Showing posts with label Russell Wilson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russell Wilson. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Russell Wilson Still Dazzles



I thoroughly enjoyed watching Russell Wilson play quarterback at North Carolina State and Wisconsin.

The guy was a dual threat with his arms and his legs. You always believed Wilson’s team had a chance to win a game even if it was down. Wilson was a magical college player and could create plays out of nothing.

It was too bad that North Carolina State coach Tom O’Brien and Wilson had a falling out about Wilson playing professional baseball. It would have been great to see Wilson finish his college career with the Wolfpack.

But as they say, “It wasn’t meant to be.” Wilson took his talents to Wisconsin and put together one solid season there.

Wilson wanted to take his talents to the NFL and the rap on him was his lack of size. Well, brains and ability can make up for size even in the NFL.

Seattle drafted the playmaker and Wilson continues to impress people. Wilson even gets the starter nod in this week’s Seahawks preseason game. He has an excellent chance to seize the top quarterback spot for Seattle’s season opener in early September.

Wilson just may become one of the new style quarterbacks in the NFL. Cam Newton became the first card-carrying member last season that could run and throw. Wilson and a guy named Robert Griffin III may not be far behind.

Friday, May 25, 2012

One Transfer Rule I Can Live With

It seems there is lots of discussion about college athletes transferring lately. Why are so many athletes transferring and how can the NCAA limit such moves?

One transfer rule the NCAA instituted in recent years involves final-year eligibility. If a student athlete has graduated from his/her university and still has a year of college playing available, he/she may go to another school and play immediately. The student athlete must attend graduate school and pursue a degree in field not offered at the previous school.

The most noticeable athlete to take advantage of the rule is Russell Wilson. Wilson starred at quarterback for three years at North Carolina State. He was also playing professional baseball and Wolfpack Coach Tom O’Brien wanted full football commitment out of Wilson. As Wilson pondered his decision, O’ Brien told him NC State was moving on. Wilson landed into the welcoming arms of the Wisconsin Badgers and put together a solid season.

I imagine some people consider this graduate transfer rule similar to other transfer situations and call for the athlete to sit out one season. But what happens if the athlete has already sat out one season as a redshirt? Also, isn’t the fact that he/she has already earned a degree worth something? Other students go to graduate school in other places than where they earned their undergraduate degrees.

Besides this is a select group of athletes. Trust me, folks: this isn’t a major problem. The NCAA should focus on some pressing issues such as policing more cheaters.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Russell Wilson Proves Anew He is a Winner

I must admit it was pretty hard seeing Russell Wilson in the motion “W” helmet last night representing the Wisconsin football team.

I followed the guy for three years at North Carolina State. But as they stay, “Life goes on.”

Wilson is an impact player and I knew he would perform extremely well at Wisconsin. He gave Badger fans a taste last night. Wilson threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another (46 yards) in Wisconsin’s destruction of UNLV. Wilson went 10-for-13 passing and totaled 62 yards on two carries. It was a typical Wilson performance really.

The laughable part was reading Internet message boards later. Some people think Wilson needs to prove his ability against a proven team. They weren’t impressed with Wilson against an outmanned opponent.

Believe me folks Wilson will perform against the big boys. He’s a former All-ACC quarterback and won’t become fazed facing the likes of Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan State or Penn State.

Badger fans were giddy over the summer when they learned Wilson was coming to their team. Last night, the rest of the teams on Wisconsin’s schedule realized why they weren’t so giddy.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Coach Speak


One of college coaches (and all coaches really) biggest jobs is playing the public relations role. It just goes with the job.

The college football season is less than a month away. Training camps have begun. Coaches are trying to tell their fans what the fans want to hear. Whether your team is projected to finish 10-2 or 2-10, have five-star players or one-star athletes, coaches are selling hope. But usually fans are perceptive about their particular team despite the coach’s comments.

There has been plenty of talk about Russell Wilson playing quarterback at the University of Wisconsin this fall. Wilson as I have noted before transferred from North Carolina State. Wilson was a three-year starter for the Wolfpack plus an all-ACC performer.

The Badgers held their media day Sunday in Madison. Coach Brent Bielema maintained again that Wilson must earn the starting job. That’s all fine and good, but it’s classic coach-speak. Every Badger fan from La Crosse to Milwaukee and beyond knows Wisconsin didn’t bring Wilson in to play second or third string Folks, it is the worst kept secret in the state of Wisconsin. Bielema is trying to motivate Wilson (Wilson is highly motivated on his own) and keep the morale high among the other quarterbacks. Barring injury, it will only become a matter of time before Wilson is officially named the starting quarterback.

