The Rivalry, Esq.: FanPosts

I'm a thief, but OK with it

2008-11-26T16:02:14Z

Iowa fans may have sex in dirty bathrooms, but we also help the police:

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=D867B857172CDC7A7A0BA74632AEA190?contentId=7935764&version=4&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

MINNEAPOLIS -- An Iowa football fan in town for the Gophers final game at the Metrodome helped Minneapolis police catch a criminal Friday night.

As bars were closing in the Warehouse District early Saturday morning, officers responded to shots fired in a parking lot near 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue.

Video: Man Catches Criminal

At the parking lot they found Christopher Scott Sinclair, 29, of Minnetonka shooting up a car.

“For him to start firing off five shots randomly, we're very lucky he didn't hit somebody,” Sgt. Jesse Garcia said.

Sinclair took off running when he saw police. Police chased Sinclair for about two city blocks, where he ditched his gun in a sewer outside the Hard Rock Café.

Outrunning police, Sinclair was about to be home free, but he didn’t count on Matt Schultz.

“Right as we were walking out of the bar, we saw the guy running and two cops chasing after him and my brother just yells out, ‘Get him!’,” Schultz said.

Schultz, 24, was in town for the Iowa-Minnesota football game. The Iowa native and former high school wide receiver passed the officers in pursuit, and a block later, caught up to Sinclair.

“So then I just ran up behind him and put my arm around his neck and brought him down,” Schultz said. “Then I had him in a sleeper hold until the cops came and they took care of the rest.”

Minneapolis police don’t recommend citizens taking the law into their own hands, but they’re happy to have their suspect, without anyone getting hurt.

“We don't always recommend that someone help out, with someone potentially armed, but in this case it worked out well and the guy went to jail and nobody was hurt,” Sgt. Jesse Garcia said.

Sinclair was booked into jail on suspicion of discharging a weapon, property damage and carrying a weapon without a permit.

Iowa fans are multi-talented. Atta Go Hawks!

MSU and their rented coach??

2008-11-24T06:00:45Z

So does anybody else find it interesting that Mark Dantonio is more concerned about getting invited back into the homes of Buckeyes than he was for the possibility of his team possibly making their first Rose Bowl appearance in 20 years. Sure Michigan State was a long shot to beat Penn State and Michigan was a longer shot to beat the Buckeyes, but if I'm a MSU fan I'm wondering if Dantonio is just waiting for the chance to jump ship and replace Tressel should the Vest ever leave tOSU.

Maybe I am way off base here, but I know if I were a coach I would be rooting for a rival to win if it meant I would get my conference championship and a chance to go to Pasadena.

Where has THAT offense been all year? (Old Oaken Bucket Game)

2008-11-23T12:52:37Z

It's always fun seeing the Old Oaken bucket game at Ross-Ade. Though we were favored and playing a bad IU team, never did I think we'd totally dominate the game on both sides of the ball like we did yesterday.

First good sign: We were in the no huddle offense from the start. The first drive put IU on it's heels. Much like the Motor City Bowl last year, the no huddle was working, and we kept at it.

Second good sign: Curtis Painter was hitting his receivers and the receivers were holding on to the ball. I've given a lot of crap to Painter this season (for good reason, I think), but I have nothing but praise for y'day's performance. This is the Curtis Painter we all expected ALL year. He stayed poised in the pocket, the offensive line gave very little opportunity to get any kind of rush, and the receivers were making plays.

Third good sign: The defense showed up. Excellent coverage by the secondary y'day. They've grown as a unit and put it all together. Nice containment of Thigpen and Lewis.

Fourth good sign: We didn't let off the throttle. Too many times, we get a decent lead and Tiller goes to the run too often. We passed and passed some more. Granted, IU's defense is horrible, but it was the Purdue game plan of old. And they worked it to perfection.

It's nice to at least get the Bucket back in what has been a disappointing season. Joe Tiller rides off into the Wyoming sunset with a "W" and a 10-2 record against our biggest rival. Kory Sheets sets Purdue rushing TD records for a season, and career. Painter ends up 2nd to only Drew Brees in career BT passing yards.

Many more questions next year with Danny Hope now in charge. Will Justin Siller be the answer at QB? Who will step up in the WR position after a couple of key senior losses? Will Jaceyn Taylor come back from injury and run as well at 2007? Can the young defense continue to develop? I'd say a 6-6 record next year will be a positive first step in the "Hope Era".

2009 College Football recruiting rankings as of 11/13/09

2008-11-14T01:36:40Z

	School	Total	*** Commits**	** Commits**	* Commits**	Avg Stars	Points
1	USC	16	4	12	0	4.25	2,393
2	Ohio State	24	1	15	8	3.71	2,329
3	LSU	18	2	12	3	3.83	2,081
4	Texas	19	1	12	6	3.74	2,048
5	Florida State	18	1	10	7	3.67	1,820
6	Alabama	16	2	7	7	3.69	1,680
7	Georgia	16	0	11	5	3.69	1,613
8	Notre Dame	17	1	9	5	3.53	1,571
9	Miami	16	1	9	5	3.63	1,544
10	Auburn	26	0	8	17	3.27	1,534
11	Tennessee	18	0	8	10	3.44	1,513
12	Michigan	17	0	9	8	3.53	1,464
13	South Carolina	21	0	9	8	3.24	1,402
14	Oklahoma	19	0	6	13	3.32	1,385
15	North Carolina	19	1	7	7	3.26	1,383
16	Arkansas	21	1	3	16	3.19	1,346
17	Michigan State	16	0	8	7	3.44	1,323
18	Texas A&M	25	0	4	20	3.12	1,235
19	Stanford	15	0	7	8	3.47	1,214
20	Mississippi State	18	0	5	13	3.28	1,157
21	Florida	12	0	8	4	3.67	1,125
22	Texas Tech	19	0	4	13	3.11	1,006
23	Virginia Tech	18	1	2	11	3.00	992
24	Penn State	19	0	4	11	3.00	907
25	Maryland	22	0	3	14	2.91	870

I have no affiliation with rivals, spartan mag, staudt on sports or any sports recruiting agency.

College Football/How accurate are Pre-Season rankings

2008-11-14T00:20:57Z

12 teams are ranked in the Top 25 that were not ranked in the Top 25 Preseason, as follows (I used Sports Illustrated):

Alabama (1)
Utah (7)
Boise (9)
Okla. St. (13)
Ball St (14)
MSU (15)
UNC (16)
TCU (18)
FSU (19)
Tulsa (23)
Wake (24)
S. Car (25)

Coversely, here are the teams that were ranked that are not currently in the top 25, with their preseason ranking:

Auburn (8)
Wiscy (9)
Kansas (11)
Tenn (12)
Clemson (13)
WVU (14)
Ariz St (16)
Va Tech (17)
Oregon (19)
Illini (21)
Or St (22)
UVA (24)

Of the top 25, there are also some teams that moved both ways. LSU was ranked 6 in preseason, they are now #20. Penn St was #20, they sit at #6 (but that will fall in 2 weeks!). Texas Teck and Texas are #2 and #3, and they were #10 and #15 preseason.

