BuckeyeNation
Brad Bournival writes
: The Buckeyes are in good shape at most recruiting needs for the 2014 class with one notable exception.
NittanyNation
Josh Moyer writes: 2016 QB Todd LaRocca sent some film to Penn State, and the Nittany Lions already have responded positively.
WolverineNation
Tom VanHaaren writes: Jabrill Peppers, the nation’s No. 2 prospect, will announce his decision on Sunday on ESPNU. Here’s a timeline of events in Peppers’ recruitment leading up to his decision.
VanHaaren writes: Peppers enjoys his ties to 1990s rap icons Naughty by Nature, who grew up with Peppers’ father in New Jersey.
Brad Bournival writes
: The Buckeyes are in good shape at most recruiting needs for the 2014 class with one notable exception.
NittanyNation
Josh Moyer writes
: 2016 QB Todd LaRocca sent some film to Penn State, and the Nittany Lions already have responded positively.
WolverineNation
Tom VanHaaren writes
: Jabrill Peppers, the nation’s No. 2 prospect, will announce his decision on Sunday on ESPNU. Here’s a timeline of events in Peppers’ recruitment leading up to his decision.
VanHaaren writes
: Peppers enjoys his ties to 1990s rap icons Naughty by Nature, who grew up with Peppers’ father in New Jersey.
Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier discusses last year's undefeated season, areas where he can improve, and the team's biggest question mark on defense.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday weekend.
Kevin from Minneapolis writes: Adam, Morgan Burke's comments comparing the difference in the number of varsity sports sponsored by Big Ten and SEC athletic departments translating to on the field performance are rather perplexing, but he is really missing the other half of the argument. If you want to correlate the business side of college football with wins/losses, the focal point has to be on the investment in facilities and the resulting impact on recruiting. It is hard to make an argument that having to support additional non-revenue sports causes Big Ten teams to lag behind when in recent years we have seen programs like Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Michigan hurling millions at (football only) Student Performance Centers. Heck, Nebraska's weight room is said by some as being the best in the country, trumping even the SEC. I could see how non-revenue sports affect the Big Ten athletic departments operating in the red, but I'm not buying this argument from those with a net profit.
Adam Rittenberg: Good points here, Kevin. The Big Ten isn't lagging behind in football facilities and boasts some of the best stadiums/practice complexes in the FBS. Every team in the league either has completed a renovation or a new project, is in the construction process (Iowa, Wisconsin) or is raising funds (Northwestern). But facilities are only one piece of the recruiting process. Assistant coaches are another, and Big Ten programs aren't as willing to throw boatloads of money at top assistants as SEC programs, in part because they have more sports to fund. There have been some increases in this area in recent years, but on average, Big Ten assistants aren't making what SEC assistants earn. I recently asked Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, whose department sponsors 36 sports, if Big Ten programs have the resources to compete nationally in football. He said they do. Still, Burke makes a notable point about the different athletic models and football being a religion in the South. When football season ends, most Big Ten fans turn their attention to basketball. That's not the same in the SEC. Football is a bigger deal in that region year-round.
Mike H. from Pittsburgh writes: Regarding the Big Ten and SEC having different models: While it may slightly hurt the Big Ten, in relation to the SEC, not devoting all of its revenue to football, it can not be blamed for the struggles. First of all, like the high standard of academics being important, having broader and more sports programs is advantageous and respectable. True most have low interest and lose money, but as a recent graduate, many students take pride in all of their teams. I think it is awesome that PSU has one of the best all-around sports programs in the country. While as a football writer you could care less about non-revenue sports, the broad sports programs most importantly provide opportunities for more student-athletes to get a quality education while fulfilling dreams of playing at the college level. Yes it takes some money away from football but I am pretty sure none of the large Big Ten football programs are struggling for facilities, revenue, etc.
Adam Rittenberg: Mike, there's definitely value in having a truly broad-based athletic program, and many Big Ten fans like you celebrate all the teams, not just the ones generating revenue. The broad-based programs and the opportunities provided are integral parts of the Big Ten's athletic culture and won't change. It's why Nebraska has been such a good fit in the league so far. I also agree the different program models can't be used as an excuse for the Big Ten's football struggles. There are other factors involved. But it makes it tough for the Big Ten to catch the SEC when the SEC has such a clear football focus plus more elite recruits living in its backyard.
Travis from Madison, Wis., writes: I have a question pertaining to the love OSU is getting for next season. Are we, and by we I mean you (ESPN), overlooking their losses on defense? I understand they have Roby and Shazier, both excellent players, but otherwise they will be wading in uncharted waters. Clearly they have talent coming in to replace the departed starters, but the instances of talented replacements not panning out are endless. I'm not trying to be a hater, I'll be the first to admit their offense looks to be extremely good and Braxton Miller is deserving of his Heisman chatter, and seeing how their schedule might be the easiest schedule I've seen in recent memory, I too would declare them favorites to win the B1G. However, we saw plenty of squeaker games by OSU last season against teams that look to be much improved, so I'm just wondering if those who are crowning OSU B1G champs are doing so while considering their lack of experience on defense.
Adam Rittenberg: Travis, Brian and I recognize Ohio State's question marks on defense and the fact that, despite a 12-0 record, the Buckeyes easily could have dropped a few games last season. Ohio State wasn't a dominant team in 2012. There are some significant challenges on defense, especially with the defensive line, and losing Shazier and, to a lesser extent, Roby to injury could be devastating for Ohio State. But when you look at the schedule, which includes Wisconsin and Penn State in Columbus, plus the returning firepower on offense and another full offseason under Urban Meyer and his staff, Ohio State's potential for 2013 can't be ignored. The Buckeyes' recruiting has been exceptional, especially along the defensive line, the No. 1 area of need right now. When you take everything into account, it's hard not to pick Ohio State to win the league. We're not crowning anyone at this point and recognize the challenges Ohio State faces on defense, but the Buckeyes have a leg up on the rest of the league entering the fall.
Brian from Atlanta writes: Adam, being a CA boy may be clouding your judgement a little. Switching from 3 B12 bowls and 1 P12 bowl to 3 P12 bowls and maybe no B12 bowl doesn't improve variety and it makes for much longer bowl trips. That's fine for the Rose Bowl, but who wants to travel 2000 miles to SF for a mediocre bowl? In addition, the B10 lost a bastion of alumni in AZ. At best this is a wash to me. I'd rather see a balanced slate of 2 each versus the ACC, B12, P12 and SEC plus 1 MAC game (1 CA, 1 AZ, 2 TX, 2 FL, NY, MI, other).
Adam Rittenberg: Brian, you bring up an important point about the Big Ten-Big 12 games going away in the new lineup. I liked the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl and so did Big Ten fans who attended the game, but I hear that a lower payout stemming from the Fiesta Bowl mess turned off the Big Ten from continuing the agreement. More of a business move than anything. Overall, I haven't loved the Big Ten-Big 12 matchups because it always seems like the Big 12 team is a huge favorite (i.e. Oklahoma State-Purdue). If there's a way to create more evenly matched postseason pairings between the two leagues, I'm all for it. But my main point is that the Big Ten has much more in common with the Pac-12 than any other league. The Rose Bowl matchup isn't enough, especially when the traditional champion vs. champion pairing is happening less and less often. That's a fair point about the travel distance for smaller bowls, but the Holiday Bowl isn't a small-potatoes game, and the Kraft Fight Hunger will increase its profile by moving to the 49ers' new stadium in 2014. Plus, there are major clusters of Big Ten alumni in California who can easily attend both games.
