel confident and in sync with your mechanics and trust your stuff,” said Smyly, who rebounded from his last start Sept. 3 in St. Louis in which he allowed seven runs in 2,, innings.

David Villar’s double with two outs in the second was the only hit allowed by Smyly.

Nostalgic Nico

Hoerner celebrated the third anniversary of his first major-league promotion by singling and stealing second base, which set up Yan Gomes’ home run in the second, and he smacked a two-run homer off Yunior Marte in the sixth that loomed large when Evan Longoria hit a two-run double in the eighth off Manny Rodriguez.

“I actually was aware of that [anniversary],” Hoerner said. “I remember the date. It’s fun.”

Hoerner got his first major-league hit off former Stanford teammate Cal Quantrill in San Diego and has since overcome a COVID-shortened 2020 season and a ridiculous demotion to Triple-A Iowa to start 2021 before emerging as a dependable shortstop.

Madrigal reinjured

Second baseman Nick Madrigal left after three innings because of tightness in his right groin and will undergo tests Saturday. Madrigal missed 46 games because of a left groin injury earlier this season.

Right-hander Keegan Thompson (tight lower back) threw a bullpen session, and catcher Willson Contreras (sprained left ankle) did some light running.

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OAKLAND, Calif. — It’s hard to measure just how much Elvis Andrus has meant to the White Sox since he joined them on Aug. 19.

The 34-year-old veteran has stabilized the shortstop position with All-Star Tim Anderson on the injured list. Going into Friday night’s 3-0 loss against the Athletics, his former team, Andrus was batting .291/.325/.494 with an .819 OPS and four home runs while starting all 19 games at shortstop since he arrived.

And he’s added another layer of leadership to a roster filled with veterans. And on Friday night, he doubled in the go-ahead runs in an explosive five-run ninth inning that vaulted the Sox (71-68) past the A’s for a 5-3 victory. Liam Hendriks pitched the ninth for his 31st save, ending it on a double play started by Andrus.

The Sox have won eight of 10 and are 8-3 under acting manager Miguel Cairo.

“A true shortstop playing shortstop, and with the experience he has,” Cairo said of the two-time All-Star Andrus. “He’s a very smart player.”

After getting blanked for eight innings the night after a 14-run, 21 assault on A’s pitching the Sox did not score until the ninth against A’s lefty reliever A.J. Puk.

Eloy Jimenez homered for the third time in three nights to start it. Andrew Vaughn singled home pinch runner Leury Garcia for the second run, Romy Gonzalez singled home pinch runner Adam Engel with the tying run and Andrus delivered the tiebreaking shot, a liner into the left field corner scoring a pair.

Andrus is filling Anderson’s customary spot leading off as well, a move Cairo made eight games ago. In his previous 11 games, Andrus batted .360 with four homers, four doubles, seven multihit games and 10 RBI.

“Plays really good defense and he’s been getting really good clutch hits,” Cairo said. “He’s been a very important piece. I’m glad that we signed him.”

Looking to win for the eighth time in their last nine games and needing a win to stay close to the AL Central leading Guardians, and one night after amassing 21 hits in a 14-2 series-opening romp against the worst team in the American League, the Sox were held hitless through six innings.

Adding more freaky Friday flavor to the Sox’ futility was seeing right-hander Austin Pruitt, a last-minute replacement for scheduled starter James Kaprielian — scratched because of a cut on his right middle finger — having his way with the Sox.

Lucas Giolito allowed three runs in six innings, including two in the fifth on Tony Kemp’s bloop single with two outs and two strikes and Sean Murphy’s liner to the left-center field gap scoring Kemp from first to make it 3-0.

Giolito (5.18 ERA) struck out six, walked two and gave up five hits.

Andrus, who singled and reached base twice Friday, was thrilled to join the contending Sox after Oakland, which entered Thursday with a 50-88 record, released him in the final year of his eight-year, $120 million contract. The A’s made room for 23-year-old shortstop Nick Allen, and the Sox got a bargain for a pro-rated portion of the major league minimum for Andrus’ services. Allen threw out Andrus from the left-field grass in the sixth.

The Sox finally got a hit with one out in the seventh when Jimenez singled against Joel Payamps.

The Sox (71-68) stayed 1 1/2 games behind the first-place Guardians the American League Central lead. Anderson, their two-time All-Star and former batting champion out since Aug. 6 with a surgically repaired sagittal band tear on the middle finger of his left hand, could be ready in approximately two weeks.

Anderson is getting daily treatment and running and throwing but can’t catch yet and hasn’t swung a bat yet. Anderson hasn’t talked to media and in the clubhouse, his customary vocal manner has changed to quiet. So it sometimes goes when players wait through dreary IL time, unable to contribute.

Andrus, meanwhile, made himself at home in the clubhouse and his voice was easily heard the day he joined the team in Cleveland. He said he is open to playing second base if Anderson returns. He sees what he is bringing to the Sox.

“Yeah, for sure,” Andrus said. “I just have to keep playing hard, keep staying positive. I think this team needed it, and it feels like the right timing for me.”

