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Northwestern Destroys Rutgers 98-59

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Northwestern
Northwestern Forward Tre Demps

The Northwestern Wildcats were back in Evanston after a 2-game road losing streak on Saturday afternoon and they took out their frustrations on a poor Rutgers squad who left their intensity on the bus. The Wildcats improved to 18 – 11 on the season and 6 – 10 in conference play with their 98-59 win over the Scarlet Knights.

It is Tre Demp’s world and we are just living in it as he dropped 24 points on 8-13 shooting while adding 8 rebounds and 4 assist. Demps was 6 for 8 from behind the arc and was left open for open threes all game long. It is not too often that Demps getting to roam free for the entire game but Rutgers were unable to put a body on him to slow the offensive onslaught by the senior.

Sophomore point guard Bryan McIntosh only scored 6 points but was able to dish out 13 assist during Demps hot shooting. Alex Olah had his third triple-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds in limited playing time. The Wildcats didn’t need much from their big three because they had balanced scoring from everyone on the roster.

Northwestern Head Coach Chris Collins
Northwestern Head Coach Chris Collins

The Wildcats were up 30 at halftime and it gave fans time to think about the future of this team under head coach Chris Collins. The Wildcats will not make the NCAA Tournament unless they are able to win the conference tournament in March, which is very unlikely.

Northwestern has not had a signature win all year and they have been blown out by some of the top tier Big Ten teams so they do not have a resume that warrants review when it comes to selection Sunday. The Wildcats had a promising start to the season, going 13 – 1 in their first 14 games but were unable to keep up the pace once the Big Ten conference play started.

The absence of second-year wing-man Vic Law hurt the Wildcats perimeter defense and stunted the team’s offensive abilities for the entire season. Olah also missed a handful of game during the middle of the season which completely decimated the interior defense and gave Northwestern no chance against Maryland and Ohio State.

Northwestern Center Alex Olah
Northwestern Center Alex Olah

The Wildcats still have two more games before the conference tournament against Penn State and Nebraska next week. Even if Northwestern is able to beat both of those teams and get to 20 wins for the season, their terrible strength of schedule and low RPI will be keep them out of the tournament again.

Hopefully Northwestern 2015-16 season will be a learning experience for some of the younger players on the team and they can provide a spark next season as they will be looking to do something no team has done in school history.

Follow Wes on Twitter @WesEvans24

 

 

 

Law Leads Northwestern past Penn State

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psu col.lin

Vic Law is finally starting to figure it all out and the results have been great for the Northwestern Wildcats.

After a 10-game conference losing streak, Northwestern had finally started to show signs of life by winning two straight Big Ten games— including a road win against Minnesota on Wednesday night.

On Saturday afternoon the Wildcats looked to stay hot when they welcomed Penn State to Welsh Ryan Arena for the lone regular season meeting between the two teams— in a matchup of two squads looking for just their fourth conference win of the season.

Northwestern (13-14, 4-10) continued their strong play in the first half, taking a 28-20 lead into the break. Law would lead the Wildcats in the first half with nine points and six rebounds and Northwestern forced nine turnovers to take control early and frustrate the Nittany Lions with their new look zone defense.

Law would stay dialed in for the second half, scoring eight more points to finish the game with 19 and a game high 11 rebounds to lead Northwestern to a 60-39 win, after outscoring the Nittany Lions 32-19 in the second half.

“Vic is going to be a good player in this league” Northwestern head coach Chris Collins said after the win on Saturday. “He knows no one believes in him like I do. He believes in me, he believes in our program. He believes in what we are trying to do.”

Law entered Saturday’s game averaging just 6.3 points per game on .365 shooting. Saturday was another story however, as Law would play his best basketball of the year. “ Welcome to the Big Ten” Collins would tell his young star after the game.

“ I am starting to get used to college basketball now” Law said. “Everything is getting a little easier. My mindset has changed greatly since the beginning of the season to now. I am starting to mature more.”

Northwestern would also get 16 points from guard Tre Demp’s on 5-10 shooting from the field, and Alex Olah would chip in with 10 points and five rebounds to help Northwestern win their third straight conference game.