Christopher from Middleton, Wis., writes: When Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst left Wisconsin to become Pitt's Head coach for the 2012 season many fans were concerned that Wisconsin had lost the man that was most responsible for the team's success. The 2012 Wisconsin team complete with an overhaul of new assistant coaches struggled on offense. Wisconsin now has a new head coach after Bret Bielema left for Arkansas. Will Wisconsin return to their dominating offensive ways? Will Bielema duplicate the offense that he had at Wisconsin at Arkansas? Will Paul Chryst prove to be the best coach of the three?
Adam Rittenberg: Christopher, time will tell whether Christ, Bielema or Gary Andersen proves to be the best coach, but Chryst is off to a rocky start at Pitt. The Panthers went 6-7 in his first season, endured multiple off-field incidents and had a key player transfer this spring. Chryst needs to stabilize things on the hilltop. He's a tremendous offensive coach, but whether he can be a great CEO and leader for a program remains to be seen. Most Wisconsin fans can't stand Bielema, but the guy had a lot of success and navigated the Badgers through a difficult stretch in 2008 to get back to the top of the Big Ten. He'll keep a similar offensive structure at Arkansas under Jim Chaney. Wisconsin also won't fundamentally change on offense under Andersen and coordinator Andy Ludwig, who runs a similar West Coast system to Chryst. Will the Badgers put up the numbers they did in 2010 and 2011? Probably not. But if they continue to recruit dynamic running backs and massive offensive linemen, they should be fine on that side of the ball. I also think Andersen could take the defense from solid to great over time through his recruiting efforts.
Chris from Traverse City, Mich., writes: It is very costly to get to Florida, let alone California Adam. 3 bowl games in California? Really? This eliminates the little guy for those bowl games but let's the rich enjoy California I guess. However, I like the history of the Holiday Bowl, but wish we could have added another East Coast bowl like the Belk or Military, or even the Liberty Bowl.
Adam Rittenberg: I hear ya, Chris, but the Big Ten will have the Music City Bowl in Nashville in three of the next six years as well as the Pinstripe Bowl (I know New York is expensive, but it's closer) and most likely the new Detroit Lions Bowl. The other thing to keep in mind is Big Ten fans/alums are really spread out nationally, so I don't know if it's just the "rich guys" who can get to Florida and California. There are a lot of people already living in or close to those states.
Spartan Fan from the Sunshine State writes: Adam, my question is more of a comment. With the schedule set up as it is, at least on paper it would appear the Spartans should have a pretty good shot at going undefeated in regular season play. What do you think? Bye weeks after N.D. and Michigan should set them up nicely.
Adam Rittenberg: Love the optimism, Sunshine State, although you might be getting a little too much sun. Michigan State lost six games last season, and while five were close losses, it's hard to imagine all of those will swing in the Spartans' favor this season. The good news is Michigan State once again boasts a nationally elite defense. The semi-good news is Michigan State doesn't need its offense to be like Oregon's or Texas A&M's to be in position to win most games. The bad news is the offense has a ton of question marks, from quarterback to running back to receiver to tight end. Michigan State still must travel to Notre Dame, to Nebraska and to Northwestern. All three of those teams recorded double-digit wins a year ago. I also put very little stock into the timing of open weeks. Although they can help teams get healthy, they often don't translate to wins on the field. Can Michigan State win the Legends division? Sure. Will the Spartans be better this season? I think they will. But they aren't going undefeated.
John from Houston writes: Just wondering, how do Michigan and MSU divide up the state? As in: is Michigan more popular in the southern parts and MSU more popular in the north parts? Or is Michigan more popular in the cities while MSU is more popular in the rural areas? Or do they both divide up the state exactly equal?
Adam Rittenberg: As Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio often says, you're either green or blue in that state. Michigan State is more popular in the western half of the state, which includes cities like Grand Rapids but obviously isn't as populated as the Detroit area. Michigan has a bigger cluster of fans closer to its campus in the eastern portion of the state, although there's a growing pocket of blue in the Grand Rapids/Holland area. If you split the state along Interstate 69 and include the Lansing area in the west/MSU portion, you can get a fairly good idea of how the allegiances break down.
Kevin from Minneapolis writes: Adam, Morgan Burke's comments comparing the difference in the number of varsity sports sponsored by Big Ten and SEC athletic departments translating to on the field performance are rather perplexing, but he is really missing the other half of the argument. If you want to correlate the business side of college football with wins/losses, the focal point has to be on the investment in facilities and the resulting impact on recruiting. It is hard to make an argument that having to support additional non-revenue sports causes Big Ten teams to lag behind when in recent years we have seen programs like Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Michigan hurling millions at (football only) Student Performance Centers. Heck, Nebraska's weight room is said by some as being the best in the country, trumping even the SEC. I could see how non-revenue sports affect the Big Ten athletic departments operating in the red, but I'm not buying this argument from those with a net profit.
Adam Rittenberg: Good points here, Kevin. The Big Ten isn't lagging behind in football facilities and boasts some of the best stadiums/practice complexes in the FBS. Every team in the league either has completed a renovation or a new project, is in the construction process (Iowa, Wisconsin) or is raising funds (Northwestern). But facilities are only one piece of the recruiting process. Assistant coaches are another, and Big Ten programs aren't as willing to throw boatloads of money at top assistants as SEC programs, in part because they have more sports to fund. There have been some increases in this area in recent years, but on average, Big Ten assistants aren't making what SEC assistants earn. I recently asked Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, whose department sponsors 36 sports, if Big Ten programs have the resources to compete nationally in football. He said they do. Still, Burke makes a notable point about the different athletic models and football being a religion in the South. When football season ends, most Big Ten fans turn their attention to basketball. That's not the same in the SEC. Football is a bigger deal in that region year-round.
Mike H. from Pittsburgh writes: Regarding the Big Ten and SEC having different models: While it may slightly hurt the Big Ten, in relation to the SEC, not devoting all of its revenue to football, it can not be blamed for the struggles. First of all, like the high standard of academics being important, having broader and more sports programs is advantageous and respectable. True most have low interest and lose money, but as a recent graduate, many students take pride in all of their teams. I think it is awesome that PSU has one of the best all-around sports programs in the country. While as a football writer you could care less about non-revenue sports, the broad sports programs most importantly provide opportunities for more student-athletes to get a quality education while fulfilling dreams of playing at the college level. Yes it takes some money away from football but I am pretty sure none of the large Big Ten football programs are struggling for facilities, revenue, etc.
Adam Rittenberg: Mike, there's definitely value in having a truly broad-based athletic program, and many Big Ten fans like you celebrate all the teams, not just the ones generating revenue. The broad-based programs and the opportunities provided are integral parts of the Big Ten's athletic culture and won't change. It's why Nebraska has been such a good fit in the league so far. I also agree the different program models can't be used as an excuse for the Big Ten's football struggles. There are other factors involved. But it makes it tough for the Big Ten to catch the SEC when the SEC has such a clear football focus plus more elite recruits living in its backyard.
Travis from Madison, Wis., writes: I have a question pertaining to the love OSU is getting for next season. Are we, and by we I mean you (ESPN), overlooking their losses on defense? I understand they have Roby and Shazier, both excellent players, but otherwise they will be wading in uncharted waters. Clearly they have talent coming in to replace the departed starters, but the instances of talented replacements not panning out are endless. I'm not trying to be a hater, I'll be the first to admit their offense looks to be extremely good and Braxton Miller is deserving of his Heisman chatter, and seeing how their schedule might be the easiest schedule I've seen in recent memory, I too would declare them favorites to win the B1G. However, we saw plenty of squeaker games by OSU last season against teams that look to be much improved, so I'm just wondering if those who are crowning OSU B1G champs are doing so while considering their lack of experience on defense.
