B5Q Blogopean Union: free tickets and pictures with trophies, it’s time for hockey this weekend!

Good morning! This is going to be a daily(ish) post that discusses the goings on of the rest of the Big Ten Conference, and the country as needed. Much like the European Union, the Big Ten is a loosely confederated group of entities that sometimes have the same goals (like free movement of people between countries or not winning national titles in football or basketball) and sometimes accept new members that they later regret (Estonia or Nebraska).

We hope that you will use this post to comment on things happening around the conference and also as a sort of daily open thread to discuss breaking news or argue about Spotted Cow (which we NO LONGER DO).

• It’s a bummer that you’ll have to keep your shirt on, but getting your picture with the trophy is still pretty cool. The Badgers open the season on Friday night at 7 p.m. CT against Michigan Tech. Both games in the series will be televised on Bally Sports Wisconsin.

• The dean says go get and get free hockey tickets which, if movies have taught me anything, is the first cool thing a dean has ever done in the history of college.

• Hmm, for our preseason analysis of the team I think we’re going to need WAY more information about this puppy.

• It was Wisconsin men’s basketball day at The Athletic on Wednesday and Jesse Temple did his usual excellent job in previewing the team. Definitely worth a read ($) if you’ve got time this week.
• Wanna make football recruiting videos? The Badgers have a job for you!

• Looks like a fun time was had by all at the PAC the MAC event last weekend.

• Another day, another sweep for the volleyball team.

• A preview of the Minnesota men’s hockey team who, along with Michigan and Wisconsin, should be among the best teams in the conference (and country).
• Bret Bielema is trying to build a Wisconsin-like program in Champaign.
• Does Iowa football have a talent problem?
• Speaking of Iowa, their game against Penn State on Saturday, which is a battle of top-five teams mind you, should be a real banger. Here are all of the important stats you need to know.
• Nebraska men’s hoops adds another 3-star 2022 commit.
• Meanwhile, Juwan Howard secured his first commitment for the 2024 (!!!) class this week.
• No. 8 Rutgers women’s soccer STOMPED No. 16 Michigan 4-1 on Wednesday.

• Maryland lost their first football game of the year last Friday. They can’t let it derail their entire season.