Fans of the Florida Gators will understand this piece. Actually non college football fans will probably understand it even. It feels like we publish this column every season. Last year, we did the "Did Ron Zook's play-calling cost Illinois a win?" story after the Illini had a chance to upset then #2 Ohio State at home in the Big Ten conference opener. Go here to brush up … [Read more...] about Questioning Ron Zook’s Very Questionable Play-Calls, Rationale
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Vikings Jared Allen Up for Baddest Dude in the NFL Award
Congrats to the Minnesota Vikings Jared Allen. He is one of 8 finalists in ESPN SportsNation’s first ever “Baddest Dude In the NFL Award,” an online vote that will allow fans to pick their favorite defensive player in the league. You can vote after the jump … [Read more...] about Vikings Jared Allen Up for Baddest Dude in the NFL Award
Illinois Football Announces 2011 Recruiting Class
University of Illinois head coach Ron Zook announced Wednesday the signing of 27 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play football for the Fighting Illini in 2011. The class is made up of 15 skill players, 11 linemen and a punter. Twelve of the 27 players rank in their state's Top 30, including five of the top 26 from Illinois. The group features players from 11 … [Read more...] about Illinois Football Announces 2011 Recruiting Class
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
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)
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
Illini get 1st win on Neutral Court!
By Paul M. Banks INDIANAPOLIS- Gonzaga. Bradley. Utah. Georgia. Missouri. Those were the five opponents Illinois played on neutral courts this season. All five were losses. Given that the entire NCAA tournament is played on neutral courts, it was IMPERATIVE that Illinois get at least ONE win on a non-partisan floor at the Big Ten Tournament before the big dance begins. So … [Read more...] about Illini get 1st win on Neutral Court!
DePaul Courting ESPN’s Lavin as new Head Coach?
By Paul M. Banks DePaul needs a splash hire to revive their dormant program; and ESPN’s Steve Lavin could be it. The Blue Demons need someone to come in and convince local talent to stay home and start something, and I’m not convinced SIU’s Chris Lowery or Jazz Assistant (and former Blue Demon) Tyrone Corbin is that someone. Then I saw this on the Twitter account of CBS’ … [Read more...] about DePaul Courting ESPN’s Lavin as new Head Coach?
Illinois-Northwestern: Battle to get off the Bubble
By Paul M. Banks and Paul Schmidt Photo Credit: Illinois Loyalty.com … [Read more...] about Illinois-Northwestern: Battle to get off the Bubble