Big Ten: Nick Saban
Most Big Ten coaches label their jobs with a capital D for destination. When a head coach arrives on a Big Ten campus, he usually isn't looking for his next stop. Big Ten fans take pride in this.
The league has been largely immune from the wandering-eye coaches who leave programs at inopportune times for the next big thing. Even the Big Ten programs that could be classified as stepping stones haven't been left in the lurch very often in recent years. While it's not shocking that a Big Ten coach hasn't jumped to a different college job, it's a bit of a surprise that the NFL hasn't plucked one away.
The last Big Ten coach to voluntarily leave his team at a less-than ideal time was Nick Saban, who ditched Michigan State for LSU on Nov. 30, 1999. Saban had led the Spartans to a 9-2 record, a No. 10 national ranking and berth in the Florida Citrus Bowl. Although then-Michigan State athletic director Clarence Underwood praised Saban for putting the program "back on solid ground," Saban's departure put the school in a tough situation. Less than a week after Saban's departure, Michigan State promoted longtime assistant Bobby Williams to head coach, a decision that didn't turn out well.
After flirting with several bigger-name programs during his time at Northwestern, Gary Barnett finally left to take the Colorado job on Jan. 20, 1999, just weeks before national signing day. Although Northwestern immediately named Barnett's replacement, Randy Walker, the drawn-out saga wasn't much fun, given what Barnett had meant to the school.
But since Saban and Barnett, the Big Ten hasn't had any coaches voluntarily leave at bad times. There have been some midseason firings (Tim Brewster at Minnesota, Williams at Michigan State) and some late firings (Rich Rodriguez at Michigan, Glen Mason at Minnesota), but in those cases the schools, not the coaches, made decisions that put themselves in tough situations.
The most recent instances of coaches leaving Big Ten programs in tough spots involved two men who certainly didn't walk away on their own terms.
After months of scrutiny stemming from the tattoo/memorabilia scandal and his attempted cover-up, Jim Tressel resigned his post as Ohio State's coach on Memorial Day of 2011. Tressel stepped down just three months before the season and with spring practice all wrapped up. Ohio State knew it would be without Tressel for the first five games of the 2011 season, but his resignation under pressure left the program scrambling.
The school named 37-year-old assistant Luke Fickell, who had never been a head coach before, to the top job. After six consecutive seasons of Big Ten titles (won or shared), Ohio State went 6-7 under Fickell last fall, its first losing season since 1988 and its first seven-loss season since 1897. Ouch.
But the ugliest and most untimely departure was yet to come. Five days after former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky was arrested on child sex abuse charges, Penn State's board of trustees voted to fire longtime coach Joe Paterno. The date: Nov. 9. Penn State was 8-1 at the time, and 11 days earlier Paterno had recorded his 409th coaching victory, moving him past Eddie Robinson for the most wins in college football history. Hours before the board's decision, Paterno had announced he would retire following the season, his 46th as head coach. Instead, he was informed via telephone that his tenure was over, which triggered a backlash from Penn State students and fans.
The school promoted longtime assistant Tom Bradley to interim head coach. Bradley led the team during a hellish eight weeks that featured, among other things: a 1-3 record that knocked Penn State out of the Big Ten race; snubs by several bowl games who didn't want to deal with a p.r. nightmare; the announcement that Paterno had been diagnosed with lung cancer; a locker-room fight that left starting quarterback Matthew McGloin concussed and unable to play in the bowl; and a seemingly rudderless coaching search that took too long and put Bradley in an awkward situation.
In six months, two iconic Big Ten programs lost incredibly successful coaches under extremely messy circumstances.
A Big Ten coach bolting for an NFL job suddenly doesn't sound so bad.
The league has been largely immune from the wandering-eye coaches who leave programs at inopportune times for the next big thing. Even the Big Ten programs that could be classified as stepping stones haven't been left in the lurch very often in recent years. While it's not shocking that a Big Ten coach hasn't jumped to a different college job, it's a bit of a surprise that the NFL hasn't plucked one away.
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Icon SMIJim Tressel resigned after his involvement in the Ohio State tattoo/memorabilia scandal.
Icon SMIJim Tressel resigned after his involvement in the Ohio State tattoo/memorabilia scandal.
After flirting with several bigger-name programs during his time at Northwestern, Gary Barnett finally left to take the Colorado job on Jan. 20, 1999, just weeks before national signing day. Although Northwestern immediately named Barnett's replacement, Randy Walker, the drawn-out saga wasn't much fun, given what Barnett had meant to the school.
But since Saban and Barnett, the Big Ten hasn't had any coaches voluntarily leave at bad times. There have been some midseason firings (Tim Brewster at Minnesota, Williams at Michigan State) and some late firings (Rich Rodriguez at Michigan, Glen Mason at Minnesota), but in those cases the schools, not the coaches, made decisions that put themselves in tough situations.
The most recent instances of coaches leaving Big Ten programs in tough spots involved two men who certainly didn't walk away on their own terms.
After months of scrutiny stemming from the tattoo/memorabilia scandal and his attempted cover-up, Jim Tressel resigned his post as Ohio State's coach on Memorial Day of 2011. Tressel stepped down just three months before the season and with spring practice all wrapped up. Ohio State knew it would be without Tressel for the first five games of the 2011 season, but his resignation under pressure left the program scrambling.
The school named 37-year-old assistant Luke Fickell, who had never been a head coach before, to the top job. After six consecutive seasons of Big Ten titles (won or shared), Ohio State went 6-7 under Fickell last fall, its first losing season since 1988 and its first seven-loss season since 1897. Ouch.
But the ugliest and most untimely departure was yet to come. Five days after former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky was arrested on child sex abuse charges, Penn State's board of trustees voted to fire longtime coach Joe Paterno. The date: Nov. 9. Penn State was 8-1 at the time, and 11 days earlier Paterno had recorded his 409th coaching victory, moving him past Eddie Robinson for the most wins in college football history. Hours before the board's decision, Paterno had announced he would retire following the season, his 46th as head coach. Instead, he was informed via telephone that his tenure was over, which triggered a backlash from Penn State students and fans.
The school promoted longtime assistant Tom Bradley to interim head coach. Bradley led the team during a hellish eight weeks that featured, among other things: a 1-3 record that knocked Penn State out of the Big Ten race; snubs by several bowl games who didn't want to deal with a p.r. nightmare; the announcement that Paterno had been diagnosed with lung cancer; a locker-room fight that left starting quarterback Matthew McGloin concussed and unable to play in the bowl; and a seemingly rudderless coaching search that took too long and put Bradley in an awkward situation.
In six months, two iconic Big Ten programs lost incredibly successful coaches under extremely messy circumstances.
A Big Ten coach bolting for an NFL job suddenly doesn't sound so bad.
Enjoy the spring game festivities this weekend in Ann Arbor, Lincoln, Iowa City, Evanston, West Lafayette, Champaign and Bloomington. We'll be recapping all the games Monday.
David from Lancaster, Pa., writes: Hey Adam,Love it when you guys go visiting campus and we get more in-depth coverage of each team. I heard you were on a local radio show in Nebraska and said you came away from your Penn State visit thinking Bolden is a slight favorite for the QB job. Care to provide further details on why you feel this way? I think many PSU fans are surprised to hear this.
Adam Rittenberg: David, I only saw one practice, but after reading about and hearing all the Paul Jones hype this spring, I somewhat expected to see Jones separating himself from Rob Bolden and Matthew McGloin. That hasn't happened. Bill O'Brien isn't giving you a line when he says, "Right now, there's no separation." From what I saw, Jones, like the others, still has a way to go in picking up the new offense. Bolden had the best day when I was there, and delivered some terrific passes into tight coverage. But he also had some brain-cramps, like we've seen in games. I get that Penn State fans want to see something different, and Jones fits into that category. He hasn't played in a game and boasts some nice natural skills. And he could emerge as the guy in 2012. But I think folks should pump the brakes a bit on him, and be at least open to the idea that Bolden wins the job. Because it could happen. I'd be somewhat surprised if Bolden isn't in the final two after spring.
Mike from Witchita writes: This blog seems to love pointing out that Nebraska hasn't won a conference title since 1999 but when comparing NU to Big Ten teams, but just something to think about: if you look back at Nebraska and use Big Ten rules to determine conference champions, Nebraska would have raised conference title banners in 2001, 2006 & 2010. Having a single conference champion makes titles scarcer even for powerhouses like the Big Ten's 2nd winningest program. The last decade was obviously Nebraska's worst since the 1950s but just think how many Big Ten programs would kill to have 3 conference championships
Adam Rittenberg: There's no joy in pointing it out, Mike, but when players are openly discussing the national championship, it's important to mention Nebraska would be skipping a step or two. I think Nebraska has a lot of respect within the Big Ten, despite some struggles during the Bill Callahan years. I agree that leagues with championship games are harder to win, and I'm delighted we don't have to deal with co-champions any more. To be fair, though, if we used the old Big Ten rules between 1995-2011, you'd have eight Big Ten squads with two or more "titles": Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern, Michigan State and Penn State.
Sam from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: Thank you for answering my question about KF and your time in IC, Adam. I see your point. But I'm still not convinced KF places a high enough priority on the BIG picture to suit my hopes for Iowa. Sure, KF would like to see the team win it all. But I don't get the sense "lets go to the Rose Bowl!" is a rallying cry in KF's locker room. The "Beat the Rock" mentality is great for individual excellence and when it comes together, Iowa can have magical seasons. But I believe it really limits the program as a whole.
Adam Rittenberg: Ferentz is a realist, which can be tough for fans to hear. Fans are, with few exceptions, always going to think their team has a higher ceiling than it actually does. Ferentz always has been very honest about the limits Iowa has, but I also don't think he tells his players not to dream big. They have to work at it, perhaps more so than teams that recruit better and have nicer facilities and have a more storied tradition, but Iowa has shown in seasons like 2002 and 2009 that it can compete at an elite level. It also doesn't necessarily help a coach to set the bar ridiculously high and then fall short of it. That's how a lot of coaches get fired. And Ferentz has been masterful in securing his position in Iowa City.
AJ from Madison, Wis., writes: Do you see the arrival of Urban Meyer and Bill O'Brien, as well as the recent surge of Michigan State's pass-oriented offense, changing the way the B1G plays defense in the next few years? On the whole, we've always played an extremely run-oriented game, and I gotta believe that the number of running backs, linebackers, and O and D-linemen the conference sends to the draft dwarfs the amount of QB's, wide receivers, and DB's that go. But Meyer's putting in the spread, and we all know what Bill O'Brien did with the Patriots. Throw in a strong passing game from MSU, and I think this will be a very different league in 5-7 years.
Adam Rittenberg: AJ, that's an interesting question. The Big Ten's recent draft output has been extremely defense-heavy. But we could very well see more offensive skill players selected in the coming years. Penn State hasn't had a quarterback drafted since 1997 -- that should change under O'Brien. Michigan State will have a quarterback (Kirk Cousins) drafted fairly high in April, and two Spartans receivers (B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin) also should be selected. I don't think defensive back is as glaring as quarterback or wide receiver, but it will be a position to watch. I'm really interested to see what impact Meyer will have on Ohio State's draft hopefuls. You can also add in Michigan, which will play more of a pro-style offense beginning in 2013.
