Brian Bennett

  (3:00 PM)

Hello, everybody, and welcome to another Big Ten football chat

Brian Bennett

  (3:00 PM)

I'm sitting on my porch enjoying another bizarrely beautiful 80-degree day in March, so fire away with your best questions!

Mike - wisky [via mobile]

How likely are we to get the qb from Maryland to transfer, and if not him are there any others interested in the badger program

Brian Bennett

  (3:02 PM)

Danny O'Brien is reportedly visiting Ole Miss soon, and Penn State is on his radar as well. There is word that former Kansas QB Jordan Webb is looking at the Badgers. I would imagine the Wisconsin staff is scouring the "waiver wire" looking for some help, because that QB situation is looking mighty troublesome

GBK (Lincoln Park)

Brian, thoughts on the tournament so far? I have to say I was surprised that 2006 OSU beat 1998 OSU. I was a junior at Michigan in 98, and though that was a really good OSU team (though it was the only year of my 4 Michigan lost). The 2006 team was good, but may have been a product of the weak Big 10 that year.

Brian Bennett

  (3:04 PM)

It's gone about as I expected. I thought the '98 team has a shot, and it was really close. Everyone who e-mailed me supported the '98 team, so I don't know where the '06 support is coming from. That team is more recent, though, which helps. '97 Michigan got a tougher game than I thought. Really looking forward to the Michigan-Nebraska showdown

Sean McKenzie (Van Wert, OH)

What is Ohio State going to do with our insane amount of depth at HB and lack of depth at WR? Split Jammal Berry in the slot? What happens to Roderick Smith and Carlos Hyde in a " spread offense"?

Brian Bennett

  (3:06 PM)

It's an interesting question. I'd guess that Jordan Hall becomes a slot guy. I still think Hyde can be useful as a big back, especially since Braxton Miller isn't exactly built like Tebow. Some playmakers at WR really need to emerge this spring. That's the biggest concern for Ohio State right now.

Zachary (Omaha)

Why do I keep hearing that having an 8 team playoff would take away from the regular season? Having home field advantage in the first round would make me want to win every game. Also there is no reason that the bowls can't remain in place, have the quarterfinals 2 weeks after the season and then two of the bowls become the national semifinals.

Brian Bennett

  (3:07 PM)

There could be a danger in an eight-team playoff taking a little bit away from the regular season, as conference races might not be as exciting. While I'd enjoy an eight-team tournament, I think a four-team playoff is enough, and the battle for those four spots (and home field) would truly keep the regular season as important as it is now.

John (Centerville, OH)

Do you think that the Michigan coaches know who "Ohio" is now, or are they just slow learners?

Brian Bennett

  (3:08 PM)

Touche

Paul (Michigan)

Hi Brian love the blog, keep up the good work! How about the Big Ten and their Football Basketball combos. MSU and Wisconsin have to be one of the best in the country for the two sports, with Michigan and OSU not too far behind. Looking forward to the Spring Games AND the the remaining games of the BBall tourney. Great time to be a Big Ten fan and GO GREEN (and the other B1G teams still dancing in the tourney)!

Brian Bennett

  (3:09 PM)

Really nice job by the Big Ten in the tourney so far, proving that the conference was the strongest in the country this year. I picked Michigan State and Ohio State to make the Final Four in my bracket.

Frank (Michigan)

I am a life long fan of Michigan, and have been a B1G overall supporter for years and years. That being said, I wanted to back you on a comment on yours from last week. If the 95 Nebraska team would have been added to your tournament, it would have been an easy win. I would say atleast 85% on every game favors that Nebraska team. B1G fans are loyal to their teams, but also smart football people for the most part.

Brian Bennett

  (3:11 PM)

Yes, it would have been awfully hard to make a case against that '95 Nebraska team. I know some people think it's silly that we're only doing the past 15 years, or including Nebraska, but the whole idea is supposed to be silly and fun.

Brian (OH-IO)

How about the state of Ohio being undefeated in the tournament so far. If this isnt the most athletic state in the Union, I'm not sure who is.

Brian Bennett

  (3:12 PM)

Can any of them play WR for the Buckeyes?

Derek (Indianapolis)

With talk of a football playoff...where does Notre Dame fit in? Will this force them to get into a conference ala the B1G?

