49ers and Ravens advance, Packers' season ends

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 45-31 Saturday night. The 49ers now advance to the NFC Championship game, to be played next Sunday against the winner of tomorrow (Sunday's ) Seattle vs Atlanta matchup.

The Baltimore Ravens also defeated the Denver Broncos 38-35 in double overtime today. The Ravens will play the winner of tomorrow's New England vs Houston game for the AFC Championship next Sunday.

Prep basketball: Smith hopes to lead East back to playoff success

By Matt Nestor
Rock River Times Prep Sports Reporter

As the Rockford East E-Rabs saw their historic turnaround come to an end in DeKalb at the Class 4A Supersectionals, a lot of people focused on the core group of seniors that were leaving.

But coach Roy Sackmaster had a reason to be excited about the following season. Coming back were Austin Young, Jontrell Robinson and a starter in Devion Smith.

While the E-Rabs sit tied for first place, a lot of people are pointing to star transfer Isaiah Box for the success. And while Box has lived up to all the hype, it is Smith and his core of fellow seniors who have been there and done it all before...

Read the Rock River Times article at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2013/01/09/prep-basketball-smith-hopes-to-lead-east-back-to-playoff-success/http://rockrivertimes.com/2013/01/09/prep-basketball-smith-hopes-to-lead-east-back-to-playoff-success/

Phil Emery makes clear: Lovie Smith failed at building the offense - NBC Sports

NBC Sports - Michael David Smith -- "Lovie Smith is a good defensive coach who was never able to build a consistent offense in his nine seasons as head coach of the Bears, and that’s what cost him his job.

That’s what Bears General Manager Phil Emery made clear at his Tuesday morning press conference addressing his decision to fire Smith on Monday..."

Read the press conference coverage at http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/01/phil-emery-makes-clear-lovie-smiths-failure-was-building-the-offense/