Back to your original question about the style of defense in the Big Ten. I don't know how dramatically it will change, although the types of players recruited to play defense in the league could change. We won't see as many boxy linebackers, and teams are certainly looking for speed wherever they can find it. Some people say the Big Ten isn't athletic enough along the defensive line, but the league has produced more than its share of pro linemen in recent years.
Charlie from Chicago writes: Hey Adam, I have seen you write several times lately that you believe Nick Saban is the best college coach in the country. I do not disagree with you, but I was wondering if you could elaborate on your reasoning.
Adam Rittenberg: He's very complete and thorough in his approach. Alabama recruits at an extremely high level, as do several other programs in the SEC and in other conferences. But the Tide also develops players extremely well, and that's what resonates with me. There are some great recruiters who are a little short in the talent development. In the Big Ten, there are a lot of great talent developers who fall a little short in the recruiting arena. Saban excels in both. He takes players with obvious talent and has them play the right way, particularly on defense. And his teams are always prepared for big games. You have to earn everything you get against Saban's teams, particularly against the defense.
Jason from Spartan Country writes: Adam, thinking torward this upcoming season, I am excited about Michigan State's first game against Boise State. Both teams lost veteran quarterbacks in Kirk Cousins, and Kellen Moore. Should we expect this to be a defensive battle. Given that this will be the first starts for both teams' quarterbacks, who do you believe has the edge in this game?
Adam Rittenberg: Jason, it could be a low-scoring affair in East Lansing as Andrew Maxwell and whoever starts for Boise State (Nick Patti? Joe Southwick?) step into the spotlight at quarterback. Michigan State has the edge playing at home, and the Spartans have the type of athletic, aggressive defense that could rattle a quarterback making his first career start on the road. A big key for Michigan State, not just in this game but the whole season, will be establishing a more reliable running attack with Le'Veon Bell. The Spartans are more seasoned along the offensive line, and Bell has played a lot of football. They'll need to lean on the run game a lot more to take pressure off of Maxwell. The other key is handling Boise's speed. This will be a tough test for MSU against a team that has built its rep on winning games like these, but I like the Spartans' chances.
John from Austin, Texas, writes: Adam, just wanted to write and say I like your approach "Yeah, Chris, I got your email. It's our trip and our decisions."You didn't pick the games I would have, but who cares, it was your pick. With election season coming it's refreshing to see people that stick to the point (e.g. it was YOUR choice) and not just pander to everyone.Don't run for office, though. You need to learn to be a lot more slimy
Adam Rittenberg: Good advice, John. Don't think you'll see me on the ticket any time soon. Big Ten blog readers are passionate, and they love telling me where I should go, what I should write, which teams I should pick, etc. And sometimes they're right. But in this case, these are my picks and my road trip. We'll soon open up this topic to the floor and see where you, the Big Ten fan, would want to go this fall if you had unlimited resources. Should be fun.
Mike from Chicago writes: This will sound like an odd question if the answer is no (or perhaps stalkerish if its yes), but were you at Southport Lanes in Chicago last weekend? I saw someone that looked just like you, but couldn't be sure because the mugshot at the bottom of your stories is so tiny. Regardless, I'm a big fan of the Big 10 Blog (go Huskers). Here's hoping you're right about Martinez figuring things out for next season!
Adam Rittenberg: Indeed that was me, Mike. My apologies that you had to see my poor bowling form, but it was a great time at a great place. Very old school. Manual pin setters, no electronic scoreboards, tips stuffed into the bowling ball when you're done playing. Taylor Martinez's progress should be a major story line throughout the season. If he steps up his game, Nebraska very well could take that next step in 2012.
David from Lancaster, Pa., writes: Hey Adam,Love it when you guys go visiting campus and we get more in-depth coverage of each team. I heard you were on a local radio show in Nebraska and said you came away from your Penn State visit thinking Bolden is a slight favorite for the QB job. Care to provide further details on why you feel this way? I think many PSU fans are surprised to hear this.
Adam Rittenberg: David, I only saw one practice, but after reading about and hearing all the Paul Jones hype this spring, I somewhat expected to see Jones separating himself from Rob Bolden and Matthew McGloin. That hasn't happened. Bill O'Brien isn't giving you a line when he says, "Right now, there's no separation." From what I saw, Jones, like the others, still has a way to go in picking up the new offense. Bolden had the best day when I was there, and delivered some terrific passes into tight coverage. But he also had some brain-cramps, like we've seen in games. I get that Penn State fans want to see something different, and Jones fits into that category. He hasn't played in a game and boasts some nice natural skills. And he could emerge as the guy in 2012. But I think folks should pump the brakes a bit on him, and be at least open to the idea that Bolden wins the job. Because it could happen. I'd be somewhat surprised if Bolden isn't in the final two after spring.
Mike from Witchita writes: This blog seems to love pointing out that Nebraska hasn't won a conference title since 1999 but when comparing NU to Big Ten teams, but just something to think about: if you look back at Nebraska and use Big Ten rules to determine conference champions, Nebraska would have raised conference title banners in 2001, 2006 & 2010. Having a single conference champion makes titles scarcer even for powerhouses like the Big Ten's 2nd winningest program. The last decade was obviously Nebraska's worst since the 1950s but just think how many Big Ten programs would kill to have 3 conference championships
Adam Rittenberg: There's no joy in pointing it out, Mike, but when players are openly discussing the national championship, it's important to mention Nebraska would be skipping a step or two. I think Nebraska has a lot of respect within the Big Ten, despite some struggles during the Bill Callahan years. I agree that leagues with championship games are harder to win, and I'm delighted we don't have to deal with co-champions any more. To be fair, though, if we used the old Big Ten rules between 1995-2011, you'd have eight Big Ten squads with two or more "titles": Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern, Michigan State and Penn State.
Sam from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: Thank you for answering my question about KF and your time in IC, Adam. I see your point. But I'm still not convinced KF places a high enough priority on the BIG picture to suit my hopes for Iowa. Sure, KF would like to see the team win it all. But I don't get the sense "lets go to the Rose Bowl!" is a rallying cry in KF's locker room. The "Beat the Rock" mentality is great for individual excellence and when it comes together, Iowa can have magical seasons. But I believe it really limits the program as a whole.
Adam Rittenberg: Ferentz is a realist, which can be tough for fans to hear. Fans are, with few exceptions, always going to think their team has a higher ceiling than it actually does. Ferentz always has been very honest about the limits Iowa has, but I also don't think he tells his players not to dream big. They have to work at it, perhaps more so than teams that recruit better and have nicer facilities and have a more storied tradition, but Iowa has shown in seasons like 2002 and 2009 that it can compete at an elite level. It also doesn't necessarily help a coach to set the bar ridiculously high and then fall short of it. That's how a lot of coaches get fired. And Ferentz has been masterful in securing his position in Iowa City.
AJ from Madison, Wis., writes: Do you see the arrival of Urban Meyer and Bill O'Brien, as well as the recent surge of Michigan State's pass-oriented offense, changing the way the B1G plays defense in the next few years? On the whole, we've always played an extremely run-oriented game, and I gotta believe that the number of running backs, linebackers, and O and D-linemen the conference sends to the draft dwarfs the amount of QB's, wide receivers, and DB's that go. But Meyer's putting in the spread, and we all know what Bill O'Brien did with the Patriots. Throw in a strong passing game from MSU, and I think this will be a very different league in 5-7 years.
Adam Rittenberg: AJ, that's an interesting question. The Big Ten's recent draft output has been extremely defense-heavy. But we could very well see more offensive skill players selected in the coming years. Penn State hasn't had a quarterback drafted since 1997 -- that should change under O'Brien. Michigan State will have a quarterback (Kirk Cousins) drafted fairly high in April, and two Spartans receivers (B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin) also should be selected. I don't think defensive back is as glaring as quarterback or wide receiver, but it will be a position to watch. I'm really interested to see what impact Meyer will have on Ohio State's draft hopefuls. You can also add in Michigan, which will play more of a pro-style offense beginning in 2013.
Back to your original question about the style of defense in the Big Ten. I don't know how dramatically it will change, although the types of players recruited to play defense in the league could change. We won't see as many boxy linebackers, and teams are certainly looking for speed wherever they can find it. Some people say the Big Ten isn't athletic enough along the defensive line, but the league has produced more than its share of pro linemen in recent years.
Charlie from Chicago writes: Hey Adam, I have seen you write several times lately that you believe Nick Saban is the best college coach in the country. I do not disagree with you, but I was wondering if you could elaborate on your reasoning.
Adam Rittenberg: He's very complete and thorough in his approach. Alabama recruits at an extremely high level, as do several other programs in the SEC and in other conferences. But the Tide also develops players extremely well, and that's what resonates with me. There are some great recruiters who are a little short in the talent development. In the Big Ten, there are a lot of great talent developers who fall a little short in the recruiting arena. Saban excels in both. He takes players with obvious talent and has them play the right way, particularly on defense. And his teams are always prepared for big games. You have to earn everything you get against Saban's teams, particularly against the defense.
Jason from Spartan Country writes: Adam, thinking torward this upcoming season, I am excited about Michigan State's first game against Boise State. Both teams lost veteran quarterbacks in Kirk Cousins, and Kellen Moore. Should we expect this to be a defensive battle. Given that this will be the first starts for both teams' quarterbacks, who do you believe has the edge in this game?
Adam Rittenberg: Jason, it could be a low-scoring affair in East Lansing as Andrew Maxwell and whoever starts for Boise State (Nick Patti? Joe Southwick?) step into the spotlight at quarterback. Michigan State has the edge playing at home, and the Spartans have the type of athletic, aggressive defense that could rattle a quarterback making his first career start on the road. A big key for Michigan State, not just in this game but the whole season, will be establishing a more reliable running attack with Le'Veon Bell. The Spartans are more seasoned along the offensive line, and Bell has played a lot of football. They'll need to lean on the run game a lot more to take pressure off of Maxwell. The other key is handling Boise's speed. This will be a tough test for MSU against a team that has built its rep on winning games like these, but I like the Spartans' chances.
John from Austin, Texas, writes: Adam, just wanted to write and say I like your approach "Yeah, Chris, I got your email. It's our trip and our decisions."You didn't pick the games I would have, but who cares, it was your pick. With election season coming it's refreshing to see people that stick to the point (e.g. it was YOUR choice) and not just pander to everyone.Don't run for office, though. You need to learn to be a lot more slimy
Adam Rittenberg: Good advice, John. Don't think you'll see me on the ticket any time soon. Big Ten blog readers are passionate, and they love telling me where I should go, what I should write, which teams I should pick, etc. And sometimes they're right. But in this case, these are my picks and my road trip. We'll soon open up this topic to the floor and see where you, the Big Ten fan, would want to go this fall if you had unlimited resources. Should be fun.
