Big Ten: Jeff Duckworth
Husker Country today, Hawkeye Country tomorrow. Wonder if I'll get stopped at customs.
Nate from Easley, S.C., writes: I really like the idea of a spring scrimmage but, other than injuries, I have one major concern. The current system is slanted towards benefitting those with a good pre-season ranking, so, if voters took the results of a glorified scrimmage into account, wouldn't it further skew the pre-season rankings? (Granted, voters pre-season ranking are already perception-based and not entirely accurate.) Said another way, do you think a scrimmage "Win" would take on more value than player development? Would two highly perceived teams want to to scrimmage if it hurt their stock going into the season?
Adam Rittenberg: Nate, this is a good question. Let me first say I despise preseason rankings. As much fun as is it to see where teams that haven't played games for nine months are subjectively rated in August, it really hurts a sport where there's such limited access to the national title game. My solution is to release the first polls about Oct. 15, but I don't know if it'll ever happen. That said, my hope is that spring scrimmages wouldn't have an overly significant impact on perception. Most teams aren't going to scrimmage their top players for very long, or risk injury to their starting quarterbacks. You can glean a few things about depth, potential breakout players, etc., but how a team performs in these scrimmages wouldn't be a great indicator of how good they'd be in the fall. So my hope is that the perception factor wouldn't be there, and it wouldn't affect whether teams scrimmage or how the polls turn out.
A.J. from Madison, Wis., writes: I agree that Wisconsin needs someone to step up on the defensive line, as well as more speed in general on defense, but I'm not sure I understand the criticism of the lack of receivers. Last year, did the Badgers have anybody we knew about other than Nick Toon? The fact is they almost never run formations with more than two receivers, and I don't think it will be hard to find one player to fill that role between Jeff Duckworth, Kenzel Doe, A.J. Jordan, or anybody else that could potentially step up.
Adam Rittenberg: A.J., I agree that Toon was the big name entering 2011, but Jared Abbrederis also had shown promise after recording 20 receptions in 2010. Wisconsin felt pretty good about Abby, and while some might not have expected him to match Toon's production, he and Toon looked like a solid 1-2 punch. You're right that Wisconsin rarely uses more than three wideouts at once, and with tight end Jacob Pedersen back, along with Abbrederis, the Badgers should be OK. But if either guy gets hurt, I'd be very concerned. Duckworth made a great catch in the Big Ten title game, and he could be that next man in. Yet he and the others have a lot to prove. Mannaseh Garner is another intriguing player. Ideally, Wisconsin wants to be able to go four or five deep at receiver, so it'll have insurance if there are injuries.
Ryan from Lincoln, Neb., writes: In every practice update I read the players talk about the attitude or "swag" this team is carrying with them this spring. Is that something you can sense with them? Also, how big do you think the strides Taylor Martinez has taken actually are? Thanks Adam!
Adam Rittenberg: Definitely, Ryan. I felt Nebraska was a confident team last spring, particularly on defense, but the Huskers' swagger seems to be reaching another level this year. They feel they have greater chemistry and camaraderie now, and it can't hurt that Bo Pelini and his staff have recruited everyone in the program. They also feel they'll be able to execute their schemes a lot better on both sides of the ball. Nebraska talked a lot last season about how different its two-gap defense is from what we see in the Big Ten. But for various reasons, including the first go-round through a new league, the advantages within the scheme didn't surface as often as most folks thought. There's a much greater comfort level on offense, as Nebraska is not only in Year 2 as a Big Ten member, but Year 2 of coordinator Tim Beck's scheme. Spring is always a time to be hopeful and optimistic, and you should want your team to have high expectations. Will Nebraska be projected as a national title contender outside Lincoln? No. But the players and coaches are shooting for that goal, and if a few things fall right, you never know.
Jon from Murfreesboro, Tenn., writes: I'm not an Iowa fan, but if I was, I would be expecting more from the program. With the amount of money Ferentz is getting paid and the minimal success he has had there, I just don't get it. Is there a coach in the Big Ten who is getting paid so handsomely for doing less than Ferentz? In 13 years in Iowa City he's had 4 ten win seasons and 2 conference titles, not exactly killing it. Outsider looking in, it sure seems like Iowa is just throwing cash at him and accept his mediocrity in the hopes that he stays and doesn't bolt for one of NFL jobs his name gets rumored about every year.
Adam Rittenberg: Jon, this is one of the topics I want to address when I'm in Iowa City this week. The thing that jumps out to everyone nationally about Iowa is Ferentz's salary. People acknowledge the wins totals, which are pretty respectable, but wonder why Iowa can't get more despite paying its coach top-10 money. With Iowa, you have to look at the bigger picture. There are some inherent disadvantages there, namely location for recruiting, that will always make it tough to be consistently elite. Iowa has some tradition, but it doesn't have the national allure of Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska. What Ferentz can sell is the ability to get players to the NFL. The pro personnel evaluators love Iowa, and if you're a good recruit with the potential to get a lot better in college, Iowa isn't a bad place to go. But it's certainly fair to expect more from Ferentz, especially at a time when Wisconsin, a comparable program, has reached back-to-back Rose Bowls. As for the constant NFL buzz, it has worked in Ferentz's favor with the school. But Iowa also doesn't want to become a North Carolina or a Washington State, programs that backslide after losing successful coaches (Mack Brown, Mike Price).
Andrew from Harrisonville, Mo., writes: I love the blog Adam, especially your coverage of the Huskers. And when I was watching your video with Ben Cotton, I noticed how much bigger he was then you. Do you feel small when your in a room full of football players?
Adam Rittenberg: No doubt, Andrew. Clearly bad genetics. It's especially tough with offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends and wide receivers. It's why I'll miss guys like Edwin Baker and Jay Valai -- I was at eye-level with them. If your team has a lineman or a tight end who looks about my height on the videos, you might want to get worried.
Chris from Chicago writes: Given the relative depth/speed at linebacker and the trouble developing a consistent pass-rush with the D-line, did you get any indication during your visits to Evanston that Northwestern might be shifting to a 3-4? Seems like it might be well employed there....
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, it's interesting. When Pat Fitzgerald first became head coach, he mentioned several times on record that the 3-4 was the team's future on defense. But the plans have changed, and I don't see the 3-4 on the horizon in Evanston. Although the coaches feel they've upgraded the athleticism at the linebacker spot, there aren't many proven players aside from the three returning starters (David Nwabuisi, Damien Proby and Collin Ellis). Although the defensive line has some major question marks after recording a league-low 17 sacks in 2011, I get the sense the coaches like their depth there and expect better things this fall. The fact is Northwestern's linebacker play has dropped off a bit after a nice run in the first part of the last decade. I don't know if this is the time to make a switch to the 3-4.
Goldy Gopher from the Frozen Four writes: Do you see Optimus Prime (Rasheed Hageman) having a breakout season making the Gopher run defense respectable?
Adam Rittenberg: Ah, Ra'Shede Hageman. How long have we been hearing he's on the verge of stardom? I remember former Minnesota coach Tim Brewster raving about Hageman a few years ago. Perhaps this is the year he turns the corner, and Minnesota could really use a dominant pass-rusher to emerge. He's a specimen at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, and he delivered a big hit at a recent practice, but he has only 18 career tackles in 20 career games. So he's still very much unproven in my eyes. But he's only a redshirt junior, so he has time to make strides, and should be better off in the second year under coordinator Tracy Claeys. Minnesota should be OK at linebacker, but it needs several players to make big strides up front and in the secondary. Hageman could be a building block for the Gophers.
Zac from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Adam, when will ESPN choose the B1G night games?
Adam Rittenberg: It varies each season, Zac, but the primetime schedule usually comes out in late April or early May. Last year, it came out on May 19, a little later than usual. But there's a larger demand for night games now, and the Big Ten is dealing with ABC/ESPN and the Big Ten Network making picks. I'll bug my pal Mark Rudner in the Big Ten office and see if I can get him moving. So many great choices this year!
Bryan from Michigan writes: Adam,What are the odds of Michigan beating Alabama the first game on the year and then going undefeated for the next 11 games and then wining the big ten championship game and then playing for the national title.
Adam Rittenberg: The Alabama game provides an excellent barometer for Michigan. Are the Wolverines on the cusp of being elite again, or were they a good team with a great record in 2011? We should find out a lot at JerryWorld. People can talk all day about the players Alabama has lost, but any time you beat the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, it's a signature win in my book. I regard Saban as by far the best coach in the nation, and the Alabama program as a notch above the rest. Looking for an elite program in a competitive environment? Look at the Tide. So if Michigan can beat Alabama, the sky's the limit, although the Wolverines' road doesn't get easier with trips to Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. It'll be tough to go undefeated with this schedule.
Nate from Easley, S.C., writes: I really like the idea of a spring scrimmage but, other than injuries, I have one major concern. The current system is slanted towards benefitting those with a good pre-season ranking, so, if voters took the results of a glorified scrimmage into account, wouldn't it further skew the pre-season rankings? (Granted, voters pre-season ranking are already perception-based and not entirely accurate.) Said another way, do you think a scrimmage "Win" would take on more value than player development? Would two highly perceived teams want to to scrimmage if it hurt their stock going into the season?
Adam Rittenberg: Nate, this is a good question. Let me first say I despise preseason rankings. As much fun as is it to see where teams that haven't played games for nine months are subjectively rated in August, it really hurts a sport where there's such limited access to the national title game. My solution is to release the first polls about Oct. 15, but I don't know if it'll ever happen. That said, my hope is that spring scrimmages wouldn't have an overly significant impact on perception. Most teams aren't going to scrimmage their top players for very long, or risk injury to their starting quarterbacks. You can glean a few things about depth, potential breakout players, etc., but how a team performs in these scrimmages wouldn't be a great indicator of how good they'd be in the fall. So my hope is that the perception factor wouldn't be there, and it wouldn't affect whether teams scrimmage or how the polls turn out.
A.J. from Madison, Wis., writes: I agree that Wisconsin needs someone to step up on the defensive line, as well as more speed in general on defense, but I'm not sure I understand the criticism of the lack of receivers. Last year, did the Badgers have anybody we knew about other than Nick Toon? The fact is they almost never run formations with more than two receivers, and I don't think it will be hard to find one player to fill that role between Jeff Duckworth, Kenzel Doe, A.J. Jordan, or anybody else that could potentially step up.
