B1G Media Day Leftovers

[JonDMiller]

I don't like to eat leftovers at the dinner table and am not one of those people who believes warmed up or cold pizza is all that good...however I do believe chili is better the second time around.

That being said, when we are talking Big Ten Media Days leftovers, the eatin is good...

THE NEBRASKA (SIDE) EFFECT: If I never hear the following again, I will be happy: "So, Nebraska is in the Big Ten...what do you think that means (fill in the blank)."

I realize that local writers go around table to table and interview subject to interview subject looking to localize things as much as possible. However, you typically throw a few questions out there that are more general in nature. Not the Nebraska hordes...it was all about the Huskers, all of the time and it didn't matter if they were talking with Kirk Ferentz or any other player or coach....or any topic.

It's almost like you could make a game out of it. Remember the Kevin Bacon Oracle? Where every actor was no more than six links away from being in a movie with Kevin Bacon?

Try on the Husker Oracle.

"So Kirk, with Nebraska in the Big Ten, will that have any effect on where you recruit?"

"So Kirk, with Nebraska in the Big Ten, does this change anything with your other traditional rivals?"

"So Kirk, with Nebraska in the Big Ten, does this make the league more of a defensive league?"

"So Kirk, with Nerbaska in the Big Ten, does this mean the scientists at CERN are any closer to recreating the conditions of the Big Bang and discovering the elusive Higgs Boson, which would tie the theoretical standard model of particle physics together?"

That last one was not asked, but were it tossed out there, I would not have been surprised.

On one hand, I can understand their euphoria of escaping from the Texas League with their integrity still in tow. There is no black hole in the Big Ten that sucks the life out of everyone else...it's a real good set up and will pay financial dividends for years to come for the Huskers as equally as it will everyone else.

On the other hand, the red carpet that has been rolled out to Nebraska for the past year has gone to their heads.

They think everyone is just tickled pink that they are in our league. It's not a bad thing and it makes it a better football conference to be sure.

That being said, they didn't invent football and the Big Ten has done just fine without them. The BTN wasn't created on their watch and didn't become the most successful cable television start up in history due to anything Husker.

The BTN and the league has been OVER accommodating to Nebraska, in my opinion. Enough is enough, time to lace em up and if you win it all, you'll earn the attention you will receive. Enough of the handouts; it's high time for the Huskers to earn their own keep....

Of course all of this makes me shudder should the Big Ten ever invite and 'land' Notre Dame into the league. I think I would choke on my own vomit.

HUSKER SPORTS DIRECTOR SEEKS AUTOGRAPH

You may have seen this by now..the one where a Sports Director at a Nebraska TV stations asks Kirk Ferentz for an autograph during Big Ten Media days. If you haven't, the video is posted below. Rob Howe shot this one, and I was to Rob's left rolling tape as well. I transcribed the exchange in one of our Ferentz Q&A's but I didn't have the heart to post the video, because of how uncomfortable the entire scene was. That's not to say that Rob did anything wrong by posting it...it was pretty surreal, and something I haven't even seen at Iowa media day, much less the Big Ten media day.

It's an unwritten rule in media that you just don't do this. I am not going to pretend that everyone in the media is unbiased, and there are plenty of 'fans' or 'fans at heart' that are in the 'media' these days. Heck, I may be one of them as I want Iowa to win every game they play. I am not an 'objective' observer in that aspect, not by any means.

But I have never asked Kirk Ferentz for an autograph at a media function (nor any other function. I have passed along requests from people in special circumstances, including one I wrote about after this year's spring game when the Iowa football program brought some light into a family's life who had been through some recent dark times).

The media member had asked Ferentz a few on camera questions minutes before (along the lines of what I posted above), and after getting his shots left the scene..then came back a few minutes later with a license plate in tow, as well as a postcard that he forgot and left on the table.

While it was awkward, I couldn't help but laugh and I am surprised Rob was able to hold the shot together. Todd Brommelkamp of Voice of the Hawkeyes was right alongside me, and he was chuckling too. For me, the laughter was a coping mechanism due to how awkward the situation was. Watch after Kirk signs the item, how quickly (and deftly) he transitions into an autograph signing anecdote...he totally brought things back to 'normal' in doing this...a pro move...at the 1:13 mark.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7i-0WLEAMg]‪Ferentz Autograph - HawkeyeInsider.com‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT: New Ohio State coach Luke Fickell faced the larget media throng of his young career on Thursday...and at the start of it, he seemed a bit on edge...as things progressed, he was sweating..literally.