Mike from Chicago writes: This will sound like an odd question if the answer is no (or perhaps stalkerish if its yes), but were you at Southport Lanes in Chicago last weekend? I saw someone that looked just like you, but couldn't be sure because the mugshot at the bottom of your stories is so tiny. Regardless, I'm a big fan of the Big 10 Blog (go Huskers). Here's hoping you're right about Martinez figuring things out for next season!
Adam Rittenberg: Indeed that was me, Mike. My apologies that you had to see my poor bowling form, but it was a great time at a great place. Very old school. Manual pin setters, no electronic scoreboards, tips stuffed into the bowling ball when you're done playing. Taylor Martinez's progress should be a major story line throughout the season. If he steps up his game, Nebraska very well could take that next step in 2012.
Coming at you a day later than normal, but better than never.
Ryan from Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: Hey Adam, How much of a true telling of Michigan's season is the Alabama game going to be? The more that I think about it, the more I begin to sense there are too many unknown factors on both teams for people to make automatic judgments for both Michigan and Alabama teams. That being said, do you feel that a Michigan victory would be a solid sign for another 11 or 12 win season?
Adam Rittenberg: Ryan, I agree that the first game doesn't answer every question about a particular team, and both squads undoubtedly will be improved later in the season. But teams can make national statements in Week 1, like LSU did last season against Oregon in the opener. A Michigan win would be absolutely huge for the program and for the Big Ten, which has struggled to beat the SEC's elite. I haven't hid my feelings about Alabama. In my view, it's the best college program in America and boasts the best college coach in Nick Saban. Any victory against the Tide, no matter what year or how many starters they've lost or where the game is played, resonates in my book. While Alabama certainly won't be Michigan's last major test in 2012, a Wolverines victory would be extremely significant.
Michael from Happy Valley, Pa., writes: hi Adam, you may have already answered this but after your visit to PSU these past two days I have a new and refreshing question about none other than the QB race. What do you think the chances are that Paul Jones, with no game-time experience, is named the starter come september 1st? It sounds like a longshot, but from what I've been hearing around campus and other websites, PJ has been on fire in practice and seems like the real deal when it comes to quarterback. Did he stand out to you at the practice you attended moreso than McGloin (bolden's name shouldn't even be thought of in the QB face ever again or I lose faith in humanity)
Adam Rittenberg: Michael, while Jones remains very much in the mix for the starting job, I think Penn State fans should pump the brakes a bit on all the hype surrounding him. From what I saw this week, he still has some strides to make in a very complex offense, although he clearly has some excellent skills. Granted, I only saw one practice, but he didn't stand out above the others. I realize most PSU fans are sick of Bolden, but it would surprise me if he's not in the final two for the starting job after spring ball. He's a confounding player in many respects, as I saw him make some tremendous, NFL-type throws, but also some head-scratching mistakes. Consistency remains the big key, but I wouldn't write him off despite his struggles in games.
Sam from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: Adam, you quoted KF: "Bottom line is we're 4-4 the last two years in conference play," he said. "If that's the best we can do, then that's fine. But we felt like we've left something out there."If thats the best they can do, thats fine? Two questions for you regarding that. First, is than an opinion that permeates the program (from the AD to the players) as far as you can tell from your time in Iowa City. And second, as a professional sports writer, do you think that is a fair of Iowa as a program, with or without KF?
Adam Rittenberg: Sam, I think Kirk's point is that sometimes, a team maxes out at 4-4. Some teams simply aren't better than 5-7. But Iowa has been better than that, in his mind, the past few seasons and has fallen short. When Ferentz first came to Iowa, the team's maximum output was lower than it has been in recent years. Ferentz has built his program on maximizing talent. In some years, the max is 10 or 11 wins. In other years, it's seven or eight wins. I don't think Iowa will have a team, talent wise, that would call a six-win season satisfactory. I also don't think Ferentz's quote means that the team has an attitude that 4-4 is OK. Players and coaches have bigger goals, like reaching the Rose Bowl and winning a Big Ten title. Ferentz's point is that Iowa must max out its ability, which means better than 4-4 in most years.
Chris from Chicago writes: Every year we hear a lot of complimentary things about teams in spring/summer practice -- improved competition, "swagger," guys playing/looking hungry. And then the season starts, and many times this hunger/improvement/swagger is nowhere to be seen. When Adam/Brian visit a spring/summer practice, what do you look for to see if a team is actually looking better than it did the previous year?
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, good point about the optimistic nature of spring ball. I've yet to visit a spring practice where the team lacks confidence or expects to lose nine or 10 games. But I do look at body language, and when I'm allowed to see practices, I look for players who look different and play different than they did the previous season. At Penn State, for example, I wasn't closely studying players like Silas Redd and Gerald Hodges (both of whom looked great, by the way). I know they can play at an All-Big Ten level. I was looking for the up-and-comers, and also which position groups are showing greater depth. I also look to see how fluid a practice is, whether there are big plays on both sides of the ball and how many breakdowns occur. But you can tell a lot from meeting with players and coaches, listening to how they say things and how confident they sound about their team.
Brian from Indianapolis writes: Call me ignorant, but what does "Silverstone the links" mean? Is it an inside joke, or something?
Adam Rittenberg: Wish it were, Brian. No, it refers to how Alicia Silverstone feeds her son. Click the link at your own risk.
Tom from Lakeland, Fla., writes: Going into 2012 it appears that Danny Hope is the only coach on the hot seat. Any thought that Bobby Petrino could end up at Purdue?
Adam Rittenberg: Wow, that didn't take long, did it? I'll say this: Bobby Petrino will have opportunities in 2013. He's too good of a football coach, and there will be those willing to overlook his lying and transgressions because he can win football games. I don't get the sense Purdue would go that route, and AD Morgan Burke remains supportive of Hope, who he tabbed to succeed Joe Tiller. I also don't know if Purdue could pay Petrino what he'd likely demand.
Jake M. from Chicago writes: Hi Adam. What makes you and Brian so sure that Urban Meyer will succeed with Ohio St.? While he was highly successful at Florida, he also had the opportunity to win with arguably one of the best college players ever (Tebow). It just seems as if OSU has already won a national championship with Meyer before he has even coached a game.
Adam Rittenberg: Jake, there's certainly a group that wonders how Meyer's Florida tenure would have gone had Tebow not been there. And it's fair to wonder whether he's receiving too much praise too early in his Ohio State tenure. My feeling about Ohio State is the program is set up to compete at the highest level and did for most of Jim Tressel's tenure. The damage from the NCAA investigation appears minimal, in part because of what Meyer did on the recruiting trail following his hiring in late December. There's almost a sense that Ohio State is too big to fail. That doesn't mean Meyer and his staff will have it easy this year. They have work to do, particularly with an offense that has underperformed in recent years and needs playmakers to emerge at the wide receiver spot. I like the young defenders returning, and Ohio State should make strides on that side of the ball. It's not as if Ohio State has been far away from winning another national title. Meyer's presence as an elite recruiter, and the more innovative offense he'll bring could be what puts the Buckeyes over the top. But they'll still have to earn it and win what is becoming a deeper Big Ten.
Ryan from Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: Hey Adam, How much of a true telling of Michigan's season is the Alabama game going to be? The more that I think about it, the more I begin to sense there are too many unknown factors on both teams for people to make automatic judgments for both Michigan and Alabama teams. That being said, do you feel that a Michigan victory would be a solid sign for another 11 or 12 win season?
Adam Rittenberg: Ryan, I agree that the first game doesn't answer every question about a particular team, and both squads undoubtedly will be improved later in the season. But teams can make national statements in Week 1, like LSU did last season against Oregon in the opener. A Michigan win would be absolutely huge for the program and for the Big Ten, which has struggled to beat the SEC's elite. I haven't hid my feelings about Alabama. In my view, it's the best college program in America and boasts the best college coach in Nick Saban. Any victory against the Tide, no matter what year or how many starters they've lost or where the game is played, resonates in my book. While Alabama certainly won't be Michigan's last major test in 2012, a Wolverines victory would be extremely significant.
Michael from Happy Valley, Pa., writes: hi Adam, you may have already answered this but after your visit to PSU these past two days I have a new and refreshing question about none other than the QB race. What do you think the chances are that Paul Jones, with no game-time experience, is named the starter come september 1st? It sounds like a longshot, but from what I've been hearing around campus and other websites, PJ has been on fire in practice and seems like the real deal when it comes to quarterback. Did he stand out to you at the practice you attended moreso than McGloin (bolden's name shouldn't even be thought of in the QB face ever again or I lose faith in humanity)
Adam Rittenberg: Michael, while Jones remains very much in the mix for the starting job, I think Penn State fans should pump the brakes a bit on all the hype surrounding him. From what I saw this week, he still has some strides to make in a very complex offense, although he clearly has some excellent skills. Granted, I only saw one practice, but he didn't stand out above the others. I realize most PSU fans are sick of Bolden, but it would surprise me if he's not in the final two for the starting job after spring ball. He's a confounding player in many respects, as I saw him make some tremendous, NFL-type throws, but also some head-scratching mistakes. Consistency remains the big key, but I wouldn't write him off despite his struggles in games.
Sam from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: Adam, you quoted KF: "Bottom line is we're 4-4 the last two years in conference play," he said. "If that's the best we can do, then that's fine. But we felt like we've left something out there."If thats the best they can do, thats fine? Two questions for you regarding that. First, is than an opinion that permeates the program (from the AD to the players) as far as you can tell from your time in Iowa City. And second, as a professional sports writer, do you think that is a fair of Iowa as a program, with or without KF?
Adam Rittenberg: Sam, I think Kirk's point is that sometimes, a team maxes out at 4-4. Some teams simply aren't better than 5-7. But Iowa has been better than that, in his mind, the past few seasons and has fallen short. When Ferentz first came to Iowa, the team's maximum output was lower than it has been in recent years. Ferentz has built his program on maximizing talent. In some years, the max is 10 or 11 wins. In other years, it's seven or eight wins. I don't think Iowa will have a team, talent wise, that would call a six-win season satisfactory. I also don't think Ferentz's quote means that the team has an attitude that 4-4 is OK. Players and coaches have bigger goals, like reaching the Rose Bowl and winning a Big Ten title. Ferentz's point is that Iowa must max out its ability, which means better than 4-4 in most years.
Chris from Chicago writes: Every year we hear a lot of complimentary things about teams in spring/summer practice -- improved competition, "swagger," guys playing/looking hungry. And then the season starts, and many times this hunger/improvement/swagger is nowhere to be seen. When Adam/Brian visit a spring/summer practice, what do you look for to see if a team is actually looking better than it did the previous year?
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, good point about the optimistic nature of spring ball. I've yet to visit a spring practice where the team lacks confidence or expects to lose nine or 10 games. But I do look at body language, and when I'm allowed to see practices, I look for players who look different and play different than they did the previous season. At Penn State, for example, I wasn't closely studying players like Silas Redd and Gerald Hodges (both of whom looked great, by the way). I know they can play at an All-Big Ten level. I was looking for the up-and-comers, and also which position groups are showing greater depth. I also look to see how fluid a practice is, whether there are big plays on both sides of the ball and how many breakdowns occur. But you can tell a lot from meeting with players and coaches, listening to how they say things and how confident they sound about their team.