Penn State dropped to 15-13 this season and 3-12 in the Big Ten. Leading scorer D.J. Newbill came into the game averaging 21.1 points per game, but was held to just three points on 1-6 shooting. The Nittany Lions were led by Geno Thorpe who would score 13 points on 5-17 shooting in a losing effort.

Northwestern will look for their fourth straight win on Wednesday when they host Indiana. (18-9)

Penn State will look to get back on track on next Saturday when they host Iowa (16-10)

Click below for Audio from Saturdays game.

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Cats ‘Determined’ to Beat Hawkeyes in OT, 66 – 61

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Iowa-Northwestern Final, 66 - 61
Iowa-Northwestern Final, 66 – 61

Living in Chicago most of my life, driving slow and steady during the winter months is more of a way of life than an inconvenience. As I was driving to Welsh-Ryan arena this afternoon, it was abundantly clear that my 30 minute drive was going to double thanks to Mother Nature and it was time to enjoy the 15 mph drive.

Even with the traffic, I was able to make the tip off as my alma-matter (Iowa) was in town for a 2 pm showdown with the 1 – 10 Wildcats. These two teams have been evenly matched the past couple years as they have spilt the last 14 meetings. NU beat Iowa in the 2013-14 BIG Ten tournament, 67 – 62, thanks to a 20 point performance from Tre Demps.

The slow and steady pace of my day was even more evident as the Hawkeyes and Wildcats were having a hard time finding their offensive mojos. The first half seemed to drag along as neither team could sustain any offensive rhythm as the Cats took a 27 – 24 lead going into the half.

Tre Demps had 8 points in the first half and finished with 16, while adding 4 rebounds and 3 assist. Demps hit a pair of 3 pointers late in the second half to regain the lead, which they would hold for most of the second half.

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Iowa Hawkeye visiting Northwestern Wildcats

Bryant McIntosh is only 1 of 3 true freshman in the country who is averaging 11.5 points and 4.0 assist per game this season. McIntosh did not play like a freshman, as he gave Iowa all they could handle by pouring in 18 points and dishing out 4 assist.

It was McIntosh’s 2 late free throws that should have sealed the game for NU in regulation and would have given the Cats their 2nd win in conference play… but it is never that easy for Chris Collin and his squad.

Jarrod Uthoff had a game to remember as he momentarily broke the hearts of the Evanston faithful as his 3 pointer with under 3 seconds left, sent the game into overtime. Uthoff finished with a game high 25 points on 8 for 16 shooting from the field.

“I really feel that the shot by Uthoff went in to test us in a sick kind of way. We have had so many of these kind of games and we played that exactly how we wanted,” Coach Collins said in his post-game press conference. “The looks I saw in the huddle at the end of regulation were different then the looks I saw at MSU, or down the stretch against OSU or at Maryland. It was a determined look.”

NU Center Alex Olah
NU Center Alex Olah

Overtime was the Alex Olah show, as his defensive performance and clutch free throw shooting broke the Cats 8-game losing streak. In the 5 minute OT period, Olah had 3 points, 4 rebounds and added 2 key blocks to seal the victory. Olah finished with another double-double, 11 points and 13 rebounds, which puts him in the top 10 for the conference.

NU’s matchup with Iowa started off at a snail’s pace but ended up being an exciting game with a furious finish. Both teams had opportunities to win today’s game but it was the youngsters that were able to hold on in OT.

Coach Chris Collins breaks down the Iowa Northwestern game

The Cats have a couple days off until their next game in Minnesota on February 18th, where they will look to make it 2 wins in a row.

@WesEvans24

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New Year, Familiar Score… ILL 72, NU 67

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Illinois Head Coach John Groce
Illinois Head Coach John Groce

Familiarity was running rampant thru Welsh-Ryan Arena on Wednesday night as the Northwestern Wildcats took on their neighbors to the south, the University of Illinois Illini.

The familiarity vibe could have been attributed to the game, as the Cats and Illini were meeting up for the 170th time… with Illinois holding a commanding 130 – 39 lead in the series.

Or…

The yearly meeting in Evanston when households are split because Mom went to NU and Dad went to U of I… and no matter who wins, Dad will be sleeping on the couch tonight.

The above were all expected events but running into 2 high school teammates at the same game, one who played for the Cats (Jeff Ryan) and the other who now has a cat (Paul Shaer)… was something new but felt familiar all at the same time.

