Big Ten - Week 2 Preview

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

USC @ Ohio St. -
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Notre Dame @ Michigan - Click to Read Preview

Central Michigan at Michigan State: Quarterback Dan LeFevour (18-for-31, 108 yards, one interception) was abysmal as the Chippewas lost to Arizona, 19-6. Watch him try to get back to potential while he squares off against the Spartans’ quarterbacking duo, Keith Nichol and Kirk Cousins. This will be a better barometer of the Spartans’ defense as well.
MSU 31, CMU 9

Syracuse at Penn State: Constant disrupter defensive tackle Jared Odrick was certainly the standout last week for Penn State, with the silver going to Daryll Clark (29-for-40, 355 yards, three touchdowns, one interception) and the bronze to Derick Moye, who stepped up big in the receiving corps (6 catches, 138 yards, touchdown). Look for much-improved run blocking this week (they better!) and the front seven forcing Syracuse’s Greg Paulus to make bounce passes through his earhole.
Penn State 37, Syracuse 9

Iowa at Iowa State: Which is worse: last week against FCS Northern Iowa, the Hawkeyes 1) were outgained 354 to 329 in total yards, 2) gave up 270 yards passing, 3) managed only 87 yards rushing, or 4) needed two blocked field goals to steal the win at home? That defense better more inspired, and the Hawkeyes must find a patchwork solution to their vacant rushing attack.
(Only because Iowa can’t start with an almost loss and then a loss)
Iowa 20, Iowa State 17

Purdue at Oregon: Do I dare set-up for the upset of the week? Disarray in Eugene, the loss of their starting running back for the season, and Purdue looking very strong out of the gate (52-31 over Toledo)? No. Purdue will not have an answer for quarterback Jeremiah Masoli in front of the Duck faithful.
Oregon 27, Purdue 14

Fresno State at Wisconsin: The home-and-home series returns to Camp Randall, where Northern Illinois almost stole one late from the Badgers. Call this one the Battle of the Bulge as Fresno State pounded the ball for 310 yards rushing and a 7.9 average versus the Zach Brown/John Clay tank brigade. If Clay healed this week, the Badgers will out-bruise in a close one.
Wisconsin 21, Fresno State 16

Air Force at Minnesota: The good–Adam Weber to Eric Decker looks like the passer-receiver combo of the conference. The bad–besides dedicating themselves to a physical rushing attack, the Gophers mustered only 112 yards rushing. The ugly–they almost lost to a team (Syracuse) with a point guard starting at quarterback and face an Air Force squad that put up 474 yards rushing last week. Home/Stadium-opening delight as Minnesota plays host outdoors to Air Force and squeaks by.
Minnesota 21, Air Force 20

Western Michigan at Indiana: Will the real Tim Hiller please stand up? Hopefully for the Hoosiers, he won’t do so this week. Will the real Ben Chappell please stand up? The Indiana quarterback threw for 326 yards on 27-for-36 passing and one touchdown. If that’s for real, then Indiana might be OK in the pistol.
Indiana 24, Western Michigan 21

Eastern Michigan at Northwestern: Coach Pat Fitzgerald has his team off to a good start as they easily handled Towson last week, 47-14. Eastern Michigan brings former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English back to the conference. English’s debut wasn’t pretty, as his squad dropped a 27-14 decision to Army. Pssst–Coach Fitz…run-the-football. Central Michigan’s defense gave away real estate in fire-sale fashion, giving up 300 yards to the Black Knights.
Northwestern 33, Eastern Michigan 10

Illinois St at Illinois: As I picked Illinois as a potential contender for the Big Ten title (which of course is still in hand notwithstanding the drubbing handed out by Missouri last week in St. Louis), I now stand on shaky ground in understanding what to expect this week. It’s against Illinois State, who gave up almost 400 yards to Eastern Illinois last week and managed 20 yards rushing? Oh…
Illinois 56, Illinois State 3

Photos Courtesy of Robert Barclay/Central Michigan, University of Minnesota Athletic Communications

Big Ten: “Mark” My Words

By JOHN SEARS

Here is a team-by-team list of statistics that will indicate how well the conference performed by season’s end. Let’s re-visit these after November 21st to see how wrong I was.

Key Statistical Markers of Successful Season

Penn State: Pass defense must average less than 200 yards/game: This is obviously a nod to the depleted secondary, which must re-tool all four positions. The front seven will be solid against the run. Losing edge rushers will compromise the pass defense further. Since 2005, Penn State’s return to the top of the conference, they have given up an average of 203 yards/game through the air, including the 2006 season where they reloaded all four secondary positions. The pass defense can help solidify this team’s identity as a stifling, smash-mouth rush defense.

Iowa: Must finish in top four (Big Ten) in rush defense and at least top six in total offense: Nothing fancy here for the Hawkeyes, just good old Iowa City football–strong defense and solid offense. There’s no need to excel per se on either side of the ball for Iowa to win the prize, but there is a desperate need to reload the defensive interior. The pass defense will be there this year and, just like Penn State, if they can shore up the potential weakness (against the run) in their defense, Iowa will have a shot every week this season. Top half in total offense will indicate that the running game was established, despite the absence of the injured Jewel Hampton. If so, quarterback Ricky Stanzi’s job gets much easier, and the offense will click enough to put up solid, not sexy, offensive numbers.

Illinois: Must finish at least even in turnover margin and +10 in sacks: This will indicate to that the offense took care of the ball and more importantly, that Juice Williams continued to improve upon his touchdown to interception ratio. The +10 in sacks will show that 1) Williams’ blind side is protected well by Corey Lewis, a sophomore who emerged last year after dropping his red-shirt status and 2) that the Illini defense plays opportunistic enough to make plays. Altogether, this gives more opportunities for Illinois’ offense to be in better field position and eventually put up more points.

Ohio State: Rush defense must average less than 125 yards/game: We all realize that Terrelle Pryor is a tremendously gifted athlete, but it sure would help if the defense steps up and relieves some pressure from the offense. We’ve seen this as a classic recipe for the Buckeyes’ success in the past; it’s no surprise that Ohio State has held opponents under 100 yards/game five of the last seven years and coincidently has been in conference title contention (or champions). If the Buckeyes put up this kind of rush defense, they will have a much better shot at making another title run.

Northwestern: Must finish in top five in passing offense: Northwestern insists they plan on passing the ball this season, despite the fact that starting quarterback Mike Kafka’s strongest showing last year was as a running quarterback and the team lost 80 percent of its receiving offense from last year. Northwestern’s defense is already slated to be very strong, so the offense needs to step it up. If Kafka leads Northwestern to a top-five passing offense, it will convince me that the Wildcats will be complete on both sides of the ball.

Minnesota: Total offense must be split close to even: 55 percent pass, 45 percent rush yardage: Simple statistic, nuanced reasoning. As Minnesota shifts away from the spread and into a physical rushing attack, the rushing yards MUST be there. If so, this statistic will indicate that the newly installed offensive game plan was well adopted and that the defense held up its end of the bargain (there potentially wouldn’t be a need to pass, pass, pass if they fell behind).

Michigan State: The Spartans running backs must average over four yards a carry: Michigan State’s strength certainly lies on the defensive side of the ball. Led by Javon Ringer last year, the Spartans averaged only 3.3 yards/carry. A significantly higher rushing average will indicate that enough pressure was taken off the inexperienced quarterbacks, giving them more time to develop and then excel. This will also indicate more balance strategically, as the Spartans will be returning much experience at the receiver position, led by junior Mark Dell. This will force the opposition to come up with better game plans to stop Michigan State’s offense.

