Creighton's Doug McDermott an Iowa Star

Creighton’s Doug McDermott is an All-American.

Yet there is a sense that because the junior plays in the Midwest and the Missouri Valley Conference that he doesn’t receive proper recognition. Put the guy in the Big Ten or ACC and college basketball fans all around the USA would know about McDermott.

Creighton has always been a basketball school but McDermott’s feats have provided the Jays with greater creditability.

Friday night, McDermott tossed in 39 points to lead his team to a road victory over Missouri State. Creighton is ranked 13th in the country with a 16-1 record. McDermott has been productive since his freshman year and is currently averaging 23.6 points per game.

The interesting thing is McDermott was the second best player on his high school team at Ames, Iowa. Harrison Barnes was the poster boy and received all the national attention. Barnes went to North Carolina and played two seasons before turning pro. I contend that McDermott is a better college player than Barnes.

There are still some fans in Iowa upset that McDermott left the state. He was scheduled to play for Northern Iowa but was granted his release when his father, Greg, took the Creighton job. Creighton and Northern Iowa are fierce rivals in the Missouri Valley. Greg McDermott was a former player and coach at Northern Iowa.

But regardless of where Doug McDermott plays, Iowans can celebrate the accomplishments of this All-American. The terms Iowan and All-American are a rare occurrence.

Big 12 Conference Should Step Up

Conference realignment is again a hot topic with the announcement of Maryland and Rutgers moving to the Big Ten.

I thought this conference realignment stuff was on hold for a time, but the Big Ten move shocked me. Now, the league will expand to 14 members and qualify for the “super” conference tag.

This action obviously has a ripple effect on other conferences and schools. The so called quiet time in collegiate athletics has become the nervous time again. What will happen to the Big East and ACC? Will more conferences raid their schools?

One conference that should take action is the Big 12. The league needs two more teams to return to the magic number of 12. This will enable the league to host a conference football championship again. The Big 12 is currently the only major conference without a championship game.

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby stated this past summer that he was comfortable with the 10-team league, but the realignment game has changed again. Unfortunately, the game is either pick your new members or be in danger of having your members picked. The Big 12 needs to use the pick strategy.

This Danny Seeks Real Hope

Purdue football coach Danny Hope is frankly running out of hope. The Boilermaker head man is in danger of losing his job and with a loss at Iowa Saturday, it could happen.

Purdue has lost five straight conference games and is 0-for-The Big Ten Conference. The Boilermakers started the season 3-1. Hope may have helped sealed his fate when he declared in that preseason that Purdue could have a competitive team in the league.

Hope has taken the Boilermakers to a minor bowl game (Little Caesars last season) in his four seasons at the school. But Hope has posted just a 19-27 overall mark and a 10-19 Big Ten record.

The Boilermakers will be underdogs against the struggling Hawkeyes (three straight losses), but if they can upset Iowa, their two remaining games against Illinois and Indiana are also possible wins. A 6-6 record would actually bring Danny Hope some hope.

Hope is definitely what Purdue football needs these days.

Fickle Fans

The sun arose in Iowa City, Iowa Sunday morning.

The way some fans reacted to Iowa’s stunning 32-31 loss to Central Michigan Saturday, it made you wonder about that warm glow in the sky.

As predicted, Iowa fans were not in a joyful mood after losing to a Mid-American Conference school on a field goal with seconds remaining. Their team is now 2-2 heading into the Big Ten Conference season. Some say Iowa is a break or two from being 4-0. The Hawks are also a play or two from being 1-3.

Hawk fans expressed their displeasure on post-game call-in shows and Internet message boards. Frankly, this Iowa squad isn’t a strong one. Many knew that coming into the season. It was termed the two words every fan hates: rebuilding year. But sometimes fans follow their hearts instead of their heads. Isn’t fan short for fanatic?

One thing that amazes me about fans is their short memories. You don’t hear much about the coach’s salary when the team is winning. But when the team is losing, fans cry about how much the coach is earning. I guess money equals victories.

Iowa fans were not happy with coach Kirk Ferentz Saturday. There were calls and message board posts demanding his firing. But Ferentz isn’t going anywhere. He’s been at Iowa since 1999 and has a long-term contract. Reports say Ferentz would receive about $20 million in a buyout scenario.

In the past, Iowa fans were concerned Ferentz would leave the program for an NFL job. Now, some wish a NFL team would take the coach away. Be careful what you wish for Iowa fans.

A Feel-Good Rescue Mission

The Iowa football team was looking for a spark Saturday, any spark—and it found a jolt in an unlikely place.

