Saint-Dic Chopped off Bowl Roster

No, it wasn't a lightning-quick running back or a bad set of knees that led to the demise of Jonal Saint-Dic. Turns out it was one of Michigan State University's notoriously difficult math classes (Honors Multiplication, I presume).

There were a lot of long faces today in East Lansing as the news came down that fTV's ™ Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year will not play in the Champs Sports Bowl for the Michigan State Spartans.

His voice quivering, St. Dic addressed the media after the announcement: "Everybody has their subjects, and I haven't taken math in five years. I studied and studied, but I came up short. It's a shocker." St. Dic said he was overwhelmed by a rigorous schedule that included two classes, one of which was sociology.

You've got to feel for this kid. We're greedy as fans; we expect these student athletes to be busting their butts in the library until the wee hours of the night, and then find the time to perform like world-class athletes on Saturdays. Don't let this deter you, Jonal. I don't see that St. Dic staying down for long.

Air Tressel grounded

The NCAA should be ashamed of themselves. Once again, they have the gall to pick on Coach Tressel for being a kind, warm-hearted human being. You know what? These college football players at Ohio State lead a grueling, difficult existence, all for the pleasure and satisfaction of demanding Big Ten football fans like you and I. I'll be damned if someone tells Coach Tressel that takings players on private jets is against the rules.

Rich Rodriguez: the next John L. Smith?

Folks, Andy Gamm (Your Source for Big Ten Sports) is back from his annual winter golf trip. And boy, is the scribe formerly known as "The Professor" bringing it strong this holiday season!

If you haven't bookmarked Andy's blog yet, you're missing out. Check his latest blog entry, breaking down Michigan's recent hire of Rich Rodriguez:

Rich Rodriguez will bring the same style that Illinois runs to the Big Ten. Hey,
as they say, if you can't beat 'em (spread offenses with fast QBs) join 'em. My
ony question for the ogling M fans - how is he any different than John L. Smith? Good luck coach and welcome to the Big Ten.

As usual, a real astute, objective take from Mr. Gamm. If you're not familiar with his work, Andy has achieved a cult-following in the blogosphere, mainly due to his innovative-style of journalism, attributable to being under the tutiledge of esteemed sports writer Jack Ebling. Not surprisingly, Andy is the first person to compare Rich Rodriguez to John L. Smith; he's always been at the forefront of pushing new, cutting edge ways of analyzing the Big Ten sports world. Now hear him out on this.

Coach Smith spent nine seasons combined at Louisville and Michigan State. In those nine seasons, Coach Smith won a whole one bowl game -- the prestigious Liberty Bowl. He also led his schools to a combined zero New Year's Day bowl appearances. And who will forget his near victory over Marshall in the Motor City Bowl, or his heartbreaking loss to Boise State in the Humanitarian Bowl? A gawdy track record, I know.

Meanwhile Coach Rodriguez spent seven seasons at West Virginia. He just happened to piece together a rather uneventful string of three consecutive seasons of 10 wins or more, winning only two bowl games, including a crumby BCS win over a weak Georgia program. Coach Rodriguez also managed to lead the Mountaineers to five straight bowl games, all of which coincidentally were staged on New Year's Day or later.

As you can see, these two coaches couldn't be any more similar. Andy, you've done it again. One more time, you're ahead of the curve and beat us all to the punch on this sweet comparison. Well done.

Celebrating 2000 hits!!!

Thanks to one and all for making fTv one of the most popular Big Ten blogs on the web!

And to attract even more attention to our cause, here are some search terms for Google to pick up!

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pancake nipples
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Jeff Smoker cocaine
Rich Rodriguez hillbilly redneck West Virginia
quixtar legitimate business
K'len Morris black

Hoke says no; Rodriguez says yes

Shortly after Michigan AD Bill Martin's long courtship of Ball State head man Brady Hoke ended Saturday evening, the Wolverines bounced back to snag West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez.

While this hire won't quite excite the masses in Ann Arbor like the return of Lloyd Carr's protege, it's a solid pick-up nonetheless for the Wolverines.

Hoke Playing it Cool

Despite constant overtures from the University of Michigan football braintrust, and repeated inquiries from the Muncie paparazzi, Ball State head coach Brady Hoke has been as cool as a cheshire cat.

In a brief but heated International Bowl presser Saturday, the much-coveted Hoke set the record straight with a throng of reporters in attendance:

"This may be disappointing to you but I'm not going to talk about any rumors, or any innuendos, or jobs or whatever else is floating out there. We'll talk about this year's team, this year's season, the bowl preparations, aspects of recruiting that we're heavily involved in right now, but that's about it. All that other stuff I don't want to talk about it."

Showing the steely resolve and short temper of his mentor Lloyd Carr, Hoke berated a beat writer who dared to challenge his mandate. With your source for Big Ten sports on a winter golf hiatus, stay tuned to fTV ™ for further developments in this "made-for-TV" saga.

