Bleacher Report - Articles by Sam Wenk

What This Chicago Fan Is Thankful For

Sam Wenk — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:27:56 -0500

Living in Chicago or being a fan of the city's teams is a love/hate relationship. Given that today is Thanksgiving, here are some of the things the city's sports teams have made me thankful for:

Tom Ricketts - Chicago Cubs Owner

Now that Tribune Co. is finally out and the sale is completed, hopefully a fan-first mentality will help end the 101 year World Series drought.

Derrick Rose - Chicago Bulls

Sure, he has been playing poorly so far this season, but the kid isn't even old enough to drink alcohol. He may be dealing with a sophomore slump, but no player in the city means more to his team than Rose.

Lance Briggs - Chicago Bears

On a team filled with over-hyped and over-paid players, Briggs is the only weekly performer who demonstrates what the label super-star should be about.

Plus, he is obsessed with comic books!

The Blackhawks Organization

After a disappointing baseball season, everyone looked forward to Jay Cutler and the Bears. After Cutler decided to lead the league in interceptions and the Bears decided to build for next season (yet, with no 1st or 2nd round pick, this seems impossible), everyone anticipated a breakout Bulls season. With the team currently under .500, the only sports team that is living up to the hype is the Blackhawks.

Personally, I've never watched a full NHL game from beginning to end, but due to the stress levels of Hawk fans being non-existent, I may finally convert.

Gordon Beckham - White Sox

From Day One, Beckham has been deemed the Franchise. Even as a die hard Cubs fan myself, I have to admit I really like Beckham. His confidence is merited by his play, and he just seems like he will be a fixture in the league for the next 20 years.

Carlos Zambrano - Chicago Cubs

No one knows what Big Z will do or say next, and that's the main reason why I am thankful for him. Whether it be another case of the cramps from his reluctance to drink water during games or his salute to the sky despite surrendering 6 earned runs the previous inning, the one consistent thing about Zambrano is the entertainment he provides.

Johnny Knox - Chicago Bears

General Manager Jerry Angelo has proven each year he has no cue how to run a draft, but the speedy Knox at least is one gem in a pile of garbage from the 2009 class. An injury is likely to come since these types of players never seem to last—Yes Tommie Harris, I'm talking to you!

Joakim Noah - Chicago Bulls

Sort of the Zambrano of the Bulls, Noah is finally playing like the stud he was for the Florida Gators. He currently leads the league in rebounds and has an energy level higher than an kid after polishing off his Halloween candy.

Pat Fitzgerald - Northwestern Wildcats

Coach Fitz is the definition of a head coach, with infinite leadership skills and a passion for all things purple. Why would he ever leave for Notre Dame?

Charlie Weis - Notre Dame

The only reason i'm thankful for the massive Irish coach is the fact he has taken some of the criticism that the Bears, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox all deserve this time of the year.

College Football Media Day 2009: Big Ten Head Coach Translator

Sam Wenk — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:47:12 -0400

The first day of Big Ten Media Days was chock full of quotes that left some fans and media scratching their heads. Lucky for you, Bleacher Report was there live and able to take what each coach said and insert their confusing answers through the newly patented Head Coach Translator. Enjoy...

Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald

What He Said: “[After the contract extension,] I bought a couple wiffleballs from Target for my boys. That was about the biggest splurge.”

Translation: Living in luxurious Evanston, Illinois isn’t exactly cheap.

What He Said: “Will Corey Wooton participate in every practice, probably not. He was cleared a couple of weeks ago. I fully anticipate him to be 100 percent by the opener.”

Translation: Basically, Corey Wooton is still hurt, but luckily we still have a few weeks to get our best player healthy. The last thing I’m going to do is make him practice.

Illinois Head Coach Ron Zook

What He Said: “We didn’t reach those expectations [coming off the Rose Bowl loss].”

Translation: Can we change the subject?

What He Said: “There’s no question we need to get the ball in Rejus’s hands as much as possible.”

Translation: Arrelious ‘Rejus’ Benn isn’t the best player in the conference for no reason.

What He Said: “We’re all chasing Ohio State right now. Anybody in this league can win this conference.”

Translation: Well, everybody except Indiana and Michigan.

What He Said: “It’s hard for players and coaches to go 12 straight weeks. These guys have got a lot on their plate.”

Translation: How can we expect our college athletes to deal with teachers giving them extended deadlines, and the fans treating them like superheroes?

Wisconsin Head Coach Bret Bielema

What He Said: “We didn’t play well in last year’s bowl game. We have to move on.”

Translation: Florida State destroyed us by 29 points, end of discussion.

What He Said: “I love to read the coaches' and players' comments about preparing to defend us. Every coach talked about the difficulties of playing the Wisconsin offense.”

Translation: Every coach except Bobby Bowden.

What He Said: “If you play at Penn State [at home] and you beat them, you don’t have hot water [in the locker room shower].”

Translation: For some reason, we always seem to have hot water.

Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez

What He Said: “I kind of know that the lights are bright at Michigan. Obviously we have a lot of work to do. Last year, we don’t want to talk about it. I do expect us to be a lot better. We need to get a few key areas shored up.”

Translation: There, I said it. Last year we stunk.

What He Said: “I usually don’t worry about anyone else’s program.”

Translation: Well, unless the school rhymes with Mest Tirginia.

What He Said: “We ask our punters to do some unconventional things. [Punter Zoltan Mesko] is great in the community and is one of our team leaders. When our guys go through workouts, he’s right there in the middle of it.”

Translation: Yes, our punter is the best, as well as strongest, player on our team.

What He Said: “(Quarterback Tate Forcier) is still young and most of his buddies back in high school were getting ready for prom while he was getting ready for our spring game. Tate did a lot of things in spring to improve himself. We’re excited about him. I have all the confidence in the world.”

Translation: My job status is in the hands of a teenager.

What He Said: “Once we win a big bowl game, [our perception] is going to change.”

Translation: Heck, once we reach a bowl game, our perception will change.

What He Said: “(Terrelle Pryor) can beat you in a lot of different ways.”

Translation: He can beat you on the field as well as off, like turning me down and signing with Ohio State.

What He Said: “I think (Ohio State) is the greatest rivalry in sports. We saw a few old ladies hold up some hand signals while we were driving in, but I had seen that before, too."

Translation: Yes, even old ladies make fun of me.

Purdue Head Coach Danny Hope

What He Said: “(Quarterback Joey Elliot) is a guy that fans and experts don’t know a lot about.”

Translation: It’s hard to know a lot about a guy when he has thrown two touchdowns his entire career.

What He Said: “You’ve got to be your own man. A lot of the things we’re going to do in the future will be done the Joe Tiller way.”

Translation: Man, Purdue fans are obsessed with Tiller.

What He Said: “Elliot was ready last year. I thought he was a heck of a quarterback. I’m a big-time Joey Elliot fan. I’m a lot more comfortable [with our QB situation] than most people realize.”

Translation: I love Joey Elliot mainly because he is the only player anyone has heard of.

Minnesota Head Coach Tim Brewster

What He Said: “Eric Decker deserves a tremendous amount of praise. I don’t think there is a better wide receiver in the country.”

Translation: If Decker gets hurt, our season is over.

What He Said: “I think the state of Minnesota is really excited about getting back outdoors (in new TCF Bank Stadium). Hopefully we’re going to have some cold, snowy days and embrace the elements. The cold is overblown.”

Translation: Wait, our new stadium doesn’t have a retractable roof?

What He Said: “I think for us to win a championship in the Big Ten, we have to play a higher caliber of opponent.”

Translation: Even a high school team can beat Indiana, so we need to play teams that actually have talent to be considered for a bowl game.

Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel

What He Said: “Spring practice was a lot of fun. Our September is an extraordinary one. Southern Cal comes in, enough said there.”

Translation: Hopefully, the early loss to USC will be forgotten by December.

What He Said: “When you step in and take over, I think that’s a difficult assignment. Pryor has a real passion to do well. For a freshman, he was pretty careful with the football. There were some tough experiences along the way. [The bowl game against Texas] was another lesson. He is a guy that is passionate about being good. He loves being on his own with his DVDs.”

Translation: The DVDs might not all be football related, but he does love them.

What He Said: “It’s difficult to replace a Beanie Wells. He was the kind of guy that got stronger and stronger as the game went on. You can’t replace exactly what he did.”

Translation: First round draft picks don’t exactly grow on trees.

What He Said: “As coaches, we all copy off each other. Then you have to sort out, is that a good idea?”

Translation: Well, the coaches copy me. I wouldn’t copy Rich Rodriguez if my life depended on it, much less my football team.

Indiana Head Coach Bill Lynch

What He Said: “Football is important at Indiana. All kids are looking for that wow factor and they’re going to experience it this fall.”

Translation: The wow factor will mainly come from their reaction to the scoreboard revealing how fast we are going to be blown out each game.

What He Said: “The sororities [I visited] were a lot better than the fraternities! It was kind of a goodwill tour, and it was a lot of fun.”

Translation: Recruiting is a lot easier when you don’t even have to leave campus.

What He Said: “There’s a new face to Indiana football.”

Translation: Now that I kicked Kellen Lewis out, any face is better than his.

Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio

What He Said: “One of the things you have to do to grow is experience a little bit of pain.”

Translation: Watching Javon Ringer graduate is about all the pain I could tolerate.

What He Said: “We played against an outstanding quarterback [Matthew Stafford], but we kept most of his throws under 10 yards.”

Translation: Yet somehow those throws still accumulated for 250 yards, three touchdowns, and Stafford eventually becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick. And we lost by 12.

What He Said: “Great rivalry [with Michigan], it's intense and it should be intense.”

Translation: Now that Rich Rod is there, I own this state.

Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno

What He Said: “I’m not sure right now where we [our football team] are. I don’t want to make this too long.”

Translation: I only have so many more days on this earth, please don’t waste my time.

What He Said: “Oh I miss you guys. I just enjoy [coaching], I enjoy the competition, I enjoy being around young people. I don’t think I’ve reached that [retirement day] yet. I’m just reluctant to get out of it right now.”

Translation: Everyone knows I will coach until the day I die.

What He Said: “I can’t be looking forward to whom we’ll be playing in 2020. I might be dumb, but I’m not that dumb. I might be optimistic, but I’m not that optimistic.”

