Comments on: Live chat: Answers from BTN.com’s Dienhart

By: Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer

Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:39:25 +0000

I think Kirby would do well. He loves the school and has great experience in the NFL and college ranks. But it doesn’t sound like he will have much of a chance.

By: Phil Button

Phil Button — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:25:53 +0000

Hire Kirby Wilson for Illinois Head Coach. He is the best bet for the new athletic director. What do you think?

By: BTN.com staff

BTN.com staff — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:58:34 +0000

Tom, great stuff as always. Thanks to everyone for the questions. We’re signing off now. Enjoy the big week ahead.

By: Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer

Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:58:15 +0000

Thanks a lot for stopping by! Great questions. See you all next week at noon ET right here. Enjoy the title game.

By: Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer

Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:57:14 +0000

Love it! Always looking ahead! It’s fun. I am going with Michigan from the Legends, followed closely by Nebraska. In the Leaders, I’ll say Ohio State. Too may questions at Penn State. And Wisconsin will lose Russell Wilson and Ball may turn pro. Still, I think the Badgers will be right on OSU’s tail and could win. So, my “Top Four” for 2012:

LEGENDS
1. Michigan
2. Nebraska

LEADERS
1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin

By: BTN.com staff

BTN.com staff — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:53:26 +0000

OK, time for one more question for Tom and then we’ll let him go. He’s got a busy week ahead covering the news leading up to the Big Ten Football Championship, not to mention he’ll be at the game, too. On that note, this next question speaks to the passion of the typical Big Ten football fan, for sure…

From Mike H.: I know it’s early but who would be your two teams to play in NEXT YEAR’S Big Ten Football Championship game?

By: Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer

Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:53:01 +0000

It depends on who Nebraska is matched up with. I could be. Once you get outside of LSU, Bama, Arky and UGA, the SEC isn’t THAT good. I could see the Huskers being favored vs. South Carolina, Florida, Vandy, Auburn–teams it may have a good chance to be paired vs. in a bowl game. But no way Big Red would be favored vs. UGA or Arky. LSU and Bama are title game bound, of course.

By: BTN.com staff

BTN.com staff — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:49:12 +0000

From Erik: Will Nebraska be a slight favorite in their bowl game against an SEC opponent?

By: Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer

Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:48:55 +0000

First off, Fickell wasn’t really that involved with the defense this year, letting Jim Heacock run the ship. Secondly, I think it would be smart for Meyer to retain Fickell and many defensive staffers. I am told the coaches on that side of the ball all are good. Fickell is a young, bright mind who knows the personnel and can relate to players. And if I’m Fickell, I think I sit tight at OSU if given the chance. I guess he could try for a MAC job (Ohio may open if Solich retires; Akron is open but a TOUGH job) but that can be a gamble.

By: BTN.com staff

BTN.com staff — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:44:20 +0000

From Jonathan: As it is being reported by various Ohio media outlets now, Luke Fickell will be offered the Defensive Coordinator position with Ohio State under Urban Meyer. Would this be a good move for Luke Fickell or should he try for head coaching positions at another school? The OSU defense struggled at times and declined late, could this continue if Fickell was the DC next year?