Indiana: Must lead the conference in sacks and win time of possession battle: It’s tough to find ways to indicate a successful season when you’re positioned at the bottom of the conference. However, Indiana returns their top-three sack masters from last year (DEs Jammie Kilrew 10.5 and Greg Middleton 4.0, and LB Matt Mayberry 5.0). Kilrew and Middleton have combined for 35 sacks the last two seasons, and stand to be the two biggest playmakers for the Hoosiers this year. Without having standout talent on the offensive side of the ball and moving to the pistol offense and a downhill physical running style, the offense will slow to a more ball-control style–quite fitting for the qualities Ben Chappell possesses taking snaps. These statistics will indicate the playmakers made plays and that the offense was able to take control of the game.

Wisconsin: Must finish at least 5th in the conference in total defense: Wisconsin is very difficult to predict. Their offense carries so much firepower...but only if newly designated starting quarterback Scott Tolzien, gives them consistency. Running back John Clay is ready to have a monster year running, and Wisconsin returns tight end Garrett Graham, David Gilreath, and Nick Toon as their veteran receiving unit. The yards and points will be there, but can they stop anyone? Last year, their 26.5 points/game against were the worst the Badgers have put up in their last seven years. They return five starters on defense, but the front seven seems awfully inexperienced on paper. A top-five total defense indicates, well, that the defense gave the offense the chance to win games.

Michigan: Must finish season with a positive turnover ratio: The Wolverines’ -10 turnover ratio was the only ratio in the red the last seven years, and was a difference of -24 versus their best turnover margin season, which came in 2006. A positive turnover ratio will indicate tons: the quarterback play will be improved, special teams won’t fork over the ball on every other attempted return, and the defense will be flying around the ball. Quite simply, losing the turnover battle loses games to begin with, and Michigan gave themselves no chance last year with the number of giveaways they committed.

Purdue: Must finish mid-conference in passing offense and rushing defense: Purdue’s strength lies in their pass defense, which last year gave up a conference-leading 183 yards/game through the air. They look as strong or stronger in the defensive backfield this year. However, they were dead last against the rush, averaging 175 yards/game against. So it’s obvious where the improvement needs to be for them to have a successful overall defense. On offense, not much experience returns at quarterback with senior Joey Elliott. Furthermore, Purdue lost most of their receiving playmakers (Desmond Tardy, Greg Orton), so the stage is not set well for Purdue to make a splash passing the ball.

Photos Courtesy of Mike Dickbernd, IU Athletics & Iowa Sports Information

Q&A: Alex Magee, DT, Purdue

A versatile defensive lineman, Alex Magee spent his college days with the Boilermakers, plaguing offenses on the inside and outside and left and right side of the defense. For a lineman, Magee shows tremendous athleticism blocking kicks or intercepting passes while maintaining physicality at the point of attack. Join Player Spotlight host John Sears as he discusses Magee's career at Purdue and his preparations for next week's NFL Draft.

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Judging by what I have seen from your Pro Day compared to the Combine, you have made some improvements, especially with your 40-time. What was the difference between the workouts?

Magee: The Combine was real fun. I had fun competing against most of the top athletes in the nation. I think one thing that is different about the Combine compared to your Pro Day is that you don’t have to worry about all the other stuff. We had testing early in the mornings. At the Pro Day you get up and you have the whole day, which is just there for working out, no psychological tests. It was a great experience for me to get to hang around with the elite athletes in the nation going to the NFL Draft.

How do you think you measure up against the elite linemen from the Combine? Who do you think you are similar to?

Magee: I think the defensive tackle class is very talented. When I was down at the Senior Bowl, I got to hang around B.J. Raji, Evander Hood, and others. I think we all bring a different style as far as our attributes are concerned. I think I bring more versatility to the table where I can do the outside as a defensive end or I can go from the inside…I’ve done it all on the defensive line, so I just feel they [NFL teams] can see me just not being in one spot. I can play basically down the whole front.

Is there any position you have the most fun playing?

Magee: [laughs] I laugh because I get that question all the time. I guess if you ask me where I feel more comfortable I would say defensive tackle, because that’s where I have been playing the majority of my college career and all throughout high school. But I cross-train with defensive ends. I think my last season at Purdue I was 300 lbs, and I played that position at 300-lbs, defensive end…I’ve never been in steady training at defensive end, because I haven’t been there consistently. If I were to be there consistently, like I was at defensive tackle, I think I would adjust very well and very easily.

Where do you weigh in right now?

Magee: Right now I am about 288-290.

Any feedback from NFL teams on where they would like to see your weight?

Magee: I’ve asked teams where they'd like to see their players at as far as weight. With some of them it’s not a big issue—they asked me where I feel most comfortable playing. I think I feel most comfortable playing around 295. No lighter than 285 and no heavier than 305.

If you had it your way, what team would really excite you to play for?

Magee: I would say...I grew up around Chicago and I like the Bears a lot. They have a great history, a great defense. I think I would want to play there and be in my hometown. It would be a real fun experience to play there. I actually talked to Coach Marinelli and he was really cool. I think the Bears would be a good fit for me. But I just want to get drafted. That’s my main goal.

Anyone you follow in the NFL? Someone you look up to?

Magee: I don’t have a favorite player. Obviously everyone that plays football looks up to somebody that plays their position. Just to name a few: Tommie Harris, Tank Johnson, those guys on the Bears, they are great. DeMarcus Ware, my boy who used to play here at Purdue and is with the Cowboys now, Anthony Spencer.

Right, well I wasn’t expecting you to say you modeled your game after Robbie Gould, or Jason Elam, or Mike Vanderjagt. I haven’t heard someone say that someone they look up to in the NFL was someone outside their position.

Magee: [laughs] Yeah, but you've got some professional guys like Brett Favre—he’s real smart, takes care of himself. You look up to those guys too. Those guys are smart, great football players.

Any players you are excited to line up against?

Magee: Yeah, I wouldn’t mind putting a hit on Peyton Manning, I’m not going to lie [Sears laughs]. If I get the chance, obviously I am going to take it, but that would be something, just to see him. I’ve been in Indiana for quite some time and I have actually never met him. I understand he is a great football player, I just want to see what the hype’s all about. No, I want to just meet the guy, honestly.

You are potentially looking to work for the FBI once your football career is over. I’m curious because it’s kind of funny if you think about it, that you would be a 300-lb man out in the field, running down crooks.

Magee: [laughs]

You would kind of be like Shaq, he’s a cop.

Magee: Yeah, not quite as big and hopefully a little faster than Shaq. I don’t know. Maybe it will be a little easier. We won’t know until we see.

What do you like to do outside football?

Magee: I don’t know, yesterday I just kind of kicked it with my homeboys here at school. Played some dominoes. That’s one thing I like to do. Fight Night Boxing on Playstation 3. I just like to chill and kick back and relax. And when I am home I am hanging with my family, my mom and my sister.

Or maybe hanging out at Harry’s [bar] a little bit?

Magee: [laughs] What’s Harry’s? I don’t even know what Harry’s is.

Oh yeah, I don’t know either.

Magee: [laughs]

Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information

Q&A: Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue

Interviewed by Daniel Mogollon, Ralph Mancini and Rodney Towe on the All Access Football Friday Show on All Access Football Radio from April 3, 2009.

The Draft is now 22 days away—do you have a feel for which teams are really interested in you?

Painter: You know it’s tough. At this point you see some teams that maybe, you think, are going to draft a quarterback, but I think it’s so hard to tell. With the recent action that is going on, even between Denver and Chicago, there are always things that are going on out there, so you never even know. Things can happen from now up until the Draft, so like I said, you get some ideas but I think it’s tough to really pinpoint the teams that are really interested or what might happen.

I know you told us about the Denver thing awhile back and I was joking with you when the deal went down. You haven’t started shopping for houses in Denver just yet, then?