The envelope, please ..

Offensive Player of the Year: C.J. Bacher, Northwestern

One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble

Can't be too careful with your company

Move over Yao Ming and Judge Ito, there's a new Asian-American breaking down barriers in this country. This guy just happens to be a Big Ten quarterback, and fTV's ™ Offensive Player of the Year. How he juggled his Engrish major with a rigorous football schedule is beyond me. But not only did Bacher "wok the wok," he talked the talk as well.

His remarkable campaign was highlighted by wins over stiff defensive units in Minnesota and Michigan State. Bacher hung (no pun intended) nearly 100 points and 1,000 yards combined on those two squads. And nobody in Evanston will soon forget the "where were you when ..?" comeback win over Indiana.

And Bacher didn't just do it with his arm, folks. He did it with his legs as well. How many times did we see C.J. get in the huddle and call the play "Hello Kitty" (the QB draw), only to scramble for a much needed first down.

Honorable Mention: Anthony Morelli, Penn State

My prediction of four Heisman trophies for Mr. Morelli didn't come to fruition, but the kid had a hell of a career. If I had a nickel for every big win this kid had in Happy Valley, I'd be .. well .. anyways. Moving on ...

Defensive Player of the Year: Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State

St. Dic burst onto the scene in East Lansing this season, reeking enough havoc to be affectionately coined "Sackmaster." St. Dic -- an imposing 73 inches (height, that is) -- forced many a fumble this year. Opposing players can testify: when that St. Dic takes you down, you're gagging and fighting just to come up for air. Coach Dantonio should be thanking his lucky stars for that kid; the Spartans rode St. Dic hard, all the way to the prestigious Champs Sports Bowl where he'll have a chance to break the NCAA's all-time forced fumbles record. Beware Boston College; he's come this far, don't expect St. Dic to blow it now.

Honorable Mention: J Leman, Illinois

This hunkalicious linebacker was a dominant force this season on America's sexiest team (yes, I'll admit it. Ron Zook makes me question my heterosexuality). Word is that USC coach Pete Carroll has been laughing when watching gamefilm in preparation for the Rose Bowl. Something tells me those are nervous laughs of fear. Snubbed by Butkus voters, Leman will be out to prove a point in Pasadena.

Coach of the Year: Joe Tiller, Purdue

This season really couldn't have gone much better for the Boilermakers. As has become commonplace in West Laffayette, Tiller's squad admirably handled one of the nation's toughest slates, somehow scoring seven victories. Take a look at the scalps Purdue laid claim to this year, and tell me you're not impressed (Toledo, Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Iowa, Northwestern).

Lo and behold, the best team of that bunch (Central Michigan) gets another shot at Tiller's boys. This time on the big stage -- Ford Field. If Purdue can somehow overcome the Chippewas for the second time in one season, minus injured star WR Selwyn Lymon (a sore liver), the College Football Hall of Fame might as well just go ahead and clear some space for Tiller's bust.

Honorable Mention: Lloyd Carr, Michigan

Another season with high expectations ends with another trip to a New Year's Day bowl game. Life is good in Ann Arbor. I'd bet a lot of money that Jim Tressel is happy Coach Carr is hanging them up. And I'd bet he's trembling in his boots at the thought of having to face the thickest limb on the Carr coaching tree -- Brady Hoke.

Les Miles will be coming to Ann Arbor after all

Miles is reportedly working a signing bonus into his new contract with LSU worth several million dollars.  Once he has that in hand, he intends to immediately terminate his contract, come to Michigan, hire Tenuta, and give the rest of the money to Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington as advances on the coming summer's bail money.

But you didn't hear it from me.

Latest on UM search

The information I'm getting on this search is as good as gold.

Yours truly was the first to leak Ball State coach Brady Hoke's candidacy at Michigan. Just hours later, esteemed college football analyst Tom Dienhart (my second-favorite read after the controversial, but dynamic scribe Andy Gamm) piggybacked off my information and named Coach Hoke as his leader as well.

Well folks tonight my mobile phone was ringing off the hook with calls from my moles in both the Ball State Athletic Department and the US Coast Guard. Sources have confirmed that Michigan AD Bill Martin set sail Monday evening off the coast of Florida with just one passenger. It was also leaked to me that Coach Hoke was spotted early Monday morning at the Indianapolis airport wearing nothing but swim trunks and a snorkel. Coincidence? I think not.

There's no question Bill Martin has found his man. The only question that remains is whether Martin can lure Hoke from Muncie and win a bidding war against Ball State University for his services. Stay tuned, this is really starting to heat up.

F#@!K YEAH, WE'RE GOING TO A BOWL!

99.9% of the time, this blog is dedicated to all things Big Ten. For a brief moment, I must claim a bit of "me" time. My alma mater, Ball State University, has accepted a bid into the prestigious International Bowl in Toronto on Jan. 5.

