Five Man Electrical Band - Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs.
Any more sign songs?
Michigan Football out to have a song thanking two former ball boys for figuring out that a Northwestern coach was stealing signs (which is legal) in a 1997 game. Don’t believe me? Read.
Yikes.
I can’t decide what to laugh at. The fact that it was two ball boys who figured out what was going on or that they had to tell the coaches twice that it was happening? Perhaps it’s the fact that the Northwestern coach figured out whether a run play or pass play was coming based simply on where the center’s hands were placed in his stance? Even more so humorous that the signal into the NW defense was as simple as a finger towards the ground (run) or to the sky (pass)?
Funniest thing is this: somehow Michigan State’s plays, according to this coach, were easier to read. HOW?!? What did they do, hold up a sign that indicated what they were doing?
No wonder Tressel prefers the quarterback run to the sideline to take plays. Sweater vest equates to smart.
This whole idea of naming an All-Futures team is a bit of a stretch as it is no lie that predicting what young men can become on the college football field can be tricky. James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins were both 3-star prospects coming into Ohio State. Upon departing after this upcoming season they will both likely be top ten (if not top 5) NFL draft picks.
I’m not going to necessarily name someone at every position; however, I will name the people who I am certain will have a significant effect for the Buckeyes during their careers. Without further adieu …. The Ohio State All-Futures Team.
Terrelle Pryor
I know this comes across as cliche but let’s face it - this guy is the highest touted recruit to step foot on the campus of The University of Ohio State The Ohio State University. I’m curious how he shrunk 2 1/2 inches and lost a whole bunch of pounds in the offseason but I digress. This guy is going to be good.
He’s going to be fun.
Lamaar Thomas
Holy stud running back from Maryland Batman!! This guy will be to Ohio State what Sam McGuffie will be to Michigan. Look out world as speed is coming to the Big Ten (and the Buckeyes) in massive numbers. Watch Lamaar.
DeVier Posey
Another speedster and with flypaper hands. The next Ted Ginn Jr.? I know that was supposed to be Ray Small but, yeah, that’s worked out well. While these upcoming highlights aren’t much (except for the last play) it does display his quickness and his hands - two great attributes.
Cam Heyward
Ok, not fair .. he has a season under his belt. Well, shut up. Ok, he was a Freshmen All-American but his role on the D-line increased exponentially when Vern Gholston left early. I don’t think it is any exaggeration that Cam could go down as one of the best D-lineman in Ohio State history. Watch how the true freshmen made an LSU back look slow.
Mike Adams, Michael Brewster, JB Shugarts
I won’t make you watch vids of offensive lineman because, well, that would be just downright offensive. But it is true that Ohio State brought in three of the top offensive lineman in the nation in last seasons recruiting class and they’re bound to be good with graduations abounding after this season. I would expect they’ll each be on the two-deep after Fall practice.
Keith Wells
Yikes! He looks mean. Well, doesn’t look mean, I am sure he is handsome and if pressed for an answer by him directly I may even kiss him (hey! he’s big and mean!). This guys is fast and even though he’s coming in as a defensive end recruit this video shows him dropping into zone coverage as a defensive back. Wow!
Etienne Sabino
Speedy and smart inside linebacker from Florida. Sabino came early and participated in Spring Drills. Apparently he showed up and played his arse off because there are rumors he’ll be more than a special teams hero this season. I present to you, Etienne Sabino.
Dane Sanzenbacher
He scored Ohio State’s first touchdown of the 2007 season and he’s going to be good. Think Anthony Gonzalez but prettier.
Down ladies, down.
In all seriousness, I feel Dane is going to be a good one. Maybe there is a slight bias seeing as how he hails from the same school my nephew plays at but in all fairness I think 2008 is a breakthough year for this fella.
So Buckeyes, did I miss anyone? Let me hear your thoughts.
And for all of my Michigan friends and fans …. does this guy remind you of Howard Dean at all? EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeyeah … and we’re going to Washington, and Oregon, and Ohio, and then we’re going all the way to the Alamo Bowl …. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeyeah. God bless you Mike Barwis (warning: language)
I’m aware that speculation has been running rampant regarding what Michigan’s 2008 offense is going to look like and have some inside information as to what that just might be. Recently a source of mine had a discussion with an incoming U of M freshmen who was a part of Spring Practice in Ann Arbor. Silly Wolverines … shouldn’t talk to Buckeyes.