I have no affiliation with rivals, spartan mag, staudt on sports or any sports recruiting agency

Where does MSU stack up in recruiting against other conf?

2008-11-13T20:20:57Z

I was asked on my opinion on what I felt about Michigan States 2009 recruiting class and where it measures up with the rest of the Big Ten. Right now MSU is ranked #3 in the big ten and #17overall in the nation. Those numbers do not lie, but then again, rivals.com has made mistakes on their ratings of certain players. For example Steven Threat who committed to G Tech in 2006. and is now at U-M. He was ranked a 4/5 star recruit and was the #12 dual threat QB in the nation. As you can tell, Threat is not fast and so far has not lived up to his 4 star billing, right now I would put him as a 2 star recruit. Rankings are not everything, highlight films make differences as how certain prospects show during that schools campus. I know that Dantonio likes to have the future of Michigan State to be at his camps so himself and his coaching staff can see each individual in person.

Anyways here is my thoughts on where Michigan State stacks up against other conferences in recruiting. Only USC in the pac-10 has a better recruiting class than Michigan state. MSU would have the #1 recruiting class in the Big East, Conf USA, MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt, and the WAC, if they were in those conferences respectively. Michigan State would be ranked #4 in the ACC if they were in that conference and ranked #8 in the SEC. I feel that Michigan State is doing VERY WELL in recruiting compared to other conferences.

During the past years I have not been impressed with John L Smiths evaluation on recruiting. I never liked seeing a player sign with MSU when they other schools that offered the player were only M.A.C schools. Yes, the MAC has proven that they can beat the big ten, but as a fan and avid recruiter analyst *underground* I wanted better. I waited for better, and waited, and waited, and now that time has come. In order for a football program to compete nationally, they have to go head to head with other school for big time recruits, and win. MSU has not done that well in the past but that has changed since Dantonio has stepped onto MSU's campus.

Ringer is a John L recruit, as is Brian Hoyer, so I will give John L credit for the recruitment of those two players. Ringer was offered by USC. Michigan wanted Fred Smith, Larry Caper and Chris Norman badly. David Barrent could have went anywhere in the nation. Edwin Baker had offers from Tenn, Fla and Texas!!!!! You will see a better MSU team overall once you see Michigan State beat out the Notre Dames, OU, Michigan, PSU and Ohio State even for kids.

Michigan State is beating its counterparts for big time recruits for 2009. I have not seen Michigan State start off this fast and successful with recruiting since Nick Saban was in East Lansing in 1999/2000 season. During those two years, Michigan State received the nations #1 recruit overall in Charles Rogers and T.J Duckett.

Also what is important is that Mark Dantonio is not getting Junior College or Prep College players. He is getting High School seniors. That is key, so those players will be in the system longer and at a younger age, they have a better attention discipline. I feel that Michigan States 2009 recruiting class is a top 10 class. Especially if they end up getting Dion Sims. Now remember this, Ohio State has 24 commitments, as U-M has more commitments than Michigan State right now. The last school to end up in the top 15 overall with less than 20 commitments in a class was USC. Anytime Michigan State can be compared to a program like USC, I will gladley smile and take it. Michigan State has 16 commitments right now and word has it that they only have three more scholarships left to give. I feel MSU stacks up nicely with any school in the nation as far as the 2009 recruiting season is going.

Note: There are other school who also have the same number of commitments as MSU, but MSU only has 3 more to give out as those other schools will have 9 ore more.

If MSU fans are excited about 2009 class, just wait and see what MSU will do for the 2010/2011 class!

Side note: All 3 of these players had MSU as runnerup, so think of how Michigan State COULD be if these three stayed home. I know this is bad to wish that a kid would not get accepted to a school, but I did hope that Nick Perry, Detroit, MI ( USC) * #2 DE in 2007 overall and top 50 recruit nationally, #1 player in the state of Michigan* would have not qualified at USC. Based on that he was going to transfer to Michigan State, but his grades did end up goingthrough the clearinghouse. He is the state of Michigan's all time sack leader with Tyler Hoover is #2. Same as I wished Ron Johnson, Muskegon (USC) would have came to MSU and Joseph Barksdale *Detroit Cass Tech* who starts at OT for LSU

Michigan State Overload: Spartan Recruiting at the Skill Positions, Past and Present

2008-11-12T00:04:25Z

I have always wanted to do this. I find the recruiting aspect of the college football game to be exciting. I will break down each position for Michigan State and share with you players high school rankings, rivals star ranking, where they are from, what high school they played for and whom MSU beat out to receive the service of each individual athlete. It gives you a better idea of what type of player MSU has starting at each position!!

Note: Rivals rates players on a five star basis, and also on a 6.1 point scale, to help make things more clear.

QUARTERBACKS

7 Brian Hoyer North Olmsted, OH (St. Ignatius) ***star rating, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #14 pro-style qb and was ranked #16 overall in Ohio '04. He chose Michigan State over S.C, WF,CINCI,DUKE, IND AND OHIO

#8 Kirk Cousins Holland, MI (Holland Christian H.S) *** star rating, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, ranked #27 overall in Michigan '07, committed to Michigan State over N. ILL, TOLEDO, WMU, COLORADO

#9 Keith Nichol Lowell, MI (Lowell H.S) **** star rating, 5.9/6.1 rivals rating, ranked #6 dual threat Qb coming out of high school in '07. Rivals top 250 recruit, #4 in Michigan '07, Initially chose OU over MSU, CINCI, WISC, IA but later chose the right school and transferred to Michigan State. *My prediction for starter next year*

The Future: Michigan State has another elite 11 Qb coming in next fall. Andrew Maxwell from Midland, MI (Midland High) ****star, 5.9/6.1 rivals ranking, ranked #8 pro-style QB overall, rivals top 250 recruit, #5 overall player in Michigan class '09. Michigan State QB group ranking is currently at #18 nationally. Verbally commmitted to MSU before BCS schools could be actively involved.

Michigan State is actively recruiting 3 QB's for 2010 season! All three of the juniors are rivals pre-season top 250 overall, regardless of position. First is Robert Bolden, Orchard LK St. Marys, has offers from MSU, nw, ne, vandy, wisc and cmu. Bolden is considered a dual threat QB! Joe Boisture, Goodrich, MI (Goodrich H.S) is considered a pro-style QB, and has offers from Pitt, and B.C, MSU is actively evaluating Boisture who also claims that MSU was his childhood favorite school. The last of the 3 junior QB's in the state of Michigan is Dual Threat Qb Devin Gardner, Inkster, MI (Inskster), has offers from MSU, u-m, cinci, ia, ne, pur, b.g, cmu, and toledo.

RUNNING BACK

#23 Javon Ringer Dayton, OH (Chaminade-Julienne) *** star, 5.7/6.1 rivals rating, #18 RB overall, #13 overall in Ohio '05, chose MSU over USC, TENN, FLA, IA. His high school highlight tape is really worth watching!!

#27 Andre Anderson Barrington, IL (Barrington H.S)*** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, N/R among RB position nationally but was ranked #18 overall in ILL in '07. Anderson chose MSU over MINN, EMU, N.ILL, IND, IA ST.

