Off Tackle Empire

In 1797, a Philadelphia socialite asked Benjamin Franklin, of the new American nation, “What have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Reader, Off Tackle Empire makes no claim to be important; rather, it is a silly place on the internet. But I hope you’ll indulge me at least that introduction in the hopes of a payoff somehow, some way, down the line. When this site began eighteen years ago, I was still in high school and had no idea it existed.

The Big Ten Media Days, like those of other conferences, serve as the unofficial kickoff to the college football season. With fall camp just days away, the three-day media event serves as a reminder – and advertisement, in a sense – that the college season is just around the corner. But more than just an advertisement, the Big Ten Media Days are an up-close-and-personal introduction to the coaches and players that will be taking center stage this fall.

Big Ten-SEC narratives abound in Week 2. This is, of course, the week of Power 5 matchups across the Big Ten as well as a VERY timely rest break for a team who really earned it in Week 1. Ohio State Buckeyes at Texas Longhorns Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6:30pm | ABC “Can Arch Manning win the Heisman?” I ask, checking to make sure all the SEO is finished on the article before I walk out into traffic. Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6:30pm | NBC I mean, obviously.

Is it something I’m putting out there? Flying for business today—good old MSP. I’ve been through here three times now in the last month and a half, which is just fine for me, someone who likes to fly, likes MSP, and likes having my groin touched.

Rutgers vs. UMass (Thursday, 9/3 — 5pm, BTN) Illinois vs. UAB (Thursday, 9/3 — 8pm, BTN) Purdue vs. Indiana State (Friday, 9/4 — 6pm, BTN) Michigan State vs. Toledo (Friday, 9/4 — 7pm, BTN) USC vs. Fresno State (Friday, 9/4 — 8pm, FOX) Indiana vs. North Texas (Saturday, 9/5 — 11am, FOX) Nebraska vs. Ohio (Saturday, 9/5 — 11am, FS1) Ohio State vs. Ball State (Saturday, 9/5 — 11:30am, BTN) Oregon vs. Boise State (Saturday, 9/5 — 2:30pm, CBS) Penn State vs. Marshall (Saturday, 9/5 — 2:30pm, FS1) Iowa vs.

Nov 22, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin on the sidelines before the start of the game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images Neville E.

Aug 23, 2025; Dublin, IRELAND; College football fans arrive before the Aer Lingus Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO via Imagn Images INPHO via Imagn Images When does the college football season start? When is Week 0 of the college football season? These are questions that search engines would like me to optimize for you. Well, well, well. Long time, no talk.

Bolting the Blue Headline says it all, no? After compiling a 64-13 record, two Big Ten titles, and a national championship, Ol’ Musty Day appears poised to leave Ann Arbor for the dustier, cow-townier pastures of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Per USA Today, he was poised to make $4.85 million in 2026-27, with a buyout reduced to $5 million after the conclusion of last season.

Dear God, how many B1G West teams can play in one World Cup? Thus continues my sure-to-be-ill-fated attempt to write Big Ten-centric guides to all 48 teams in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. If you’d like to know how to watch these games, as well as whether you should watch them, I’ve already covered and solved all the ethical questions you could ever possibly need answered here: Clearly the answer is “Yes,” otherwise the rest of this dumb series wouldn’t be happening.

Cheap shots, daddy’s money, a loud American, plus quiet competence…YOU TELL ME WHICH BIG TEN TEAMS YOU THOUGHT OF. Thus continues my sure-to-be-ill-fated attempt to write Big Ten-centric guides to all 48 teams in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.