The Northwestern Wildcats have won the Big Ten West division in two of the last three seasons (although it's still a stretch to legitimately call 2020 a "season" for anybody, whether they were good, bad, or anything in between). While Northwestern was, without question, built a program foundation that is as strong as its ever been. Still, the bookies are not bullish, not at … [Read more...] about 2021 Northwestern Season Preview and Big Ten Title Odds
college sports
Northwestern Quietly Builds Strong QB Tradition, Aided by Transfers
In recent years, it's become (cue Jim Nantz voice) "a tradition unlike any other"- Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald holding out on declaring his starting quarterback until the absolute final moment. Don't be surprised if we see the dreaded "OR" on the depth chart heading into the season opener, at home against Michigan State on Sept. 3. Sophomore and South Carolina transfer … [Read more...] about Northwestern Quietly Builds Strong QB Tradition, Aided by Transfers
NU All-American Brandon Joseph on the Art and Mindset of Playing DB
At Big Ten and Northwestern Media Days, I had a conversation with All-American safety Brandon Joseph about my all-time favorite passage from the old NFL Films' prose, entitled the "Fringe of Battle." John Facenda, who talks exactly like God himself must sound, says: "To the players, reality is one-on-one, helmet-to-helmet move and counter move. Nowhere is this conflict more … [Read more...] about NU All-American Brandon Joseph on the Art and Mindset of Playing DB
2021 NBA Mock Draft 7-29-21 Final Update
The NBA Draft is July 29, with the Draft Lottery set to be held on June 22. The Draft Combine will take place June 21-27. Welcome to our first 2021 NBA mock draft, team needs have not been taken into account at this time. Some player descriptions have been filled out, but the others will be completed at a later date. … [Read more...] about 2021 NBA Mock Draft 7-29-21 Final Update
How Do We Combine College Sports and Studies?
Sport is good for our health. It allows us to stay fit and healthy, remaining active and vigorous until the late stages of our lives. However, the college period may become a tough challenge for students in terms of combining sports activities and adequate studies. Things get even harder for college athletes whose task is to show superior performance at the competitions while … [Read more...] about How Do We Combine College Sports and Studies?
Northwestern A.D. Derrick Gragg on Tulsa Legacy Game Origin, Meaning
Today saw Dr. Derrick Gragg formally unveiled as the 23rd Athletic Director at Northwestern University, succeeding the ultra short tenure of the scandal-plagued Mike Poliskey. But in the greater sense Gragg is following in the foot steps of Dr. Jim Philipps, who is now ACC Commissioner. Gragg is a lot like Phillips in that he's an innovator, bringing big and important events … [Read more...] about Northwestern A.D. Derrick Gragg on Tulsa Legacy Game Origin, Meaning
New Northwestern A.D. Derrick Gragg Helped Create Tulsa Legacy Game
Northwestern announced their new Athletic Director yesterday, Dr. Derrick Gragg, the NCAA’s senior vice president for inclusion, education and community engagement. The former Eastern Michigan and Tulsa AD assumes his new position on July 1. Gragg has a long list of achievements, and his hire is very timely for a multitude of reasons, but perhaps of particular relevance and … [Read more...] about New Northwestern A.D. Derrick Gragg Helped Create Tulsa Legacy Game
Northwestern A.D. Hire Met with Strong Backlash, Planned Protests
When it comes to the Northwestern Athletic Director position, post Dr. Jim Phillips, indeed what a long, strange trip it's been. After Philips left to become ACC Commissioner, the A.D. search received only a minimal amount of media coverage, and the school did a great job of keeping information from leaking out. And despite the search dragging on for multiple months, NU … [Read more...] about Northwestern A.D. Hire Met with Strong Backlash, Planned Protests
Why Notre Dame QB Ian Book Fits in with the New Orleans Saints
In his media opps with the Notre Dame media heading into the NFL Draft, quarterback Ian Book often spoke of his height, and how that was holding his draft stock down. "Not many people thought he'd get picked in the fourth round," said Book's college coach, Brian Kelly, on media Zoom this morning. "Now he's got a chance to compete for a starting position." Book was drafted by … [Read more...] about Why Notre Dame QB Ian Book Fits in with the New Orleans Saints
L.A. Chargers-Northwestern Connections Detailed by Pat Fitzgerald
On night one of the NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern with the 13th pick. He now joins DE Joe Gaziano and RB Justin Jackson as former Wildcats who are now Chargers. Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald knows Chargers GM Tom Tellesco and LAC head coach Brandon Staley well, and Cody Cejda, a former Northwestern director of football … [Read more...] about L.A. Chargers-Northwestern Connections Detailed by Pat Fitzgerald