Adam Rittenberg: A.J., I agree that Toon was the big name entering 2011, but Jared Abbrederis also had shown promise after recording 20 receptions in 2010. Wisconsin felt pretty good about Abby, and while some might not have expected him to match Toon's production, he and Toon looked like a solid 1-2 punch. You're right that Wisconsin rarely uses more than three wideouts at once, and with tight end Jacob Pedersen back, along with Abbrederis, the Badgers should be OK. But if either guy gets hurt, I'd be very concerned. Duckworth made a great catch in the Big Ten title game, and he could be that next man in. Yet he and the others have a lot to prove. Mannaseh Garner is another intriguing player. Ideally, Wisconsin wants to be able to go four or five deep at receiver, so it'll have insurance if there are injuries.
Ryan from Lincoln, Neb., writes: In every practice update I read the players talk about the attitude or "swag" this team is carrying with them this spring. Is that something you can sense with them? Also, how big do you think the strides Taylor Martinez has taken actually are? Thanks Adam!
Adam Rittenberg: Definitely, Ryan. I felt Nebraska was a confident team last spring, particularly on defense, but the Huskers' swagger seems to be reaching another level this year. They feel they have greater chemistry and camaraderie now, and it can't hurt that Bo Pelini and his staff have recruited everyone in the program. They also feel they'll be able to execute their schemes a lot better on both sides of the ball. Nebraska talked a lot last season about how different its two-gap defense is from what we see in the Big Ten. But for various reasons, including the first go-round through a new league, the advantages within the scheme didn't surface as often as most folks thought. There's a much greater comfort level on offense, as Nebraska is not only in Year 2 as a Big Ten member, but Year 2 of coordinator Tim Beck's scheme. Spring is always a time to be hopeful and optimistic, and you should want your team to have high expectations. Will Nebraska be projected as a national title contender outside Lincoln? No. But the players and coaches are shooting for that goal, and if a few things fall right, you never know.
Jon from Murfreesboro, Tenn., writes: I'm not an Iowa fan, but if I was, I would be expecting more from the program. With the amount of money Ferentz is getting paid and the minimal success he has had there, I just don't get it. Is there a coach in the Big Ten who is getting paid so handsomely for doing less than Ferentz? In 13 years in Iowa City he's had 4 ten win seasons and 2 conference titles, not exactly killing it. Outsider looking in, it sure seems like Iowa is just throwing cash at him and accept his mediocrity in the hopes that he stays and doesn't bolt for one of NFL jobs his name gets rumored about every year.
Adam Rittenberg: Jon, this is one of the topics I want to address when I'm in Iowa City this week. The thing that jumps out to everyone nationally about Iowa is Ferentz's salary. People acknowledge the wins totals, which are pretty respectable, but wonder why Iowa can't get more despite paying its coach top-10 money. With Iowa, you have to look at the bigger picture. There are some inherent disadvantages there, namely location for recruiting, that will always make it tough to be consistently elite. Iowa has some tradition, but it doesn't have the national allure of Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska. What Ferentz can sell is the ability to get players to the NFL. The pro personnel evaluators love Iowa, and if you're a good recruit with the potential to get a lot better in college, Iowa isn't a bad place to go. But it's certainly fair to expect more from Ferentz, especially at a time when Wisconsin, a comparable program, has reached back-to-back Rose Bowls. As for the constant NFL buzz, it has worked in Ferentz's favor with the school. But Iowa also doesn't want to become a North Carolina or a Washington State, programs that backslide after losing successful coaches (Mack Brown, Mike Price).
Andrew from Harrisonville, Mo., writes: I love the blog Adam, especially your coverage of the Huskers. And when I was watching your video with Ben Cotton, I noticed how much bigger he was then you. Do you feel small when your in a room full of football players?
Adam Rittenberg: No doubt, Andrew. Clearly bad genetics. It's especially tough with offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends and wide receivers. It's why I'll miss guys like Edwin Baker and Jay Valai -- I was at eye-level with them. If your team has a lineman or a tight end who looks about my height on the videos, you might want to get worried.
Chris from Chicago writes: Given the relative depth/speed at linebacker and the trouble developing a consistent pass-rush with the D-line, did you get any indication during your visits to Evanston that Northwestern might be shifting to a 3-4? Seems like it might be well employed there....
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, it's interesting. When Pat Fitzgerald first became head coach, he mentioned several times on record that the 3-4 was the team's future on defense. But the plans have changed, and I don't see the 3-4 on the horizon in Evanston. Although the coaches feel they've upgraded the athleticism at the linebacker spot, there aren't many proven players aside from the three returning starters (David Nwabuisi, Damien Proby and Collin Ellis). Although the defensive line has some major question marks after recording a league-low 17 sacks in 2011, I get the sense the coaches like their depth there and expect better things this fall. The fact is Northwestern's linebacker play has dropped off a bit after a nice run in the first part of the last decade. I don't know if this is the time to make a switch to the 3-4.
Goldy Gopher from the Frozen Four writes: Do you see Optimus Prime (Rasheed Hageman) having a breakout season making the Gopher run defense respectable?
Adam Rittenberg: Ah, Ra'Shede Hageman. How long have we been hearing he's on the verge of stardom? I remember former Minnesota coach Tim Brewster raving about Hageman a few years ago. Perhaps this is the year he turns the corner, and Minnesota could really use a dominant pass-rusher to emerge. He's a specimen at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, and he delivered a big hit at a recent practice, but he has only 18 career tackles in 20 career games. So he's still very much unproven in my eyes. But he's only a redshirt junior, so he has time to make strides, and should be better off in the second year under coordinator Tracy Claeys. Minnesota should be OK at linebacker, but it needs several players to make big strides up front and in the secondary. Hageman could be a building block for the Gophers.
Zac from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Adam, when will ESPN choose the B1G night games?
Adam Rittenberg: It varies each season, Zac, but the primetime schedule usually comes out in late April or early May. Last year, it came out on May 19, a little later than usual. But there's a larger demand for night games now, and the Big Ten is dealing with ABC/ESPN and the Big Ten Network making picks. I'll bug my pal Mark Rudner in the Big Ten office and see if I can get him moving. So many great choices this year!
Bryan from Michigan writes: Adam,What are the odds of Michigan beating Alabama the first game on the year and then going undefeated for the next 11 games and then wining the big ten championship game and then playing for the national title.
Adam Rittenberg: The Alabama game provides an excellent barometer for Michigan. Are the Wolverines on the cusp of being elite again, or were they a good team with a great record in 2011? We should find out a lot at JerryWorld. People can talk all day about the players Alabama has lost, but any time you beat the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, it's a signature win in my book. I regard Saban as by far the best coach in the nation, and the Alabama program as a notch above the rest. Looking for an elite program in a competitive environment? Look at the Tide. So if Michigan can beat Alabama, the sky's the limit, although the Wolverines' road doesn't get easier with trips to Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. It'll be tough to go undefeated with this schedule.
We're 48 hours from Armageddon in my hometown. I'll be on my roof with a shotgun, protecting the house from rioters.
In the meantime, let's get to your emails:
The Roaming Badger from On a T-Bell Run: Now before all of the Badger fans get so excited about our shiny new toy at QB that we crown ourselves B1G champs, can we stop and look at the talent surrounding Danny O'Brien? I'm not sure he has enough targets to thrive and I'm not convinced the defense can be elite. Basically, I'm not sure that O'Brien takes this team from division champ to conference champ, much less national champ. Please tell me I'm wrong.
Brian Bennett: You make some good points. Wisconsin doesn't exactly look loaded at the receiver spots. I love Jared Abbrederis, but with Nick Toon gone the Badgers are going to have to find some secondary receivers. Maybe Jeff Duckworth will build upon his big performance in the Big Ten championship game. The defense probably won't be elite, but it wasn't exactly dominating the past two years either as Wisconsin went to the Rose Bowl. O'Brien patches the biggest hole on the team, and with the offensive line and running game expected to be so good, the Badgers have to be considered the favorites in the Leaders Division. Can they do more than that? Right now, I think they're a notch below the best Legends teams. But it's only the spring.
Ty L. from þ @WordsthegreatTy writes: With Danny O'Brien going to Wisconsin now, who starts at QB for Penn State and who finishes the year as the starter?
Brian Bennett: I continue to believe Matt McGloin will win that job again. He clearly outplayed Rob Bolden last year and there's no reason to believe at this point anything will be different. Paul Jones has talent but hasn't been able to stay academically eligible and gain any experience. For Penn State fas fretting about not getting O'Brien, consider these 2011 numbers:
O'Brien: 1,648 yards passing, 56.4 percent completion rate, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions
McGloin: 1,548 yards passing, 54.1 percent completion rate, eight touchdowns, five interceptions
I don't believe the difference between the two is all that great, and the addition of a different O'Brien -- new head coach Bill O'Brien -- will bring major improvement to what was a very stale Nittany Lions passing game.
Dayne 2.0 from Madison writes: It goes without saying that Montee Ball was more than improved in the 2011 season; he was a completely different back. I'm curious to know what factors you think were most vital to his success? Was it the weight loss? Was it the addition of Tom Hammock? Obviously he put in a TON of work in the offseason. Also, how will his plan for putting on weight (which confuses me after what being 30 pounds lighter did to him) and another year with Hammock affect him this coming year? I think it's pretty clear he'll be working just as hard as the last offseason to improve his draft stock and hopefully win Wisconsin's second Heisman award.
Brian Bennett: It was obvious in preseason practice last year that Ball was very driven to have a huge season. The loss of 30 pounds not only made him quicker but helped his stamina. It is a little strange to hear him talk about putting weight back on, but that's more about adding some strength to get ready for the next level. Adding O'Brien at quarterback just helped Ball's Heisman chances because teams won't be able to load up against the run as much.
Corey from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, writes: Hey Brian, first time questioner/long time reader. Nice having you aboard here on the B1G blog. It seems to me that big name transfers have been choosing the Big Ten lately. With the increase in transfers coming to B1G schools, do you think it will eventually equate to better recruiting, especially in the talent-rich South?