Translation: How could I look forward to who we’ll be playing in 11 years? My grandkids will nearly be retired.

What He Said: “The only thing I found out is I get a little tired [after hip surgery]. I used to walk 4, 5, 6 miles every morning, but now I’m working up to do what I used to do. There’s no reservation on it.”

Translation: No, my hip will not be a reason I stop coaching, so stop asking!

What He Said: "You guys have to talk about something. The fans have got to put something on those, what do you guys call those things, Twittle-do? Twittle-dee? I haven't got the slightest idea what you're looking at."

Translation: *ERROR. Translation malfunction, input too hysterical.*

Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz

What He Said: “What a great year Shonn Greene had.”

Translation: Any time a single player is the reason for a team’s success, it’s considered a great year.

What He Said: “Every time a staff changes, you have a new philosophy. You’ve seen coaches come in their first year and [have success] right off the bat.”

Translation: Well, everyone except Rich Rodriguez and Danny Hope.

What He Said: “[The SEC] has a tremendous conference.”

Translation: Yeah, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Vanderbilt, and even Kentucky would probably wipe the floor with us.

College Football: Big Ten Media Day Wish List

Sam Wenk — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:32:43 -0400

For the second consecutive year, Bleacher Report will be among the credentialed media at the quote-happy, cliche-rich, and always entertaining Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.

With big name coaches like Jim Tressel, Joe Paterno and Pat Fitzgerald, along with potential NFL stars Daryll Clark, Corey Wooton and Arrelious Benn all ready to be asked a million questions, yours truly will try and generate the best conversation-starting issues and topics among the entire media gathering.

Now that the list of names has been cemented in stone, here is my wish list of players to interview and what I want to ask them:

Illinois WR Arrelious Benn: When (not if) do you plan on announcing your intentions to forego your senior year and enter the NFL Draft?

Potential Answer: "When I realize we aren't even the best Big Ten team in the state (which belongs to Northwestern)."

Indiana QB Ben Chappell: How do you help Hoosier fans forget Kellen Lewis?

Potential Answer: "By not getting arrested."

Iowa LB Pat Angerer: After leading the Big Ten in interceptions (five) and with so many young starting QBs in the conference this season, which one are you most looking forward to picking off?

Potential Answer: "Daryll Clark (said loud enough for Clark to hear him one table over)."

Michigan OT Mark Ortmann: With all five starters on the offensive line returning this year, what do you feel is the biggest challenge heading into the season?

Potential Answer: "The number of inexperienced quarterbacks who will be starting behind me."

Michigan State WR Blair White: Now that Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer have moved on, how can the Spartans' offense score any points?

Potential Answer: "Well, uh, you see...you know Greg Jones is a monster."

Minnesota WR Eric Decker: You quickly became one of the top players in the conference last year and many experts are predicting the Gophers as the dark-horse team in 2009. How can Minnesota improve on last season?

Potential Answer: "Now that we finally moved out of that horrendous looking Metrodome and into a stadium that isn't 10 miles away, anything is possible."

Northwestern DE Corey Wooton: Who do you think will lead the Big Ten in sacks this year?

Potential Answer: "You're looking at him. And forget just the Big Ten, I will lead the nation as well."

Ohio State TE Jake Ballard: Have you seen Terrelle Pryor anywhere?

Potential Answer: "Coach said he was hiding him...I mean, sorry, he couldn't make it this year."

Penn State QB Daryll Clark: Iowa linebacker Pat Angerer said of all the QBs in the conference, you were the one he wants to intercept the most. Care to respond?

Potential Answer: "Hopefully he remembers the game Nov. 8 when we last played him and we...uh, wait, I mean, no comment."

Purdue QB Joey Elliot: Some big names have played your position in West Lafayette, like Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. Are you the next great Boilermaker quarterback?

Potential Answer: "I won't go that far. After all of the accolades Curtis Painter received in the preseason last year and the result that ensued, there really is no other direction to go but up I guess."

Wisconsin DL O'Brien Schofield: You're cousins with Chiefs WR Bobby Engram. Any chance he can teach you to play on both sides of the field this year?

Potential Answer: "Given the way our offense looks, I might have to."

Other potential questions to be asked:

"Coach Paterno, is it true you never age?"

"Juice Williams, any chance we can see you and Northwestern QB Mike Kafka race down the hall?"

"Coach Fitzgerald, now that Jim Tressel and you are both in the same building together, what are the chances you help remind him of your frustration over his decision to run up the score on you guys last year?"

"Coach Bielema, did you honestly feel it was necessary to start practice in February?"

"Sean Lee, is there anything you can't do?"

"Coach Zook, is there anyone you can't recruit?"

"Coach Hope, where's Joe Tiller?"

Big Ten Football: Have a Question? I Have the Answer(s)

Sam Wenk — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:51:59 -0400

For the second year in a row, Bleacher Report will be represented at the Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.

Last year brought big names like James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Tyrell Sutton, Juice Williams, Javon Ringer, and Derrick Williams.

The 2009 lineup is just as impressive, with stars Arrelious Benn, Eric Decker, Corey Wootton, and Daryll Clark all ready to be peppered about why their school will take home the Big Ten title.

Instead of writing a bunch of stories that all the other websites will have posted once the two-day event is completed, I decided to let your voice be heard. Yes, I'm talking to YOU.

Got a question you want answered but are faced with the fact you simply don't have the access? That's where I come in. Below is the full list of names each school is sending to Media Days. In the comment section of this article, feel free to list as many questions as you want me to ask the players about the biggest issues each team is facing this season, and I will do my best to get them all answered.

Remember, by keeping your questions open-ended, as well as respectful, you will be guaranteed to have them answered.

Media Days begin Monday, July 20 and goes until Tuesday, July 21. The second day is always the best time for the players to be held accountable, so any questions that are posted below by Monday night will be considered fair game.

Thanks for your input, and get ready for what looks to be an amazing 2009 Big Ten season.

Each head coach will be in attendance and open for questions as well.

Here is the player lineup.

ILLINOIS

Arrelious Benn, WR
Doug Pilcher, DL
Juice Williams, QB

INDIANA

Ben Chappell, QB
Jammie Kirlew, DE
Will Patterson, LB

IOWA

Pat Angerer, LB
A.J. Edds, LB
Tony Moeaki, TE

MICHIGAN

Stevie Brown, LB/S
Zoltan Mesko, P
Mark Ortmann, LT

MICHIGAN STATE

Greg Jones, LB
Brett Swenson, PK
Blair White, WR

MINNESOTA

Garrett Brown, DT
Lee Campbell, LB
Eric Decker, WR

NORTHWESTERN

Mike Kafka, QB
Brad Phillips, S
Corey Wootton, DE

OHIO STATE

Jake Ballard, TE
Kurt Coleman, DB
Doug Worthington, DL

PENN STATE

Daryll Clark, QB
Sean Lee, LB
Jared Odrick, DT

PURDUE

Joey Elliott, QB
Mike Neal, DT
Keith Smith, WR

WISCONSIN

Garrett Graham, TE
Jaevery McFadden, LB
O'Brien Schofield, DL

Turn It Up/Turn It Down: A Weekly Review of the Media

Sam Wenk — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 03:38:35 -0500

First week of December

Every week I write a media column that sheds some light on a few of the great, strange and/or debatable columns and radio segments from around the country. Enjoy, and as always, feel free to comment and nominate your favorites too...

Charles Robinson (Yahoo! Sports) – One of the reasons the NFL is so popular is because of the new storylines that develop every week. Robinson wrote about the Top 5 one-on-one battles between players around the league.

Bart Scott vs. Hines Ward; Bill Belichick vs. the Indianapolis Colts; DeAngelo Hall vs. Falcons owner Arthur Blank; Joey Porter vs. Everyone. The list is impressive and Robinson does a nice job supplying inside information into each match-up.

Bill Simmons (ESPN.com) – This column was posted a few weeks ago but remains one of the best columns of the year from arguably the most popular sports columnist in the world.

The Sports Guy explains how the NFL’s home field advantage factor has become almost non-existent in 2008.

Jon Heyman (SI.com) – With baseball’s annual Winter Meetings set to debut next week, Heyman does a nice job breaking down what to expect from numerous teams and players. Is Jake Peavy ever going to be traded? Heyman wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t.

If you prefer to hear his analysis instead of reading it, listen to his interview on The Dan Patrick Show from Friday.

For more Hot Stove coverage, check out ESPN’s Keith Law’s likely destinations and Fox Sport’s Ken Rosenthal’s daily rumor.

ESPN’s Buster Olney, who I consider to be the most correct when it comes to rumors, suggests the Mets will offer three separate contracts to the big name free agent closers (Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes and Kerry Wood) and sign whichever one bites first.

Rick Reilly (ESPN) – I’m usually not a big fan of his, but his most recent column on how many NFL players don’t know the rules of the game was really funny. His main purpose was to try and take some heat off of Donovan McNabb for not knowing that games can end in a tie.

Reilly asks several random questions to players from around the league and one of the best was: “Can the kicking team recover its own blocked punt and advance?”

Jason Whitlock (Fox Sports.com) – Never one to shy away from controversy, Whitlock explains why the Dallas Stars Sean Avery is getting torn apart for no reason.

Whitlock feels Avery is basically doing what Charles Barkley does: speaking his mind publicly.

Bill Plaschke (LA Times) – This is another column written over a week ago, but still is hilarious no matter when you read it. Plaschke interview Dodger’s owner Frank McCourt’s wife Jamie, who made waves with her recent comment of: "If you bring somebody in to play and pay them, pick a number, $30 million, does that seem a little weird to you?" she said. "That's what we're trying to figure out. We're really trying to see it through the eyes of our fans. We're really trying to understand, would they rather have the 50 fields?"

Translation: “Wouldn’t the money we could pay players be better spent making baseball fields?”

Plaschke almost wet his pants trying to decipher what exactly she was trying to say.

For those of you who love to hate Alex Rodriguez, Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan and the New York Post’s Joel Sherman can help you get your fix.

(Fill In The Blank) Is Our Quarterback

Sam Wenk — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:21:38 -0500

With four games remaining, the Chicago Bears still have a chance to make the playoffs. But if history plays any role in how this season will finish, Bears fans are more than likely to be sitting on the couch once again, counting the days until Bourbonnais next summer.

