Watching the College Coaching Carousal

The college football coaching comings-and-goings is hot this week.

The Butch Jones soap opera is the most interesting at the moment. Will he leave Cincinnati to accept the Colorado job? Might Wisconsin become a late-day addition to the Jones’ wish list?

Of course, Bret Bielma move to Arkansas from Wisconsin was the most surprising development so far this offseason. Is Arkansas a better job than Wisconsin? Bielema is reportedly receiving about $750,000 more in salary per year, so that sweeten the deal. But Bielma will now go up against Alabama and LSU, whereas at Wisconsin he was frequently in the top portion of the Big Ten. But maybe it’s a status symbol. Bielma now coaches in the best college football league (SEC) in America.

Auburn hired former assistant Gus Malzahn. The Tigers just recently fired Gene Chizik another former Auburn assistant. Malzahn worked for Chizik. You would think Auburn would rid itself of the Chizik era and start over. Maybe Malzahn was Auburn’s only real choice.

Darrell Hazell leaves Kent State to coach Purdue. I have never heard of guy, but that doesn’t matter. I’ve never heard of any of Purdue’s football coaching hires in the last several years. My question: do the Purdue fans care about their coaching hires

So the coaching carousal continues and we are all waiting for more dominos to fall.

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.

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.

Tough Schedule

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) football team puts together a competitive team almost every season as a Football Champion Series (FCS) school. The Panthers are often near the top of the Missouri Valley Conference standings—a strong league. Plus, UNI is a regular participant in the FCS playoffs.

But this season, the Panthers have a non-conference schedule that would make most FCS teams sweat profusely. UNI plays at Wisconsin in week one and then travels to Iowa in week three. That is two BCS (Bowl Championship Series) teams in one season. Many FCS teams play one BCS school every season, but playing two is hardly the norm.

UNI is playing two higher division schools for one reason—money. The Panthers need the paychecks to keep their athletic department afloat. UNI had depended upon state monies to fund it athletic program in the past, but state told UNI to wean itself from the funding.

Frankly, UNI is having trouble paying the bills. In recent years, the Panthers have dropped sports including baseball. Apparently, their only self-supporting program is men’s basketball.

UNI hopes to be competitive in these two games, but the main things are to collect the checks and stay relative healthy. Then even with a couple non-conference losses, the Panthers can use the tough start to build toughness for a conference title run and an appearance in playoffs.

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?

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.

This Basketball Rivalry Heats Up

College basketball player Jared Uthoff’s transfer from Wisconsin to Iowa this week just added more spice in the border state’s rivalry.

Uthoff’s story became a national one when Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan placed major transferring restrictions on a guy that never played a minute for the Badgers. Originally, Ryan said Uthoff couldn’t transfer to any Big Ten or ACC school or places like Marquette or Iowa State. For all we know, Ryan could have added all universities in Iceland and Spain too to the “Don’t Even Think About It” list. But Ryan was viewed as Dr. Evil in the national media and eventually loosened his iron hand.

If Ryan thought Uthoff would eventually end up at Iowa, his hunch was correct. Now in a couple years, the former Iowa Mr. Basketball can suit up against old team and try to beat them.

Uthoff must really want to play for the Hawkeyes. Not only must he sit out the usual one year for transferring, but he will also pay for his own schooling the first year.

My question is why Uthoff didn’t select Iowa out of high school. If it was based upon former Iowa coach Todd Lickliter's win troubles and style of play, I say, “hello.” Yes, Ryan wins at Wisconsin but he plays that same dull controlled offense style Lickliter was using.

Uthoff better bring some earplugs the first time he plays in Madison. The friendly place could become unfriendly in a hurry.

Aren’t rivalries fun?

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.

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.

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?

Nebraska-Wisconsin Football Tickets

In case you have been caught in a college football vacuum the last two weeks, there is a huge football game Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin. The Nebraska Cornhuskers will play their first Big Ten Conference football game ever that night against the Wisconsin Badgers.

Nebraska is ranked No. 8 in the country and Wisconsin is No. 7. This game needs no build up.

Don’t have tickets for the sold-out, historical affair. You might consider staying home and watching it on ABC.

Just for fun, I have been tracking ticket prices on Stub Hub. A couple weeks ago, I found a few in the $1000-1500 range. Today, I could find only one four digit price at $1200.

But before you go out and celebrate the price drop, consider the overall range is still pricy. The cheapest ticket I could find is $199, but it’s in the upper deck. Translation to the non-buying ticket public: bring plenty of hankies because it’s in the nose-bleed section. Also, consider bringing an oxygen tank for breathing purposes.

If you want to sit closer to the field and actually see the game, be ready to surrender $400-500 per ticket. And simple math says a pair of tickets will cost you the price of a nice, new TV where you could watch several games after Saturday.

I know, I know. It’s the thrill of being there. But to pay prices for this game, you will need to experience a big-time thrill about the size of the states of Nebraska and Wisconsin combined.

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.

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.

Nebraska: Class of Big Ten?

If Nebraska thought it could sneak into the Big Ten Conference and blend in with the other teams, that won’t happen. Many of the so called experts are predicting the Huskers will win the league in their first season in it.