Brian Bennett: In addition to O'Brien, some of the high-profile transfers this offseason have included highly-recruited receivers Kyle Prater (from USC to Northwestern) and DeAnthony Arnett (from Tennessee to Michigan State). But Prater is from Illinois and Arnett is from Michigan, so I don't know why this would have a big effect on recruiting in the South. Maybe if skill position players see top-flight receivers and backs having great success in the Big Ten, that can change some perceptions about the conference being a slow, defensive-minded league. But players generally like to stay close to home.
Paul from Philadelphia writes: Although I wouldn't have been upset if Danny O'Brien had come to Happy Valley, it still wouldn't have sat well with me in terms of fairness to Matt McGloin, Rob Bolden, or Paul Jones. And, I have to say, it doesn't seem fair to any recruit who was hoping to work for the starting role in Madison this fall. Do you think this graduate transfer rule that allows for immediate eligibility is fair? Is it the rule across all athletic conferences in the U.S.? Or, am I too focused on fairness and not focused enough on the merit of whoever is the best player for the position regardless of longevity in the program?
Brian Bennett: First of all, it is an NCAA rule that allows graduate transfers to become immediately eligible, but schools and conferences don't have to abide by it. The SEC, for instance, passed its own rule banning such transfers who have only one year of eligibility left (O'Brien has two). As for fairness, well, sports is like life. It's not always fair, and competition is good. I don't see the transfer rule being much different than a coach recruiting a better player at the same position or bringing in a transfer who has to sit out a year. No one should ever assume they will get playing time or a starting job just by staying in the program.
The one legitimate concern, especially for Wisconsin after bringing in two such transfers in consecutive years, is that will send a bad signal in recruiting that the team can't develop its own quarterbacks. But the pros far outweigh the cons in this instance.
Luis from Philadelphia writes: Where would you rank the stability of the B1G conference after the many coaching changes?
Brian Bennett: The conference as a whole is incredibly stable, thanks to strong leadership, smart expansion and the lucrative TV contracts. No worries there. There have been many coaching changes, but if you look at the individual programs that made those changes, there's little reason to worry. Brady Hoke looks like he'll be at Michigan a long, long time. While we don't know how long Urban Meyer will want to stay in coaching, he doesn't seem likely to bolt for another job. Penn State made a coaching change, but that was after nearly a half-century with the same head coach.
Trevor from Chicago writes: You wrote how cool it is the Kentucky and Louisville are playing each other in a playoff and you are right, it is a sweet story line. Many combinations of BIG teams would be amazing to see. However, you miss the other side. How irrelevant was their regular season matchup? Other than the hardcore fans, no one cared. It's what happens in playoff sports, "just wake me up when the playoffs get here" mentality sets in. I hope you see the long term implications of a playoff system. Not even to mention is getting bigger as the powers that be see the $$$ in adding teams over time.
Brian Bennett: Trevor, if you've ever spent time in Kentucky, you know there is never such a thing as an irrelevant Kentucky-Louisville game. It's huge every year. While that game might not attract a ton of national interest, the truth is little outside of the NCAA tournament does when it comes to college basketball. College football is a much, much different story. People are always going to care about the Michigan-Ohio State game no matter the records or situation, and the same is true for many other schools and their fan bases. I don't think a four-team playoff will adversely affect the regular season, and if home-field advantage is at stake, it could even make the regular season more important in some ways.
Lorenzo from Sierra Vista, Ariz., writes: With Urban Meyer basically saying that Ohio State has Zero Offensive playmakers on the current roster, doesn't that speak volumes of how well Jim Tressel did while there? Doesn't it also highlight that Jim Tressel was deserving of Big Ten COTY at LEAST twice (2002, 2007)?
Brian Bennett: I don't really follow your logic. First of all, Meyer's concerns are about the receiver position. He seems to like the running back and quarterback spots just fine. Jim Tressel had some fine receivers during his tenure -- Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez, DeVier Posey, just to name a few. Tressel and Meyer also have wildly different offensive philosophies, as Meyer puts a big emphasis on super-fast, versatile players. But I'll agree with your last part, that Tressel should have taken home an armful of coach of the year honors.
Erik B. þfrom @HuskerInsanity writes: What do Pelini & Beck think of Martinez having a QB coach in CA? Aren't they getting paid to provide teaching & instruction?
Brian Bennett: If you missed the story earlier this week, Taylor Martinez spent his spring break working with California-based quarterbacks instructor Steve Calhoun. While there is some concern about having too many voices in your quarterback's head, I haven't heard any indication that Bo Pelini or Tim Beck is upset about this. In fact, at a time when plenty of college football players use their break to relax on a beach somewhere, Martinez continued to work on his game and his mechanics. That says a lot about his dedication to getting better, and that's excellent news for the Huskers. Also, two other college quarterbacks -- Washington's Keith Price and Nevada's Cody Fajardo -- did the same thing on their breaks.
In the meantime, let's get to your emails:
The Roaming Badger from On a T-Bell Run: Now before all of the Badger fans get so excited about our shiny new toy at QB that we crown ourselves B1G champs, can we stop and look at the talent surrounding Danny O'Brien? I'm not sure he has enough targets to thrive and I'm not convinced the defense can be elite. Basically, I'm not sure that O'Brien takes this team from division champ to conference champ, much less national champ. Please tell me I'm wrong.
Brian Bennett: You make some good points. Wisconsin doesn't exactly look loaded at the receiver spots. I love Jared Abbrederis, but with Nick Toon gone the Badgers are going to have to find some secondary receivers. Maybe Jeff Duckworth will build upon his big performance in the Big Ten championship game. The defense probably won't be elite, but it wasn't exactly dominating the past two years either as Wisconsin went to the Rose Bowl. O'Brien patches the biggest hole on the team, and with the offensive line and running game expected to be so good, the Badgers have to be considered the favorites in the Leaders Division. Can they do more than that? Right now, I think they're a notch below the best Legends teams. But it's only the spring.
Ty L. from þ @WordsthegreatTy writes: With Danny O'Brien going to Wisconsin now, who starts at QB for Penn State and who finishes the year as the starter?
Brian Bennett: I continue to believe Matt McGloin will win that job again. He clearly outplayed Rob Bolden last year and there's no reason to believe at this point anything will be different. Paul Jones has talent but hasn't been able to stay academically eligible and gain any experience. For Penn State fas fretting about not getting O'Brien, consider these 2011 numbers:
O'Brien: 1,648 yards passing, 56.4 percent completion rate, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions
McGloin: 1,548 yards passing, 54.1 percent completion rate, eight touchdowns, five interceptions
I don't believe the difference between the two is all that great, and the addition of a different O'Brien -- new head coach Bill O'Brien -- will bring major improvement to what was a very stale Nittany Lions passing game.
Dayne 2.0 from Madison writes: It goes without saying that Montee Ball was more than improved in the 2011 season; he was a completely different back. I'm curious to know what factors you think were most vital to his success? Was it the weight loss? Was it the addition of Tom Hammock? Obviously he put in a TON of work in the offseason. Also, how will his plan for putting on weight (which confuses me after what being 30 pounds lighter did to him) and another year with Hammock affect him this coming year? I think it's pretty clear he'll be working just as hard as the last offseason to improve his draft stock and hopefully win Wisconsin's second Heisman award.
Brian Bennett: It was obvious in preseason practice last year that Ball was very driven to have a huge season. The loss of 30 pounds not only made him quicker but helped his stamina. It is a little strange to hear him talk about putting weight back on, but that's more about adding some strength to get ready for the next level. Adding O'Brien at quarterback just helped Ball's Heisman chances because teams won't be able to load up against the run as much.
Corey from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, writes: Hey Brian, first time questioner/long time reader. Nice having you aboard here on the B1G blog. It seems to me that big name transfers have been choosing the Big Ten lately. With the increase in transfers coming to B1G schools, do you think it will eventually equate to better recruiting, especially in the talent-rich South?
Brian Bennett: In addition to O'Brien, some of the high-profile transfers this offseason have included highly-recruited receivers Kyle Prater (from USC to Northwestern) and DeAnthony Arnett (from Tennessee to Michigan State). But Prater is from Illinois and Arnett is from Michigan, so I don't know why this would have a big effect on recruiting in the South. Maybe if skill position players see top-flight receivers and backs having great success in the Big Ten, that can change some perceptions about the conference being a slow, defensive-minded league. But players generally like to stay close to home.
Paul from Philadelphia writes: Although I wouldn't have been upset if Danny O'Brien had come to Happy Valley, it still wouldn't have sat well with me in terms of fairness to Matt McGloin, Rob Bolden, or Paul Jones. And, I have to say, it doesn't seem fair to any recruit who was hoping to work for the starting role in Madison this fall. Do you think this graduate transfer rule that allows for immediate eligibility is fair? Is it the rule across all athletic conferences in the U.S.? Or, am I too focused on fairness and not focused enough on the merit of whoever is the best player for the position regardless of longevity in the program?
Brian Bennett: First of all, it is an NCAA rule that allows graduate transfers to become immediately eligible, but schools and conferences don't have to abide by it. The SEC, for instance, passed its own rule banning such transfers who have only one year of eligibility left (O'Brien has two). As for fairness, well, sports is like life. It's not always fair, and competition is good. I don't see the transfer rule being much different than a coach recruiting a better player at the same position or bringing in a transfer who has to sit out a year. No one should ever assume they will get playing time or a starting job just by staying in the program.
The one legitimate concern, especially for Wisconsin after bringing in two such transfers in consecutive years, is that will send a bad signal in recruiting that the team can't develop its own quarterbacks. But the pros far outweigh the cons in this instance.
Luis from Philadelphia writes: Where would you rank the stability of the B1G conference after the many coaching changes?
Brian Bennett: The conference as a whole is incredibly stable, thanks to strong leadership, smart expansion and the lucrative TV contracts. No worries there. There have been many coaching changes, but if you look at the individual programs that made those changes, there's little reason to worry. Brady Hoke looks like he'll be at Michigan a long, long time. While we don't know how long Urban Meyer will want to stay in coaching, he doesn't seem likely to bolt for another job. Penn State made a coaching change, but that was after nearly a half-century with the same head coach.
Trevor from Chicago writes: You wrote how cool it is the Kentucky and Louisville are playing each other in a playoff and you are right, it is a sweet story line. Many combinations of BIG teams would be amazing to see. However, you miss the other side. How irrelevant was their regular season matchup? Other than the hardcore fans, no one cared. It's what happens in playoff sports, "just wake me up when the playoffs get here" mentality sets in. I hope you see the long term implications of a playoff system. Not even to mention is getting bigger as the powers that be see the $$$ in adding teams over time.
