Sports Notes, 11/25/07

-- I THINK that Missouri beating Kansas last night was the best thing that could have happened to Ohio State. But then again, who the hell knows?

-- They certainly don’t deserve it, but the BEARS can climb back into legitimate playoff contention with a win today against the Denver Broncos.

-- Apparently some people in the media are upset that Brian Urlacher has turned to giving terse answers at press conferences. Of note: After the Seattle loss, he said the defense's problem was "too many yards" and he said of Rex Grossman, "He did well." News flash, guys: Urlacher did not get a multimillion-dollar contract for his oratory skills.

-- And besides, he was right on both counts.

-- But the team that really needs the BEARS to start winning again is the Bulls. If the BEARS start to fade off of people’s radar, someone is going to notice that the Bulls can’t even beat the Knicks.

-- The Maui Invitational should give Illinois fans hope for a tourney berth. Arizona State and Oklahoma State may not be world-beaters, but Illinois whupped them both, and there’s no shame in losing to Duke. This team could go 1-2 in its upcoming games with traditional tourney teams Maryland, Arizona and Missouri and still be in line for a spot in March.

-- Don’t look now – I know I haven’t – but the Blackhawks are actually above .500, in second place in the Central division and currently in playoff position, albeit smack-dab in the middle of a big bunch of teams.

-- Hey, former BEARS quarterback and current Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, you can’t let your college quarterback go back into a game with a high likelihood of a concussion. You couldn’t do it even if you were 10-0; you REALLY can’t do it when you’re 3-7.