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OAKLAND, Calif. — It’s hard to measure just how much Elvis Andrus has meant to the White Sox since he joined them on Aug. 19.

The 34-year-old veteran has stabilized the shortstop position with All-Star Tim Anderson on the injured list. Going into Friday night’s 3-0 loss against the Athletics, his former team, Andrus was batting .291/.325/.494 with an .819 OPS and four home runs while starting all 19 games at shortstop since he arrived.

And he’s added another layer of leadership to a roster filled with veterans. And on Friday night, he doubled in the go-ahead runs in an explosive five-run ninth inning that vaulted the Sox (71-68) past the A’s for a 5-3 victory. Liam Hendriks pitched the ninth for his 31st save, ending it on a double play started by Andrus.

The Sox have won eight of 10 and are 8-3 under acting manager Miguel Cairo.

“A true shortstop playing shortstop, and with the experience he has,” Cairo said of the two-time All-Star Andrus. “He’s a very smart player.”

After getting blanked for eight innings the night after a 14-run, 21 assault on A’s pitching the Sox did not score until the ninth against A’s lefty reliever A.J. Puk.

Eloy Jimenez homered for the third time in three nights to start it. Andrew Vaughn singled home pinch runner Leury Garcia for the second run, Romy Gonzalez singled home pinch runner Adam Engel with the tying run and Andrus delivered the tiebreaking shot, a liner into the left field corner scoring a pair.

Andrus is filling Anderson’s customary spot leading off as well, a move Cairo made eight games ago. In his previous 11 games, Andrus batted .360 with four homers, four doubles, seven multihit games and 10 RBI.

“Plays really good defense and he’s been getting really good clutch hits,” Cairo said. “He’s been a very important piece. I’m glad that we signed him.”

Looking to win for the eighth time in their last nine games and needing a win to stay close to the AL Central leading Guardians, and one night after amassing 21 hits in a 14-2 series-opening romp against the worst team in the American League, the Sox were held hitless through six innings.

Adding more freaky Friday flavor to the Sox’ futility was seeing right-hander Austin Pruitt, a last-minute replacement for scheduled starter James Kaprielian — scratched because of a cut on his right middle finger — having his way with the Sox.

Lucas Giolito allowed three runs in six innings, including two in the fifth on Tony Kemp’s bloop single with two outs and two strikes and Sean Murphy’s liner to the left-center field gap scoring Kemp from first to make it 3-0.

Giolito (5.18 ERA) struck out six, walked two and gave up five hits.

Andrus, who singled and reached base twice Friday, was thrilled to join the contending Sox after Oakland, which entered Thursday with a 50-88 record, released him in the final year of his eight-year, $120 million contract. The A’s made room for 23-year-old shortstop Nick Allen, and the Sox got a bargain for a pro-rated portion of the major league minimum for Andrus’ services. Allen threw out Andrus from the left-field grass in the sixth.

The Sox finally got a hit with one out in the seventh when Jimenez singled against Joel Payamps.

The Sox (71-68) stayed 1 1/2 games behind the first-place Guardians the American League Central lead. Anderson, their two-time All-Star and former batting champion out since Aug. 6 with a surgically repaired sagittal band tear on the middle finger of his left hand, could be ready in approximately two weeks.

Anderson is getting daily treatment and running and throwing but can’t catch yet and hasn’t swung a bat yet. Anderson hasn’t talked to media and in the clubhouse, his customary vocal manner has changed to quiet. So it sometimes goes when players wait through dreary IL time, unable to contribute.

Andrus, meanwhile, made himself at home in the clubhouse and his voice was easily heard the day he joined the team in Cleveland. He said he is open to playing second base if Anderson returns. He sees what he is bringing to the Sox.

“Yeah, for sure,” Andrus said. “I just have to keep playing hard, keep staying positive. I think this team needed it, and it feels like the right timing for me.”

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OAKLAND, Calif. – Not everyone likes the new rules announced by Major League Baseball Friday, but White Sox right-hander Jimmy Lambert, who pitched under a pitch clock this season at Triple-A Charlotte, is a proponent.

“You’re going to come to the park every night knowing how long the games are going to be,” Lambert said. “I was in the minors for like six weeks this year and every game basically is like 2 hours and 40 or 50 minutes, in that range. You’re not going to have games that are four hours, which we had two or three days ago. Regardless of score, really, because the score doesn’t determine how long the game goes.”

Baseball’s competition committee voted to implement larger bases, a pitch clock and restrictions on defensive shifting.

Veteran left-hander Jake Diekman said the pitch clock is “stupid.”

“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem, guys will get used to it, but in the playoffs, you’re going to say pitchers can’t take their time making the most important pitch of the season?” Diekman said. “And if you want to speed up the game, why are you making all these rules to improve offense?”

Closer Liam Hendriks said pitchers shouldn’t be penalized over and again if baseball wants to create offense. He said the rule limiting pickoff attempts is his biggest disappointment.

“I understand the concept but … at some point you have to come the other way and be unbiased in that regard.”