Brian Bennett: Trevor, if you've ever spent time in Kentucky, you know there is never such a thing as an irrelevant Kentucky-Louisville game. It's huge every year. While that game might not attract a ton of national interest, the truth is little outside of the NCAA tournament does when it comes to college basketball. College football is a much, much different story. People are always going to care about the Michigan-Ohio State game no matter the records or situation, and the same is true for many other schools and their fan bases. I don't think a four-team playoff will adversely affect the regular season, and if home-field advantage is at stake, it could even make the regular season more important in some ways.
Lorenzo from Sierra Vista, Ariz., writes: With Urban Meyer basically saying that Ohio State has Zero Offensive playmakers on the current roster, doesn't that speak volumes of how well Jim Tressel did while there? Doesn't it also highlight that Jim Tressel was deserving of Big Ten COTY at LEAST twice (2002, 2007)?
Brian Bennett: I don't really follow your logic. First of all, Meyer's concerns are about the receiver position. He seems to like the running back and quarterback spots just fine. Jim Tressel had some fine receivers during his tenure -- Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez, DeVier Posey, just to name a few. Tressel and Meyer also have wildly different offensive philosophies, as Meyer puts a big emphasis on super-fast, versatile players. But I'll agree with your last part, that Tressel should have taken home an armful of coach of the year honors.
Erik B. þfrom @HuskerInsanity writes: What do Pelini & Beck think of Martinez having a QB coach in CA? Aren't they getting paid to provide teaching & instruction?
Brian Bennett: If you missed the story earlier this week, Taylor Martinez spent his spring break working with California-based quarterbacks instructor Steve Calhoun. While there is some concern about having too many voices in your quarterback's head, I haven't heard any indication that Bo Pelini or Tim Beck is upset about this. In fact, at a time when plenty of college football players use their break to relax on a beach somewhere, Martinez continued to work on his game and his mechanics. That says a lot about his dedication to getting better, and that's excellent news for the Huskers. Also, two other college quarterbacks -- Washington's Keith Price and Nevada's Cody Fajardo -- did the same thing on their breaks.
Top 10 moments of the Big Ten season
January, 12, 2012
Jan 12
11:00
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Now that the season is over, it's time to take a look back at our Top 10 moments of the year in Big Ten football, on and off the field:
No. 1
"Rocket" men (Oct. 22)
Michigan State's 44-yard Hail Mary pass from Kirk Cousins to Keith Nichol (via B.J. Cunningham's facemask) stands as the most memorable play of the Big Ten season and, we would argue, the top play of the college football year. The Spartans' 37-31 win over Wisconsin derailed the Badgers' national title hopes and helped propel Michigan State to a Legends Division title. And that set up another fantastic moment ...
No. 2
Badgers get revenge (Dec. 3)
The first Big Ten championship game couldn't have asked for much more drama, as Wisconsin and Michigan State staged a highly-anticipated rematch of their earlier classic. This one played out in almost the same fashion, with each team trading huge plays in a thrilling game. This time, the Badgers completed a desperation heave, as Russell Wilson found Jeff Duckworth on a long pass in the fourth quarter to set up the go-ahead touchdown. A running-into-the-punter penalty ended the Spartans' chances of winning in the final minute again. Wisconsin clinched a second straight Rose Bowl appearance with its 42-39 victory, and another Spartans-Badgers epic duel made the inaugural title game a smashing success.
No. 3
Michigan's miracle (Sept. 10)
If not for those Michigan State-Wisconsin games, Michigan's 35-31 win over Notre Dame would likely be remembered as the most exciting game of the Big Ten season. The Wolverines trailed 24-7 after three quarters and couldn't get much going offensively. But then Denard Robinson took over. The two teams scored three touchdowns in the final 1:12, until Robinson ended matters with a 16-yard scoring strike to Roy Roundtree with two seconds left. That kind of magic would stay with Michigan all season long, right through its equally improbable Allstate Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech.
No. 4
Braxton's bomb (Oct. 29)
A week after losing on that Hail Mary in East Lansing, Wisconsin had its guts ripped out all over again in Columbus. Precocious Ohio State freshman quarterback Braxton Miller scrambled and nearly crossed the line of scrimmage before firing a 40-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Devin Smith with 20 seconds left as the Buckeyes won 33-29. Little did we know then that it would be Ohio State's last great moment of the season, or that the Badgers would somehow regroup to still win the league championship.
No. 5
The fall of an icon (Nov. 9)
No story in the Big Ten, or in all of sports, was bigger than the child sex abuse scandal that erupted at Penn State in November. The rape allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, as well as charges that school administrators failed to stop him and/or lied under oath, became international news. And on Nov. 9, that scandal led to the firing of legendary head coach Joe Paterno, who won 409 games while leading the program since 1966. Everything about that week in State College, from students rallying on Paterno's front lawn to the bizarre, circus-like atmosphere at the Board of Trustees news conference announcing his dismissal, was and remains surreal.
No. 6
A time for healing (Nov. 12)
After all the events and controversy leading up to Penn State's home game against Nebraska, which included student riots in the streets of downtown a few days earlier, there was serious concern about what would happen at Beaver Stadium that Saturday. Security was on high alert. But the Nittany Lions and Huskers players helped diffuse the tension by meeting at midfield just before kickoff for a moving prayer. Nebraska won the game and won some admirers for how it handled the difficult situation.
No. 7
Urban renewal (Nov. 28)
Most of Ohio State's season, which featured a 6-7 record and a 2012 NCAA bowl ban handed down in December, was something its fans would like to forget. But Buckeyes fans can't wait for the future after the school hired Ohio native Urban Meyer as its next head coach. Meyer's first season will be hampered by the postseason ban. Still, for Ohio State to go through the mess it faced during 2011 and still end up with a coach of Meyer's stature and pedigree has to be considered a victory.
No. 8
Gophers go hog wild (Oct. 29)
Minnesota barely looked like an FBS team, much less a Big Ten one, during its 1-6 start. The Gophers had lost to North Dakota State and were outscored 144-31 in their first three league contests. But the rivalry game against Iowa brought out the best in them. Minnesota scored two touchdowns in the final 8:22 and pulled off a daring onside kick to stun the Hawkeyes 22-21 in the upset of the Big Ten season. The Gophers kept the Floyd of Rosedale trophy in Minneapolis for a second straight season.
No. 9
Huskers' historic comeback (Oct. 8)
Nebraska's first Big Ten home game was one to remember. The Huskers trailed Ohio State by 21 points in the second half before rallying for the biggest comeback victory in program history. Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead and Lavonte David all had huge nights as the team scored 28 straight points for a 34-27 victory. And by beating the league's reigning blue-chip program, Nebraska proved it belonged in the Big Ten.
No. 10
The Streak ends (Nov. 26)
Brady Hoke promised to "Beat Ohio" when he took the Michigan job. And he delivered with an exciting 40-34 victory that snapped an infuriating seven-game losing streak to the hated Buckeyes. Robinson accounted for five touchdowns as the Wolverines held off a big performance from Ohio State's Miller. With Hoke and Meyer now battling it out every year, The Game could resume its place as college football's top rivalry.
No. 1
"Rocket" men (Oct. 22)
[+] Enlarge
Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIREMichigan State Spartans wide receiver Keith Nichols' (right) catch to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers was the top play of the 2011 Big Ten season.
Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIREMichigan State Spartans wide receiver Keith Nichols' (right) catch to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers was the top play of the 2011 Big Ten season.No. 2
Badgers get revenge (Dec. 3)
The first Big Ten championship game couldn't have asked for much more drama, as Wisconsin and Michigan State staged a highly-anticipated rematch of their earlier classic. This one played out in almost the same fashion, with each team trading huge plays in a thrilling game. This time, the Badgers completed a desperation heave, as Russell Wilson found Jeff Duckworth on a long pass in the fourth quarter to set up the go-ahead touchdown. A running-into-the-punter penalty ended the Spartans' chances of winning in the final minute again. Wisconsin clinched a second straight Rose Bowl appearance with its 42-39 victory, and another Spartans-Badgers epic duel made the inaugural title game a smashing success.
No. 3
Michigan's miracle (Sept. 10)
If not for those Michigan State-Wisconsin games, Michigan's 35-31 win over Notre Dame would likely be remembered as the most exciting game of the Big Ten season. The Wolverines trailed 24-7 after three quarters and couldn't get much going offensively. But then Denard Robinson took over. The two teams scored three touchdowns in the final 1:12, until Robinson ended matters with a 16-yard scoring strike to Roy Roundtree with two seconds left. That kind of magic would stay with Michigan all season long, right through its equally improbable Allstate Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech.
No. 4
Braxton's bomb (Oct. 29)
A week after losing on that Hail Mary in East Lansing, Wisconsin had its guts ripped out all over again in Columbus. Precocious Ohio State freshman quarterback Braxton Miller scrambled and nearly crossed the line of scrimmage before firing a 40-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Devin Smith with 20 seconds left as the Buckeyes won 33-29. Little did we know then that it would be Ohio State's last great moment of the season, or that the Badgers would somehow regroup to still win the league championship.
No. 5
The fall of an icon (Nov. 9)
No story in the Big Ten, or in all of sports, was bigger than the child sex abuse scandal that erupted at Penn State in November. The rape allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, as well as charges that school administrators failed to stop him and/or lied under oath, became international news. And on Nov. 9, that scandal led to the firing of legendary head coach Joe Paterno, who won 409 games while leading the program since 1966. Everything about that week in State College, from students rallying on Paterno's front lawn to the bizarre, circus-like atmosphere at the Board of Trustees news conference announcing his dismissal, was and remains surreal.
No. 6
A time for healing (Nov. 12)
After all the events and controversy leading up to Penn State's home game against Nebraska, which included student riots in the streets of downtown a few days earlier, there was serious concern about what would happen at Beaver Stadium that Saturday. Security was on high alert. But the Nittany Lions and Huskers players helped diffuse the tension by meeting at midfield just before kickoff for a moving prayer. Nebraska won the game and won some admirers for how it handled the difficult situation.