Brian from Indianapolis writes: Call me ignorant, but what does "Silverstone the links" mean? Is it an inside joke, or something?
Adam Rittenberg: Wish it were, Brian. No, it refers to how Alicia Silverstone feeds her son. Click the link at your own risk.
Tom from Lakeland, Fla., writes: Going into 2012 it appears that Danny Hope is the only coach on the hot seat. Any thought that Bobby Petrino could end up at Purdue?
Adam Rittenberg: Wow, that didn't take long, did it? I'll say this: Bobby Petrino will have opportunities in 2013. He's too good of a football coach, and there will be those willing to overlook his lying and transgressions because he can win football games. I don't get the sense Purdue would go that route, and AD Morgan Burke remains supportive of Hope, who he tabbed to succeed Joe Tiller. I also don't know if Purdue could pay Petrino what he'd likely demand.
Jake M. from Chicago writes: Hi Adam. What makes you and Brian so sure that Urban Meyer will succeed with Ohio St.? While he was highly successful at Florida, he also had the opportunity to win with arguably one of the best college players ever (Tebow). It just seems as if OSU has already won a national championship with Meyer before he has even coached a game.
Adam Rittenberg: Jake, there's certainly a group that wonders how Meyer's Florida tenure would have gone had Tebow not been there. And it's fair to wonder whether he's receiving too much praise too early in his Ohio State tenure. My feeling about Ohio State is the program is set up to compete at the highest level and did for most of Jim Tressel's tenure. The damage from the NCAA investigation appears minimal, in part because of what Meyer did on the recruiting trail following his hiring in late December. There's almost a sense that Ohio State is too big to fail. That doesn't mean Meyer and his staff will have it easy this year. They have work to do, particularly with an offense that has underperformed in recent years and needs playmakers to emerge at the wide receiver spot. I like the young defenders returning, and Ohio State should make strides on that side of the ball. It's not as if Ohio State has been far away from winning another national title. Meyer's presence as an elite recruiter, and the more innovative offense he'll bring could be what puts the Buckeyes over the top. But they'll still have to earn it and win what is becoming a deeper Big Ten.
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.
B1G head coaches rarely make NFL jump
January, 27, 2012
Jan 27
4:30
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Jim Harbaugh's success with the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' flirtation with Chip Kelly and hiring of Greg Schiano make one thing clear: College football head coaches are in high demand to fill vacancies at the NFL level.
Harbaugh transformed the 49ers in his first season after leaving Stanford. Kelly, the Oregon coach, was a somewhat surprise target of the Bucs, who then moved onto Schiano, the Rutgers coach for the past 11 seasons.
Even former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, a college coach throughout his career, was the runner-up for the Indianapolis' Colts' head-coaching vacancy.
It got me thinking about which Big Ten coaches would or could take the same job in the NFL.
Such a jump doesn't happen too often in this league.
In fact, a Big Ten head coach hasn't left for an NFL head-coaching job since Sam Wyche left Indiana for the Cincinnati Bengals after the 1983 season (he went 3-8 at IU). That's a surprising drought for one of college football's top conferences. While the Big Ten has had head coaches eventually go on to lead NFL teams (Michigan's Gary Moeller, Illinois' Mike White, Indiana's Cam Cameron), they didn't do so directly.
It speaks in part to the appeal of Big Ten head-coaching positions and the longevity of coaches in the league. Some would also argue that the quality of head coaches might not be as elite as that in league's like the SEC, where coaches like Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier have directly jumped to NFL head-coaching positions.
If the NFL hiring trend persists, some Big Ten coaches could get opportunities.
Iowa's Kirk Ferentz has repeatedly been mentioned for NFL head-coaching vacancies, most recently the Kansas City Chiefs' opening. Ferentz's coaching style and ties to the NFL as a former Bill Belichick assistant make him a potentially good fit. Although he has repeatedly pledged his loyalty to Iowa and makes very good coin, he remains the likeliest Big Ten coach to make the move.
Who else? Nebraska's Bo Pelini spent six years as an NFL assistant and actually might like life more outside the college football fishbowl. Pelini might be the next likeliest after Ferentz.
Wisconsin's Bret Bielema has spent his entire career in college, but he runs pro-style systems in Madison and has been very ambitious in his career.
Michigan's Brady Hoke? Don't see it, although his brother Jon is an NFL assistant.
Michigan State's Mark Dantonio? Nah.
Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald is a young, ambitious coach who might fit in well at the next level, although he needs to prove more in a college role.
Ohio State's Urban Meyer doesn't seem like a guy who would make the jump to the NFL, primarily because of his offensive system. Then again, Tampa Bay's pursuit of Kelly surprised me, so anything is possible.
Which Big Ten coach do you think is likeliest to jump to the NFL?
Harbaugh transformed the 49ers in his first season after leaving Stanford. Kelly, the Oregon coach, was a somewhat surprise target of the Bucs, who then moved onto Schiano, the Rutgers coach for the past 11 seasons.
Even former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, a college coach throughout his career, was the runner-up for the Indianapolis' Colts' head-coaching vacancy.
It got me thinking about which Big Ten coaches would or could take the same job in the NFL.
Such a jump doesn't happen too often in this league.
In fact, a Big Ten head coach hasn't left for an NFL head-coaching job since Sam Wyche left Indiana for the Cincinnati Bengals after the 1983 season (he went 3-8 at IU). That's a surprising drought for one of college football's top conferences. While the Big Ten has had head coaches eventually go on to lead NFL teams (Michigan's Gary Moeller, Illinois' Mike White, Indiana's Cam Cameron), they didn't do so directly.
It speaks in part to the appeal of Big Ten head-coaching positions and the longevity of coaches in the league. Some would also argue that the quality of head coaches might not be as elite as that in league's like the SEC, where coaches like Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier have directly jumped to NFL head-coaching positions.
If the NFL hiring trend persists, some Big Ten coaches could get opportunities.
Iowa's Kirk Ferentz has repeatedly been mentioned for NFL head-coaching vacancies, most recently the Kansas City Chiefs' opening. Ferentz's coaching style and ties to the NFL as a former Bill Belichick assistant make him a potentially good fit. Although he has repeatedly pledged his loyalty to Iowa and makes very good coin, he remains the likeliest Big Ten coach to make the move.
Who else? Nebraska's Bo Pelini spent six years as an NFL assistant and actually might like life more outside the college football fishbowl. Pelini might be the next likeliest after Ferentz.
Wisconsin's Bret Bielema has spent his entire career in college, but he runs pro-style systems in Madison and has been very ambitious in his career.
Michigan's Brady Hoke? Don't see it, although his brother Jon is an NFL assistant.
Michigan State's Mark Dantonio? Nah.
Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald is a young, ambitious coach who might fit in well at the next level, although he needs to prove more in a college role.
Ohio State's Urban Meyer doesn't seem like a guy who would make the jump to the NFL, primarily because of his offensive system. Then again, Tampa Bay's pursuit of Kelly surprised me, so anything is possible.
Which Big Ten coach do you think is likeliest to jump to the NFL?
Spurrier, Saban statements on Paterno
January, 22, 2012
Jan 22
3:15
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Some more reaction to Joe Paterno's passing from around college football ...
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier had this to say:
Alabama coach Nick Saban was interviewed by ESPN's "SportsCenter" about Paterno today, and this is a snippet of what he said:
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier had this to say:
"I have the utmost respect and admiration for Joe Paterno. I've coached around 300 college games and only once when I've met the other coach at midfield prior to the game have I asked a photographer to take a picture of me with the other coach. That happened in the Citrus Bowl after the '97 season when we were playing Penn State. I had one of our university photographers take the picture with me and Coach Paterno, and I still have that photo in the den at my house. That's the admiration I have for Joe Paterno.
"It was sad how it ended, but he was a great person and coach."
Alabama coach Nick Saban was interviewed by ESPN's "SportsCenter" about Paterno today, and this is a snippet of what he said:
"Joe Paterno gave his life to college football. He gave his life to the players and college football.
"Not just at Penn State, but when I was the head coach at Michigan State, we had a player who could get a sixth year because of an injury, and Joe was the head of the committee. He got it done for the player, and that player actually ran a touchdown against them that could have cost them the game later that season.
"But never I never doubted with him that he was going to do what was best for college football, and the players that played it, and I think that should be his legacy. ...
"Probably as much as anything what we all try to get as coaches, a well-disciplined team that gives tremendous effort, plays physical, has the ability to execute down-in and down-out and play winning football. And when you played Joe's teams, that's exactly what you were playing against. They always had real good athletes, but to me it was the level they performed at that was indicative of the kind of program that he ran, the kind of influence that he had on the players. ...
"It's just too bad for everyone that someone who had done so much for college football, his legacy would really end. Maybe the message that everyone out there could learn from this is that assistant coaches, players, everybody involved in programs have a responsibility and obligation to do the right things for the institutions, because people remember Joe Paterno as part of this more than they do anyone else.
"That may be the shame of it all. Maybe he made a mistake in how he managed it, but really wasn't the guy who did the wrongdoing. But all of us need to understand that whatever profession we're in, sometimes the people in charge can really suffer just as much as the people who made the wrong choices and decisions."
Matt Millen, Mike Ditka, Lou Holtz, Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit and Nick Saban remember Joe Paterno.
Happy Independence Resistance Day to all our Moroccan readers:
- An assault investigation preceded Marcus Coker's suspension and eventual departure from Iowa. The "next man in" philosophy will be severely tested with the Hawkeyes' incredibly shrinking backfield.
- New Penn State coach Bill O'Brien could learn a few lessons from Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean. Some Penn State alumni are pushing for changes on the board of trustees. PSU president Rodney Erickson talks about the school's future.
- Bret Bielema says his new offensive coordinator must fit the team's style of play. A Wisconsin all-state defensive end will walk on to the Badgers.
- BCS commissioners, including Jim Delany, say they're more open to the idea of a college football playoff.
- Northwestern is in play for former USC receiver and one-time blue-chip recruit Kyle Prater.
- Indiana picked up a running back from Illinois who had offers from bigger programs (subscription required).
- Michigan is looking forward to its matchup with the defending champs to open next season. Former Wolverines recruit Demar Dorsey faces another obstacle.
- What would have happened if Nick Saban stayed at Michigan State a little longer?
- Many schools in the Big Ten use recruiting services, but how useful are they?
- Former Big Ten commissioner Wayne Duke was hurt in a car crash.
- An Ohio State associate athletic director died of a heart attack in his office.
Some Big Ten roots in SEC title rematch
January, 4, 2012
Jan 4
1:40
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Pigs fly. The SEC is actually giving the Big Ten a little credit.
Colleague and SEC blogger Edward Aschoff writes today how LSU coach Les Miles and Alabama coach Nick Saban both have some Big Ten roots to thank for their success, which includes their BCS title game berths this season.
