Around The Big Ten - September 27th

September 27, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Testudo Times)

What a difference a month makes.  30 days ago, Mel Tucker was deep in preparations for his 4th season as head of the Michigan State program.  Today, he's jobless - officially fired for cause amidst sexual harassment allegations.  Expect a lawsuit in an attempt to recoup some $80 million that's left on his contract, but Tucker's collegiate career appears to be over.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigan-state-fires-mel-tucker-fourth-year-coach-removed-amid-sexual-harassment-allegations/

 

The Spartans travel to Iowa this weekend.  The Hawkeyes are no longer considered the frontrunner to win the Big Ten West after suffering through their first shutout since 2000.  It's the same old story in Iowa City; what's wrong with this offense?

https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-football/data-analysis-similar-problems-no-magic-answers-for-iowas-offense-through-four-games/

 

Maryland has a shot at its first 5-0 start since 2001 when Indiana comes to town.  Beware of the Terrapins' opportunistic defense, which ranks 2nd in the FBS in takeaways after recording five in the blowout win at Michigan State last weekend.

https://www.testudotimes.com/2023/9/27/23889676/maryland-terps-football-timely-turnovers-early-success

 

Nebraska has back-to-back wins for the first time under new head coach Matt Rhule.  Now comes 2nd ranked Michigan and the Wolverines are heavy favorites in their first road game of the season.

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2023/09/25/matt-rhule-jim-harbaugh-michigan-nebraska-football-rebuild/70963472007/

 

Podcasts

Illini Crush Western Michigan - #502

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - $100 Million Donation, Illini Football Update & Canelo vs Crawford S5Ep5 - 9.12.25

Listen

Illinois Football Preview - Western Michigan - #501

Listen

Illini Destroy Duke 45-19 #500

Listen

Illini FB at Duke & Arch Panic - S5Ep4 - 9.5.25

Listen

Illini Football Preview versus Duke - #499

Listen

Illini Destroy Leathernecks 52-3 - #498

Listen

Illini FB is Here, So Is Petrovic & Illini in NFL - S5Ep3 - 8.29.25

Listen

I on the Illini - Western Illinois Preview #497

Listen

Illini FB & BB Updates & Phil Steele on the 2025 Illini FB Season - S5Ep2 - 8.22.25

Listen

1st Show of 5th Season, Illini FB Ranked #12 - S5Ep1 - 8.15.25

Listen

The Top 5 Illini Basketball Coaches in IlliniGuy Memory - #496

Listen

Greg Glass – NIL Primer & Can Fanstake.com Help Attract & Retain Athletic Talent - #495

Listen

Interviews with Bret Bielema, Cam Crocker & Matt Stevens - S4Ep52 - 8.8.25

Listen

Illini FB Coach Bret Bielema Chats with Mike & Rob Louthain Talks NIL & Illini Media - #494

Listen