No. 7
Urban renewal (Nov. 28)
Most of Ohio State's season, which featured a 6-7 record and a 2012 NCAA bowl ban handed down in December, was something its fans would like to forget. But Buckeyes fans can't wait for the future after the school hired Ohio native Urban Meyer as its next head coach. Meyer's first season will be hampered by the postseason ban. Still, for Ohio State to go through the mess it faced during 2011 and still end up with a coach of Meyer's stature and pedigree has to be considered a victory.
No. 8
Gophers go hog wild (Oct. 29)
Minnesota barely looked like an FBS team, much less a Big Ten one, during its 1-6 start. The Gophers had lost to North Dakota State and were outscored 144-31 in their first three league contests. But the rivalry game against Iowa brought out the best in them. Minnesota scored two touchdowns in the final 8:22 and pulled off a daring onside kick to stun the Hawkeyes 22-21 in the upset of the Big Ten season. The Gophers kept the Floyd of Rosedale trophy in Minneapolis for a second straight season.
No. 9
Huskers' historic comeback (Oct. 8)
Nebraska's first Big Ten home game was one to remember. The Huskers trailed Ohio State by 21 points in the second half before rallying for the biggest comeback victory in program history. Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead and Lavonte David all had huge nights as the team scored 28 straight points for a 34-27 victory. And by beating the league's reigning blue-chip program, Nebraska proved it belonged in the Big Ten.
No. 10
The Streak ends (Nov. 26)
Brady Hoke promised to "Beat Ohio" when he took the Michigan job. And he delivered with an exciting 40-34 victory that snapped an infuriating seven-game losing streak to the hated Buckeyes. Robinson accounted for five touchdowns as the Wolverines held off a big performance from Ohio State's Miller. With Hoke and Meyer now battling it out every year, The Game could resume its place as college football's top rivalry.
Take Two: Better budding rivalry?
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
9:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg and
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.
Today's Take Two topic is inspired by user Lucas from NYC, who asked during Wednesday's Big Ten chat: Which is the more promising budding rivalry: Iowa-Nebraska or Wisconsin-Michigan State?
Take 1: Adam Rittenberg
Before the season, I would have said Iowa-Nebraska for sure. And it still might turn out to be the more heated rivalry in the long term. The schools are from bordering states, the teams are in the same division and the fan bases have a natural distaste for one another. But after seeing the way the season played out, I'm going with Wisconsin-Michigan State. The teams played two epic matchups, first in East Lansing and then in Indianapolis at the inaugural Big Ten championship game. The first Iowa-Nebraska game was pretty much a snoozer, although things will get spicier in the coming years. Both MSU-Wisconsin games featured wild swings and unforgettable plays, from the game-winning Hail Mary from Kirk Cousins to Keith Nichol, to Russell Wilson's desperation heave to Jeff Duckworth on fourth down. Not surprisingly, the two fan bases saw the game-deciding punt penalty on Michigan State's Isaiah Lewis in Indy a bit differently. Wisconsin fans can't stand their team repeatedly losing in East Lansing. Michigan State fans aren't too fond of Bret Bielema and remain steamed about the way the title game ended. Most important, both programs are on the rise in the Big Ten and becoming new powers in the league. Need more evidence? I present the Mitten State debate. It all adds up to an excellent budding rivalry between Michigan State and Wisconsin.
Take 2: Brian Bennett
Absolutely in the short term, Michigan State and Wisconsin is the more promising rivalry. The two teams have played six really good games since 2007, capped of course by the two thrillers this season. I'm already looking forward to next Oct. 27, when the Spartans and Badgers hook up again in Madison. Wisconsin looks like the overwhelming 2012 Leaders Division favorite, while Michigan State will certainly contend in the Legends and could repeat if it adequately replaces Cousins. So another Big Ten title game match next year is not out of the question. But here's the problem with getting too smitten by the Mitten Game: the two teams are not permanent cross-division rivals, so they're not guaranteed to play every year. A true rivalry needs annual repetition. Iowa-Nebraska has that, not to mention a fixed date on the calendar in Black Friday. The Hawkeyes have yet to turn this into an interesting series, but the apparent defection of Iowa defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski to the same position with the Cornhuskers could add a little hot sauce into the mix. Eventually, the neighboring state battle will become the bigger of the two. But for the near future, Michigan State-Wisconsin has the juice.
Today's Take Two topic is inspired by user Lucas from NYC, who asked during Wednesday's Big Ten chat: Which is the more promising budding rivalry: Iowa-Nebraska or Wisconsin-Michigan State?
Take 1: Adam Rittenberg
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Al GoldisBoth Michigan State-Wisconsin games this season were classics, the first of which was decided on a Hail Mary pass caught by MSU's Keith Nichol.
AP Photo/Al GoldisBoth Michigan State-Wisconsin games this season were classics, the first of which was decided on a Hail Mary pass caught by MSU's Keith Nichol.Take 2: Brian Bennett
Absolutely in the short term, Michigan State and Wisconsin is the more promising rivalry. The two teams have played six really good games since 2007, capped of course by the two thrillers this season. I'm already looking forward to next Oct. 27, when the Spartans and Badgers hook up again in Madison. Wisconsin looks like the overwhelming 2012 Leaders Division favorite, while Michigan State will certainly contend in the Legends and could repeat if it adequately replaces Cousins. So another Big Ten title game match next year is not out of the question. But here's the problem with getting too smitten by the Mitten Game: the two teams are not permanent cross-division rivals, so they're not guaranteed to play every year. A true rivalry needs annual repetition. Iowa-Nebraska has that, not to mention a fixed date on the calendar in Black Friday. The Hawkeyes have yet to turn this into an interesting series, but the apparent defection of Iowa defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski to the same position with the Cornhuskers could add a little hot sauce into the mix. Eventually, the neighboring state battle will become the bigger of the two. But for the near future, Michigan State-Wisconsin has the juice.
Let's review Week 14 in the Big Ten. If you don't know what the team of the week and the game of the week were, then I can't help you.
Biggest play: Russell Wilson's 36-yard prayer was answered by Jeff Duckworth on fourth-and-six from the Michigan State 43 with about four minutes left in the Big Ten title game. Duckworth had two defenders around him but still managed to come down with the ball. Duckworth had only 12 catches in the regular season but hauled in three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown in the championship game.
Biggest call: Obviously, the 5-yard running-into-the-punter penalty on Isaiah Lewis that gave Wisconsin a first down and allowed the Badgers to go into the victory formation. Adam Rittenberg broke it all down here. What really stings for Michigan State is that Keshawn Martin returned the punt all the way inside the Wisconsin 5, though we'll never know if that return plays out the same way without Wisconsin players seeing the flag on the carpet.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said it was his call to go after the punt, a totally understandable decision given the Badgers' problems with punt protection this year. But Wisconsin was also punting from its own 26 with 1:57 left, and the Spartans had their most dangerous player ready for the return. Even if Martin doesn't get much yardage, he caught Brad Nortman's punt on his own 34. Michigan State would have needed to go about 30 yards with no timeouts left to get in position for a long field goal try. There's no guarantee of that happening, but Kirk Cousins and the offense had moved the ball well all night.
It's a play that will haunt the Spartans all offseason. And it's another reason why I'm glad I'm not a coach.
Big Man on Campus (Offense): Russell Wilson. The Wisconsin quarterback capped a spectacular season by earning Big Ten championship game MVP honors. Once again, he showed great poise in a crucial spot, completing 12 of his 15 passes in the second half for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Where would the Badgers be without him?
Big Man on Campus (Defense): Michigan State linebacker Denicos Allen. The sophomore had a career-high three sacks, four tackles for loss and nine total tackles in an impressive performance. He should enter 2012 as one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten.
Big Man on Campus (Special teams): Nortman. He was big in flipping field position for Wisconsin, averaging 45 yards on five punts, including a 54-yarder. And his little extra acting on the penalty sure didn't hurt.
Best bowl matchup: Wisconsin vs. Oregon. These are two teams that are talented enough to be playing for the national title and have to be considered the best two-loss teams in America. Both have ridiculous offenses, including two of the top running backs in the country in LaMichael James and Montee Ball. The news conferences with Bret Bielema and Chip Kelly alone make it worth going to Pasadena.
Best non-BCS bowl matchup: Nebraska vs. South Carolina. A sneaky good game between the 9-3 Huskers and the 10-2 Gamecocks. Both teams have flaws -- Nebraska's defense doesn't always show up, and South Carolina's offense is likewise inconsistent at best -- but both also have a lot of athletes and speed. The Cornhuskers can prove their worth to the Big Ten by beating an SEC team.
Dumbest matchup: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech. The Hokies in a BCS game? Really? They beat no one of value in the nonconference schedule and were blown out twice by the best team they played, Clemson. Virginia Tech never wins BCS games unless it can play a mediocre Big East team. The Allstate Sugar Bowl had a chance to match Michigan up with Boise State or Kansas State or Baylor to create some buzz but chose to go with a game few will care about.
Best bet-the-over game: Northwestern vs. Texas A&M in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. Both teams have excellent quarterbacks -- Ryan Tannehill for Texas A&M and Dan Persa for the Wildcats -- and bad defenses. Whatever the over/under will be is probably not enough.
Toughest matchup: Iowa vs. Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl. The Hawkeyes did not prove this year that they could beat top-flight competition, especially away from home. They could have a very difficult time against the Sooners, who were overrated all year but still have a ton of talent. Iowa's best hope is that Oklahoma -- which was in the mix for a BCS bowl -- isn't motivated for this one.
Luckiest bowl team: Illinois. You could make a strong case for the Illini not going to a bowl, with their six-game losing streak, disinterested fans and unsettled coaching situation. Despite not getting included in the Big Ten's bowl lineup, Illinois will go to San Francisco to play a highly-beatable, 6-7 UCLA team. While it's very questionable how many Illinois fans will make the long trip out West for this game, would you rather be in San Francisco on New Year's Eve playing a Pac-12 team or be in Detroit on Dec. 27 against Western Michigan like Purdue?
Best quote to remember: "Deserve's got nothin' to do with it." Just keep repeating Clint Eastwood's line in "Unforgiven" whenever you complain about bowls. Did Michigan deserve a BCS bid over Michigan State, who finished ahead of the Wolverines in the Legends Division and thumped their rivals by two touchdowns? No. Did a 9-3 Penn State team deserve to slide all the way down to the TicketCity Bowl? Of course not. Did 6-6 Ohio State, which lost to Penn State, deserve to go to the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl? Heck no.
