The Mid-Morning Dump: Perhaps reports of the Cubs’ demise were a bit premature

WE ALL SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING. Ex-Cyclone and VEISHEA killer, David Irving, earned last week’s NFC Defensive Player of the Week award playing just 19 snaps.

CROOTIN’. Matt Campbell and Co. are spending the bye week recruiting, and stopped by to see a prospect that could help shore up the offensive line.

THIS SERIES SHOULD BE FUN. Matt Thomas is first up in the Wearing the Jersey series.

GETTING BETTER DEFENSIVELY. Last year’s practices ended with some great work on the offensive end of the floor, but practice routines have changed this year.

ONE RECORD MATTERS. The Iowa State seniors are only focused on one record for the books, and I think it’s one we can all get behind.

SERIOUS RANKINGS. Another publication released its preseason rankings (1-351!) and they’re obviously legit because they include ISU.

LINDELL WIGGINTON. The 4-star PG from Oak Hill Academy offers an update on his recruitment, and suggests a decision could be coming as soon as this weekend. Of course, Jerry Meyer changed his crystal ball pick from ISU -> Oregon yesterday even though Iowa State was visiting.

SI NBA HOME. Sports Illustrated has a new home for its NBA coverage. Welcome to The Crossover.

NEW DEAD HORSE TO BEAT. Since Big 12 expansion seems all but over, how about we revisit another overdone argument — paying players.

DERRICK ROSE. The Knicks PG was cleared in his recent civil rape trial, and then poses for pictures with jurors.

WINDIANS. The year 2016 continues to be good to the city of Cleveland as the Indians advanced to the World Series.

FLY THE W. The Cubs took game 4 last night in Los Angeles to even the series at two games apiece. Also, Rizzo is just a nice guy.

FINALLY, SOME HARD HITTING NEWS. Always wondered why I can’t stream ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ on any one of the seemingly 37 streaming service I subscribe to.