The last familiar sight was the final tally on the scoreboard, as Illinois was able to pull away from NU for the win.

ILL 72, NU 67 Final
ILL 72, NU 67 Final

The first half was very sloppy by NU as they turned the ball over 6 times but it felt like 20 because they gave away their early 5 point lead. Bryant McIntosh and Alex Olah were the only bright spots for the Cats all night as McIntosh dropped 16 points while adding 2 dimes. Olah filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks.

Illinois’ back court came out on fire as Aaron Crosby and Kendrick Nunn combined for 27 of the Illini’s 37 first half points while shooting 7 – 13 from 3 point land. Crosby and Nunn’s shooting help Illinois establish a 37 – 33 lead over the home team.

Northwestern made a valiant effort at the end of the game but came up short as Malcolm Hill hit 2 free throws to put the game out of reach. Illinois took some terrible shots and took their foot off the gas towards the end of the game but were able to squeak by with a 5 point victory.

“That’s life in the Big Ten… you play tough hard fought games, they come down to a possession here and a possession there and that is what it was again. It was 1 point game with 4 sec to go and Nunn walks up to makes four big free throws. Got to give them credit but we got to move forward,” Coach Collins said after his team’s lose to Illinois. “It’s about finding ways to win and that is the next step for us as a team.”

Wes Evans (Left), Jeff Ryan (Center) and Paul Shaer (Right)
Wes Evans (Left), Jeff Ryan (Center) and Paul Shaer (Right)

The Cats finished with 11 turnovers and Illinois was able to capitalize with 14 points off of those TOs. For NU fans, the inconsistent play from their team has been frustrating because this team has potential to win these close contests.

Paul commented after the game that we should call up Luke Holthaus and Kevin Bulger to run fives against this Northwestern team. I believe he was being factious but his point was made, as it is obvious Chris Collins has some work to do if his team is going to pick up another win in the conference soon.

The Cats dropped their 3rd straight game and head to Ann Arbor on the 17th for their next game against the Michigan Wolverines (10-7, 3-2).

Coach Collins talks about the Illinois Northwestern game and how his team is coming up short 

@WesEvans24

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Northwestern Trounces Northern Kentucky 76-55

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Cobb

Sometimes, even great shooters struggle to find their shot.

Someone who could attest to that would be Northwestern head coach, Chris Collins, who was a terrific outside shooter at the high school and collegiate level (playing at Duke University). Collins also knows the best way to get back on track for a scorer is to get easy buckets, and that is exactly what Northwestern guard, Tre Demps, would do in Saturday’s 75-55 blowout win over Northern Kentucky.

After another 0-2 start from downtown Saturday, Demps would find other ways to score and lead the Wildcats (9-4) to victory.

“Obviously for a guy like Tre who has struggled a little bit with his outside shot to get five or six layups, I thought that was key for him,” Collins said after the game. “We did a really good job attacking the basket.”

Freshman guard, Bryant McIntosh, would also have another impressive game, scoring 15 points while adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists. McIntosh has had to play outside of his game, focusing more on scoring rather than distributing the ball while guard, Jershon Cobb, has been on the shelf with an injury.

“I don’t really think about that too much,” McIntosh said. “I think you have to make the right play and I feel like sometimes our offense goes into walls and I have the ability to create a shot for myself or another person, and thats just something I was trying to do. I was watching film and seeing sometimes we have some long droughts and sometimes I am not aggressive enough.”

The Wildcats were definitely aggressive on Saturday. Northern Kentucky (6-7) struggled to find scoring from anyone and would commit 11 turnovers to match only 11 assists. Northwestern held Northern Kentucky’s leading scorer, Tayler Persons, to 5 points on 1-6 shooting from the field.

While it was a nice win for a young Northwestern squad, they know the real test begins December 30, when they travel to face new conference rival, Rutgers, in the Big Ten opener.

“I think they are going to have to experience it,” Collins said. “The level of intensity is going to go up, the level of scouting is going to go up, because you have teams that know each other so well and the preparation is good and the coaches are so good in our conference that you really have to be sharp, you have to be disciplined, and for a young player that’s a hard thing.”