Regardless, adjustments will be made, starting in spring training. And it should be good for the fans.

“I love it,” broadcaster Len Kasper said.

“People will adjust to it,” Sox acting manager Miguel Cairo said. “Players will adjust to it, front office and coaches will adjust to it. And you know, it’s still baseball.”

La Russa awaits clearance for Sunday

Tony La Russa underwent another medical test Friday and was hoping for clearance from his doctors to travel from Phoenix to Oakland for Dave Stewart’s uniform retirement ceremony Sunday.

La Russa could be cleared for Sunday but not yet to manage. A Sox spokesman said La Russa sounds good in conversations on the phone, but the team doesn’t have a clear sense of if or when he will be cleared to return. The team expects to know Saturday if La Russa will be in Oakland Sunday.

The Sox were 7-3 in the last 10 games with bench coach Miguel Cairo managing, and while La Russa hopes to return, he is also conscience about not wanting to disrupt a good thing.

Robert takes BP

Luis Robert missed his third straight start with a sore wrist but took live batting practice for the first time in a few days after getting “a good review” from trainer James Kruk after he hit in the cage.

“We’re just going to take one step at a time,” Cairo said. “It’s different in batting practice than when you’re facing someone with fastball, slider, changeup curveball and you have to check your swing. We just want to make sure he feels better and is ready to go.”

Grandal has back tightness

Cairo said Yasmani Grandal reported having back stiffness, so Seby Zavala was given his third straight start at catcher. Cairo said Grandal is day to day but was available as a backup.

Padilla claimed off waivers

Right-hander Nicholas Padilla was claimed off waivers from the Cubs and left-hander Anderson Severino was designated for assignment. Padilla was assigned to Triple-A Charlotte.

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High school running backs are generally darters or bulldozers. Loyola had Vaughn Pemberton a couple of years ago and he was a combination of both, running past and through defenders.

Junior Will Nimesheim, the Ramblers’ featured back this season, has an uncommonly patient running style.

“I’ve played running back my whole life,” Nimesheim said. “My favorite running back is Le’Veon Bell and his running style is kind of patient. Dance around, find the hole and don’t rush. We work a lot in practice on our timing: slow, medium and fast. It’s not just go all the time. I’d rather have one good slower cut than one really fast, bad cut.”

Nimesheim ran for 60 yards on 13 carries and caught two passes, including an eight-yard touchdown, in No. 2 Loyola’s 34-14 victory at No. 13 St. Rita on Friday.

The game was nowhere near as close as the score indicates. Both teams played their backups for the majority of the second half.

The Ramblers (3-0) 21-0 after the first quarter and 28-0 at halftime. St. Rita threw an interception on its first possession of the game and fumbled on its second. Both turnovers provided Loyola’s offense with excellent field position.

“We knew what to do and what our reads were,” said defensive back Joe Auer, who pulled down the interception. “We tried to jump on them early. We know Rita’s a good team.”

Loyola quarterback Jake Stearney was 14-for-20 passing for 172 yards. He threw five touchdown passes and had one interception.

“I’m happy about how we started,” Ramblers coach John Holecek said. “The first quarter was obviously excellent and Jake commanded the offense again pretty well. And we had some really good catches. But some drops. We have things to work on.”

Senior Quinn Foley had six catches for 82 yards. Spencer Leadbetter caught four passes for 49 yards including two touchdowns.

This was Loyola’s first road game. The Ramblers beat Cincinnati St. Xavier in Week 1 and United in Week 2. This is the third consecutive game where Loyola’s starters only played a half.

“We see on film all types of problems we can fix,” Holecek said. “We can always be better. We aren’t going to get complacent. We’re not going to let that happen.”

St. Rita quarterback Jett Hilding connected with Kenneth Davis on a 13-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter. The Mustangs were able to finish strong and avoid a blowout loss.

St. Rita lost to top-ranked Mount Carmel on the road in Week 1 and defeated Brother Rice last week.

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1. Mount Carmel (3-0)

