Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, March 7, 2014
It got ugly near the end, which was unfortunate, but Michigan State notched a much-needed win last night vs. Iowa. The Spartans had gone 4-6 in their previous 10 games. This triumph will give MSU some momentum as it heads to Ohio State for the regular-season finale. The Spartans needed a night like this. And they especially needed Keith Appling to rediscover his groove, which he did in the second half.
In case you missed it, here is a GIF of Zach McCabe flinging Travis Trice to the floor in the aforementioned ugliness.
Iowa continues to confound, as a once-promising season seems to be slipping away. As you saw above, Zach McCabe lost his cool late in the game, tossing Travis Trice down. The frustration was apparent. The Hawkeyes could have a short postseason stay unless their defense tightens. It has been an abomination. In its last four games, Iowa has allowed 95, 93, 76 and 86 points.
***
Thirty-two points. That?s all Northwestern scored last night in an ugly loss to Penn State. More ugliness: The Wildcats made just 10 field goals. Did NU REALLY win at Wisconsin and at Indiana earlier this season?
***
OK, Gophers fans: Here is a nice snapshot of the up-to-the-minute bubble situation. My advice to you: Beat Penn State at home this weekend and win at least one game in the Big Ten tournament.
***
The Ohio State defense came under intense scrutiny in 2013 as it often bled points and yards. Who can forget the Buckeyes getting shredded for 1,114 yards and 74 points in the last two games of the season? Did coordinator Luke Fickell fear for his job? Well, here, have a read.
On the subject of Ohio State?s maligned defense, it was too bad to see promising young safety Vonn Bell injury a knee that will keep him out for the rest of spring drills. He likely will have to play a big role in 2014 after starting in the Orange Bowl. Bell was running with the ?ones? along with Tyvis Powell before getting hurt.
***
So, the Minnesota offense feels like it has something to prove in 2014?
I think most would agree. For this program to take the next step, the offense needs to develop a reliable and consistent passing attack that can stretch the field. The aerial game ranked dead last in the Big Ten in 2013.
***
No real shock here: The NCAA has opted to change the targeting rule enforcement.
The rule mandated that a player flagged for targeting be ejected, and his team assessed a 15-yard penalty. The foul could be reviewed, but even if the offending player was cleared of targeting, his team was still given a 15-yard penalty. Just silly, huh? Well, thank goodness, that?s changing. If a review clears a player-then the 15-yard infraction also will be erased. Who exactly thought the original thought process made any sense?
***
Mark Dantonio apparently allowed his team enough time to soak in the greatness it achieved last season. But the page has been turned to 2014.
The Spartans have six starters to replace on defense, and another three positions on offense left vacant by players who started in the 24-20 Rose Bowl victory over Stanford. But filling the leadership void might be the biggest challenge Dantonio and his staff face. And this is an interesting note from Mike Griffith of Mlive.com: Connor Cook recently flew to San Diego for spring break to work with George Whitfield Jr. at the Whitfield Quarterback Academy. How good could Cook become?
***
What the heck: Here is a bonus story. It?s Friday. ? I think we all know that if Taylor Martinez is going to play in the NFL, it won?t be at quarterback. Rather, his future-if he has one-figures to be at defensive back or receiver. And, his recent pro day showed he has the speed and skill to play those spots. But can he pick up the knowledge?
***
TWEETS THAT MATTER
Michigan State 86, Iowa 76. Nebraska wins against Wisconsin, #huskers will finish 4th in B1G. WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS EVEN POSSIBLE?
— Corn Nation (@CornNation) March 7, 2014
My take: Amazing.
Izzo said they really challenged Appling at halftime … second half was the Appling of early in the season
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) March 7, 2014
My take: Appling needs to keep it up.
Devyn Marble moved into 6th on Iowa's career scoring list with 1,654 points. Passes Ronnie Lester into Top 5 with 22 more.
— Rick Brown (@ByRickBrown) March 7, 2014
My take: His legend continues.
Fran tried to stay composed in postgame newser. Then when asked about officials: "I give up. I surrender. Apparently I'm the bad guy…"
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) March 7, 2014
My take: Hmmmm.
I asked Tracy Claeys after practice if the #Gophers staff was visiting any other team. They've gone to TCU & Baylor in the past. Now Auburn.
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) March 7, 2014
My take: It?s all about gaining knowledge.
Brian Anderson now coaching WR's for the #Gophers and Pat Poore is coaching the RB's. Those two flipped roles.
— JoeChristensen (@JoeCStrib) March 7, 2014
My take: Two good coaches.
Misty-eyed Chris Collins on Drew Crawford: ?I?m sad I only got a chance to coach him for one year.? #Northwestern
— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) March 7, 2014
My take: Great player. Gonna miss him.
How crazy is the B10? There is a chance 8 of 12 teams will finish .500 or worse … If OSU and Iowa lose this weekend, each 9-9.
— Jeff Washburn (@JeffWashburnJC) March 7, 2014
My take: Nuts.
***
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.