By Paul M. Banks The Big Ten has a historical reputation for being a “black and blue” type conference like the old NFC Central in the NFL. Woody Hayes and his “3 yards and a cloud of dust” comes to mind. But today, it’s all about the spread-option, and having a quarterback who can run the ball almost as well, or better than he can throw it. The Big Ten’s best are the guys … [Read more...] about Big Ten QB Power Rankings
Archives for August 2009
Answering Cubs Questions
By Paul Schmidt and David Kay Two of The Sports Bank's most prominent smart asses also happen to be Cubs fans (Lucky for the Cubs). We polled our own to get some burning questions about the underachieving Cubbies and Paul and David were kind enough to mix in a few nuggets of insight within their jokes. Since being moved out of the lead off spot, Alfonso Soriano has … [Read more...] about Answering Cubs Questions
The Hunt for Ken’s Machtober: Lopez Royalties & Princely Barter
By Melissa S. Wollering A highly-underrated acquisition, written off by some, Felipe Lopez has been putting #4 pop back into the bat. As in Paul Molitor, not Brett Favre; you football-convert-Brewers-abandoning-season-is-over-I’m-onto-bearded-forest-dweller-Aaron Rodgers fans. Unfortunately, Lopez didn’t solve any pitching problems which have taken the Milwaukee Brewers out … [Read more...] about The Hunt for Ken’s Machtober: Lopez Royalties & Princely Barter
What would it have taken to land Roy Halladay? Part 1: American League
By Jake McCormick The chances of someone landing Toronto Blue Jay Roy Halladay before last month’s MLB trading deadline were 1 on 146,107,961. That’s one point higher in odds than getting all five numbers right in the Wisconsin Powerball lottery. OK, maybe I’m exaggerating J.P. Riccardi’s demand of a “Wow!” package for a two-year lease on one of the game’s premier pitchers, … [Read more...] about What would it have taken to land Roy Halladay? Part 1: American League
Exclusive with the Nation’s Best WR Arrelious “Rejus” Benn
The University of Illinois Wide Receiving Corps will be among the best in College Football this year. In this four part series, Paul M. Banks interviews and profiles each of the top four Illini pass catching threats. Part 4: Arrelious “Rejus” Benn Talk about saving the best for last- in the final installment of my interview/profiles of the stellar University of Illinois … [Read more...] about Exclusive with the Nation’s Best WR Arrelious “Rejus” Benn
“Sinking” White Sox Exchange
By Soxman and Paul M. Banks “Iceberg dead ahead,” is the titanic analogy most White Sox fans are using to describe the Sox play-off chances as they've commenced their most difficult road trip of the year. No sooner are the Minnesota Twins “ruled dead” that they are only a game behind the White Sox in the standings. Can the Sox still win this division or will they end the … [Read more...] about “Sinking” White Sox Exchange
Ranking the Big Ten Football Venues
By Paul M. Banks Our friends over at Midwest Sports Fans.com have ranked the atmosphere at all 11 Big Ten football Stadiums. And Chicago's two teams, Illinois and Northwestern, did not place well. Actually, their showing was pitiful, 8th and 11th respectively. If you can use the term "respect" in regards to what the writer thought of the Wildcats and Illini home fields- at … [Read more...] about Ranking the Big Ten Football Venues
With a Name like Pat Angerer, you must be a Linebacker
By Paul M. Banks Urlacher. Butkus. Stonebreaker- all are fantastic names of star collegiate linebackers who are or have been regarded as legend...wait for it...dairy in the Midwest. The tradition continues in Iowa City with senior Pat Angerer, who was named to this year’s Butkus Award and Lott Trophy watch lists. When asked about his name fitting his job: “I never really … [Read more...] about With a Name like Pat Angerer, you must be a Linebacker