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Illini LB Kick to Northwestern OL Groin Earns him 1 game Suspension

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The Big Ten Conference announced today that it has accepted the one-game suspension of University of Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown for violating the Big Ten Sportslike Conduct Agreement during the rivalry game versus Northwestern this past Saturday. In case you missed it, Brown blatantly and very intentionally kneed Wildcats OL Patrick Ward in the, um, let's say he hit … [Read more...] about Illini LB Kick to Northwestern OL Groin Earns him 1 game Suspension

Illini Beat Northwestern 38-35: Chicago’s Big Ten Team?

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It was a week where one school's marketing slogan became a motivational rallying cry for the other school in the state. Northwestern has been promoting themselves as "Chicago's Big Ten Team" for a season and half, and today Illinois made stated pretty loudly how they felt about it. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase scored a 1-yard touchdown with 13 seconds left to lead #22 … [Read more...] about Illini Beat Northwestern 38-35: Chicago’s Big Ten Team?

#22 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Brutally Honest Game Preview

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Big Ten conference play begins with the annual in-state rivalry game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini. It does feel a little weird not having this game played on the last week of the season, when all the other intrastate, intra-region bloodfeud games are held.  But last year it was such a special event that it's hard not to get excited for the 2011 … [Read more...] about #22 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Brutally Honest Game Preview

Northwestern Joins “It Gets Better” Project

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Northwestern today released a video supporting the "It Gets Better" project, which is committed to showing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people that a positive future for themselves does exist. The video was filmed over the summer and features Northwestern Director of Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips, head coaches Pat Fitzgerald (college football), Kate … [Read more...] about Northwestern Joins “It Gets Better” Project

Going Inside Big Ten Network Headquarters, Conference Expansion Rumors

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Last night I was lucky enough to be at a small private reception that included Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany. Yes, I was at the same party as the most powerful man in the prestigious college basketball and college football league. Delaney's a University of North Carolina alum, and this was a Chicago Carolina Club gathering at Japonais, a downtown restaurant located a few … [Read more...] about Going Inside Big Ten Network Headquarters, Conference Expansion Rumors

Philadelphia Eagles Fans, Here’s the Dossier on QB Mike Kafka

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Last night, a neck injury to Philadelphia Eagles superstar quarterback Michael Vick forced him to leave the nationally broadcast night game at the Atlanta Falcons. The Eagles lost, and Vick's injury was revealed to be a concussion. Who knows if he'll be back for next week? The Eagles #QB2 Vince Young, was not active. (Not sure when he'll be back either) Meaning the emergency … [Read more...] about Philadelphia Eagles Fans, Here’s the Dossier on QB Mike Kafka

#54 Northwestern Wildcats: College Basketball 111 in 111

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Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series.  Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days.  This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days.  We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order.  We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #54 Northwestern Wildcats: College Basketball 111 in 111

Big Ten Football 2011 Power Rankings: Preconference Edition

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One of the main storylines in the Big Ten entering this college football season was all the dual threat quarterbacks. Well so far, I'd say it's really only Wisconsin's Russell Wilson and Nathan Scheelhaase who fit that bill. Michigan's Denard Robinson did throw for over 330 yards and 4 TDs, but he is an average thrower at best. He made some really poor throws in that Notre … [Read more...] about Big Ten Football 2011 Power Rankings: Preconference Edition