Painter: (Laughs) No, not quite. It’s like what we talked about—there might be a team there that is looking to draft someone for a back-up type role or anything related to that. That type of thing is obviously a great opportunity. That would be something I would look forward to if that opportunity came about, certainly.

Tell us what you do with all this media information that’s out there, a couple of days ago I was able to sit down in person with Ian Johnson out of Boise State and Jarret Dillard out of Rice and one guy was telling me how they can’t help it, they are on the internet looking at sites seeing where they’re ranked and seeing what the rumors are. That was Jarret Dillard. Ian Johnson said if people even tell him anything he just walks away, he doesn’t want to hear anything. Where do you fall on that spectrum?

Painter: I’m kind of like the second way. I don’t really like to get involved in it and look at too many things or even hear too many things. I just kind of sit and wait at this point; I guess, and hopefully get that call here in the next couple of weeks and go from there. I think you start worrying yourself and thinking too many things if you look at all the predictions. I think it’s better for me to just sit and wait.

Your quick release has always been one of your assets. Tell us what you can offer an NFL team in terms of your physical strengths and abilities?

Painter: I think that along with having a fairly strong arm, I think my physical size would allow me to be successful. I’m fairly tall and weight wise, I think I’m at the right weight where I could take a couple of hits, but at the same time I can move around the pocket. I am not a speed guy, so I’m not going to do much once I break the pocket, but I think just being able to be quick in the pocket, whether it be moving and trying to avoid tackles, is a positive I bring to the table. I think that and my arm would be the biggest things, physically.

Talk to us about your senior year. We all know that Purdue had a disappointing season, but what type of progress did you make individually and what did you learn as a person from the season?

Painter: I think when you look at the type of season we had, you get more of a mental game from it then you do a physical one . You look at the type of season we had, it certainly wasn’t what we expected or hoped for but you go through the season, you face a lot of difficult times, you go through it as a team and I think the biggest thing is as a team, we grew, we kept grinding throughout the entire season and our last two games were the best two games of the season. We lost in Iowa, but we kept fighting. I think it shows a kind of fight in our team, to never give up, and I think that I took that personally as well. When you’re down and it’s a tough season, you just continue to push and to strive to get better. I think that’s where it helped me the most.

One of the things we often talk about on our show is the interview process that the players have to go through with a lot of NFL types. Just this past week, as a matter of fact, there was a story out where coach Mike Singletary was kind of critical of Matthew Stafford because he wouldn’t answer some of the more personal, family-type questions that were asked of him. Have you ever encountered that type of situation, where you felt sort of uncomfortable with some of the questions that were thrown at you?

Painter: Not really. Fortunately my family’s been great. I don’t have any problems there. I think the interview process is just a chance for me to, football wise, show what I know and you get to talk to the coaches about the x’s and o’s. I think that’s a chance for me to express my knowledge. I feel like I’m a pretty experienced quarterback in that respect and I knew our offense very well, so I think that only helps me. I think outside of football it just gives the team a little chance to see where I’m coming from, my background, what kind of family you have and the type of person you are. I guess it is all part of it and I’ve never really shied away from any comments, questions or answering any questions.

How about any oddball questions like; if you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?

Painter: There were a few tests that were very difficult like that, whether you’d be a dog or a cat. You get some interesting ones, but nothing that was too difficult, I guess.

What would you be, a dog or a cat?

Painter: (Laughs) I said a dog. There’s really no rhyme or reason to that. I guess cats lie around all day and are supposed to be lazy and I guess I wouldn’t really like doing that.

Let me ask you a little bit about Purdue Boilermaker football. When I was talking to Coach Danny Hope, we talked about who might be your replacement at quarterback in the “cradle of quarterbacks”. Obviously Justin Siller (since dismissed for the 2009 season due to academics) had that great game against Michigan where he threw for 266 yards, three touchdowns and ran for 77 yards as a freshman. Coach Hope reminded me not to forget about Joey Elliot. What are your thoughts on the two guys battling for that QB position?

Painter: I think Justin is a guy that has all kinds of ability. He’s the type of player that you really want on the field to make plays, whatever position that may be. He was playing running back a little bit and kind of moving around. He’s just a terrific athlete and I think that’s what really helps him succeed. I think Joey Elliot is the more prototypical Purdue quarterback. He’s a guy that’s been in the system a long time with me, he's a very intelligent guy. I think that when you have a program like Coach Hope has, you’re coming in and you change a few things. You need a guy that’s a little more experienced. He may not have game time experience, but he’s the type of guy that knows his stuff and will be able to pick up a system very easily. I think at the transition phase that Purdue is in right now, Joey will be able to come in and be that guy, the senior leader, and lead that offense this year.

You mentioned the “Purdue quarterback” like it was in quotes. When you’re there, is there any pressure at all to succeed and do well at this position because the school has developed a reputation for doing so well and all the guys in front of you are doing well?

Painter: I think it is kind of the nature of people who follow Purdue to compare quarterbacks. I got compared a lot to (Drew) Brees and (Kyle) Orton. I think a guy could get caught up in it if he really started listening to everything. I really tried not to think about any of that or compare myself. I know if I did that there would be a lot of pressure. I think that things are so different from year to year. Things are a lot different from when Drew Brees played than when Kyle played and now when I played. It’s hard for me, with my personality, to get into those comparisons, so I try not to put too much pressure on myself.

Time for thee-and-out...First down: Your favorite sport outside of football?

Painter: Basketball.

Second down: Favorite baseball player of all time?

Painter: Albert Pujols.

Third down: Which competition would you do better in, “Dancing with the Stars” or “American Idol”?

Painter: Dancing with the Stars.

You’ve got some moves there?

Painter: No, I don’t have moves, but I definitely don’t have a voice.

Basically, less damage there?

Painter: Exactly.

Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information

Q&A: Danny Hope, Head Coach, Purdue

College Football Insiders Coaches Corner with Coach Danny Hope of Purdue was conducted on the morning of the Boilermakers Pro Day. Hosted by CFI Founder Daniel Mogollon.

Let’s start with some of the Boilermakers heading to the NFL Draft, beginning with quarterback Curtis Painter. Last week we spoke to Coach Bob Johnson, who is working with Painter, and he believes Curtis will be a starter in the NFL. Do you think he is underrated as a quarterback prospect?

Hope: I think so. Curtis came on board last year and he had great numbers. He went through the 2008 season with the football team and had a chance to be out there in the spring and all of the fall. He’s got great arm strength. He’s an excellent person. He’s got good height. He went down to the Combine and ran better than people anticipated. I think he was a little bit under a 4.9, I think he ran in high 4.8’s in the 40. Coming out of the Combine, he opened a lot of people’s eyes up with his accuracy and the strength of his arm. There’s a bunch of people coming in today, we’ll have about 20 NFL teams here and a lot of those guys will be here to find out more about Curtis Painter. I don’t have any motivations to think that he’s not a NFL quarterback from a physical standpoint. Obviously his senior campaign didn’t go quite as well as he wanted it to, but there were a lot of circumstances that he couldn’t
control that effected his numbers. I think he’ll get his shot, and do well when he gets his opportunity.

Having said that…passing yards, completion percentage and touchdowns were down…what happened this past season?

Hope: We weren’t as good on offense, obviously. There were a couple of top receivers that did not come back for the 2009 season cause their eligibility was up. Dustin Keller was drafted in the first round last year, he was a big playmaker and a tight end who could get vertical down field and stretch the defense in special ways. Curtis was able to take advantage of that, but we didn’t have that threat at the tight end position this season. We had some injuries at the tight end position and really didn’t open up the tight end passing attack, and that cut his numbers back some. Last year Dorrian Bryant, in 2007, he was the leading receiver in the Big Ten and one of the leading receivers nationally for two, three years in a row. He went on to go play in the league, he was not back and that effected him in some ways. Some of our top playmakers were gone. Then we struggled up front, offensive line-wise. (We) had a lot of guys injured coming into the season and had to play a lot of young offensive linemen, some true freshmen and that limits some of the things you can do as far as spreading the field out and taking some chances, protection-wise. I think it was a combination of a lot of things.

