March 20th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
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.
Posted in Big Ten, Michigan, Ohio State, Recruiting | No Comments »
March 18th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
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.
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February 27th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
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.
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February 9th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
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.
Posted in Big Ten, Illinois, Indiana | 1 Comment »
February 6th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
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.
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January 30th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
Big Ten basketball is in full swing. It seems like I was mostly spot on regarding my other blog with perhaps the only change I would make would be switching Minnesota and Purdue after the Boilermakers grabbed their first big win of the year by beating the Badgers (their win against the Buckeyes also looks good but both of those wins are at home). It appears that the NCAA tournament will see five teams - Indiana, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Purdue.
After watching the Ohio State-Penn State game last night I started to think about who should be up for player of the year in the Big Ten. There are three obvious choices in my opinion … I would say that Raymar Morgan and DJ White just miss the cut. The following three players are, in my opinion, up for the award.
Jamar Butler of Ohio State means more to his team than any other player in the league. Without Butler the Buckeyes are potentially not even an NIT squad. His maturity and leadership have pushed the Buckeyes through some tough wins.
Drew Neitzel provides senior leadership to the Spartans who very well may be the class of the Big Ten. Recently Neitzel overcame a scoring slump and has returned to the form we saw at the end of last season.
Eric Gordon of Indiana …. holy freshmen sensation. Gordon and teammate DJ White have the Hoosiers battling the Spartans for the top of the Big Ten. Gordon is the difference between this years Hoosier squad and last years and is the reason that the Hoosiers could return to the Final Four.
Eric Gordon is averaging nearly 22 points per game is probably the more popular choice out of the three candidates mentioned. However in the grander scheme of things Neitzel and Butler are more important to their teams and make a bigger contribution. Right now I think it is a crime if the award goes to any but Jamar Butler. However, I’ll be surprised if Gordon doesn’t take the award home and move on to the NBA next year.
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January 22nd, 2008 Keith Godfrey
I find myself going around to message boards on college football quite often. Well, I should state that more accurately; I enjoy reading articles and then reading what the biased and misinformed have to say regarding that particular topic. I also enjoy reading the dribble spewed back and forth between supporters of conferences and supporters of schools. It really does lighten the day up some. I like to think I am more objective than most.
Clearly, as has been made evident on this blog, I am a Buckeye to the core. Nothing is going to change that - my two years at Michigan State couldn’t even find a way to do that. That just made it so I bleed green and white when they aren’t facing the scarlet and gray.
I am just really curious about something though. As LSU wrapped up their defeat of Ohio State in the most recent BCS Championship Game chants of, “SEC, SEC, SEC,” were heard resonating throughout the Superdome. Sure, this game was played in SEC Country but do you ever imagine had this game been played in Cleveland that near the end of the game had the Buckeyes wrapped up the victory you would have heard chants of Big Ten? Or perhaps if Oklahmoa was wrapping up a championship in Arlington, Texas you would have heard chants of Big 12?
I understand rivalries and that on a given Saturday when your team is facing it’s rival you spew your vengeance towards that team but by the time the clock strikes 0:00 that vengeance should cease.
How long is it before the rest of the country understands what the fans of the SEC have long understood? That being the strongest top to bottom and cheering for each time like they’re your own when it’s not Rivalry Day is the best thing for your team and their conference.
I was on the Sporting News‘ website earlier today and the chorus of unpleasantries being exchanged between Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan fans was positively nauseating. Sure, I like to poke at my Michigan friends from time to time but you’d be hard pressed to find me on a Message Board completely berating the program, its tradition, where the program may be heading, etc. Yes, I might write blogs being critical of Rich Rodriguez and the ‘end of the Michigan Man’ but those entries shouldn’t be viewed as biased, angry, vile, opinions. They were in fact real and true thoughts on the matters at hand; the view may have come from a Buckeye but that still doesn’t make it incorrect, or biased, angry, or vile.
I hope there comes a time when fans of Michigan and fans of Ohio State can all be proud of each other’s accomplishments. Instead of hearing how Ohio State embarassed the conference again, I’d love to hear someone say … “Hey, at least they got there. Four other BCS conference champions can’t say the same.” There was a genuine smile on my face watching Lloyd Carr being carried off the field in Orlando, FL. I couldn’t have been happier for him, for Michigan, and for his seniors. Maybe someday other fans will achieve this same level of understanding; that while I am a fan of Ohio State there are 10 other schools competing in the Big Ten and their successes/failures will only increase or decrease the value of Ohio State’s successes/failures.
Posted in Big Ten | 2 Comments »
January 17th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
Big Ten basketball appears to be in a cyclical downturn much like the football teams found themselves this past season. Typical powers like Iowa and Illinois find themselves on the short side of winning records and surprises Penn State and Minnesota are showing signs of life. Let’s examine who is where and where they may be come year’s end.
Premiere Level
Indiana - Kelvin Sampson is a cheater .. make no mistakes about it. But super studs Eric Gordon and DJ White are the real deal. Indiana could wind up a #1 seed come March.