Miles, of course, played at Michigan and coached there for a decade. He was prominently mentioned and courted as a candidate the last two times the Wolverines head-coaching job came open. Saban spent 10 years as a coach for Michigan State, the last five as head coach.
No SEC-slanted story could get to the end without slighting the Big Ten's speed. So there's this passage in Aschoff's piece.
Blah blah blah. But I guess six national titles allow you to brag a little bit. It's going to be a long week, isn't it?
Colleague and SEC blogger Edward Aschoff writes today how LSU coach Les Miles and Alabama coach Nick Saban both have some Big Ten roots to thank for their success, which includes their BCS title game berths this season.
Miles, of course, played at Michigan and coached there for a decade. He was prominently mentioned and courted as a candidate the last two times the Wolverines head-coaching job came open. Saban spent 10 years as a coach for Michigan State, the last five as head coach.
No SEC-slanted story could get to the end without slighting the Big Ten's speed. So there's this passage in Aschoff's piece.
Temple coach Steve Addazio, who spent three years at Indiana before his six-year stint as an offensive coach at Florida, said adjusting to the SEC wasn’t easy. He was used to seeing premier players in the Big Ten, but was not used to the SEC speed, especially on defense.
“The SEC’s a faster game and the defenses in the SEC are traditionally incredible,” Addazio said. “It’s the toughest defensive conference, in my opinion, in college football.
“So many first-round draft picks that you’re playing against each week.”
Blah blah blah. But I guess six national titles allow you to brag a little bit. It's going to be a long week, isn't it?
Normally we give you one Q&A on Friday, but you're getting a double dose before the holiday weekend. ESPN.com had a chance to visit earlier this afternoon with John Papuchis, who Thursday was promoted to defensive coordinator at Nebraska. Papuchis has served under Bo Pelini as the Huskers' defensive line coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator. Rick Kaczenski has been hired from Iowa to fill Papuchis' duties with the defensive line, a role Kaczenski also had with the Hawkeyes. Papuchis, 33, takes over the coordinator duties in place of Carl Pelini, who earlier this month accepted the head-coaching position at Florida Atlantic.
Here's the interview with Papuchis.
What was your reaction when you found out about the promotion?
John Papuchis: I was excited. I also felt like there was a good possibility that it's how it all would play out. It didn't really catch me by surprise, but I was really excited about it.
Why are you ready for this step in your career?
JP: One is I've had the opportunity to work for Bo for the last seven years. I have learned a lot from him and understand what he's looking for in his defensive system. And number two, I've been blessed throughout my career to work for some quality, top-notch defensive coaches. I worked for Bill Young at Kansas and Tom Hayes at Kansas. Went from there to LSU, where I worked for Nick Saban and Will Muschamp and Kirby Smart and obviously then Bo. Having those people as part of my background and learning from them has prepared me for this opportunity.
How much have you taken away from those coaches, and have one or two of those guys shaped your defensive philosophy the most?
JP: I've tried to learn as much as I can from each guy. It would be reasonable to think that most of that has come from Bo since I've been with him for so long. But I did enjoy the experience of being with coach Muschamp and coach Saban and Kirby at LSU as well. If you take a little bit from everyone you work with, you accumulate knowledge as the years go on.
What are some of the things you want to emphasize as coordinator?
JP: More than anything, I want to bring great energy, a great work ethic to the team every day, consistent focus, whether it's on the practice field or in the meeting room. Each coach has his own style and philosophy, and mine is we're going to be intense and we're going to come to work every day.
What's it like to work with Bo as an assistant on this side of the ball? He's a defensive guy, and he's been a defensive coordinator.
JP: He's a hands-on head coach, and he should be. It's something he and I talked a lot about, even when he became the head coach here at Nebraska. He had gotten to the point in his career where he had gained success and had the opportunity to become a head coach because he was such a good defensive coach. And now that he's the head coach, he certainly shouldn't walk away from what his strength is. He's always going to be a guy that's very involved in the defense. He's a tremendous coach.
You mentioned the energy component, and you're a younger guy. How does that help you, as a younger guy, being in a role like this?
JP: Whether it's been with the defensive line or with the special teams -- both roles that I've had -- I've had a good relationship with the players. They understand that I may bring some high-energy and passion to the table every day, but they enjoy playing for us. They like that energy, and hopefully that translates now with the entire defense.
You're familiar with the other assistants, but you're also bringing in a new guy, Rick Kaczenski, from Iowa. How involved were you in that process, and how much have you talked to him about where he fits in and his philosophies?
JP: His name had come up several times in the process, and I was all for it. He's a guy I know coach Pelini really liked a lot. Having the opportunity to sit down and meet with him, his energy and his passion about the game is pretty contagious. He's very knowledgeable. It's very obvious standing there and listening to him talk that he knows the game and he gets it and he loves it. He's going to be a real welcome addition to the staff.
You've been very involved in the recruiting efforts there. How does that part change with your new role?
JP: In terms of the recruiting coordinator role, my gut is that it will change. That hasn't been done at this point, but I would think that's probably going to go to someone else on the staff. But in terms of what my role will be in recruiting, I'm actually looking forward to getting an opportunity to really take ownership and leadership of the defensive recruiting as a whole. Each guy's going to have their own recruits, but it's important when the coordinator's involved in the recruiting aspects of all the defensive players, so I look forward to that.
What direction do you want to go in for recruiting defense? How does going through a season in the Big Ten change your outlook, if at all?
JP: Probably the one thing that, as much as anything, came out of the year was that as part of being in the Big 12, we didn't recruit as many linebackers as you would being in the Big Ten, because all the offenses we played were spread offenses. We focused a little more on recruiting defensive backs. One of the things we have to do is make sure in this class and in the couple classes going forward is that we replenish our linebacker depth chart so we have the ability to go two- or three-deep when we play the two-back teams in the Big Ten.
What's your role going to be in the Capital One Bowl?
JP: The roles are adjusting and we're feeling it out a little bit as we go, but I do anticipate being down on the field, taking the role that Carl has served in the past. Rick will be with us at the bowl site and at the bowl game, and that's going to be a huge advantage because he's going to have an opportunity to get to know our players, and they're going to be able to get to know him. That's great going into the offseason and going into spring ball. Next week is going to be a little bit of a transitional feel, but I think it's all going to be very positive.
Here's the interview with Papuchis.
What was your reaction when you found out about the promotion?
John Papuchis: I was excited. I also felt like there was a good possibility that it's how it all would play out. It didn't really catch me by surprise, but I was really excited about it.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Nati Harnik"I want to bring great energy, a great work ethic to the team every day, consistent focus, whether it's on the practice field or in the meeting room," new Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis said.
AP Photo/Nati Harnik"I want to bring great energy, a great work ethic to the team every day, consistent focus, whether it's on the practice field or in the meeting room," new Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis said.JP: One is I've had the opportunity to work for Bo for the last seven years. I have learned a lot from him and understand what he's looking for in his defensive system. And number two, I've been blessed throughout my career to work for some quality, top-notch defensive coaches. I worked for Bill Young at Kansas and Tom Hayes at Kansas. Went from there to LSU, where I worked for Nick Saban and Will Muschamp and Kirby Smart and obviously then Bo. Having those people as part of my background and learning from them has prepared me for this opportunity.
How much have you taken away from those coaches, and have one or two of those guys shaped your defensive philosophy the most?
JP: I've tried to learn as much as I can from each guy. It would be reasonable to think that most of that has come from Bo since I've been with him for so long. But I did enjoy the experience of being with coach Muschamp and coach Saban and Kirby at LSU as well. If you take a little bit from everyone you work with, you accumulate knowledge as the years go on.
What are some of the things you want to emphasize as coordinator?
JP: More than anything, I want to bring great energy, a great work ethic to the team every day, consistent focus, whether it's on the practice field or in the meeting room. Each coach has his own style and philosophy, and mine is we're going to be intense and we're going to come to work every day.
What's it like to work with Bo as an assistant on this side of the ball? He's a defensive guy, and he's been a defensive coordinator.
JP: He's a hands-on head coach, and he should be. It's something he and I talked a lot about, even when he became the head coach here at Nebraska. He had gotten to the point in his career where he had gained success and had the opportunity to become a head coach because he was such a good defensive coach. And now that he's the head coach, he certainly shouldn't walk away from what his strength is. He's always going to be a guy that's very involved in the defense. He's a tremendous coach.
You mentioned the energy component, and you're a younger guy. How does that help you, as a younger guy, being in a role like this?
JP: Whether it's been with the defensive line or with the special teams -- both roles that I've had -- I've had a good relationship with the players. They understand that I may bring some high-energy and passion to the table every day, but they enjoy playing for us. They like that energy, and hopefully that translates now with the entire defense.
You're familiar with the other assistants, but you're also bringing in a new guy, Rick Kaczenski, from Iowa. How involved were you in that process, and how much have you talked to him about where he fits in and his philosophies?
JP: His name had come up several times in the process, and I was all for it. He's a guy I know coach Pelini really liked a lot. Having the opportunity to sit down and meet with him, his energy and his passion about the game is pretty contagious. He's very knowledgeable. It's very obvious standing there and listening to him talk that he knows the game and he gets it and he loves it. He's going to be a real welcome addition to the staff.
You've been very involved in the recruiting efforts there. How does that part change with your new role?
JP: In terms of the recruiting coordinator role, my gut is that it will change. That hasn't been done at this point, but I would think that's probably going to go to someone else on the staff. But in terms of what my role will be in recruiting, I'm actually looking forward to getting an opportunity to really take ownership and leadership of the defensive recruiting as a whole. Each guy's going to have their own recruits, but it's important when the coordinator's involved in the recruiting aspects of all the defensive players, so I look forward to that.
What direction do you want to go in for recruiting defense? How does going through a season in the Big Ten change your outlook, if at all?
JP: Probably the one thing that, as much as anything, came out of the year was that as part of being in the Big 12, we didn't recruit as many linebackers as you would being in the Big Ten, because all the offenses we played were spread offenses. We focused a little more on recruiting defensive backs. One of the things we have to do is make sure in this class and in the couple classes going forward is that we replenish our linebacker depth chart so we have the ability to go two- or three-deep when we play the two-back teams in the Big Ten.
What's your role going to be in the Capital One Bowl?
JP: The roles are adjusting and we're feeling it out a little bit as we go, but I do anticipate being down on the field, taking the role that Carl has served in the past. Rick will be with us at the bowl site and at the bowl game, and that's going to be a huge advantage because he's going to have an opportunity to get to know our players, and they're going to be able to get to know him. That's great going into the offseason and going into spring ball. Next week is going to be a little bit of a transitional feel, but I think it's all going to be very positive.
Beckman will have to win over Illini fans
December, 9, 2011
12/09/11
3:20
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Andrew Weber/US Presswire
Tim Beckman must change the culture at Illinois and bring consistency to the program.Big Ten fans want big names, even if they're more hyped than proven. There's a sense that Big Ten programs should be able to reach further than the MAC, even though the MAC has produced some excellent major-conference coaches, many of whom have done well in the Big Ten. Some are known only by their first names: Woody, Bo and Ara. All three succeeded at Big Ten programs after coming from a MAC school, Miami (Ohio).