Won 42-0 at No. 20 Notre Dame

2. Loyola (3-0)

Won 34-14 at No. 13 St. Rita

3. Lincoln-Way East (3-0)

Won 49-3 at Stagg

4. Warren (3-0)

Won 42-8 at Libertyville

5. Glenbard West (2-0)

Saturday vs. Oak Park

6. Naperville North (2-0)

Saturday vs. Detroit St. Mary’s

7. Batavia (1-2)

Lost 27-24 at Wheaton North

8. Simeon (2-0)

Saturday vs. Young at Lane

9. Maine South (2-1)

Won 38-7 at Barrington

10. Prairie Ridge (3-0)

Won 35-7 vs. Huntley

11. Marist (2-1)

Won 31-3 at No. 19 Nazareth

12. Prospect (3-0)

Won 17-14 vs. Evanston

13. St. Rita (1-2)

Lost 34-24 vs. No. 2 Loyola

14. Lockport (3-0)

Won 23-22 at Bradley-Bourbonnais

15. Lemont (3-0)

Won 42-0 vs. Oak Forest

16. Joliet Catholic (3-0)

Won 47-0 at De La Salle

17. Bolingbrook (2-1)

Won 46-6 at Lincoln-Way West

18. Glenbard North (1-2)

Lost 14-10 at Geneva

19. Nazareth (1-2)

Lost 31-3 vs. No. 11 Marist

20. Notre Dame (2-1)

Lost 42-0 vs. No. 1 Mount Carmel

21. Kankakee (2-1)

Won 60-0 at Thornridge

22. Jacobs (3-0)

Won 28-22 at McHenry

23. Palatine (3-0)

Won 34-14 vs. New Trier

24. Wheaton-Warrenville South (1-2)

Lost 35-20 at St. Charles North

25. Hersey (3-0)

Won 42-0 vs. Deerfield

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The Big Ten season rolls along with 14 teams in action this Saturday.

After a strong start to the Big Ten betting season, we trudge along into Week 2 of the college football season as every Big Ten team clashes with non-conference opponents. Some of these breakdowns will feature deeper analysis, while a few of these will be kept short and sweet due to some lopsided affairs. Best of luck and let’s keep this thing rolling!

2022 Big Ten Record: 3-0-1

Duke at Northwestern (-10): O/U 57 (11:00am CST)

Both of these teams enter this game 1-0 in the record books, but no one can deny that Northwestern’s win was consumed and noted to a much higher degree by the college football betting public than Duke’s initial win. The Blue Devil’s in Week 1 dominated Temple 30-0, but the magnitude of this win pales in comparison to Northwestern’s win over Nebraska on national television to kick of the CFB season.

The point that I’m making is that the perception of Northwestern has been drastically inflated, and while I’m not suggesting that anyone thinks this team is a Big Ten West contender, the perception is almost certainly driving this line up. I put this game closer to Northwestern -6. That deduction should have me interested in Duke and the points, but I feel there is a stronger play to make in this matchup.

The most glaring keys in this game are the lack of defensive execution on both teams’ behalf. Despite the win, Northwestern’s defense showed serious flaws, and if not for some timely turnovers and the gift-wrapped failed onside kick, the Wildcats almost certainly would have fallen in that opening game.

2021 was a rough season for Duke, however, their issues did not lie on offense. While the running back position remains a question mark after the departure of standout Mateo Durant, the Blue Devils are appear to be in better hands at QB under Sophomore Riley Leonard. Leonard showed flashes for Duke as a Freshman in the backup role, and in his first start of 2022, threw for 328 yards on 24/30 passing, while adding 64 yards on the ground.

I expect both passing offenses to roll in this game, and could drive the pace up higher than people may be assuming. I do have Northwestern winning this contest, but I’m going to take my money over to Duke’s team total of over 23 points, and I’ll predict a 31-28 victory for the ‘Cats.

RMags’ Pick: Duke TT Over 23

Ohio at Penn State (-26.5): O/U 54 (11:00am CST)

I don’t have strong thoughts on a betting play here, so I’ll keep this one and some other potentially ugly games short and sweet. The Penn State-Purdue Week 1 game was a roller coaster unlike any other, and the Sean Clifford experience was on full display. While sometimes it can hurt you to look at past season results, in these Big Ten-MAC matchups, I actually think it can help paint a clearer picture of what to expect.

Ohio can certainly be a fun team out of the MAC this year, but to get an idea of what to expect at least offensively, you can look at last year’s results against Power 5 opponents, including a nine point outing against Syracuse, and a six point showing against a bad Northwestern defense. Now throw the 2022 Bobcats to a Penn State team in their home opener looking for a defensive bounce back, and we could be in for a rough scene on our hands.

I’m probably going to avoid this one from a gambling perspective, but I do lean towards taking Ohio’s team total under 13.5. I do feel like the game total will stay under, but Penn State has the potential to post a giant number themselves, so I’ll assume the Nittany Lion defense prevails and would lean towards Ohio’s under.

RMags’ Pick: Pass

Western Illinois at Minnesota (-38.5): O/U 55.5 (11:00am CST)

There really isn’t much to see here either. Even if you live outside of Illinois and have this game offered to you, the markets and offerings for Big Ten versus mid-level FCS opponents can be slim to none. To get the script on this game, I think you can safely turn to last week’s Wisconsin-Illinois State game, in what should be a pretty similar outcome.

WIU and ISU are very similarly built and very comparable from a skill and size standpoint, and on the flip side, I don’t believe Minnesota’s defense is getting enough credit for what they can be in 2022. I think the Leathernecks will be lucky to score 10 in this one, and there really is no predicting what Minnesota will finish with. It’s a hard pass from me.

RMags’ Pick: Pass

Arkansas State at Ohio State (-44.5): O/U 68.5 (11:00am CST)

If you were someone like me and expected a massive outpouring from Ohio State’s offense in Week 1, you were sorely disappointed. Credit needs to be given to Notre Dame’s defense for slowing this team down, because it may not have looked pretty, but the hype is real surrounding this Buckeye offense and it may take a cupcake game for them to really get rolling.