For the full Chris Collins post game presser click below

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Northwestern Fights Back to Beat Western Michigan 67-61

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demps

Northwestern came into Saturdays home matchup against Western Michigan looking to bounce back from an embarrassing 80-67 loss to Central Michigan on Thursday night. Even though things were looking shaky in the first half, head coach Chris Collins knew his team was ready for a fight.

” We have a really young team so you worry about how they are going to respond” Collins said after the game. “ One of the things we wanted to get back to is the basics of what our program is about and that’s fight, it’s being tough and battling on every possession. I thought we did that today.”

The Wildcats (7-4) had no choice but to battle back after a slow start left them trailing Western Michigan (6-4) 28-25 at halftime. Northwestern struggled to find scoring in the first half and shot an awful 2-11 from three point range, then in the second half guard Tre Demp’s caught fire and took over.

Demp’s would lead Northwestern with a game high 17 points on 6-15 shooting and provided the leadership his young teammates needed in the final twenty minutes of the game.

” All the credit goes to my teammates” Demps said after the game. ” They continued to get me the ball even after the air ball to start the second half, they continue to trust me, saying in film sessions that they need me to shoot, just the confidence they give me is really good”

Freshman guard Bryant McIntosh would also find his game in the second half, where he scored 8 of his ten points and dished out four assists and center Alex Olah also came up big scoring eight points and grabbing 12 rebounds for Northwestern, who will host UIC at Welsh-Ryan-Arena on Monday at 12 pm.

Western Michigan struggled to find their shot all game. Northwestern held Connar Tava and guard David Brown to a combined 6-24 from the field and pressured the Broncos all day long. Tava entered the game averaging 16.2 points and 6.0 rebounds and was named MAC West Player of the Week after scoring 19 points against Pacific last week.

” We did a great job on their two best players” Collins said proudly after Saturdays win. ” Brown is twenty-four years old, he is a 6th year senior thats playing guys out there that are 18, so when you play hard against grown men like that, against an NCAA opponent it’s a really good win and something we needed.”

The Wildcats will take as many wins as possible before beginning their tough Big Ten schedule December 30th at Rutgers.

click below for Chis Collins post game press confrence.

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Illinois Tops Northwestern, Now Bowl Eligible

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Beckman
Illini coach Tim Beckham

Championship football took over Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois on Saturday afternoon. The stadium first opened in 1923 when Illinois defeated Chicago, 7-0 in a homecoming game. Unfortunately for the Illini, they were playing at Ryan Field in Evanston on Saturday, and the championship game back at their house was for the IHSA State Title.

Meanwhile at Northwestern University, Illinois (6-6) took on Northwestern (5-7) in a “State Championship” of their own. However this in state rivalry was not for a ring or trophy, but a chance to become bowl eligible with a qualifying sixth win on the season.

Illini backup quarterback Reilly O’Toole, threw for 147 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 147 yards and Illinois routed Northwestern 47-33 on Saturday afternoon. The win not only made the Illini bowl eligible, but also possibly saved head coach Tim Beckman’s job next season. Beckman was on the “hot seat” after another disappointing conference record, but was not ready to discuss his job security just yet.

“I haven’t even thought about whether I will be back next year, I was just worried about Northwestern,” Beckman said after the game. “I am not worried about job security, I just want our players to be happy.”

The Northwestern locker room was anything but happy after the game. The Wildcats struggled offensively for most of the day and had a hard time moving the ball. One of the lone highlights was when Solomon Vault returned an 89-yard kickoff for a touchdown for the Cats’ first score of the day.

While Northwestern would move the ball better in the second half, it was still not enough to hang with the Illini. Northwestern Quarterback, Zack Oliver, completed 23 of 38 passes for 221 yards and a score, but would also throw three interceptions, which would put NU in an early hole.

“Illinois started the game and put us behind the eight ball from the standpoint of being down multiple scores,” Northwestern head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, said. “We got it down to eight, but we couldn’t get over the hump.

So while Northwestern will be at home enjoying the holidays with family, the University of Illinois will be playing football for a few more weeks. That may not matter to most college football fans since it will not be a major bowl game, but to Beckman and his players, it is a dream come true.