How about Kory Sheets? I think he surprised people with his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, what kind of player can he be at the next level?

Hope: I think he could help a team in a lot of ways. He’s a good kick return man, he has legitimate speed, and good size, not great. But I’m not surprised he ran as fast as he did. I think he ran somewhere in the mid, low 4.4’s. He was an excellent sprinter in high school. He was a track man in high school and had documented track times. He was fortunate this season to get the bulk of the work at the running back spot. We had an injury to one of our top running backs, Jason Taylor. We relied a lot on Kory Sheets and he rose to the occasion and really did a great job. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and was a good receiver out of the backfield, but I think the fact that he played in the spread offense and knows how to catch the football will separate him from some other guys at his position. If he can prove himself to be a physical player, I think he can do very well in National Football League. He is very talented and I think he has the desire to do well.

Being a former offensive line coach and a former offensive lineman yourself, tell us what makes defensive tackle Alex Magee difficult to block...

Hope: Well, he’s very quick and he has good size, good explosion. He’s marketable in some ways because he has enough size to play inside. He’s not the 320-, 30-, or 40-pound defensive tackle, he’s not a Teddy Washington type, size-wise. He can go inside and play, and he’s athletic enough to go out on the edges and play, and be a decently-sized defensive end. I think his marketability is up because he can have a chance to play both positions. He has good speed, not great, I think he is a guy that is quicker than he is fast and that makes a difference when you're playing on the line of scrimmage. He has the knack for rushing the passer, I think he’s a good player and has a real upside to him. I think he’s got the tools that you're looking for to play on the defensive line. So I think all three of those guys are guys that will test out well and open people’s eyes. I think all three of those guys will be drafted.

Do you think Magee can make the adjustment to play end in a three-four scheme? That’s not an easy thing to find…

Hope: No, and it’s a good position for him to play out there, in a loose five technique. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him filling that role. He is also a smart guy that will test out well in all of the aptitude tests which will make a very good impression. I think that will help his stock.

How many teams have spoken to you? And which guys are drumming up the most interest?

Hope: Well, they all come through here. They all do a great job, the NFL does a great job at researching and doing their homework. They get the data that they need. Everyone has been here, they’ve all asked questions. They’re all here today, the building is full of them, they’re all over the place and we’re going to meet here in a few minutes to get more of their questions answered, but they’ve all been through here.

Spring is almost upon us…Purdue is about two weeks away from spring camp, I believe Wednesday March 25th is the exact date. What are you looking to accomplish in your first spring as headman of the Boilermakers?

Hope: We are going to crank it up here in a couple of weeks. They are leaving after classes today, if they have not already left, to go on spring break. We have had great pre-spring training program. I think the guys really worked hard and had a lot of energy about them. Morale was up, they were excited about some of the new things that we’re doing. I’m looking forward to spring ball starting, it will kick up in about 12 days. The first two days we’ll go out in shorts only and then we’ll get the pads on. I think our guys are excited about that. We have a lot of young guys that are very talented. We feel good with what we have coming back from a depth standpoint because a lot of guys aren’t really what you would call marquee or heralded players. A lot of the guys that are coming back were new to getting on the field last year and I think they can take their game to another level. We're bringing in some fresh blood, and there will be some great competition out there, we're anticipating a very spirited spring. Guys out there will be competing for starting jobs, and we go into the spring with the idea that all spots are open and our guys are excited about that. The depth chart that we post daily...we move the depth chart around based on how guys are performing in spring ball so we expect it to be very competitive, very spirited. We have a lot of questions to be answered at every position on our team, more questions at some spots than others, and we have a lot of work to do. But I feel good about our preparation going into the spring and the attitude of our players going into the spring.

Justin Siller was brilliant in a 48-42 victory over Michigan, throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns and adding another 77 yards and a score on the ground as a freshman. Is this his job?

Hope: He’s going to have to compete obviously, and we have another quarterback in Joey Elliot that was second on the depth chart behind Curtis Painter. He was injured, and then Curtis Painter was injured so we moved Siller from running back. He did a great job and there will be competition at that job. Elliot obviously won’t be at full speed going into the spring, but he’ll get some reps. Then we have a freshman (Caleb TerBush)that was red-shirted last year, he comes from the state of Illinois, right next door. He’s a small kid, with a good arm and we’ll get him some reps as well. Also, we have a new quarterbacks coach. I think it’s a big spring for us, obviously, at the quarterback position. We've got two guys that have played, in Joey Elliot and Justin Siller, and both have have been lined up as the number one or number two at some time last season. We also have a new quarterbacks coach from Florida Atlantic University and he’s going to get our quarterback competition under way.

Is it possible that Justin could move back to running back if he doesn’t win the quarterback job?

Hope: I don’t see that happening. We have some guys at the running back spot that are going to get their opportunities and we anticipate they'll all stay healthy, so Justin will stay at quarterback.

Who are some of those guys moving to the forefront? Losing Sheets, he ran over 1,100 yards and Justin was second leading rusher with a 167, so we're talking about unknown products at that position, right?

Hope: Exactly. But they're all guys that were on the team last year. Guys that were on the travel squad and guys that have gotten reps in practice and that understand what we're trying to get done. We had a freshman that we played last year, Ralph Bolden, that was injured for part of his senior season. He came in last year and we did not red-shirt him. He played a little bit last year. He’s a good throwback prospect. Frank Halliburton, out of Indianapolis, he’s a big back and played some special teams for us last year. He might play some at the fullback position. Daniel Dierking was one of the leading rushers in Illinois three years ago. He was mostly a special teams player last year. He’ll get reps at the running back spot as well. Another big back, by the name of (Jared) Crank played some on special teams last year. The running back spot is wide open with a couple of big backs. Obviously Ralphy played some last year and Frank, those are the guys that will get the bulk of the reps.

I got a recruiting question for you about quarterback Nayee Tyler. I’m from New York and we don’t produce many football players, so a quarterback out of Brooklyn is big news locally. What can you tell me about him?

Hope: We’re really excited about him. We were surprised that we were on his list. Right now the way recruiting works, everyone is worried about filling up so fast with early commitments. A lot of these guys are signed before their senior year. But he’s a very special athlete, and a very special person. He’s a guy that was on our mailing list his junior year. They had a very good running back and didn’t throw the football a whole lot till the end of the season. His senior season, they changed things around and threw the ball more and threw it well. He’s a guy that we knew about, but he was unproven as a player and his film came in and he went through the film evaluation process that we have. We all thought that he had a great upside to him and he did a great job in his senior year. He’s big, about 6’6, 230 something pounds and very smart. He traveled about a hour and a half just to go one way in high school. It was a great high school that he went to, the program (Xaverian) that he played at. We think we did very well. Towards the end, when people started getting a scale in and looking at him, we realized he was a special player from a top school in the country coming in. We already gotten on him and he was sold on Purdue, so we thought we did very well and were very fortunate in that recruiting situation.

Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information

Q&A: Danny Hope, Head Coach, Purdue

In five seasons at Eastern Kentucky, Coach Danny Hope posted a record of 35-22 including a 9-3 season in 2007 when the Colonels went 8-0 in Ohio Valley play winning the school’s first conference championship in 10 years, earning him Ohio Valley Coach of the Year honors. In 2008, Hope returned to Purdue were he once coached the offensive line, as the "coach-in-waiting" taking over the reigns from legendary headman Joe Tiller.

