Posted on Nov 24, 2009 by Mike Hlas . Iowa's Kirk Ferentz put an armbar on the Big Ten Football Coach of the Year award at midseason.

This decade was quite an interesting time for the Northwestern offense. It began in 2000, with spread offense being implemented by head coach Randy Walker and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.

Home > Blogs > The Hlog by Mike Hlas > The Hlist: Nebraska and Northwestern riding high - Minnesota, not so much The Hlog by Mike Hlas The Hlist: Nebraska and Northwestern riding high - Minnesota, not so much Posted on Nov 23, 2009 by Mike Hlas .

Rutgers ' stay in the Associated Press top 25 will certainly be a brief one. The Scarlet Knights , voted into the poll last weekend, were upset yesterday by Syracuse , 31-13. Playing at home in Syracuse , N.Y., the Orange sacked Rutgers ' Tom Savage nine times, tying a Syracuse record.

EVANSTON, Ill. - Mike Kafka hit Andrew Brewer with two first-half touchdown passes and Brian Peters and Jordan Mabin made key defensive plays late as Northwestern beat No.

Tomorrow afternoon, 21 NU seniors will play at Ryan Field for the final time. They've been through hell and have emerged as one of the most successful senior classes in Northwestern football history.

At Winston-Salem, N.C., Jermaine Thomas rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown, E.J. Manuel was effective in his first career start quarterback, and Florida State kept its bowl hopes alive with a 41-28 victory over Wake Forest .

The 17th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers and Northwestern Wildcats meet for the first time since 2006, as they collide in a Big Ten battle this weekend at Ryan Field.

Mike Kafka spent the third quarter carving up the Illinois' defense and building a 21-3 lead for Northwestern.

Mike Kafka threw for 305 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score and Sherrick McManis made a last-minute interception to preserve Northwestern's 21-16 win Saturday over Illinois.

Getting offensive: Mike Kafka threw for 305 yards, completing 23 of 37 passes without an interception.

Illinois linebacker Ian Thomas brings down Northwestern running back Jacob Schmidt during the first half.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Senior quarterback Mike Kafka will get the start for Northwestern, though backup Dan Persa also will see plenty of playing time.

Illinois quarterback Jacob Charest looks to throw against Minnesota during the first half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov.

Here's proof Dan Persa's right hand is OK: He has no trouble offering a firm handshake.

Northwestern has issued its official injury report for Saturday's game at Illinois .

Northwestern vs. Illinois , Saturday, Noon ET Line: Illinois by 5. Series Record: Illinois leads, 52-45-5. Last meeting: 2008, Northwestern 27-10. What's at Stake Northwestern has two shots left to improve its bowl position, while Illinois, with three games left, is fighting the odds to win out and gain bowl eligibility after a 1-6 start.

Asked to name their biggest rival, the three Northwestern players at the podium Monday did not hesitate.

Getting offensive: Northwestern gained a season-low 239 yards, and it didn't matter.

It's Land of Lincoln Trophy week. Northwestern at Illinois. 11 a.m. Saturday. ESPN Classic.