ESPN.com - Big Ten Blog ESPN.com presents Big Ten Adam Rittenberg http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten 60 en-us Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:09:27 webmaster@espn.go.com http://assets.espn.go.com/i/espn/teamlogos/lrg/trans/espn_dotcom_black.gif 110 110 <![CDATA[Big Ten mailblog]]> Adam Rittenberg
Drew from New York writes: Hey Adam - I agree with you that Texas would be a huge get for the Big 10, but what would be the value for Texas to switch over to the B10? I don't understand where this has come from and why its generating so much buzz. Did Texas drop some hint that its unhappy in the Big 12? Or is this just speculative blogger "Wouldn't it be cool if..." In that case why isn't anyone talking about taking Cal or Georgia Tech or UNC into the B10? All are great academic fits with decent football and basketball.How about the Packers? At least they are in the same geography.

Adam Rittenberg: First of all, anything related to Big Ten expansion generates a ton of buzz, even if there's no truth to it (see: recent Pitt rumors). The Texas talk is speculative at this point, but I do think the Big Ten would be foolish not to at least gauge the interest there. The main issue is whether Texas would be willing to leave the Big 12. Increased revenue would be the major pull, as Texas would make more (potentially much more) from TV revenue in the Big Ten than the Big 12. Money talks in college sports, and Texas has an enormous athletic program that needs steady funding. There aren't a ton of reasons for Texas to leave the Big 12, but the financial argument holds some water.

Dave from Chicago writes: Your article about Demar Dorsey was written well, but I felt the implications were unfair. You say that the recruitment of Demar Dorsey raises questions about UM, but then go on to say that every program does these things. I mean, look at Dorsey's offer sheet...USC, Florida, Florida State, West Virginia, Miami, North Carolina, and Wisconsin (a team that has virtually never ever ever been accused of poor character)My question to you is this: Why did you write this article? To expose the world of a troubled adolescent's difficult past that he's trying to get away from?...doubt it... To accuse Michigan of bad character?...don't think you're that ballsy. I think you wrote this article to plant the seeds of doubt in the Michigan tradition in sensationalist journalism at its worst, and for that...shame on you.

Adam Rittenberg: Dave, with all due respect, I think you totally misunderstood my blog post and now want to group it in with the rest of the negative publicity Michigan has received following the Dorsey signing. I never wrote that this signing raises questions about Michigan, although I did point out that signing players with checkered pasts is nothing new in college football. I also didn't "expose" Dorsey's past as it had already been exposed. My general point was Michigan, like any school, took on a risk by signing Dorsey, and must live with that risk if he slips up. But Michigan and Rich Rodriguez shouldn't be criticized for giving players second chances because it's part of the game. I think this so-called higher standard people think Michigan must abide by is arrogant and misinformed. Michigan is a place where players can turn themselves around and succeed both on and off the field. You might want to give my post a second read.

Colin from New York writes: Big shoes to fill? Brett Swenson?

Adam Rittenberg: Absolutely, Colin. He has been one of the best kickers in the country the last two seasons. Dan Conroy and Kevin Muma will compete for the top job, and they'll have a very tough act to follow. Conroy is the front-runner after handling nine kickoffs and converting his only field goal attempt in 2009.

Nick from St. Louis writes: Adam, quick comment on Michigan's recruiting class that no one seems to be mentioning. They only signed 1 offensive lineman, Christian Pace. If the roster I read is correct, they will only have 8 scholarship offensive linemen next year, and 4 for 2011. That means that in 2011 either a true freshman or walk-on will be starting and the second string will be made up entirely of freshmen and walk-ons. That is assuming all of the current linemen stay healthy and end up contributing. I think this is a glaring weakness that Rich Rodriguez failed to address and the media hasn't even mentioned. As a UM fan I see the offensive line as a huge weakness going forward. Your thoughts?

Adam Rittenberg: Nick, while I was a little surprised Michigan signed only one offensive lineman for 2010, I don't think the situation is as dire as you map out. Michigan will rely on the current redshirt freshmen to be key contributors beyond 2010, but you could also see players switch over to offensive line and more linemen recruited in 2011. It's understandable to be a bit concerned, but Michigan should be solid up front in 2010. And if players like Taylor Lewan, Quinton Washington and Michael Schofield continue to progress, Michigan should be fine moving forward.

Nick from Tucson, Ariz., writes: Ohio State is on many watch boards for a shot at the title game. And it should be. Analysis? Recruiting class? O-line? D-line? Who's back? Where are the holes? What are we as outsiders looking for when we watch Ohio State to measure maturity of the team and the team's chances to maintain a steady performance in the Big10, of thumping Iowa and Penn State? Are there any serious contenders to Ohio State and the Big10 title (and the BCSNC), which are they and why? I know: Too much.