The total and spread here are telling you this is going to be a 56-12 final score in Ohio State’s favor and I think that would be a fair assessment for OSU’s offense. If you want to dive into this game I’m not stopping you, but personally I do not enjoy sweating out a 44-point spread of a 56.5 team total.

If I’m doing anything I’d be interested in Arkansas State’s team total under 12, but a second half coast from Ohio State, could allow a couple scores from Arkansas State. I’ll go with a firm lean towards that under 12.

RMags’ Pick: Lean Arkansas State TT Under 12

Washington State at Wisconsin (-17.5): O/U 65.5 (2:30pm CST)

With a handful of lopsided matchups on the Big Ten slate, this becomes one of the more intriguing matchups to analyze. From a gambling perspective, I fear that the lines across the board are pretty spot on, and has me hesitant to make a play. However, if you are hellbent on making a pick on this game, I do see a fairly large edge in Wisconsin’s defense, up against Washington State’s offense.

In what should have been an absolute beat down of FCS opponent Idaho last week, the Cougars won an oddly competitive matchup with a final of 24-17. New starting QB Cam Ward finished the game with 215 yards on 25/40 passing. For those doing the math at home, that is an extremely pedestrian 5.4 yards per attempt. Now, factor in that Idaho in 2021 allowed over 250 passing yards per game at the FCS level, and at the very least, you should be concerned about Cam Ward and this offense up against a very stingy Wisconsin defense.

Another advantage worth mentioning falls towards Wisconsin’s rushing offense. Washington State averaged over 160 yards per game allowed on the ground, and when this Badger offense smells blood in the rushing game, things can get ugly quick.

The more I write, the more I’m talking myself into some type of action, but the -17.5 concerns me, as that absolutely leaves the door open for a late backdoor cover. The play in my opinion to make is buying into Cam Ward struggling versus this Wisconsin defense. I’ll take a swing at, any maybe you can sense a theme today, with a team total under for Washington State.

RMags’ Pick: Washington State TT Under 15.5

Maryland (-27) at Charlotte: O/U 65.6 (2:30pm CST)

2022 marks the ninth year of Maryland’s membership within the Big Ten, and to this point they have amassed a 38-55 record, including three bowl appearances, and a program high of seven wins, met twice during that time span. Everyone is waiting for this program to finally breakout and compete with the big boys in this conference, but to this point have come up short.

Now, with Taulia Tagovailoa entering his second full season as the starting quarterback, the expectations, at minimum for the offense, are quite high among some experts. From my perspective, I truly don’t know if this is that year or not, but what I do feel strongly about in today’s case, is that the Charlotte 49ers are a very bad football team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. I truly have no idea what we’ll see from Charlotte’s offense up against Maryland’s defense, as the 49ers do have some ability to score, but I feel pretty certain the Terps will roll from start to finish.

As for the gambling play, stay tuned to my Twitter as I stalk the weather report for this game. There is a decent chance this one catches some rain, and the outcome could be effected to some degree. If the rain does come down and makes it tough to throw, this Charlotte defense allowed over 200 yards per game on the ground in 2021, so one way or another, the Terrapins will cruise to victory.

RMags’ Pick: Weather dependent. If clear, Maryland TT Over 46.5. If not clear, I’ll pass.

Iowa State at Iowa (-3.5): O/U 40 (3:00pm CST)

The most anticipated game of the Big Ten slate, and one of if not the biggest non-conference rivalry that the Big Ten has to offer, comes to us from the fine state of Iowa. My thoughts are pretty cut and dry with this one from a gambling perspective.

The entire college football world is beyond aware of what Iowa did offensively last week against FCS opponent South Dakota State. A 7-3 win with zero touchdowns, had many people laughing this offense off of their screens. Despite that output, the Hawkeyes not only find themselves as -3.5 to -4 point favorites, they also can be found with a team total of 21.5. The oddsmakers are begging you to take Iowa State here.

On DraftKings, their bet tracker has Iowa State bringing in roughly 70% of bets and money on this game, but in spite of that, moved the line to Iowa State +4, making it even easier for them to cover, enticing even more people to come and take some Cyclone action.

It would not shock me if Iowa’s offense put up another rough outing, but I am personally predicting some increased success, and continued success defensively. Iowa held SDSU’s running backs to 53 yards on 21 carries last week, and against Iowa State in 2021, held Breece Hall to 69 yards, neutralizing ISU’s biggest threat en route to a 27-17 win.

Iowa has dominated this rivalry both historically, and in recent memory, holding a six game win streak, including a 4-2 record against the spread over that span. I’ll predict a 23-16 final score for the Hawkeye’s, taking care of the spread and making it a seventh straight win over the Cyclones.

RMags’ Pick: Iowa -3.5

Virginia at Illinois (-4): O/U 57.5 (3:00pm CST)

The second shortest spread on the Big Ten board features a solid matchup, with Illinois seeking some revenge following last year’s dominant performance from Virginia in a 42-14 win. In that game, Virginia jumped out to a huge lead early, forcing Illinois to rely on the arm of then starting QB, Artur Sitkowski. That recipe was not successful for the Illini in 2021, but with Tommy DeVito under center in 2022, the offense looks far more competent.