Still, coaching searches are often the time when fan perception meets program reality. It happened this week at Illinois.
The rumor mill began buzzing Tuesday that Illinois was close to a deal with Houston coach Kevin Sumlin. Regarded as a rising star in coaching, Sumlin is one of those names that gets fans excited, even if his track record doesn't quite match the hype around him. He runs an exciting offense at Houston, led by quarterback Case Keenum. He's a Big Ten guy (Purdue product) who had great success as a Big 12 assistant. Perhaps most important, he's wanted by others.
I never bought the Sumlin-to-Illinois talk. With a vacancy at Texas A&M, it makes too much sense for Sumlin to eventually move up the road to College Station. Illinois wanted him, but he didn't want Illinois. Predictably, the Sumlin buzz died down and Toledo's Tim Beckman became the target for Illinois first-year athletic director Mike Thomas.
Beckman will be introduced as Illinois' coach at a 4 p.m. ET news conference Friday in Champaign, Ill. He comes to the Illini after recording a 21-16 record in three seasons with Toledo.
There's a lot to like about Beckman. He's an Ohio native who knows the Big Ten and has recruited well, particularly in his home state. He has worked for successful programs (Oklahoma State, Ohio State and Bowling Green) and for successful head coaches (Mike Gundy, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer). He took over a Toledo program dealing with a point-shaving scandal and led the Rockets to 8-win seasons in each of the past two years. He's known as a tireless worker with a fiery personality.
I have a feeling Illinois fans will feel better about the hire after Friday's news conference.
But some still will only see "MAC coach." And that's fine. Beckman will have to win them over by winning. If he mirrors what former Toledo coach Gary Pinkel has done at Missouri, or what former Toledo coach Nick Saban did at Michigan State, or what Bo, Woody and Ara did at Michigan, Ohio State and Northwestern, respectively, no one will remember where he came from.
When Thomas announced Ron Zook's firing, he noted that his track record shows he hires coaches with previous experience leading programs. He didn't add that he hires them from the MAC, as he brought both Brian Kelly and Butch Jones to Cincinnati from Central Michigan. Kelly had historic success at Cincinnati before moving onto Notre Dame, while Jones has the Bearcats at 9-3 this season. The Beckman hire follows the pattern for Thomas, who also reportedly expressed interest in two other MAC head-coaches: Eastern Michigan's Ron English and Temple's Steve Addazio.
If Beckman succeeds at Illinois, Thomas will be hailed as strong evaluator of under-the-radar coaches. If Beckman fails, Thomas will be seen as an AD who couldn't reel in the big fish. While Illinois reportedly was willing to spend big bucks for Sumlin, Beckman likely comes as a bargain, as he made $400,000 at Toledo.
Beckman inherits some talent at Illinois. Talent never was the problem for Zook, who recruited well. But Beckman will need to develop players better than his predecessor.
There are some potential concerns with Beckman, namely that he's a defensive coach whose defenses didn't exactly rank among the nation's best.
Here's a look:
2011 (Toledo): 76th in total defense, 89th in scoring defense
2010 (Toledo): 56th in total defense, 73rd in scoring defense
2009 (Toledo): 95th in total defense, 116th in scoring defense
2008 (Oklahoma State): 93rd in total defense, 73rd in scoring defense
2007 (Oklahoma State): 101st in total defense, 79th in scoring defense
To be fair, fielding a decent defense in the MAC is no easy task. But Toledo also surrendered 63 points in back-to-back games, including a 63-60 loss to Northern Illinois in which Beckman's timeout decisions came under heavy scrutiny.
Beckman could win points with many Illini fans by retaining Vic Koenning as his defensive coordinator. Koenning has done a masterful job with Illinois' defense, which boasts an All-American in defensive end Whitney Mercilus and ranked No. 7 nationally in yards allowed, No. 4 against the pass, No. 5 in tackles for loss and No. 9 in sacks. Whether their defensive philosophies match remains to be seen, but Beckman certainly should consider keeping Koenning.
His bigger task will be establishing consistency with an Illinois program that hasn't seen nearly enough in the past two decades. Although Illinois has reached back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1991-92, the team has too often been a tease, arguably never more so than this season when it started 6-0 and finished 0-6. The talent has been in Champaign, but Illinois has been too fragile of a team. Beckman must change the culture.
Some coaches create buzz just by showing up (see: Meyer, Urban). Others create it by what they do on the field.
Beckman must show he can do the latter at Illinois.
Mail time.
Isaac from Parts Unknown writes: I read your rankings and I understand that you are ranking them according to their current merits. However there is not a ton of difference in teams ranked 3-9. I know you're trying to rank the teams based on their accomplishments to this point. But how about some rankings based on what we'll see from teams later this season. Who do you see stepping up? stepping back? I'd expect Nebraska, Ohio State, and Penn State to possibly step up. While I could really see Michigan State, and Illinois fall back. Michigan State seems to be playing at it's potential while OSU is loaded with young talent that will improve game by game and Nebraska's D has nearly 3 weeks until their next competitive game, also should mention Nebraska will only face 1 more real running threat at qb.
Adam Rittenberg: Isaac, Brian and I will look at the second half more in depth on Wednesday, but this is a good topic. Michigan State's schedule doesn't get any easier, but the Spartans are a confident bunch that can get a big boost by knocking off archrival Michigan on Saturday. Illinois, meanwhile, will face some tougher foes as well, but its schedule remains pretty cushy compared with the rest of the league. Nebraska has a great opportunity to come off of the bye week recharged. The defense, however, has to make significant strides after looking bad against an Ohio State offense that hadn't challenged anyone all season. Penn State's defense will keep it in every game, while Ohio State can make some strides if Braxton Miller stays on the field. Teams like Iowa, Purdue and Northwestern also have chances to improve.
Gio from Omaha writes: Having been the Big Ten guy at ESPN, you've been to all other venues in the Big Ten. Now that you were in town to watch the Huskers against the Buckeyes, how would you compare Memorial Stadium to other venues as far as how loud it can get and how intimating it can be to play there? I'll guess the first half was mostly quiet, but I'd like to know how it compares when it was at it's loudest?
Adam Rittenberg: Gio, I had a wonderful experience at Memorial Stadium. It will quickly become one of my favorite Big Ten venues. Much like Iowa's Kinnick Stadium, Memorial Stadium is a big stadium that doesn't feel like one. The fans are right on top the field and very engaged with the action. It gets very loud when the Huskers are rolling, and Big Ten teams will have a tough time winning there. All the amenities are first-class. I'm really looking forward to my next trip to Lincoln.
Peter from Columbus, Ohio, writes: What do the Ohio State coaches know about Ken Guiton and Taylor Graham that the fans don't? I understand they combine for two career passing attempts, but Bauserman gives away more souvenir game balls than a baseball team. 12/40 in four games is unacceptable at any level, and the fans know it (I was in the student section for the Michigan State game and heard chants of "Kenny G" every time Bauserman took the field; along with chants of "Urban Meyer" almost all game). Will we ever see Guiton or Graham get a shot?
Adam Rittenberg: We'll see, Peter. While Bauserman was put into a tough situation Saturday night, he has to perform better under pressure. It certainly seems reasonable to give Guiton a chance, but the coaches feel Bauserman gives Ohio State a better chance and don't want the senior to lose his confidence. Braxton Miller showed Saturday night that he's Ohio State's top option, but the coaches need to take a hard look at what to do if Miller isn't in the game.
Michael from St. Louis writes: Don't know if you've been following, but Pelini's rough treatment of the media (Dirk Chatelain, in particular) has turned into a big story in Nebraska. (Side note: "Bo Buzzkill" has really caught on.) I believe you were there for that press conference, so I'm interested to hear your opinion of what happened. A few specific questions... If a reporter writes a harsh article, is it right for the head coach to publicly punish the writer, as Pelini did? And do you agree with Lee Barfknecht's claim that Pelini's behavior will negatively affect the polls, bowls, and post-season awards? Personally, it seems like an overstatement to me. I think Nebraska's traveling fan-base trumps its terse coach. And if this does hurt us in the polls/awards voting, isn't that ultimately the media's fault for letting personal bias get in the way of team and player evaluations? To me, Pelini is thin-skinned, which is annoying, as a fan, but I'm not really sure he owes the media a polite interview any more than Dirk Chatelain owes him a polite article (to be clear: he doesn't). Show me the light, Rittenberg!
Adam Rittenberg: I'll try, Michael! I was actually standing close to Dirk when the exchange with Pelini took place. Here's my take: a give-and-take between coaches and media members is fine. Media have the right to criticize coaches and coaches have the right to question reporters. There are different ways to engage in these exchanges, even in public, but it's part of the deal. What surprised me was the timing and the setting of this particular exchange. Nebraska had recorded the biggest comeback in team history to record one of the biggest wins of the Pelini era -- in the Big Ten home opener, no less. All eyes are on Pelini after the game -- not just in Nebraska but around the Big Ten and around the country. It's a great chance for a coach to rave about his players and his program. Instead, the image people received was Mt. Pelini erupting. Some saw it as Pelini defending his player (Taylor Martinez), and he was, but the timing seemed very odd to me.
In the big picture, programs get national attention by winning on the field. Coaches can help their program's image by being positive in the media spotlight -- Wisconsin's Bret Bielema, for example, has taken full advantage of this in recent weeks -- but ultimately, it comes down to what happens between the lines. I don't think Nebraska will be punished in the polls or awards by what some national media think of Pelini. A lot of successful college coaches have had frosty relationships with reporters -- see Saban, Nick -- and it doesn't hurt them. Other coaches who start to struggle don't get much help from media who they've battled (see Weis, Charlie). Bo can't be someone he's not. Would it help him to avoid these types of exchanges, especially if he starts losing? Probably. But in the end, it comes down to on-field performance. That's how coaches are ultimately judged by fans, media and their bosses.
Rudy H. from Cambridge, Mass., writes: Adam, I wrote to you before the season started praising Devon Still as one of, if not THE, best defensive tackles in the Big Ten. You were kind enough to reply and stated your case, which put several others ahead of Still including Jared Crick of Nebraska. The season is far from over and I don't want to say "I told you so", but with the way that Still has been blowing up opponents backfields, I am interested in who you would rate as the top DT's in the Big Ten now that we are 6 weeks deep. Keep up the good work!
Adam Rittenberg: Rudy, great call by you and other Penn State fans. Still has been fabulous in the first half for the Nittany Lions, and he and Jordan Hill have anchored one of the nation's top defensive units. While Still was on my radar, I wanted to see if he could build off of the Outback Bowl performance. Well, he has and then some. While watching Nebraska on Saturday night, a fellow scribe mentioned how Crick's season is a lot like Adrian Clayborn's in 2010. Both players entered the fall with lofty expectations, both were ranked No. 1 in the preseason player rankings and both haven't been as dominant as many hoped. There's still a lot of time left, though.