Again, he is not used to the bright lights...most guys in his position (the head coach of one of the five best football jobs in the nation) have paid their dues at smaller schools and are used to at least some media attention, or have experience with press conferences.

Fickell does not have that experience to rely on, and he has been under the glare of some very, very bright spotlights...On Thursday, the room was full of reporters...more than 500 of them...camera shutters snapping off like mad...cameras on him in the back of the room, knowing that hundreds of thousands of people are watching live on TV sets across the nation...

I think it got to him. He didn't stammer or stutter or anything like that, but the guy was uncomfortable. Having been involved with the television industry since college (and my last day in a college classroom was in 1993), it was not hard to spot.

I am sure he is going to be much more at home on the sidelines and the practice field, where it matters most.

MICHIGAN ARROGANCE: If you are a Michigan fan, you loved Brady Hoke's Thursday press conference answers. If you are not a Michigan fan, you puked a bit.

Numerous mentions of 'We're Michigan," were on display, and they were used in a pompous fashion. "Not to sound cocky, but we're Michigan." That sort of stuff, nearly exactly. Twitter was abuzz as every media member I follow who was there posted about it.

That's what Michigan fans want to hear. They don't like the position they have been in the last three years..which is the drop and give me 20 position. They ache for the swagger, which the rest of us see as Michigan arrogance.

Well, it's back, at least on the dais. It remains to be seen if it will show up on the football field, as the Wolverines are just 6-18 in the Big Ten the last three years, with 13 of those 18 losses coming by double digits.

Mark Dantonio is incredibly boring.
Kevin Wilson seems to be a great, great salesman
Danny Hope seems...well, I really don't know. Nothing?
Pat Fitzgerald could motivate Eyore to amazing achievements
Brett Bielema looked like the cat that ate the canary..or three
Joe Paterno seemed far more peppy and into it this year than last
Bo Pelini seems ****** off...all the time
Ron Zook just seems happy to be there

 

[DuffMan]

How will Nebraska being in the Big 10 impact the theory of man made global warming?

 

[JonDMiller]

How will Nebraska being in the Big 10 impact the theory of man made global warming?

It's possible...the amount of pointless CO2 that was emitted during B1G media days from their throngs was enough to cause concern...not all of them...but many.

 

[olddude]

Funny Jon. I think as far as B10, you are right, lace them up and lets go. I know it's big news, but come on. They are already the new guy and what they want to paint the target on their backs as well?? I know the media has an affect on that as well, but good god son, "walk quietly and carry a big stick".
So do you want to revise your predictions now??

 

[JonDMiller]

So do you want to revise your predictions now??

Nope. I think Nebraska has the best defense in the Legends and their offense may be just good enough. I don't think there is a powerhouse in the Legends, and I think the Huskers are the best in that division...and Michigan could wind up winning it too; I had them at 9-3.

Just because some Nebraska media folks sucked the air out of the room it doesn't change my opinion of their team.

 

[olddude]

Nope. I think Nebraska has the best defense in the Legends and their offense may be just good enough. I don't think there is a powerhouse in the Legends, and I think the Huskers are the best in that division...and Michigan could wind up winning it too; I had them at 9-3.

Just because some Nebraska media folks sucked the air out of the room it doesn't change my opinion of their team.

That same D that has to change to conform (weather Bo likes it or not) to B10 style of play? That same program that has had a dismal 10 year span against ranked teams? How many do they face this year?
Not argueing with you, we all see it a little differently (and thats a good thing). I am just pointing out some things many dont take into account.

 

[JonDMiller]

That same D that has to change to conform (weather Bo likes it or not) to B10 style of play? That same program that has had a dismal 10 year span against ranked teams? How many do they face this year?
Not argueing with you, we all see it a little differently (and thats a good thing). I am just pointing out some things many dont take into account.

Their defense has been more 'Big Tenish' than anything else in that league. Most of their games have been home games through the years, so the weather thing is not really a factor IMO...and most of their road games have been in B12 North, which is similar enough weather.

As for the ranked team thing, I guess we'll see. Although I will say this caused me to go back and look at Iowa's record against ranked teams...I think they are 6-4 against teams that were ranked when they played them going back to 2007... in 2008, they played just one, beating Penn State. the 2008 team won 9 games, had they had their QB situation more solidified going into that year, it could have been a big, big year. Last year, Iowa played six ranked teams.

This year, I am guessing they will play against two or three teams that will be ranked the time they play them...Nebraska should be, but the others are a bit of of a tossup right now.

 

[FalseMirage]

Now that Nebraska is in the conference, do you think they can get back in the AAU?