Word out of camp is Michigan is primarily going to be throwing the ball as the personnel just are not there to run a traditional zone-read offense. I imagine there will still be elements of the zone read available to keep defense honest; especially if Justin Feagin shows any semblence of football intelligence.
Offensive lineman are expected to not be any larger than 280 lbs. as Rodriguez wants these guys to be mobile and be able to get to the line. The no huddle aspect of the offense will keep defenses on their heels. I also think this may be in effort to help battle the surge of quick defensive rush ends; in theory a 280 pound lineman should be able to move a bit quicker than the 300 pound type hogmolly. Obviously, technique is still important.
The most interesting part of what we heard though is apparently Rodriguez is telling this team he isn’t worried about wins this year. That 2008 is strictly a rebuilding year, that he anticipates using a lot of freshmen, and use this year to gain experience. How will the Michigan faithful respond to a potential losing season?
Finally, the word from the inside is that Rodriguez never speaks, always yells. The only time he said Rodriguez actually spoke was when he met with his parents. Roddy and Barwis a match made in heaven.
What do you think Michigan fan? Worried? Not worried? Interested?
Of course, maybe this is all a giant slap in the face to those trying to figure out what Michigan will look like come this fall. It could be the exact opposite.
I apologize it has been so long; even if I am only apologizing to the 3 of you who visit the page 10 times daily. A lot has happened since my last post but I am happy to announce that the Michigan State campus has failed to burn to the ground at this moment in time and seeing as how school is letting out it may survive until football season. Yes, Mark Dantonio that is good news.
There is this recent hubbubaloo about the plus one model that was floated around for the BCS. A lot of people, like Matt Hayes from The Sporting News, want to quickly blame the Big Ten and the Pac 10 because they have for the longest time been the loudest opponents to any ‘playoff’ idea. Never mind that 1) the vote to continue discussions was shelved by a 4-2 vote with only the SEC and ACC voting to continue discussions and 2) the actual proposal would not actually solve anything. If anyone remembers last season’s final BCS standings were: 1) Ohio State 2) LSU 3) Virginia Tech 4) Oklahoma. Can someone explain to me how that alleviates those who feel that Georgia, USC, and Hawaii were somehow cheated out of their chance to win a National Championship? Really all a plus one model would accomplish is to open up the level of complaining by more and more teams.
I suppose I can be crucified publicly for being on the side of the argument that is against a playoff in college football at it’s highest level. The game, commerically, is slowly becoming more and more and more like the NFL every season; even the rules are progressively becoming more ‘professional’. I like that fact that essntially one, sometimes two, slip ups and you’re out of the discussion. Sure, it is sometimes fun to get behind a team like Davidson and their run through the most recent NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, or, be proud when Pittsburgh with an 11-5 regular season record (and wild card winner) stormed to vctory in Super Bowl 40. But these instances are few and far between because let us face the music — for the most part the BCS formula generally gets it right.
The other topic I wanted to hit on is Big Ten football coming out of Spring practice. I had previously put out my pre-Spring Big Ten rankings and there has been a slight change. The new order, with estimated records will follow.
Ohio State 12-0 (8-0)
Wisconsin 10-2 (7-1)
Penn State 10-2 (6-2)
Illinois 10-2 (6-2)
Mich State 9-3 (5-3)
Purdue 7-5 (6-2)
Michigan 6-6 (4-4)
Iowa 6-6 (4-4)
N’Western 5-7 (3-5)
Minnesota 3-9 (1-7)
Indiana 2-10 (1-7)
Now Michigan fan before you get all over me understand this … I think Michigan will be competitive but even the best coaches, including yours, have struggled in their first years at a new school - Urban Meyer, Pete Carroll, they both did. There are just too many questions offensively right now and maybe after Fall ball I’ll have a better grasp on things and how Michigan is going to stack up but with how thin they are offensively …. yikes. Of course, keep in mind, Ohio State was going to have to rely on their defense to get by and turned out to be quite good offensively. So maybe there is a surprise in the works.
My guesses for Big Ten Awards:
Offensive POY: Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells, Ohio State
Defensive POY: James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
Freshmen of the Year: Sam McGuffie, Michigan
So, I believe I am somewhat caught up. Time will tell what is in store for this upcoming season and I tell ya, I cannot wait!