Hope joins All Access Football Radio on the morning of the Purdue Pro Day in this College Football Insiders Coaches Corner with CFI Founder Daniel Mogollon. Coach Hope breaks down NFL prospects QB Curtis Painter, RB Korry Sheets and DL Alex Magee, in addition to previewing the spring for his Boilermakers. 16 Min.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information

Q&A: Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue

West Lafayette, home to the Purdue Boilermakers, aka “the cradle of quarterbacks”, helped introduce a new era in the Big Ten under coach Joe Tiller, that being the passing/spread offense. Under Tiller’s tutelage, a lineage of quarterbacks have walked in to Ross-Ade and thrown their way into the school and conference record books. Drew Brees, now a perennial MVP candidate with the New Orleans Saints, proved that “system quarterbacks” can succeed in the NFL…Next in line was Kyle Orton, who finished his 2008 campaign with the Chicago Bears with just under 3,000 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. Next to make his splash as a Joe Tiller disciple is Curtis Painter, who sits in the top ten in the Purdue and Big Ten record books after his four years of service with the Boilermakers - 11,163 yards, 67 touchdowns, 60% completion percentage to name a few highlights. Curtis is now focused on the NFL combine and has been kind enough to offer up some time to discuss his preparation.

Curtis, welcome to the NFL Draft Bible’s player spotlight. I hear you are actually out in California training in preparation for the combine. Is that correct?

Painter: I am. The training facility is located in Irvine, California, right in Orange County. It is Velocity Sports. So that’s where we do primarily most of our speed and strength conditioning-type exercises. And then we will also have a quarterback coach out here that we work with and he’s doing a good job with that and having a great time.

Are you accompanied by other potential NFL hopefuls as well?

Painter: I am. There is about 15 to 20 of us altogether. The other quarterbacks are Mark Sanchez, Patrick White, Tom Brandstater, and Nathan Brown so it’s a good group of quarterbacks you get to go up against every day, develop a nice relationship and friendship with...it’s just fun. It’s a great camaraderie - you get to push each other every day and make great friends in the process.

With Sanchez there, White there, Brandstater there, you pretty much have three different types of quarterbacks you can compare yourself to. I don’t think you’d want to compare yourself as the runner that Pat White is, but it must be fun to size yourself up to all the different styles that are getting ready for the pros.

Painter: Yeah, it really is. You have guys like Mark [Sanchez] and Pat [White] who are very highly respected at the next level and it’s great going up against them and some of the other guys you go against and hear about. So it’s great to get a chance to meet them. It’s really fun, you get to go out and compete and develop friendships, which is just great.

So while you are out there, they must have you running a little bit. We have you listed at around 6’2.5”, 222 lbs. Is that still accurate or have you shaved a few pounds off in the hot sun running around doing sprint drills?

Painter: That’s about right, right around 220. And that’s about right – 6’2.5”-6’3”.

Would you consider that a good fighting weight for you, 220?

Painter: Yeah, I think so. I think personally I feel the best right around that weight. I’ve been a little heavier, I’ve been a little lighter, and I think right around there is a really good weight for me. It still allows me to move around fairly well and also to be able to take some hits with a little bit of size. I am pretty happy where I am in that respect.

Do you have specific goals for your 40-time when you get to the combine, anything you’d like to hit that says, “this is good enough” or “puts me in a good range for where I’d like to be”?

Painter: I would like to be in the high 4.8’s, right around there. I think that would be a respectable time for myself. I don’t think I am going to be the fastest guy or the quickest guy there, but just being able to go out there and compete and show I have a certain amount of ability you may not see much on film, because I am more of a pocket passer.

Are you planning on doing all the drills at the combine?

Painter: I am. I think the only one the quarterbacks don’t have to do is the bench press, so I won’t be doing that. But all the others I will be doing, I’ll be competing and I really look forward to that.

Now you have to have, with your buddies, thrown 225 on the bench back in West Lafayette. Can you give us a little insight there?

Painter: My best was 21. I did that, I believe, the last summer or last spring during workouts back in Purdue. Haven’t done it since…still working on strength out here now.

What else are you doing to prepare for the combine. Obviously, as you said, it’s throwing more so than running…and from our view, from the outside looking in, it seems like passing drills and interviews would be the keys as far as impressing the scouts. So what are you doing to prepare?

Painter: You’re exactly right, I think the passing drills will be a huge part of it and that’s obviously what we do a lot of on the field. I think it’s great we have so many quarterbacks from so many different systems here, because when we sit down and do some film sessions and get up on the board with each other, you get a lot of different things from different teams across the nation. The interview process is big for us, just being able to get up on the board and talk about your offense and what you know, and just being confident about it, going through these interviews and really exposing yourself and showing them what you know and what you are capable of, football-wise. That’s definitely a huge aspect some people may overlook – they just see what’s on the field and what people produce, but it’s a lot of stuff in the film room.

Absolutely, and I think for quarterbacks that’s essential. I remember I read an article about Drew Brees, and it was talking about some of the training exercises he does – where he is balancing on one ball and has a playing card thrown at him and the guy training him will throw out a defense and he [Brees] has to give him the play that should be called to go against that perfect defense. Obviously the mental acuity, the sharpness has to be there. So you think you have that? What’s in the water in West Lafayette that allows a Brees or an Orton - seemingly everyone under Joe Tiller - to come in from that “college-based spread offense” and be successful? What is it about that training or that offense that has given you that edge?

Painter: I think part of it is that obviously these are two great quarterbacks and would be successful anywhere. The offense there [Purdue] is one that allows the game to kind of be in the quarterback’s hands. We’re the type of offense that's going to spread the ball around and get it to a lot of receivers. And I think with that and a balanced running game, it really provides an opportunity for us to be successful. I think that I was very fortunate to get the chance to have some experience early on in my career and start from an early age, and that really helped me in my process of developing that experience level and that continued into my junior and senior year.

What would you say would be your best throws? I would assume from the offense you came from, a lot of 3 to 5-step drops, four receivers running patters – do you have any particular patterns you feel you have mastered?

Painter: You’re right. We do a lot of what we call “quick games”, which is a lot of three-step drops and getting the ball out fast – a lot of slants and short out routes. I think those are two throws I do fairly well. And then, on our five-steps, we do a lot of deeper outs, skinny posts, routes like that. You always have the curls and the digs, I think I throw those fairly well. Our offense is like that – we’ll throw some quick, we’ll throw some deep and right in the middle there, and then we’ll hit you with the long one. I think that’s what’s great about our offense – it’s just very balanced and really unpredictable in a lot of ways.

Do you think there is any offensive system/strategy in the pros that meshes really well with what you’ve done under Coach Tiller at Purdue?

Painter: Since I’ve been at Purdue we’ve been testing a few different things, a few different looks – we’ve done a little of the option game, we’ve spread it out, that’s pretty normal for us, we’ve had the ability to go to a double tight-end set, which is considered a pro-style offense. So I think just doing a lot of different things through my entire career, when I’ve talked about experience and getting in a lot of games, I guess that kind of helps me be a little more well-rounded. I'd like to think I can step in to any system with a little experience from college and hopefully be able to be successful and make an impact.

How’s the shoulder doing?

Painter: Doing good. Had the injury right there towards the end of the season. I think it was really big for me to be able to come back, play the last two games, and I think, play very well. I think my arm felt great. It was very big for me to just get back and show teams, show people it wasn’t an injury that would nag me or continue on. So it’s feeling great, back to normal and I'm happy about that obviously.

Well I think judging by how you finished up the season even though it was disappointing, I think you came out and you took it out on your rival, Indiana. They felt the pain of your healthy shoulder, what did you have, five touchdowns that game, 450 yards?

Painter: It was a fun game for us after a season we really didn’t expect or obviously want, but I think you got to give our team some credit. We fought hard even in the Iowa game, we were down by a few touchdowns and we fought hard to get back, to give ourselves a chance to win the game. The IU game, we played well and I think that’s a testament to our team - after a frustrating season, we were able to come back, play well, and end it on the right note.