Adam Rittenberg: Travis, Brian and I recognize Ohio State's question marks on defense and the fact that, despite a 12-0 record, the Buckeyes easily could have dropped a few games last season. Ohio State wasn't a dominant team in 2012. There are some significant challenges on defense, especially with the defensive line, and losing Shazier and, to a lesser extent, Roby to injury could be devastating for Ohio State. But when you look at the schedule, which includes Wisconsin and Penn State in Columbus, plus the returning firepower on offense and another full offseason under Urban Meyer and his staff, Ohio State's potential for 2013 can't be ignored. The Buckeyes' recruiting has been exceptional, especially along the defensive line, the No. 1 area of need right now. When you take everything into account, it's hard not to pick Ohio State to win the league. We're not crowning anyone at this point and recognize the challenges Ohio State faces on defense, but the Buckeyes have a leg up on the rest of the league entering the fall.
Brian from Atlanta writes: Adam, being a CA boy may be clouding your judgement a little. Switching from 3 B12 bowls and 1 P12 bowl to 3 P12 bowls and maybe no B12 bowl doesn't improve variety and it makes for much longer bowl trips. That's fine for the Rose Bowl, but who wants to travel 2000 miles to SF for a mediocre bowl? In addition, the B10 lost a bastion of alumni in AZ. At best this is a wash to me. I'd rather see a balanced slate of 2 each versus the ACC, B12, P12 and SEC plus 1 MAC game (1 CA, 1 AZ, 2 TX, 2 FL, NY, MI, other).
Adam Rittenberg: Brian, you bring up an important point about the Big Ten-Big 12 games going away in the new lineup. I liked the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl and so did Big Ten fans who attended the game, but I hear that a lower payout stemming from the Fiesta Bowl mess turned off the Big Ten from continuing the agreement. More of a business move than anything. Overall, I haven't loved the Big Ten-Big 12 matchups because it always seems like the Big 12 team is a huge favorite (i.e. Oklahoma State-Purdue). If there's a way to create more evenly matched postseason pairings between the two leagues, I'm all for it. But my main point is that the Big Ten has much more in common with the Pac-12 than any other league. The Rose Bowl matchup isn't enough, especially when the traditional champion vs. champion pairing is happening less and less often. That's a fair point about the travel distance for smaller bowls, but the Holiday Bowl isn't a small-potatoes game, and the Kraft Fight Hunger will increase its profile by moving to the 49ers' new stadium in 2014. Plus, there are major clusters of Big Ten alumni in California who can easily attend both games.
Christopher from Middleton, Wis., writes: When Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst left Wisconsin to become Pitt's Head coach for the 2012 season many fans were concerned that Wisconsin had lost the man that was most responsible for the team's success. The 2012 Wisconsin team complete with an overhaul of new assistant coaches struggled on offense. Wisconsin now has a new head coach after Bret Bielema left for Arkansas. Will Wisconsin return to their dominating offensive ways? Will Bielema duplicate the offense that he had at Wisconsin at Arkansas? Will Paul Chryst prove to be the best coach of the three?
Adam Rittenberg: Christopher, time will tell whether Christ, Bielema or Gary Andersen proves to be the best coach, but Chryst is off to a rocky start at Pitt. The Panthers went 6-7 in his first season, endured multiple off-field incidents and had a key player transfer this spring. Chryst needs to stabilize things on the hilltop. He's a tremendous offensive coach, but whether he can be a great CEO and leader for a program remains to be seen. Most Wisconsin fans can't stand Bielema, but the guy had a lot of success and navigated the Badgers through a difficult stretch in 2008 to get back to the top of the Big Ten. He'll keep a similar offensive structure at Arkansas under Jim Chaney. Wisconsin also won't fundamentally change on offense under Andersen and coordinator Andy Ludwig, who runs a similar West Coast system to Chryst. Will the Badgers put up the numbers they did in 2010 and 2011? Probably not. But if they continue to recruit dynamic running backs and massive offensive linemen, they should be fine on that side of the ball. I also think Andersen could take the defense from solid to great over time through his recruiting efforts.
Chris from Traverse City, Mich., writes: It is very costly to get to Florida, let alone California Adam. 3 bowl games in California? Really? This eliminates the little guy for those bowl games but let's the rich enjoy California I guess. However, I like the history of the Holiday Bowl, but wish we could have added another East Coast bowl like the Belk or Military, or even the Liberty Bowl.
Adam Rittenberg: I hear ya, Chris, but the Big Ten will have the Music City Bowl in Nashville in three of the next six years as well as the Pinstripe Bowl (I know New York is expensive, but it's closer) and most likely the new Detroit Lions Bowl. The other thing to keep in mind is Big Ten fans/alums are really spread out nationally, so I don't know if it's just the "rich guys" who can get to Florida and California. There are a lot of people already living in or close to those states.
Spartan Fan from the Sunshine State writes: Adam, my question is more of a comment. With the schedule set up as it is, at least on paper it would appear the Spartans should have a pretty good shot at going undefeated in regular season play. What do you think? Bye weeks after N.D. and Michigan should set them up nicely.
Adam Rittenberg: Love the optimism, Sunshine State, although you might be getting a little too much sun. Michigan State lost six games last season, and while five were close losses, it's hard to imagine all of those will swing in the Spartans' favor this season. The good news is Michigan State once again boasts a nationally elite defense. The semi-good news is Michigan State doesn't need its offense to be like Oregon's or Texas A&M's to be in position to win most games. The bad news is the offense has a ton of question marks, from quarterback to running back to receiver to tight end. Michigan State still must travel to Notre Dame, to Nebraska and to Northwestern. All three of those teams recorded double-digit wins a year ago. I also put very little stock into the timing of open weeks. Although they can help teams get healthy, they often don't translate to wins on the field. Can Michigan State win the Legends division? Sure. Will the Spartans be better this season? I think they will. But they aren't going undefeated.
John from Houston writes: Just wondering, how do Michigan and MSU divide up the state? As in: is Michigan more popular in the southern parts and MSU more popular in the north parts? Or is Michigan more popular in the cities while MSU is more popular in the rural areas? Or do they both divide up the state exactly equal?
Adam Rittenberg: As Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio often says, you're either green or blue in that state. Michigan State is more popular in the western half of the state, which includes cities like Grand Rapids but obviously isn't as populated as the Detroit area. Michigan has a bigger cluster of fans closer to its campus in the eastern portion of the state, although there's a growing pocket of blue in the Grand Rapids/Holland area. If you split the state along Interstate 69 and include the Lansing area in the west/MSU portion, you can get a fairly good idea of how the allegiances break down.
Michigan's most important game of 2013 -- outside of Ohio State, obviously -- is the Nov. 9 contest against Nebraska.
Nebraska's defensive line situation is tenuous at best. And now we learn that one of the group's potential contributors is dealing with a legal issue.
The Omaha World-Herald's Sam McKewon reports that redshirt freshman defensive end Avery Moss appeared in court on Friday and faces a July 23 trial date on indecency and disturbing the peace charges. Moss stands accused of exposing himself to a female employee at a Nebraska residence hall convenience store twice in a matter of hours on Dec. 15, according to a police complaint.
Moss has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include public indecency -- a misdemeanor that carries a maximum of six months in jail -- disturbing the peace and failing to appear for a scheduled Jan. 22 court date.
The World-Herald reports that Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini has been aware of Moss' situation. Both Moss and his lawyer declined to comment to the paper on Friday.
The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Moss played in three games and registered four tackles last season before a shoulder injury led to a medical redshirt. This spring, defensive coordinator John Papuchis told ESPN.com that Moss and fellow redshirt freshman Greg McMullen had "taken a significant amount of first-string reps" on the defensive line.
The defensive line is probably the biggest question mark for Nebraska this season and the key to whether the Huskers can compete for a Big Ten title. Junior-college import Randy Gregory is expected to help right away at defensive end, along with senior Jason Ankrah and McMullen.