Many questions will arise, but the biggest one is have the Bears finally found their quarterback of the future? Kyle Orton has played better than I expected this year, and I confident he will return to early season form once he fully recovers from his ankle injury.

Like all teams (except maybe the Bengals and Lions), the goal of the off season is to improve. The question sure to be floating around Halas Hall is can the Bears can better at the quarterback position. The answer isn't an easy one.

First of all, it really doesn't matter who is throwing the passes if general manager Jerry Angelo doesn't bring in a true, number one receiver. Current role players Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd have done nothing to prove they should return next season.

Devin Hester will always be a big tease to stretch the field, but Bears fans and the Bears coaches need to ask themselves where the "Windy City Flyer" is more valuable.

Hester can't be football's best kick returner and the team's No. 1 receiver at the same time. Disagree? How many touchdowns has Hester returned this season while working two jobs? Zero. If a guy is deemed one of the greatest returners in NFL history, doesn't it seem strange to suddenly remove him from what he does best?

Further more, the Bears finally have a legitimate running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield in Matt Forte. The former Tulane product has amasses a lot of carries in his rookie year, but has so far proven he can withstand the punishment.

So if the Bears were to at least consider bringing in some competition for Orton (not Rex Grossman again) heading into training camp next summer, they have three different routes to follow: free agency, the draft, or via trade.

With so many players performing below their potential resulting in a roster filled with question marks, the Bears have nothing to trade and need to hold onto every draft pick they have. Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre are fun to talk about, but the odds of either wearing Blue and Orange on are worse than a gun inside of Plaxico Burress's sweat pants.

Free Agency Route

If none of their teams re-sign them or designate them with the franchise tag, the following players are all due to be unrestricted free agents: Matt Cassel, Kerry Collins, Jeff Garcia, J.P. Losman, Kurt Warner. There obviously are more names on this list, but the rest of them would fail to provide any real competition.

Cassel and Warner would be the two hottest names on the market; one considered a future franchise quarterback and the other being a stop-gap option for a team looking to win now.

Signing Cassel is going to require a King's Ransom, and although it would be a wise move for the Bears to explore, Cassel will probably sign with whatever team hires his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel's, who is likely to be one of the hottest head coaching candidates next season.

Warner, on the other hand, is a very intriguing option. He will be coming off an outstanding season statistically and is one of the game's best all-around guys. In a locker room like the Bears that seems to be filled with drama, Warner would help establish a new identity and hopefully reshape some of the questionable attitudes on the team.

The downside, however, is judging just how much a 37-year old quarterback is worth. Best case scenario has him adding an element to the Bears passing game that has been non-existent for years: someone who can actually throw the ball deep with accuracy (sorry Rex, all you could do was throw it deep).

Worst case scenario would have Warner resembling exactly what he should be, a veteran quarterback on the tail-end of his career who is more likely to lose the game than win it.

Verdict

If the Bears choose to go the free agent route and sign Warner, the deal would have to be filled with incentives. The competition in training camp really be something to watch, with Warner and Orton updates being the talk of the town. But if Warner were to go down with an injury or fail to live up to his new deal if he was named the starter, it would be hard for the organization to come crawling back to Orton for another year.

The Draft Route

Jerry Angelo and the NFL Draft haven't been friend for a long time, especially when it comes to the early rounds, where the big-name quarterbacks are expected to be taken. But in this case, the Bears aren't looking for a franchise-type quarterback, just someone who can compete with Orton.

Big name college quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford of Georgia and Sam Bradford of Oklahoma are probably out of the question. But what about under-the-radar players like Ball State's Nate Davis, Texas Tech's Graham Harrell, Southern California's Mark Sanchez or Louisville's Hunter Cantwell? They all represent intriguing options for the Bears and will likely be there in the second and third rounds. So who would be the best fit?

Based on Angelo's strategy of drafting players earlier than any other G.M. would contemplate, I could see him falling in love with Nate Davis. In this case, however, Davis deserves to be an early round pick. Remember, last season Angelo was said to have been enamored with Joe Flacco, another player from a lesser-known school with a big-time arm. Eventually, Flacco's popularity skyrocketed leading up to the draft as he went from a late-round steal to a Top 20 pick.

Davis has seen his value rise with each game he has played while leading the Cardinals to an 12-1 record while completing over 67 percent of his passes. If Davis were to somehow be there in the second round with the Bears on the clock, Angelo would be a fool to pass on him.

Verdict

If Davis is available, he could help change Angelo's reputation as a poor talent evaluator. If Davis' stock soars, Sanchez would be the next best option after playing in a pro-like system at USC.

What Chicago Sports Fans Aren't Thankful For

Sam Wenk — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:53:19 -0500

Its been a busy year in Chicago sports in 2008. The Cubs returned to the playoffs (and got swept again), the White Sox continued to their every other year trend of making the post season, the Bulls somehow won the NBA Draft lottery and selected their point guard of the future, and the Bears found (hopefully) their quarterback. Every Chicago sports fan is thankful for all of that, but what are they not thankful for?

- The always pending sale of the Chicago Cubs. Now that fan-favorite Mark Cuban is officially out, who really cares who owns the team? Just get this thing over with!

- The entire Bulls roster minus Derrick Rose. No General Manager in the league wants any of these role players, and after awarding Luol Deng for a sub-par season with a new $9 million annual salary, the team is now a few pennies under the salary cap.

- Another NFL Draft under Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo. Sure, Matt Forte and Devin Hester have been second round steals the last three years, but what about Cedric Benson, Michael Haynes, Dan Bazuin and Michael Okwo? Never heard of the last two names? Most haven't. Bazuin was the result of the Thomas Jones trade, another Angelo mistake.

- Being associated with Notre Dame. Why must we all be exposed to so much coverage of a horrible football team that doesn't even play in our state?

- Trade rumors that never come to fruition. What do Jake Peavy, Kobe Bryant, Brian Roberts, Brian Giles, Donovan McNabb, Ichiro Suzuki, Mark Teahen, Miguel Cabrera, Kevin Garnett, Coco Crisp, Jeremy Hermida, Al Harrington, Willy Taveras and Howie Kendrick all have in common? All were supposed to be playing in Chicago the past two years, yet none of them ever did (or likely will).

- Joakim Noah's post moves. Please don't watch while you are eating.

- Kyle Orton's neck beard. Never has a chunk of hair been so popular yet so ugly.

- Three more years of Kosuke Fukudome. Is he seriously making $12 million a year?

- Lovie Smith's post game news conference. Has he ever raised his voice? Ever? Does anything upset this man? It seems even if his house were on fire the man would still have the same, "life is good" facial expression.

- The circus trip that takes place at the United Center. The annual trip forces the Bulls and Blackhawks to flea the city for weeks, usually resulting in the beginning of the end for both teams.

- Local college basketball. DePaul and Illinois continue to fall in respectability, and Northwestern has yet to get there.

- The coaching "hot seat" debate. Every Chicago manager or coach seems to find himself on it at least once every year. Ozzie Guillen, Bob Babich, Scott Skiles (victim), Greg Walker, Denis Savard (victim), Larry Rothschild, Bruce Weber, etc.

- The Bears defense. With arguably two of the best linebackers (Lance Briggs and Urlacher) and one of the best defensive tackles (Tommie Harris) in the NFL, 2006 finally does feel like three years ago.

- Former Bears wide recievers excelling on other teams. Who knew Mark Bradley, Bobby Wade and Justin Gage just needed a change of scenery to be good?

- Any words out of Ozzie Guillen's mouth. We might not understand what he is saying, but at least we know most of it should be edited.

- Derrek Lee hitting into double plays. At least one Cubs hitter was consistently doing something.

- And finally...Another winter of snow storms and traffic delays while trying to accomplish the one thing that keeps us sane: watching our Chicago sports teams.

Has The Balance Of Power Finally Shifted in Illinois?

Sam Wenk — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:07:50 -0500

Congratulations! You have been accepted to _______(University of Illinois/Northwestern University). Based on your athletic performance and unique talent, I would like to offer you a four year scholarship to play for the ________(Illini/Wildcats). Suiting up in the _______(blue and orange/purple and white) is privilege and an honor many prospects like yourself will never experience. Your skill-level is exactly what the ________ (Illini/Wildcats) need to continue an already a successful history of Big Ten football.

To fully understand what ______ (Illini/Wildcat) football is all about, I invite you to visit our ________(Illinois/Northwestern) campus.

Take your time with this decision and once again, congratulations on the beginning of what will surely be a historic career.

Sincerely,

Coach ________(Zook/Fitzgerald)

“Go _______(Illini/Cats)!”

Imagine you’re a big-time recruit entering your senior year of high school. Coming off of a record-setting junior season, your final year of high school football is bound to be one with a lot of stat-padding and confidence building. In your mind, you’re one of the top players at your position in the country, and this year you hope to prove the college scouts that you are a Division I prospect.

Despite your playing ability, only two schools have offered you a full ride scholarship to play college football. One is coming off of a Rose Bowl appearance but has struggled so far in 2008. The other is considered an up-and-coming team with the youngest head coach in the nation, but has never been a school where football is the first priority. One wears purple, one wears orange. You can choose only one.

If you choose Northwestern…

...you’re likely to get a degree in a subject other than “moving the chains.” As a Wildcat, you will be learning from one of the best motivators in the country in head coach Pat Fitzgerald. What better way to fully grasp what Northwestern football is all about than from a guy who actually lived and breathed it himself?

"Every time we win, it's the happiest day of my life,” Fitzgerald replied when asked what gets him fired up. “When I hear our guys sing the fight song in our locker room, it's music to my ears.”

Sure, when outsiders think of the Big Ten, the conversation usually leads to big name schools like Ohio State and Penn State. Northwestern always seems to be a just a bleep on the radar. However, Fitzgerald has installed a new, winning culture and mentality in Evanston. In 2008, the Wildcats are having their best season since “Coach Fitz” himself was running sideline to sideline on his way to the Rose Bowl.

How cool would it be to help play a significant role in re-shaping the landscape of the Big Ten and restoring prominence back on the Northwestern campus?

If you choose Illinois…

…you are improving your chances of playing at the next level. Head coach Ron Zook is known for his recruiting classes, and by including you among them, your belief that you are one of the best players in the nation is justified.

Zook was brought in to help reshape the respectability of Illinois football and is once again regarded as one of the top coaches in the conference. With his success both in the college and pro game, Zook holds a significant advantage over Fitzgerald in teaching kids how to succeed at the next level.