My wife Dale and I are ecstatic. We hedged our bets on a post Christmas mini vacation and chose Toronto. This selection is awesome! We've never traveled outside the country before, so this should be quite a treat. My friends tell me that Toronto is full of hot, leggy women.

If this is indeed Coach Brady Hoke's swan song at Ball State before taking the Michigan job, what a way to go out!

Breaking News on Michigan Coaching Search

My sources have told me that off the heels of a second-place finish in the MAC West Division, Ball State head coach Brady Hoke will accept the Michigan job next week, and bring his offensive coordinator (and ex-Michigan OC) Stan Parrish along with him.

[EDIT: Ball State is announcing that they have scheduled a press conference Sunday afternoon, with various sources reporting that Coach Hoke will sign an extension with the Cardinals, making him Muncie's richest man. Stay tuned; this is a fluid situation. More updates to come as we learn of them.]

Bring on the ACC!

It's that time of year again folks where the Big Ten flexes its basketball muscles against the overmatched ACC in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. I don't see the game like one famous blogger (hint: he's a bevy of useless sports information), but I'll take a stab at it anyways:

Wake Forest at Iowa
If the thought of facing a Todd Lickliter-coached team in Carver Hawkeye Arena doesn't make Dino Gaudio crap his pants, then someone get him some X-lax! Pick: Iowa, 62-45

Georgia Tech at Indiana
I can see the future. Coach Sampson will wear a light blue shirt with a red tie. The Hoosiers win big. And after the game AD Rick Greenspan renames Assembly Hall .... the Nextel Centre. Pick: Indiana, 100-51

Minnesota at Florida State
Rumor has it NBA scouts will be in attendance to check out "The Woolly Mammoth" -- Spencer Tollackson. What in the name of Paul Bunyan is Coach Smith feeding this guy? I don't have the faintest of clues, but I'm sure Spencer is eating it out of a trough! Pick: Minnesota, 72-25


Northwestern at Virginia
Full of momentum off a huge win over Benedictine, the Wildcats were stunned by Brown. Bill Carmody's teams are known for their resiliency however, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way. Pick: Northwestern, 39-38 2OT

Wisconsin at Duke
Who on Coach K's squad can check Brian Butch? Thought so. Pick: Wisconsin, 64-52

Purdue at Clemson
Matt Painter's boys have run the table on a daunting early-season slate (Bethune-Cookman, Lipscomb, Loyola-Chicago) and are poised for an easy win down south. Pick: Purdue, 78-40

N.C. State at Michigan State
They say you win championships with big men. Well with talents like Drew Naymick and Idong Ibok roaming the paint, expect to see some banners unfurled at the Breslin Center this spring. Pick: MSU, 87-43

Illinois at Maryland
Well Ron Zook has brought sexy back to Big Ten football. It's time for the dapper Bruce Weber to do the same for Big Ten hoops. Pick: Illinois, 72-63

Boston College at Michigan
Al Skinner takes his boys to "Little Tokyo" for a night he'll never forget. Pick: Michigan, 69-49

North Carolina at Ohio State
So they say Tyler Hansborough is older than most kids in his grade. Well how appropriate that he'll lace 'em up in front of 20,000 rabid Ohio State alums on Wednesday night. Pick: tOSU, 80-54

Virginia Tech at Penn State
Off an impressive showing in the Old Spice Classic, the Nittany Lions return home to a Bryce Jordan crowd of tens of tens. Who said Penn State was a women's basketball school? Pick: Penn State, 75-36

Any Given Sunday (Night!)

Although we here at FtV prefer to focus on collegiate athletics, tonight's installment of Sunday Night Football cries out to be covered, as its major storylines centered around athletes who played significant roles in shaping history at the University of Michigan. On the field for New England was former UM quarterback Tom Brady, who infuriated fans during the 1998 and 1999 seasons by stealing the starting role that belonged to Drew Henson (imagine where the Patriots would be if they'd drafted Drew!) Suiting up for the Eagles was Brian Westbrook, who Wolverine fans might remember as the man who broke their hearts when he came down with a touchdown pass heaved by a fellow Colorado Buffalo -- an underrepresented minority quarterback who went by the name of Stewart. And speaking of Korbel, even though Philly kept the game close, it's still too early for the '74 Dolphins to pop the bubbly; the Pats are undefeated at 11-0, while the Eagles secured a crucial series of moral victories to help them stay in the hunt for an NFC postseason berth.

Leaders and Best

With Lloyd Carr's recent retirement, the nation's premier job is now open. Who might fill the head coaching vacancy at Michigan? Let's take a look:

1) Brady Hoke
One of many Carr assistants to flourish as a college head coach, Coach Hoke has taken Muncie by storm. Not only that, but remember this guy trained beneath one of the preeminent defensive minds of our time, Coach Jim Herrmann. Reliable sources indicate that Hoke's wife has already purchased a home in Ann Arbor. This one's all but a done deal, folks; expect an announcement shortly after Ball State's impending bowl game.

