The Big Ten is full of “OMGFacts!” Examples include: The Wisconsin Badgers have not won at Northwestern since 1999. Illinois had as many BCS Bowl Berths as Iowa. Northwestern has a more recent conference title than Nebraska. Tim Beckman is 1-21 versus power five conference teams at Illinois. Tim Beckman is still the head coach at Illinois.
Let’s focus on that first one if we could. Depending on your sports book of choice, the Wisconsin Badgers were 7.5 to 8.5 point favorites on Saturday when they came to Ryan Field. Seems a bit high considering they haven’t won in Evanston in 15 years, right?
Make it 16.
Here you see the mosh pit on the field, and you’ll watch Pat Fitzgerald stroll by. I also included postgame quotes from Fitzgerald, and the players in regards to the mob scene.
Here’s footage of the celebratory playing of the fight song on the field by the Northwestern University Marching Band:
Finally, Corey Wootton sacking Wisconsin Badgers QB Scott Tolzien; from field level angle (with wildcat roar sound effect):
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