Once that occurs, Bielema will focus on some other coach speak. It’s as normal as leaves changing colors in the fall.






Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Wisconsin Lands Russell Wilson

Christmas came to Badgerland yesterday and fans were plain ‘ole giddy. Former North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson announced that he would play for Wisconsin this fall.

It’s rare for a college team to have a former all-conference player in another league land in its lap. Wisconsin beat out Auburn for Wilson’s services.

Badger fans believe Wilson could the missing piece of a well-stock puzzle in 2011. They weren’t happy with the other prospects at quarterback so now fans could look forward to a special season.

I have mentioned frequently in this space about Wilson’s talents. I watched the guy closely at NC State. As I have often said, he is a special player. Wilson is simply a talented athlete. He can make plays with his feet and also throw a good ball when necessary. He often willed NC State to a victory.

The rub with the NC State football program was basically his desire to play two sports. Then he signed a professional contract with the Colorado Rockies baseball team. Finally, NC State coach Tom O’Brien told him to choose baseball or football. But Wilson continued with the Rockies this summer.

Wilson apparently has had second thoughts about a baseball career. Struggling with a .200 average will do that to a guy.

It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin uses Wilson. Normally, the Badgers run a conservative offense with a large portion of running plays. If they only have Wilson generally hand the ball off his talents will go wasted. The guy needs plenty of freedom to make plays.

I predict Wilson will star at Wisconsin. He will just be performing for a different red-and-white team (school colors).

Monday, June 13, 2011

Terrelle Pryor Makes Good Choice

Sorry about the lack of posting last week. I was in Wisconsin and then I fell ill during my time there.

Feeling ill might characterize the state of Ohio State fans. But consider the good news Buckeye fans. Things can only become better.

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor made a good decision last week and resigned from the program. Pryor was set to miss the first five games of his senior season anyway due to the famous tattoo incident. With more controversy swirling regarding his association with car dealers, Pryor declared an ‘uncle.” He decided to explore opportunities at the next level.

How that will play out is anybody’s guess, but it’s a good thing for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are like a player with a badly injured knee. Instead of trying to continue to play with many distractions, Ohio State is the now the beneficiary of a surgery. First coach Jim Tressel resigned and now Pryor. The healing may take a long time, but the necessary steps have occurred.

By the way Buckeye fans, there is still an outstanding quarterback available for one season. Russell Wilson could make fans forgot about strife off the field with his play on the field.

The problem is that Wilson will probably have many suitors. I can guarantee that if he ended up at Wisconsin, Ohio State and other Big Ten Conference schools won’t enjoy it.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

More Russell Wilson

Yesterday I wrote about the divorce between quarterback Russell Wilson and North Carolina State. The Pack has officially released Wilson from his scholarship.

But this isn’t the end of the story.

Wilson wants to play more football and other schools are obviously interested. He can perform at a school right away because he has graduated from NC State. He can attend graduation school and play for one more season.

Wilson’s release does prohibit him from playing for another ACC school or teams on the 2011 NC State schedule.

Media reports state that SEC schools are interested. Apparently, Auburn and South Carolina are looking for quarterbacks. Can you imagine Wilson is this top-notch conference?

Wilson is the real deal. The guy can simply make plays. With Wilson at the controls, a team always has a chance. Not only is he an outstanding football player, but Wilson will represent a university well off the field too.

It will look really strange next season when he probably wears No. 16 at another school and not lead the Pack anymore.

Change is constant in life, but this one shouldn’t happen

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A Messy Divorce

Divorce can become messy and the situation at North Carolina State definitely falls into that category.

The Pack announced last week that it was releasing quarterback Russell Wilson from his scholarship. Wilson’s reaction revealed major disappointment in the decision. He said he simply wanted to compete for the starting job again this upcoming season.

Wilson started for three years in Raleigh. He was selected to the ACC first team last season. I have written often about being a big Russell Wilson fan. The guy is electric. The player is never over with the ball in his hands. He can beat you with his feet; he can beat you with his arm. The guy can flat out play.

But North Carolina State coach Tom O’Brien didn’t appreciate Wilson dabbling with baseball when he should have been on football practice field. Wilson has played in the Colorado Rockies system the last two years which kept him from spring football practice.

It doesn’t appear that Wilson’s future is in baseball. He is probably a marginal prospect at best hitting around .230. So Wilson is probably best served putting more energy into football.