2) Ron Zook
I'll say this: if things fall through with Brady Hoke, Bill Martin would be wise to strike while the iron's hot with Coach Zook. Florida State, Nebraska, and Tennessee are all rumored to be hot and bothered by this guy's coaching acumen (or perhaps by his long, wavy hair and rugged masculinity? Ron is the Jack Palance of college coaches). Coach Zook went 8-5, 8-5, 7-5 at Florida, and then just pulled off a remarkable 9-3 campaign at Illinois. He'd be a perfect fit at Michigan!

3) Mike DeBord
If the Wolverines care to promote from within, look no further than "DeBo." After a successful four-year stint as head coach at Central Michigan, Coach DeBord returned to Ann Arbor and led one of the nation's most high-powered offensive attacks in 2007. Known for his innovative schemes and risk-reward playcalling, insiders call DeBord "the white Norm Chow."

Michigan State - Penn State

It's not just for pride anymore!



Can you believe that the designer of this beauty is legendary Spartan head coach (and Board of Trustees member!) George Perles? The simple design represents the best of both universities, incorporating subtle elements that do not overshadow the importance this of the storied rivalry between these long-time conference foes. With eight Big Ten championships between them, these two schools have a history of saving their best performances for this most important of final-week tilts.

Much is at stake this weekend. For Penn State, a victory might propel the Lions into fourth place in the conference, while a loss might mean they'd have to settle for a fourth-place finish. And for MSU, a win would mean the opportunity to cherish another beloved brainchild of George Perles -- a berth to the Motor City Bowl!

A Thrilling Finish

I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so!

Rumor has it Northwestern is thinking of changing their fight song to the Vapors' hit single after another afternoon of late-game heroics by the sneaky C.J. Bacher in Evanston. Ryan Field was rocking when coach Pat Fitzgerald called his team's best play -- "Kamikaze," and it resulted in a three-yard touchdown toss by "Sensei Bacher" as the Wildcats nipp(on)ed Indiana.

And what a perfect way to set the table for a huge rivalry game. America's hottest storyline next week will be C.J. Bacher's attempt to slay Godzilla -- played by the dashing Ron Zook. And rumor has it Governor Blagojevich will even order all nail salons in the state of Illinois to shut down for this mega-tilt! It'll feel like a horriday!

Foreshadowing greatness?

If the Big Ten's exhibition results are any indication of how strong the league might be this year, look out nation! Playing perhaps the toughest exhibition schedule in the country, our conference has shown some real moxie!

Check out the Division 2 preseason poll, and you'll notice exhibition opponents from Michigan State and Ohio State:

1. Winona State
2. Bentley
3. Grand Valley State
4. Northwest Missouri State
5. Findlay

Well, nobody can say the Big Ten dodges the tough matchup. Instead of lining the preseason schedule with creampuffs, Tom Izzo and Thad Matta went out and booked a pair of the nation's top squads and nearly knocked them off! The Spartans dueled the #3 team in the nation all the way to double overtime before succumbing at the Jack Breslin Center. Then the Buckeyes scratched and clawed against #5 Findlay, only to fall by a bucket in the final seconds. No need to be embarrassed, Spartans and Buckeyes. These are what those in the know call "character-building losses." The kind of games that prepare you for the rigors of Big Ten basketball. We're all proud of you for accepting these challenges, and nearly conquering them.

Wolverines upset Spartans

Michigan defeated Michigan State on Saturday, but don't be fooled folks. This was an upset. Never mind the fact that the Vegas bookies had the Wolverines as the favorite. Or that Michigan had won five straight and 29 of the last 37 in the series. Or that the Wolverines entered the game 5-0 in the Big Ten, while the Spartans cruised in at a gawdy 1-4.

This was a shocker that no one saw coming. Even Andy Gamm, pundit extraordinare and Big Ten sports expert, was caught off guard. Check out "The Professor's" most recent lecture, given to a packed cyber-lecture hall of two or three at the Bitterrivals Blogspot:

The tide is turning and it starts tomorrow. Think Wisconsin in 2004, Penn State
in 1997. Think big. Think VICTORY FOR M-S-U!

Michigan State 42 - Michigan 14.

Andy, first you've banned me from your site, and now you've cost me my farm in Muncie. After reading your preview and prediction for Saturday's mega-tilt, I brazenly offered a co-worker Michigan +20.

Well the four-touchdown romp you predicted didn't quite materialize, and I spent Saturday night sleeping in an alley behind the local Waffle House.

