Irish open Big East slate against Blue Demons

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12/31/2008 - Rosemont, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The seventh-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish invade Allstate Arena tonight, as they tussle with the DePaul Blue Demons in the Big East opener for both teams.

The Irish return from their lengthy break and are set to compete for a Big East title after placing second at 14-4 last season. ND heads into league play on a winning note, as it trounced Savannah State, 81-49, in its last outing on December 22nd. It was the third consecutive victory for the Irish, who improved to 9-2 on the year.

As for DePaul, it was also successful in its final non-conference tuneup, capturing a 90-67 victory over Alcorn State on Sunday. The triumph was the fourth in the past five outings for the Demons, as they improved to 8-5 overall and 6-1 on their home floor. The team now turns its focus to the Big East, where finished just 6-12 a season ago.

Tonight's game marks the 99th all-time meeting between ND and DePaul, with the Irish holding a 54-44 edge in the series. ND has also won seven of the past nine meetings with DePaul, including both last season.

The Irish are one of the premier scoring teams around and they are currently averaging a healthy 83.2 ppg behind 46.5 percent shooting from the field and an impressive 42.0 percent from three-point range. Luke Harangody is the focal point of this attack and the preseason All-American is one of the top big men in the nation, averaging a double-double with 22.7 ppg and 12.0 rpg. Kyle McAlarney gives ND another solid scoring option at 17.2 ppg, only he does his work from the perimeter, knocking down 47.6 percent from long distance. Ryan Ayers chips in with 12.9 ppg, and Tory Jackson adds 11.2 ppg and a team-high 5.8 apg to the rotation. In the team's last outing, Harangody recorded a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds to lead ND in a romp of Savannah State. Jackson and Ayers each chipped in with 10 points for the Irish, who made 23-of-28 free throws and dominated the boards 44-21.

The Blue Demons connected on 42.1 percent of their attempts from the floor and 19-of-27 at the foul line, as they cruised past Alcorn State on Sunday. The team also won the battle on the boards, 56-32, and that included a 25-10 advantage on the offensive glass. Dar Tucker led the charge with 25 points and three steals, while Mac Koshwal had a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. On the year, Tucker leads DePaul in scoring with 19.8 ppg and he is also collecting 5.9 rpg. Koshwal averages a double-double with 13.8 ppg and a team-best 11.3 rpg for the Demons, while Will Walker chips in with 10.7 ppg. As a team, DePaul is turning in 69.0 ppg despite shooting a sub par 27.2 percent from beyond the arc.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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