It's very early in the college basketball season, but Northwestern's John Shurna is first among all Big Ten players in scoring; as well as first overall in 3pt field goals made. Shurna's teammate Drew Crawford is third, giving the 'Cats an exciting high-scoring team. In 2009-10, Shurna was named the nation’s Most Improved Player by Sporting News. Shurna’s scoring average … [Read more...] about Northwestern’s John Shurna: Big Ten’s Leading Scorer
college sports
ESPN Gameday, Media Circus has Now Left Town
There was something surreal Friday about watching the lead story on the ESPN sports shouting shows (I'd refer to them as sports talk shows, but they're actually just SHOUTING MATCHES) from the very exact location where the lead story originates. I'm speaking of course, about the Wrigleyville Classic, "Wallgate" and the afternoon hours I spent in the waiting room of the Chicago … [Read more...] about ESPN Gameday, Media Circus has Now Left Town
Illinois and Northwestern Bowl Projection/Preview
Currently, 70/120 FBS college football teams participate in a bowl game at the end of the season. This includes 6-6 teams, and this year believe it or not, a couple 5-7 or 6-7 teams. Yes, this is turning into "everyone gets a trophy" and setting a horrible example for our children. But on to more positive things- Illinois has their second bowl berth since 2002, and now Zook … [Read more...] about Illinois and Northwestern Bowl Projection/Preview
Northwestern’s Life After QB Dan Persa Begins with a Loss
Today was Northwestern starting quarterback Dan Persa's 22nd birthday. Many of his approximately 2,500 Facebook friends posted well wishes on his Facebook wall. But with a 48-27 loss to the in-state rival Illini, in an ultra-hyped contest that injury precluded him from taking part, I'm guessing he's had better birthdays than this. Persa brought a lot to NU's table: a 15-4 TD … [Read more...] about Northwestern’s Life After QB Dan Persa Begins with a Loss
Mikel Leshoure Breaks Illinois Rushing Record at Wrigley Field
on Saturday, November 20th, 2010, at Wrigley Field, Mikel Leshoure truly was ridiculous. With the entire Illinois offense on his shoulders, and the most yards in an FBS game since Navy's Shun White ran for 348 yards on August 30th of 2008. … [Read more...] about Mikel Leshoure Breaks Illinois Rushing Record at Wrigley Field
Spread-Option Trend-Setters: 2000 Big Ten Champion Northwestern Wildcats
When it comes to Northwestern Wildcats football, everyone usually brings up 1995, and how that team re-defined the 'Cats. But I've always said that it's really a different Big Ten championship team, the 2000 squad, who really ushered in a new era for NU. Because that was the first year Randy Walker installed the spread-option offensive system, and the program has showcased … [Read more...] about Spread-Option Trend-Setters: 2000 Big Ten Champion Northwestern Wildcats
Erin Andrews Talks About Wrigley Field College Football Controversy (Video)
By now you've heard all about the whole end zone problem and decision to have both teams use the same end zone. The college football game being played between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini will now be unique, one for the history books even. … [Read more...] about Erin Andrews Talks About Wrigley Field College Football Controversy (Video)
Northwestern Football Past, Present and Future with Leading Rusher Damien Anderson
Former Northwestern running back Damien Anderson will host an interactive Q&A session with fans at the Allstate Tailgate Tour before the Wildcats take on the Fighting Illini in the Allstate Wrigleyville Classic at Wrigley Field on Saturday, Nov. 20. Anderson, who played for Northwestern from 1998 to 2001 and is the school’s all-time leading rusher, will be signing … [Read more...] about Northwestern Football Past, Present and Future with Leading Rusher Damien Anderson
Only Using One End Zone at Wrigleyville Classic Tomorrow!
According to ESPN Chicago, and ESPN 1000, they'll only be using one end zone tomorrow at the Wrigleyville Classic, the game between Illinois and Northwestern at Wrigley Field. This is due to space constraints and safety concerns. This in-state Big Ten rivalry game, the quirkiest game in all of college football just became quirkier, and more of a novelty. … [Read more...] about Only Using One End Zone at Wrigleyville Classic Tomorrow!
Bowl Atmosphere coming to Wrigley Field for Illinois-Northwestern
A bowl game in Chicago? Well, it certainly will be a bowl game type environment when the Northwestern Wildcats host the Illinois Fighting Illini, their bitter instate rival, in the Allstate Wrigleyville Classic at Wrigley Field. The Friendly Confines, home of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, last hosted a football game on Dec. 13, 1970. Kickoff is set for 2:35 p.m. … [Read more...] about Bowl Atmosphere coming to Wrigley Field for Illinois-Northwestern