Geez, and it's so rare when Andy has egg on his face after a Michigan/Michigan State matchup on the gridiron. He rarely picks an MSU victory that doesn't eventually come to fruition. Andy was let down in this one by an uncharacteristically poor final 7:00 or so by the Spartans, and by a stunningly inept performance by the Green and White secondary. I forgive you, Professor. Nobody saw this coming. It's a buyer's market in Muncie right now anyways.

Let's Hoop it Up!

Cruising The Final Score Dot Net Blogspot Dot Com Source for Big Ten Sports this morning, I read a thorough and riveting preview about the upcoming hoops season by Jack Ebling-protege Andy Gamm.

Andy says the Spartans are "loaded" this year, and he picks them to run roughshod over the nation en route to a Final Four appearance. And you know what? Andy is usually pretty modest in his predictions for Michigan State. I can't remember the last time he was this giddy over one of his teams, so I'm inclined to think he's onto something here.

Here's how I think it will shake out:

1. Michigan State (31-0, NCAA champs), Drew Neitzel is the best caucasian player to don the Green and White since Chris Hill. Now if only Coach Izzo could convince that thick St. Dic to come along for the ride.
2. Ohio State (30-1, NCAA finalist), the Schottenstein True Value Hardware Depot Center will be rocking this year.
3. Wisconsin (28-2, NCAA National Semifinalist), I nearly pissed my pants after I watched Coach Ryan do the Soulja Boy.
4. Indiana (26-6, Elite Eight participants), Can you hear me now? Coach Sampson has the new Baby Shaq in D.J. White.
5. Purdue (24-7, Elite Eight participants), They do n't rebuild at Purdue, they just reload.
6. Michigan (22-8, Sweet 16 participants), the addition of DVD technology to the halls of Crisler will put the Wolverines over the top.
7. Illinois (22-9, NCAA Round of 32 participants), Without the respectful and very politically correct dances and chants of Chief Illiniwek, things just won't seem the same.
8. Minnesota (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), The Vikings, Timberwolves, Tim Brewster, and now .... Tubby Smith. What a time to be living in the Twin Cities!
9. Penn State (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), It looks like Anthony Morelli's Heisman campaign will come up just a hair short. Geary Claxton will try and make up for it by winning the Naismith.
10. Iowa (18-14, NIT Champions), Todd Lickliter. Enough said.
11. Northwestern (16-12, NIT finalists), Bill Carmody has turned Welsh-Ryan Arena into the Jungle of Doom.

Saturday night lights!

Well folks, another weekend is upon us, and this weekend it means continuous Big Ten action from noon till midnight! What other conference can lay claim to SIX nationally-televised games this weekend? I haven't checked but I'm guessing the answer is NONE! Thank you SO MUCH Big Ten Network -- is it any wonder why everyone loves this new station?

Of course the early games will be great; Wisconsin-OSU has been mentioned in this spot before on the Main Event Channel, BTN. Some locales will get to bite their nails over the Indiana-Ball State rivalry, one that no doubt holds special meaning for our own BTSF. Relegated to lesser broadcast tiers but still of national importance will be Iowa-Northwestern on ESPN2 and Purdue-Penn State on ESPN. Then we have Michigan-Michigan State on ABC -- another instant classic to be sure! Andy Gamm of the Final Score Dot Net Big Ten Blog will be tuning in to that one, you should too! And save me some pork rinds!

But what really fires me up is a nighttime matchup between Illinois and Minnesota! Football under the lights is just a little more special at the Gophers' shrine to the game, the Humphrey-dome! Both teams will have their ears pinned back. Will Adam Weber, the Gophers' dual-threat QB, be able to tunnel under the Ron Zook's gameplan? Or will the Illini bring their warpaint and tomahawks and cash the Gophers out like so many chips at a secondhand blackjack table? Let's find out together -- with a couple dozen shots of Old Crow!

Wisconsin vs. Indiana -- one for the record books!

Folks, I hope you had the VCR rolling on Saturday afternoon, because the Big Ten Network captured another classic! (Speaking of, thank the good Lord for the BTN! I can scarcely remember the bad old days when there was no Big Ten Network and these games simply wouldn't be televised!)

I am talking of course about Wisconsin vs. Indiana, and let me tell you this 33-3 thriller played out just how you'd imagine it! Indiana is not known for its defense, and its offensive firepower was on display. Future first-day draft pick Kellen Lewis piled up 113 yards of passing offense on 33 attempts en route to throwing only two interceptions. But it was Wisconsin QB Tyler Donovan who stole the show, lighting up the scoreboard with 144 yards and a solitary interception. But of course the ground game was what made the difference; the Badgers' P.J. Hill, the very model of what a tough physical Wisconsin tailback strives to be, piled up 57 yards before leaving the game with a bruise.

As a reward for their victory, Wisconsin takes on #1 Ohio State in Columbus at noon on -- you guessed it -- the Big Ten Network! Front and center for the third straight week!

