By Paul M. Banks The year 2008 truly solidified my theory: to be a fan of either the Chicago Cubs and University of Illinois football means you know a lot about soul-crushing defeats. You know more than losing, you know exactly what it’s like to have any shred of hope or optimism crushed into grains of dust. You've had your hopes and dreams imploded so many times that you … [Read more...] about Illini Football, Cub fans know Soul-Crushing
Illinois Fighting Illini
Arrelious Benn Selected by Tampa Bay
By Paul Schmidt "I don't really try to predict things like this. There was some interest and we had talked but I didn't really know anything for sure." Those were the first words from now-former University of Illinois wide receiver Arrelious "Rejus" Benn in his teleconference with reporters after being selected 39th overall pick of the NFL draft by the Tampa Bay … [Read more...] about Arrelious Benn Selected by Tampa Bay
Wrigley Field set to Host Illinois vs. Northwestern in November!!!
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs and Northwestern University today announced the Northwestern Wildcats football team will host the University of Illinois at Wrigley Field Saturday, November 20, 2010, at 11 a.m. CT. The matchup will mark the first college football game at Wrigley Field since 1938, when DePaul University played home games at the ballpark. The contest will be … [Read more...] about Wrigley Field set to Host Illinois vs. Northwestern in November!!!
Illinois and Northwestern Set For Wrigley Field Showdown
By Paul Schmidt Rumors had been swirling for months over the possibilities, and now it is confirmed: The Northwestern Wildcats will host the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field on November 20th. This marks the first football game at Wrigley in decades, and guarantees that a sporting event will be played at Wrigley in November for the first time … [Read more...] about Illinois and Northwestern Set For Wrigley Field Showdown
NFL Mock Draft 4-8
NIT Quarterfinals, Illinois vs. Dayton LIVE!
By Paul Schmidt and Paul M. Banks We're live from the headquarters of The Sports Bank, at our top secret Chicago headquarters. We're live blogging the game. We're wearing orange and blue. I think we might be pulling out the rooting clothes tonight, boys and girls!! Tip off is in just a few minutes, so let's get this stupid Rhode Island/Virginia Tech NIT … [Read more...] about NIT Quarterfinals, Illinois vs. Dayton LIVE!
Illinois! Kent State! NIT Madness!!
By Paul Schmidt I suppose by madness, you could look at it as mad that I drove for 2 or 3 hours to cover a second round NIT game. That certainly could be considered MAD! Or just plain dumb, depending on your point of view. But the fact is that I really like this group of Illinois players. I wish them nothing but success. I want them to win. And though I'm not that … [Read more...] about Illinois! Kent State! NIT Madness!!
Evan Turner Makes Anything Possible
By Hans Hetrick I believe Evan Turner can take an inbounds pass from under the opposition’s basket at the key, bring the ball 40 feet up the floor in two dribbles, jump stop into the air, and drain a 37-foot jump shot to beat Michigan at the buzzer—all in under 2.2 seconds. I believe he can rim in a baseline 3-pointer, pick Mike Tisdale’s pocket, and glide down the court for … [Read more...] about Evan Turner Makes Anything Possible
NCAA BUBBLE MADNESS!! Illini in or out?
By Paul Schmidt I feel as though my head is spinning. I've got a fever. More cowbell ain't helping, either. I've got the Bubble Madness. … [Read more...] about NCAA BUBBLE MADNESS!! Illini in or out?
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!