Adam Rittenberg: You're asking a lot there, Nick, and I'll do my best to address it quickly. Ohio State absolutely should enter 2010 as a national title contender, as the nucleus returns from the team that won a Rose Bowl championship. Who's back? Nine starters on offense and several standouts on defense, namely Cameron Heyward and Ross Homan. The main holes are at safety and possibly left tackle, where Mike Adams or someone else needs to step in. As far as measuring maturity, look no further than quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who could be a superstar if he continues to develop as a passer. The biggest challengers for Ohio State in the Big Ten are Iowa and Wisconsin, followed by Penn State. Ohio State's trips to Madison and Iowa City could decide the league title.
]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10072/big-ten-mailblog-48 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 17:00:45 EDT 10072 <![CDATA[PSU's Johnson is Big Ten's top recruiter]]> Adam Rittenberg top recruiters in each conference.

His pick for the Big Ten comes as no surprise: Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson.

Johnson's name is always mentioned among the nation's top recruiters, and for good reason. His recruiting exploits in the Maryland/Washington D.C./Virginia area are a big reason Penn State rarely sees any drop-off in the defensive front seven.

Shurburtt praises Johnson for helping to sign defensive end Dakota Royer and defensive tackle Evan Hailes, both ESPNU 150 prospects, for Penn State's nationally ranked 2010 class.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10077/scouts-inc-johnson-is-big-tens-top-recruiter Tue, 9 Feb 2010 16:00:18 EDT 10077 <![CDATA[Help on the way for Indiana defense]]> Adam Rittenberg
Those reasons could be found in Indiana's offensive meeting room.

From quarterback Ben Chappell to wide receivers Tandon Doss and Damarlo Belcher to running back Darius Willis, Indiana boasted plenty of weapons to attack its opponents. And for the most part, they're all coming back in 2010, as the Hoosiers lose only three offensive starters, two of whom played on the line.

But offensive firepower rarely is the problem at Indiana. Defensive struggles have doomed the Hoosiers for the last decade, as they finished no better than 71st nationally since 2000. Despite a veteran-laden unit in 2009, Indiana ranked 10th in the Big Ten in points allowed (29.5 points per game), ninth against the pass (241.9 yards per game), ninth against the run (159.1 ypg) and 10th in total yards allowed (401 ypg).

The Hoosiers also lose seven starters on defense, including All-Big Ten end Jammie Kirlew, former national sacks leader Greg Middleton, standout middle linebacker Matt Mayberry and three-fourths of the secondary. Even if IU lights up the scoreboard in 2010, it could have major problems stopping anyone on defense.

That's why head coach Bill Lynch plans to move several offensive players to defense, including versatile wide receiver Mitchell Evans.

Recruited as a quarterback and a safety, Evans began his college career at safety, moved to quarterback for preseason camp in 2008 and eventually switched to wide receiver. He ranked fourth on the team with 33 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns in 2009, but he was perhaps best known for being the trigger man on the Wildcat offense, or, as Indiana folks called it, the Wild-Mitch. Evans took 69 snaps in the Wild-Mitch and rushed for 131 yards on 32 attempts.

This fall, Evans will be patrolling the secondary as a safety.

"He played safety for us as a true freshman," Lynch told me last week. "We're looking at some other guys that we may move to compete at corner and see how they do, knowing that they could go back to offense if it didn't work out."

Last year, wide receiver Ray Fisher moved to cornerback and became Indiana's top cover man. Fisher still contributed on kick returns, recording two runbacks for touchdowns. Evans also could maintain a role on offense, even though he'd be primarily a defensive player.

"He's the kind of kid that could [play both ways]," Lynch said. "It takes a mature guy that's a quick learner and doesn't need a lot of reps, and he's one of those kinds of guys. He's very unique that way."

Wide receiver Matt Ernest, who played safety in high school, also will switch over to defense for 2010. Indiana expects two junior college players, Andre Kates and Lenyatta Kiles, to fill in at cornerback.

"We don't want to count on freshmen coming in and doing it," Lynch said. "Kates and Kiles will compete right away, and then the next step is some of the guys we're going to move this spring."]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10065/help-on-the-way-for-indiana-defense Tue, 9 Feb 2010 14:30:31 EDT 10065 <![CDATA[Big Ten lunch links]]> Adam Rittenberg ]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10056/big-ten-lunch-links-198 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:30:04 EDT 10056 <![CDATA[Illinois adds another recruit for 2010 class]]> Adam Rittenberg
Less than a week later, Zook has added another player to the 2010 class.

Defensive end DJ Woods signed with Illinois on Monday after taking his official visit to Champaign the same day. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Woods is the third defensive end to sign with Illinois, joining Brandon Denmark and Austin Teitsma.

The Tampa native also received offers from Savannah State and South Dakota, so Illinois hopes it has found a diamond in the rough.