Smack Talk 101

Part of what yours truly loves about rivalries is the good natured trash talk between the respective fanbases. And with the Spartans and Wolverines meeting on the banks of the Red Cedar this weekend, the smack is flowing.

In addition to being Our Source for Big Ten Sports, Andy Gamm runs the wildly popular Bitterrivals Blog with Tom Crawford. This is the forum where these two fanatics can let their hair down a little and dabble in some roleplay. Andy plays the "The Professor" -- a pompous, meter-maid type who puts the "cornblues" (as he cleverly calls them) in their place with his pointed lectures. Tom goes by "C-Dad," the feisty "Walmart Wolverine" who gets under the skin of Spartans with his masterful jabs at their agricultural roots.

Check out some of the classic back-and-forth these two engaged in this past week. First, "C-Dad":

If Lloyd gets ahead, he's going to run Mike Hart 65 times ... and the Green
Bellies will wiggle their way back in it.

And more:

Not since 1991 have I watched a relaxing MSU-Michigan Game in that hell hole venue!

To which Andy replied:

Whaddya calling a hell hole venue?! At least you can get two cheeks down at MSU Cdad!

Oh, snap!

And more gems from Andy:

The boys in the highlighter yellow pants aren't exactly your classic Michigan team

Ouch! And one more zinger for the road:

Too many things are in the Spartans favor to not pull off an upset win. The date
of the game? November 3. The last time State won the game with the skunk-bears? November 3.

Skunk-bears? Classic. Andy can really bring the smack.

I don't want this week to end. If Wilbon and Kornheiser ever hang it up, how about "C-Dad" and "The Professor" to take their spot on PTI?

A Star is Born

Well I woke up this morning, checked My Source for Big Ten Sports, and then stumbled across this exciting blurb from realgm.com:

The Indiana Pacers announced Monday they have signed forward Courtney Sims
to a contract.

Now I know Larry Bird is known for making some clever free agent signings, but the Hick from French Lick may have outdone himself here. Mr. Sims' reputation as a hard-nosed competitor, along with his vast experience of playing at Madison Square Garden, makes him NBA-ready right from Day One. The Pacers got a steal here; this kid will no doubt follow the likes of Eddie Griffin and Bernard Robinson Jr. in a long line of Tommy Amaker products that have excelled in the NBA.

Iowa's "Comeback Kids"

They rushed the field at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, and with good reason. The Iowa Hawkeyes completed a stunning comeback over 1990 co-Big Ten champ Michigan State.

The airtight Spartan secondary may have stifled Jake Christensen, but how about Hawkeye running back Albert Young repeatedly stuffing the ball right down St. Dic's throat in the second half? This was mano-a-mano in a battle of two teams playing their tails off to get to Detroit.

But even in defeat, Michigan State's football program has a lot they can take from this past week. Coach Dantonio really came into his own as a Big Ten football coach, showing us just what he learned from mentor Jim Tressel about handling off-field incidents with the touch of a strict disciplinarian. Hold your heads up high, Spartans -- there is a new sheriff in town.

Anyone else impressed by MSU-OSU?

Folks, the pugnacious Michigan State Spartans went into Columbus last weekend looking to upset the #1 Buckeyes and came away with one of the greatest moral victories in school history! The 24-17 game was dominated by neither team, with MSU's defense making stellar plays and the Ohio State offense "bending but not breaking."

The Buckeyes got out to a 24-0 lead, playing right into the hands of newly-hired coaching genius Mark Dantonio. At that point Dantonio commanded defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi to put his giant Saint-Dic to work, doubletime! And what do you know, after that three forced fumbles ensued, leading to two Spartan touchdowns! We all know that it's a football player's job to hang onto the ball, but I know I wouldn't be able to concentrate with an enormous Saint-Dic slapping at my face!

Let me tell you though, this was a game that the Spartans will be talking about for some time! They'll mention it with admiration alongside such great contests at Northwestern 2007, Michigan 2004, and Louisiana Tech 2003. Only time will tell whether the Spartans will be able to achieve another of their magical moral victories against the Hawkeyes tomorrow! As always, be sure to get Andy Gamm's take on the big game!

My heart is torn ..

.. for this weekend's showdown in Champaign between my alma mater -- Ball State University -- and "the comeback story of the year" -- the Fighting Illini.

I admit, my allegiances are torn.

On one hand, my Cardinals are an improving squad under former Big Ten Conference Football Assistant Brady Hoke. On the other hand, I have to admit I've been a bit pu**ywhipped by Ron Zook's long, wavy hair, and his Illini's brand of disciplined, mistake-free football.

As I predicted on Andy Gamm's Final Score Blogspot, I smell a 7-overtime thriller, with Illinois taking home a 67-64 victory.