The Illini have several NFL-ready players on their roster. After former Illini running back Rashard Mendenhall was taken in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the path from Champaign to Canton is exactly visible.

Future pro and current stars like Juice Williams, Vontae Davis, and Arrelious Benn are all expected to follow in Mendenhall’s footsteps. If playing on Sundays is your goal, going to Illinois remains you best option.

Sure, the Illini have struggled this season, but if Williams and Davis return next year Illinois is almost guaranteed to be one of the top teams in the conference next season. Wouldn’t you like to be the next great Illini to play professionally?

Take it from someone who knows

Fitzgerald’s take: "I see our program getting better each week…I see how the young guys are pushing our middle-aged guys, who are pushing our upperclassmen for playing time…When you have that competition you have that opportunity for the program to grow and get better…

"I'm pleased with our academic success, we've gotten great reports back academically, and I'm proud of how our guys are giving back to the community…I like where our program is headed right now and it's because of our coaches and the young men in our locker room."

Zook's take: "People are going to say the program slipped back [after this season]. It didn't slip back. I promise you this program's still running full steam ahead...We're still going to continue to recruit the way we recruit and we're still going to have the success that we have."

Illinois linebacker Brit Miller’s take: “We kid that [Fitzgerald] is probably the only coach in the Big Ten that could beat up coach Zook.''

Expert’s view: “I still think Illinois, but Northwestern has a chance,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said in a recent email. “Illinois, this year, has had their share of struggles. Where they are now, to where they were last year, it's night and day. Even though Northwestern has [the better] record, I still think Illinois is a slight favorite.”

The New Windy City Flyer

Sam Wenk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:47:15 -0500

The thought of Chicago Bears superstar receiver Devin Hester suiting up in purple every Sunday strikes fear into the hearts of Bears fans. To those of you up in Minnesota, don’t get too excited, this is a different shade of purple.

Take the El Train a few stops north from Hester’s stomping grounds and you might confuse a certain purple-jersey-wearing receiver very similar to Hester in every aspect of football. This player actually prefers the classic pairing of purple and black, while choosing to do his damage on Saturdays.

Both Hester and his comparison leave professional scouts drooling over their big-play potential and elusiveness. Like Hester, this player is known to turn heads when being clocked in the 40-yard dash, even running a 4.37 at Northwestern’s scouting combine last year.

Coming into his freshman year in high school, Jeremy Ebert had never thrown a pass in his life. Yet, he quickly discovered being under center provided him the best opportunity to get that highly-desired college scholarship. Once he was named the starting quarterback at Hillard Darby High in Ohio, Ebert rapidly became one of the top players in the state.

In 2006, Ebert passed for 1,182 yards and seven touchdowns during his junior year. He also finished with over 1,000 yards on the ground while plunging into the end zone seven more times. Displaying his best Hester impression as a multiple-position athlete, Ebert logged time at running back and at linebacker during his middle-school days. The 6'0", 180-pound Hillard native has switched positions almost every year since first putting on a helmet.

With his game-breaking, Hester-like publicity spreading nationally before his 18th birthday, Northwestern invited him to their summer scouting combine after his junior season. While quickly proving to scouts his blazing speed was for real, Ebert accepted the proposed offer from Wildcats Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald with the understanding he would become fully “Hester-ized” as a wide receiver and potential kick returner.

“That's what's most impressive about his play is that he is changing positions as a true freshman,” Fitzgerald said. “He was a high school quarterback and has come here to play wide receiver and in the kicking game for us. He's handled those expectations very well.”

“Changing positions was not a big deal to me,” Ebert said. "I've rolled with the changes my whole life. This won't be anything new."

Would it bother Ebert that he would have to give up playing quarterback, a position he dominated so effortlessly during his entire high school career?

"[I realized] I'd be better suited using my speed to...catch the ball and run," Ebert said. “I just faced the fact that there aren't many six-foot quarterbacks around.”

Hester’s former quarterback, Rex Grossman, might argue that point, but we’ll save it for a different story.

Lining up next to fellow receiver Eric Peterman, Ebert continues to be used as both a decoy and a deep-threat. Peterman was surprised at how easy the receiver position came to the speedy freshman. “[Jeremy] has been doing real unlike freshman things,” Peterman told the Kane County Chronicle. “Making big plays at key situations, doing two-minute drills, scoring touchdowns, third-down conversions, just all the things you look for in a wide receiver.”

Ebert has been quick to credit his teammates for his fast development as pass-catcher. “Eric and Andrew Brewer have been teaching me a lot about how to play the wide receiver position at Northwestern," he said. “They’ve been a big help and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

In his first game wearing the purple and black, Ebert, at the ripe age of 19, quickly let the Evanston faithful know he would be a special player for the next four years. With just under four minutes to play in the first half, and Northwestern down by six, quarterback C.J. Bacher fired a 16-yard pass to his new teammate, who registered his first career reception and touchdown on the same play.

“I love catching touchdown passes,” Ebert said. “If they keep throwing them to me, that doesn’t bother me a bit.”

Game after game, Ebert has become a more of a presence on the field. In Week 10, against Minnesota, Ebert found the end zone again, this time hooking up with backup quarterback Mike Kafka on a 36-yard bomb. Kafka, like Ebert, will be one of the stars of the 2009 Wildcats next season.

“The coaches are very high on Ebert, giving him a start as a true freshman in a very experienced receiving corps,” said ESPN.com Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg. “Ebert reminds me of several other Northwestern recruits: overlooked prep standouts from Ohio that don’t have the size to end up at Ohio State.

“The Wildcats have had trouble with big plays on offense, and Ebert could be looked upon to stretch the field.”

He may only have 13 receptions for 157 yards through his first 10 games, but just like Hester, Ebert will always be a threat to take it to the house on any given play.

Is Ohio State the New Miami?

Sam Wenk — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:21:38 -0500

Welcome to the new home of the unofficial minor league system of the NFL. After previously flourishing in beautiful Miami, Fla., the past eight years, the league has relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where the next great NFL star is just a draft pick away from changing an entire franchise.

Since the unofficial league's creation in 2001, the Miami Hurricanes have produced an astonishing 25 first-round picks, including at least one first-rounder in each draft.

Over that eight-year span, a total of 57 Hurricanes heard their name called by the commissioner, more than an entire professional team.

Miami has flooded the pros with its former alums, and not just on one side of the ball. Pass-catching phenoms Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss, Andre Johnson, and Roscoe Parrish spent time in Coral Gables.

Ball carriers like Willis McGahee, Clinton Portis, and Frank Gore and defense-stretching tight ends like Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow, and Greg Olson, did also.

On defense, the list is even more impressive. Stars like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Devin Hester, who was originally a defensive back and now a receiver, Jonathan Vilma, Dan Morgan, Vince Wolfork, and Jon Beason all played ball for Miami.

However, after a record-setting six first-rounders were drafted from the school in 2004, the list of names have been slowly shrinking, with only one Hurricane earning a first-round selection in 2008.

Quietly, Ohio State has given 56 different players a ticket to the NFL. Leaders like A.J. Hawk, Chris Gamble, Troy Smith, Donte Whitner, Santonio Holmes, and most recently Vernon Gholston, all helped to dot the I on Saturdays at one point in their careers.

And unlike Miami, the path from college to the pros is likely to continue for years to come.

The Buckeyes have a potential four first-round picks in next year's draft, led by seniors linebacker James Laurinaitis and corner Malcolm Jenkins. Both Laurinaitis and Jenkins are rated as the top players at their position.

Junior running back Chris "Beanie" Wells is considered the nation’s most talented back. All three have been projected to go in the Top 10 of the draft, with several teammates to follow in later rounds.

Among the other Buckeyes who expect to hear their names called come April's draft includes linebacker Marcus Freeman, receiver Brian Robiskie, and offensive tackle Alex Boone.

Even bench players are expected to be drafted in the late rounds. Backup quarterback Todd Boeckman and second-string running back Maurice Wells both project as late-round picks.

After the 2009 draft, the unofficial minor league is still loaded with future talent, especially at the quarterback position.

Freshman sensation Terrelle Pryor's name already appears in multiple mock drafts, albeit in ones that won't happen until at least 2011. When asked about Pryor’s potential, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr. compared him to a former overall No. 3 pick from three years ago—"He's got a little bit of Vince Young in him."

That's high praise for a guy who has played only 10 college games, but since this is the minor league of the NFL. That's the standard.

The man snapping Pryor the football, center Jim Cordle, ranks as one of the top juniors at his position.

Heck, even punter A.J. Trapasso is garnering national attention.

Pryor looks to be one of many future top high school players to choose Ohio State and the Sweater Vest look over flashy destinations like Miami and USC.

Come April, don't be surprised when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell seems to be saying Ohio State a lot more than Miami—he's just reminding everyone where his minor league system resides now.

Robbing the College Cradle: The Best NFL Seventh Round Draft Picks

Sam Wenk — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:21:52 -0400

As Week 7 of the 2008 NFL season is officially in the books, I thought it would be a good time to look back at some former seventh round draft picks making headlines this season.

Here are a few players who fell all the way to the final round of the draft and have so far proven their critics wrong. All scouting reports are courtesy of ESPN.com.

2008 Draft

Christopher Horton (Washington Redskins) - Pick No. 249

Scouting Report: "Experienced, tough, in-the-box safety who fills hard. The biggest knock on him is that he's one dimensional because he has too many limitations in coverage."

This rookie out of UCLA has been a ball-hawk through Washington's first seven games, helping them compete in the toughest division in football. The 6'1" 211-pound safety has recorded three interceptions so far, while piling up 37 tackles. In Week 2, he picked off Drew Brees twice, who is arguably the NFL's best quarterback this season.

2007 Draft

Trumaine McBride (Chicago Bears) - Pick No. 221

Scouting Report: "McBride is a technician with enough quickness and tenacity to develop into an adequate reserve who makes his biggest contributions on special teams but it's unlikely he ever plays an every-down role."

The 5'9" 185-pound cornerback from Mississippi burst onto the scene in Week 4 of last season against Detroit, filling in for injured starters Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher. In his first game ever, he forced a fumble and held then Lions receiver Roy Williams to 53 yards receiving. McBride has seen an increased role since his debut and is once again being counted on as Vasher continues to battle injuries in 2008.