The Omaha World-Herald's Sam McKewon reports that redshirt freshman defensive end Avery Moss appeared in court on Friday and faces a July 23 trial date on indecency and disturbing the peace charges. Moss stands accused of exposing himself to a female employee at a Nebraska residence hall convenience store twice in a matter of hours on Dec. 15, according to a police complaint.
Moss has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include public indecency -- a misdemeanor that carries a maximum of six months in jail -- disturbing the peace and failing to appear for a scheduled Jan. 22 court date.
The World-Herald reports that Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini has been aware of Moss' situation. Both Moss and his lawyer declined to comment to the paper on Friday.
The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Moss played in three games and registered four tackles last season before a shoulder injury led to a medical redshirt. This spring, defensive coordinator John Papuchis told ESPN.com that Moss and fellow redshirt freshman Greg McMullen had "taken a significant amount of first-string reps" on the defensive line.
The defensive line is probably the biggest question mark for Nebraska this season and the key to whether the Huskers can compete for a Big Ten title. Junior-college import Randy Gregory is expected to help right away at defensive end, along with senior Jason Ankrah and McMullen.
The Big Ten announced several homecoming kickoff times on Thursday. Now we have a few more, as well as the kickoff time for the third installment of the Heroes Game.
The following games will all be on the ESPN/ABC family of networks (all times ET):
Sept. 28: Iowa at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Oct. 5: Minnesota at Michigan, 3:30 p.m., ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 19: Iowa at Ohio State, 3:30 p.m., ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2
Nov. 29: Iowa at Nebraska, Noon, ABC
Despite an ugly 4-8 season last year, Iowa will still be getting plenty of national TV exposure this season. The Heroes Game between the Hawkeyes and Nebraska once again gets a big showcase on the Friday after Thanksgiving, a slot the two schools intend to keep for the foreseeable future.
The following games will all be on the ESPN/ABC family of networks (all times ET):
Sept. 28: Iowa at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Oct. 5: Minnesota at Michigan, 3:30 p.m., ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 19: Iowa at Ohio State, 3:30 p.m., ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2
Nov. 29: Iowa at Nebraska, Noon, ABC
Despite an ugly 4-8 season last year, Iowa will still be getting plenty of national TV exposure this season. The Heroes Game between the Hawkeyes and Nebraska once again gets a big showcase on the Friday after Thanksgiving, a slot the two schools intend to keep for the foreseeable future.
Have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend, everybody.
- Ohio State landed the third linebacker in its 2014 class in Akron's Dante Booker. Former Buckeye Ray Small apologized for his missteps.
- Brady Hoke doesn't know where Michigan's "Not in Ohio" footballs came from. Dave Brandon is not a fan of parity-based scheduling. Fitz Toussaint is fired up to regain his starting tailback job.
- Mark Hollis recalls the process of hiring Mark Dantonio at Michigan State. The son of former Spartans star Jim Morrissey is becoming a big-time prospect. Le'Veon Bell is drawing some rave reviews with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Bill O'Brien is comfortable with John Butler as his defensive coordinator. Eugene Lewis should help Penn State at receiver and in the return game. Adam Breneman won a national honor for his charity work.
- Eric Crouch expresses regrets about how he handled his NFL experience. A future Husker is trying to finish strong in his high school track career.
- A pair of twins who signed with Pitt could transfer to Purdue. A Q&A with Boilers offensive coordinator John Shoop.
- Landing Wes Lunt would be a boost for Tim Beckman and Illinois. Paul Myerberg previews the Illini, whom he ranks No. 110 in the country.
- Choosing the best Iowa players of the Kirk Ferentz era. How Big Ten division re-alignment will affect the pocketbooks of Hawkeyes' fans.
- Northwestern freshman running back Warren Long has West Coast roots, a talent for the guitar and an interest in becoming a barber.
- Wisconsin has a schedule built for success.
- Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman is getting some national notice.
Ex-Buckeye Small apologizes for mistakes
May, 24, 2013
May 24
11:05
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Former Ohio State wide receiver Ray Small is coming clean again.
Don't worry, Buckeyes fans, Small isn't sharing more stories of selling memorabilia and getting sweetheart deals from local car dealerships, as he did in an interview with The Lantern in May 2011, days before Jim Tressel resigned as Ohio State's head coach. Instead, the troubled former Buckeye, who had off-field issues throughout his career from 2006-09, decided to apologize to his former coaches and fans through a YouTube video.
Small begins by saying the video is "for the people that I didn't do too well with" and other young athletes from tough backgrounds who struggle with the status that comes with their success. He says he "elevated as a man from this bottom level to the top level, and I'm kind of back at that bottom level."
In the video, Small apologies to his high school coach in Cleveland, Ted Ginn Sr., as well as Tressel and Darrell Hazell, the Buckeyes wide receivers coach during his career.
"I truly am sorry for my actions," Small said. "... Coach Hazell was like my favorite guy because he always kept it strictly real with me. I want to apologize to Coach Tressel because he told me, he tried, he gave me many, many chances. I'm just here today to speak up on my behalf, saying that I'm a man and I understand the things that I did wrong."
Small wasn't among the so-called Tat-5 but told The Lantern he sold his Big Ten championship rings and received special deals on cars and tattoos. Small later backtracked, telling Outside the Lines' Tom Farrey that the newspaper had twisted his words.
Small was arrested in February 2012 for allegedly possessing more than 200 suspected Oxycontin tablets, suspected heroin and a loaded gun. He mentions in the video that he'll stand trial July 22 "for some things that I did," which could explain the timing of the mea culpa.
In the video, Small admits to making poor decisions and "not having the willpower to transition from football to real life." He apologies to his former teammates ("I treated them like it was nothing") and to Ohio State fans.
"I'm a Buckeye for life," Small said, "regardless of how people like it. And I kind of got exed out from being a Buckeye. That hurt my heart."
Small rambles quite a bit, but his intent seems pretty clear.
Here's hoping Small is sincere about wanting to turn his life around. I'm interested to learn how Ohio State fans feel after seeing the video. Terrelle Pryor is the ultimate Buckeye non grata in Columbus, but Small is in the picture.
Wonder if Pryor ever shoots a video like this one.
Don't worry, Buckeyes fans, Small isn't sharing more stories of selling memorabilia and getting sweetheart deals from local car dealerships, as he did in an interview with The Lantern in May 2011, days before Jim Tressel resigned as Ohio State's head coach. Instead, the troubled former Buckeye, who had off-field issues throughout his career from 2006-09, decided to apologize to his former coaches and fans through a YouTube video.
Small begins by saying the video is "for the people that I didn't do too well with" and other young athletes from tough backgrounds who struggle with the status that comes with their success. He says he "elevated as a man from this bottom level to the top level, and I'm kind of back at that bottom level."
In the video, Small apologies to his high school coach in Cleveland, Ted Ginn Sr., as well as Tressel and Darrell Hazell, the Buckeyes wide receivers coach during his career.
"I truly am sorry for my actions," Small said. "... Coach Hazell was like my favorite guy because he always kept it strictly real with me. I want to apologize to Coach Tressel because he told me, he tried, he gave me many, many chances. I'm just here today to speak up on my behalf, saying that I'm a man and I understand the things that I did wrong."
Small wasn't among the so-called Tat-5 but told The Lantern he sold his Big Ten championship rings and received special deals on cars and tattoos. Small later backtracked, telling Outside the Lines' Tom Farrey that the newspaper had twisted his words.
Small was arrested in February 2012 for allegedly possessing more than 200 suspected Oxycontin tablets, suspected heroin and a loaded gun. He mentions in the video that he'll stand trial July 22 "for some things that I did," which could explain the timing of the mea culpa.
In the video, Small admits to making poor decisions and "not having the willpower to transition from football to real life." He apologies to his former teammates ("I treated them like it was nothing") and to Ohio State fans.
