Notre Dame QB Tommy Rees fills undefined role with confidence

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Tommy Rees is giving new meaning to the term ‘‘option quarterback.’’ The junior from Lake Forest isn’t Notre Dame’s starter, but he’s not exactly a backup, either. And, no, Irish coach Brian Kelly says Rees isn’t part of a two-quarterback rotation. …

Finally, Big Ten play to get under way — for league’s sake

It’s not the Big Ten’s worst nonconference showing in a long time. It only seems that way. With two nonconference games to go, plus bowl games, the league’s .717 winning percentage (33-13) actually is higher than its final out-of-conference percentage for the last four years. …

Michigan QB Denard Robinson just hasn’t been himself under Brady Hoke

Denard Robinson has shown an escapability not seen by many college quarterbacks over the last four years.

The one escape he didn’t make, and should be regretting, was leaving the Michigan program when Brady Hoke took over as coach before the 2011 season.

Each week …

Notre Dame stifles Denard Robinson, snaps skid vs. Michigan

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — In the last month, Notre Dame has transformed itself from a national afterthought with an impossible schedule into a top-10 team with two beaten ranked rivals behind it and a legitimate path to a BCS bowl game ahead of it. Yet …

Irish defense vs. Wolverines: Pick-’em game

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame’s passing game was bad enough in the first half to send Everett Golson to the bench. But Michigan’s passing game was bad enough in the first half to defy all logic. The Wolverines’ last five passes of the half …

Illinois no match for Louisiana Tech in blowout loss

CHAMPAIGN — The good news is, the Big Ten is looking more and more wide-open, especially in the Leaders Division. Preseason favorite Wisconsin continued to look mortal while surviving a 37-26 skirmish Satur- day against UTEP. With Ohio State and Penn State — who aren’t so …

Coach Tim Beckman says Illinois will look at QB situation this week

CHAMPAIGN — Playing for the first time in Illinois’ last three games, Nate Scheelhaase came out firing before giving way to Reilly O’Toole at the end of the first quarter after an interception and a fumble led to 14 Louisiana Tech points. Scheelhaase completed his …

Northwestern goes to 4-0, gains momentum for Big Ten play

A schedule that resulted in Northwestern being the only Big Ten team to start the season against three BCS opponents offered a breather Saturday. The Wildcats took full advantage, turning in the type of decisive victory that has been a rarity for a program that …

Pat Fitzgerald has to sweat hard hits on QBs Kain Colter, Trevor Siemian

One of the reasons why Pat Fitzgerald isn’t afraid to play two quarterbacks is because the Northwestern coach is convinced he’ll need them both before the season is done. If Kain Colter and Trevor Siemian keep taking hits as they did in Saturday’s 38-7 rout …

Martel Moore’s 65-yard TD jump-starts another rally by Northern Illinois

DeKALB — Dave Doeren didn’t necessarily want to admit his team has done a good job of rallying, but he couldn’t deny it after Northern Illinois dumped Kansas 30-23 on Saturday.“I hate to say it, but we’re pretty good at coming back,” the second-year Huskies …

Notre Dame seniors owe-for-3 against Michigan

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame’s schedule is littered with storied rivalries — historic matchups that date back decades and wake up the echoes and the ratings and the hairs on the necks of longtime fans across the country. But history is often lost on …

Illinois needs to build momentum against Louisiana Tech

It might sound early to talk about a crossroads game. But there are a lot of reasons to think Illinois’ matchup Saturday night against Louisiana Tech will set the tone for coach Tim Beckman’s first season. For starters, the Illini are expected to welcome back …

Pat Fitzgerald won’t let Northwestern let up

To make sure Northwestern, which is undefeated against FBS opponents, doesn’t overlook FCS member South Dakota when the Coyotes visit Ryan Field on Saturday, coach Pat Fitzgerald announced that all but three offensive positions were up for grabs to promote competition in practice. He keeps …

Northern Illinois looking for revenge against Kansas

DeKALB — It’s been a long time coming. On Saturday, Huskie Stadium will play host to a team from a BCS conference for the first time since 2003 when Northern Illinois (2-1) takes on Kansas (1-2). Last season, the Jayhawks beat the Huskies 45-42 in …

Florida State could make run at national title with victory over Clemson

I guess I’m the only one who doesn’t get it. Notre Dame is taking bows — and receiving accolades — for joining the ACC except in football, which is what matters most to Notre Dame. The noble Irish have even deigned to play five ACC …