#45 Andrew Hawken, Wyoming, MI (Grandville) ***star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #35 LB nationally, #5 player overall in Mich in '05. Committed to MSU over WISC, IND

#20 A.J Jimmerson, St. Louis, MO (Hazelwood Central) ***star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #30 RB nationally, #8 overall in MO '05. Committed to MSU over MINN, MO, NE, TULSA

#32 Ashton Leggett, Muskegon, MI (Muskegon High) *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally among RB, #21 overall player in Michigan' 07. Committed to MSU over BUFF, CMU, WMU, EMU, N.ILL, TOLEDO

#24 Caulton Ray, Southfield, MI (Brother Rice) *** star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #43 RB nationally, #17 in Michigan overall in '08. Committed to msu over AKRON, B.G, EMU, CMU, CINCI, TOLEDO

#41 Glen Winston, Detroit, MI (Denby Tech) *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #89 ath nationally, #20 overall in Michigan '08. Was not recruited heavily but was considered a legend in detroit in '08. *I predict Winston will start next year unless Baker and Caper come in this summer and take over*

The Future: Michigan State is in the process of signing the nations #7 RB class of 2009. Larry Caper, and Edwin Baker are the highlights of this class. Caper is from Battle Creek, Mi ( Battle Creek Central), **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals ranking, #25 overall rb in the nation, and is ranked #9 in the state of Michigan for 2009. Verbally Committed to MSU over PUR, CINCI, STAN, MICH, IA. Edwin Baker, Oak Park (Oak Park H.S) is a rivals top 250 recruit overall of position. He is ranked #41 overall, regardless of postion. He is a **** star, 6.0/6.1 rivals ranking, #5 RB overall, #2 in the state of Michigan overall for the class of 2009. He was also invited to the prestigous Army All-American Game! Last RB that committed to MSU to be invited to that All-Star game was T.J Duckett. Edwin verbally committed to MSU over PUR, FLA, TX,TENN, GA, IA, MICH!

For 2010, MSU is in the lead for pre-season top 3 overall player in Austin White, from Livonia (Stevenson). He is the younger brother of twins, Myles and Mitchell! Some say Austin White is the #1 Junior Recruit in the state of Michigan. MSU and U-M have offered. He is also listed in the rivals pre season top 250 for the class of 2010. Ovid Elsie's Chris Robinson is also gaining national attention and MSU has him in their sights for 2010 as well. Robinson has rushed for over 2000 yards this season and is averaging over 9 yards a carry.

WIDE RECEIVER

#3 B.J Cunningham, Westerville, OH (South H.S), ***star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #38 player overall in OH in 2008. Committed to MSU over AKRON, KENT ST, MARSH, MIAMI-OH, TOLEDO, CINCI. *predicted returning starter for next year*

#84 Deon Curry, Oakland Township, MI (Country Day), *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals ranking, #74 WR overall nationally, #15 overall in Michigan in 2005. Committed to MSU over interest from NW, GA, ILL, and IND.

#2 Mark Dell, Farmington Hills, MI (Harrison), **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals ranking, #21 Wr nationally, #7 in Michigan in 2007, committed to MSU over PUR, WISC, AND IA. *predicted returning start next year*

#82 Keshawn Martin, Inkster, MI (John Glen), *** star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #80 Wr nationally, #14 overall in Michigan '08. Highly under-rated and like winston came under the radar and fell onto MSU's laps during the recruiting process. MSU saw his highlight film and after 7 seconds of watching, Dantonio offered!!!

#16 Chris D. Rucker, Detroit, MI (Country Day), ** star, 5.2/6.1 rivals rating, #26 overall in Michigan in 2008. Committed to MSU over PUR, B.G, EMU, IA, MIAMI-OH.

#6 Fred Smith, Detroit, MI (Southeastern), ****star, 5.9/6.1 rivals ranking, #24 WR nationally, #5 in Michigan in 2008. Committed to MSU over PUR, WISC, B,G, ILL, MICH *would like to see play more next year*

#80 Myles White, Livonia, MI ( Stevenson) ** star, 5.1/6.1 ranking, N/R, has twin brother #86 Mitchell White who plays for MSU as well.

#19 David Williams, Monroeville, PA (Gateway), ** star, 4.9/6.1 rivals ranking, N/R nationally or in his state coming out of h.s Committed to MSU over AKRON, KENT ST, KY, and YOUNGSTOWN ST.

*I feel bad that I do not have anything on Blair White, for he is a very interesting story and I would be happy to share with you his h.s ranking and stats. Since he is a walk-on * now on scholarship* I do not have any information on the RISING star receiver.*

Future: MSU has 3 verbal commitments for class 2009. Bennie Fowler, Detroit, Mi (Country Day), *** star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #99 WR nationally, #30 overall player in Michigan for class 2009. Committed to MSU over Ind. Donald Spencer, Yipsilanti, MI (Ypsilanti), **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals ranking, #34 overall WR, #10 in the state of Michigan for 2008. Committed to MSU early in recruiting process. The last WR Commitment is Pat White, Pickerington, OH (Central), *** star, 5.7/6.1 rating, #53 WR nationally, #28 player in Ohio for 2009. Commited to MSU over ORE, CINCI, WV, IND,KS, and LOUISVILLE!

MSU currently has the #9 overall ranked WR recruiting class coming in 2009!

Tight End

#83 Charlie Gant, Farmington Hills, MI (Brother Rice), **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals rating, #14 T.E Nationally, #4 player overall in Michigan in 2006, Committed to MSU over N.C, B.G, CMU, WMU, EMU, CINCI and DUKE

#85 Garrett Celek, Cincinnati, OH (Lasalle H.S), ** star, N/R nationally and in the state of OH, he committed to MSU over CINCI

Future: MSU has one commitment at the TE position. Although most predict he will be moved to the OL. Derek Hoebing, Vermillion, OH (Vermillion), **star, 5.4/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally and is ranked #84 in Ohio for class 2009. I have no opinion on whom I think might start next year for MSU at this position. I like Sims if he commits to MSU, but there is always much more love for a incoming recruit, especially a 4-star player.

Rumor has it that rivals **** star T.E Dion Sims, Orchard Lake St. Marys has MSU in the lead. He is ranked #6 T.E Overall nationally, #2 fastest T.E nationally, #2 best athlete T.E nationally, #8 overall player in Michigan for 2009. Because analysts did not know if he would play college basketball or football, is the reason his rating has went down. He was the state of Michigan #1 football recruit and was in the top 30 overall in the nation regardless of position before the season. His season ended early with a knee injury, the same Ringer received his Sr. season in h.s. If MSU pulls the commitment from Sims, watch their overall Team recruiting ranking sky rocket up, from their current position of #17 nationally, #3 in the Big Ten!!!!