Brian Bennett

  (3:13 PM)

The Irish would certainly fight any proposal to limit the playoff to just conference champions. I'm against that as well and think it should be just the top four teams, regardless of league. If that comes to pass, the Irish would still be fine. If they go undefeated with their usual tough schedule, they'd be one of the top four teams for sure.

Pavlov's Dog (Mother Russia)

How does your MM bracket look? Mine tanked thanks to Mizzou and Gtown. I have Mich St. vs Ohio St. rematch... Who are your final 2 teams?

Brian Bennett

  (3:14 PM)

I'm doing OK. Still have my Final Four intact, which is the most important thing after the first weekend. I have UNC beating Kentucky, but that doesn't look too solid now with the Tar Heels' injuries

David (WI)

Any word on primetime schedule and when was it released last year? I believe BTN had a primetime special releasing it.

Brian Bennett

  (3:15 PM)

If I recall correctly, it came out in May last year. But I was new on the beat and so I may be remembering that incorrectly.

Ryan (Cedar Rapids, Ia)

Hi Bennett! What is the ceiling for the Hawks this year, 10 wins?

Brian Bennett

  (3:16 PM)

A whole lot would have to go right for Iowa to win 10 games, especially with such big questions on both lines, at RB and at WR. I'd say a nine-win season, including the bowl, is a more realistic ceiling.

Schrodinger's Cat (Austria)

Since Michigan has finally come around to the fact that night games rock, do you think the B1G will change its tune on November night games? At least so that the really big games can be in that national prime-time spot.

Brian Bennett

  (3:18 PM)

There still are weather concerns to consider (though if it's going to be 80 degrees in March, maybe not). I don't get the sense that there's a big desire to change that right now.

Brian (OH-IO)

Brian, Michigan wraps up their entire recruiting class for 2013 by the end of march 2012. Good? or Bad?

Brian Bennett

  (3:19 PM)

Very good, assuming all those guys stay on board and they develop as projected. Michigan can afford to be choosy now in recruiting

Bren (Berkeley, Ca)

Why should any team in college football that can't win their conference be able to win a National Championship. It contradicts common sense.

Brian Bennett

  (3:20 PM)

Happens in every other sport. Why should college football be any different?

Kelley (Los Angeles, PSU Nation)

How much control do the schools have over what time their games are played? The blog said Michigan would be scheduling 1-2 prime time games a year, but last year Penn State, which has an incredible night game atmosphere, didn't have any lest I'm mistaken.

Brian Bennett

  (3:23 PM)

Less than you might think. TV mostly dictates when the games are played, though obviously schools like Michigan and Notre Dame can say no to night games and the like. But TV foots most of the bills, so it calls a lot of the shots

Britton (Lincoln)

With nearly every piece returning on the husker offense and Martinez finally able to have a round two in a system without change unlike the previous two years... i think the offense will be quite sound. Enlighten me on what you expect from the Husker offense this year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:25 PM)

I agree with your take. The biggest key is whether Martinez can improve his accuracy and if the receivers can become more consistent. I think both will happen to a degree. We know the running game will be strong. Nebraska could very well lead the Big Ten in scoring.

Brian (OH-IO)

Brian, What did you have for lunch? Seems the clowns with nothing intelligent to post in the comment section want me to ask...

Brian Bennett

  (3:25 PM)

Fascinating stuff. I had a chicken club sandwich and pasta salad.

BO'B (State College)

So Brian, what do you think of me now? Top QB, top TE, top DE, top OL, top DB. They are lining up at my door!

Brian Bennett

  (3:26 PM)

Penn State's recruiting has been very impressive, given the scandal and uncertainty around the program. This program has had a bit of a sleeping giant feel to it for a few years now, and O'Brien may be waking it up. But he still hasn't coached a game

Jack (Georgia)

Do you think penn state has a shot at a Big Ten title this year? And how many wins do you think we can realistically expect?

Brian Bennett

  (3:28 PM)

I do think they have a chance because the division is wide open given the turnover at Wisconsin and the Ohio State probation. An 8- or 9-win season is entirely within reach and might be enough to win that division this year.

Ryan (Cedar Rapids, Ia)

Hope your all cured from St Patty's day! Just curious why everybody is so high on OSU? Miller looked very average at best last year, no WR's. Where will they get there offense from?

Brian Bennett

  (3:30 PM)

My St. Paddy's Day involved sitting in an arena covering NCAA tourney games, but I'm not complaining. The reasons for optimism at Ohio State are Urban Meyer and a lot of good young players coming back. Miller had some excellent moments last year and should thrive in Meyer's system. But again, the questions at WR, and to a similar extent, OL, are concerning.