Chansi Stuckey (New York Jets) - Pick No. 235

Scouting Report: "Stuckey is a clutch player who continues to develop as a wide receiver and shows excellent versatility as a potential NFL return specialist. Unfortunately, his marginal size, durability issues and disappointing timed-speed really hurts his draft stock."

The former Clemson pass catcher instantly became one of Brett Favre's favorite targets this season, registering 182 yards and finding the end zone three times. For fantasy players out there, Stuckey continues to be a legitimate third wide receiver with his big-play potential.

Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) - Pick No. 250

Scouting Report: "Unfortunately, he isn't dominant in any one area. He lacks prototypical size for a power back and the top-end speed to break a lot of long runs."

Helping the Giants win the Super Bowl last season while serving as Brandon Jacobs's back-up, the former Marshall star has been one of the reasons New York once again is the team to beat in 2008. His carries might be down this season, but he continues to be part of a three-headed monster in the Giants' running game.

2006 Draft

Cortland Finnegan (Tennessee Titans) - Pick No. 215

Scouting Report: Unavailable

Four interceptions for the NFL's only undefeated team has made the former Samford cornerback one of football's biggest surprises in 2008. In Week 3 against Houston, the 5'10" 188-pound Finnegan returned an interception 99 yards for a score, and also registered two pass deflections.

Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) - Pick No. 252

Scouting Report: "Colston has to improve his footwork and ability to catch the ball with more consistency, which means he has to show improved work ethic and stay healthy. He will never be a great route runner or an explosive threat after the catch."

What hasn't the third year receiver from Hofstra done to prove that scouting report wrong? Colston simply has been one of the NFL's best late-round draft picks in history. In his first two seasons, the 6'4" 225-pound has caught 168 passes for 2,240 yards and 19 touchdowns. Drew Brees's favorite target is finally healthy for Week 8 and will look to build upon his already eye-popping career numbers.

2005 Draft

Matt Cassel (New England Patriots) - Pick No. 230

Scouting Report: Unavailable

Serving as former Southern California quarterbacks Carson Palmer's and Matt Leinart's back-up, Cassel figured he would be a career clipboard holder the rest of his life.

Obviously, that all changed in 2008, as Tom Brady was lost for the year, resulting in Cassel's first start since high school. Helping the Patriots to a respectable 4-2 record so far, Cassel proved he belonged under center in Week 7, throwing three touchdowns in a blowout win against Denver. Despite not having thrown a pass since the prom, Cassel has completed 66 percent of his passes in 2008.

Return on Investment: Pat Fitzgerald Paying High Dividends at Northwestern

Sam Wenk — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:37:49 -0400

Much like the economy, a simple influence can change everything.

Around Thanksgiving in 1996, Purdue University went looking for new influence for its football program that had lost almost all of its credibility.

The search began and ended in the coach-breeding state of Wyoming, as then Cowboys head coach Joe Tiller was brought back to his old stomping grounds, where he had served as an assistant for four seasons.

Nearly 12 years and 10 bowl games later, Tiller transformed Purdue into a national powerhouse, molding young men into NFL stars, while cementing his place as Purdue’s all-time winningest coach.

Heading into the final year of what has been a memorable career for Tiller, he’s been able to reflect on his past accomplishments that have continued to accumulate each season.

“I think the fact that when I went to Purdue, they had 12 non-Bowl seasons and maybe 11 of the 12 had been losing seasons [to now,] where we've been competitive every year,” said Tiller during Media Day in July. “That's what most folks will refer to [when assessing his legacy], I suppose.”

Changing a mindset

The Boilermakers sure have been competitive during Tiller’s tenure, showing dramatic improvement the moment he walked on campus.

In his first season, the Toledo native led his team to a 9-3 record and a blowout win in the Alamo Bowl over nationally-ranked Oklahoma State.

A year later, Purdue finished 9-4 and defeated No. 4 Kansas, coming from behind with the never-before-seen spread offense that would soon become the model of success for years to come.

When asked if he takes pride in being the founder of the spread, Tiller played it cool as he usually does.

“I [thought] it was going to happen sooner or later,” he said. “Young people like to throw and catch and run around and high-five each other and enjoy having fun playing the game. I think the style of offense is a fun style…to participate in.

“It's almost a reflection of our society in that things can be instant in the spread offense. And I oftentimes refer to our society as being an instant gratification society so the spread offense just fits right in. We've just done our part to help America be better.”

Tiller has led Purdue to three nine-win seasons, a .730 home winning percentage, an 88-58 overall record, and a 51-39 record in Big Ten games.

When the Boilermakers defeated Central Michigan in September, Tiller joined Penn State’s Joe Paterno as the only active coach to lead his school in coaching victories. Purdue has been ranked in 80 of the 191 weeks Tiller has been in charge.

“He's changed the landscape of Big Ten football,” said Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald. “He's just a great mentor to all of the coaches. He coaches the right way, gets his young men to play extremely hard and buy into what he's been teaching them.”

“This league will never be the same without him. We'll miss him, and college football will not be the same without Joe Tiller."

Reaching the finish line

All good things must come to an end, as Tiller hopes the Boilermakers can improve their so far disappointing 2-5 season.

Making his final stop to Northwestern on Saturday, Tiller had the opportunity to see Fitzgerald honored for his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame at halftime. The two-time Nagurski and Bednarik Award winner became Northwestern’s 15th player/coach to be inducted.

Tiller’s influence has impacted the Wildcats offense, as they too run a similar version of his spread attack. If anything, the trout-loving Tiller will be remembered not only for his winning mentality, but also his high-scoring offensive schemes.

“Tiller brought in a revolutionary offensive system that the Big Ten hadn't seen,” said ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg. “[He] will be remembered as a great offensive mind.”

With both Tiller’s and Fitzgerald’s spread matched up head-to-head on Saturday, the scoreboard at Ryan Field was sure to be lit up.

Tiller’s offense recorded a stellar 466-yard performance against a strong Northwestern defense. But due to costly turnovers by quarterback Curtis Painter (three interceptions, one fumble lost) and a poor showing from the defense, Tiller could only watch as the Wildcats dominated from beginning to end, beating the suddenly down-spiraling Boilermakers 48-26.

Asked if the season had begun to slip away, Tiller demonstrated his never say die mentality.

"Well if you are a competitive person, you think you are going to win,” he said. “You'd like to think that that's just the nature of playing the game. So you never say never. And I never do, never have, and never will."

The emergence of a leader

The Olympic Games might be over, but there’s still one more torch to be passed in 2008. With the Joe Tiller era nearing its closing ceremony, the Pat Fitzgerald era is just beginning what looks to be a successful marathon.

Can Fitzgerald become the same type of legend and mainstay Tiller has in the ever-changing Big Ten conference?

“His young age (33) and enthusiasm for Northwestern give him the chance to have an extremely long coaching career in Evanston,” said Rittenberg.

"I believe so," said ESPN's college football expert Pat Forde. "Great guy for that job: charismatic, enthusiastic, good recruiter, knows the school and cares about the school. I think it's a perfect fit."

A new tradition

The journey from player to coach hasn’t been easy for Fitzgerald. Following the sudden and tragic death of Randy Walker in 2006, Fitzgerald was immediately named the team’s new head coach effective.

Soon after the promotion, Fitzgerald sought advice and found it in one of college football’s most treasured head coaches.

“[Joe Paterno] told me on my second day as head coach to go home that night, take a dry erase marker and write ‘Head Coach’ in the mirror,” Fitzgerald said during an interview with The Den. “Every day you wake up and every day you go to bed you need to look at that, and that’s your responsibility. [Paterno said] there was no way to be totally prepared for it.”

Having to lead a team for the first time off the field, Fitzgerald admits the switch from wearing a headset every Saturday was harder than expected.

“Initially the biggest adjustment is not having the helmet on,” said the former linebacker. “As a player, you practice every day but you live for Saturdays, whereas when you’re a coach, every day is a game day because you have to be so organized to prepare.

"I developed a new respect for the sacrifices that coaches and their families make to have things organized and ready to go.”

Current Wildcat middle linebacker Malcolm Arrington said Fitzgerald is so passionate about his job that he has been known to casually participate in defensive practice drills. He may not be the tackler he once was, but Fitzgerald is slowly becoming the type of influencing coach that Tiller and Paterno became.

“If you’re being recruited by Coach Fitzgerald to go to Northwestern, you can’t help but be excited because he genuinely wants you to have the same experience he had,” said former linebacker and team captain Adam Kadela. “It’s a privilege for me to say he was my coach.”

Through his first 31 games, Fitzgerald is barely over .500 (16-15) yet already this season the Wildcats have earned a No. 23 rank in the AP Poll and secured Bowl game with their sixth win.

While influencing his players’ mindset that competitive football once again can be found in Evanston, Fitzgerald feels 2008 will likely be one to remember.

"I'm starting to feel the same kind of buzz there was when I was a student-athlete here," he said. "There is something special going on right now at Northwestern."

Investing in today's market is always a risk, but thanks to an influence like Joe Tiller, Pat Fitzgerald is one investment sure to pay high dividends in the foreseeable future.

Purdue-Northwestern: College Football Pre-Game Primer

Sam Wenk — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:28:11 -0400

Pre-Game Primer

Purdue (2-4) at Northwestern (5-1)

Date: October 18th, 2008

Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

Game Time: 11:00 a.m. CT

On Air: ESPN 2, 720 AM

Line: Northwestern by 3.5

Northwestern can win if…

…they run the ball on every down. Ok, maybe not that much, but a healthy dose of Tyrell Sutton usually results in a successful afternoon. Wildcats quarterback C.J. Bacher is coming off a two-interception game and needs to be more of a game manager than gun-slinger against the Boilermakers.

Sutton showed he is fully recovered from a hamstring injury he suffered two weeks ago when he burst for a 66-yard gain against Michigan State last week.

Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz will have his hands full in Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter. Luckily for Hankwitz, he’s facing the preseason Heisman candidate at the right time.

Painter has struggled mightily in 2008, failing to live up to the hype as the nation’s best signal-caller.

Hankwitz can return to his highly successful blitz schemes, forcing Painter to make quick decisions that could turn into turnovers. The Wildcats have been hit-or-miss on big plays this season, so expect more zone coverage in this game, limiting any big play potential Painter has.