If I have forgotten some players, please let me know, I will gladly add them to the list. I will have the OL, DL, coming shortly. Following with LB, DB, K/P

I have no affiliation with rivals.com, spartan mag or with any recruiting agency. This is all information I have gathered throughout the process

Michigan State Overload: Linebacker recruiting past/present

2008-11-13T16:04:38Z

Here is Michigan State's Defensive backs, Line backers, and special teams recruiting statistics. Rivals does the ratings on a 1-5 star basis and rates up to a 6.1 level.

Linebackers

#42 Ryan Alliston, Lake Orion, MI (Lake Orion), *** star, 5.7/6.1 rivals rating, #29 Wr, #4 player overall in michigan in 2005. Selected MSU over UCLA, WISC, B.C, COL, G TECH and K ST

#55 Adam Decker, Rochester Hills (Brother Rice), ** st ar, 5.2/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally, #18 player overall in state of Michigan in 2005. Selected MSU over B.C, G TECH

#50 Steve Gardiner, Dublin, OH (Coffman) *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #67 LB in the nation, #47 player overall in Oh in 2008. Selected MSU over OH ST, NW, PITT, SY, VANDY, WV, CINCI and IND

#43 Eric Gordon, Traverse City, MI (West) **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals rating, #13 LB nationally, #2 player overall in Michigan in 2006. Selected MSU over MISS, CMU

#53 Greg Jones, Cincinnati, OH (Archbiship Moeller H.S), *** star, 5.7/6.1 rivals rating, #38 ILB nationally. Selected MSU over MINN, MARSH, MIAMI-OH, WMU, CINCI and AF

#36 Jon Misch, Waterford, MI (Orchard Lake St. Mary's) ** star, 5.1/6.1 rivals ranking, N/R Nationally, selected MSU over EMU

#54 David Rolf, Piqua, OH (Piqua) ***star, 5.5/6.1 rivals ranking, #48 player overall in Ohio in 2008. Selected MSU over ORE, UTAH, VANDY, CMU, EMU, and AF

#44 Josh Rouse, Newton ,CT (Valley Forge Military Aca) ** star, 5.1/6.1 rivals rating, Selected MSU over N.W, ILL

#48 Drew Stevens, Delaware, OH (Olentangy) ** star, 5.2/6.1 rivals ranking, N/R nationally. Selected MSU over KENT ST, AKRON, and TOLEDO

#51 Jamiihr, Williams, Lima, OH (Trotwood-Madison) ** star, 5.4/6.1 rivals ranking, N/R Nationally or in the state. Selected MSU over AKRON, BUFF, EMU, MARSH, MIAMI-OH, and CINCI

Future: Michigan State has right now 3 linebackers for the 2009 recruiting class. I am very impressed with all 3 of these linebackers. Denicos Allen, Hamilton, OH (Hamilton) ***star, 5.6/6.1 rivals ranking, #36 LB nationally, #33 player in OH overall. Selected MSU over NW, PSU, PUR, WISC, IND, IA, STAN, LOU. Allen looks like a grown man already. I am very impressed with his physique at the age he is. TyQuan Hammock, Fort Wayne, IN (Arch Bishop), ***star, 5.7/6.1 rivals ranking, #33 ILB nationally, #5 in the state of Indiana overall. Selected MSU over MINN, CMU, IND, LOU. Hammock had a monster senior year for Arch Bishop. He is a powerful hitter and is the team leader for a defense that shut out 5 of their opponents during the season. Last is the best linebacker recruit out of the bunch. Chris Norman, Detroit, MI ( Renaissance) **** star, 5.9/6.1 rivals ranking, #5 LB in the nation, #3 player overall in the state of Michigan, Rivals top 250 recruit. He is actually ranked #108 overall nationally. He selected MSU over NW, PSU, STAN, PUR, WV, IL IA, and U-M. Norman is a beast, his standing vertical is 40 INCHES. That is higher than Jason Richardson and Maurice Agers vertical, and he runs a 4.6 40 yard dash. I am really excited to see Norman in green and white

Michigan State does have a commitment for the 2010 class, Max Bullough. He is from Traverse City, MI (St. Francis). He will be a pre-season top 10 in-state player in Michigan. Selected MSU over UCLA, NE, STAN, and ND. Another in-state player to watch is Austin Gray, Warren, MI (Fitzgerald), he currently holds offers from PUR, CMU and TOLEDO. I honestly do not know if I have seen another LB in the class of 2010 hit as hard as this kid does. Also spartan fans, remember PERCY and ERIC SNOW? Their nephew Jewone Snow holds a offer from MSU and ILL. Also is Jamel Turner Youngstown, OH (Ursulin), rivals preseason top 250. Already has offers from MSU, OSU,ILL, LSU, U-M, NE, STAN, and WISC

I have no affiliation with rivals, spartan mag, or any sports recruiting agency. These are my own words, that I have gathered throughout the years.

Michigan State recruiting past and future, statistics on DL

2008-11-13T16:07:35Z

I have interesting information on the Defensive Linemen for Michigan State. Note: Rivals uses a 1-5 star rating basis and also rates players up to a 6.1 rating.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

#58 Trevor Anderson, Detroit, MI (Crockett), ** star, 5.2/6.1 rivals rating,N/R nationally, #19 player in Michigan in 2005. Selected CINCI over B.G then transferred to MSU in 08 after being the big-east player of the year

#49 Dwayne Holmes, Detroit, MI (Ford), ****star, 5.8/6.1 rivals rating, #18 Ath in 2004, #36 player overall in Midwes, #5 player overall in Michigan. Selected MSU over PUR, WISC and B.C

#91 Tyler Hoover, Novi, MI (Novi), *** star, 5.7/6.1 rivals rating, #19 Strong side DE, #9 player in Michigan in 08. Selected MSU over U-M, PURDUE, VANDY, WISC, ILLI, MIAMI-FL

#93 Antonio Jeremiah, Hilliard, Oh (Darby), ****star, 5.9/6.1 rivals rating, #14 DT nationally, #4 player overall in Ohio in 2007. Selected MSU over MINN, NE, WV, GA, and MD

#92 Ishmyl Johnson, Rahway, NH (Milford Aca) *** star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #37 prep school player in 2007. Selected MSU over SY, TEMPLE, PITT and ILL

#98 Micheal Jordan, Lansing, MI (Eastern Arizona College) **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals rating, #24 J.C player overall. Selected MSU over NE, TEX A&M, FL, MIAMI-FL

#94 Cameron Jude, Chesterfield, VA (Manchester) ** star, 5.2/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally. Selected MSU over Marshall

#97 Justin Kershaw, Columbus , OH (Reynoldsburg) ** star, 5.2/6.1 rivals rating. Selected MSU over MINN, B.C, CINCI, IND and KY

#47 Brandon Long, Canton, OH (Glen Oak) *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #45 LB, #26 player in OH in 2005. Selected MSU over AKRON, B.G, KENT ST, CINCI, IND, and IA.