That was one of the things I wanted to try and glean from you – obviously your season didn’t pan out how you would have wanted it, so do you feel there is anything you can turn into a positive about your senior campaign, personally or as a team, so that anyone that’s been watching you can look beyond the statistics from 2008?

Painter: I think the big thing is that it’s not so much what goes on on the field but it’s just going through that type of season, the stresses of being in some games and losing them, and obviously the injury. You go through a lot, you learn a lot, you build a lot of character just going through it. And I think that, touching on our team, we learned a great deal going through the season and just continuing to fight, and staying positive. We were able to close out the season and I think a lot of teams after a few losses would hang their heads and let the rest of the season go down, but we were able to fight back and end it on a good note. I think you can say that about each person, including myself. I really learned a lot about character and what it’s like going through a tough season.

Have you had conversations with Drew Brees or Kyle Orton about coming into the NFL after your years at Purdue? If so, have they given you any pointers ?

Painter: I probably have a little closer relationship with Kyle because I was there my true freshman year while he was there his senior year. So I know Kyle fairly well and I have talked to him a few times. He just gave me some advice early on, before I got out training, and everything just about the whole process. He gave me a lot of information about what would go on in the next few months and I think that really helped out. It’s great to have those types of people. Drew is obviously just a great guy and a great person to mirror. He’s very successful, did a lot of great things while he was at Purdue and now in the NFL. He’s certainly a person you would like to model yourself after and I guess strive to be like.

Anyone you are looking forward to playing against at the next level?

Painter: Not really. I think more than anything it would be fun to meet up with past teammates. There are a few guys on teams throughout the league and guys I haven’t seen in a while. It would be great to play against them. And now some of the guys I met here, it’s been a great opportunity to meet a lot of guys and I think that will be fun when we get to compete against those guys.

Well, Curtis, thank you. All the best down at the combine. I will possibly run in to you - I’ll be down there towards the end of the week through the weekend, so all the best in your training until then and good luck once the draft hits.

Painter: Great. Thank you very much, thanks for having me.

Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information

All Access Football Radio: All-Star Game Special

ALL ALL STAR GAME SPECIAL! JANUARY 28th, 2008 * 10:00-11:00 PM EST

Powered by All Access Football Radio Channel, in affiliation with Blog Talk Radio.

The One Hour show will be co-hosted by Daniel Mogollon (College Football Insiders Founder/NFL Draft Bible President) and NFL Draft Bible/CFI Senior Writer Ralph Mancini

WHAT'S ON TAP:
• Former Oklahoma Sooner NIC HARRIS who played in the last week.
• Live from the El Paso, Texas vs. The Nation participants for The Nation team QB CURTIS PAINTER from Purdue and San Jose St. CB CHRISTOPHER OWENS, who is representing Texas
• Draft Guy SIGMUND BLOOM on location from the Texas vs. The Nation game
• The Fantasy Five: Which All-Star Game Participants can help your fantasy team in 2009

*** LISTEN HERE ***

*Join our chat-room or call-in with your questions: 347.945.6275

*Missed It Live? Shows are archived 15 minutes upon conclusion of each episode here

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 31, 1984: Virginia celebrates their first bowl invitation with a 27- 24 victory over Purdue with a trip to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Ga. Trailing 24-14 at the half, Cavaliers quarterback Don Majkowski runs the ball for the tying touchdown while Kenny Stadlin adds a field goal to take the lead. Late in the fourth quarter Ray Daly intercepts Boilermakers Jim Everett's pass to seal the win.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Big Ten - Best 1-2 Punch: Offense

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

5. Adam Weber to Eric Decker (Minnesota): Decker was on top of the conference in receptions (76) and second in touchdowns (6) and yards (925). The two combined to catalyze their offense’s early season success, which suffered once Decker went down with an ankle injury. In the last two years, this tandem has connected for 143 receptions 1,834 yards and 15 touchdowns and will have one more year together.

4. Greg Orton and Desmond Tardy [and Keith Smith] (Purdue): Orton (69 receptions, 720 yards, five touchdowns) and Tardy (67 receptions, 876 yards, five touchdowns) combined for 136 catches for 1,596 yards and 10 touchdowns. Throw in Keith Smith as a third option (49 receptions, 486 yards, two touchdowns) and you have a trio that was as good or arguably better statistically as Penn State’s Big Three.

3. Evan Royster and Derrick Williams (Penn State): These teammates finished in the top ten in all-purpose yards combining for 2,689 yards, 19 total touchdowns, and big contributions to the Spread HD. Land, air or sea, Royster and Williams helped catalyze the conference’s best scoring and total offenses.

2. Juice Williams and Daniel Dufrene (Illinois): Williams had a splendid year in total yards accumulated with 3,892 (3,173 passing). But he (719 yards, five touchdowns) and Dufrene (663 yards) hold the 8th and 9th spots as Big Ten rushing leaders. Altogether you have 4,555 yards between the two.

1. P.J. Hill and John Clay (Wisconsin): The quintessential 1-2 punch in the backfield. Hill finished sixth in yards (1,021) and fourth in touchdowns (12) while Clay, as a freshman, finished seventh in yards (845) and eighth in touchdowns (9). That’s 1,866 yards and 21 touchdowns combined. And both are likely to be back next year.

Tomorrow: Best 1-2 Punch: Defense

Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Athletic Communications

Big Ten Preview - Rivalry Week

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

And down the stretch they come! The chase for the Big Ten crown looks like a three horse race – Penn State (6-1), Michigan State (6-1, loss to Ohio State) and Ohio State (6-1, loss to Penn State) neck-and-neck…and-neck. Penn State’s road to the Rose Bowl is most straight-forward: win and they pack for Pasadena as they will have beaten the other two. Ohio State needs Michigan State to beat Penn State, but that’s not all. The Buckeyes then need to avoid slipping over distractions in Columbus to take care of business against the sickly Wolverines (Ohio State then owns the tie-breaker with their head-to-head win over the Spartans). Michigan State has the biggest battle on their hands: beat Penn State on the road after Michigan beats Ohio State after a reversal of the magnetic north and south poles. Where are we when Ohio State needs to root for a team from Michigan (the Spartans) to win, while Michigan State will become the Wolverines’ biggest supporters as their in-state rivals try and knock off the Buckeyes? And by the way, five other teams are jockeying for bowl positioning. How’s that for the last week of the season in the Big Ten?

On to the games…

Michigan State (6-1, 9-2) at Penn State (6-1, 10-1) [Battle for the Land Grant Trophy]: Penn State is looking for their 800th win, all under Joe Paterno. OK, yes, I exaggerate…Michigan State is looking for their first win in Happy Valley since Lucky Debonair took first place in the Kentucky Derby back in 1965.

The keys to the game:
1. Penn State’s Clydesdales versus Michigan State’s Clydesdale: Michigan State star and heart of the offense, Javon Ringer (1,548 yards, 20 touchdowns) needs to show up big to have a chance. Penn State boasts the number one overall (259 yards/game) and rushing defense (102 yards/game). On the other side, Evan Royster (1,123 yards, 12 touchdowns) leads the Nittany Lions’ rushing charge (first in the conference, 218 yards/game). However, Royster’s rushing between the tackles has been less successful compared to earlier in the year—he’s broken 100 yards only once in the last five games (Michigan, 174 yards). Further, coaches seem to be holding Daryll Clark back, perhaps due to the concussion he suffered in the Ohio State game. Clark hasn’t scored on the ground since, well, Michigan (two touchdowns rushing). The team with more rushing yards has the best chance of winning because…

2. Air Clark and Air Hoyer have lost their wings lately: Clark has not thrown for 200+ yards since Wisconsin (244), and that was five games ago. His last two outings have included interceptions, doubling his total from the previous nine games combined. Nitpicky? Maybe. But Penn State has, like most teams, shown they struggle when they turn the ball over. Brian Hoyer, on the other hand, has thrown touchdown passes only once in his last four games (against…Michigan, three) and tossed two interceptions to Purdue last week. Further, Hoyer’s completion percentage has surpassed 60% only twice this season (at Northwestern October 11th and against Eastern Michigan, September sixth). Championship caliber play comes with mistake-free football, which means being smart through the air. The quarterback who makes the least amount of mistakes regardless of yards or touchdowns will give his team the best chance to win.