Tony from Nebraska writes: Which state is going to have a better year for their sports? Wisconsin with the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers, or Michigan with Tigers, Lions, Wolverines and Spartans. Whats your take?
Adam Rittenberg: Hmmm, good question, Tony. While the Lions have impressed me, the Packers are a juggernaut, and so are the Badgers. I've got to give the edge to America's Dairyland, although things could change in the coming weeks as Wisconsin visits Michigan State and Green Bay visits Detroit in late November. While Bennett (Cardinals fan) strongly disagrees, I'd LOVE to see Brewers-Tigers in the World Series. Would be a fun matchup.
Ken from Lorain, Ohio, writes: "Big Ten closing gap on SEC, Big 12"THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE STUPIDEST COMMENT SO FAR THIS SEASON!The Big Ten is a joke this year!Adam - are you actually watching the games??
Adam Rittenberg: Ah, Ken, clearly you didn't bother to actually read the post, which was about the Big Ten gaining on the SEC and Big 12 in the ESPN Stats & Info Power Rankings. Yes, I realize the Big Ten has struggled, and I pointed it out in the midseason review. And yes, I actually watch the games, but thanks for asking.
Erin from Austin, Texas, writes: I don't quite understand why people aren't talking more about the facemask that wasn't called against Dan Persa in the fourth quarter. His helmet was at least 20 feet away from him! That seems like blatant oversight by the officials on an extremely crucial play. It was a fourth down, and because his helmet was off, the play was called dead. If the penalty was called, Northwestern gets 15 yards (to put them within the 20) and a first down. But because of horrible officiating on that play, Michigan got the ball on downs, which led to a touchdown. At the time, NU was down by 11 with seven minutes left to go. A win was not totally out of the realm of possibility (although unlikely with Northwestern's inconsistent play). I was at the game and was completely disgusted by the non-call. Not only did it murder any momentum Northwestern might have been building, it also was a danger to Dan Persa's safety. If the helmet was 20 feet away, how hard did that defender pull on the facemask? I'd love to hear some media feeback from you and Brian about this.
Adam Rittenberg: Erin, while it certainly looked like a penalty to many folks, including Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, who went ballistic and drew a penalty of his own, replays showed it wasn't totally obvious. It wasn't as if the Michigan defender (Jordan Kovacs) tugged the facemask so hard that it came off of Persa's head. You have to blow the play dead there to protect the player's safety, so that part of it is unfortunate for Northwestern. Most of the time the call is made simply because the helmet flies off, but those with the closest vantage point didn't see an obvious penalty there.
Isaac from Parts Unknown writes: I read your rankings and I understand that you are ranking them according to their current merits. However there is not a ton of difference in teams ranked 3-9. I know you're trying to rank the teams based on their accomplishments to this point. But how about some rankings based on what we'll see from teams later this season. Who do you see stepping up? stepping back? I'd expect Nebraska, Ohio State, and Penn State to possibly step up. While I could really see Michigan State, and Illinois fall back. Michigan State seems to be playing at it's potential while OSU is loaded with young talent that will improve game by game and Nebraska's D has nearly 3 weeks until their next competitive game, also should mention Nebraska will only face 1 more real running threat at qb.
Adam Rittenberg: Isaac, Brian and I will look at the second half more in depth on Wednesday, but this is a good topic. Michigan State's schedule doesn't get any easier, but the Spartans are a confident bunch that can get a big boost by knocking off archrival Michigan on Saturday. Illinois, meanwhile, will face some tougher foes as well, but its schedule remains pretty cushy compared with the rest of the league. Nebraska has a great opportunity to come off of the bye week recharged. The defense, however, has to make significant strides after looking bad against an Ohio State offense that hadn't challenged anyone all season. Penn State's defense will keep it in every game, while Ohio State can make some strides if Braxton Miller stays on the field. Teams like Iowa, Purdue and Northwestern also have chances to improve.
Gio from Omaha writes: Having been the Big Ten guy at ESPN, you've been to all other venues in the Big Ten. Now that you were in town to watch the Huskers against the Buckeyes, how would you compare Memorial Stadium to other venues as far as how loud it can get and how intimating it can be to play there? I'll guess the first half was mostly quiet, but I'd like to know how it compares when it was at it's loudest?
Adam Rittenberg: Gio, I had a wonderful experience at Memorial Stadium. It will quickly become one of my favorite Big Ten venues. Much like Iowa's Kinnick Stadium, Memorial Stadium is a big stadium that doesn't feel like one. The fans are right on top the field and very engaged with the action. It gets very loud when the Huskers are rolling, and Big Ten teams will have a tough time winning there. All the amenities are first-class. I'm really looking forward to my next trip to Lincoln.
Peter from Columbus, Ohio, writes: What do the Ohio State coaches know about Ken Guiton and Taylor Graham that the fans don't? I understand they combine for two career passing attempts, but Bauserman gives away more souvenir game balls than a baseball team. 12/40 in four games is unacceptable at any level, and the fans know it (I was in the student section for the Michigan State game and heard chants of "Kenny G" every time Bauserman took the field; along with chants of "Urban Meyer" almost all game). Will we ever see Guiton or Graham get a shot?
Adam Rittenberg: We'll see, Peter. While Bauserman was put into a tough situation Saturday night, he has to perform better under pressure. It certainly seems reasonable to give Guiton a chance, but the coaches feel Bauserman gives Ohio State a better chance and don't want the senior to lose his confidence. Braxton Miller showed Saturday night that he's Ohio State's top option, but the coaches need to take a hard look at what to do if Miller isn't in the game.
Michael from St. Louis writes: Don't know if you've been following, but Pelini's rough treatment of the media (Dirk Chatelain, in particular) has turned into a big story in Nebraska. (Side note: "Bo Buzzkill" has really caught on.) I believe you were there for that press conference, so I'm interested to hear your opinion of what happened. A few specific questions... If a reporter writes a harsh article, is it right for the head coach to publicly punish the writer, as Pelini did? And do you agree with Lee Barfknecht's claim that Pelini's behavior will negatively affect the polls, bowls, and post-season awards? Personally, it seems like an overstatement to me. I think Nebraska's traveling fan-base trumps its terse coach. And if this does hurt us in the polls/awards voting, isn't that ultimately the media's fault for letting personal bias get in the way of team and player evaluations? To me, Pelini is thin-skinned, which is annoying, as a fan, but I'm not really sure he owes the media a polite interview any more than Dirk Chatelain owes him a polite article (to be clear: he doesn't). Show me the light, Rittenberg!
Adam Rittenberg: I'll try, Michael! I was actually standing close to Dirk when the exchange with Pelini took place. Here's my take: a give-and-take between coaches and media members is fine. Media have the right to criticize coaches and coaches have the right to question reporters. There are different ways to engage in these exchanges, even in public, but it's part of the deal. What surprised me was the timing and the setting of this particular exchange. Nebraska had recorded the biggest comeback in team history to record one of the biggest wins of the Pelini era -- in the Big Ten home opener, no less. All eyes are on Pelini after the game -- not just in Nebraska but around the Big Ten and around the country. It's a great chance for a coach to rave about his players and his program. Instead, the image people received was Mt. Pelini erupting. Some saw it as Pelini defending his player (Taylor Martinez), and he was, but the timing seemed very odd to me.
In the big picture, programs get national attention by winning on the field. Coaches can help their program's image by being positive in the media spotlight -- Wisconsin's Bret Bielema, for example, has taken full advantage of this in recent weeks -- but ultimately, it comes down to what happens between the lines. I don't think Nebraska will be punished in the polls or awards by what some national media think of Pelini. A lot of successful college coaches have had frosty relationships with reporters -- see Saban, Nick -- and it doesn't hurt them. Other coaches who start to struggle don't get much help from media who they've battled (see Weis, Charlie). Bo can't be someone he's not. Would it help him to avoid these types of exchanges, especially if he starts losing? Probably. But in the end, it comes down to on-field performance. That's how coaches are ultimately judged by fans, media and their bosses.
Rudy H. from Cambridge, Mass., writes: Adam, I wrote to you before the season started praising Devon Still as one of, if not THE, best defensive tackles in the Big Ten. You were kind enough to reply and stated your case, which put several others ahead of Still including Jared Crick of Nebraska. The season is far from over and I don't want to say "I told you so", but with the way that Still has been blowing up opponents backfields, I am interested in who you would rate as the top DT's in the Big Ten now that we are 6 weeks deep. Keep up the good work!
Adam Rittenberg: Rudy, great call by you and other Penn State fans. Still has been fabulous in the first half for the Nittany Lions, and he and Jordan Hill have anchored one of the nation's top defensive units. While Still was on my radar, I wanted to see if he could build off of the Outback Bowl performance. Well, he has and then some. While watching Nebraska on Saturday night, a fellow scribe mentioned how Crick's season is a lot like Adrian Clayborn's in 2010. Both players entered the fall with lofty expectations, both were ranked No. 1 in the preseason player rankings and both haven't been as dominant as many hoped. There's still a lot of time left, though.
Tony from Nebraska writes: Which state is going to have a better year for their sports? Wisconsin with the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers, or Michigan with Tigers, Lions, Wolverines and Spartans. Whats your take?
Adam Rittenberg: Hmmm, good question, Tony. While the Lions have impressed me, the Packers are a juggernaut, and so are the Badgers. I've got to give the edge to America's Dairyland, although things could change in the coming weeks as Wisconsin visits Michigan State and Green Bay visits Detroit in late November. While Bennett (Cardinals fan) strongly disagrees, I'd LOVE to see Brewers-Tigers in the World Series. Would be a fun matchup.
Ken from Lorain, Ohio, writes: "Big Ten closing gap on SEC, Big 12"THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE STUPIDEST COMMENT SO FAR THIS SEASON!The Big Ten is a joke this year!Adam - are you actually watching the games??
Adam Rittenberg: Ah, Ken, clearly you didn't bother to actually read the post, which was about the Big Ten gaining on the SEC and Big 12 in the ESPN Stats & Info Power Rankings. Yes, I realize the Big Ten has struggled, and I pointed it out in the midseason review. And yes, I actually watch the games, but thanks for asking.
Erin from Austin, Texas, writes: I don't quite understand why people aren't talking more about the facemask that wasn't called against Dan Persa in the fourth quarter. His helmet was at least 20 feet away from him! That seems like blatant oversight by the officials on an extremely crucial play. It was a fourth down, and because his helmet was off, the play was called dead. If the penalty was called, Northwestern gets 15 yards (to put them within the 20) and a first down. But because of horrible officiating on that play, Michigan got the ball on downs, which led to a touchdown. At the time, NU was down by 11 with seven minutes left to go. A win was not totally out of the realm of possibility (although unlikely with Northwestern's inconsistent play). I was at the game and was completely disgusted by the non-call. Not only did it murder any momentum Northwestern might have been building, it also was a danger to Dan Persa's safety. If the helmet was 20 feet away, how hard did that defender pull on the facemask? I'd love to hear some media feeback from you and Brian about this.