#89 Colin Neely, Bethlethem, PA (Freedom) *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #33 LB, and #29 player in PA for 2006. Selected MSU over PSU, RUT,WV, PITT, B.C, IA. and MD

#96 Kevin Pickelman, Marshall, MI (Marshall), ** star, 5.2/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally, #33 player in Michigan for 2007. Selected MSU over BALL ST, CMU, EMU,MIAMI-OH, N. ILL, TOL, CMU, CINCI

#70 Oren Wilson, Teaneck, NJ (Harmony Prep) *** star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #36 prep school player and chose MSU over Cinci

#99 Jerel Worthy, Huber Heights, OH (Wayne) *** star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #53 Dt overall, #30 player in Ohio in 2008. Selected MSU over NE, AKRON, MARSH, OHIO, CINCI

Future: MSU does not have any commits out of a DT and only one commit right now at DE for 2009 class. 2009 commit is Strongside DE Dan France North Royalton, OH (North Royalton), *** star, 5.7/6.1 rivals ranking, #21 Strongside DE, #21 player overall in Ohio for '09. Selected MSU over NC ST,NW, PUR, STAN, VANDY, IA, and IND.

But the future looks bright for 2010. Junior Strongside DE William Gholston is a monster from Detroit Southeastern. I have not seen a defensive highlight film like his since Lamar Woodly, Robaire Smith, and Nick Perry's. MSU is considered the lead for his services, he is a top 250 recruit and will be a **** star recruit also. Look for him to be in the top 3 for the state of Michigan for class 2010, he might crack a ***** star, which would not surprise me. This kid is the real deal!! Gholson's teammate Johnathon Hankins at DT is a player I hope MSU receives a verbal from as well as Strongside DE Tremondae Branch from Flint Carman-Ainsworth is also worth watching also. Also is Top Jr in Ego Ferguson, Frederick, MD (St. Johns Catholic). Will garner pre-season top 250 overall honors. Has offers from MSU, TENN, OK ST, GA, MD, CLEM, ILL,NE, NC, BC, SC, DUKE, UCON, FSU and VANDY.

Coming up: Michigan States Linebackers, Defensive Backs, and Kickers and Punters

I have no Affiliation with any sports recruiting agency, rivals, or spartan mag

Michigan State Overload: recruiting stats OL

2008-11-12T02:43:28Z

Here are some interesting side stats on the Offensive and Defensive linemen for the Michigan State Spartan football team. I am still waiting for any college football anouncers to use some of this information when they are introducing the players who are starting for each team!

Rivals does a 1-5 star rating, and a 1.0-6.1 rating on each individual player. Although I rarely see a player under 5.0, they are normally just considered N/R=not ranked if they are under 5.0 rating.

OFFENSIVE LINE

#57 Rocco Cironi, Warren, OH (Harding), *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #47 OT in the nation, #31 overall in the state of Ohio in 2005. Selected MSU over VANDY, MIAMI OHIO, CINCI, IND, and KS

#77 J'Michael Dean, Torono, ON (Metro), ** star, 5.4/6.1 rivals rating, N/R by any recruiting analyst. Selected MSU over AKRON, OHIO, and DUKE

#71 John Deyo, Battle Creek, MI (Gull Lake), ** star, 5.4/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally, #26 overall player in Michigan 2008. Selected MSU over CMU, WMU

#74 Zach Hueter, Columbiaville, MI (North Branch), ** star, 5.3/6.1 rivals rating, #30 player over all in Michigan 2008. Selected MSU over CMU, WMU, EMU, IND

#67 Joel Foreman, Highland, MI (Milford H.S), ** star, 5.4/6.1 rivals rating, #25 player overall in Michigan, 2007. Selected MSU over CINCI

#73 Roland Martin, Chicago, IL(Harper), **** star, 6.0/6.1 rivals rating, #29 overall player nationally in 2004, #2 OT, #10 in Midwest overall, #3 player overall in ILL. Selected MSU over NC ST, OU, NE, TENN, ILL and IA.

#62 Chris McDonald, Sterling Heights, MI ( Henry Ford II) ** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #18 in Michigan in 2008. Selected MSU over PUR, DUKE, IND, IA, and Ill

#75 Jared McGaha, Powell, TN (Powell), *** star, 5.1/6.1 rivals rating, #67 OL nationally, #16 player overall in Tenn. Selected MSU over MARSH, AKRON, MID TENN ST, CINCI, ILL

#79 Jesse Miller, Somerville, NJ (Sommerville), *** star, 5.4/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally or in NJ. Selected MSU over TEM, UCF, TROY, N.EASTERN, and IA

#64 Brandon Moss, Bay Village, MI (Fork Union Military Academy), *** star, 5.4/6.1 rating. Selected MSU over NC ST, PUR, B.G, MIAMI-OH, TOL, and DUKE

#65 Joel Nitchman, Kalamazoo, MI (Hackett), *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, #52 OG nationally, #8 in Michigan in 2005. Selected MSU over B.G, CMU, N. ILL, WMU and IND.

#61 Arthur Ray, Chicago, IL (Mount Caramel) *** star, 5.7/6.1 rating, #18 OL nationally, #9 in ILL in 2007. Selected MSU over NC ST, B.C, CO ST, ILL, IND, IA ST, and KY

#68 Ethan Ruhland, Lake Orion (Lake Orion), *** star, 5.7/6.1 rivals rating, #29 OG nationally, #12 in Michigan in 2008. Selected MSU over CMUY, WMUY, EMU, MIAMI-OH, AF, and IND

#76 Mike Schmeding, Rutherford, NJ (St. Mary), ** star, 5.2/6.1 rivals rating. N/R nationally and selected MSU over KENT ST, TROY, UCONN, DUKE, and LOUIS

#66 John Stipek, Macomb Township, MI (Dakota) ** star, 5.4/6.1 rivals rating, N/R nationally, #15 player overall in Michigan in 2006 and selected MSU over B.G, CMU, and TOLEDO

#63 Anthony Woods, Melvindale, MI (Melvindale), *** star, 5.6/6.1 rivals rating, #65 OT nationally, #18 player overall in Michigan in 2008. Selected MSU over EMU, TOL, IND and IA

Future: MSU has a very strong 2009 OL class. If all Commits honor their verbal, MSU will have a bright future in the offensive trenches. David Barrent highlights the 2009 recruiting class for OL. Barrent is from West Des Moines, IA (Valley), **** star, 6.0,6.1 rivals rating, #9 OT nationally, #2 pass blocker nationally, rivals top 100 recruit at #80, and is the state of Iowa #1 recruit for 2009. Barrent has been selected to the U.S Army All-American All-Star game along with Baker. Barrent Verballed to MSU over IA, NE, IND, NW, ILL, STAN, MINN, IA ST, and KS.

Center Nate Klatt, Canton Fulton, OH (Northwest), **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals rating, #6 center in the nation and is #17 player overall in Ohio for 2009. Selected MSU over NW, IND and KS. Micajah Reynolds, Lansing, MI (Sexton), *** star, 5.5/6.1 rivals rating, ranked #56 OL nationally and is the #20 player overall in the state of Michigan for 2009. Selected MSU over B.G, BUFF, CMU,TOL, WMU, and IND. Last is Blake Treadwell, Lansing, MI (East Lansing), **** star, 5.8/6.1 rivals rating, #3 center nationally, #2 most agile OL, rivals top 250 recruits overall, #7 player overall in Michigan for 2009. With his father being MSU's offensive coordinator it was obvious that MSU was the only school for him. Michigan State right now has the #4 ranked OL class in the nation! #1 in the big ten. For 2010 class MSU is after James Hurst, Indianapolis, IN (Plainfield), he will also garner preseason top 250 honors. MSU has offered as well DUKE, IND, MISS ST, NC, ND, and PUR.