GBK (Lincoln Park)

The conference championship thing wouldn't work unless every conference went to a round robin schedule, which would determine a true conference champion, and that will never happen.

Brian Bennett

  (3:32 PM)

Every league should have a championship game except the Big 12, so that lessens some of that problem. But again, I have no qualms about letting two teams from the same league into a four-team playoff if they are among the two very best teams in college football that year. Can you really tell me without a doubt who was better between Michigan State and Wisconsin last year? What if both were ranked in the top four at season's end? Hmmm

Denard Robinson (Ann Arbor)

What kind of year do you see me having next year? I'm faster than RG3 with m]just as good an arm, so do you think I could put up numbers as good or better than his?

Brian Bennett

  (3:34 PM)

I don't know that I'd agree on the arm -- RGIII completed better than 70 percent of his passes. And he's a little bigger guy. Still, I think Denard will have a big year. He was banged up last year and Toussaint didn't really get going until midseason. Think somewhere between the 2010 and 2011 numbers.

Cameren Hackley (Bradley, IL)

Let's talk Illinois.....hmm.. Is there actually anything to talk about Illinois?

Brian Bennett

  (3:35 PM)

Sure there is. I think the conversion to a spread offense is fascinating, and I talked to Nathan Scheelhaase about it last week. Look for that story soon. Can Illinois do what Tim Beckman wants with a lack of depth at WR and RB? Oh, and also: Shaka Smart

James (Milwaukee)

Brian, you say every other sport allows a team that didn't win its conference (or equivalent), which is true. But so is this. Every other sport also has a playoff system. Without a playoff system, Bama should never have been allowed to have a shot at the NC this year. Regardless of the outcome of that game, it should never have happened in the current system. Thoughts?

Brian Bennett

  (3:37 PM)

I wouldn't say it shouldn't have happened, because there was no rule stating a team had to win its conference. Remember when Nebraska got stoked in its own conference title game and still made the BCS title game? That was a joke. I had no problem with Alabama being there, because no other teams did enough to prove they were better.

Ted (Charlottesville, VA)

Give Purdue fans something to be excited about after our horrible loss to Kansas last night...

Brian Bennett

  (3:39 PM)

Poor Robbie Hummel. Anyway, I'd be excited if I were a Purdue football fan. This team looks like it will have as much depth, experience and talent as any Danny Hope has had, and there's finally health and lots of options at QB. The Boilers could be a real sleeper in 2012 and should be poised to make a move. Kawann Short could be a beast on defense.

Pavlov's Dog (Mother Russia)

If you could choose 1 spring game in the B1G to attend, where would it be and why?

Brian Bennett

  (3:41 PM)

I think spring games are wildly overrated, but if I had to choose one this year I'd say Ohio State. Just seeing the Buckeyes run Urban Meyer's offense will be really interesting, and there's bound to be a lot of excitement and a huge crowd on hand. Second choice would be Penn State to see the dawn of the O'Brien era and all the changes taking place.

Paul (Michigan)

Any news on Deanthony Arnett's NCAA Waiver to play this year? Its looking like MSU could use his skill at the WR position with so many unknowns there.

Brian Bennett

  (3:42 PM)

At last check, Michigan State hadn't formally applied for the waiver yet. So it's probably going to be a couple of months. The Spartans could really use him this year.

Tunde Aduroja (Ann Arbor)

How many wins do you think Michigan picks up this year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:44 PM)

Well, I don't think the Wolverines beat Alabama, and I don't see them running the table in the Big Ten, especially with trips to Lincoln and Columbus. So I'd say 9-3 or 10-2. Can they finally beat Michigan State?

cory (boise)

My broncos will be ready to knock a horn of of those spartans! Be ready!! GO BOISE ST!!!

Brian Bennett

  (3:45 PM)

Noted. Not hearing much from Spartans fans today. Probably still recovering from the close call against SLU yesterday.

Jose (Ofallon IL)

How did you become a St.Louis fan and have you ever lived here?