Always keep in mind that the BCS is set up only to pit the No. 1 vs. No. 2 teams (and it doesn't even get that right every time). Virtually every other bowl is an exhibition game put on by a city to boost tourism. That's it. Nothing more. It's preposterous that schools allow their most valuable property -- the postseason -- to be run by some chamber of commerce in a distant city and will eagerly agree to outrageous ticket guarantees that amount to little more than blackmail.
But that's the system we have. And deserve's got nothin' to do with it.
Biggest play: Russell Wilson's 36-yard prayer was answered by Jeff Duckworth on fourth-and-six from the Michigan State 43 with about four minutes left in the Big Ten title game. Duckworth had two defenders around him but still managed to come down with the ball. Duckworth had only 12 catches in the regular season but hauled in three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown in the championship game.
Biggest call: Obviously, the 5-yard running-into-the-punter penalty on Isaiah Lewis that gave Wisconsin a first down and allowed the Badgers to go into the victory formation. Adam Rittenberg broke it all down here. What really stings for Michigan State is that Keshawn Martin returned the punt all the way inside the Wisconsin 5, though we'll never know if that return plays out the same way without Wisconsin players seeing the flag on the carpet.
[+] Enlarge
Brian Spurlock/US PresswireThe question of the season: Where would the Badgers be without quarterback Russell Wilson?
Brian Spurlock/US PresswireThe question of the season: Where would the Badgers be without quarterback Russell Wilson?It's a play that will haunt the Spartans all offseason. And it's another reason why I'm glad I'm not a coach.
Big Man on Campus (Offense): Russell Wilson. The Wisconsin quarterback capped a spectacular season by earning Big Ten championship game MVP honors. Once again, he showed great poise in a crucial spot, completing 12 of his 15 passes in the second half for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Where would the Badgers be without him?
Big Man on Campus (Defense): Michigan State linebacker Denicos Allen. The sophomore had a career-high three sacks, four tackles for loss and nine total tackles in an impressive performance. He should enter 2012 as one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten.
Big Man on Campus (Special teams): Nortman. He was big in flipping field position for Wisconsin, averaging 45 yards on five punts, including a 54-yarder. And his little extra acting on the penalty sure didn't hurt.
Best bowl matchup: Wisconsin vs. Oregon. These are two teams that are talented enough to be playing for the national title and have to be considered the best two-loss teams in America. Both have ridiculous offenses, including two of the top running backs in the country in LaMichael James and Montee Ball. The news conferences with Bret Bielema and Chip Kelly alone make it worth going to Pasadena.
Best non-BCS bowl matchup: Nebraska vs. South Carolina. A sneaky good game between the 9-3 Huskers and the 10-2 Gamecocks. Both teams have flaws -- Nebraska's defense doesn't always show up, and South Carolina's offense is likewise inconsistent at best -- but both also have a lot of athletes and speed. The Cornhuskers can prove their worth to the Big Ten by beating an SEC team.
Dumbest matchup: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech. The Hokies in a BCS game? Really? They beat no one of value in the nonconference schedule and were blown out twice by the best team they played, Clemson. Virginia Tech never wins BCS games unless it can play a mediocre Big East team. The Allstate Sugar Bowl had a chance to match Michigan up with Boise State or Kansas State or Baylor to create some buzz but chose to go with a game few will care about.
Best bet-the-over game: Northwestern vs. Texas A&M in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. Both teams have excellent quarterbacks -- Ryan Tannehill for Texas A&M and Dan Persa for the Wildcats -- and bad defenses. Whatever the over/under will be is probably not enough.
Toughest matchup: Iowa vs. Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl. The Hawkeyes did not prove this year that they could beat top-flight competition, especially away from home. They could have a very difficult time against the Sooners, who were overrated all year but still have a ton of talent. Iowa's best hope is that Oklahoma -- which was in the mix for a BCS bowl -- isn't motivated for this one.
Luckiest bowl team: Illinois. You could make a strong case for the Illini not going to a bowl, with their six-game losing streak, disinterested fans and unsettled coaching situation. Despite not getting included in the Big Ten's bowl lineup, Illinois will go to San Francisco to play a highly-beatable, 6-7 UCLA team. While it's very questionable how many Illinois fans will make the long trip out West for this game, would you rather be in San Francisco on New Year's Eve playing a Pac-12 team or be in Detroit on Dec. 27 against Western Michigan like Purdue?
Best quote to remember: "Deserve's got nothin' to do with it." Just keep repeating Clint Eastwood's line in "Unforgiven" whenever you complain about bowls. Did Michigan deserve a BCS bid over Michigan State, who finished ahead of the Wolverines in the Legends Division and thumped their rivals by two touchdowns? No. Did a 9-3 Penn State team deserve to slide all the way down to the TicketCity Bowl? Of course not. Did 6-6 Ohio State, which lost to Penn State, deserve to go to the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl? Heck no.
Always keep in mind that the BCS is set up only to pit the No. 1 vs. No. 2 teams (and it doesn't even get that right every time). Virtually every other bowl is an exhibition game put on by a city to boost tourism. That's it. Nothing more. It's preposterous that schools allow their most valuable property -- the postseason -- to be run by some chamber of commerce in a distant city and will eagerly agree to outrageous ticket guarantees that amount to little more than blackmail.
But that's the system we have. And deserve's got nothin' to do with it.
Big Ten power rankings: Week 15
December, 5, 2011
12/05/11
10:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg and
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
A Big Ten champion has been crowned and the league's bowl lineup is set. There was only one game on the docket in Week 14, but what a game it turned out to be as Wisconsin and Michigan State provided great theater in Indianapolis.
The Badgers move into the top spot by virtue of their 42-39 win, but as we saw Saturday night, there's not much separating the league's top two teams.
The final 10 spots in the rankings remain the same.
Let's get to it.
1. Wisconsin (11-2, 6-2): Outplayed for long stretches in Indy, Wisconsin found a way to win as senior quarterback Russell Wilson stepped up in the fourth quarter and unlikely heroes like receiver Jeff Duckworth and, yes, punter Brad Nortman made key plays. The Badgers will need a better defensive performance in Pasadena to slow down Oregon, but they get a chance to redeem themselves at the Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO.
2. Michigan State (10-3, 7-1): The Spartans looked like the Big Ten's best team for much of the championship game, holding edges in almost every key statistical category except points. But a few critical mistakes cost Michigan State and prevented the team from reaching the Rose Bowl for the first time in 24 seasons. While the disappointment will sting, the Spartans need to shake it off and beat Georgia in the Outback Bowl to secure their first postseason win under coach Mark Dantonio.
3. Michigan (10-2, 6-2): Unlike Michigan teams of recent years, Brady Hoke's crew ended the season on a roll, winning the final three games. Quarterback Denard Robinson bounced back nicely against both Nebraska and Ohio State and will need another strong performance in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech.
4. Nebraska (9-3, 5-3): The Huskers will play a Florida bowl game for just the second time since facing Tennessee in the 1998 Orange Bowl. They have a chance to win 10 games for the third consecutive season, which hasn't been done since 1999-2001 and build some momentum for the 2012 campaign. Taylor Martinez and the Nebraska offense will be tested against a very good South Carolina defense.
5. Penn State (9-3, 5-3): Passed over by several bowl games, the Lions have a chance to show those groups what they missed with a strong performance against high-powered Houston in the TicketCity Bowl. The defense must rebound from its worst performance of the season, and RB Silas Redd should be well rested and able to reclaim his midseason form in the bowl game. A Lions bowl win gives them 10 or more wins for third time in the past four years.
6. Iowa (7-5, 4-4): It was a rocky season for Kirk Ferentz's team, which never won more than two games in a row. Fortunately, the Hawkeyes are going bowling, where they've thrived under Ferentz, going 6-3 with wins in each of the past three contests. After a lousy performance at Nebraska, Iowa will look to finish strong against Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl.
7. Ohio State (6-6, 3-5): While Urban Meyer won't coach the Buckeyes in the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl, he'll be a central figure as Ohio State takes on his former team in Florida. It should be an interesting atmosphere to say the least. Luke Fickell tries to go out with a win as a head coach before returning to an assistant role, and it will be interesting to see how Braxton Miller performs on his first bowl stage.
8. Northwestern (6-6, 3-5): The Wildcats endured a disappointing regular season after returning a veteran-laden team, but they can still make history by winning their first bowl game since the 1949 Rose. Quarterback Dan Persa has another month to rest up before his final game. Northwestern will need a stronger effort from its defense to end its bowl losing streak against Texas A&M.
9. Purdue (6-6, 4-4): The bowl wait will end for Purdue on Dec. 27 when it faces Western Michigan in the Little Caesars Bowl. It's an important opportunity to finish with a winning record and finish the season with some momentum before what should be a pivotal 2012 season for coach Danny Hope.
10. Minnesota (3-9, 2-6): The Gophers ended a rough season on a high note for the second straight year. It's now about recruiting for Jerry Kill and his staff, and offseason development for the players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Minnesota will be an improved team in 2012 but must build on the mini defensive surge we saw late in the season.
11. Illinois (6-6, 2-6): There was some talk early in the week that the Illini players might not want to play a bowl game after their second-half collapse, but the Orange and Blue are headed to San Francisco, where they'll face UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. It provides one final opportunity for a talented team to do something positive before beginning a new chapter under a coach yet to be named.
12. Indiana (1-11, 0-8): A vital recruiting period is under way for Kevin Wilson and his staff, who have to upgrade their talent on the defensive side of the ball. Indiana has a nice foundation in quarterback Tre Roberson and running back Stephen Houston, but the Hoosiers need to build depth and hope all the young players thrown to the fire this fall take steps in the winter months.
The Badgers move into the top spot by virtue of their 42-39 win, but as we saw Saturday night, there's not much separating the league's top two teams.
The final 10 spots in the rankings remain the same.
Let's get to it.
1. Wisconsin (11-2, 6-2): Outplayed for long stretches in Indy, Wisconsin found a way to win as senior quarterback Russell Wilson stepped up in the fourth quarter and unlikely heroes like receiver Jeff Duckworth and, yes, punter Brad Nortman made key plays. The Badgers will need a better defensive performance in Pasadena to slow down Oregon, but they get a chance to redeem themselves at the Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO.
