Mike Wolf, BTN volleyball announcer, October 5, 2011
Wednesday night on "Big Ten Football & Beyond," BTN analyst Gerry DiNardo broke down Michigan's improved defense, which has gone from the worst unit in program history to a strong group in just one season. A year ago, the Wolverines defense compiled all-time worst numbers in points per game (35.2), total yards (450.8), passing yards per game (261.8) and yards per play (6.1). In Year 1 under defensive coordinator Greg Mattison – at least through the first five games – those numbers look like this: 10.2 ppg, 316.2 total yards, 176.8 passing yard and 5.2 yards per play. That's a very quick turnaround. How'd they do it, Coach? Watch now as DiNardo breaks it all down.
Let's take you around the the Big Ten on the Web: One Illinois beat writer has the Illini going to Pasadena. Indiana has a quarterback controversy going on right now. Chris Wienke will back up QB James Vandenberg the next two weeks. Michigan is reaping the rewards from its improved defense. On the topic of Michigan's defense, here's a feature on DC Greg Mattison, who once left coaching after struggles at Northwestern. Mark Dantonio isn't worried about Kirk Cousins. MarQueis Gray is improving, but he's not ready to start. Jerry Kill is looking for a never-quit attitude. Nebraska hopes to break out of defensive slump against Ohio State. Pat Fitzgerald says execution is the key to closing for Northwestern. Ohio State players try to remain positive despite bad news. Danny Hope took no issue with Robert Marve's tweet. Three Big Ten products made ESPN's Rookie Watch top 10 list. Where did your school's city land on Sporting News' Best Sports Cities? The AP's Ralph D. Russo offers his Week 6 predictions. One Yahoo! writer has three Big Ten stadiums in his list of favorite college football stadiums.