"I'm a Buckeye for life," Small said, "regardless of how people like it. And I kind of got exed out from being a Buckeye. That hurt my heart."
Small rambles quite a bit, but his intent seems pretty clear.
Here's hoping Small is sincere about wanting to turn his life around. I'm interested to learn how Ohio State fans feel after seeing the video. Terrelle Pryor is the ultimate Buckeye non grata in Columbus, but Small is in the picture.
Wonder if Pryor ever shoots a video like this one.
Most indispensable players: Northwestern
May, 24, 2013
May 24
10:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Now that spring practice is over, we're examining the most indispensable players on each Big Ten team for the 2013 season.
By indispensable, we don't necessarily mean best. We mean the players who would be hardest to replace between now and the start of the season if they got hurt or suspended or vaporized. That could be because of their value to the team, or because of a lack of depth at their position.
We'll pick two players from each team, usually offense and defense, but not always. The series wraps up with the Northwestern Wildcats.
Venric Mark, RB, Sr.
There is little doubt Mark finished the 2012 season as Northwestern's most valuable player, and he'll enter the 2013 campaign as the team's most indispensable piece. Although you can make a good case for multitalented quarterback Kain Colter or even center Brandon Vitabile, one of just two returning starters on a new-look offensive line, no player fundamentally changes games like Mark. Last fall, he became Northwestern's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2006 and averaged 6.2 yards a carry with 13 touchdowns as the team's featured back. He also earned All-America honors as a return man, scoring two punt return touchdowns and averaging 18.7 yards per runback. Mark finished with 2,166 all-purpose yards, just 29 yards shy of Damien Anderson's team record, and he helped make the kicking game, once a weakness for Northwestern, into a significant strength. Colter would be a big loss, too, but Northwestern has another capable, albeit different option, in Trevor Siemian. Although the team's depth at running back isn't bad, no one has Mark's breakaway ability on carries and returns. He'd be missed.
Ibraheim Campbell, S, Jr.
It's a tough call here as cornerback Nick VanHoose certainly seemed indispensable last season, when his absence because of injury potentially cost Northwestern games against Nebraska and Michigan. Veteran linebacker Damien Proby also would be a good pick given the team's inexperience at the position, and defensive end Tyler Scott has revived the pass rush. But Campbell has been the Wildcats' most productive defender the past two seasons, racking up 189 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He's an integral part of Northwestern's run defense, which rose from 84th nationally in 2011 to 21st last season. Safeties are often called the quarterbacks of a defense, and Campbell certainly fills that role as he has grown into a strong leader. Northwestern is building better depth at both secondary spots, but cornerback isn't the vacuum it once was in Evanston. The Wildcats should be better equipped to play without VanHoose if he goes down this season. They would have a tougher time replacing all that Campbell brings to the defense.
More indispensable:
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Nebraska
Indiana
Michigan State
Ohio State
Iowa
Penn State
Illinois
Purdue
By indispensable, we don't necessarily mean best. We mean the players who would be hardest to replace between now and the start of the season if they got hurt or suspended or vaporized. That could be because of their value to the team, or because of a lack of depth at their position.
We'll pick two players from each team, usually offense and defense, but not always. The series wraps up with the Northwestern Wildcats.
Venric Mark, RB, Sr.
There is little doubt Mark finished the 2012 season as Northwestern's most valuable player, and he'll enter the 2013 campaign as the team's most indispensable piece. Although you can make a good case for multitalented quarterback Kain Colter or even center Brandon Vitabile, one of just two returning starters on a new-look offensive line, no player fundamentally changes games like Mark. Last fall, he became Northwestern's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2006 and averaged 6.2 yards a carry with 13 touchdowns as the team's featured back. He also earned All-America honors as a return man, scoring two punt return touchdowns and averaging 18.7 yards per runback. Mark finished with 2,166 all-purpose yards, just 29 yards shy of Damien Anderson's team record, and he helped make the kicking game, once a weakness for Northwestern, into a significant strength. Colter would be a big loss, too, but Northwestern has another capable, albeit different option, in Trevor Siemian. Although the team's depth at running back isn't bad, no one has Mark's breakaway ability on carries and returns. He'd be missed.
Ibraheim Campbell, S, Jr.
It's a tough call here as cornerback Nick VanHoose certainly seemed indispensable last season, when his absence because of injury potentially cost Northwestern games against Nebraska and Michigan. Veteran linebacker Damien Proby also would be a good pick given the team's inexperience at the position, and defensive end Tyler Scott has revived the pass rush. But Campbell has been the Wildcats' most productive defender the past two seasons, racking up 189 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He's an integral part of Northwestern's run defense, which rose from 84th nationally in 2011 to 21st last season. Safeties are often called the quarterbacks of a defense, and Campbell certainly fills that role as he has grown into a strong leader. Northwestern is building better depth at both secondary spots, but cornerback isn't the vacuum it once was in Evanston. The Wildcats should be better equipped to play without VanHoose if he goes down this season. They would have a tougher time replacing all that Campbell brings to the defense.
More indispensable:
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Nebraska
Indiana
Michigan State
Ohio State
Iowa
Penn State
Illinois
Purdue
A closer look at B1G returning starters
May, 24, 2013
May 24
9:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
The number of starters a team returns in no way guarantees of success or failure when the season rolls around, but the metric undoubtedly carries weight this time of year.
Preseason predictions are an inexact science, based heavily on whether a team has, say, 19 returning starters versus 11 or 12. Although there are many examples of bad teams who return a lot of starters and remain bad teams, the general belief among coaches is that more experience leads to fewer mistakes and more wins.
Let's take a closer look at the returning starters in the Big Ten for the 2013 season.
Here are the numbers listed by the Big Ten office (some players who split time as starters are included):
21
Indiana (10 offense, 9 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
18
Minnesota (10 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker/punter)
17
Michigan State (9 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker/punter)
Northwestern (8 offense, 7 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
Wisconsin (8 offense, 7 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
16
Iowa (6 offense, 8 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
Penn State (8 offense, 6 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
Purdue (5 offense, 9 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
15
Illinois (9 offense, 4 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
14
Ohio State (9 offense, 4 defense, 1 kicker/punter)
13
Michigan (5 offense, 6 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
12
Nebraska (7 offense, 5 defense, 0 kicker/punter)
Total starters back for the 2013 season doesn't tell the whole story. University of Colorado sports information director Dave Plati examined which FBS teams have the total number of returning starts as well as returning starters only from the 2012 season.
Five Big Ten teams return more than 250 career starts on their 2013 rosters. They are:
Indiana: 391 total starts, fifth nationally
Wisconsin: 304 total starts, 26th nationally
Ohio State: 298 total starts, 29th nationally
Iowa: 274 total starts, 37th nationally
Nebraska: 269 total starts, 42nd nationally
Indiana and Nebraska both rank among the top 10 nationally in total returning starts on offense. The Hoosiers have 193 and the Huskers have 183.
Again, you can't put too much stock into returning starters, but a few observations:
Preseason predictions are an inexact science, based heavily on whether a team has, say, 19 returning starters versus 11 or 12. Although there are many examples of bad teams who return a lot of starters and remain bad teams, the general belief among coaches is that more experience leads to fewer mistakes and more wins.
Let's take a closer look at the returning starters in the Big Ten for the 2013 season.
Here are the numbers listed by the Big Ten office (some players who split time as starters are included):
21
Indiana (10 offense, 9 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
18
Minnesota (10 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker/punter)
17
Michigan State (9 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker/punter)
Northwestern (8 offense, 7 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
Wisconsin (8 offense, 7 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
16
Iowa (6 offense, 8 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
Penn State (8 offense, 6 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
Purdue (5 offense, 9 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
15
Illinois (9 offense, 4 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
14
Ohio State (9 offense, 4 defense, 1 kicker/punter)
13
Michigan (5 offense, 6 defense, 2 kicker/punter)
12
Nebraska (7 offense, 5 defense, 0 kicker/punter)
Total starters back for the 2013 season doesn't tell the whole story. University of Colorado sports information director Dave Plati examined which FBS teams have the total number of returning starts as well as returning starters only from the 2012 season.