FYI: I forgot MSU has the #3 ranked QB incoming class in the big ten, #2 RB class, and #2 WR class.

I have no affiliation with rivals.com, spartan mag or any recruiting agency. These are stats I have collected myself throughout the years.

My Wish List for the Michigan State Football 2009 Depth Chart

2008-11-13T19:17:31Z

I am currently going through the returning/active roster for MSU football 2009 season. This is my wish list of who I would like to see play based solely on-field production, and incoming freshman will be placed in the depth chart. NOTE: I will only go 4 deep at RB, the rest of the positions I will only go 3 deep.

With the Offensive Line, I am basically going with what the depth chart was from the 2008 season. Because, the development of a offensive linemen is different than any other position on any college football team. Coaches have an idea of who is progressing, but offensive linement are like diamonds in the rough. You can have a 2 star offensive lineman be a College All-American, likewise you can have a 5 star OL, be a flop. Predicting the depth chart of the OL is the most difficult for me with this blog.

** Starters are in Bold**

OFFENSE: Power- I or Pro-Style offense

#9 Keith Nichol 6'2, 195 lbs, 4.68 Jr

#8 Kirk Cousins 6-3, 197 4.88 Soph/RS

Andrew Maxwell 6-3 192 4.90 Fresh

#41 Glen Winston 6-2 218 4.40 Soph

Edwin Baker 5-10 204 4.40 Fresh

#27 Andre Anderson 5-9 188 4.4 Soph/RS

Larry Caper 5-10 215 4.41 Fresh

#83 Charlie Gant 6-4 252 4.89 Jr

Brian Linthicum 6-4 217 4 .72 Soph/Trans Clem

#85 Garrett Celek 6-4 252 4.6 Soph/RS

#3 B.J Cunningham 6-2 205 4.52 Soph/RS

#25 Blair White 6-1 215 4.63 Sr

#6 Fred Smith 6-2 218 4.4 Soph

#2 Mark Dell 6-2 188 4.51 Jr

#82 Keshawn Martin 6-0 180 4.3 Soph

Bennie Fowler 6-2 185 4.6 Fresh

#57 Rocco Cironi 6-6 308 5.25 Sr

#64 Brendon Moss 6-6 287 5.0 Sr

#75 Jared McGaha 6-6 290 5.1 Soph/RS

#76 Mike Schmeding 6-8 320 5.3 Sr

#77 J'Michael Dean 6-5 294 4.8 Jr

David Barrant 6-8 290 -.- Fresh

#67 Joel Foreman 6-3 308 5.74 Soph

#64 Brendon Moss 6 -6 287 5.0 Sr

#68 Ethan Ruhland 6-3 262 5.2 Fresh/RS

#75 Jared McGaha 6-6 290 5.1 Soph/RS

#66 John Stipek 6-5 298 -.- Sr

#61 Arthur Ray 6-3 300 5.3 Fresh/RS

Center

Nate Klatt 6-4 286 5.4 Fresh

#67 Joel Foreman 6-3 308 5.74 Soph/RS

#65 Joel Nitchman 6-3 297 5.28 Sr

DEFENSE: 4-3

Defensive End

#58 Trevor Anderson 6-2 250 4.75 Sr

#98 Micheal Jordan 6-5 287 4.8 Sr

#92 Ishmyl Johnson 6-5 272 4.8 Jr

Nose Tackle

#93 Antonio Jeremiah 6-5 318 5.05 Jr

#70 Oren Wilson 6-3 288 -.- Jr

#98 Micheal Jordan 6-5 287 4.8 Sr

Defensive Tackle

#70 Orrin Wilson 6-3 288 4.9 Jr

#99 Jerel Worthy 6-3 305 4.9 Fresh/RS

Blake Treadwell 6-2 270 -.- Fresh

Defensive End

#91 Tyler Hoover 6-7 268 4.57 Fresh/RS

#92 Ishmyl Johnson 6-5 272 4.8 Jr/RS

#94 Cameron Jude 6-3 240 -.- Fresh/RS

LineBacker

#43 Eric Gordon 6-0 224 4.57 Jr

Chris Norman 6-2 207 4.5 Fresh

#35 Marcus Webb 5-11 220 -.- Sr

Linebacker

#53 Greg Jones 6-1 222 4.6 Jr

#34 Brandon Denson 5-11 222 4.5 Sr

#50 Steve Gardinger 6-2 214 4.56 Freshman/ RS

Linebacker

Chris Norman 6-2 207 4.5 Fresh

#54 David Rolf 6-3 215 4.49 Fresh/RS

Tyquon Hammock 6-1 227 4.7 Fresh

Cornerback

#29 Chris L Rucker 6-2 190 4.5 Jr

#9 Jeremy Ware 5-10 191 -.- Sr

#31 Ashton Henderson 5-11 182 4.43 Sr

Cornerback

#5 Johnny Adams 5-11 165 4.4 Soph

#39 Trenton Robinson 5-10 185 4.4 Fresh/RS

#37 Ross Weaver 6-1 202 -.- Sr

Strong Safety

#40 Roderick Jenrette 6-1 195 4.5 Jr/RS

#13 Charles Burrell 6-2 210 4.6 Fresh/RS

#11 Marcus Hyde 6-0 199 4.6 Jr

Free Safety

#30 Brynden Trawick 6-3 223 4.51 Fresh/RS

#33 Dan Fortener 6-1 199 4.4 Sr

#26 Jesse Johson 5-10 187 4.7 Jr

Punter

Aaron Bates 6-0 190 5.0 Sr

Kicker

#14 Bret Swenson 5-8 167 -.- Sr

Punt Returner

#82 Keshawn Martin 6-0 180 4.3 Soph

Kick Returner

#82 Keshawn Martin 6-0 180 4.3 Soph

#41 Glen Winston * if he starts at RB, then I'd like Larry Caper based on that MSU coaches will not use their starting RB to return kickoffs or punts* 6-2 218 4.31 soph

or Edwin Baker returning kickoffs if he is not starting as well

I have no affiliation with rivals, spartanmag, Staudt on sports or any sports recruiting agency

State of the Big Ten

2008-10-15T17:46:26Z

Seven weeks down, and six to go in the Big Ten. We’ve reached that point in the season where it’s reasonable to start projecting how the conference stacks up against each other based on performance, and not preseason hype. This is my Big Ten power rankings through week seven. Also, I’ll discuss some big matchups in the coming weeks as well as some offensive standouts from the first half of the year.

Power Rankings-

1. Penn State 7-0 (3-0)

This is a team on a mission. If that’s not apparent after the 48-7 thrashing they gave Wisconsin at Camp Randall then I don’t know what is. They haven’t overlooked an opponent yet and look to be the favorite to win the Big Ten at this point with first year quarterback Darryl Clark leading the way.

