Northwestern fends off Illinois to help bowl bid with 7th win

Mike Kafka threw for 305 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score in Northwestern's 21-16 win Saturday over Illinois.

They don't know drama

The Illinois-Northwestern rivalry has been mostly subdued the past five years.

Friendly fire

High school friends on each side of UI-NU rivalry get another chance to trash-talk.

Week 11 college football preview

Scott Powers' Week 11 college football preview

Week 10 college football preview

Scott Powers' Week 10 college football preview

Powers' Week 9 college football preview

Scott Powers' Week 9 college football preview

Squandered chances

Northwestern, Illinois and Northern Illinois all squandered opportunities on Saturday to make statements for the 2009 Football Bowl Subdivision season.

Kids go to Big Ten Fan Camp

Being a Big Ten football fan requires training and early indoctrination. Just check out the camaraderie and activities the kids go through at Big Ten summer camp.

EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Juice Williams #7 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drops back to pass the football as he looks for a receiver down field against the...

FBO: Powering up in the Big Ten

Football Outsiders looks at 2009 in the Big Ten and finds a few surprising trends: sleeper pick Illinois only projects as a 4-8 team, but the Michigan Wolverines project as -- gasp! -- an 8-4 squad.

Story | Conversation | August 28, 2009

Numbers don't lie for Big Ten

Ohio State has held up as the Big Ten flagship, but the Buckeyes haven't received much help the past few seasons.

Big Ten villains, past and present

...villains, current and all-time, and I'll have a post Tuesday with the responses. ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI Current villain: Iowa. Until last year, the Hawkeyes had won five straight against the Illini, and...

What to watch in the Big Ten this spring

...t-miss information about spring ball and a team-by-team look at what to watch: Illinois Fighting Illini Spring practice starts: March 31 Spring game: April 25 What to watch: The defense needs leaders...

ESPN The Magazine previews: Big Ten

ESPN The Magazine's August 24 issue contains previews of every conference in college football. This is the Big Ten preview.

Story | Conversation | August 11, 2009

EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Juice Williams #7 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs with the football against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on November 22, 2008 in...