Mike Helfgot

The only man who loves saying "football" more than Jim Harbaugh is Jerry Jones, the unofficial host of this Big Ten-SEC clash at AT&T Stadium. The key question: Will Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire be under center for the Gators?

NIU keeping QB decision real quiet before opener vs. Boston College

June 2, 2018 at 9:44 p.m.

The position battle started even before spring practice, a series of mini-competitions really, and extended all the way into the final week of August. For months they struggled over who...

Illinois State kicker Sean Slattery, right, celebrates with quarterback Koty Thelen after scoring the game-winning field goal as Northwestern running back Justin Jackson, left, reacts.

Illinois State’s versatile Brannon Barry is difficult to keep off the field

June 3, 2018 at 12:23 a.m.

The last-second field goal that beat Northwestern last fall was, in Brannon Barry's words, "one of the top five memories of my life." Barry didn't make the kick that gave...

Commissioner Jim Delany thought his Friday night lights plan would be a hit. Nope. New Indiana coach Tom Allen spoke for many when he called Friday "high school night." Eyeball-seeking Illinois will play twice on Fridays, but Northwestern got two Friday games moved to Saturday. Penn State and Michigan also appear to have no interest.

NIU receiver Chad Beebe back from injury, inspired by father’s unlikely path

June 3, 2018 at 1:08 a.m.

His football career hanging in the balance, Chad Beebe didn't have to look far for inspiration. The Northern Illinois wide receiver's father is a faith-based motivational speaker — not to...

Northern Illinois quarterback Ryan Graham during the second quarter against Toledo Rockets at Guaranteed Rate Field on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2016.

Three quarterbacks in the running for Northern Illinois’ starting job

June 3, 2018 at 5:06 a.m.

Rod Carey is not, in his words, a "two-quarterback guy." Three weeks before a major-conference opponent comes to DeKalb for the first time since 2003, the fifth-year Northern Illinois coach...

Bastian Schweinsteiger takes a picture with a fan outside the Wrigley Building on April 19, 2017 during his portrait session with the Tribune.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has Fire heading in right direction

June 3, 2018 at 8:49 p.m.

The finger-pointing is out in the open for all to see. As an international superstar Bastian Schweinsteiger has the kind of clout to direct traffic as kind of a coach...

Atlanta United defender Leandro Gonzalez (5) tries to score over Chicago Fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (31) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Toyota Park.

Fire extend unbeaten streak to seven with 2-0 home win over Atlanta United

June 4, 2018 at 6:31 p.m.

If the Fire were trying to send a message Saturday to Atlanta United and the rest of Major League Soccer, they may have come up short. That's a pessimistic view,...

Mr. Basketball of Illinois Charlie Moore on March 24, 2016.

Former Mr. Basketball Charlie Moore picks Kansas over Illinois

June 5, 2018 at 8:24 a.m.

Illinois' new coaching staff was attempting to make a splash by bringing in the state's last two Mr. Basketball winners at the same time. The 2016 honoree, Morgan Park's Charlie...

Young's <font color="#FF0000"><strong>Lucas</strong></font> <font color="#FF0000"><strong>Williamson</strong></font>shoots a layup against Simeon's Madison Lowery on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Young’s Lucas Williamson chooses Loyola for basketball

May 13, 2019 at 1:20 a.m.

Loyola's incoming recruiting class already featured the state's most productive center and a high-flying forward who had been on the major-conference radar for years. On Monday, the Ramblers added the...

<font color="#FF0000"><strong>Orr</strong></font>'s <font color="#FF0000"><strong>Dannie</strong></font> <font color="#FF0000"><strong>Smith</strong></font>shoots against Uplift's Deion Jackson (13) and Chris Trimuel (1) during the Class 2A <font color="#FF0000"><strong>Orr</strong></font> Regional championship Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 in Chicago.

Preps Plus/WGN-9 Athlete of the Month: Orr’s Dannie Smith

May 13, 2019 at 1:19 a.m.

Division Street literally lives up to its name on the Near North Side, at least in Patrick Steward's mind. Concerned by the street's notorious ability to divide the kids who...

West head coach Gary DeCesare of St. Rita gives direction to his team during the McDonald's All-American game Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the United Center.

Defensive stand wins McDonald’s All-American game for West

May 13, 2019 at 1:19 a.m.

A replay of the blocked shot was not shown in the arena, so Brandon McCoy could confidently say it was not goaltending. As for the rules against defense in an...

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