Two former Penn State and current NFL players joined the show in Chicago’s BTN studio. First, Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson discussed how he spends his offseason, how he embraces the Windy City and how he's handling the disappointment of last season’s heartbreaking playoff loss. (3:30-16:20)

Then, Green Bay Packers kicker Sam Ficken chatted about the psyche and lifestyle of a professional kicker, overcoming struggles at the position in college and how former Bears kicker Robbie Gould mentored him through a rough patch in Happy Valley. (18:00-33:30)

Finally, producer Colleen Degnan returned for her #CollForTheCulture segment to discuss the intersection of sports and pop culture, including NBA Draft Lottery comedy and the potential demise of her beloved Portland Trailblazers. (34:30-end)

Ep. 103 - Allen Robinson and Sam Ficken

Hosted by Alex Roux of BTN.com, the Take Ten Podcast is a series of discussions with prominent Big Ten-related personalities. Guests will include current and former players and coaches, as well as influential media members and anyone else with unique insight into Big Ten sports.

Sports

Former Creighton and Kansas basketball player Nick Bahe joined the show and shared his journey to becoming a college basketball analyst for Fox Sports, broke down this week's NBA Draft prospects in the Big Ten, projected some surprise Big Ten teams next basketball season and explained the Nebraska/Creighton rivalry. (1:41-40:30)

Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton III joined to catch up on all things Big Ten football and basketball during the summer months, including optimism from his alma mater of Michigan State. (41:30-end)

Ep. 183 - Nick Bahe

Star Rutgers playmaker Bo Melton joined the Take Ten Podcast to discuss his preparation for the NFL Draft, his career with the Scarlet Knights and more. 

Then, Big Ten Network Mgr. of Research Harold Shelton joined to discuss the home stretch of the Big Ten Basketball race.

Ep. 182 - Bo Melton

Northwestern alum Nate Taphorn joined and shared memories from the 2017 NCAA Tournament run by the Wildcats, the years that built up to the “First Dance” season and discussed his current career. (2:35-33:24)

Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined and broke down the week’s action in Big Ten Basketball. (33:24-end)

Ep. 181 - Nate Taphorn

Former Michigan State Basketball star Maurice Ager joined and shared his pursuits in the decade-and-a-half since suiting up for the Spartans, his favorite memories as college hooper and his Final Four run reflections from 2005. (2:20-29:40) 

Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined to catch up on the latest in the Big Ten Basketball standings, trends and developments of the past week.  (31:10-end)

Ep. 180 - Maurice Ager

All-B1G punter Blake Hayes joined and discussed the unique process that led him from Melbourne, Australia to Illinois, the renaissance of the Punter on social media and his favorite moments from his Illini career. (2:02-34:37) 

Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton put a bow on the college football season, broke down the tweaks to the 2022 B1G football schedule and checked in on the early B1G men’s basketball title and scoring chases. (36:17-end)

Ep. 103 - Allen Robinson and Sam Ficken

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