Five Big Ten teams return more than 250 career starts on their 2013 rosters. They are:
Indiana: 391 total starts, fifth nationally
Wisconsin: 304 total starts, 26th nationally
Ohio State: 298 total starts, 29th nationally
Iowa: 274 total starts, 37th nationally
Nebraska: 269 total starts, 42nd nationally
Indiana and Nebraska both rank among the top 10 nationally in total returning starts on offense. The Hoosiers have 193 and the Huskers have 183.
Again, you can't put too much stock into returning starters, but a few observations:
- Nine of 12 Big Ten squads return more starters on offense than defense in 2013 (only Purdue, Iowa and Michigan do not). Does that mean more points, yards and excitement around the league this season? Perhaps. Then again, more than half of the league is still looking for a starting quarterback.
- It has been written before, but Nebraska and Ohio State have remarkably similar profiles entering 2013. Both return so much more experience on the offensive side. The Huskers have more than twice as many career offensive starts than defensive starts (86), while the Buckeyes are similarly lopsided (164 offensive starts, 96 defensive starts).
- Wisconsin's experience shouldn't be discounted when sizing up the 2013 team. Yes, the Badgers have been through a lot of transition in the past two seasons and there could be an adjustment period under new head coach Gary Andersen. But Wisconsin returns 25 seniors who know how to win. There's a reason former coach Bret Bielema last offseason pointed to the 2013 squad as potentially his best with the Badgers.
BuckeyeNation
Austin Ward writes: Here are the player power rankings after spring practice.
Brad Bournival writes: Dante Booker, a four-star LB out of Akron, joins the 2014 Buckeyes class, picking OSU over a surging Notre Dame.
Bournival writes: Here are the top five uncommitted CB targets who have OSU offers.
NittanyNation
Josh Moyer writes: Here are the player power rankings after spring practice.
Moyer writes: Here are the top 10 defensive players the Nittany Lions will face this season.
WolverineNation
Michael Rothstein writes: Here are the player power rankings after spring practice.
WolverineNation roundtable:: The staff tackles questions about the No. 21 jersey, recruiting surprises and whom to follow on Twitter.
Austin Ward writes
: Here are the player power rankings after spring practice.
Brad Bournival writes
: Dante Booker, a four-star LB out of Akron, joins the 2014 Buckeyes class, picking OSU over a surging Notre Dame.
Bournival writes
: Here are the top five uncommitted CB targets who have OSU offers.
NittanyNation
Josh Moyer writes
: Here are the player power rankings after spring practice.
Moyer writes
: Here are the top 10 defensive players the Nittany Lions will face this season.
WolverineNation
Michael Rothstein writes
: Here are the player power rankings after spring practice.
WolverineNation roundtable:
: The staff tackles questions about the No. 21 jersey, recruiting surprises and whom to follow on Twitter.
Good job filling up the mailbag during a slow time in college football. Let's do the question-and-answer session.
Andy from Lincoln, Neb., writes: Do you think the Big Ten's weak crossover schedule in 2014 could potentially prevent a one-loss team, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, or Nebraska, from being a part of the four-team College Football Playoff? I could see Michigan losing to Ohio State in 2014, not making the Big Ten championship and being left out of the CFP. Another possible scenario is an undefeated Wisconsin or Nebraska team losing in the Big Ten championship and being out of the CFP. Thoughts?
Brian Bennett: The crossover schedule won't help, but the biggest hindrance to a one-loss, non-Big Ten champion making the playoff next year is the perception that the league is not that strong. The Big Ten will need to perform well this year and win some big nonconference games in 2014 to have any chance of putting two teams in the four-team playoff, which still seems like a long shot. Some 2014 out-of-league games like Michigan-Notre Dame, Ohio State-Virginia Tech and Nebraska-Miami could bolster the league's case. Wisconsin's 2014 non-league slate -- highlighted by Washington State and USF -- will leave the Badgers little room for error.
Rob NitLion from Morristown, N.J. writes: You "asked" (rhetorically) the wrong question in your recent blog post. The question is NOT "what do the Detroit Lions know about college football/bowl games" but "What is the draw for B1G fans to want to travel to Detroit in the winter...or in any season for that matter?" Is this really a destination that B1G fan bases want to travel to to see two mediocre teams face off in the post season? If my Nittany Lions finish 6-6 and make a bowl game (not for the next couple of years), do you really think I want to see them face a 6-6 ACC team (alright maybe Pitt) in any place other than a warm, sunny distination with other attractions to see as well as a football game? Can anyone say Detroit is a "winter destination" unless it's the SuperBowl?
Brian Bennett: First off, Rob, let's get the joke right. I asked, what do the Lions know about postseason football, a little jab at that organization's utter lack of playoff success. As for Detroit, well, there are casinos right by Ford Field, some nice Greek restaurants and, um, yeah. Let's be honest, that city is no one's idea of a great winter holiday spot. But the bowl is also likely to take 6-6 type teams, and when you finish with that kind of record, deep in the Big Ten standings, you don't really get to be choosy. The best thing about Detroit is that it's very close for most Big Ten fan bases, and if the bowl replaces the MAC with the ACC as the other tie-in, that has the potential to create some interesting games. And as I wrote, Big Ten fans are often complaining about how they play virtual road games during bowl season. Here's your Midwest bowl. Embrace it.
Mochila from Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: A fellow reader indicated that MSU's secondary will not be very good this year due to their spring game performance and past dependence on Johnny Adams to operate on an island. I think the secondary has the potential to be improved considering MSU returns two All-Big Ten performers in Darqueze Dennard and Isaiah Lewis, Kurtis Drummond at the other safety position, who played very well last year, and a young Trae Waynes at the other CB position who started and performed very well in the bowl game. Do you think MSU's secondary will improve, regress, or stay roughly the same?
Brian Bennett: Adams was the Spartans' second-best corner last year, as Dennard outplayed him the entire season. Michigan State's secondary played well in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl without Adams, who was injured. I really like the potential of Waynes, and I think the Spartans will be just as good if not better in the defensive backfield.
Vince from Phoenix, writes: Which game on Michigan's 2013 schedule do they have to win to (finally) win the Legends Division?
Brian Bennett: Winning all of them would be nice. The one that obviously sticks out is the Nov. 9 game at home against Nebraska, but it's probably more the three-game stretch that includes a road game at Michigan State the previous weekend and a trip to Northwestern on Nov. 16 that will make or break the Wolverines in the Legends race. Remember that road losses to the eventual division champions (at Michigan State in 2011 and at Nebraska last year) were what doomed Michigan the past two seasons. Brady Hoke's teams have been really good at home but are going to have to win away from the Big House to bring home a division championship.
K. Norris from Detroit writes: Hello! Not that I disagree with the overall intent of Mr. Ted Miller's post earlier this week, but I will come rushing to the support of my 2 favorite Big Ten bloggers. Regarding the following quote: "Not to be outdone in prognosticative tomfoolery, the Big Ten blog picked Michigan State to win the conference. What were those guys thinking?" I would educate Mr. Miller that the 2012 Spartans did lose 4 games by a combined total of 10 points. It was the difference between 6-6 & 10-2 season. The team in the national championship game (Notre Dame) did only win by 17 against MSU. Yes, the Spartans were unable to find the extra gear when it was necessary to earn the 'W' at the end of games last year. That being said, it really was not a bad pick even from a national perspective. (Yes, green "Kool-Aid" tastes horrible.)