Walk-on running back Mark Weisman started way down on the depth chart for the University of Northern Iowa game and later found himself the Hawkeye’s big hero. Weisman rushed for 113 yards and scored three touchdowns in a relief role after Iowa lost its two top tailbacks to injuries during the game.

Weisman, a fullback by trade, put his hard-hat on and plowed through Northern Iowa defenders often carrying them along down the field. The guy was rarely stopped.

Quite a performance from this no-name guy on the depth chart. You can be sure the Big Ten Conference took note for future reference. Weisman will not be sneaking up on Iowa’s remaining opponents.

Weisman has an interesting story. The Iowa sophomore first attended the Air Force Academy but the rigors of the academy and football didn’t mix with this guy from the Chicago area. So he decided to transfer to Iowa—one of the schools he was interested in back in high school.

Walks-on normally don’t play a major role in a college football game. They might see action on special teams or maybe during a blowout game, but opportunities are generally rare.

Weisman not only received the opportunity, he became a star for one day, one game. Hawkeye fans are extremely thankful. Hawkeye coaches will probably provide a future scholarship to Saturday’s hero.

I bet Weisman is amazed at the turn of events in his new football career. He’s proof that good things do happen to guys that keep their heads down and focus on the goal—the goal line.

Week No. 1 College Football Impressions

It seems a while ago (with the Labor Day holiday mixed in) but three cheers for college football returning last week.

Since I live in Big 12 and Big Ten Conference territory, I tend to focus on schools from those leagues.

Let’s just say the rumors about the Big Ten being down this season probably aren’t rumors. It may be a hard cold fact. Wisconsin escaped a talented FCS (Football Championship Series) in the University of Northern Iowa. The Badgers miss quarterback Russell Wilson who can make up for glaring weaknesses on a team. Iowa was just happy to escape a pesky Northern Illinois squad late. The Hawkeye offense appears to be a continual work in progress. Then, how about Michigan? I thought the Wolverines would at least provide Alabama a competitive game. It wasn’t pretty, but rather ugly.

Over in the Big 12, Iowa State played good football at home against Tulsa. Tulsa provided a firm punch in the first half, but the Cyclones responded and were the aggressor most of the remaining way. Quarterback Nick Florence won’t remind Baylor fans of Robert Griffin III (RG3), but the senior played solid against SMU. The Bears will continue to score points and the wide receivers will continue to play a large role.

Big Ten Conference Race

If you are looking for the cream in the Big Ten Conference this football season, look no farther than the Legends Division.

The Legends could have the Big Ten’s best teams. College football preview guru Phil Steele predicts Nebraska will win the division with Michigan and Michigan State in the two and three positions respectively. Steele believes both Michigan schools could contend for a divisional championship. That’s how evenly matched the three teams look.

The Leaders division is a different story. Wisconsin should win the division easily. In a regular year, Ohio State would challenge but the Buckeyes are ineligible for the title in 2012. That leaves the challengers as Illinois, Purdue, Penn State and Indiana. Can you say weak division? The most excitement could become the battle for fifth place between Penn State and Indiana. With all the problems at Penn State with conflict and player departures, the Hoosiers may have an opportunity to escape last place.

I think the Big Ten has two teams that could make noise on the national stage.

Nebraska finished just 9-4 last season, but the Huskers return seven players each on offense and defense. Nebraska has four difficult conference games with two of those at home. Wisconsin and Michigan come to Lincoln, but the Huskers must travel to Ohio State and Michigan.

Michigan will not contend for a national title, but could place a roadblock in another team’s quest. The Wolverines oppose Alabama in the opener in Arlington, Texas. Michigan has a brutal schedule including true road games at Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. Its in-state battle with Michigan State is at home.

Who do you like in the Big Ten Conference this season?

College Football Media Days

In case you missed it, we have added another season to the college football calendar—football media days.

We can thank the 24-hour news cycle once again for bringing us this new season.

In the old days, media people as a group would actually go to a college campus and interview coaches and players. For example, if the media was on the Big Ten Conference tour one day they would travel to Wisconsin. The next day, maybe Purdue. The media would go to all 10 teams. That was of course before conference expansion.

Now, the coaches and players are brought to a central location where media people can interview them all in one place. Another change is networks such as the Big Ten and ESPN televise the gatherings.

I don’t know about you, but I have more important things to do than watching Joe Coach talk about the upcoming season. I call this “vanilla” TV. The coach doesn’t reveal any deep secrets or change in strategy. It’s basically a rah-rah speech.