Northwestern will struggle if…

…Painter transforms back into the quarterback he was the first three years of his career. If there ever was a game for Painter to rebound, this one would be it.

The Wildcat secondary has been giving up more big plays than Broadway and until it stops, opposing coordinators are going to exploit it. If Painter gets into a rhythm, look out.

Northwestern has to win the time of possession battle to try and keep the high-scoring Boilermaker offense off the field. As long as Bacher can continue to complete his short passes and Sutton can consistently get the first down, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Coming from behind, on the other hand, is the last thing the Wildcats need to do. Bacher performs best when he can rely on Sutton and a steady passing game.

If the Cats are down early and forced into “comeback mode,” Bacher usually turns the ball over due to poor decision making.

Northwestern players to watch

Running back Tyrell Sutton

When healthy, Sutton is one of the best running backs in the country. Against a less-than-stellar Purdue defense, his numbers should soar as long as the Wildcats aren’t forced to pass early.

Cornerback Sherrick McMannis

Coming off arguably his worst game of the season, McMannis needs to prove he still belongs in the starting lineup. He already was removed from kick return duties, and if he doesn’t bring his A-game versus a big-arm talent like Painter, McMannis might not see the field again.

Purdue players to watch

Quarterback Curtis Painter

The self-proclaimed Heisman favorite heading into the season has become the Big Ten’s 10th-ranked passer and the nation’s 91st. The talent is still there, but if Painter struggles early, look for Joe Tiller to pull the plug once again and return his senior to the bench.

Wide receiver Greg Orton

Painter’s favorite target is a studly 6-foot-3 and has recorded two separate nine-reception games already this season. He could go off against the less-than-mediocre Northwestern defensive backs.

Linebacker Anthony Heywood

Leading Purdue’s defense with 9.3 tackles per game, Heywood will have the sole responsibility of stopping Sutton from any big gains. The former fullback ranks 26th nationally in tackles per game.

Most Telling Statistic

Purdue’s defense allows over 400 yards per game, ranking 95th out of the 119 FBS schools.

Prediction

Purdue’s Joe Tiller will be making his final stop in Evanston, and NU coach Pat Fitzgerald will be honored for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame at halftime.

Northwestern is celebrating its Homecoming as well, so the players have to be motivated heading into this guaranteed gun-slinging match.

I really thought Northwestern would upset Michigan State, but they just weren’t as talented as the Spartans. Coming off the bye week, they had no reason to play as poorly as they did, especially on special teams.

The numbers say the Wildcats should win this game, and with it being Homecoming weekend, they better. For some reason, I just don’t see them coming out on top.

Curtis Painter isn’t this bad, and I expect him to regain his old form and prove he still has the talent to be one of the best passers in the country.

Call it a gut-less prediction, but I see Bacher turning it over in the red zone to lose the game as time expires.

- Purdue 34, Northwestern 30

The Northwestern Wildcats: Purple Haze Or Purple Daze?

Sam Wenk — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:09:46 -0400

On a sun-soaked, 80 degree October afternoon in Evanston, IL, the Northwestern faithful gathered in what was deemed “The Purple Haze,” as fans of all shapes and sizes came out clothed entirely in purple and represented their first 5-0 football team in 46 years.

With Michigan and Illinois suffering upsets before the Wildcats even took the field Saturday, the opportunity to take control of a now wide-open Big Ten conference and prove the critics wrong was ripe for the taking.

Despite what was happening around the country, head coach Pat Fitzgerald had only one goal on his mind: stopping Spartan running back and Heisman candidate Javon Ringer.

The nation’s second leading rusher heading into the game (and the nation's leader after) was going to be counted on early and often, yet NU defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz had his defense ready, loading the box with eight-man fronts on almost every play.

If Michigan State was going to give the Wildcats their first loss, it would have to be through the air.

The best way for the Wildcats to prove all those critics wrong was to show up against Ringer and the No. 23 Spartans, playing the same way they played the rest of their watered-down foes.

After 60 minutes of subpar play resulting in a deflating 37-20 loss, one can begin to come to conclusions on the Wildcats and if they are truly in a Purple Haze or a misleading Purple Daze.

Quarterback

C.J. Bacher tends to play Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at times, but he does have he ability to run when needed (107 yards rushing). He threw two costly interceptions before halftime though, allowing the Spartans to jump out to a 24-7 lead and forcing the Wildcats into comeback mode for the remainder of the game.

He turns the ball over too much (six interceptions on the year) and has never been able to grasp the reality that he needs to be a game manager. Whenever Northwestern needs a big play or a quick score, Bacher may have the arm, but he doesn’t have the head.

Decision: Purple Daze

Defensive line

The attacking and aggressive unit led by defensive end Corey Wootton and defensive tackle John Gill are a legitimate force to be reckoned with (6.5 sacks combined). Wootton continued his break-out season Saturday, sacking MSU quarterback Brian Hoyer twice and forcing him to limp off the field at one point in the first quarter.

Decision: Purple Haze

Linebackers

Ringer isn't the nation's leading rusher after six weeks for nothing. He made Northwestern’s veteran linebackers look flat-out overmatched, running for 124 yards and scoring twice and critical moments in the game. Against Southern Illinois in week three, the Wildcats held speedy running back Larry Warner to only 58 yards rushing. However, with Ringer in the backfield, they either decided to take the day off or were impostors to begin with.

Decision: Purple Daze

Running back

What more can you say about Tyrell Sutton? The Wildcats might not have a single win without his game-breaking ability on the field and his high character personality off it. Against Michigan State, Sutton set a personal best with a 66-yard run in the third quarter that eventually led to a Bacher touchdown pass. Northwestern’s second all-time leader in total yards, Sutton is the heart and soul of the Wildcats and has proven he can dominate against any form of competition.

Decision: Purple Haze

Offensive line

Offensive coordinator Mick McCall was forced to put this jigsaw puzzle together, and so far, the pieces all seem to be fitting. Senior Keegan Kennedy, a former defensive tackle, has been impressive at guard, opening holes for the play-making Sutton (623 yards rushing). Bacher has benefited as well, having more than enough time to throw, while being sacked only three times all season. The Spartans' defensive line didn’t pose much of a threat against these big boys, and their success will likely continue as there has been no sign of letting up.

Decision: Purple Haze

Defensive backs

The Wildcat secondary must have a fondness for Sportscenter’s “Top 10 Plays” because they seem to be the ones on the opposite end of a majority of them. No matter who is under center, a productive day usually ensues, taking advantage of Northwestern’s trend of biting on play-action fakes that lead to big plays all over the field. MSU’s Hoyer has a good arm, but the Wildcats made him look like the second coming of former Spartan great Jeff Smoker, failing to intercept him and force a single turnover.

Decision: Purple Daze

Special teams

Allowing a 50-yard return on the opening kick to Michigan State is one way to make a statement. Follow that up by allowing a 20-yard punt return and then fumbling their own punt is just plain pathetic. The Wildcats allowed an eye-shattering 137 return yards on a mere five kicks. Their own kicking game played poorly as well. Sure, place-kicker Amado Villarreal has been extremely dependable through six games (11/13, 84.6%), but the coverage unit doesn’t belong in the Big Ten at all.

Decision: Purple Daze

Coaching

McCall has been somewhat of a disappointment in his play calling after these first six games. The Wildcats are becoming more and more predictable, as their not-so-secret quick screen pass seems to be the only play they ever call.

The Spartans were able to sniff out most of those screens, and at one point almost knocked wide receiver Eric Peterman unconscious with a hit that would have won NFL Countdown’s weekly “Jacked-Up” list.

For Northwestern to prevail against future opponents like Ohio State and Illinois, McCall has to tweak a few of his plays before some of his players begin to get hurt.

On the other hand, no one is a better leader and motivator than Pat Fitzgerald. The former All-American linebacker himself has been through all of the same situations his players have and can relate to what they must deal with both on and off the field.

Big name coaches like Ohio State’s Jim Tressel and Penn State’s Joe Paterno have earned their place atop the conference, but Fitzgerald has showed he could be the next one to cement his place among them.

Despite the loss to the Spartans, Fitzgerald will be able to erase any doubt in his players’ minds that they aren’t for real. During the post-game press conference, Fitzgerald used the term “flush” to describe how his players will erase any memory of this game from their minds. Look for the Wildcats to come out inspired and ready against Purdue next weekend.

Decision: Purple Haze

Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune

Michigan State-Northwestern: College Football Pre-Game Primer

Sam Wenk — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:11:24 -0400

Pre-Game Primer

Michigan State (5-1) at Northwestern (5-0)

Date: Oct. 11, 2008

Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

Game Time: 2:30 p.m. CT

On Air: ESPN 2, 720 AM

Line: Michigan State by three

Northwestern can win if...

...they don’t let Javon Ringer beat them. Ringer has been the best playmaker in the conference (maybe the nation) and will be looking to build on his already impressive 2008 season. Averaging over 164 yards per game, Ringer has found the end zone a nation-leading 12 times.

Northwestern defensive tackle John Gill will need to provide a consistent push on the line to disrupt the Spartans' rushing attack.

Wildcat quarterback C.J. Bacher needs to be the game manager he has been through the first five games, despite MSU’s banged-up secondary. His history against the Spartans is fantastic, and he’s coming of an impressive win over Iowa, but letting the ball fly on every play isn’t going to cut it in this game. If he continues to use all of his receivers, as he has done frequently this season, the chains will be moving all afternoon.

Running back Tyrell Sutton shouldn’t have trouble against an average Michigan State defense. The bye week allowed Sutton to rest his less than 100 percent hamstring, and he will most likely have another productive Saturday.

NU offensive coordinator Mick McCall has to run the ball early and often, taking advantage of a healthy Sutton and a receiving corps that has really come on as of late.

Northwestern will struggle if...

...they lose the time of possession battle. Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has one mission: Hand the ball to Ringer. The Spartans can keep drives alive by running the ball on almost every play, as they have done for a majority of the season.

If Northwestern can’t at least contain the running game (forget stopping it) and try to make Hoyer beat them, the contest could quickly turn into “The Javon Ringer Show.” Remember, Ringer is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy, and MSU head coach Mark Dantonio will do all he can to get his senior the award.

