Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, August 4, 2016

Last year, Iowa QB C.J. Beathard was beat up more than we all realized. He estimated he played 2 1/2 games at full strength last season. Beathard is the ultimate tough guy who fought through injury to steer the Hawkeyes to greatness. Now, Beathard?s healthy and primed for a big season. What can he do if he stays healthy all season?

?I?m not curious, I?m excited to see what I can do,? Beathard said. ?I know I can do things with my feet that I wasn?t able to do last season. Hopefully, I stay healthy all season long, so I can do more of that, more scrambling, more getting out of the pocket and doing things like that. I?m excited for those opportunities and to be able to show that.?

***

It seems Mark Dantonio got a bit annoyed during a recent national radio interview. So, the Michigan State coach hung up on the interview.

I can?t say that I blame Dantonio. But, sometimes you have to grind through stuff you don?t enjoy. He should know that.

***

Ever wonder which Penn State players have earned the most money in the NFL? Pennlive.com has the list.

***

The gang at NJ.com says Rutgers? schedule is more difficult than you think. Why? It?s because of the QBs the Scarlet Knights will face.

West crossover foes Illinois (Wes Lunt), Nebraska (Tommy Armstrong) and Minnesota (Mitch Leidner) all have senior QBs, which could cause issues for Chris Ash in his maiden voyage.

***

Bill Landis and Cleveland.com have a good podcast that looks at Ohio State as it opens camp. Who brought the swagger on move-in day?

Unlike last year, there are a lot of unknowns for Urban Meyer?s team. That?s what makes this year?s camp intriguing. Can?t wait until the BTN tour bus stops by campus to watch a workout.

***

Listen up, recruits. If you get a scholarship offer from Michigan, don?t get complacent.

The prospects are reminded that their offer is contingent on a few things: Michigan, Big Ten and NCAA eligibility, a "code of conduct and standard for Michigan student-athletes" and an ability to avoid complacency. The final bullet point reads: "We expect you to continue to strive for excellence as a student and as an athlete: this scholarship should serve as motivation towards continued growth, not an excuse to become complacent."

***

One of the most underrated linebackers in the Big Ten? It?s Maryland?s Jalen Brooks.

Brooks will probably enter 2016 as one of Maryland?s starting outside linebackers. He has more experience than anyone at the position save for Jermaine Carter, which should serve him well. He should be a steady presence there all season, and can put himself in line to finish his career at Maryland as a three-year starter.

***

This upcoming athletic village at Minnesota is gonna be nice! Check out the latest renderings. The place is slated to open in Winter 2018. The athletic department in Dinkytown desperately needs an upgrade.

***

Mike Riley continues to say it, so let?s believe it: ?We have to run the football.?

The last time out, the Huskers ran 62 times for 326 yards in a win over UCLA at the Foster Farms Bowl.

?That?s a way to play a football game,? Riley said.

?We have to run the football,? Riley told some fans at a gathering this week. ?Physically, we want to impose our will. Running the ball is the best way to do that. So that is a major emphasis of what we want to do.?

That?s Nebraska football!

***

Email Tom Dienhart using the form below.

And if you want to leave a comment on this post, use the box below. All comments need to be approved by a moderator.