“I’m just glad my season with these guys can go as long as it can,” O’Toole said. “I just want to play with these guys for as long as I can, be an Illini for as long as I can and it’s come true. Hopefully, we can come out with a bowl win.”

click below for more on Beckman’s job security at Illinois

Ref: Illinois tops Northwestern – Bowl eligible

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Northern Illinois Knocks off Northwestern 23-15

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fitz

The Northwestern Wildcats may have the title of “Chicago’s Big Ten Team”, however, it is the Northern Illinois Huskies who are the -winningest- team in the state, as well as the Mid American Conference over the last decade.

On Saturday, the two schools located roughly 70 miles from one another, met for the first time since the 2005 season. The Wildcats entered Saturday’s matchup unbeaten against the Huskies with six victories and one tie in 1987. Northwestern was also carrying a 10-game win streak against MAC opponents, however some things change.

Drew Hare threw two touchdowns and ran another to lead NIU past the Wildcats 23-15 at Ryan Field on Saturday, much to the delight of the in state fans who made the trip to cheer on the 2013 MAC champions.

The Huskies (2-0) used all three of their quarterbacks Saturday, but managed to save the best for last. Hare entered the game in the second half and immediately made an impact. He would connect on six of 10 passes for 109 yards, including two touchdown passes to wide reciever Da’Ron Brown, ( six receptions for 128 yards). Hare would also rush for 31 yards and a touchdown.

NU (0-2) struggled offensively throughout the game. Trevor Siemian finished 27 of 41 for 268 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, despite having little pass protection all day. Siemian would leave with an injury late in the fourth quarter.

One bright spot for NU was Kyle Prater who caught his first collegiate touchdown. Prater spoke after the game about what this football team means to him.

“We overcame a lot in the offseason,” Prater said. “We are a family and we still feel that way. We still have that bond, and were just going to keep moving on. We are just getting hit with some adversity right now, and its nothing we can’t overcome”

Whether the Wildcats will be able to overcome this awful start is yet to be seen, one thing is we know for sure is that the Northern Illinois Huskies are “Illinois’ football team”.

Click Below for head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s post game audio

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Big Ten Media Day Breakdown

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Fitzzzz

Big Ten Media Day took over the Hilton in Chicago on Monday and Tuesday, and just in case you didn’t have over eight hours to catch the action on the Big Ten Network, here is the breakdown of some of the main storylines.

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST SEASON WITH THE NEW “COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF”

Now, every game matters even more. The new playoff preserves the excitement and significance of the college football regular season where every game will count. The selection committee will choose the top four teams for the playoff based on the body of work, strength of schedule, head to head results, comparison of results against common opponents, championships won, and other factors. It will also place teams in other New Years bowls.

So now, New Years’ Eve and New Years’ day will have back-to-back triple headers with two semifinals, and four other premier bowl games. Semifinal games will rotate among six different bowls. Our girlfriends/wives will be so happy!!!!!

The championship game will be on a Monday every year, and every FBS team will have equal access to the playoff based on its performance. No teams will qualify automatically.

MARYLAND AND RUTGERS JOINED THE BIG TEN

Yeah I don’t quite understand how this happened either. Anyway, Rutgers has become one of the nations top programs in developing players for the NFL. 86 of the Scarlet Knights have signed NFL Contracts since 2000.

Head coach Kyle Flood explained how he felt about joining the Big Ten. “It feels right,” Flood told the media Monday. “I dont think there is any other conference in the country that we would want to play in, the premier academic athletic confrence that the Big Ten is, and I don’t think theres any better choice the Big Ten could have made than to add Rutgers University.”

The Big Ten made another big choice by bringing in Maryland as well. Maryland Head Coach Randy Edsall talked to the media about the change ahead. “We have 10 new opponents that we have to prepare for,” Edsall said. “So, the spring and summer have been a whirlwind for us coaches from the standpoint of getting to know the teams here in the Big Ten that were going to be playing against”

COACH FITZ IS LOOKING FOR A BOUNCE-BACK SEASON.

Northwestern Wildcats Head Coach, Pat Fitzgerald, will enter his ninth year at the school, where he has led the program to five bowl games in the last six seasons. The Wildcats are coming off a disapointing campaign, however they will have 18 returning starters this season, including quarterback, Trevor Siemian, (who has made the Wildcats “his team” this offseason), and Venrik Mark, (who is coming off an injury).