Brian Bennett: I'm pretty sure this is the first time in about eight months that anyone has told us our Michigan State title pick was not bad. In all seriousness, we clearly underestimated the inexperience of the Spartans passing game and gave too much credit to their offensive line. But 2012 was a weird year, considering that a team that finished 7-5 in the regular season (Wisconsin) went to the Rose Bowl -- and lost at home to Michigan State, I might add.
@sammyj108 from Twitter writes: Could the Hoosiers really play 3 quarterbacks? Or a two-quarterback system? Or just pick a starter based on matchups week to week?
Brian Bennett: Indiana coach Kevin Wilson wanted to see someone among Nate Sudfeld, Cameron Coffman and Tre Roberson really stand out this spring, but they all played pretty equally. Ideally, he'd like to redshirt either Sudfeld or Coffman this year and have one main quarterback play. The problem is that Roberson is clearly the best runner but needs to improve as a passer, while Sudfeld and Coffman are both good passers but not great runners. I asked Wilson this spring whether he'd be comfortable playing a two-quarterback system, as he did last year after Roberson got hurt. "I don't know if you want one in, one out," he said. "I'd love to see one guy totally separate ... but if not, we can play more than one. I want to keep them all happy, and I want to keep them all here. But more than anything, we've got to win."
Jay from Cincinnati writes: I am a little worried about Ohio State's recruiting class this year so far. I know it's early but seems like to would be better at this point.
Brian Bennett: Is Urban Meyer still the head coach? Then I'm not worried at all. He's one of the best closers in the game. If you're worried about the Buckeyes' recruiting in late May, take a deep breath.
Jay from Arlington writes: Title drought? Who cares. It is not like most of the SEC's titles during their so-called streak are legit anyway. And honestly, it is a lot easier to get to the BCS title game when you only have to beat one or two good teams a year, which is all that is required of SEC teams due, in no small part, to media bias. Don't sell the Big Ten short. Penn State has every right to claim a share of the 2005 title having lost one game directly due to officiating. While Penn State lost a game a lot closer than the score, the 2009 Rose Bowl between Penn State and USC matched the top two teams in the country while the Fiesta Bowl matched the third and fourth best team in Texas and Ohio State. Conversely the title game set up the sixth best team (Florida) versus the eighth in Oklahoma.
Brian Bennett: I enjoy your theories and would like to subscribe to your newsletter. Revisionist history aside, however, the records are what they are. Seven straight titles trumps every argument.
John from Iowa writes: In response you your Hope springs article: You have some misinformation posted when you talk about how many teams from each conference have made a BCS title game. The SEC has sent 4 teams not 5. They are: Tennessee, LSU, Florida, and Alabama. Also when you talk about the Big 12 sending 3 teams to the Big 10's only 1 team. One of those teams was Nebraska so you're essentially using the traditional power of one of our own teams to make your point about the Big Ten not being traditionally good.
Brian Bennett: Wow, Auburn fans must be steamed that John has already forgotten their 2011 national title. First Toomer's Oaks, and now this. I also find it funny that we get a lot of angry comments whenever we include Big-12 era Nebraska teams and coaches in our polls and lists, yet you want to include the Huskers when it might help out.
GOB Bluth from Gobias Industries, Calif., writes: Have you seen Franklin? I heard he's in Portugal. That's in South America, right?
Brian Bennett: Did you check the dryer? He has had some trouble down there. If you go looking south of the border, watch out for Hermanos. C'mon!
Andy from Lincoln, Neb., writes: Do you think the Big Ten's weak crossover schedule in 2014 could potentially prevent a one-loss team, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, or Nebraska, from being a part of the four-team College Football Playoff? I could see Michigan losing to Ohio State in 2014, not making the Big Ten championship and being left out of the CFP. Another possible scenario is an undefeated Wisconsin or Nebraska team losing in the Big Ten championship and being out of the CFP. Thoughts?
Brian Bennett: The crossover schedule won't help, but the biggest hindrance to a one-loss, non-Big Ten champion making the playoff next year is the perception that the league is not that strong. The Big Ten will need to perform well this year and win some big nonconference games in 2014 to have any chance of putting two teams in the four-team playoff, which still seems like a long shot. Some 2014 out-of-league games like Michigan-Notre Dame, Ohio State-Virginia Tech and Nebraska-Miami could bolster the league's case. Wisconsin's 2014 non-league slate -- highlighted by Washington State and USF -- will leave the Badgers little room for error.
Rob NitLion from Morristown, N.J. writes: You "asked" (rhetorically) the wrong question in your recent blog post. The question is NOT "what do the Detroit Lions know about college football/bowl games" but "What is the draw for B1G fans to want to travel to Detroit in the winter...or in any season for that matter?" Is this really a destination that B1G fan bases want to travel to to see two mediocre teams face off in the post season? If my Nittany Lions finish 6-6 and make a bowl game (not for the next couple of years), do you really think I want to see them face a 6-6 ACC team (alright maybe Pitt) in any place other than a warm, sunny distination with other attractions to see as well as a football game? Can anyone say Detroit is a "winter destination" unless it's the SuperBowl?
Brian Bennett: First off, Rob, let's get the joke right. I asked, what do the Lions know about postseason football, a little jab at that organization's utter lack of playoff success. As for Detroit, well, there are casinos right by Ford Field, some nice Greek restaurants and, um, yeah. Let's be honest, that city is no one's idea of a great winter holiday spot. But the bowl is also likely to take 6-6 type teams, and when you finish with that kind of record, deep in the Big Ten standings, you don't really get to be choosy. The best thing about Detroit is that it's very close for most Big Ten fan bases, and if the bowl replaces the MAC with the ACC as the other tie-in, that has the potential to create some interesting games. And as I wrote, Big Ten fans are often complaining about how they play virtual road games during bowl season. Here's your Midwest bowl. Embrace it.
Mochila from Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: A fellow reader indicated that MSU's secondary will not be very good this year due to their spring game performance and past dependence on Johnny Adams to operate on an island. I think the secondary has the potential to be improved considering MSU returns two All-Big Ten performers in Darqueze Dennard and Isaiah Lewis, Kurtis Drummond at the other safety position, who played very well last year, and a young Trae Waynes at the other CB position who started and performed very well in the bowl game. Do you think MSU's secondary will improve, regress, or stay roughly the same?
Brian Bennett: Adams was the Spartans' second-best corner last year, as Dennard outplayed him the entire season. Michigan State's secondary played well in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl without Adams, who was injured. I really like the potential of Waynes, and I think the Spartans will be just as good if not better in the defensive backfield.
Vince from Phoenix, writes: Which game on Michigan's 2013 schedule do they have to win to (finally) win the Legends Division?
Brian Bennett: Winning all of them would be nice. The one that obviously sticks out is the Nov. 9 game at home against Nebraska, but it's probably more the three-game stretch that includes a road game at Michigan State the previous weekend and a trip to Northwestern on Nov. 16 that will make or break the Wolverines in the Legends race. Remember that road losses to the eventual division champions (at Michigan State in 2011 and at Nebraska last year) were what doomed Michigan the past two seasons. Brady Hoke's teams have been really good at home but are going to have to win away from the Big House to bring home a division championship.
K. Norris from Detroit writes: Hello! Not that I disagree with the overall intent of Mr. Ted Miller's post earlier this week, but I will come rushing to the support of my 2 favorite Big Ten bloggers. Regarding the following quote: "Not to be outdone in prognosticative tomfoolery, the Big Ten blog picked Michigan State to win the conference. What were those guys thinking?" I would educate Mr. Miller that the 2012 Spartans did lose 4 games by a combined total of 10 points. It was the difference between 6-6 & 10-2 season. The team in the national championship game (Notre Dame) did only win by 17 against MSU. Yes, the Spartans were unable to find the extra gear when it was necessary to earn the 'W' at the end of games last year. That being said, it really was not a bad pick even from a national perspective. (Yes, green "Kool-Aid" tastes horrible.)