But apparently some people watch these rah-rah speeches or obviously the media days wouldn’t be on TV. I’m more than willing to wait however until training camp or read a football preview magazine to prepare for the upcoming season.

Do you enjoy media days’ coverage? If yes, why?

Penn State Football Players

I am having a difficult time wrapping myself around the sympathy some people are giving the Penn State football players in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Yes, I get the fact that they are innocent bystanders in the fallout. But it isn’t as if the players don’t have options. The NCAA declared them free agents. The players can play football at any other school right away OR stay at Penn State.

If loyalty means something to a particular player, they will stay. Remaining players will continue to receive an education from Penn State. They will play football for pride and not for Big Ten Conference championships or bowl games (over the four-year ban). I see this type of player who came to Penn State first and foremost for the school, not the football program.

But if a player came to Penn State for largely the football tradition, then that player will probably strongly consider a transfer. The football tradition has received a huge black mark and may even be gone. Penn State will no longer be an elite Big Ten team or a major player on the national scene. Can this player type become satisfied without playing for prizes such as conference championships, bowl games and national championships?

Penn State players have important decisions to make. But they still have choices. We must remember that they aren’t the victims. The true victims have already suffered and will continue to suffer.

If you were a Penn State player, what choice would you make?

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The Joe Paterno Statue

The anti-Joe Paterno sentiment continues.

Yesterday, a plane flew over Penn State’s football stadium supporting a banner that read “Take the (Paterno) statue down or we will.”

Strong words for the deceased coach who has gone from hero to goat in just a few months.

This latest outcry was probably the result of last week’s report revelation that Paterno was a major player in the Jerry Sandusky cover-up.

Penn State officials said they will reveal their decision on the statue in seven to 10 days. I doubt if it will take that long. Say goodbye to the statue.

Penn State really doesn’t have much choice. It is facing major backlash for the handling of the Sandusky case and with more dirt thrown at Paterno, the decision is simple.

The Big Ten school failed miserable in this ordeal. Penn State needs to show some real leadership and distance itself from the main ingredients. One strong statement becomes the statue.

The moral of this story is be careful who you bust. They might become busted later.

Pity This Team's Fans

University of Indiana football doesn’t exactly strike fear in the eyes of its opponents. The Hoosiers are well known for their futility in winning games and their doormat status in the Big Ten Conference.

The last time Indiana participated in a bowl game was 2007. You guessed it: the Hoosiers lost 49-33 to Oklahoma State.

With mediocrity comes apathy. With apathy sometimes comes change. Change is the byword for the coaching job at Indiana. Kevin Wilson is the current guy in charge. In Wilson’s first year (2011), the Hoosier’s lone victory was over FCS (Football Champion Series) South Carolina State. Eleven times Indiana was a loser.

Wilson came to Indiana from Oklahoma. He wanted to bring some of that top-mindedness to Bloomington. But some of the Indiana players didn’t like that style. Consequently, those players are no longer with the team.

The good news is that Indiana’s chances for more victories in 2012 are pretty good. The bad news does anyone care?

The Hoosiers four non-conference games are winnable. They are home against Indiana State and Ball State and away at UMASS and Navy. The Big Ten slate will be rugged as always. Even in their home games (Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin), it is difficult to find a potential victory.

Wilson desires progress in 2012. Will there be enough progress to interest Indiana fans? That is the real question.

Big 12 Conference Needs to Step Up

Last week, I applauded the Big 12 Conference for hiring Bob Bowlsby as its new commissioner.

This week, I am thinking the Big 12 should act like a big-time conference.

The Big 12 signed a new television deal in the not-the-too-distance past. But let’s hope it provides the league with some big-time exposure. This has definitely not been the case in past arrangements. Every football and men’s basketball contest should be available somewhere on television. For example, Iowa State did not have all of its football games on TV last season. A key game with Missouri was not shown. There was really no excuse for that occurring.

Missouri will have all its games televised this season as it joins the SEC. The Big Ten makes sure its terrible football teams are even on television. That’s the beauty of having your own network.

Step up to the plate, Big 12 Conference. This is 2012 and the college sports arms race is leaving you behind. Get into the game.


P.S. The college sports scene is pretty thin in terms of news this time of year. If you follow my blog, you realize my postings have been thin too. I still hope to post 1-3 times a week but plan to become more frequent when the football season begins to spark interest in the late summer/early fall time period. Thank you for reading All About College Sports---Paul.