2. Ohio State 6-1 (3-0)

It almost seems that the Buckeyes are here by default. It feels like they’ve been sleepwalking offensively for the past three or four weeks which needs to change if they want to win their next two games (@ MSU, vs. PSU). Those games will tell us everything we need to know about the Buckeyes.

3. Michigan State 6-1 (3-0)

They are beginning to personify their head coach, Mark Dantonio. Tough D and mistake free football has led to six straight victories for the Spartans. If heisman hopeful Javon Ringer has a big day against the Buckeyes it could be seven in a row and a date with PSU to decide the Big Ten on the last day of the season.

4. Minnesota 6-1 (2-1)

The Golden Gophers are the surprise of not just the Big Ten but all of college football after beating the Illini this past weekend. After going 1-11 with no conference wins last year, they have to be on cloud 9 right about now. I could really see them going 4-1 or 1-4 the rest of the year but either way they are bowl eligible just one year after being the Big Ten’s whipping boy.

5. Northwestern 5-1 (1-1)

With games against Purdue and Indiana coming up the Wildcats look to bounce back from a sluggish loss to MSU and become bowl eligible. Tyrell Sutten is the workhorse for this team and as long as C.J. Bacher limits his mistakes they should indeed become 7-1. After that the road gets a bit tougher and I look for them to drop three of their final four games.

6. Illinois 3-3 (1-2)

Plain and simple, Illinois is better than the team that showed up against the Gophers on Saturday. The Illini could easily be in the top three teams on this list but they continue to be all flash and no substance. If they played some defense to back up playmakers Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn then it’s plausible they could be tops on this list. They need to win out to salvage this season and unfortunately that’s just not happening.

7. Iowa 4-3 (1-2)

My impression of the Hawkeyes during the first part of the year is this = Dang, that Shonn Greene kid is good. Iowa runs the ball well and plays good defense, that’s usually a good combination. They need to fair well in the next three games against struggling Wisconsin and Illinois and then Penn State to have a chance to brag at the end of the year.

8. Wisconsin 3-3 (0-3)

I hate to say it, but Wisconsin is becoming the Clemson of the Big Ten... annually overrated. They just took their worst home defeat in almost two decades making it three losses in a row.

Looking at the schedule, they only have two “guaranteed” wins left, those being Indiana and Cal Poly. They need to fix the QB problem and re-establish the running game if they want to make it to a bowl this year.

9. Purdue 2-4 (0-2)

The Boilermakers hung tough against the conference’s two best teams but was only able to muster nine combined points in those games. So as shocking as it seems, the problem with this Purdue team is their offense. Curtis Painter can pass for all the yards in the world but it doesn’t matter if they can’t take advantage in the redzone.

10. Michigan 2-4 (1-1)

Imagine if Wisconsin didn’t fall apart in the second half of this matchup three weeks ago. Michigan would be 1-5 with a loss to lowly Toledo. Obviously Michigan beat Wisconsin so you have to give credit where credit is due but this Wolverine team is just not good. A rebuilding year or two was expecting with Rich Rod coming in but, did you seriously, honestly expect this? There is a very real possibility that Michigan is going to have a losing record this year.

11. Indiana 2-4 (0-3)

The Hoosiers were a great story last year. Unfortunately that has not translated to this year. The schedule only gets harder from this point forward and I see one, maybe two more wins in store for them. And that’s if they catch a few lucky breaks. They made Iowa look like the best team in the Big Ten last weekend.


Remaining Big Games

10/18 - Ohio State at Michigan State

Not many fans had this one marked down as a conference deciding game at the beginning of the year but that’s exactly what it’s turned into. Sparty always plays the Buckeyes tough no matter how good they are so this should be a very telling game for both teams and for the conference.

10/25- Penn State at Ohio State

This game has turned into THE game of the year in the Big Ten. Quick fact = The last time Ohio State started a freshman QB vs. Penn State was 1978 which happens to be the last time the Nittany Lions came out of Columbus with a win.

11/1 - Northwestern at Minnesota

If the top three teams tumble these two (amazingly enough) have put themselves in position to compete for the crown.

11/8 - Ohio State at Northwestern

Depending on how OSU fares the next two weeks, this could be a huge game for both teams. If OSU struggles, look for this NU team to capitalize. If OSU hits there stride, this could be their last speed bump on the way to the conference championship.

11/22- Michigan State at Penn State

In recent years, its been the OSU/Mich rivalry which has dominated the conference. But this year it very well could be the Battle for the Land Grant Trophy which decides the whole deal. MSU and PSU have never played for anything more than a forced rivalry, but this one could mean oh so much more.

Standout Players

QB

1. Darryl Clark, Penn State. 160.6 QB rating, 96-149, 64.4%, 1360 yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs, 6 rushing TDs

2. Adam Weber, Minnesota. 145.0 QB rating, 142-209, 67.9%, 1612 yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs, 2 rushing TDs

3. Juice Williams, Illinois. 151.2 QB rating, 107-183, 58.5%, 1677 yards, 13 TDs, 7 INTs, 4 rushing TDs

Javon Ringer, Michigan State. 1112 yards, 4.5 ypc, 14 TDs

Shonn Greene, Iowa. 937 yards, 6.2 ypc, 6 TDs

Evan Royster, Penn State. 719 yards, 7.3 ypc, 9 TDs

Eric Decker, Minnesota. 59 receptions, 782 yards, 5 TDs

Jordan Norwood, Penn State. 21 receptions, 377 yards, 4 TDs

Andy Brodell, Iowa. 24 receptions, 373 yards, 3 TDs



Aaron Maybin (Penn State) and Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State) should also be mentioned for there contributions on defense. Maybin has been a terror on the defensive line, applying constant pressure and has already forced nine sacks. Jenkins seems to be everywhere at once in the secondary nabbing three interceptions so far this year.

And finally, the special teams player of the year is... Penn State’s (of course) Derrick Williams. He’s returned two kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns so far on the season and he’s averaging 30+ yards per return. He currently has five touchdown returns in his career, a Penn State record.

Poll

Who will win the Big Ten

Penn State

14 votes

Ohio State

0 votes

Michigan State

1 votes

Other

2 votes

17 votes | Poll has closed

Oh Jimmy T, you're so silly...

2008-10-09T20:51:35Z

The website I work for has some really funny story from Jim Tressel's pressers this week. If you want to hear a coach say something other than "we're taking it one game at a time," then check this out!

http://www.palestra.net/videos/play/16834

http://www.palestra.net/schools/1460/16729

And if you wanna check out some OSU cheerleader action, we've got the money shot right here:

http://www.palestra.net/schools/1460/16749

A bleak outlook for Purdue's BT Season.

2008-09-28T18:32:57Z

I'll say it right from the start: Curtis Painter might be the worst 4 year starting senior QB in the history of college football. If he breaks the all time BT career passing yards mark, it will be a travesty and be a perfect example of a QB benifitting from "they system" and not from his talent.