Illinois now has 21 players signed for the 2010 class.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10058/illinois-adds-another-recruit-for-2010-class Tue, 9 Feb 2010 11:03:37 EDT 10058 <![CDATA[Video: Big Ten nonconference schedule]]> Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg discusses the conference’s improving nonconference schedule.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10053/video-big-ten-nonconference-schedule Tue, 9 Feb 2010 10:30:59 EDT 10053 <![CDATA[Big Ten rankings: Sherrick McManis, No. 22]]> Adam Rittenberg
No. 22

Sherrick McManis, CB, Northwestern, Sr., 6-1, 190

Preseason rank: Unranked

Why he's here: Quarterback Mike Kafka drew more attention, but McManis was Northwestern's best player in 2009. He led the Big Ten in interceptions average (five in 10 games), and also led in average passes defended (1.2). McManis had a knack for making huge plays in several NU wins. With the Wildcats trailing 21-3 against Purdue, McManis turned the game around with a second-quarter interception. He also sealed a 21-16 win at Illinois with a fourth-quarter pick. McManis' absence against Syracuse because of injury likely cost Northwestern a victory, as the team had no one to stop Mike Williams.

A first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media, McManis has a future at the next level. He likely won't be drafted as high as Iowa's Amari Spievey or Michigan's Donovan Warren, but he'll find a spot on an NFL roster.

The rundown
]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10049/big-ten-rankings-sherrick-mcmanis-no-22 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 09:00:48 EDT 10049 <![CDATA[Video: Big Ten expansion]]> Adam Rittenberg
Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg explains why the conference should consider Texas as a possible expansion candidate.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10046/video-big-ten-expansion-2 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:00:59 EDT 10046 <![CDATA[Illinois completes coaching staff with West]]> Adam Rittenberg
No role was specified for West in a news release, but he will reportedly work alongside Dan Disch, the team's former co-defensive coordinator who will now work with the inside linebackers. West replaces Curt Mallory, who left last month to become Akron's new defensive coordinator.

The Illini also named new tight ends coach Greg Nord as recruiting coordinator and added assistant head coach to offensive line coach Joe Gilbert's title. Nord served as recruiting coordinator at Louisville, his last coaching stop.

West previously served as co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Tulsa. Before Tulsa, he spent 10 seasons on Clemson's staff, where he worked under new Illinois defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. West coached both sides of the ball at Clemson.

"[West] and Vic have a great working relationship and that will add a needed cohesiveness as we move forward on the defensive side of the ball," Zook said in a statement. "Ron shares our passion for getting this program back on track and will be a great teacher and leader for our young men."



The connection with Koenning clearly fueled the move for West, who said in a statement: "I am excited about being reunited with Vic. The last time we were together, the defense was in the top 10 in the country. We'll expect to create that passion on defense that puts us in national rankings."

Although the shuffling on Illinois' defensive staff wasn't as dramatic as the offensive side, it will be interesting to see how these coaches work together. Disch's role is much smaller, Koenning and West are new and line coach Keith Gilmore is the only holdover in the same position.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10040/illinois-completes-coaching-staff-with-west Mon, 8 Feb 2010 14:58:20 EDT 10040 <![CDATA[Five Big Ten newcomers to watch in 2010]]> Adam Rittenberg big shoes to fill throughout the Big Ten in 2010.

So who steps in this fall? Here are five newcomers to watch.

Penn State QB Kevin Newsome: All the candidates for Penn State's starting quarterback job -- Matt McGloin, Robert Bolden, Paul Jones -- could be listed here, but Newsome saw the most action in 2009, appearing in 10 games. Penn State hoped to get Newsome more field time, but he showed good mobility with two rushing touchdowns and completed 8 of 11 pass attempts. His development during the winter and spring will be critical as Penn State looks to replace Daryll Clark.

Purdue QB Robert Marve: The Miami transfer finally gets his chance to compete for the starting job as Purdue must replace the productive Joey Elliott. Marve sat out the 2009 season, though he would have missed most of it with an ACL injury. He hasn't been on the practice field much at Purdue, but he'll be viewed as the front-runner for the top job along with Caleb TerBush.

Ohio State RB Jaamal Berry: Ohio State fans clamoring to see Berry since early last season will finally get their wish. A hamstring injury kept Berry from playing as a true freshman in 2009, but he'll be ready to push Brandon Saine and Dan Herron for the starting job this year. Though both Saine and Herron performed well down the stretch and in the Rose Bowl, Berry comes in with impressive credentials and could have what it takes to become a featured back for the Buckeyes.

Michigan CB/S Demar Dorsey: His signing generated plenty of controversy at Michigan, but there's little doubt Dorsey will be an impact player this fall. Michigan desperately needs to upgrade its secondary, and the heralded Dorsey will compete for immediate time, first at cornerback and possibly at safety down the road. Dorsey brings tremendous athleticism and a willingness to bring big hits on ball carriers.

Michigan State LB/DE William Gholston: The Spartans' defense regressed in 2009, and Gholston will have an immediate opportunity to contribute. Gholston is a unique specimen at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds, and the heralded recruit should be able to help Michigan State's pass rush from an outside linebacker or rush-end position. It'll be interesting to see how the Spartans coaches use Gholston in 2010, but he'll undoubtedly have a major role for the defense.

Five more to watch: Michigan QB Devin Gardner, Iowa TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase, Indiana CB Andre Kates, Penn State LB Khairi Fortt]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10030/five-big-ten-newcomers-to-watch-in-2010 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 14:00:53 EDT 10030