Wisconsin Badgers do the Right Thing

The Wisconsin Badgers have officially released Jarod Uthoff from transfer prison.

This story developed when Uthoff wanted to transfer from Wisconsin after sitting out his freshman season as a redshirt. For my international readers, a redshirt can participate in team activities including practices but cannot play in actual games.

Usually a player and coach will say nice things about each other after the transfer decision is announced and the player will go on its merry way. But Uthoff’s case became a national story because Wisconsin coach Bob Ryan and the school put major restrictions on where Uthoff could transfer.

The NCAA allows schools to put restrictions on transfers, but most schools put only a small handful of teams on the list. Often, schools won’t allow a player to attend another conference school or one of their biggest rivals. But Wisconsin first said that Uthoff couldn’t go to the entire ACC, the Big Ten (where the Badgers are a member), Florida, Marquette and Iowa State.

Uthoff cried foul.
The former 2011 Iowa Mr. Basketball wanted at least the opportunity to consider a wide range of schools. Apparently, more than half of Uthoff’s options were on Wisconsin’s no-no list.

Uthoff appealed to Wisconsin officials and after a meeting Thursday, the Badgers will now allow him to transfer to any school but a Big Ten member. There is talk that Uthoff may appeal that ruling too so he can consider a Big Ten school.

Ryan and his program were taking considerable national heat over the restrictive behavior. If Ryan was trying to prove a point, it didn’t work. Apparently, he caved in to the pressure and probably for good reason. If you were a recruit, would you want to go to Wisconsin with the thought that if it wasn’t a good fit and you wanted to transfer that Ryan would put you in prison too?
It’s probably too late for Wisconsin to avoid short-term recruiting damage, but at least Uthoff can consider more flavors rather than just vanilla and chocolate.

Right Place at the Right Time

I doubt that new Illinois basketball coach John Groce cares he was the seventh choice or even the 53rd choice to become the Illini head man.

The main thing is he got the job.

According to reports, Butler’s Brad Stevens and VCU’s Shaka Smart were above Groce in the pecking row. Smart would have been the sexy hire but like Stevens, Smart has been saying “Thanks, but no-thanks” to various suitors.

The NCAA tournament always produces at least one mid-major coaching star. His team surprises in the tournament and the big boys respond with a job offer. Smart had some carry over from last year’s Final Four appearance and winning a first round game this season.

But Groce was this year’s star. He took a 13-seeded Ohio team to the Sweet 16. Then Ohio lost to North Carolina in overtime.

Groce knows the Big Ten Conference. He was an assistant to Thad Matta at Ohio State. Groce has earned his head coaching jobs after paying dues as a long-time assistant.

Some say Illinois isn’t a great job anyone. But Groce is obviously happy for the opportunity and he hopes to make it a great job.

The way I see it, the Illinois job is a low risk, high reward opportunity for Groce. He’s in the right place at the right time.

Illinois' Bruce Weber in Trouble

Is there any college coach in America on a hotter hot seat than Illinois’ Bruce Weber?

The Illini continue to tank their season. Last night, they suffered another home loss this time to Michigan. Illinois is now 17-13 overall and a woeful 6-11 in the Big Ten Conference. The Illini need a miracle to save their season and secure a NCAA tournament bid.

This has been a strange, strange season for Illinois.

A couple weeks ago, Weber came out and blamed himself and his players for the team’s performance. Weber’s honesty was refreshing in a business that usually only talks coach-speak. But many people didn’t like the honesty (and probably the truth) and accused Weber of giving up on the season.

Well, Illinois is probably about ready to give up on Weber. The Illini already fired football coach Ron Zook. Weber is next on the hit list.

I feel for Weber. He’s a decent coach and a good man. Frankly, he’s a man of character. We need those guys in collegiate athletics. But unfortunately, coaches are judged largely by wins and losses.

But even if he gets fired, Weber will be okay. He is a smart guy and will land on his feet somewhere probably again in coaching. Let’s hope that is the outcome.

Everybody is Cheering for the Northwestern Wildcats

The Northwestern men’s basketball team has never been to the NCAA tournament. I repeat: never!

Sure the Wildcats have had some close calls, but you know what they say about close.

So you can see why everyone is supporting Northwestern’s cause to land that first NCAA bid. People want this underdog to do it.

The Wildcats had a great opportunity last night to grab a signature win against Ohio State and blew it. The Buckeyes won 75-73. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 17-12 overall and 7-10 in the Big Ten Conference. This ‘bubble’ team is working itself off the bubble.