Wildcat defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz has received a lot of praise so far and is one of the big reasons Northwestern is undefeated. However, Hankwitz has yet to face a talent like Ringer in 2008 and will have to implement some new plays to keep his numbers in check. The heavy blitz scheme Hankwitz likes to use will need to be toned down as the linebackers are better off playing zone for this matchup.

Northwestern players to watch

Running back Tyrell Sutton

Fully recovered from a pulled hamstring, Sutton will once again try to be the one surefire threat of the Wildcats. A touchdown in this game is almost a guarantee.

Wide receiver Rasheed Ward

Coming off a 10-reception effort against Iowa, Ward has earned the trust of Bacher and will no doubt be targeted in the end zone and on third downs.

Defensive tackle John Gill

The senior has been a force in four games so far, making plays from sideline to sideline and helping Northwestern become the dominant defense they are. Look for Gill to be double-teamed by the Spartans as they know that no one can run through him.

Michigan State players to watch

Quarterback Brian Hoyer

After throwing for 321 yards against Cal in the opening game, Hoyer has since only broken the 200-yard plateau once. Obviously, Ringer is the focal point of the offense, but a good passing game allows for a productive running game. Hoyer will need to make a few big plays for the Wildcats to take him seriously.

Running back Javon Ringer

The nation’s second leading rusher with 988 yards will have the spotlight on him from beginning to end as Hankwitz tries anything and everything to stop the talented senior. Going against Ringer will give the highly-rated defensive line its first true test of their abilities.

Linebacker Adam Decker

If his name doesn’t strike enough fear into the opposition, his game sure will. Versus Iowa last weekend, Decker made a huge stop on 4th-and-1, dropping running back Shonn Greene for a loss and preserving the Spartans' 16-13 win. He will be looking to do the same against Sutton.

Most Telling Statistic

Against Michigan State last season, Bacher set a school record with 520 passing yards, upsetting the Spartans 48-41 in overtime.

Prediction

This is going to be a great game and could come down to the final possession. History says when these teams meet the game is going to be close. Over the last two years, the score has been decided by seven points or less.

Javon Ringer alone is worth the price of admission, but look for some big plays from both teams, as this has all the makings of a classic shootout.

Now that classes have finally started in Evanston, attendance is expected to be at a season high. Rumor has it that a “Purple Haze,” much like the Chicago White Sox's recent “Blackout,” is secretly being planned by the fans, who will be dressed from head to toe in purple paraphernalia. However, all it takes is two quick scores by MSU to put an end to any preconceived momentum.

There is a serious buzz on campus right now that just makes me think the Wildcats are for real—and from a pure analyst standpoint, I believe it.

Northwestern 27, Michigan State 24

What He Really Said: The Lou Piniella Translator

Sam Wenk — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:50:28 -0400

After it was reported Cubs manager Lou Piniella was heard yelling at Alfonso Soriano in Spanish after the Game 2 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers, I felt it would be a good time to translate Piniella's other post season quotes. Let's just say, it's been a long two games:

"I told Mark [DeRosa], it's not do-or-die. I mean, this isn't life or death, you know? It's a game. It's entertainment"

Translation: Why are you giving Cubs fans more reasons to jump off the Sears Tower by being brutally honest with them? Remember, this is only baseball. Besides, by January, Cubs Convention will be sold out and Fukudome will still be my right fielder.

"Look, the amazing thing is the fans take it to a little bit of an extreme here. I mean, you can see them being loyal, you can see them wanting the Cubs to win."

Translation: For goodness sake, they gave Zambrano a freaking standing ovation down 6-0.

"Actually, we're sending a pretty good pitcher out there on the mound in Los Angeles on Saturday in [Rich] Harden, and we're sending a darned good pitcher out to the mound on Sunday in [Ted] Lilly.''

Translation: Our season is hanging on the cortisone shot-arm of Harden and the 2007 glove-tossing left arm of Lilly, if we even get to Sunday.

"Listen, you play the way we played, it doesn't matter who your opposition is.''

Translation: After all four of my infielders committed an error Thursday, I doubt we could beat Peoria Chiefs.

"I don't think you can win 97 ball games playing that way. It was not good baseball."

Translation: Then again, I did start Fukudome for a majority of those games...

"There are important issues in this country that people should be paying attention to, not only what the Cubs do."

Translation: Just look at the last team I managed in Tampa.

"Look, you could bring a live goat here and put it in the dugout and it wouldn't bother me."

Translation: It couldn't be worse than watching Soriano do that hop before each fly ball.

"There are no curses here. When will [the fans] learn that there are no curses here? They just haven't won here in so long they just look for things to hang their hat to."

Translation: At least there aren't any curses here, in this press room. Out on the field is a different story.

"I've said it many times: Good pitching, good defense, timely hitting - those are the intangibles that win baseball games."

Translation: Hence why we have lost the first two games.

"Unfortunately, [Fukudome] has to swing the bat a little bit … or more than a little bit."

Translation: He has to swing and actually make contact, once, please. No more striking out and twirling at the same time.

"Right now [Mike] Fontenot is our best bat coming off the bench."

Translation: It's always nice to have a good hitter on the bench, as opposed to actually in the lineup.

"[Ryan Dempster and I] talked about the importance of throwing strikes before the ballgame."

Translation: We talked about how important throwing strikes are before the game, but he didn't realize I meant during the game.

Northwestern Wildcats: The Big Ten's Purple Surprise Package

Sam Wenk — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:54:36 -0400

Is purple finally back in style? The Northwestern Wildcats sure think so, as they look to take over the now up-for-grabs Big Ten conference.

After their 16-8 defeat over Ohio, the Wildcats are 4-0 for the first time since 1962, and find themselves tied for first place with Minnesota and Penn State.

As conference play begins next weekend, the team must remember to take one game at a time, as the rise in competition will be more dramatic than they think.

Reasons for Optimism

The Offensive and Defensive Lines

The Wildcats have dominated teams where it matters most: at the line of scrimmage. There was a lot of criticism directed heavily toward the offensive line in the summer, but the group has been the biggest surprise of the 2008 season so far, allowing just half of a sack per game.

The defensive line is what strikes fear into the heart of opponents. Major contributions from linemen John Gill and Corey Wootton, the Big Ten’s best running backs will need to bring their “A-game” on every play.

With stars such as Michigan State’s Javon Ringer and Ohio State’s Beanie Wells set to make their season debuts, Gill and Wootton must remain the team’s biggest strength if the Wildcats are to be considered contenders. Redshirt freshman Vince Browne officially joined the purple people eaters on the line, registering three sacks against Ohio.

Linebacker Malcolm Arrington says: “We have a lot to prove; we've always been a question mark as far as the defense, and we've been looked down on for the last couple of years. A lot of guys play with a chip on their shoulder.”

Play-maker in the backfield

As running back Tyrell Sutton goes, so goes the offense. The Wildcats suffered when their star went down early last season but are reaping the benefits in 2008.

Sutton has been phenomenal in all phases of the offense, doing his best to score touchdowns from everywhere on the field. If he stays healthy the entire season and the leg injury he suffered against Ohio isn’t serious, he can be the best tailback in the conference.

Adapting to Change

New coordinators on both sides of the ball left the Evanston faithful unsure of how the team would adapt to the new schemes. So far, so good, as both Mick McCall’s no-huddle offense and Mike Hankwitz’s heavy blitz scheme have inspired their units to play at the highest level, specifically in the trenches, where games are won and lost.

Sutton says: "I would say the spring practices helped us get an advantage in running that no-huddle attack and you can see we are using it to our advantage. We try to wear teams down in the first half and we condition for it every single day. Other teams aren't conditioned to come right out and go fastball and get the tempo going. We try to control the tempo by going as fast as we can."

Cornerback Jordan Mabin says: "The defense this year is just playing and having more fun. This year we are thinking less and just reacting. We're playing physical and we're playing fast, from the defensive line to the defensive backs."

Arrington says: “It's also our new coordinator and our new schemes. It is a very aggressive style of defense, and it allows our play-makers to be play-makers."

Reasons for Concern

Lack of Competition

Sure, the Wildcats are undefeated, but who have they even played? Syracuse is the laughingstock of the Big East. The Duke Blue Devils are known for their dribbling skills and nothing more. Southern Illinois and Ohio both aren’t nearly as talented as Northwestern, as both were handed big losses each. The 4-0 record looks nice, but one must take it with a grain of salt, as most would consider them everyone’s new favorite term, “cupcakes.”

No Big Plays

Before the Ohio game, Bacher was acting more as a game manager than the passing yard machine he was in 2007. When high-powered offenses come into town and challenge the Wildcats to a shootout, Bacher must be ready to return the fire and keep it in the hands of his own teammates. Only one touchdown and five interceptions through four games simply won’t cut it.

Fitzgerald says: "We cannot turn the ball over like that and expect to win football games. It's on us as coaches to get it fixed, and it's on our players to take responsibility…”

Bacher says: “We have a ton of players who can make explosion plays. It just comes down to doing your job every play and being more consistent."

Defensive Turnovers

Northwestern has allowed only one touchdown pass in four games, while holding opponents to a minuscule 11 points per game. Is that a factor of a great defense, a result of weak competition, or a combination of both?

Turnovers are what make a defense great, yet the Wildcats are severely lacking in that department. As nationally acclaimed quarterbacks like Purdue’s Curtis Painter and Illinois’ Juice Williams prepare for the purple defense, the Wildcat secondary must be ready to get the offense the ball back, and forcing turnovers are the only way to do it.

Fitzgerald says: “We need to take the ball away better on defense. We need to heighten our awareness about taking the football away.”

Season Outlook

Yes, Northwestern can make a bowl game, and will become eligible with two more victories. As long as they can stay afloat during conference play by proving their worth against true competition, the Wildcats could actually play in a more significant bowl game than originally forecast.

Biggest Test Games at Home: Ohio State (Nov. 8), Illinois (Nov. 22)

These are two extremely important games. The Wildcats will essentially be playing their two toughest opponents within a three-week stretch, as "do-or-die time' is set for November. If the Cats can win at least one, their schedule will continue into December (and possibly into January).

Biggest Test Games on Road: Iowa (Sept. 27), at Michigan (Nov. 15)

The opening conference game of the season against the Hawkeyes is Northwestern’s first shot to make some noise in the Big Ten. If they can post solid numbers offensively against one of the better defenses in the country, the Wildcats can use it as fuel for the rest of their schedule.

