Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, August 22, 2013
It looks like we may be getting a bit more clarity in the Wisconsin quarterback derby, with Joel Stave perhaps gaining an edge on Curt Phillips. At least that?s what Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel thinks.
Potrykus bases this on what transpired during the team's lone practice Wednesday, as it appeared Stave has nudged ahead of Phillips in that battle. But offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig insisted no decision has been made. My thoughts? I long have said I think Stave should be the guy, based on his superior passing skills.
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I hope fans in the state of Michigan appreciate the hoops coaching wizardry they are being treated to with Tom Izzo at Michigan State and John Beilein at Michigan.
ESPN polled ?about two-thirds? of Division I coaches, roughly 250, in determining who the best tacticians are in college hoops - ?the coaches who scare their counterparts with their ability to diagram plays and have their players carry out those plays? - and the vote didn?t turn out to be close.
No. 1, Michigan State?s Tom Izzo, earned 41 votes. No. 2, Michigan?s John Beilein, earned 24. Louisville?s Rick Pitino is third with 18.
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The great Mike Griffith of MLive.com says anything is possible for the Michigan State offense.
Yes, well, I guess. But there still seems to be more questions than answers. Will the receivers get over the ?drops?? Will clarity ever come to the quarterback spot? Who are the top running backs?
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With Amara Darboh out, Michigan has a void at wideout. And offensive coordinator Al Borges says the freshmen receivers aren?t ready.
Jehu Chesson, Jeremy Jackson, Joe Reynolds, Drew Dileo and Jeremy Gallon are ready. But not youngsters like Csont'e York (6-foot-3, 180), Da'Mario Jones (6-foot-2, 192) and Jaron Dukes (6-foot-4, 190).
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Nice feature on Penn State defensive coordinator John Butler by David Jones of PennLive.com.
Butler is a tough Philly guy. And, it shows in his intense coaching style. Love the guy. He?s smart, too.
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Alright Nebraska fans: Here is more hype to get you absolutely pumped out of your mind for JC defensive end Randy Gregory.
?I think he has great potential," said Huskers OT Jeremiah Sirles to the Lincoln Journal Star. "He's still learning the defense. He's got a lot to learn. But he's a tremendous athlete. He has really good hands. I think he's going to be a big impact for us this year.
"I look forward to seeing what he can do on Saturdays.?
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Get to know Northwestern safety Traveon Henry. The guy is gonna be a stud.
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Which newcomers at Minnesota could make immediate impacts? Find out here.
No doubt, JC linebackers De?Vondre Campbell and Damien Wilson were impressive when BTN was a camp. But so was Berkley Edwards, a small but fast running back who brings needed juice to the offense.
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Believe it or not, there are other stories emanating from Michigan State camp besides the battle for quarterback.
Among them, MSU is thin at defensive tackle, unheralded Jack Conklin will start at left offensive tackle, and the kicking job remains open. I thought hot-shot true freshman Michael Geiger would have seized it by now.
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Well, the charges against Ohio State CB Bradley Roby have been dismissed. Still, OSU will suspend Roby for the first game.
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Could Justin Sinz really be Purdue?s top tight end? Heck, the school brought another tight end to media days in Chicago (Gabe Holmes).
Purdue has a tight end-friendly offense, so look for Sinz to get ample use.
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Nice podcast here from Tay and J at ESPN Radio in Champaign, who talk with Illinois A.D. Mike Thomas. He says he?s committed to making it work with Tim Beckman.
TWEETS THAT MATTER
Borges says Michigan was more of a "sideways team" with the spread. Now, it's "get off the ball, put a hat on a hat" and get running.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) August 21, 2013
My take: Yes, that has been the basic Michigan offense for years before the Rich Rodriguez experiment.
https://twitter.com/audsnyder4/status/370241796892139520
My take: Penn State?s Adrian Amos looks like a linebacker. At least the staff is doing what it can to solidify a suspect area on the defense.
https://twitter.com/audsnyder4/status/370230340960256000
My take: Another nice option at running back for Penn State. What a deep spot for the Nittany Lions.
Random jaw-dropping fact of the day: Taylor Martinez has 31 rushing TDs in his career. Average distance of those TDs? 30.7 yards. #Huskers
— Dirk Chatelain (@dirkchatelain) August 21, 2013
My take: This is impressive.
When folks suggest the 2008 #huskers offense was the best of the Bo era, I smile.
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) August 21, 2013
My take: Me, too. This year?s will be great-I think.
The top-two coaches in college football are Nick Saban and Urban Meyer … and there is one hell of a gap from #2 to #3 (whoever that is).
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) August 22, 2013
My take: Good point. Is Bob Stoops No. 3?
About Tom Dienhart | BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section. |
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