2. Michigan State (10-3, 7-1): The Spartans looked like the Big Ten's best team for much of the championship game, holding edges in almost every key statistical category except points. But a few critical mistakes cost Michigan State and prevented the team from reaching the Rose Bowl for the first time in 24 seasons. While the disappointment will sting, the Spartans need to shake it off and beat Georgia in the Outback Bowl to secure their first postseason win under coach Mark Dantonio.
3. Michigan (10-2, 6-2): Unlike Michigan teams of recent years, Brady Hoke's crew ended the season on a roll, winning the final three games. Quarterback Denard Robinson bounced back nicely against both Nebraska and Ohio State and will need another strong performance in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech.
4. Nebraska (9-3, 5-3): The Huskers will play a Florida bowl game for just the second time since facing Tennessee in the 1998 Orange Bowl. They have a chance to win 10 games for the third consecutive season, which hasn't been done since 1999-2001 and build some momentum for the 2012 campaign. Taylor Martinez and the Nebraska offense will be tested against a very good South Carolina defense.
5. Penn State (9-3, 5-3): Passed over by several bowl games, the Lions have a chance to show those groups what they missed with a strong performance against high-powered Houston in the TicketCity Bowl. The defense must rebound from its worst performance of the season, and RB Silas Redd should be well rested and able to reclaim his midseason form in the bowl game. A Lions bowl win gives them 10 or more wins for third time in the past four years.
6. Iowa (7-5, 4-4): It was a rocky season for Kirk Ferentz's team, which never won more than two games in a row. Fortunately, the Hawkeyes are going bowling, where they've thrived under Ferentz, going 6-3 with wins in each of the past three contests. After a lousy performance at Nebraska, Iowa will look to finish strong against Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl.
7. Ohio State (6-6, 3-5): While Urban Meyer won't coach the Buckeyes in the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl, he'll be a central figure as Ohio State takes on his former team in Florida. It should be an interesting atmosphere to say the least. Luke Fickell tries to go out with a win as a head coach before returning to an assistant role, and it will be interesting to see how Braxton Miller performs on his first bowl stage.
8. Northwestern (6-6, 3-5): The Wildcats endured a disappointing regular season after returning a veteran-laden team, but they can still make history by winning their first bowl game since the 1949 Rose. Quarterback Dan Persa has another month to rest up before his final game. Northwestern will need a stronger effort from its defense to end its bowl losing streak against Texas A&M.
9. Purdue (6-6, 4-4): The bowl wait will end for Purdue on Dec. 27 when it faces Western Michigan in the Little Caesars Bowl. It's an important opportunity to finish with a winning record and finish the season with some momentum before what should be a pivotal 2012 season for coach Danny Hope.
10. Minnesota (3-9, 2-6): The Gophers ended a rough season on a high note for the second straight year. It's now about recruiting for Jerry Kill and his staff, and offseason development for the players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Minnesota will be an improved team in 2012 but must build on the mini defensive surge we saw late in the season.
11. Illinois (6-6, 2-6): There was some talk early in the week that the Illini players might not want to play a bowl game after their second-half collapse, but the Orange and Blue are headed to San Francisco, where they'll face UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. It provides one final opportunity for a talented team to do something positive before beginning a new chapter under a coach yet to be named.
12. Indiana (1-11, 0-8): A vital recruiting period is under way for Kevin Wilson and his staff, who have to upgrade their talent on the defensive side of the ball. Indiana has a nice foundation in quarterback Tre Roberson and running back Stephen Houston, but the Hoosiers need to build depth and hope all the young players thrown to the fire this fall take steps in the winter months.
Badgers find uncommon route to title
December, 4, 2011
12/04/11
3:01
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Russell Wilson had barely arrived in Madison this past summer when he shared his vision for the season.
"I want to be part of something special," the NC State transfer announced upon meeting his new Wisconsin teammates. "I don't want to be common. I want to be uncommon."
Very little was common about the first Big Ten championship game. A league known for grinding it out in cold weather put on a thrilling, offensive pingpong contest at Lucas Oil Field. Michigan State and Wisconsin figured to have a hard time matching their Oct. 22 classic, but they came pretty close to repeating it note for note. And the Badgers won 42-39 despite getting outgained and outplayed most of the night before somehow finding a way to secure their second consecutive trip to the Rose Bowl.
"The adversity we faced this season helped us tonight, I believe," Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing said. "To be able to battle back like that is special. You remember a season like that more than you would a lot of other seasons."
A season that began with enormous expectations nearly came crashing down on consecutive October weekends, when Michigan State and Ohio State delivered last-minute, intestine-twisting, game-winning touchdowns. The Badgers had zero room for error after those two conference losses and needed help from other teams just to get to Indianapolis.
When they got here, they had to face a Spartans team that beat them in three of the previous four meetings. And the rematch began to play out in eerily similar fashion to Michigan State's 37-31 victory on Oct. 22 in East Lansing.
Just as in that game, the Badgers raced out to a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter, only to see the wheels come off. The Spartans outscored Wisconsin 23-0 in the second quarter of the first game; on Saturday, they ripped off 22 consecutive points to take a 29-21 halftime lead.
"For whatever reason, we don't play well in the second quarter against Michigan State," head coach Bret Bielema said. "So we survived it."
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesTo be able to battle back like that is special," Russell Wilson said. "You remember a season like that more than you would a lot of other seasons.""I had to give him a shot," Wilson said. "It was pretty much the only thing I could do. I knew I had to throw it up and give it a chance."
Duckworth had broken his corner pattern to the inside -- "It was kind of a bad route, actually," he would say later. But the receiver who caught only 12 passes in the regular season went up and grabbed the ball for a first down at the 7. Montee Ball then did what he does best, scoring his 38th touchdown of the season, and Wilson scrambled until he could find Jacob Pedersen for the 2-point conversion.
The Duckworth pass brought back instant memories of Michigan State's Hail Mary pass to win in East Lansing on Oct. 22. That play started from 1 yard farther back on the field and also went toward the right corner of the end zone, although the degree of difficulty was higher. Karmic payback, perhaps?
"A common saying that we've been using quite a bit over the last three or four weeks is 'Those who are humbled will be exalted, and those who are exalted will be humbled,'" Bielema said. "And I thought that play right there gave justice to everything."
More weird turnarounds were at work. Special-teams breakdowns played a key role in both Badgers losses this season, as Michigan State and Ohio State each blocked a punt that was taken in for a score or directly led to a touchdown. Surely the Spartans considered that weak spot when they decided to go after a Wisconsin punt with less than two minutes left.
That proved disastrous when Isaiah Lewis was flagged for running into punter Brad Nortman, resulting in a first down and Wisconsin bringing on the victory formation. (It only adds to the irony that Lewis made headlines before the first game when he said Michigan State's defense was going to hurt Wilson.) Nortman had an excellent game, averaging 45 yards on five punts, and Wisconsin actually forced a turnover in the kicking game to score a touchdown.
"I preached special teams all week," Bielema said.
This was an uncommon way to win a championship. The Badgers were outgained 471 to 345 by the Spartans and had only 126 rushing yards to Michigan State's 190. Ball alone ran for 105 yards in the first quarter before the normally powerful ground game stalled. Michigan State took advantage of Wisconsin's lack of speed on the edge of its defense most of the night. Look at the stat sheet, and it's hard to figure out how the Badgers won. But their entire season was about not staying down.
"With the team we had, we were thinking national championship," safety Aaron Henry said. "For us to lose the way we did in those two games, it was definitely devastating. [But] our guys rallied, and it pretty much unfolded in front of your eyes."
In Wilson's case, an ear told the story. He tucked a rose over his right ear and kept it there long after the game was over, savoring his first chance to play in a BCS bowl. His vision from the summer had been fulfilled.
"We are definitely uncommon," he said.
INDIANAPOLIS -- The first Big Ten championship game was an exciting, memorable event. Especially for Wisconsin fans.
Despite getting outgained and often outplayed by Michigan State, the Badgers pulled out a 42-39 win to avenge an earlier loss this season and clinch a bid to the Rose Bowl for the second straight season.
Two key plays made the difference.
The Badgers faced a fourth and seven with 4:44 left, and quarterback Russell Wilson was under heavy pressure when he chucked it downfield to a well-covered Jeff Duckworth, just hoping something good would happen. It did, in the form of a 36-yard completion that might have been karmic payback for the Hail Mary on Oct. 22.
Montee Ball would go in for the touchdown -- his 38th on the year, one behind Barry Sanders' record -- and Wisconsin converted the two-point play as Wilson again scrambled before finding Jacob Pedersen in the end zone for an improbable 42-39 lead.
Michigan State went three and out and punted, then forced a Wisconsin punt with fewer than two minutes to go. But Isaiah Lewis was flagged for running into the punter, giving the Badgers a first down and effectively ending the game in heartbreaking fashion for the Spartans, whose Rose Bowl drought will now head into its 25th year.
Much, much more to come on this crazy game after postgame interviews ...
Wisconsin WR Garner to miss 3-4 weeks
August, 10, 2011
8/10/11
8:45
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Wisconsin has good to great depth at several key positions, but wide receiver isn't one of them.
After projected starters Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis, the Badgers lack proven players and are hoping to build depth in camp. Sophomore Manasseh Garner looked like a good option for the No. 3 receiver role, but he'll miss the next 3-4 weeks following hernia surgery.
Garner will have surgery today and will miss the season opener Sept. 1 against UNLV but should be back for a Week 2 matchup against Oregon State. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Garner, considered a receiver-tight end hybrid, impressed me during spring ball and should provide a boost when he gets healthy.
Who steps up no alongside Toon and Abbrederis?
Doe, a 5-8 freshman projected to be a factor on returns, is an intriguing prospect who enrolled early and turned some heads this spring. Freshman Jordan Fredrick also is a name to watch.
But as good as quarterback Russell Wilson could be this fall, he'll need more options to develop in the passing game.
After projected starters Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis, the Badgers lack proven players and are hoping to build depth in camp. Sophomore Manasseh Garner looked like a good option for the No. 3 receiver role, but he'll miss the next 3-4 weeks following hernia surgery.