So Nebraska is the new kid in the conference and already the target falls squarely on the Huskers. Don’t trip over the welcome mat boys.

The Huskers are known for their defense and again this season it will carry the team. Two second-team All Americans return in defensive tackle Jared Crick and linebacker Lavonnte David. The defense will need to lockdown opponent’s offenses and steal some points because the Husker offense will probably struggle.

On offense, Nebraska usually favors the run. But it might open things up more this season. Regardless, quarterback Taylor Martinez hasn’t exactly struck fear in opponents and is a better runner than passer. That needs to chance if the Huskers want more balance.

The schedule makers did Nebraska no favors in 2011 as the Huskers must travel to Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan. They do play one favorite at home however—Michigan State.

It should become a memorable initial Big Ten season for the Huskers. Nebraska hopes it will land on the good side of memorable as opposed to the lost expectations side.

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).

College Baseball in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a city known for Wisconsin Badger athletics and in recent weeks and months, protesting.

But I discovered another gem in Madison last week—the Madison Mallards baseball team.

The Mallards are a Northwoods League team made up of current college players. Most of them have only completed their freshman or sophomore seasons. They hope to attraction the attention of some big league scouts.

There is a real love affair between Madison, nearby residents and this team. The Mallards draw between 4,000-6,000 fans per home game. The ballpark, nicknamed the Duck Pond, reminds me of a high-class minor league team.

Steve Schmitt, the owner, is a new friend of mine. He and I bleed St. Louis Cardinals red and bonded over it. Steve puts a good product on the field and offers various ticket, food and drink promotions plus entertainment during the game. He wants fans to experience a good time whether the Mallards win or lose.

The baseball is solid. The atmosphere is great. In a positive way, it’s baseball similar to my days as a child. Pure and simple.

I encourage you to check out the Mallards if you live in the Madison area or have reason to come to the city. You can even land an autograph or two.

Hail Butler

Bucky Badger feels sad today. He watched his beloved Wisconsin team steamrolled by Butler last night.

So much for the ESPN experts’ predictions. Dick Vitale and Jay Bilas gave the Bulldogs no chance. They said Butler better not get behind. No problem, boys, Butler handled it.

These Bulldogs are on a mission. Stumbling a bit during the season, Butler is now playing on a high level. It is out to prove that the Bulldogs appearance in the championship game last year was no fluke.

These guys are a veteran group and they show it in the tournament. This isn’t like a kid’s first trip to Disneyland. Butler isn’t wide-eyed. The Bulldogs are business-like and take it one game at a time. They play off their coach Brad Stevens. Stevens keeps them motivated in a steady, confident way. Stevens looks and acts like a choir director out there.

Butler’s next obstacle is Florida. The Gators are an athletic team and a direct opposite of Wisconsin. They like to push the ball and shoot.

The Bulldogs will have a challenge. But this one is for the Final Four. And besides, Butler has already defeated the No. 1 and 4 seeds. It would enjoy added No. 2 to the collection.

It just might happen.

Blue Collar Basketball

If you are a fan of blue collar basketball, tonight’s NCAA Sweet Sixteen game between Butler and Wisconsin is your kind of contest.

This game should be an interesting one, but ugly. If you are looking for style points, you better switch to the ABC program “Dancing with the Stars.”

Wisconsin is the favorite as the No. 4 seed. Badger basketball features tough defense and patient offense (better know as pass, pass, pass the ball, then shoot). Coach Bo Ryan just knows how to win. Point guard Jordan Taylor and post guy Jon Leuer are Wisconsin’s top players.

Butler came on the scene last year with a championship game appearance. The Bulldogs were thought to be down this season, but look at them now. The upset win over No. 1 seed Pittsburgh raised the national presence again. Like Wisconsin, Butler plays solid defense and finds enough offense. Guard Shelvin Mack and forward Matt Howard can provide the offense. Coach Brad Stevens national coach stock has risen in the last couple years, but the guy that looks like a college professor says he is happy at Butler.

Because both teams preach defense, this game could be decided on which team gets hot on the offensive end.

But regardless, prepare for that grinder game. This one won’t make many highlight reels. Trust me.

Congratulations Wisconsin Badgers

I wasn’t surprised that Wisconsin upset Ohio State Saturday. The then No. 1 Buckeyes were ripe for picking and the Badgers are an outstanding basketball team.

If I was Ohio State, I wouldn’t want to come to Madison, Wisconsin. Last fall the No. 1 ranked football team came west and the Badgers knocked that team off too. So, Wisconsin is an impressive 2-0 over the Buckeyes during this school year.

But back to the Wisconsin hoops team. Coach Bo Ryan runs a great program. In his 10th season in Madison, Ryan is 236-87 and has taken the Badgers to nine straight NCAA tournaments.

Ryan’s teams play tough defense, have good scorers and recruit players that buy into the team concept. Wisconsin is a difficult team to play because it doesn’t make many mistakes. Plus, the Badgers go at their opponents for the entire game. Wisconsin usually has one or two top players and some solid role players. All these ingredients spell success with a capital S.

Look for the Badgers to make noise in the remainder of the regular season and into the NCAA tournament. That seems the Wisconsin way.