Morning Box Score: Blackhawks Crown Kings; NU, Illini Lose
Jonathan Toews's ability to win faceoffs was the difference yesterday against the Kings. Toews scored in the second period after winning a faceoff against Mike Richards to put the Blackhawks ahead to stay. Toews leads the NHL in faceoff winning percentage and won 11 of 20 last night. Corey Crawford stopped 26 of 27 shots faced and Andrew Brunette also scored for the Hawks, who seem to have righted themselves on their "circus trip" after losing three straight.
College Football
Oh, to be a fly on the wall to hear what Illinois coach Ron Zook said to motivate his team. It sure as hell didn't work as the Golden Gophers thoroughly dominated the Illini, who have now dropped six in a row. They're technically still bowl eligible based on a .500 record, but what bowl game would want them?
Michigan State 31, Northwestern 17
The Spartans marched into Evanston and earned a trip to the inaugural Big Ten title game behind six sacks of WIldcats quarterback Dan Persa, a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown by Keshawn Martin and the play of Kirk Cousins, who became Michigan State's career leader for touchdown passes. Persa passed for 245 yards and two touchdowns, but Michigan State showed why they deserved to win the Big Ten's Legends division.