The brief breakdown of these teams’ strengths and weaknesses would be pointing out Virginia’s high powered passing attack, with Brennan Armstrong returning at QB, mixed with their less than impressive rushing defense that allowed over 200 yards per game last year. Contrast that with Illinois’ strong rushing attack led by Chase Brown, who has impressed thus far, and mix that with a porous pass defense that was exploited by a fairly weak Indiana passing attack one weak ago.

I foresee a high amount of points in this game from both offenses, but control of this one could be dictated very early. If Virginia jumps out early again, Illinois could be throwing more than they’d like to, and vice versa, if Illinois jumps out early they will have a better opportunity of controlling the game on the ground.

I’d be interested in points of any kind in this game, as I lean towards the over 57.5 game total, but I feel a bit more confident that Virginia can climb over the 26.5 team total. This one could be an electric shootout from start to finish, and I’ll go ahead and give a 41-37 win to Virginia.

RMags’ Pick: Virginia Team Total Over 26.5

Akron at Michigan State (-34.5): O/U 56 (3:00pm CST)

Moving into the weaker portion of the slate, the Spartans host an an opponent out of the MAC for a second consecutive weak, with last week seeing a 35-13 win over Western Michigan. If you watched that game you know that it was more of a roller coaster than the final score would lead you to believe. Despite a 21-3 lead at half, Michigan State, let their foot off the gas and let WMU creep up to a 21-13 deficit heading into the 4th quarter.

I expect a similar first half output from Michigan State on both sides, potentially with increased offense. Following last week’s scare, I see no reason to think Michigan State won’t step on the pedal in the second half this time to finish the dominance that should be expected early. I think the numbers are fairly spot on here with MSU’s team total all the way up at 45, so I will be sitting this one out. I’ll predict a 45-13 final.

RMags’ Pick: Pass

Indiana State at Purdue (-35): O/U 51 (3:00pm CST)

I see this one as very comparable to my thoughts on the WIU-Minnesota game, with the Big Ten side dominating defensively, and the offense doing just about anything it wants to against the Missouri Valley team’s defense. We are already seeing the trends of these Big Ten-MVC games, with SDSU scoring three, Illinois State scoring zero, and if you look back to last year, you’ll see similar numbers. This Indiana State team themselves, fell to a bad Northwestern team in 2021, 24-6.

I expect a beat down from start to finish. If you have the offerings, consider a swing at ISU’s under, but it’s unlikely that the general public has that option.

RMags’ Pick: Pass

Wagner at Rugers (-50.5): O/U 58 (3:00pm CST)

This is a pretty firm stay away from me, as my head tells me that Rutgers has no business being favored by 50 over anyone, but when you look at who Wagner is and what they’ve been in recent memory, it does make a bit of sense. An 0-11 team at the FCS level last year, Wagner’s lone FBS contest saw a loss to MAC’s Buffalo by a score of 69-7. I have absolutely zero interest in backing either side here, and neither should you. Save your money and run far away from Piscataway on Saturday.

RMags’ Pick: Pass

Georgia Southern at Nebraska (-23): O/U 62.5 (6:30pm CST)

After an ugly upset loss to open the season against Northwestern, Nebraska turned to North Dakota for a get-right-game last week in Week 1. While they did win 38-17, this was a 24-17 game heading into the 4th quarter. All things considered, it was a fairly embarrassing effort in what should have been a blowout as near 30 point favorites.

Now turning to this meeting versus the Sun Belt’s Georgia Southern, a 3-9 team in 2021, you would expect a similar type of bounce back. Offensively I think it is safe to assume that the Cornhuskers will move the ball at will, however, the defensive struggles could keep Georgia Southern within covering range.

With than in mind, and considering that Nebraska hosts Oklahoma next week in a game that could single-handedly save Scott Frosts’ job, there’s reasonable doubt that the ‘Huskers could be looking ahead to next week.

I’m going to pass on this one altogether, and will hope that Nebraska can continue to provide circus-esque entertainment.

RMags’ Pick: Hard Pass

Hawaii at Michigan (-51.5): O/U 67 (7:00pm CST)

For those that love backing Hawaii for some late night fun every season, you may already know what the deal is here. This is going to be, and already has been, a brutal year for Hawaii. A 63-10 loss to Vandy, and a 49-17 loss to Western Kentucky precedes this trip to the Big House to face a Michigan team fresh off of a 51-7 drubbing of Colorado State.

The numbers in this game make it tough to back Michigan, considering you’ll more than likely need a 60-plus point outing to cover this spread. I’ll be keeping myself out of this one, but with Michigan hosting Maryland’s high powered offense in two weeks, it seems as though the Wolverines are looking to sharpen their swords early with their non-conference schedule. I’m passing, but I’ll go out on a limb and say they crack 60.