Garner will have surgery today and will miss the season opener Sept. 1 against UNLV but should be back for a Week 2 matchup against Oregon State. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Garner, considered a receiver-tight end hybrid, impressed me during spring ball and should provide a boost when he gets healthy.
Who steps up no alongside Toon and Abbrederis?
"Up for grabs," coach Bret Bielema told reporters Tuesday. "You’ve got [Jeff] Duckworth, you’ve got Kenzel Doe, I'm not ruling out any of the three freshmen. I haven’t seen somebody step forward that I would like to come out of the pack."
Doe, a 5-8 freshman projected to be a factor on returns, is an intriguing prospect who enrolled early and turned some heads this spring. Freshman Jordan Fredrick also is a name to watch.
But as good as quarterback Russell Wilson could be this fall, he'll need more options to develop in the passing game.
MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Badgers are on the practice field (thankfully inside the McClain Center) right now, and I'll post a list of observations and other nuggets Wednesday morning.
I had a chance to visit with head coach Bret Bielema, assistants Paul Chryst and Charlie Partridge and defensive tackle Patrick Butrym today. Wisconsin is aware of all the stars it loses from the 2010 team, but the coaches are confident they can fill the gaps, pointing to their track record of developing players. This isn't a program that can survive lapses in leadership and work ethic (see: the 2008 season), but it seems like those areas have been strong so far. Butrym and safety Aaron Henry are taking charge on defense, while receiver Nick Toon and fullback Bradie Ewing are two potential leaders for the offense.
Here are a few notes:
I'll have more on the Badgers in the coming days, so stay tuned.
I had a chance to visit with head coach Bret Bielema, assistants Paul Chryst and Charlie Partridge and defensive tackle Patrick Butrym today. Wisconsin is aware of all the stars it loses from the 2010 team, but the coaches are confident they can fill the gaps, pointing to their track record of developing players. This isn't a program that can survive lapses in leadership and work ethic (see: the 2008 season), but it seems like those areas have been strong so far. Butrym and safety Aaron Henry are taking charge on defense, while receiver Nick Toon and fullback Bradie Ewing are two potential leaders for the offense.
Here are a few notes:
- Jon Budmayr entered the spring as the favorite to land Wisconsin's No. 1 quarterback spot, and nothing really has changed. Although Budmayr has had his ups and downs, Curt Phillips is still recovering from ACL surgery and it's hard to call Joe Brennan or Joel Stave legit threats for the top job right now. Budmayr has taken the bulk of the reps, and barring a setback this summer or a truly incredible surge by Phillips, I'd be surprised if he doesn't start Sept. 1 against UNLV. "You don't have a true competition with veteran guys," Chryst said. Chryst added that while a starter will be named at some stage, the race isn't a huge focal point right now. "We don't spend as much time on that as we do with each guy [saying], 'How can you get better today?'" he said.
- The other big hole comes at defensive end, where Wisconsin must replace All-American J.J. Watt. Three players have separated themselves: redshirt senior Louis Nzegwu, who started opposite Watt last season, and juniors David Gilbert and Brendan Kelly. While Nzegwu and Gilbert were expected to step up, Kelly has really come on strong this spring after redshirting in 2010 and missing time in both 2009 and 2008 with injuries. I remember the hype around Kelly as a true freshman in 2008 until he hurt himself against Ohio State. The good news is Wisconsin boasts plenty of options inside, led by Butrym. "Probably as deep at D-tackle as we've been since I've been here," Bielema said.
- The two players currently limited by injuries who really need to come back strong are Toon and linebacker Chris Borland. Wisconsin is extremely thin at receiver. Jared Abbrederis has had a good spring and provides a nice No. 2 option, but the coaches want to see more from Jeff Duckworth and others. Toon had somewhat of a disappointing junior season, but he has All-Big Ten capabilities. Borland can help with the versatility and playmaking Wisconsin loses with Watt's departure. He also would solidify the linebacking corps with Mike Taylor and Kevin Claxton. The recurring issues are a concern, but Borland can provide a major boost on defense if he can stay healthy.
- The coaches don't want to minimize the losses of players like Gabe Carimi, John Moffitt, John Clay and Bill Nagy, but Wisconsin is very confident in its ability to run the ball at a high level this fall. Running backs Montee Ball and James White both have had strong springs, and Kevin Zeitler, Ricky Wagner and Peter Konz will lead the way on the offensive line. "Up front, we're going to be very, very good," Bielema said. "No question we have guys who can step into the roles that Gabe and John and Bill left."
- Wisconsin seems to have moved on well from the Rose Bowl, although there are still reminders of the 21-19 loss to TCU in Pasadena. "Watching ESPN and Gruden Camp [Monday] night and they had [TCU quarterback Andy Dalton] on there, and it's all about the Rose Bowl and I'm like, 'Aw, jeez!'" Bielema said. "Makes me want to turn it off." We hope you keep watching, Bret.
[+] Enlarge
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireJon Budmayr seems to have a tight grip on Wisconsin's quarterback job.
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireJon Budmayr seems to have a tight grip on Wisconsin's quarterback job.I'll have more on the Badgers in the coming days, so stay tuned.
Wisconsin down two receivers vs. ASU
September, 17, 2010
9/17/10
10:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Jared Abbrederis was the talk of spring football at Wisconsin, drawing comparisons to another star walk-on receiver for the Badgers, Luke Swan.
We'll see Saturday if Abbrederis can duplicate Swan's production on the game field.
Abbrederis is one of several players who likely will get increased work Saturday afternoon. Wisconsin will face Arizona State (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET) without two starting receivers, Nick Toon and David Gilreath. Toon will miss his second consecutive game with turf toe, while Gilreath sits out following a concussion he suffered on a scary collision last week against San Jose State.
Fortunately, Gilreath appears to be OK after a short trip to the hospital, and both he and Toon should be back soon.
But against the Sun Devils, Wisconsin will turn to starter Isaac Anderson as well as Abbrederis, Kyle Jefferson, Jeff Duckworth and possibly true freshman Manasseh Garner, who could make his collegiate debut Saturday.
Abbrederis likely will handle punt returns in place of Gilreath, while freshman running back James White moves into the primary kickoff return role.
The injuries at receiver place a greater burden on tight end Lance Kendricks, who had three receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown last week.
Wisconsin's offensive line also will be down a starter as right tackle Josh Oglesby deals with a knee injury. Oglesby could play Saturday, but Ricky Wagner will get the start at right tackle.
We'll see Saturday if Abbrederis can duplicate Swan's production on the game field.
Abbrederis is one of several players who likely will get increased work Saturday afternoon. Wisconsin will face Arizona State (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET) without two starting receivers, Nick Toon and David Gilreath. Toon will miss his second consecutive game with turf toe, while Gilreath sits out following a concussion he suffered on a scary collision last week against San Jose State.
Fortunately, Gilreath appears to be OK after a short trip to the hospital, and both he and Toon should be back soon.
But against the Sun Devils, Wisconsin will turn to starter Isaac Anderson as well as Abbrederis, Kyle Jefferson, Jeff Duckworth and possibly true freshman Manasseh Garner, who could make his collegiate debut Saturday.
Abbrederis likely will handle punt returns in place of Gilreath, while freshman running back James White moves into the primary kickoff return role.
The injuries at receiver place a greater burden on tight end Lance Kendricks, who had three receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown last week.
Wisconsin's offensive line also will be down a starter as right tackle Josh Oglesby deals with a knee injury. Oglesby could play Saturday, but Ricky Wagner will get the start at right tackle.
Afternoon roundup: Iowa Regents to reinvestigate
July, 22, 2008
7/22/08
5:47
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
The spotlight remains on Iowa City, where the state Board of Regents held a special meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss the University of Iowa's response to an alleged sexual assault involving two former Hawkeyes football players and a female student-athlete in October. The Regents unanimously voted to reopen their investigation in light of a letter sent by the mother of the alleged victim that was not received during the Board's initial investigation, the Iowa City Press-Citizen reported.
University president Sally Mason apologized for not releasing the letter, expressing "profound and sincere regret." She added that the university would fully cooperate with the new investigation. Regents president David Miles called the school's failure to release the letter a "serious breach of trust." The school might have committed another no-no by not seeking permission from the alleged victim before releasing her mother's letter to the public on Monday. A spokesman said that by releasing the letter to the Press-Citizen last week, the alleged victim's family was comfortable with it going public. Meanwhile, former Hawkeyes star Tim Dwight is bothered by the program's recent rash of off-field problems, but he places blame on the players, not Kirk Ferentz or the coaching staff.
All in all, not a good situation for the Hawkeyes.
Elsewhere:
- Former USC quarterback Carson Palmer backed off his anti-Ohio State comments, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch. He's just fired up about the game. Who isn't?
- ESPN.com's Bruce Feldman lists his top 10 must-see games for 2008. Not surprisingly, Ohio State-USC is No. 1, while Wisconsin's trip to Fresno State comes in at No. 9. I'd include Ohio State at Wisconsin on the list, but I'm Big Ten-biased.
- Missed this one Monday from The Indianapolis Star's Terry Hutchens, who writes that Indiana's days of being at the bottom of the league's recruiting rankings will end in 2009. Also, Hoosiers standout defensive end Greg Middleton has been named to the Ted Hendricks Award watch list.
- Wisconsin added a wide receiver (Jeff Duckworth) for its 2009 recruiting class but might be losing a commitment from tackle Jon Lechner, Mark Stewart writes on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Badgers Blog.
- Jack Bogaczyk of the Charleston (W.Va.) Daily Mail thinks Rich Rodriguez will shake up the Big Ten.
- Ohio State has become the second Big Ten school, along with Penn State, to establish a chapter of Uplifting Athletes. Earlier this month I wrote about Penn State's Lift For Life event, which raises funds and awareness to fight kidney cancer. Ohio State's chapter will hold its first event, a college football video game tournament, on July 27 at Eddie George's Grille 27 in Columbus. The event also will benefit the Kidney Cancer Association. Buckeyes quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels has been battling kidney cancer since 2006.
- The Detroit News' Angelique S. Chengelis lists her five favorite college football uniforms. Both Penn State and Ohio State make the rundown. As a Michigan beat writer, she'll probably take flack for including the Buckeyes, but I like the pick.
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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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