By Paul M. Banks It hasn’t been the greatest season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it has been a very productive campaign for the man who usurped Willie Parker as starting tailback. This year Rashard Mendenhall is living up to the lofty expectations he had as a first round draft pick in 2008. The Skokie native and University of Illinois product is in the NFL’s top ten in … [Read more...] about Mendenhall, Pierre Thomas Making Illinois Running Back U. (sort of)
University of Illinois
Exclusive with the Nation’s Best WR Arrelious “Rejus” Benn
The University of Illinois Wide Receiving Corps will be among the best in College Football this year. In this four part series, Paul M. Banks interviews and profiles each of the top four Illini pass catching threats. Part 4: Arrelious “Rejus” Benn Talk about saving the best for last- in the final installment of my interview/profiles of the stellar University of Illinois … [Read more...] about Exclusive with the Nation’s Best WR Arrelious “Rejus” Benn
Illini WRs Secret Weapon Michael Hoohoomanwanuii
The University of Illinois Wide Receiving Corps will be among the best in College Football this year. In this four part series, Paul M. Banks interviews and profiles each of the top four Illini pass catching threats. Part 3: Michael Hoohoomanwanuii Part 4: Arrelious “Rejus” Benn Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois Height: 6-5. Weight: 274. Projected 40 Time: … [Read more...] about Illini WRs Secret Weapon Michael Hoohoomanwanuii
ESPN Finally Gives Gameday Love to the Illini
By Paul M. Banks For some bizarre reason, the Eastern Seaboard Programming Network ignored the University of Illinois when it came to finding a locale to host their popular "College Gameday" pre-game show. The show has been running for six seasons, and during that period of time, the Fighting Illini were 6th in the nation in total wins! They've been a NCAA Tournament regular … [Read more...] about ESPN Finally Gives Gameday Love to the Illini
Bruce Weber’s International Incident
By Paul M. Banks If you’ve ever seen University of Illinois Men’s basketball Head Coach Bruce Weber on television, you might notice what a happy-go-lucky guy he appears to be. In person, he’s just the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. One might even call him “cuddly.” That’s why I was shocked to learn that someone might actually treat him like a potentially dangerous criminal or … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber’s International Incident
Illinois and Northwestern Seeking New Rivalry Trophy
By Paul M. Banks EVANSTON, Ill. -- The University of Illinois and Northwestern University are collaborating to establish a new trophy for the winner of the football game between the two institutions. The Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy, which went to the winner of the Illinois-Northwestern football game from 1945-2008, was retired following the 2008 contest and both schools have … [Read more...] about Illinois and Northwestern Seeking New Rivalry Trophy
South Regional Bracket Breakdown
By: David K. Overview: This is hands down the toughest bracket. North Carolina and Oklahoma are the #1 and #2. If Blake Griffin didn’t suffer a concussion a couple weeks ago, odds are the Sooners would have been a #1 seed. What I hate about this bracket is that it has three teams I was considering Final Four sleepers; Syracuse, Gonzaga, and Arizona State. I am giddy at … [Read more...] about South Regional Bracket Breakdown
Illini Rarely Survive Tourney’s First Weekend
Paul M. Banks In order to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, a team must go 6-0. Out of the 6 rounds within which a team may be eliminated, the University of Illinois has the most issues with the second round. Since 1995, the Illini have qualified for the tournament every year but three. In those 11 March Madness appearances, they were ousted in exactly the second … [Read more...] about Illini Rarely Survive Tourney’s First Weekend
Big Ten Tournament Preview and Predictions
By Paul M. Banks When the 12th Annual Big Ten Men’s basketball tournament tips off Thursday morning it will feature one of the deepest fields in recent years. If a couple of the bubble teams make a strong showing at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, as many as nine teams could have a case to be in the big dance occurring the following week. One thing I can’t figure out … [Read more...] about Big Ten Tournament Preview and Predictions
More Bruce Weber Grilling
By Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new feature here at TSB where I’ll give you the highlights of the many Bruce Weber press conferences that I attend over the course of the season. As we get closer to March Madness, I’ll be publishing for you the most meaningful statements I’ve heard Weber make. I asked him if the best player on conference champ Michigan St. Kalin Lucas … [Read more...] about More Bruce Weber Grilling