Adam Rittenberg: Erin, while it certainly looked like a penalty to many folks, including Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, who went ballistic and drew a penalty of his own, replays showed it wasn't totally obvious. It wasn't as if the Michigan defender (Jordan Kovacs) tugged the facemask so hard that it came off of Persa's head. You have to blow the play dead there to protect the player's safety, so that part of it is unfortunate for Northwestern. Most of the time the call is made simply because the helmet flies off, but those with the closest vantage point didn't see an obvious penalty there.
Additional Big Ten notes for Week 5
September, 30, 2011
9/30/11
2:30
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Thanks for ESPN Stats & Information for these helpful nuggets on Big Ten games featuring Top 25 teams (as well as Michigan State at Ohio State).
I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I did.
I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I did.
- Nebraska has won 12 of its past 13 games against current Big Ten teams. The only loss in that span came in 2002 at Penn State, a 40-7 setback. While the Huskers have done well against the Big Ten, they've struggled against Top 10 opponents. The Huskers have lost 15 of their past 17 games against Top 10 teams since the start of the 2000 season. Their win over Missouri last season snapped a 13-game losing streak against Top 10 opponents. They also haven’t won a road game against a Top 10 team since beating Washington 27-14 on September 20, 1997.
- Michigan’s defense allowed three points to Eastern Michigan and seven points to San Diego State the past two weeks. It’s the first time since 2007 that the team allowed fewer than 10 points in consecutive weeks (shut out Notre Dame 38-0 and defeated Penn State 14-9).
- Dating back to last season, Illinois has won five straight games. The last time Illinois won six straight games was in 2001 (finished 10-2). That year, they won the Big Ten title and lost to LSU in the Sugar Bowl. Illinois is 4-0 for the first time since 1951. That season they started 7-0.
- Nebraska is second in the FBS with 11 plays of 40 yards or more, four of which have gone for touchdowns. Wisconsin is tied for third with 10 such plays.
- Ohio State has won the past seven meetings against Michigan State, with six of the victories coming by double digits. The last time Michigan State beat the Buckeyes was 1999, Nick Saban’s last season as Spartans head coach. The Spartans haven’t won in Columbus since 1998. That season, Michigan State shocked top-ranked Ohio State 28-24.
- Both Michigan State and Ohio State play three consecutive games against ranked opponents after their meeting Saturday. Michigan State has a bye before hosting No. 19 Michigan and No. 7 Wisconsin, and visiting No. 8 Nebraska. Ohio State visits No. 8 Nebraska and No. 24 Illinois, and, after a bye week, hosts No. 7 Wisconsin.
- In Wisconsin's past seven wins, it is scoring 56.4 points per game and outscoring opponents by an average of 44.4 points per game. The Badgers, however, haven't faced a defense ranked higher than 70th in the FBS during the span.
Instant analysis: Alabama 27, Penn State 11
September, 10, 2011
9/10/11
6:57
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Some quick thoughts from Beaver Stadium, where No. 3 Alabama outclassed No. 23 Penn State in a convincing victory.
How the game was won: Alabama established its offensive identity -- behind quarterback AJ McCarron -- and capitalized against a Penn State team that has none. The Tide defense buckled down after the opening drive and never let Penn State quarterbacks Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin truly get comfortable. Nick Saban's squad made the big plays in all three phases and limited major mistakes on the road. Alabama also converted two Penn State turnovers into touchdowns and committed no giveaways of its own. McCarron showed tremendous poise in his first career road start and led four sustained scoring drives against a Penn State defense that played well for the most part.
Turning point: An Andrew Szczerba fumble in the second quarter negated a chance for Penn State to grab momentum, but the Nittany Lions still had chances to put up points after forcing back-to-back three-and-outs to begin the second half. Given great field position, Penn State couldn't convert for points and wasted chances to make the game competitive.
Player of the game: Alabama's McCarron. The sophomore avoided major miscues and made several big throws at critical points. He finished the game 19-for-31 passing for 163 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Running back Trent Richardson also had a nice performance (109 rush yards, 2 TDs).
Stat of the game: Penn State's quarterbacks combined to complete 12 of 39 passes for 144 yards with no touchdowns and an interception (Bolden ran in a two-point conversion). The Lions' signal callers have yet to toss a touchdown pass this season, and Penn State nearly was held out of the end zone in its past two games against Alabama. The Lions have dropped eight consecutive games against AP top-5 opponents.
Second guessing: Penn State's decision to continue rotating Bolden and McGloin remains mystifying. Any mistake from Bolden seemingly sends him to the bench, even though he has displayed more upside than McGloin. While McGloin provided a spark late last season, his limitations show in games like these. You can't expect to beat a team like Alabama with a quarterback rotation. Bolden should be the guy.
What it means: Alabama leaves Happy Valley feeling good about its ability to contend for a national title. McCarron displayed tremendous poise in a tough road environment, which will help him in the SEC. The Tide thoroughly outclassed a Big Ten team for the second time in nine months (Michigan State, 2011 Capital One Bowl). Penn State didn't figure out its quarterback situation in the preseason and paid the price Saturday. The Lions boast a much improved defense, particularly up front, but they need to start scoring points themselves if they expect to beat the better teams in the Big Ten.
How the game was won: Alabama established its offensive identity -- behind quarterback AJ McCarron -- and capitalized against a Penn State team that has none. The Tide defense buckled down after the opening drive and never let Penn State quarterbacks Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin truly get comfortable. Nick Saban's squad made the big plays in all three phases and limited major mistakes on the road. Alabama also converted two Penn State turnovers into touchdowns and committed no giveaways of its own. McCarron showed tremendous poise in his first career road start and led four sustained scoring drives against a Penn State defense that played well for the most part.
Turning point: An Andrew Szczerba fumble in the second quarter negated a chance for Penn State to grab momentum, but the Nittany Lions still had chances to put up points after forcing back-to-back three-and-outs to begin the second half. Given great field position, Penn State couldn't convert for points and wasted chances to make the game competitive.
Player of the game: Alabama's McCarron. The sophomore avoided major miscues and made several big throws at critical points. He finished the game 19-for-31 passing for 163 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Running back Trent Richardson also had a nice performance (109 rush yards, 2 TDs).
Stat of the game: Penn State's quarterbacks combined to complete 12 of 39 passes for 144 yards with no touchdowns and an interception (Bolden ran in a two-point conversion). The Lions' signal callers have yet to toss a touchdown pass this season, and Penn State nearly was held out of the end zone in its past two games against Alabama. The Lions have dropped eight consecutive games against AP top-5 opponents.
Second guessing: Penn State's decision to continue rotating Bolden and McGloin remains mystifying. Any mistake from Bolden seemingly sends him to the bench, even though he has displayed more upside than McGloin. While McGloin provided a spark late last season, his limitations show in games like these. You can't expect to beat a team like Alabama with a quarterback rotation. Bolden should be the guy.
What it means: Alabama leaves Happy Valley feeling good about its ability to contend for a national title. McCarron displayed tremendous poise in a tough road environment, which will help him in the SEC. The Tide thoroughly outclassed a Big Ten team for the second time in nine months (Michigan State, 2011 Capital One Bowl). Penn State didn't figure out its quarterback situation in the preseason and paid the price Saturday. The Lions boast a much improved defense, particularly up front, but they need to start scoring points themselves if they expect to beat the better teams in the Big Ten.
Huge opportunity awaits Penn State
September, 6, 2011
9/06/11
9:45
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Kim Klement/US PresswireJoe Paterno & Co. have not beaten an AP top-5 team in more than a decade.Between 1977 and 1983, Penn State recorded 12 victories against Associated Press top-10 opponents, including two against No. 1 teams (Pitt in 1981; Georgia in the 1983 Sugar Bowl). The Lions beat top-ranked Notre Dame in 1990 and defeated at least one top-10 team in three of the next four seasons.
But Penn State's place among the nation's elite has been shakier in recent years. The program escaped the pits of 2000-04 and won Big Ten titles in 2005 and 2008. Penn State has averaged 9.7 wins in the past six seasons, a total most teams would take in a heartbeat.
But the signature wins, the ones that put the Penn State program -- and not just its iconic coach -- in the national spotlight, have been lacking. The Lions have dropped six of their past seven games against ranked opponents, stretching back to the 2009 Rose Bowl. They have dropped six of their past seven contests against AP top-10 teams, stretching back to the middle of the 2005 season.
Here's the kicker: Penn State hasn't beaten a team ranked in the AP's top-5 since the 1999 season opener, when it thumped then-No. 4 Arizona 41-7 in the Pigskin Classic. Paterno was 72 years young at the time.
Taking the step from good to great has stifled Penn State.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Chris O'MearaFlorida's win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl was just one of three SEC victories over Big Ten teams on New Year's Day.
AP Photo/Chris O'MearaFlorida's win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl was just one of three SEC victories over Big Ten teams on New Year's Day.The Alabama Crimson Tide are coming to Happy Valley. They entered the season ranked No. 2 nationally, boast legitimate BCS championship hopes and carry the banner for the best conference in the country, a league that has tormented the Big Ten during its incredible run.
Until postseason play begins, no Big Ten team has a better chance to make a national statement than Penn State does Saturday. A win against the favored Tide would do wonders for Penn State's reputation and, in the process, boost the Big Ten's.
The Big Ten-SEC rivalry continues to burn, but the Big Ten hasn't made much of a case between the lines. The SEC has won the past five national titles, while the Big Ten last claimed one in 2002. Eight months ago, the SEC contributed to the Big Ten's New Year's Day disaster, as three SEC teams (Alabama, Mississippi State and Florida) beat three Big Ten teams (Michigan State, Michigan and Penn State) by a combined score of 138-45.
Alabama delivered the biggest blow, completely outclassing Big Ten co-champion Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. Even the Big Ten's lone bowl win against the SEC, Ohio State's Sugar Bowl triumph against Arkansas, was blighted by controversy.
The common belief is that the Big Ten, like every other league, has slipped behind the SEC. It will take much more than a Penn State win Saturday to change minds, but the Lions can start the process.
But this is more about Penn State than the Big Ten. Where's Penn State's place on the national radar? Are the Lions still a power or just a team capable of a great season once every 4-5 years? Recruiting has fluctuated during the past decade, and the number of NFL draft picks Penn State has produced has dipped a little since the boom from the late-80s to mid-90s. Still, the talent on the current squad matches up with the Big Ten's best.
The national discussion about Penn State still revolves around Paterno. People want to hear what Joe said, watch how Joe looks and speculate on when (or if) Joe will retire. Aside from the protracted quarterback race, there's not nearly as much attention on the team itself. Wisconsin and Ohio State are viewed as the class of the Leaders division, while Penn State seems to be largely overlooked.
The Lions can get everyone's attention by beating Alabama. A win against Nick Saban gets you national cred, period. Penn State would immediately be seen as a contender for the Big Ten title.
One of college football's greatest cheers will echo throughout one of the game's great venues Saturday afternoon in Happy Valley.
"We are! Penn State! We are! Penn State!"
But what will Penn State be in 2011?
A win against Bama would provide quite the answer.
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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