There was a time, not so long ago, when the Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini were on equal footing. You could even say that as recently as two weeks ago. However, Saturday gave us clarity now on both programs. NU beat a ranked team and looked solid for the second week in a row. There are now a factor in the Big Ten West division, where they control their own destiny.
The Illini, on the other hand, played a game which conveyed the end of Tim Beckman’s career. There is no case to retain him at all now. The few remaining “dead-enders” that actually believed in him have jumped off the bandwagon now. His 1-21 record versus power five conference teams speaks for itself. If Athletic Director Mike Thomas let Beckman stay, he would only be admitting defeat as a program. That move would signify giving up the concept of fielding a competitive football program.
He can’t do that.
NU on the other hand, should they pull of a mild upset in Minneapolis (they are currently three point dogs to the Gophers) will set themselves up for a huge showdown in two weeks with the nationally ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers. Also, the Wildcats have moved toward finding an identity on offense; centered around their new feature back, freshman tailback Justin Jackson.
I discussed all these topics in length today on 1620 The Zone, KOZN Omaha. (here is the link to listen to the segment)
Here’s why the Illini should and could let Cubit take over now. As well as the pros and cons for the Illini of immediate regime change to Cubit.
Here’s more on Justin Jackson and how he drew inspiration from Deion Sanders.
And more on the NU turnaround
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2