Big Ten links: Jim Delany's plan, Ohio State spring game & much more

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany has laid out his plan for freshman ineligibility.

In a 12-page letter titled "Education First, Athletics Second: The Time for a National Discussion is Upon Us" and sent to media members Friday, Delany reiterated why he believes a so-called year of readiness would be beneficial at this "critical moment in the evolution of intercollegiate athletics."

The letter is not a proposal, he wrote. He did, however, lay out a plan to raise scholarship limits in FBS football and Division I men's basketball and add scholarships in women's sports to stay compliant with Title IX.

Under Delany's plan, athletes would still be eligible to play for four seasons. Freshmen would be able to practice with their teams, though participation and travel would be limited.

Delany said that more than pushing a particular proposal, he is trying to start a dialogue about ways to make college sports more about college and less about sports. Dialogue is one thing ? action is another.

This is all well and good. But, unless EVERY major conference is on board with this, it won?t go anywhere. And, there is NO WAY the SEC is doing this. So, there?s that.

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It was quite a day at Ohio State, where almost 100,000 people jammed into the Horseshoe for the spring game. Everyone wanted to watch the quarterbacks for a team that probably will be the preseason No. 1 team. Alas, we didn?t really learn much on Saturday. But, it was still fun.

Here are 10 thoughts on the OSU offense ?

And 10 thoughts on the OSU defense.

Long story short, this is going to be a very good team in 2015.

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A good look at Michigan State QB Connor Cook from the great Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal.

Cook has a chance to be not only the best quarterback in the Big Ten this season-but one of the best in the nation. But Couch notes that Cook's legacy as the linchpin in MSU's football rise is secure. There is, however, another step to take before the NFL. In the Spartans' two losses last year, to Oregon and Ohio State — both teams again on this year's schedule — they were beaten by a brilliant quarterback better than their defense. Cook played well at times in both games, but was a notch below Marcus Mariota and J.T. Barrett.

Let?s call this ?motivation? for Cook.

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Few people know Penn State football better than Bob Flounders and David Jones of Pennlive.com. Check out this video of the duo wrapping up the Nittany Lions? spring game.

Speaking of Penn State, it needs a kicker with Sam Ficken gone. Joey Julius is on the spot.

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In case you missed this, Mike Huguenin of NFL.com has tabbed the best former walk-ons currently in the NFL. No. 1 on the list: J.J. Watt.

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A feel-good story from Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press on how former Michigan player Mike Martin is helping with a humanitarian effort in Mexico.

This is what they are talking about when your elders speak of ?leaving a legacy.?

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