PREDICTION: Penn State is better equipped for this type of game – better defense, more options on offense, better leadership at quarterback. White roses signify purity, innocence, and sympathy--sorry Michigan State.

Penn State 30, Michigan State 17

Michigan (2-5, 3-8) at Ohio State (6-1, 9-2): So “The Game” billed up as the greatest rivalry in all of sports is on fall break this year as the Wolverines’ season was put out to stud after their bad loss to Toledo…or Penn State…or Michigan State…The Buckeyes, on the other hand, play host while playing their best football to date.

The keys to the game:
1. Michigan’s arms vs. Michigan’s hips: The tackling by Michigan’s defense outside of the Minnesota and perhaps Wisconsin games has been egregious. Attempting to arm tackle 6’1” 237 lbs of Chris “Beanie” Wells or the slippery 6’6” 235 lb Terrelle Pryor will only lead to bad things in the yards after contact statistic. The Wolverines need to tackle solidly to have any chance of preventing small plays from turning in to big gains, something they’ve been unable to avoid this season.

2. The safety dance: In the same vein, Michigan’s safeties must realize their “safety dance” is a series of maneuvers best executed when there is no partner behind them. Stevie Brown, Brandon Harrison and company may have the most simplistic recipe for success – keep everyone in front of them, hug your “partner” and do not let go.

3. Trench Warfare: Ohio State is ranked third in rushing offense (188 yards/game) and defense (115 yards/game) and second in total defense (287 yards/game). Furthermore, the time of possession battle sways heavily in the Buckeyes’ favor (31:55 vs. 27:29). Controlling the line of scrimmage typically is and will be paramount for either team’s success in the “Big Game”; it looks like the scarlet and gray carry significant advantages in the trenches, in case you needed any statistics to show the lopsided nature of this year’s contest.

PREDICTION: My prediction? Painnnn…in a Clubber Lang sort of way.
Ohio State 37, Michigan 13

Iowa (4-3, 7-4) at Minnesota (3-4, 7-4) [Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy]: Certainly the under-card, but a contest that will help separate those teams jockeying for higher bowl bids. With a Northwestern loss, Iowa can jump the Wildcats and finish fourth in the conference if they beat the struggling Gophers. If Minnesota prevails, they will hop Iowa in the standings but can only secure fifth place (Northwestern owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Minnesota). The Gophers’ magical season came to a screeching halt in November and they’re winless in their last three tries. Galloping toward a January bowl game has quickly turned in to a limp towards the finish line. An eight-win season would be nothing less than magical after a single-win season last year, but it will take some heavy lifting against a hot Iowa squad. The Hawkeyes have won four of their last five, including the stunner over Penn State, and it all starts (and finishes) with tough running (Shonn Greene -1,585 yards, 15 touchdowns) and tough defense (third in scoring defense and total defense, second in rushing and red zone defense). Iowa wins a close contest, which will be in their control most or all of the game

PREDICTION: Iowa 27, Minnesota 21

Illinois (3-4, 5-6) at Northwestern (4-3, 8-3) [Battle for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy]: This is a meeting between two teams moving in opposite directions. Illinois is a win shy of bowl eligibility, having failed in their last two attempts (Western Michigan, Ohio State) to reach their sixth win. The big talk from the Illini camp after the Iowa win seems like it happened many moons ago as players and coaches alike seemed optimistic about the last three weeks of the season. Well, so much for that. Northwestern stands in the way (20 points/game against) defensively, led by junior defensive end Corey Wootton. No one seems to be discussing Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s job in his third year in charge of the Wildcats--four wins in 2006, followed by six last year, and now at least eight and possibly 10 this year speaks volumes for the coach’s mettle (and if Iowa loses, they secure fourth place in the conference). Northwestern wins this one old-school, middle linebacker style – with defense and grit.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 27, Illinois 23

Indiana (1-6, 3-8) at Purdue (1-6, 3-8) [Battle for the Old Oaken Bucket]: So as it breaks down here, if Purdue wins and Michigan loses…wait…whatever.

PREDICTION: Purdue - Old Oaken Bucket, Indiana – the comfort of last place in the Big Ten again.

Cal Poly (8-1) at Wisconsin (6-5, 3-5): Cal Poly’s undefeated season was dashed early in the year by none other than Montana (30-28), but the Mustangs have steadily improved and now hold the third spot in the FCS polling (James Madison first, Appalachian State two). Short of those aforementioned magnetic poles reversing Saturday afternoon, the Badgers will tidy up their record and finish with a seven-win season.

PREDICTION: Winner - Wisconsin, Losers – Cal Poly and college football fans tired of seeing fat cat FBS schools filling in their 12th game with FCS opponents.

Photo Credit: Michigan State Athletic Communications

Big Ten Power Rankings - Week Twelve

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

1. Penn State (1) 10-1 W: 34-7 vs. Indiana
It took a while--half of a game to be exact--for Penn State to shake the ill-effects of their disappointing loss last week. Indiana hung around and trailed only 10-7 at half-time, but salvaged only one first down in the second half against the tightened up Nittany Lions’ defense. The offense has been less than impressive two weeks running now, but Deon Butler still managed to break the school record of receptions (167) and Derek Williams added two scores of his own. The Penn State hog mollies up front need to shore up their game if they plan on celebrating a Big Ten championship and trip to the Rose Bowl.

2. Ohio State (2) 9-2 W: 30-20 at Illinois
By far and away the Big Ten’s hottest team put away memories of last year’s upset win by Illinois in Columbus, which dashed the Buckeyes’ undefeated season. As predicted under blustery winter conditions, Ohio State took to the ground and ran through, around, and over Illini defenders. Beanie Wells and Terrelle Pryor cashed in on rushing scores while gaining 143 and 110 yards on the ground, respectively. “The Game” is what’s left for Ohio State to complete their season turnaround and hopes for a share of the Big Ten crown.

3. Michigan State (3) 10-2 BYE
Michigan State is holding strong during the bye week; they cannot afford what teams have grown accustomed to this year – the post-bye week blues--as they head into their “Big Ten Championship Game”, rivalry game, and capstone to a brilliant Spartan season. Onward to Happy Valley.

4. Iowa (4) 7-4 W: 22-17 vs. Purdue
Rushing and defense. That’s the Hawkeye recipe and it continues to work. This week, Shonn Greene did not reach the 100-yard rushing plateau; he eclipsed 200 (211 yards, two touchdowns) en route to Iowa’s 248-yard rushing performance. Defensive tackle Mitch King sacked Curis Painter late, and safety Pat Angerer’s interception help stave off a late Purdue charge. After a three-game skid, Iowa has won four of its last five, including the upset over then third-ranked Penn State. With a win at Minnesota and a Northwestern loss, the Hawkeyes can finish their season on a great upswing and sole possession of fourth place in the conference.

5. Northwestern (5) 8-3 W: 21-14 at Michigan
Snow, wind, cold, the Big House, whatever. Down 14-7 at the half, Northwestern posted touchdowns on their next two possessions to finish off the scoring and the Wolverines. The Wildcats can now celebrate their first eight-win season since 2000, the last time they beat Michigan. If Northwestern holds off Illinois next week, they will take over fourth in the conference with a nine-win season.