It will be a win-win for me: my Cardinals will have put up another valiant fight in one of college football's most storied venues, while Coach Z's boys will have locked up a trip to a prestigious, mid-December bowl game!

Under the radar: Wisconsin football!

Speaking of no respect, why isn't anyone talking about Wisconsin this year? Perhaps it's because the Big Ten is so deep that the Badgers get overlooked, or maybe the press is just saving all their Wisconsin love for basketball season, but this team is for real folks! The team is already bowl eligible after running the table against an ambitious non-conference schedule that included the likes of perennial PAC-10 power Washington State, UNLV, the Citadel, and Northern Illinois (home of Garrett Wolfe!). The Badgers have been virtually flawless, their only losses coming to resurgent Illinois and in a closer-than-the-scoreboard-indicates 38-7 loss to Heisman hopeful Anthony Morelli and his wily coach, Joe Paterno.

Next up for the Badgers is Indiana, a worthy foe indeed! The Hoosiers have a stable of talented receivers, but the Badger defense should be able to handle them -- they've held opponents to under thirty points four times this year! -- and Tyler Donovan is an extraordinary quarterback, probably the best to don the cardinal and white since Super Bowl champion Jim Sorgi ran the offense in Madison. PJ Hill, cutting nimbly through defenders, is another Wisconsin back known for his grace and quickness. Plus, rising star Bret Bielema is a strict disciplinarian who has his kids in line and focused -- in his nearly two years as head coach, Bielema has had to deal with just a dozen arrests and academic issues!

Yes, the Badgers are destined for glory! Do you agree with me and with Andy Gamm of The Final Score dotnetblog?

No Respect

So I went through my usual Monday morning routine today -- eating pancakes with extra maple syrup and reading the silky smooth prose of Andy Gamm at The Final Score Blog. And gosh darn I nearly choked on a moist silver dollar when I read Mr. Gamm's passionate defense of our Big Ten Conference:

The Big Ten is however, getting ZERO national respect this year. Many feel OSU
will be the next giant to fall from the top. Michigan did lose to a 1-AA team
and get hammered in week two as well, so that doesn't help. Meanwhile, prior to
this past Saturday, perennial doormats Illinois and Indiana were still a big
part of the conference race. So, while on one hand I can see where the
disrespect comes from, I still think it has as much to do with overall
infatuation with the SEC, their gorgeous women and thunderously loud night-time
crowds.

Preach on, Andy! You're the kind of scribe I could run through walls for!

The Big Ten's most impressive non-league wins this year are Washington, Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh. Those are some big-time scalps; I'm not sure what more the critics are looking for. And people can make a big stink about co-leader Michigan having two losses, but folks one of those is to the No. 5 team in the BCS, and the other to a two-time defending national champion. That's nothing to scoff at.

Another thing Andy is spot on about is the strength of the SEC. Only 7 of their teams are in the BCS top-25 this week. Color me unimpressed. "Thunderously loud-night time crowds?" Uhhh, has the media ever been to Champaign or West Laffayette? I have. Bring your earplugs.

Let the haters hate, Andy. Per usual, we'll surely get the last laugh come bowl season.

And more on Northwestern ..

Rumor has it Matt Millen was in attendance on Friday night at Ford Field scouting "C.J. The Kid." And by golly, Mr. Bacher didn't disappoint now did he? Folks, it's time to put your "Asians in Athletics" stereotypes on the backburner and embrace what this kid is doing right now. He's making opposing defenses look like chop suey. Up next for the Wildcats, the notoriously stingy Purdue defense. "Me so excited" to watch that one!

The more I see of Northwestern ...

... the more I feel like the Wolverines escaped with a lucky win! Those feisty Wildcats have now strung together three impressive wins, shutting down the potent offenses of Michigan State and Minnesota in Big Ten play and going out of conference to tussle with the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Look at the final score (and The Final Score!) of the EMU games:

Michigan: Won 33-22
Northwestern: Won 26-14

Northwestern held the Eagles to fewer points and won with a larger margin of victory than the Wolverines did! Comparing the common opponent, Michigan had no business beating the pride of Evanston. I think we can officially call that win an upset, folks!

Illinois almost pops the Champagne

The Wolverines escaped this one but, as Kirk Herbstreit pointed out, the real story here is the resurgence of Illinois. Not only do they have an energetic, respectful fanbase (those t-shirts were first-class all the way!), but they have a hell of a leader as well. Ron Zook's coaching acumen was on full display in this one. Man, what a well-coached, disciplined football squad he's got there. The psychological warfare he engaged in with coach Lloyd Carr was priceless as well. Coach Zook kept the nation guessing as to which of his esteemed quarterbacks he was going to throw at the Maize and Blue next. Henson-Brady. Leak-Tebow. Williams-McGee. Michigan may have won on the scoreboard, but the Illini won everywhere else in this one.