Do you think they would've been let in had it been known they would be kicked out of the AAU?

 

[olddude]

Their defense has been more 'Big Tenish' than anything else in that league. Most of their games have been home games through the years, so the weather thing is not really a factor IMO...and most of their road games have been in B12 North, which is similar enough weather.

As for the ranked team thing, I guess we'll see. Although I will say this caused me to go back and look at Iowa's record against ranked teams...I think they are 6-4 against teams that were ranked when they played them going back to 2007... in 2008, they played just one, beating Penn State. the 2008 team won 9 games, had they had their QB situation more solidified going into that year, it could have been a big, big year. Last year, Iowa played six ranked teams.

This year, I am guessing they will play against two or three teams that will be ranked the time they play them...Nebraska should be, but the others are a bit of of a tossup right now.

Right, I agree with the ranked teams part, I do not agree with the big 10ish part. Nebraska was almost pathetic at stopping the run last year. Something has to give, you cant expect them to maintain the high level of pass protection as they did AND stop the run. Now how many teams in the B10 are good at both passing and running? Maybe not great, but good.
They will do alright, but they cant stop it all. I think they will do ok, but all those kids on both sides of the ball are learning new assignments. Then to go week to week mixing it up, I just dont like the odds, thats all.
I think being a "shut down corner" in the B12 is different than being that in the B10. You see what I am saying??

 

[olddude]

Now that Nebraska is in the conference, do you think they can get back in the AAU?

Do you think they would've been let in had it been known they would be kicked out of the AAU?

I dont know much about all that, I do hope somethings were suggested, on how they spend their "windfall" and I would hope that as soon as possible, they try and get back in. In the end I think they would have been invited anyway, maybe with "more suggestions" but, it comes down to money and image and they brought that to the table. We will have to see in 10 years just how well they "fit in".
Penn, didnt live up to the hopes we had football wise, but they have a fine school and anyone should be honored to attend there. Football wise, they are ok and you have to admire the respect they have in that program.

 

[JonDMiller]

Now that Nebraska is in the conference, do you think they can get back in the AAU?

Do you think they would've been let in had it been known they would be kicked out of the AAU?

Not sure if they will get back in.

As for if they would have been let in, I think it played a big factor..Don't believe me? Then read these words by Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Pearlman from June of 2010:

"All the Big Ten schools are AAU members. I doubt that our application would've been accepted had we not been a member of the organization."

And Delany has flip flopped on this one...

Last year, about one month before Nebraska received the official invite, Delany said that AAU membership was a 'Very important factor' when considering possible new teams.

This spring, after Nebraska was kicked out, he said 'it wasn't a criteria for us.'

Now, not sure who he means by us...if he means the BTN folks, or football coaches, he is probably right.

If he means academia, he is wrong.

 

[FalseMirage]

I hope UNL isn't too uncomfortable in it's role as the slow stepchild. Maybe Cooter Ray is an accurate representative of the University instead of just the fanbase.

 

[FML]

One thing I noticed about Ferentz when reading through his quotes from last week....whenever he mentions anyone in the NFL, it always seems to be a NE Patriot. He must not follow many other teams.

 

[TheBattman]

One thing I noticed about Ferentz when reading through his quotes from last week....whenever he mentions anyone in the NFL, it always seems to be a NE Patriot. He must not follow many other teams.

I heard rumors that he has a vested interest in the Pats TE coach.

 

[Bohawk]

Good write up and very accurate regarding Nebraska. For those that haven't experienced it, you will soon learn that all roads lead to Nebraska football for their fans. You can't have a football discussion with one and not have it revert back to Nebraska football.

In addition, prepare to be presented with every players complete resume when hearing their name, ie; Who is starting at tackle UN fan? "That would be two time all conference, 4.5 40 time, 6'5", 290 pound, 4 star, academic all american, Bob Bobson. He benches over 900 pounds and is ranked 1st among the top ten best players in the world ever."

I'm already tired of them being in the conference. They are really out of place.

 

[MisterLucky]

Thanks for all your coverage, Jon. It was greatly appreciated. The one thing I did notice from watching the original coach interviews was that Joe Paterno obviously has not kept up on the rule changes. He had no idea that the NCAA had implemented the "taunting" violation that could actually take points off the scoreboard. Maybe that is something he would rely on his assistant coaches to pass on to the team, but you would think he would at least be aware of the rule change. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Paterno and his past accomplishments, but if I were a Penn St. fan, I think I would be hoping that he would be at least considering retirement.