Brian Bennett

  (3:46 PM)

Cardinals moved their Triple-A team to Louisville when I was 8. St. Louis won the World Series that year and I saw some of those players come through Louisville. I was hooked. I've never lived in STL but am getting married there this summer to a fellow Redbirds nut

Lou (Gaithersburg MD)

I'm thinking O'Brien (the Maryland one) to come to PSU is a bad idea for the O'Brien (the coach one). Yes, the QB situation is not great, but I'm thinking that bringing in one guy for one year is not the best situation for a new coach.

Brian Bennett

  (3:46 PM)

O'Brien would have two years of eligibility. Could be a nice bridge to Hackenberg.

Alex (Atlanta)

Brian: Why did you include Nebraska in your NCAA tournament style college football tournament? Nebraska was not part of the B10 prior to 2011

Brian Bennett

  (3:48 PM)

Wait, they weren't? Come on, Alex, we're just having some fun with the tournament. Besides, Nebraska is part of the family now, so let's be inclusive.

Justin (Madison)

As a Badger Fan is it wrong that I'd rather us just go through some growing pains with a Freshman QB then keep getting one and done QB? I believe Brooks Bollinger was our last 4 year starter. I just want some stability for 4 years weather its Slave or Houston. Is that really a bad thing?

Brian Bennett

  (3:50 PM)

Well, if you think Houston is the future, then another transfer QB isn't a bad idea. Houston's injured and is going to miss some camp, so you could redshirt him this year, bring him along behind a guy like O'Brien and then have him lead your team for 3-to-4 years. Frankly, Wisconsin has a window of opportunity here to win another Big Ten title, and you have to go for it when that's possible.

B1G community (Chicago)

Who right now will represent the legends and leaders in the Championship right now... your thoughts??

Brian Bennett

  (3:51 PM)

If I had to pick right now, I'd go with the rematch of Michigan State and Wisconsin. But I reserve the right to change my mind, especially after seeing what Michigan and Penn State look like this spring.

BOB (State College, PA)

Even after the recruiting I'm doing, will it take an 8 or 9 win season to get the support of all of the ex players and nay sayers that said I was the wrong hire?

Brian Bennett

  (3:52 PM)

Let's be honest: Winning is the ONLY thing that guarantees support. Ask Rich Rod

Pavlov's Dog (Mother Russia)

Brian, what has been your favorite MM game thus far? Mine was Ohio U. over Michigan, my 9 year old actually picked it.

Brian Bennett

  (3:53 PM)

Lehigh over Duke, hands down.

Alex (Atlanta)

Brian: "Let's be inclusive?" You're not even a B10 fan! You're from SEC country!

Brian Bennett

  (3:54 PM)

If you think Louisville is SEC country (says the guy from Atlanta), then you've clearly never spent any time here

Paul (Michigan)

You can tell Cory from Boise to watch out for the Spartan Defense. They will be hungry for a new QB! I expect a great FRIDAY night game at Spartan Statdium though, looking forward to it!

Brian Bennett

  (3:55 PM)

There's a Spartans fan. I agree. Not sure that game has gotten enough attention nationally yet. Of course, Boise State will be playing without Kellen Moore, but Michigan State will have a new QB, too

BOB (State College, PA)

Does it have to be in my first year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:55 PM)

I don't think anyone is going to demand a 10-win season in Year One. But it has to happen soon. And you can't go 5-7.

Greg (Cincinnati)

Obviously Michigan had a big turn around on defense from 2010 to 2011. Do you see their defense having the same success in 2012 as they did in 2011?

Brian Bennett

  (3:56 PM)

I think it can be a strong defense, but in a different way. I don't see the D-line being quite as good. But could we see some improvement from the LBs and DBs? Absolutely.

Chris (DC)

BB, Nebraska's been in the B1G for a year now (or close enough), how much in the fold do you think they feel? Penn State still doesn't really feel like it "belongs" and it's been here for 2 decades...

Brian Bennett

  (3:57 PM)

I get the sense that Nebraska's transition has been more seamless, maybe because it just has much more of a Midwest feel to it than Penn State. Any Huskers fans care to share their opinions on this?

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Will Michigan and Ohio State separate themselves from the rest of the conference in a couple of years given the manner in which Meyer and Hoke are recruiting?

Brian Bennett

  (3:59 PM)

I think what you'll see is both will become really good and will be in the national championship mix. I still think Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan State will be right there for Big Ten contention. And that should make the league a whole lot of fun to watch in the next few years.

Brian Bennett

  (4:00 PM)

OK, folks, that's all my time for today. Thanks for all the questions and enjoy the rest of your week.