RMags’ Pick: Pass

Idaho at Indiana (-23.5): O/U 50.5 (7:00pm CST)

There really isn’t much to see here and I really don’t recommend getting involved. Last year’s meeting between these squads saw a 56-14 demolishing by Indiana, against an Idaho team that as mentioned previously in the WSU/WISC preview, allowed 250 passing yards per game at the FCS level in 2021. With Indiana’s success against Illinois’ pass defense last week, you would expect a near similar dominance this year against the Vandals, but many that I’ve spoken to feel this 23.5 points spread is way too good to be true.

If you’re an Indiana believer and you aren’t afraid of the fishy smell on that spread, then by all means, jump right in. For myself, I’m going to leave this on the table and pass for now.

RMags’ Pick: Pass

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The Chicago Bears had a lot of talent on their roster

The Chicago Bears have said goodbye to some talented players in recent years. The 2022 Bears team is getting ready to start the season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, with many new faces on the roster. By late August, the Bears shed all but 22 of Ryan Pace’s squad.

The team is looking to rebuild. General manager Ryan Poles has suggested this process is a remodel over a rebuild. Some players he cut or traded will succeed on their new team. It’s a trend the Bears will see in an eye-opening way this season.

Per Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic, the Bears had a jarring six former players become captains on another NFL team. It makes one wonder what would have happened had they stayed with the Bears.

Yikes, that’s a lot.

How these former Chicago Bears are doing with their new team

Mitch Trubisky (Bears 2017-2020) sat behind Josh Allen in Buffalo last season. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. He’s impressed his teammates and staved off competition from rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Josh Woods (Bears 2019-2021) was waived off the Bears practice squad in September 2021. He played in 12 games for the Detroit Lions last season. He’s been taking on more responsibility for the Lions since joining last season.

Charles Leno Jr. (Bears 2014-2020) has been an impressive left tackle for the Commanders. Pro Football Focus had him as the 12th-best offensive tackle in 2021.

Tress Way (Bears 2013-2014) went to the Pro Bowl in 2019. He also made the 2019 second-team All-Pro team. He is one of the core veterans of the Washington Commanders.

Adrian Amos (Bears 2015-2018) has been productive with the Green Bay Packers since leaving Chicago. Amos had two interceptions and 93 combined tackles for the Packers in 2021. A year he was also a captain on the team.

Khalil Mack (Bears 2018-2021) was a crafty veteran who brought leadership skills to the Chicago Bears. Joey Bosa has made the most of Mack’s experience since Mack joined the team. The Chargers rely on him to be a “quiet leader” on the defense.

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George McCaskey didn’t always believe the Bears needed a home of their own.

Now, the Bears chairman said, is the time.

“I would compare it to a homeowner that rents for year after year after year,” he said Friday at Halas Hall. “I mean, there are advantages to that– but there are some significant disadvantages to that also.”

The Bears do rent — from the Chicago Park District– and their disadvantages at Soldier Field include playing in one of the league’s smallest stadiums, which is outclassed by the amenities of most of the NFL’s modern stadiums.

The Bears see the advantage in building a domed stadium on the former Arlington Racetrack site, for which they signed a $197.2 million purchase agreement last year and remain in escrow. The price to build on the 326-acre mixed-use site, though, could reach $5 billion.

McCaskey tried to shape the search for land as the franchise’s manifest destiny. When founder Geroge Halas went from Wrigley Field to Soldier Field in 1971, his grandson reiterated Friday, it was supposed to be temporary.

“In each of those situations, the building had been designed and built primarily for other events or another team,” McCaskey said. “This is our 100-year opportunity to design it for us.”

The stadium has yet to be designed, but the team presented rough plans for mixed-use site to Arlington Heights residents Thursday night. The project could take as long as 10 years or more to build, president/CEO Ted Phillips said Friday, though the stadium would likely be finished sooner.

“It’s a massive challenge,” Phillips said.

The Bears are expected to close escrow on the land by the time Phillips retires on Feb. 28. The stadium project will be a big component of the next president/CEO’s job, Phillips said, “assuming we close, assuming we develop it.” The Bears could bring in Phillips’ successor before he retires to ease the transition.

Until then, the Bears are, by contract with seller Churchill Downs, not allowed to explore building on any other property–including making fundamental changes to Soldier Field.

In July, Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot laid out three proposals for enclosing the Lakefront stadium with a dome.Lightfoot called McCaskey shortly before the announcement.

“We had a good conversation,” McCaskey said. “I have all the respect in the world for Mayor Lightfoot.”

The Bears could not, however, discuss the Soldier Field remodeling plans.

“When they outline that publicly, we haven’t seen any of the details,” Phillips said. “Because we told them we weren’t engaging in those discussions.”

The Bears can re-engage after their land deal closes, though McCaskey said that “our singular focus” remains on the Northwest suburban site. The Bears can break their Soldier Field lease early –it runs through 2033. If they left in 2026, they’d have to pay almost $90 million. The price goes down the longer the team stays downtown.

McCaskey said the Bears didn’t know exactly how they’d compensate fans with Soldier Field personal seat licenses, but the team “will come up with a plan that we hope will be beneficial … to the long-term PSL holders that we currently have.”