Coach Fitzgerald commented on his up and downs while at NU. “The last two years have been interesting,” Fitzgerald said at the podium Monday. “2012 we were very fortunate, had great sucess and stayed relativley healthy. Last year we didn’t achieve the sucess we expected in Evanston.”

The Wildcats are coming into the 2014 season looking to bounce back and build the same excitment that was felt when “ESPN’S COLLEGE GAME DAY” paid their first visit to the school before last seasons matchup with Ohio State. Unfortunately, after the loss to the Buckeyes, the Wildcats were bitten by the injury bug and fell apart. Coach Fitz won’t let last season’s collapse or this off-season’s union push get in the way of returning to the top of the Big Ten.

“Looking at 2014, we have 18 returning starters,” Fitz reiterated. “We have a quarterback [Siemian], who has thrown for going on 3500 yards and 20 touchdowns, it starts and ends with the quarterback position.”

Click below for more of coach Fitzgeralds press confrence at Mondays Big Ten Media Day.

THE SPARTANS “ARE THE HUNTED, NO LONGER THE HUNTERS”

Michigan State Head Coach, Mark Dantonio, told that to a room full of reporters and TV cameras on Monday morning. The Spartans are coming off a magnificent season in which they won the Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl (defeating Stanford 24-20).

The Spartans welcome back junior quarterback, Connor Cook, who was the offensive MVP of last years Rose Bowl after completing 22-36 passes for a career 332 yards and two touchdowns.

“Cook’s first season was successful,” Coach Dantonio said. “So it gives him a lot of confidence moving forward, its a major factor in where we are as a football team.”

The Spartans will play in one of the most anticpated college football games of the year, when they travel to Oregon, to play the Ducks on September 6. However coach Dantonio is not over hyping the matchup.

“That game is just one game. If we don’t take care of the rest of the schedule and we win that game, it really means nothing.”

Michigan State begins the year ranked #3 in the AP Poll, and bring back defensive studs Marcus Rush, (7 sacks), and Shilique Calhoun, (Big Ten Defensive player of the year candidate).

For more on Michigan State click the link below:

URBAN MEYER NEEDS TO PROTECT BRAXTON MILLER

He may have tried to sugar-coat it on Monday, but Urban Meyer is worried about his offensive line. Braxton Miller is coming off surgery on his throwing shoulder and does not plan on changing the way he plays the game. “I wont change, I like to compete,” he told me on Monday at the player podium. Meyer discussed Millers health as well.

“He is ready to go,” Meyer said. “He’s full speed, best shape he’s ever been in his life.” “Concern No. 1, that’s it,” Meyer said of the offensive line. “There’s a bunch of concerns, A-X, whatever it is. The No. 1 on the list is developing the offensive line (to protect Miller). I don’t want to say that’s where all of our focus is, but a good portion of it.”

There is a reason Miller’s health is so vital to the teams success. The senior is a leading contender for all major national awards, and already the holder of nine school records. Miller is also on pace to become just the ninth player in Division I history to rush for 40 touchdowns and pass for 40 touchdowns.

The Offensive Line will definitely have to mature by the start of the season, especially with a tougher schedule and a bulls-eye on their backs in the new-look Big Ten.

“I think they’re hungry,” Meyer said of the unproven Line. “I wanted to see a little more growth [in the spring]. And it’s so easy to coach hard, we have coached them real hard all the way through”

A NEW ERA BEGINS FOR PENN STATE

Thats the slogan on the front page of the Nittany Lions yearbook. New head coach James Franklin signed a six-year deal worth $25.5 million in total guaranteed compensation, with a buyout starting out at $5 million and gradually decreasing to $1 million by the last year os his contract.

Franklin came to Penn State from Vanderbilt, where he had been the head coach since 2011 and led the school to three straight bowl games for the first time in schools history. He will take over a team that features the 2013 Big Ten freshman of the year in Christian Hackenberg.

Hackenberg threw for 2,995 yards and 20 touchdowns while completing nearly 60 percent of his passes. He also broke one school record and 12 freshman game for season records last year.

WISCONSIN LOOKS TO RUN BEHIND GREAT O-LINE (Go figure.)