Oh my God, the world is crashing. The end is near! A Big Ten team did not advance out of the Sweet Sixteen of this year’s Men’s NCAA Basketball tournament; this somehow has equated into the Big Ten becoming irrelevant in both football and men’s basketball. Nevermind that a member, excuse the fact that it’s the same member, played for the football championship the last two seasons and for the men’s basketball title last season.
I believe it is safe to say that the SEC is currently the kings of college football; the conference has won consecutive national titles, they’ve won the most BCS games, and possess the most BCS titles with four.
While it is easy to pinpoint the current superpower in football it is less so in regards to men’s basketball. The ACC has won the most championships in the last 10 years, however, the Big East is right on their heals. While the Big Ten hasn’t won a championship in men’s basketball since Michigan State did so in 2000 the conference has played in only one less Final Four and one less championship game than the ACC.
Yet, with all of this said people want to question the relevancy of the biggest revenue generating sports for most (if not all) universities in the Big Ten? Really?!? Yes, really.
Say what you will about the embarrassment of the past two Ohio State blunders in the BCS Championship game. Say what you will that its been since 2002 since the conference has won a championship in either of these sports (Ohio State over Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl). Quite frankly, you can make any assertion you like. The proof, as usual, is in the pudding.
Take into account the past ten years of the men’s basketball tournament:
Conference
Number of Bids
ACC
47
Big East
58
Big Ten
54
Big 12
53
SEC
58
Pac 10
44
Conference
Number of Final Fours
ACC
9
Big East
5
Big Ten
8
Big 12
5
SEC
4
Pac 10
4
Conference
Number of Championship Games
ACC
5
Big East
3
Big Ten
4
Big 12
1
SEC
3
Pac 10
2
Conference
Percentage of bids to play for Title
ACC
10.64%
Big East
5.17%
Big Ten
7.41%
Big 12
1.88%
SEC
5.17%
Pac 10
4.54%
After looking at these statistics it ought to become quickly evident how relevant the Big Ten remains in NCAA men’s basketball. The fact of the matter is that out of the ‘elite six conferences’ the Big Ten ranks: 2nd in Final Fours, 2nd in title games played in, 2nd in percentage of teams in to play for a title, and 3rd in total bids. That would be in the upper half of all of those categories. The fact of the matter is the Big 12 and the Pac 10 have not won championships in men’s basketball in the past ten years; however, you hear no mention of these leagues no longer being relevant even though they essentially rank even with the Big Ten in football championships over that same time period.
The strength and relevancy of the Big Ten remains evident in football to date as well. You can make the argument about inferior conference play till you’re blue in the face and perhaps the depth of that argument can stand on some levels. Since this argument is seeking relevancy … I’m not so sure it stands here. In the BCS era the statistics are:
Conference
Rank by wins
SEC
11
Big 10
8
Pac 10
6
Big East
6
Big 12
6
ACC
1
Conference
Rank by losses
Pac 10
4
Big East
4
SEC
4
Big 12
8
ACC
9
Big Ten
9
Conference
Rank by losses
Pac 10
4
Big East
4
SEC
4
Big 12
8
ACC
9
Big Ten
9
Conference
Rank by titles won (played for)
SEC
4 (4)
Big 12
2 (4)
ACC
1 (3)
Big East
1 (2)
Big Ten
1 (3)
Pac 10
1 (2)
Judging the relevancy of a conference in these two sports is largely an exercise in futility and apparently an exercise I was willing to undertake (one of few I might add). The fact of the matter is this, the Big Ten has won more men’s basketball championships in the past ten years than 2 conferences and has won as many as 3 of the other conferences during that same stretch. The Big Ten has played in more BCS games than any other conference, a clear testament to the conferences pre-conference and conference sustainability. The fact that the Big Ten is nearly on par with the ACC in terms of Final Fours played in and title games contested in men’s basketball the past 10 years screams of their relevancy. This is a conference standing up to another conference with perennial basketball powers Duke and North Carolina.
And if that isn’t good enough for you since 1939 the number of total championships own in both sports (note: multiple winners in football were counted up until 1998).
Conference
Rank by titles won
Big Ten
28
SEC
26
Pac 10
23
Big 12
22
ACC
19
Big East
11
Yeah, that’s right, I took one straight out of Michigan’s book … historical records baby!