Michigan State - Neitzel needs to find his touch and Raymar Morgan showed his value to the team by being in foul trouble against the Buckeyes. Morgan’s bench time allowed the Bucks to crawl back into the game after being down 21 early. A probable 3 or 4 seed.
Wisconsin - Never any let down from a Bo Ryan squad. Don’t know much about the Badgers but they keep on winning. Can they go deep in March?
Upper Level
Ohio State - Had Conley Jr. or Oden stuck around they’d be the #1 team in all the land. Too bad for Thad though as these young Buckeyes need to mature quick. They’ve got the talent to be as high as a 4 or 5 seed if they get hot or sink to as low as a 10-12 if they fade.
Minnesota - Left for dead after last season Tubby has trimmed the fat from this program and has them playing ball! Could they finally make the dance for the first time in a while?
Mid Level
Purdue - Soooooo close to being upper level but Matt Painter’s squad has some proving left to do and lack of depth could come back to hurt them.
Illinois - Who thought Bruce Webber would have a squad at 9-9! They’re very close to being in the bottom level and may miss the NIT.
Penn State - Who?! Perennial bottom feeder at 10-6! Conference play ought to remind them that this isn’t the women’s squad.
Bottom Level
Iowa - Steve Alford left and Lickliter is in. Give it a year or two, this guy can coach.
Michigan - John Beilein has a lot of work to do. Michigan basketball doesn’t return to prominence just yet but in all fairness the cupboard was bare.
Northwestern - Exactly.
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January 11th, 2008 Keith Godfrey
I am admittedly a HUGE Ohio State fan; I cannot deny this nor would I ever. I have feigned attempts at objectivity before and with that warning take heed - I will not always be objective. But you know something …. a funny thing happened along the way this season.
Blogging on another site at the beginning of football season I adamantly stated that what’s good for Ohio State isn’t necessarily what’s good for the Big Ten and vice versa; even shortly after the Appy State upset of Missagain I titled a blog entry, What’s good for Appalachain State is what’s good for Ohio State. Guess what, I was dead wrong.
My beloved Buckeyes were lauded all season first and foremost because of 41-14 .. an admitted and shameful shellacking provided by the Florida Gators in the 2007 BCS Championship game. The second biggest knock against the Buckeyes was they played in a weak conference (which wasn’t necessarily the thought process in the preseason but it played out that way). For as long as I could I blatantly and disgustingly disagreed with everyone. Heck, Appy State’s upset of Missagain should be no reflection on the remaining ten teams in the conference, who cares of Minnesota sucks …. that’s Tim Brewster’s problem (funny aside Brewster couldn’t even get his blue chip recruit son to come play for him as he has verbally committed to Texas), and well Northwestern is just our Baylor. Every conference has their issues, right Ole Miss, so I thought big deal. But then it kept piling on. Missagain decides to respond to the greatest upset in the history of college football by choking hard against Oregon and Dennis Dixon, Northwestern decides to be lenient with Duke and lose to the worst program in football, and Minnesota decided that they’d allow their intramurals league champion to storm the field this season. Crap! They’re right …. the Big Ten is weak.
What does this mean I do? Do I go back on everything I had already said? Can I do that? I can’t really say what’s good for Ohio State is good for the Big Ten and vice versa, no. Until now I hadn’t.
Never before have I found myself having such a vested interest in everything Big Ten and how they fared. It was important to me … it was important to Ohio State. For example, for New Year’s celebrations my wife and I took our two daughters to Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, OH with some other friends of ours who also have children. It was a great time. On the way back home I was feverishly searching the radio to find the Outback Bowl featuring Wisconsin and Tennessee; I was finally able to find it with Wisconsin making their final drive to potentially win the game. I could see the look in my wife’s eyes … disgusted or annoyed take your pick. Then the turning point occured … Wisconsin lost and I smacked my hand against the steering wheel, darn it the Big Ten cannot lose to an SEC team. I turned to my wife who was shaking her head at me and clearly thinking I had lost it and then I stunned her with this gem … well, I guess it’s up to Michigan now.
WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!?
That’s absolutely right, I was pulling for a Missagain victory over Florida. I’m not talking about just kind of hoping they pull off a miracle in Lllllloyd’s last game, I’m talking all-out, full-bore, rooting for Missagain. This coming a year after I enjoyed watching Carr blow another big game in the Rose Bowl. I didn’t think I could do it but there I was in my Ohio State clothes pulling for Missagain and furthermore I was so happy when they won. Not only did they beat those pesky and cocky Gators, they beat an SEC squad.
That’s right, a Big Ten team beat an SEC squad …. darn near amazing considering the Big Ten is full of a bunch of plodding, fat, slow pokes while the SEC is full of Speedy Gonzales’ and Roadrunners. This is where my change in beliefs stems …the conference rivalry. No longer is it best to have a national champion or to play in the title game; it is inherent to have the best conference. The BCS has changed the landscape of the game in that fashion. So in order to benefit Ohio State (and only out of benefit to those Buckeyes) the next time Missagain takes on an out of conference team you just may hear me utter those two most wretched words in the English language …. Go Blue.
Posted in Big Ten, Michigan, Ohio State | No Comments »