Northwestern is now in serious trouble. It desperately needs a win at Iowa Saturday and a long run in the Big Ten tournament. Anything less could spell the initials NIT (National Invitational Tournament) rather NCAA.

The Wildcats face tough odds. They have been down the road before. They hope the scenery is different this time.

Iowa and Nebraska Begin New Rivalry

Iowa and Nebraska are neighbors in the heartland of America. The two schools have played each other in football on occasion as members of different conferences. But today the rivalry takes on a different meaning. For the first time, the two will play as Big Ten Conference brethren.

There is excitement in these parts for the day after Thanksgiving game but not a major build-up. Both teams are having respectable seasons but not stellar ones. This explains the quiet nature and lack of hype nationally.

But the series has a chance to grow. The plan is to have this game as the final regular season contest. It replaces the Colorado game for Nebraska and the Minnesota game for Iowa. The Huskers and Hawkeyes played those opponents in the last game for a number of years.

But change truly happens. Today starts a new tradition. And hopefully in the next few years, the game will become a huge rivalry filled with significance.

Talking LSU and Alabama

nationIf you are a college football fan, you know folks have been looking forward to the LSU-Alabama contest for a few weeks.

LSU is No. 1 in the BCS standings while Alabama comes in at No. 2. The Tide has the home field advantage.

I look at this as an elimination game for the national championship. The loser would have to hope some other undefeated teams lose in the remaining weeks in order for a one-loss grouping. Then maybe the computers would look favorably on a one-loss SEC team.

Some believe a one-loss SEC team should be a national championship contender against undefeated teams. I don’t believe that way. A loss is a loss whether it comes in the SEC, ACC, Big Ten or Big 12.

Anyway, the stakes are high in this one. The winner should be the favorite for the national championship. Both schools have played that role in recent years and seceded in it.

Do you think the loser should get another shot at the national championship?

Strange Saturday for Iowa's Big Two Football Teams

Talk about getting blindsided with the results of the Iowa and Iowa State games. Wow.

On paper, the Hawkeyes should have owned Minnesota. Then, they played the game. The result was the Gophers doubled their victory total to two. Iowa choked a lead in the fourth quarter and lost 22-21. The Hawkeyes couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe it. Minnesota, if truth was told, probably couldn’t believe it. It made the Gophers season.

Now, Iowa must regroup before facing the Michigans---Michigan and Michigan State. Those games now will scare any rabid Hawkeye fan.

Iowa State played Texas Tech last Saturday. The Red Raiders were coming off a stunning upset of Oklahoma the week before. I thought Texas Tech might be a little flat and the Cyclones could give the Red Raiders a competitive game. But it turns out Texas Tech was REALLY flat.

Iowa State mirrored a struggling team entering the game. The Cyclone had lost four straight and looked real bad during the streak.

Well, Iowa State found itself a quarterback. Redshirt freshman Jared Barnett started his first game and ran the show brilliantly. Iowa State pounded Texas Tech 41-7.

I figured Tech would win in a fairly close game. The only time the Red Raiders were in the game was at 0-0. Good figure.

The old saying came true in Iowa last Saturday: “On any given Saturday, any team can beat someone else.” That is one factor that makes college football a great game.

Watch Some College Football Saturday

There is a number of interesting college football matchups tomorrow (Saturday).

Stanford is the No. 1 team on upset alert this week. The Cardinal has visions of playing for a possible national championship, but this week’s game at Southern California (USC) should test Stanford’s resolve. The probation-ridden Trojans are in the unusual spoiler role and would like to put a blemish on this Andrew Luck team.

Is Kansas State for real? We will find out this week when the undefeated Wildcats host Oklahoma. It’s a bad time to play the Sooners after Texas Tech upset Oklahoma last Saturday. If the Sooners still want to cling to small hopes of a national championship, they cannot lose any more games.

Undefeated Oklahoma State hopes to continue its push for a national championship when the Cowboys host Baylor. The Bears can score points but probably cannot stop the Cowboy offense. This game could end up 73-55.

Has Michigan State come down from its miracle win over Wisconsin? The Spartans travel to Nebraska tomorrow and it should be a tight one. Both are one-loss teams but the Spartans are undefeated in Big Ten Conference play.

Wisconsin hopes to avoid another loss this week. The Badgers travel to Ohio State Saturday. The road was a pitfall in East Lansing last Saturday, but one-loss Wisconsin needs to rebound if it wants to compete for a conference championship game.

What games are you watching this weekend? What team do you think should be on upset alert?