The saga that was the recruitment of Terrelle Pryor has finally come to a close; thankfully. Yes, I fully realize I continued to add fuel to the fire sharing my thoughts but I don’t live in a glass house so stones be a tossin’.
I’m glad young Mr. Pryor chose the Buckeyes. I think I am just as excited about Rich Rod not having him as I am getting to (enjoy) watch him play his collegiate ball. But with all of this said let us put a few things to bed.
* Terrelle Pryor is not guaranteed to lead the Buckeyes to a national title in his first year or any year for that matter. Folks, he hasn’t played a down of college football. Ever heard of Xavier Lee? Exactly.
* He’s 18 years old and I find it unfair to call him a prima donna, attention seeker, or potential trouble maker. Yes, his extended recruitment may have given the appearances of these issues, however, I have this eerie feeling that this is going to be more the norm; that is increased (and near ridiculous) amounts of exposure on kids who haven’t even attended their Senior Prom. Let’s see what type of man Terrelle becomes before we ostracize him to the land of number 13. Actually I think he has an inmate number now.
* Michigan fan … shuddup. Seriously, shut up. I know, I know … winningest program of all time, I get it. But lately your sore loser pout has grown to astronomical proportions. Terrelle didn’t sign with Ohio State because his scores weren’t good enough to get into Michigan and should he wind up being a classless jerk he would wind up being one under Rodriguez or Tress. Your incestuous incessant yapping and whining is putting you on par with Cubs fans (and by the way, I like the Cubbies). Its as if Steve Bartman swooped in and carried Pryor to Columbus. Christ, get over it.
With all of that said here are my current pre-Spring football predictions for the outcome of the Big Ten.
Ohio State
Wisconsin
Penn State
Illinois
Michigan State
Michigan
Purdue
Iowa
Northwestern
Minnesota
Indiana
Oh, and Notre Dame will continue to suck it up and what a blessing it is to watch.
I haven’t had much to write about …. not of interest lately. The Buckeyes, most likely rightly so, got snubbed by the NCAA, Big Ten basketball was getting about as boring and predictable as Carr’s offense (RIP), and there wasn’t anything going on with college football. Until now, baby!
Spring football is kicking off!! Pretty sure I’m going to head down to Columbus and take my little girl (not littlest) to the Spring Game. Maybe wife too … if she’s good. I digress.
Apaprently the Rich Rod era at Michigan has kicked off in high gear and the new energy has come as a surprise to some of the players. Word out the Free Press and MGoBlog is these guys are woofin’ at the end of practice learning the new no huddle schemes and that they’re nowhere near in the type of shape they’ll need to be to compete with this type of offense. Summer workouts ought to be interesting in Ann Arbor.
Do you think the Ann Arbor News series on possible academic issues within the athletic department is hurting things in Ann Arbor. Word is one professor in the independent studies department may have made things easier for football players. I haven’t read the article in it’s entirety but perhaps this was the Ann Arbor News’ ploy to help in the recruitment of Terrelle Pryor? Besides, we know all Michigan fans think Ohio State is the shadiest of all shadies … so if Terrelle is leaning towards Ohio State and U of M can fancy up their post Bill Martin shady maybe that can help even the score? I don’t know though, didn’t work on Mateen Cleaves and he even had the joy of Bill Martin escapades on a recruiting trip.
Terrelle is supposedly going to announce this week and all wisdom points to his signing with Ohio State. I think I am more excited about this for the fact that Richy Rod doesn’t get him than I am the Buckeyes snagging him. If you want my general thoughts on why I think he goes with Ohio State here it is:
1) He never took another official visit. 2) It has come out that Ohio State is where he was going to sign on February 6th. 3) He did show up on Ohio State’s campus for a basketball game on February 24th and spent time with fellow Buckeye 2008 recruits and Jim Tressel. 4) He’s spent more time with the guys that have already signed to play there. 5) He could help lead them to a championship right now, not 2 or 3 years from now.
Again, just my thoughts from following the story closely. I could be wrong …. but I’d most certainly be surprised.
It does come as some surprise … seeing as how brilliantly intellectual I am … to discover that I am in fact NOT a know-it-all. The most sufficient proof of this claim can be found in anything I have written on basketball in this blog.
Boy were my presumptions off. And I mean off … more like OFF … most like in the wrong area/zip code/area code/county/you name it/anything one would consider way off.