O’Brien simply got tired of working on Wilson’s schedule. He recruited a top-notch quarterback in Mike Glennon a while back and he wants to see what the redshirt junior brings.

O’Brien is taking a huge risk. He’s willing to count on an untested player over a solid veteran. Sure, he hopes to get two years instead of one (with Wilson) at the quarterback position, but don’t you take the sure thing?

O’Brien may be trying to prove that he is in charge of the program and not Wilson. If that’s the case, it’s too bad. There really is no need for this divorce.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Wolfpack Fans Shout One More Year

If Monday night was Russell Wilson’s last game as a member of the North Carolina State football team, he went out on top.

Wilson used his legs and arm to lead the Wolfpack to an easy 23-7 victory over West Virginia. It was vintage Wilson. The guy was scrambling and makes plays when most quarterbacks would have been sacked. Wilson is a special football player.

But the redshirt junior may say goodbye to football and follow the baseball path. Last summer he played in the Colorado Rockies organization. He has also played baseball for Wolfpack.

But North Carolina State fans were chanting “One more year” after Wilson’s MVP performance.

It sounds like Wilson and Wolfpack football coach Tom O’Brien will discuss Wilson’s future soon. My gut feeling is that he will trade in the football helmet for a permanent baseball glove.

And if he does, the Wolfpack team will move forward. Fans will remember No. 16’s contributions to a team that needed a dynamite player again to make it legitimate.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Watch NC State's Russell Wilson Tonight

The bowl season heats up tonight when North Carolina State (8-4) battles West Virginia (9-3) in the Champs Sports Bowl.

NC State surprised some folks this season. A difficult regular season loss to Maryland however put some dust on a good campaign.

Regarding tonight’s game, if you have never watched NC State quarterback Russell Wilson, you are in for a treat.

Wilson throws the ball well and is a gifted runner. He makes plays out of nothing with some amazing scrambling. He energizes his teammates.

Wilson is a difference maker for the Pack. When Wilson has a great game, NC State usually wins. When he struggles, they usually lose.

Some think this could be the redshirt junior’s last football game with the Pack. He played professional baseball last summer and might quit football to concentrate on that sport.

Wilson is a gifted athlete. NC State hopes for a late Christmas gift tonight with Wilson and into next season.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Russell Wilson Again Shines in NC State Win

If you aren’t watching North Carolina State’s Russell Wilson on television you are missing out.

This guy can play quarterback. He was very good again today as the Pack defeated Georgia Tech 45-28 in Atlanta.

Wilson was the biggest reason North Carolina State moved to 4-0 on the season and 1-0in the ACC. He threw for three touchdowns and totaled 368 yards on a 28-for-41 passing day. He also tallied a rushing touchdown. Wilson’s only big mistake was throwing an interception that resulted in a Georgia Tech touchdown.

Wilson’s physical talents were again apparent but I like this guy’s leadership. When Georgia Tech seized the momentum in the second half, the redshirt junior responded like a winner does.

This guy should be the early front-runner for ACC Player-of-the-Year. Plus, Wilson has now positioned the Pack to make some serious noise in the conference race. Pre-season predictions didn’t give the Pack much of a chance, but with a high-scoring offense and a decent defense, North Carolina State is a surprise.

Look for the Pack to soon move into the Top 25. If Wilson stays healthy, the prizes could become larger.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Who is Quarterback Russell Wilson?

North Carolina State's Russell Wilson is an outstanding football player. Too bad most of the nation outside the Atlantic Coast Conference have never heard of the junior quarterback.

However, Wilson put a show on for the nation last night under the bright lights of the ESPN cameras. He completed 26-of-40 passes for 333 yards including three touchdowns. He also rushed for 33 yards in the Wolfpack's 30-19 victory over Cincinnati.

These guy is a joy to watch. He is just an athlete. He throws a catchable ball, has a rocket right arm and can scramble and put up valuable rushing yards. Wilson is a total quarterback package.

Wilson has started for the Wolfpack for three years. He has been plagued with injuries and inconsistency. He has made first team ACC but has also offered forgettable performances where you ask why can a guy with this much talent be this bad?

NC State has started 3-0 this season. It has a solid offense and a good, serviceable defense. But if the Pack is to surprise folks in the conference and the country, Wilson will lead them. He is the type of player who can definitely carry a team.

Wilson's best sport may not even be football. He has played middle infield for the Pack baseball team and performed this past summer in the Colorado Rockies chain.

So in the future, he will have a decision. Right now, Pack fans are hoping they have another ACC first-teamer that will lead NC State to many victories this fall.