We were dominated by a weak Notre Dame team yesterday. Our QB missed his recievers, threw at their shoe tops, and tried the "100 mph throw for a 3 yard route" with expected results. The first quarter, the ND secondary could not cover Orton and Hardy, and you think "we can do this all day". But Painter couldn't. Locking into his first option, as he has his entire career, he threw into coverages that had no openings or simply threw it where it was't catchable. The kid has not grown from last season. At all.

Not to say that the defense wasn't exposed yesterday. Playing nickel back the whole game wouldn't be a bad strategy, but when your linebacker (Holland) is overmatched and built more like a safety, and your line is dominated by sheer size, well, you could run all day on us. And the secondary didn't come to play. Not one impact play in the secondary. Continually beat on long pass plays. I never understand why we play 10 yards off the reciever every freakin down. Blitzes didn't work, line penetration non-existent.

I just don't see a win in the BT Season. Maybe we can outscore Minny and IU, because their defenses seem as bad as ours, but Penn State and OSU the next two weeks on our schedule? We will be dominated and humiliated.

The talent on defense isn't there. The 4 year starting QB hasn't gotten any better. If it wasn't for Korey Sheets, we'd have no weapons at all on offense. (Him being helped off the field near the end of the game proved to be a shoulder problem, not the broken collarbone it looked like. He'll be back. )

The Double Standard

2008-09-18T20:19:39Z

I won't argue that the Big Ten is not in a down turn right now, I think to some degree most of the complaints levied at the conference are deserved. My question is this..

Two years ago Ohio State marched through the Big Ten with very few speed bumps (a small scare against Illinois if memory serves correctly, and a great game against Michigan). Then they got blown out and everybody said the Big Ten was so weak. And that it should have been evident that Ohio State wasn't really that good because the Big Ten was weak that year.

Last year they then pointed to our OOC loses at the beginning of the season and our Bowl loses at the end of the seaason to further prove their point. I did not agree 100%, but there was definately evidence to prove otherwise.

This year our only OOC loses have come against top 25 teams, with the exception of Notre Dame beating Michigan (which alot of people half expected anyway). Yet we are still looked as weak, though thanks to the ACC and Big East's ineptitude not the weakest.

My problem is this, the PAC 10 is really no better this year, but the media is acting like they are 100 times better. They are 0-5 against the Mountain West, a mid major, which may or may not mean something. One of those teams that lost was ranked and another was blown out 59-0.Plus one of our loses came against a PAC 10 squad (Oregon) that was supposed to bury(Purdue) the Big Ten Team but needed 2 overtimes to do it. I won't get into Penn State/Oregon State and I appreciate the @$$ whoopin' USC laid on tOSU, but how in the world are they still considered that much better.

I get that USC is the end all, be all of college football to alot of media types, but when they voted Florida in over Michigan 2 years ago, it was because the Big Ten was weak and I think the Big Ten (in 2006) was comparable to, if not better than PAC 10 as of right now.

I just don't get it.

Wisconsin Badgers Win At Fresno

2008-09-14T06:17:58Z

Wisconsin 13, Fresno State 10.

The other Big 10 school that made a trip to the west coast for a Saturday game actually showed up. It was a physical, hard hitting game for both schools. Fresno State has a lot more size than I expected. They also have some home run hitters who had plays of 47, 57, and 61. The Badgers had only play longer than 20 yards. The Fresno State crowd was intense, they showed up loud for the game, and showed why it's a place BCS teams avoid.

This was QB Allen Evridge's first big game as a starter, and he played well. His stats don't look great, 50% completion, 1 TD, but Fresno State was great in coverage. The Badgers don't lean on their wide receivers to carry the offense, but they do expect them to come up with more than 3 receptions. His size (6'2", 212 lbs.) helped him in this game avoid the pass rush and any easy sacks. Fresno State didn't sack him once.

Winners:

RB P.J. Hill. His 112 yards were what you'd expect from him. Tough, right up the middle, most of his yards after the initial contact. He's their offense, but if something did happen to him, freshman RB John Clay appears to be Hill v.2.0.
TE Garrett Graham. 1st game of the season for TE Travis Beckum and he played well too, but Graham was the Badgers offense on their lone TD drive.
LB DeAndre Levy. He had a big INT and was all over the field.

Losers:

Fresno State K Kevin Goessling. A kicker's worst nightmare. He had three missed FGs, obviously a big deal in a 3 point loss. The first two were long (47+ yard) attempts, but the last one was a 35 yarder.
WAC officials. The ESPN announcers said Bret Bielema wanted Big 10 officials on the road, and then have WAC officials when Fresno State plays in Madison next year. Pat Hill said no. The officials go on to call only 2 penalties on Fresno State and overturn a fumble deep in Fresno State territory, all three announcers agreed it was a fumble, that would have stretched the score to at least 16-7 Wisconsin.

Poll

Badgers Are Clearly The Team To Beat In The Big 10

Oh Yeah

4 votes

Quit Dreaming

6 votes

10 votes | Poll has closed

Scary USC Pic

2008-09-10T15:31:51Z

OSU will be seeing a lot of this come Saturday.

Look at that tat - Good work by the tattoo artist...

Friday Night Tailgate

2008-09-09T23:42:26Z

Has anybody seen Friday Night Tailgate on the big ten network? I watched it for the first time last week and I found it to be absolutely hilarious. Maybe it was just the particular episode last week at the University of Illinois, as I am an Illinois alum, I couldn't stop laughing. The reporters are around 21-25 and it's like watching a college ran tv station. The jokes are corny, but still funny nonetheless. The only thing that was missing was someone that looked like Erin Andrews.

Did you get a haircut? The Rivalry Goes Blue and White.

2008-09-09T20:40:33Z

As of this morning you might have noticed a few visual changes on the site. During our first three weeks on the network we ran off a red, gray, and black Beta profile that (not surprisingly) gave the site a distinctly Ohio State Buckeyes flavor.

To better underscore our role as SBN's first NCAA Conference-specific blog we've permanently installed a more appropriate blue and white color scheme -- drawing inspiration from the Big Ten Conference Logo.

The logo itself now appears in the primary masthead directly above the site description.

We're proud to be more easily identifiable as a Big Ten forum. Plus the Union Blues make General Sherman happy.

We hope you like the new look.

Meet Allan Evridge

2008-09-07T06:50:15Z

I'm pumped up that Comcast finally has the Big 10 Network and I can watch the Badgers beat up on the soft, soft non-conference schedule that the Badgers are subjected to this season. Does hosting Marshall at Camp Randall when the Thundering Herd haven't won on the road since October 21, 2006 really count as a win?

In a big surprise to no one, the Badgers ran the ball, a lot, and four different running backs had TD scores. But the big story was QB Allan Evridge.

Every time I saw Evridge play last season, I thought about how bad, awful he is. He had never completed over 50% of his passes in a season before. But against Marshall, he actually showed a nice touch on his deep passes. When he had to thrown on the run, it was a challenge for him to get the ball within 5 yards of his intended target. But when he had time in the pocket, he was able to get a nice touch on his passes. It was a big relief to see that he actually was good at something and the Badgers have something to build around in the passing game this season.