A "Minor" Problem with the "Hart" of Michigan's "offense"

As anyone who saw the Michigan-Purdue game knows, Michael Hart was injured in the second quarter, and his backup, Brandon Minor, was injured a few days later. Thankfully a brilliant effort by third-string tailback Carlos "Mexican Charlie Brown" Brown helped to save the day. I believe Joe Tiller called for his players to injure our running backs after Hart piled up 102 yards in the first two quarters, but then again Purdue is well known for having a very tough defense. You're not simply going to line up and run it at their ferocious athletes and expect to make it out alive.

Hopefully Andy Gamm of the Final Score blog will weigh in with his opinion on Tiller's malicious malfeasance.

The criticism of Coach Kelvin Sampson

Pardon my language, but what a bunch of horse manure. How dare anyone defame this good man and fabulous basketball coach. Much like Steve Fisher, Jim O'Brien, and Clem Haskins before him, Coach Sampson is being unfairly persecuted for a minor rules violation that was clearly an innocent mistake and one that doesn't put Indiana University at a competitive advantage in any way, shape, or form. To hell with Gregg Doyel. Let's wait for a more neutral, reasoned, and more respected voice like Andy Gamm of The Final Score to speak out on the issue before we tar and feather Coach Sampson.

Ode to a Sack Master

Have folks in East Lansing ever stopped to consider what life would be like with a St. Dic-less defense? The Sack Master did it again Saturday, matching a B10 record for forced fumbles. No wonder, since Coach Dantonio has been forcing that St. Dic down the throats of opposing offenses all season. Visit the The Final Score if you want to read more prose salivating about that enormous St. Dic.

Now we know: Illinois Football Is Back!

Illini fans, Iowa paid you a huge compliment on Saturday by beating you. You are no longer the hunter; you are the hunted. Yes, Illinois football has arrived. Iowa fans stormed the field after this one, and they had every right to do so. Their defense just held one of the nation’s most potent offenses in check. OK, so this loss officially knocks Ron Zook’s club out of the national title picture, but I still expect to see the Blue and Orange playing on New Year’s Day.

Move over Timmy Chang ..

.. the next great Asian-American quarterback is upon us.

His teammates are rumored to have dubbed him "Pearl Harbor." That sounds about right to me after C.J. Bacher dropped another sneak attack on a college football power Saturday. First he shredded the vaunted Michigan defense in Evanston. Now he whacks St. Dic and the Spartan defenders?

I can't really put this performance into words. But I know the The Final Score blog can. We may have seen this game, but I guarantee you this guy actually saw it.

Massey out for the year

A huge hit for the Wolverines in their quest for the Big Ten title. This kid was a GAMER and he always gave his all.

Bon voyage, Young Wolverine. We eagerly anticipate your triumphant return next season!

If there are further details about this story no doubt you will find them at The Final Score.

Don't sleep on Michigan State, guys.

We all know about Coach Dantonio's first-class pedigree, but what a defense he's brought to East Lansing! This kid St. Dic can penetrate any offensive line formation the other team throws at him. One thing we can say about the Spartans is, they sure aren't going to beat themselves anymore with stupid penalties in the waning minutes. You're going to have to beat them, and it's going to be doggone tough to beat that St. Dic-led squad.

Mario Manningham out for Eastern Michigan?

The Free Press thinks so!

For my part, I doubt this will be the case. After all, Coach Carr hasn't made any sort of official announcement, and The Final Score doesn't appear to have any leads on the situation. Dealing in rumors is a sure way to look like a fool.

It's also hard to believe that a player like Mario, whose mind must be singularly focused on winning the Big Ten title at this point, would deviate from his course and do something that would confound his teammates and coaches. As I said before, there is probably nothing to this rumor -- just another example of negativity about the Wolverines coming from the Detroit media, folks.

Of course, if it is true, not playing on Saturday should give Mario a little more time to hit the books! If anyone knows that studies come first, it's Mr. Manningham!

A word of introduction!

Hello fellow Big Ten sports enthusiasts, my name is Roger, but you can call me the Even-Keeled Wolverine! I graduated from the University of Michigan in 1977 and have been a passionate fan for many years! I am married to my wonderful wife, Greta, and I have two kids as well as a dachshund named Rob Renes! After graduation, I moved into a spacious home on the east side of Garden City, Michigan, and I enjoy my daily commute to my job in one of America's great cities, Detroit! Every morning I fire up the LeSabre and cruise into the big city to do my duties as a low-level manager for an enormous cable company. I'm also what my doctors call "morbidly obese," but hey, weight is just a number!

My duty on Fitting the Vision -- FtV as we like to call it around here! -- will be to give a balanced perspective on Wolverine sports! Our aim in starting this site was to make it the second-greatest Big Ten "blog" next to The Final Score, and we hope to succeed in this mission!

EXCELSIOR! If you have comments, leave 'em!