>>Illinois Starts Big Ten Play

(West Lafayette, IN)  --  Illinois opens up Big Ten play tonight at Purdue.  The Fighting Illini are ranked 14th. 
Illinois is 13-and-1 on the season while Purdue enters the game at 6-and-6. You can hear that game on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

>>Bears' Offense, Lack Of Playoff Success Led To Smith's Firing

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bears' inconsistent offense is what ended up doing in Lovie Smith as head coach.  Bears general manager Phil Emery noted yesterday the team had one offense ranked in the top 15 during Smith's tenure as head coach, compared to their top-ranked defense.  The team had also missed the
playoffs five out of the last six seasons.  Emery says it was his decision alone
to let Smith go, despite a 10-and-6 record.

>>Northwestern Wins First Bowl Game Since 1949

(Jacksonville, FL)  -- Northwestern posted its first bowl win in 64 years following a 34-20 victory
over Mississippi State in the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl in Jacksonville.  Venrick
Mark, Trevor Siemian and Tyris Jones all ran for touchdowns as the Wildcats
earned their first bowl win since a victory in the 1949 Rose Bowl.

>>Seminoles Rock Northern Illinois In Orange Bowl

(Miami Gardens, FL)  --  Lonnie Pryor ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries
as Florida State rolled Northern Illinois in the Orange Bowl, 31-10.  Jordan
Lynch had 176 yards with a touchdown and interception while rushing for 44 yards
for the Huskies.  NIU became the first one-loss team from a non-BCS conference
to play in a BCS bowl game.  The Huskies finish the year at 12-and-2.