Brian Bennett: I'm pretty sure this is the first time in about eight months that anyone has told us our Michigan State title pick was not bad. In all seriousness, we clearly underestimated the inexperience of the Spartans passing game and gave too much credit to their offensive line. But 2012 was a weird year, considering that a team that finished 7-5 in the regular season (Wisconsin) went to the Rose Bowl -- and lost at home to Michigan State, I might add.
@sammyj108 from Twitter writes: Could the Hoosiers really play 3 quarterbacks? Or a two-quarterback system? Or just pick a starter based on matchups week to week?
Brian Bennett: Indiana coach Kevin Wilson wanted to see someone among Nate Sudfeld, Cameron Coffman and Tre Roberson really stand out this spring, but they all played pretty equally. Ideally, he'd like to redshirt either Sudfeld or Coffman this year and have one main quarterback play. The problem is that Roberson is clearly the best runner but needs to improve as a passer, while Sudfeld and Coffman are both good passers but not great runners. I asked Wilson this spring whether he'd be comfortable playing a two-quarterback system, as he did last year after Roberson got hurt. "I don't know if you want one in, one out," he said. "I'd love to see one guy totally separate ... but if not, we can play more than one. I want to keep them all happy, and I want to keep them all here. But more than anything, we've got to win."
Jay from Cincinnati writes: I am a little worried about Ohio State's recruiting class this year so far. I know it's early but seems like to would be better at this point.
Brian Bennett: Is Urban Meyer still the head coach? Then I'm not worried at all. He's one of the best closers in the game. If you're worried about the Buckeyes' recruiting in late May, take a deep breath.
Jay from Arlington writes: Title drought? Who cares. It is not like most of the SEC's titles during their so-called streak are legit anyway. And honestly, it is a lot easier to get to the BCS title game when you only have to beat one or two good teams a year, which is all that is required of SEC teams due, in no small part, to media bias. Don't sell the Big Ten short. Penn State has every right to claim a share of the 2005 title having lost one game directly due to officiating. While Penn State lost a game a lot closer than the score, the 2009 Rose Bowl between Penn State and USC matched the top two teams in the country while the Fiesta Bowl matched the third and fourth best team in Texas and Ohio State. Conversely the title game set up the sixth best team (Florida) versus the eighth in Oklahoma.
Brian Bennett: I enjoy your theories and would like to subscribe to your newsletter. Revisionist history aside, however, the records are what they are. Seven straight titles trumps every argument.
John from Iowa writes: In response you your Hope springs article: You have some misinformation posted when you talk about how many teams from each conference have made a BCS title game. The SEC has sent 4 teams not 5. They are: Tennessee, LSU, Florida, and Alabama. Also when you talk about the Big 12 sending 3 teams to the Big 10's only 1 team. One of those teams was Nebraska so you're essentially using the traditional power of one of our own teams to make your point about the Big Ten not being traditionally good.
Brian Bennett: Wow, Auburn fans must be steamed that John has already forgotten their 2011 national title. First Toomer's Oaks, and now this. I also find it funny that we get a lot of angry comments whenever we include Big-12 era Nebraska teams and coaches in our polls and lists, yet you want to include the Huskers when it might help out.
GOB Bluth from Gobias Industries, Calif., writes: Have you seen Franklin? I heard he's in Portugal. That's in South America, right?
Brian Bennett: Did you check the dryer? He has had some trouble down there. If you go looking south of the border, watch out for Hermanos. C'mon!
If the season started tomorrow look for Ohio State to be an even bigger favorite to win the conference title.
Looking at Iowa's most important game in 2013: at Iowa State.
The Big Ten is rich. The SEC is rich. The two leagues are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of popularity and power.
So why is the SEC so far ahead on the football field? The question has been dissected over and over throughout the SEC's run of seven consecutive football national championships. You've heard about demographic changes and how there are more elite football recruits living closer to SEC campuses than Big Ten campuses. You've heard about speed. You've heard about oversigning. You've heard about superior coaching. You've heard about the passionate/maniacal year-round obsession with college football in the South that doesn't really exist in other regions.
Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke sheds light on another key difference between the Big Ten and the SEC, one that relates to revenue and specifically how the leagues use revenue differently. In an interview with The (Fort Wayne) News-Sentinel's Pete DiPrimio, Burke talks about the differences in the athletic department models between the Big Ten and the SEC.
Ohio State sponsors 36 varsity sports, while Penn State has 31 and Michigan has 27. Most SEC schools sponsor 19-21 sports. Purdue has 20 varsity teams but finds itself near the bottom of the Big Ten along with Northwestern (19 teams).
Big Ten fans probably don't want to hear that sports that generate little interest and zero revenue might be holding back their football teams from competing with the SEC for national championships. But Burke's point is valid: there are more mouths to feed in the Big Ten. It's a big reason why the Big Ten, while committing more money to assistant coaches, still lags behind the SEC in that area.
Some will say Burke is making excuses for the Big Ten's recent woes. But he hits on an important difference between the two leagues that often gets overlooked. He also talks about the heightened interest level in the South -- "Football in the south is a religion. It just is" -- that can't be dismissed when sizing up these two conferences.
What do you think? Does the Big Ten's broad-based model hold it back on the gridiron, or is it just another way to mask bigger deficiencies in the league's football programs?
So why is the SEC so far ahead on the football field? The question has been dissected over and over throughout the SEC's run of seven consecutive football national championships. You've heard about demographic changes and how there are more elite football recruits living closer to SEC campuses than Big Ten campuses. You've heard about speed. You've heard about oversigning. You've heard about superior coaching. You've heard about the passionate/maniacal year-round obsession with college football in the South that doesn't really exist in other regions.
Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke sheds light on another key difference between the Big Ten and the SEC, one that relates to revenue and specifically how the leagues use revenue differently. In an interview with The (Fort Wayne) News-Sentinel's Pete DiPrimio, Burke talks about the differences in the athletic department models between the Big Ten and the SEC.
"The SEC model, almost across the board, is sponsoring the minimum number of sports (16)," Burke told the News-Sentinel. "I'm not being negative toward the SEC, but their strategy has been to take seven men's sports and nine women's sports. That puts them in a gender equity balance. If you are getting 80,000 to 90,000 in your stadium, what that means is you're spending an awful lot on football. You have to call it what it is. I'm not saying it's wrong.
"The Big Ten model is, let's get more kids, more opportunities. We have a larger athlete base. Our grant in aid [scholarship] base is bigger. It's not that we don't spend, but football in the south is a religion. It just is. When you look at the dollars and models, they're very different."
Ohio State sponsors 36 varsity sports, while Penn State has 31 and Michigan has 27. Most SEC schools sponsor 19-21 sports. Purdue has 20 varsity teams but finds itself near the bottom of the Big Ten along with Northwestern (19 teams).
Big Ten fans probably don't want to hear that sports that generate little interest and zero revenue might be holding back their football teams from competing with the SEC for national championships. But Burke's point is valid: there are more mouths to feed in the Big Ten. It's a big reason why the Big Ten, while committing more money to assistant coaches, still lags behind the SEC in that area.
"The SEC and Big Ten are opposite ends of the spectrum. It makes for a challenge if you're going to try to challenge for a national championship."
Some will say Burke is making excuses for the Big Ten's recent woes. But he hits on an important difference between the two leagues that often gets overlooked. He also talks about the heightened interest level in the South -- "Football in the south is a religion. It just is" -- that can't be dismissed when sizing up these two conferences.
What do you think? Does the Big Ten's broad-based model hold it back on the gridiron, or is it just another way to mask bigger deficiencies in the league's football programs?
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
Brian Bennett
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
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