Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, August 23, 2013
Here is a good way to begin your Friday. Check out this terrific story by Rick Reilly of ESPN.com on Minnesota coach Jerry Kill, who has turned his public seizure into a teaching moment for others.
Before you make any plans for the fall, check out this beautiful list of 50 games you must see in 2013.
***
With depth being an issue, Penn State has to play freshmen. And, here are some who Bill O?Brien says could contribute this fall.
As for who will be the Nittany Lions? starting quarterback, mum is still the word.
"You know ? I think the biggest thing, again, is we have two really good young quarterbacks and really my biggest focus and concern is with the football team," O'Brien told reporters recently.
So, the world waits. And wonders.
***
Meanwhile, Michigan State?s Mark Dantonio said he?ll make a decision on his quarterback Monday-while the public will find out on Tuesday.
Most, including myself, think Andrew Maxwell will take the season?s opening snap next Friday. The biggest question: How many other quarterbacks will play? My guess? At least one other.
***
Tanner McEvoy came to Wisconsin as a touted JC quarterback. Now, he?s working at receiver-and not looking bad.
I love it when a guy checks his ego at the door and does what he?s asked to do for the better of the team. This is a Badgers squad that needs help at wideout. Now.
Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that McEvoy was a promising receiver at Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey until he moved to quarterback his senior season. He passed for 2,264 yards and rushed for 1,196 yards as a senior. Then, after redshirting at South Carolina in 2011, McEvoy transferred to Arizona Western College. He passed for 1,943 yards and rushed for 414 yards.
"He is in the development phase at the quarterback position," Wisconsin offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said. "He has played quarterback three years of his life.?
***
NFL icon and super nova Tom Brady visited his alma mater, Michigan, for the first time since 2007 yesterday. And, he is very appreciative of his time in Ann Arbor. How meaningful was Brady?s time in A-squared? He said being named a Michigan captain is the single-greatest achievement he's ever had as a football player. Wow.
And here is a video of what Brady said to today?s Wolverines.
***
Looks like a few true freshmen will help in 2013 at Wisconsin: CB Sojourn Shelton; LB Leon Jacobs; RB Corey Clement.
Clement is a real eye-catcher and could be the Badgers next great back. The kid looked good when I saw him in camp.
***
Big Ten commish Jim Delany recently met with the Iowa media. He discussed expansion, bowls and divisions, among other things.
The commish was non-committal on if Iowa would remain Nebraska?s foe on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers are slated to meet on that day through 2017. After that? Maybe we?ll see Wisconsin-Nebraska on Black Friday.
***
An injury to Illinois guard Ted Karras has the Illini offensive line doing the shuffle.
So, as Mark Tupper of the Decatur Herald-Review notes, with days to until the opener, Tim Beckman and his staff are scrambling to find the combination that best overcomes the loss of Karras. But in some respects, this has been the plan all along because Beckman, offensive line coach A.J. Ricker and offensive coordinator Bill Cubit knew that sooner or later, a team with little depth, would have to lean on inexperienced backups including some true freshmen. It?s the curse of having a dangerously thin roster.
***
Nice photo gallery of the East Memorial Stadium expansion at Nebraska from Huskeronline.com.
The place is a true gridiron cathedral. Put it on your Bucket List.
TWEETS THAT MATTER
New helmet – yay or nay? Not sure of look yet, but think great idea to keep it red & white and not go to some other color. #badgers
— Dave Heller ?? (@dave_heller) August 22, 2013
My take: Yay. Nothing to wild and crazy about it. And I like that.
AP: #OhioState paying Buffalo $1 million, SDSU $1.2 million, FAMU $900,000 to come to Ohio Stadium in 2013. #Buckeyes
— Rusty Miller (@RustyMillerXAP) August 22, 2013
My take: Hey, it?s not cheap to bring in non-con punching bags.
Kinnick doesn't have WiFi, but Barta said they've worked with cell partners to get improved coverage around the stadium.
— Marc Morehouse (@marcmorehouse) August 22, 2013
My take: Enhancing the in-game experience is key for schools to keep attendance from lagging. Wi-Fi is a must at some point.
I could watch the #B1G title game 100 times (yes, it's on BTN again) & not fully conceptualize how the #Huskers played so poorly. Unreal.
— Jon Nyatawa (@JonNyatawa) August 23, 2013
My take: I?m still shaking my head, too.
Expect four true freshmen to play on the defense according to John Papuchis. Nathan Gerry, Josh Banderas, Kevin Maurice and Maliek Collins.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) August 22, 2013
My take: The Maliek Collins kid is impressive, a 6-2, 300-pounder d-lineman who can move.
IU still hasn't picked starting QB (might late tonight or tomorrow), but one thing is clear, it can win with any of them.
— Pete DiPrimio (@pdiprimio) August 23, 2013
My take: I agree, but I think the Hoosiers? chances for victory are better with Tre Roberson at the controls.
One week from right now, #Gophers will have just beat #UNLV, and #Minnesota fans will be leaving a packed TCF Bank Stadium all fired up!
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) August 23, 2013
My take: I?m sure Jerry Kill likes the sound of that!
#B1G commish Jim Delany said conference distributed $24 million per school in TV money this year.
— RandBall (@RandBall) August 22, 2013
My take: A lot of loot.
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. |
And if you want to leave a comment on this post, use the box below. All comments need to be approved by a moderator.