The Bears say they are seeking public money not for the Arlington Heights stadium, but for costs associated with the development. Asked what the biggest challenges were in landing public funds, McCaskey demurred.

“Before we get to that, we have to determine whether we’re going to be able to close on the land,” he said. “So we’re continuing our financial analysis. It’s not complete yet.

“But the focus in the short term is the property.”

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Same old orange-and-blue doormat.

Some things never change.

Is it basketball season yet?

Those three thoughts came to me quickly during last season’s Illinois-Virginia football game. I blinked, the visiting Illini were down 14-0 and my cynic-o-meter nearly went on tilt. They lost that game 42-14. Before long, Bret Bielema’s first Illinois team was 1-4.

Since then? Illini football has been a mixed bag of frustration and, yes, encouragement.

Some things might change. Maybe it’s time to find a new doormat.

Virginia (+4) at Illinois (3 p.m., ESPNU) is a rematch the Illini (1-1) are capable of winning. As you can see, they’re favored to do just that. The line puzzles me, though. Weren’t the Illini outgained by more than 200 yards in last year’s matchup? Don’t the Cavaliers (1-0) still have dual-threat lefty quarterback Brennan Armstrong, the school’s career leader in total offense with over 8,000 yards? Hasn’t UVA finished with a better record than Illinois five seasons in a row?

Just last week, the Illini should have won at Indiana but didn’t. Bloomington was an uncomplicated mission — see bad team, beat bad team — but the Illini blew it. It was like circling the drive-thru for a double cheeseburger and fries and leaving with a fish sandwich and onion rings. What the hell happened?

But here’s the reality of things: Outside of Armstrong, it’s not as if Virginia has better players. As well as Chase Brown is running it — he’s the first FBS player since 2018 to rush for at least 150 yards in the first two games of a season — it might be the Cavs’ defense that’s more on the spot. And good luck blocking the Illini’s Johnny Newton, a rising force.

And, more than all that, it’s a put-up-or-shut-up kind of week. If the Illini aren’t able to knock around an ACC also-ran at Memorial Stadium, progress must be an illusion.

“Before we start winning games,” Bielema keeps saying, “we’ve to stop losing them.”

See that door, Cavs? Lie down right beside it. Illini, 31-20.

OTHER WEEK 2 PICKS

Duke (+10 1/2 ) at Northwestern (11 a.m., FS1): The WIldcats couldn’t win in 2017 or 2018, when Duke had a future NFL quarterback in Daniel Jones. They couldn’t win in 2021, either, when both teams had QB troubles. For whatever reasons, the Blue Devils have been a tough nut for Pat Fitzgerald’s program to crack. It’s kind of strange.

“We’re excited about finally being able to play at home in front of people and show them who we are,” NU QB Ryan Hilinski said, “because it’s way different from last year.”

Is it, though? NU in a white-knuckler — call it 20-16.

No. 1 Alabama (-20) at Texas (11 a.m., Fox-32): Watch the Longhorns put up big plays offensively from running back Bijan Robinson, wideout Xavier Worthy and gloriously mulleted QB Quinn Ewers. This is a fun team, folks. But the Tide? They’re what great looks like. They can match whatever Texas does, and then some … and then some more. Tide, 52-27.

Marshall (+20 1/2 ) at No. 8 Notre Dame (1:30 p.m., Ch. 5, Peacock): Get that first win, Marcus Freeman. You’ve earned it. Unless, that is, your Irish are flat after an opening game at Ohio State they spent months obsessing over and … uh-oh. Wait, uh-oh? Maybe just a little. Irish, 34-17.

No. 24 Tennessee (-6) at No. 17 Pittsburgh (2:30 p.m., Ch. 7): Here’s your game of the day, people. You know, assuming you’re into scoreboards lighting up like pinball machines and all that. Who has the last laugh, Vols QB Hendon Hooker or Panthers QB Kedon Slovis? Vols, 41-38 (OT).

No. 20 Kentucky (+6) at No. 12 Florida (6 p.m., ESPN): Could be tough for the Gators to crank it all the way back up emotionally after their upset of Utah in a wild Week 1 finish. If the Wildcats had running back Chris Rodriguez in the lineup, this would be an upset pick. Instead: Gators, 23-21.

My favorite favorite: Iowa (-3) vs. Iowa State (3 p.m., BTN): Is Iowa’s offense irreparably broken? Why is Spencer Petras still the QB? How can Kirk Ferentz’s son Brian still be the offensive coordinator? Yep, the Hawkeyes have issues — but beating the rival Cyclones ain’t one of ’em. Make it seven years in a row.

My favorite underdog: No. 9 Baylor (+3) at No. 21 BYU (9:15 p.m., ESPN): Provo at night is a scary place, but the Bears rag-dolled BYU up front last year in Waco. Guess whose big uglies returned pretty much intact on both sides of the ball?

Last week: 6-1 straight up, 5-2 vs. the spread.

Season to date: 7-2 straight up, 7-2 vs. the spread.

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