 

[Section136]

Thanks for all your coverage, Jon. It was greatly appreciated. The one thing I did notice from watching the original coach interviews was that Joe Paterno obviously has not kept up on the rule changes. He had no idea that the NCAA had implemented the "taunting" violation that could actually take points off the scoreboard. Maybe that is something he would rely on his assistant coaches to pass on to the team, but you would think he would at least be aware of the rule change. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Paterno and his past accomplishments, but if I were a Penn St. fan, I think I would be hoping that he would be at least considering retirement.

Great post. I could not believe what I was watching when JoePa was answering that question. It almost seemed like he thought the rule was they could take points off the board for any unsportsmanlike or taunting penalty.

If that question would not have been asked at Media Day and Penn State had a touchdown negated because of taunting this year, JoePa would have been completely oblivious as to why the TD was wiped out.

 

[JonDMiller]

Thanks for all your coverage, Jon. It was greatly appreciated. The one thing I did notice from watching the original coach interviews was that Joe Paterno obviously has not kept up on the rule changes. He had no idea that the NCAA had implemented the "taunting" violation that could actually take points off the scoreboard. Maybe that is something he would rely on his assistant coaches to pass on to the team, but you would think he would at least be aware of the rule change. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Paterno and his past accomplishments, but if I were a Penn St. fan, I think I would be hoping that he would be at least considering retirement.

Many, many coaches live in a cocoon. They focus on their teams...they don't come up for air much. While taunting rules are a change, how many times have you seen Paterno teams taunt? Or Ferentz? Trey Stross' spike is the only on field out of sorts behavior I can remember from Iowa players. It just doesn't happen a lot because the coaches don't allow it in their programs...so it does not surprise me that some of the head coaches are not acutely aware of all the details just yet.

Here is how Joe's talk to his players will likely go down: "There are new taunting and unsportsmanlike rules this year. Our rules still apply; don't do any of that ****'

 

[74Hunter]

Right, I agree with the ranked teams part, I do not agree with the big 10ish part. Nebraska was almost pathetic at stopping the run last year.

I would say almost pathetic is going overboard, just a tad. We gave up about 150 rushing yards per game, and 3.9 ypc last year. Not great numbers by any stretch, but the most important stats would be the 307 total ypc and the 17.4 ppg we gave up. And that was in a league that has good offenses, and facing more mobile, scrambling QBs. Playing against less moblie "pro-style" QBs will bring those rushing numbers down, too.

Keep in mind that those rushing yards were in a scheme that normally used 1 LB, and at the most 2. Plug 3 or 4 LBs in the scheme, and run stopping gets easier.

Something has to give, you cant expect them to maintain the high level of pass protection as they did AND stop the run.

Why not? It has been done before, and if any coach can do it, it would be Bo. Stopping the pass in the run-centric B1G will be much easier than it was stopping highly talented spread passing teams with elite wide receivers and NFL quality QBs.

Now how many teams in the B10 are good at both passing and running? Maybe not great, but good.

This is where it will get easier. Sell out at stopping the run, make a team one dimensional, and your job gets even easier.

They will do alright, but they cant stop it all. I think they will do ok, but all those kids on both sides of the ball are learning new assignments.

Defense learning new assignments? News to me. This is Bo's 4th year, and as far as I know, there will be no major changes in the defensive philosophy. A few tweaks or wrinkles here and there, playing more 4-3 or 3-4 fronts, but it's not like they are splitting an atom.

Then to go week to week mixing it up, I just dont like the odds, thats all.

What the hell is this? Mixing it up? Does the rest of Division 1 play touch football? More news to me.

I think being a "shut down corner" in the B12 is different than being that in the B10. You see what I am saying??

I agree. It's much more difficult in the Big 12, playing against elite wide receiver talent like Justin Blackmon, Ryan Broyles, Michael Crabtree, Jordan Shipley, Danario Alexander, Dez Bryant, and Jeremy Maclin.

A guy like Dennard will be able to shut down half of the field in the B1G, and let the other 10 guys make plays.

 

[74Hunter]

Good write up and very accurate regarding Nebraska. For those that haven't experienced it, you will soon learn that all roads lead to Nebraska football for their fans. You can't have a football discussion with one and not have it revert back to Nebraska football.

In addition, prepare to be presented with every players complete resume when hearing their name, ie; Who is starting at tackle UN fan? "That would be two time all conference, 4.5 40 time, 6'5", 290 pound, 4 star, academic all american, Bob Bobson. He benches over 900 pounds and is ranked 1st among the top ten best players in the world ever."

I'm already tired of them being in the conference. They are really out of place.

H8erz still gonna h8.