First I tried to discern the power(s) of Big Ten basketball and rank the teams. Well, I would say I was right about Indiana, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Northwestern (well and Penn State too). Illinois wound up being worse than I thought … but that’s largely due to Eric Gordon (and not just because he plays for Indiana). I was too quick to say Tubby’s Gophers were on the verge of an NCAA berth and I put too much faith in Thad Matta and the Buckeyes (and probably biasedly so …. is biasedly even a word?).
But Purdue … I can’t wrote them off. Sure, I mentioned they were good but that they lacked depth. Then they just turn around and beat Wisconsin twice and find themselves in contention for a regular season Big Ten title and a lock for a tourney berth. Thanks Matt Painter …
What’s going on in Indiana anyway … four ranked teams? Something in the water over there?
To further my pain and further develop the fact that I am not a basketball guru (Seth Davis I am not) was my prediction for Big Ten Player of the Year. It was easy to include Eric Gordon and he still belongs there but my other two picks might not make All Big Ten Honorable Mention at this point. Drew Neitzel and Jamar Butler (my pick to win) both have gone in the tank. A fella I ignored, DJ White, has just gone one to be the most dominant player in the league.
So when I say I still expect the Buckeyes to make the dance and fall in the first round take it with a grain of salt. One way or another I am sure I will be wrong but here is to biasedly (there’s that word again) hoping I am not; unless of course that is they keep winning.
PS. Spell check says biasedly is not a word. I like it … so it stays.
First off, let me make a quick correction to my previous blog. During an NCAA dead period in recruiting a coach can call a recruit once a week. A recruit can call a coach as many times as he likes and the only face-to-face contact can take place on campus; a coach cannot go visit a recruit. Moving on …..
The other night the Indiana Hoosiers visited the Illinois Fighting Illini to partake in a quaint game of basketball. Perhaps during intermission the teams would forego the typical strategy session and arse chewing to share tea and crumpets and maybe by chance the ever so manly slap on the rear end out the door; the good ole atta boy slap.
C’mon people this is Big Ten basketball!
The crowds at Big Ten basketball games have long been ruthless to opposing teams. Heck, I know it was a staple of the Izzone during my years at Michigan State. The only time it crosses the line is when it becomes profane and in bad taste (or it’s at Crisler Arena, then its all profane and in bad taste). Home crowds create home court advantage.
Quick back story - Indiana basketball star Eric Gordon had orally committed to play for Bill Webber’s Illini squad before he reneged on that oral committment and went to play for Kelvin ‘Text’ Sampson. Needless to say Illini fans are p-i-s-s-e-d.
You see, Gordon is a stud and would have been the backbone of a very young Illini squad. Albeit Gordon is young himself I have to believe if the NBA hadn’t changed their clearance to enter the league that Gordon would be playing at a different level right now.
So I am sorry Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball, Kelvin ‘Cheat’ Sampson, Eric ‘Renege’ Gordon, and all others associated with this hooey but I just cannot feel sorry for the kid because the Illini fans chanted ‘Liar, Liar’ at him. He brought that upon himself.
To sum it all up. I think something needs to be done about oral committments. In fact, I think those committments may need to be binding or at least carry some sort of penalty. The recent college football signing day saw three U of M signees renege on their original oral committments to other schools, two of which were Big Ten schools, to sign with the Wolverines (and yes Wolverine fans I know it happens with other schools too).
This whole orally committing to one school and then signing with a different school is growing into quite an epidemic. I believe the only appropriate way to handle that type of situation is to publicly reopen your recruitment much like Josh Jenkins of Parkersburg, WV did. Otherwise, once a recruit makes an oral committment the rule out to be hands off or pay a price. And just perhaps part of that price is facing the cold hard truth and being called a liar all night by the school you spurned.
Pryor has supposedly delayed his decision to sign today. Apparently his dad likes Penn State more … and wants Terrelle to take a harder look there. Word on the street is Terrelle favors the Buckeyes.
One thing I find interesting is this statement from a CBSsports.com article.
‘Paterno made what looked like a last-ditch recruiting call to Pryor on Tuesday afternoon. After speaking by phone to Pryor for almost 30 minutes, Paterno finally had to be told Pryor had to get to class.’
If that refers to February 5th, 2008 that would be a recruiting violation, a major one at that as the NCAA is currently in a dead period.