6. Wisconsin (7) 6-5 W: 35-32 vs. Minnesota
Surprisingly, Minnesota limited the Badgers’ backfield to only 116 yards, but Wisconsin was still able to punch it in on the ground three times (Hill two, Clay one) in their come from behind victory. The defense clamped down on Minnesota, forcing two safeties and allowing only two scoring drives (one touchdown, one field goal) in the second half. The Badgers can congratulate themselves for becoming bowl eligible and scheduling Cal Poly to end the year for a seven-win season.

7. Minnesota (6) 7-4 L: 35-32 at Wisconsin
After their brilliant 7-1 start, the Gophers have stumbled in their last three. Football is a team sport, but wide receiver Eric Decker’s miss on a Weber pass (returned for a touchdown by Northwestern) followed by getting knocked out of the next two games with an ankle injury has seemed to coincide with Minnesota’s demise. The Gophers (3-4) can redeem themselves by knocking off Iowa (4-3), who sits just above them in the conference standings, pushing up their bowl eligibility.

8. Illinois (8) 5-6 L: 30-20 vs. Ohio State
Illinois mistakes piled up too high against the wrong team. Poor special teams and two costly turnovers from Juice Williams stunted any chances for the underdogs to take down Ohio State. The offense put up 455 total yards (214 rushing, 241 passing), but the defense couldn’t stop the will of the Buckeyes rushing attack. The Illini must now fight to stave off bowl elimination next week against in-state rival Northwestern to finish off the season on a higher note.

9. Purdue (9) 3-8 L:22-17 at Iowa
The upside – Curtis Painter looked like he still has a little fight left in him (24-30, 190 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), throwing for a pair of touchdown passes in a game for the first time since Purdue took on Notre Dame, September 27th. The downside – their defense is what we thought it was – terrible stopping the run (248 yards). Purdue is one more loss away from the cellar of the Big Ten.

10. Michigan (10) 3-8 L: 21-14 vs. Northwestern
A season without back-to-back wins, the bowl and winning record streaks snapped, the game fumbled away in South Bend, the abysmal Toledo game, the lost winning streak against Penn State, a humbling loss to Michigan State and now their first ever eight loss season (thanks to Northwestern) can be redeemed…, maybe. It would be an improbable achievement—one that even a #2 ranked Michigan team could not accomplish–to beat Ohio State. Just win, Richy.

11. Indiana (11) 3-8 L: 34 -7 at Penn State
Simply overpowered by Penn State, Indiana tried their best to make the game interesting. Marcus Thigpen is credited with the Hoosiers’ only score of the game, a 57-yard scamper in the second to tie the game 7-7. But the defense then surrendered 27 straight to the Spread HD, defending a short field for most of the afternoon. On the bright side, the defense sacked Daryll Clark three times and forced three turnovers Indiana will try to o salvage something from the season as they close out at Purdue for their battle for the Old Oaken Bucket, defending it for only the third time this millennium.

Big Ten Preview - Redemption-packed match-ups

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

The penultimate week of the season brings the chill, the snow, the flu and the redemption in the Big Ten. A closer look at this week’s action proves that teams are playing for a little more than an extra notch in the win column.

Ohio State at Illinois: Mr. Juice Williams, welcome back to the Ohio State defense you single-handedly scorched in a clutch performance (four touchdowns, 60 minute drive to seal the game in the end) to stifle the Buckeyes’ undefeated run. Mr. Laurinaitis and Mr. Jenkins are waiting. If a 6-4 Illinois team coming off a convincing victory over Western Michigan were playing host, this game would have even more, well, juice to it. As it stands, the Illini will be very motivated to redeem themselves after last week’s loss and the Buckeyes will certainly be ready to avenge last year’s loss.

Last week, Buckeyes’ quarterback Terrelle Pryor (9-14, 197 yards, three touchdowns) and running back Beanie Wells (28-140, two touchdowns) helped light up Northwestern’s vaunted defense (16 points/game scoring defense before Ohio State’s 45 last week) and showed the conference the potential of their dual-threat offense. Illinois is mostly a one-sided team--the offense is tops in passing (278 yards/game) and total offense (448 yards/game) and second in scoring (31 points/game). Their defense has stacked up a conference-leading 32 sacks so far. If Illinois has more sacks than giveaways they have a chance, but Ohio State looks to be strong [as usual] down the stretch, outscoring opponents 90-17 in their last two wins. The Buckeyes best chance at winning is if Wells and Pryor combine for at least 200 yards on the ground in tough Midwest fall conditions (rain/snow/wind, high in the 30s). Buckeyes roll.
PREDICTION: Ohio State 30, Illinois 17

Northwestern at Michigan: Northwestern is in desperate need of redemption themselves, coming off a bad loss to Ohio State last week 45-10. They showed that teams having their number in the recent past are able to continue their dominance over the injury-plagued Wildcats. Not good news for those favoring purple – Northwestern has also taken their historically recent shots from Michigan. The Wildcats still seek their eighth win of the season, a tally unattainable since 2000 (Michigan had outscored them in 5 straight wins 161-66 since) which was when they last beat Michigan, in a wild 54-51 shootout. Michigan’s redemption is not directed towards Northwestern and is rather evident at this point in the season. They played like “the Michigan of old” against Minnesota last week and will continue to prove the team is on the rise.

Sloppy conditions are predicted for the Wolverines’ last home game of the season. Due to injuries for both teams at their starting quarterback and running back positions, this contest will likely come down to who gets the lucky bounce of the ball
(off the turf). Whoever holds onto the ball will have the best shot at winning. I am hesitant to give the edge to Michigan on that factor alone, but I believe the seniors on defense will carry themselves to victory in front of their home crowd.
PREDICTION: Michigan 25, Northwestern 20

Minnesota at Wisconsin: The Gophers are in need of redemption after their stunning loss of the Little Brown Jug last week against Michigan. On offense, they couldn’t move the ball (188 total yards) sans an injured Eric Decker and surrendered 435 yards to the anemic Wolverines…with their backup quarterback. In order to prove their success this season was not a gift from the scheduling gods, Minnesota must stop a two-game skid against the much-improved Badgers. If that does not motivate Minnesota, perhaps a recap of the last 35 seconds of their shocking 2005 defeat at the hands of the Badgers will do (38-34 on a punt block for touchdown). Wisconsin needs redemption from the beginning their season when they were ranked as high as ninth…now they’re clawing for bowl eligibility.

Wisconsin has steadily improved after their Michigan/October implosion, winning two of their last three. Last week, the offense ran and ran and ran for over 400 yards versus Indiana, so expect similar things this week. Minnesota is eighth against the rush (142 yards/game), but still tops in takeaways (27) and turnover margin (+15). Thus, if the Gophers can force Wisconsin in to passing situations, where they are second in interceptions (14), Minnesota may give themselves some short field situations to put up some points. But my feeling is that they will not, as they have managed on average just 17 points/game against Big Ten foes.
PREDICTION: Wisconsin 27, Minnesota 20

Purdue at Iowa: Iowa seeks redemption after last year’s 31-6 thrashing at the hands of three Curtis Painter touchdown passes in West Lafayette. Purdue seeks redemption on behalf of Coach Joe Tiller’s quite forgettable closing season. Iowa’s defense stifles Purdue and Shonn Greene (1,374 yards and 13 touchdowns) and runs wild on Purdue’s abysmal rush defense (175 yards/game), leading the Hawkeyes’ quest towards a major post-season bowl bid.
PREDICTION: Iowa 27, Purdue 10

Indiana at Penn State: Redemption? Practice? We’re talking about redemption? No need here.
PREDICTION: Penn State 41, Indiana 14

Photo Credit: Illinois Sports Information