ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference’s commitment to student-athletes, sportsmanship and the Commissioner’s duty to protect the integrity of competition will never waver. Today’s decision by the University of Michigan to withdraw its legal challenge against the Conference’s November 10th Notice of Disciplinary Action is indicative of the high standards and values that the Conference and the University seek to uphold. The University of Michigan is a valued member of the Big Ten Conference and the Conference will continue to work cooperatively with the University and the NCAA during this process.

Iowa State basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger likes the progress he has seen from his team earlky in the season. The Cyclones have posted three straight blowout wins heading into Sunday’s game at home against Grambling State.

Otzelberger feels the Cyclones have improved on offense without having it effect their defense.

The schedule gets much tougher soon, but Otzelberger says right now it is about getting experience.

After 47 seasons as a head football coach, including the last 17 at Webster City, Bob Howard has announced he is retiring. Quinn Douglas reports.

Wartburg hopes to make a run at a national title when the third ranked Knights open the NCAA Division III playoffs at home on Saturday against Illinois College. Wartburg made it to the national semifinals last season.

That’s Wartburg coach Chris Winter. The Knights could spend much of their playoff run at home.

Illinois College enters the playoffs with a record of 9-1.

Wartburg linebacker and former Dyersville Beckman standout Owen Grover is part of a defense that gives up less than nine points per game. He says that unit will be tested by the Blueboys.

Drake will wrap up sole possession of the Pioneer Football League championship and a trip to the FCS playoffs with a win at Butler on Saturday. The Bulldogs clinched at least a share of the title with a win over Presbyterian combined with a Davidson loss to Morehead State of Kentucky. The tie breakers all work against Drake, so the Bulldogs need a win to get into the playoffs.

That’s Drake coach Todd Stepsis. A year after starting 0-8 the Bulldogs have a chance to clinch a first-ever trip to the FCS playoffs.

To have a chance the offense will need to finish drives. In the last two games the Bulldogs have failed to score several times at the goal line.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The weekly radio show for University of Iowa men’s and women’s basketball, Hawk Talk, will debut in the coming weeks.

Each show will be broadcast live on participating affiliates of the Hawkeye Radio Network and the official Iowa Hawkeyes’ YouTube channel.

Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder, presented by Oaknoll, will debut on Monday, Nov. 20, and will be broadcast each week for 60 minutes from 6-7 p.m. (CT) from the restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel located at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville. Host Rob Brooks will take an inside look surrounding the program with Coach Bluder.

Hawk Talk with Fran McCaffery, presented by the Hyatt Regency, will debut on Monday, Nov. 27, and will air weekly for 90 minutes from 7-8:30 p.m. (CT) from the restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel located at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville. Hosts Gary Dolphin and Bob Hansen will discuss your questions and comments about the program with Coach McCaffery.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa football tackle Noah Shannon will serve as honorary captain when the Hawkeyes host Illinois in their home finale Saturday on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:35 p.m. (CT) and the game will be televised on FS1.

Shannon played 42 games over the past four seasons, including starting all 27 contests for the Hawkeyes in 2021 and 2022. He totaled 107 tackles, 11 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 pass break-ups and a forced fumble. Shannon also played in the last two Hawkeye bowl games (2022 Citrus Bowl; 2022 Music City Bowl).

The Aurora, Illinois, native was a two-time honorable mention all-conference selection. He earned the team’s Hustle Award (defense) and Hayden Fry Award (defense) as a junior and senior, respectively.

A two-time Player Council representative, Shannon will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss.

Iowa star Cooper DeJean has been lost for the season after suffering a lower leg injury in practice. DeJean is one of the nation’s top defensive player and he also led the Big Ten in punt returns.

That’s Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz on Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz. He says recovery will take at least six to eight weeks.

DeJean’s loss is a blow to the defense and special team units that have carried Iowa to an 8-2 record. Ferentz says redshirt freshman Deshaun Lee will step in at corner.

Kick returner Kaden Wetjen will take over punt return duties.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Junior defensive back Cooper DeJean will miss the remainder of the 2023 football season, University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz announced Wednesday. DeJean suffered an injury to his lower leg.

“This is truly heartbreaking for Cooper,” Ferentz said. “He has played extremely well and is a real playmaker on our team. We will all support Cooper during his recovery, which will continue into the new year.

“This has been a season filled with challenges for our team. I am proud of how our players have responded with tremendous grit and determination. We are focused on Saturday,” added Ferentz.

DeJean is one of the nation’s top college football players in 2023. He is a finalist for the Nagurski Award and is also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe, Lott IMPACT and Bednarik awards.

The Odebolt, Iowa, played nearly 400 snaps in coverage this season without giving up a touchdown. He leads the Hawkeyes in pass break-ups (5), is second in interceptions (2) and seventh in tackles (41) in 2023.

DeJean leads the Big Ten and ranks 13th nationally with an 11.5 punt return average. He had a 70-yard game-deciding touchdown late in the fourth quarter against Michigan State.

Iowa (8-2, 5-2) will host Illinois (5-5, 3-4) in its home finale Saturday at 2:35 p.m. (CT) on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. The game will be televised on FS1 and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.