Is it really ever a surprise when Wisconsin has a great runningback following a great offensive line? They will continue that tradition with Melvin Gordon, who will be an early season Heisman canidate. Badgers head coach Gary Andersen talked about his team’s strengths on Monday.

“Obviously Melvin is the running back, he is tremendous,” Andersen said. “The offensive line is healthy, I feel great where they are sitting, we look to be 8-9 deep and in a good position there.”

WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM DEVIN GARDNER?

Michigan quarterback/offensive weapon, Devin Gardner accumulated over 3,443 total yards and 32 total touchdowns last year for the Wolverines. However, many have criticized his sometimes “out of control and unorthodox” play during critical parts of games. This will be his year to prove the doubters wrong.

Gardner had a monster game in a 42-41 loss to Ohio State last season, in which he threw for 451 yards and four touchdowns (with a broken foot). He will have to have to get the job done this year to make sure Wolverines’ head coach, Brady Hoke, doesn’t feel the pressure of being on the hot seat. “The only pressure is, every day, preparing those guys for life after football. Hocke said when asked about the pressure of leading Michigan back to the top of the Big Ten and the national polls.”

Players to Watch

ILLINOIS- Jon Davis, Austin Teitsma

Indiana- David Cooper, Nate Sudfeld, Shane Wynn

IOWA- Carl Davis, Mark Weisman

Maryland- C.J. Brown, Stefon Diggs

Michigan- Devin Gardner, Jake Ryan

Michigan State- Shilique Calhoun, Connor Cook

Minnesota- David Cobb, Cedric Thompson

Northwestern- Collin Ellis, Trevor Siemian

Purdue- Sean Robinson, Ryan Russel

Penn State- Mike Hull, Sam Ficken, Bill Belton

Ohio State- Braxton Miller, Michael Bennet, Jeff Heuerman

Wisconsin- Melvin Gordon, Michael Caputo

Nebraska- Ameer Abdullah

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Northwestern No Match For 10th Ranked Iowa

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nu

Northwestern came into Saturday’s home matchup against Iowa on a high note after winning 3 of 4, including a double overtime thriller against Purdue, and an upset victory over then 23rd ranked Illinois.

However, the Wildcats just did not have enough depth to hang with the 10th ranked Hawkeye’s, who beat them 76-50 Saturday afternoon in a rematch of the two teams’ Jan. 9 game in Iowa City, in which the Hawkeyes won 93-67 after shooting 64.3 percent during the second half.

Northwestern looked good in the first half, despite never having the lead, by once again emphasizing tough defense to make up for their lack of scoring and depth. Iowa turned the ball over 10 times and star player, Roy Devyn Marble, was held scoreless for the first 20 minutes.

The Wildcats went into the half down only 30-24, behind 13 points from Senior Drew Crawford. The second half was a different story as they could not buy a bucket and started to show fatigue.

“I think that’s why they won. I really do,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. “Our guys were playing hard. That’s what I’m saying. This wasn’t like they played harder than us. Both teams played really hard. They’re just better than us.”

Point guard Dave Sobolewski made his return to the team after missing the last four games (concussion), but was unable to make a difference going scoreless in 10 minutes of action off the bench.

Crawford would finish with a game high 20 points on 8-17 shooting, but he only hit 3 field goals in the second half, when Iowa put the Wildcats away for good.

“Obviously Iowa’s a tremendous team. Give them credit, but we didn’t play our best, especially in the second half,” Crawford said. “I think that’s a team we’re capable of competing with for 40 minutes and tonight we weren’t able to do that.”

Iowa was led by 14 second half points from leading scorer Roy Devyn Marble, and Gabriel Olaseni added a double double of  14 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawkeyes (16-4, 5-2), who avoided losing consecutive games for the first time this season after a tough loss to Michigan on Wednesday.

The Hawkeyes shot 51% from the field and 41% from three point range, while Northwestern (10-11) shot only 36% from the field and 20% from downtown.

“Our margin for error is slim,” Collins said. “When we play a team this good we’re going to have to shoot well and we’re going to have to not turn over. We’re going to have to hope they miss some shots that they normally hit.”

Northwestern is now 10-11 on the year and 3-5 in the Big Ten. They travel to Wisconsin next Wednesday for a meeting with the 9th ranked Badgers.

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