Category: Big Ten

Posted on

Game 174: #7 Michigan State @ Northwestern

Seriously. How does Michigan State get away with playing their first game out of the state of Michigan in mid October. I know it’s an election year, but really, did they have to give THAT much to the senator’s campaign? Well, Northwestern isn’t much of a road trip. I’m not discounting the Wildcats’ ability, but home field advantage in Evanston is sometimes comparable to a Chucky-E-Cheese. However, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit reminded viewers that Ryan Field can put opponents to sleep. It has the same effect as poppies have on the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and Dorothy.

Continue reading “Game 174: #7 Michigan State @ Northwestern”

Posted on

Game 173: #1 Ohio State @ #18 Wisconsin

The entire sports world seemed to be focused toward Madison on the night the Badgers upset #1 Ohio State. A heap of notable sports celebrities added to the attendance numbers that crammed Camp Randall. Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Erin Andrews, Scott Van Pelt, Michael Finley, and Ron Dayne names a few of the attendees that only amped the wattage on the spotlight that tilted toward this matchup. As if Madison wasn’t electric enough, include College Gameday live from the stadium, a night game toward a top ranked hated rival, and an opening kickoff returned for a touchdown that vaulted Wisconsin toward a 21-0 lead in the first half.

Continue reading “Game 173: #1 Ohio State @ #18 Wisconsin”

Posted on

Game 168: Arizona State @ #11 Wisconsin

Dear Jay Valai and Shelton Johnson,

We certainly are aware that Arizona State outplayed the Badgers in many facets of the game on Saturday. However, because of a few timely plays by you, Wisconsin was able to escape with a one point victory. Shelton, we are very impressed by the “never give up” attitude displayed on the 95 yard kickoff return by the Sun Devils. By tackling ASU’s Kyle Middlebrooks at the one yard line right before the half, you kept momentum on Wisconsin’s side and perhaps saved the game. I’m sure that coaches across the country will roll that footage as you have now become 2010’s posterboy for “never giving up on a play.” The team certainly experienced difficulty covering kickoffs as the Sun Devils returned one for a touchdown and smoked the Badgers on a few more impressive returns. It even got to the point where the crowd gave out a cheer of sarcasm with any kickoff coverage tackle. Nevertheless, you managed to maintain your poise and scrape away the stigma that comes with being a freshman.

Continue reading “Game 168: Arizona State @ #11 Wisconsin”

Posted on

Game 167 – San Jose State @ #12 Wisconsin

Finish. That was the theme of the matchup between San Jose State and Wisconsin. There were signs of this all over Madison. The band finished its tribute to the fallen and heroes of 9/11 with power and pageantry. The cloudy skies and rainy weather finished around halftime of the game. Even the fans seemed to finish every gameday brat served on this football Saturday. The Badger football team, however, failed to get the message.

Continue reading “Game 167 – San Jose State @ #12 Wisconsin”

Posted on

Game 166: UCLA @ Kansas State

T-shirts around the stadium proclaimed, “Fill the Bill,” and the purple followers came through. The crowd sent rumbles through the Great Plains as Kansas State took the field in front of a record opening day home crowd. As if there wasn’t enough roar in the crowd to start the game, Harley Day in Manhattan sent more noise bouncing off the walls of Bill Snyder Stadium. With Snyder’s return to the sidelines, much anticipation has grown for the Wildcats and having UCLA as an opponent only increased the excitement.

Continue reading “Game 166: UCLA @ Kansas State”

Posted on

Game 165: #14 Wisconsin @ Northwestern

In 2009, Northwestern has made a living stumbling to victories versus lesser opponents.  Perhaps I am the only one noticing, but the Wildcats also appear to being trending toward seasons where they lose to a team that they have no business losing to and defeating a team that they have no business defeating.  Well, the ‘Cats have already notched their loss against paltry Syracuse.  However, the unsuspecting victory had not yet been categorized.  Enter #14 Wisconsin to Ryan Field with a target on their back.

Continue reading “Game 165: #14 Wisconsin @ Northwestern”

Posted on

Game 162: Indiana @ Northwestern

Homecoming looked to be doomed.  The Hoosiers picked Evanston as the place to showcase their talent this year.  Luckily for the Wildcats, the show lasted only one half.  Indiana stormed out to a 28-3 lead in the second quarter sending a few Cat fans packing.  But, if Wildcat fans have been paying attention over the past decade, Northwestern has a knack for concocting thrilling comebacks and exciting finishes.   “Cardiac Cats” is an apt moniker.

Continue reading “Game 162: Indiana @ Northwestern”

Posted on

MINNESOTA – TCF BANK STADIUM

Since 1924, Minnesota had been playing on campus in the rustic, yet deteriorating Memorial Stadium. Due to its need for renovation and the lack of state funding, the university chose to abandon the classic old stadium and move the Gopher football program into the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome being built in downtown Minneapolis. Since 1982, Minnesota has been playing its games in the oversized bubble surrounded by steel and concrete.

Continue reading “MINNESOTA – TCF BANK STADIUM”