When they travel to Michigan and invade “The Big House,” a stadium where fans cause people to go deaf, the Wildcats will look to silence the down-spiraling Wolverines.

Fitzgerald says: “…our focus is we'll be 0-0 tomorrow. We need to load it up and get ready to get back into Big Ten play."

Northwestern-Ohio: College Football Pregame Primer

Sam Wenk — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:40:37 -0400

Pregame Primer

Ohio (0-3) at Northwestern (3-0)

Date: Sept. 20, 2008

Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

Game Time: 11:00 am CT

On Air: Big Ten Network, 720 AM

Line: Northwestern by 10.5

Northwestern can win if…

…they remember what this team did against Ohio State. Despite the Bobcat’s winless record, they have actually led in two of their last three games. The Wildcats are more talented on both sides of the ball and have no excuse to make this a close game.

Northwestern’s defense will be the story this weekend, as turnovers will be aplenty for many of Mike Hankwitz’s troops. If the Wildcats apply the pressure early, this could become a rout.

Quarterback C.J. Bacher went interception-less for the second straight game last week and hasn’t thrown a pick since the first quarter of the Syracuse game.

However, he also didn’t record a single touchdown against a weak Southern Illinois secondary, albeit in monsoon-like weather. Obviously the conditions played a factor, but Bacher is one of the most prolific passers in the conference.

Offensive coordinator Mick McCall will likely call his quarterback’s number several times on Saturday, both through the air and with the option run. With Ohio’s defense focused on shutting down running back Tyrell Sutton, Bacher has no excuse to not light them up.

Northwestern will struggle if…

…someone significant gets hurt. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald has kept his team surprisingly healthy so far, but an injury to one of the skill position players—such as Sutton or Bacher—could spiral the team toward the abyss.

The Ohio offense has gotten solid production from the quarterback position, as starter Franshaw “Boo” Jackson se a school record last weekend with 413 total yards against Central Michigan.

Wildcat safety Brendan Smith needs to keep his defensive backfield mates from giving up the big play, which was a glaring problem during their win over Southern Illinois.

The interception-free version of Bacher has been a pleasant surprise in Evanston, but where did all the touchdowns go? The stable Bacher has only three of them in as many games and will need to morph into the offensive machine he can be if the Wildcats are to keep up with their upcoming competition.

Earlier this week, Bacher responded to the recent lack of big plays by the offense: “...big plays will happen. We have enough athletes at receiver and running back that a short pass can turn into a big play." The way Sutton is playing so far this season, he has a point (pun intended).

Northwestern players to watch

Quarterback C.J. Bacher

The lack of interceptions is nice, but what happened to the touchdown-throwing cannon arm he had for the majority of last season? Look for Bacher to take advantage of a weak Ohio secondary with at least two touchdowns on Saturday.

Running back Tyrell Sutton

What more can he do? Sutton’s on pace to shatter his reception total from last season and will be attempting to tie former Wildcat Damien Anderson’s school record for career touchdowns (38). If he scores three times, as he did last weekend, mission accomplished.

Cornerback Jordan Mabin

In his first start last Saturday against Southern Illinois, the redshirt freshman proved he belonged in the secondary. Against a poor passing offense like Ohio, look for Mabin to record his first career interception.

Fitzgerald, on Mabin’s debut: “I thought Jordan played well...he is an explosive back.”

Ohio players to watch

Quarterback Franshaw “Boo” Jackson

No, that isn’t a misspelling. The man’s name is Franshaw, and he had one of the best games of his career last Saturday against Central Michigan. The 6'0", 197-pound junior passed for 365 yards and three touchdowns, but the Bobcats still lost 31-28. Despite what he does against the Wildcats, at least they will remember his name.

Wide Receiver Taylor Price

Hailing from the same hometown as Wildcat freshman Jeremy Ebert, the Hillard, Ohio native had 14 receptions in the Bobcats’ opening game. If Price and Franshaw (sorry, have to take advantage of using his name) start to gain momentum, Northwestern might be in trouble.

Most Telling Statistic

Defensive end Corey Wooton ranks first in the conference and fifth in the nation with 1.33 sacks per game.

Prediction

Could this be this year’s version of last season's “Duke Debacle?” If the Wildcats look ahead to their match against Iowa in two weeks and forget to show up against the Bobcats, history may repeat itself. Ohio has nothing to lose and has the experience to compete with the best teams in the country.

Luckily for Northwestern, the Wildcats have one of the greatest motivating coaches in the nation, as Pat Fitzgerald never fields a team that is unprepared.

The game will be closer than some believe, but “purple rain” will continue to fall on the Big Ten as the Wildcats look to go 4-0 for the first time in 46 years.

Northwestern 27, Ohio 21

Conquering the Press Box: Transforming a Dream into Reality

Sam Wenk — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:52:24 -0400

With Hurricane Ike making its impact down south, the Midwest was taking on its own version of a horrible storm as the rain in Evanston, Illinois tried to wash out the biggest day of my young career. Heavy downpours for over 12 hours transformed Ryan Field, home of the Northwestern Wildcats, into the city swimming pool.

The Wildcats were taking on in-state rival Southern Illinois for an early 11 am matchup. This game would be my first ever live sporting event as a member of the media, so I made sure to leave my north suburban home early, especially with cars spinning out in all directions on the slick roads.

After a somehow carefree drive, I pulled into the “permit only” parking lot two-and-a-half hours before kickoff. Making sure to upset the rain gods above, I attempted to run from my car with a flimsy umbrella blowing in tornado-like winds with a briefcase strapped to my side.

Much to my disappointment, the media entrance is harder to find than the Bermuda triangle, so the umbrella really did nothing as my freshly ironed suit became drenched within seconds.

Once I finally reached the correct gate, I took the private elevator up to the media room and realized that all the hard work I had done to up to this moment was about to pay off.

The giant room was filled with piles of free donuts, desserts, coffee, lemonade, and unlimited Internet, all for me. Each media member was given a game program filled with three pounds of stats and information about the Wildcats and Salukis.

The only rule enforced: “one water bottle per person” from the gigantic community refrigerator. I figured I could live with that.

I grabbed a light breakfast (hot coffee, a lemon-cream filled pastry, six chocolate donut holes, and a sugar-glazed bear claw) and looked for my name tag along the line of chairs. Luck struck again, as my seat was on the 45-yard line in the first of two rows.

As I felt my waistline begin to expand from the donuts, I set up my laptop and made conversation with a few Southern Illinois media members who were roaming around the area (turns out there really are more things to do in Southern Illinois than just eat and watch football, at least according to them).

Mike Wolf, Northwestern’s media director, introduced himself to me and made sure if there was anything I needed, just ask him and he would make it happen. Mr. Wolf and his staff were fantastic and did a phenomenal job making everyone feel like royalty. It was an honor to cover my first game in his press box.

The players came out into the rain around 9:45 am and ran through some pregame drills as I was busy stuffing my face in the air-conditioned room watching from above. After killing time and becoming familiar with common procedure (don’t arrive early unless you want to sit around and do nothing), the game began as my goal of watching football as a job became reality.

The entire game I took several notes on my laptop, mainly to have my thoughts already on the computer to work around later when writing a column. The game was exciting for a while, benefiting from a rain-soaked field, but the Wildcats quickly showed the Salukis why their basketball team is the only thing to watch in town. By halftime, the game was close to over.

Of course, more free food was given out during the break, compliments of Hecky’s Barbecue (sorry, no free plugs, please make all checks payable to Samuel Wenk). Equipped with a full stomach of pulled pork and baked beans, I watched the remainder of the game and left the press box before the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.

A reporter named Lou was very kind when I asked him where the press conference room was, as he gave me a personal tour to where head coach Pat Fitzgerald and several players would be open for questions. Of the near 50 people that were in the press box during the game, it turned out only about 10 attended the press conference.

I placed my recorder onto the table in front of where the players would speak and jotted down a few notes as each gave their take on the 33-7 smackdown they just laid on the Salukis.

As first days go, this was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I want to thank Aron Glatzer, the marketing manager of Bleacher Report, for giving me the opportunity. I will be back again in Evanston to watch the Wildcats take on Heisman trophy candidate Curtis Painter and the Purdue Boilermakers later in October.

Hopefully by then, I’ll have learned it isn’t necessary to leave before the sun rises.

Northwestern's Two-Headed Monster: Corey Wootton, John Gill Rack Up Sacks

Sam Wenk — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:28:43 -0400

"You don’t get anything in life without working hard for it."

Those are the words that Northwestern defensive linemen Corey Wootton and John Gill live by each day. The two big men are responsible for 55 percent of Northwestern’s season sack total and look forward to watching that number rise as they become more comfortable lining up next to each other.

Against Southern Illinois, in a game that head coach Pat Fitzgerald called "a monsoon" due to the weather conditions, Wootton and Gill combined for six tackles and three sacks in helping the Wildcats begin the season 3-0 for the first time since 2001.

The 6'7", 270-pound Wootton has always been a hard worker but until now hadn’t seen it pay off. Through three games, Wootton has accumulated a team high three-and-a-half sacks for 30 yards lost. His presence alone is a major boost to a defense that recently welcomed back its other star, senior defensive tackle John Gill.

Together, Wootton and Gill form one of the strongest defensive lines in the country, a line that ranks 11th nationally in sacks, while making opposing quarterbacks lose sleep the night before facing them.

"He continues to get better every day," said Fitzgerald of Wotton. "He's been out there for a number of battles and just continues to grow. He's just got great experience for us, and he's now a veteran."

Just like Wootton has begun to receive the much-deserved recognition this season, his teammate Gill has been busy making headlines himself, both on and off the field.

Gill, a communications major, was hit with a one-game suspension to begin the year for violating team policy. The week off, when the Wildcats defeated Syracuse, was the first time he had missed a football game in his entire career.

After using the time on the bench to reflect, Gill has regained his position next to Wootton as the leader of the purple defense.

"It was hard,” said Gill of his suspension. "We're all competitive, and any time you have to sit out, it's tough. But it gave me a different perspective and showed me how important football is. I learned from it and will be better for it.

"I really have to take advantage of the opportunity I have."

Heading into his final year in Evanston, Gill was named to the preseason Outland and Nagurski Award watch lists. His own head coach was a two-time winner of both awards as linebacker in 1995 and 1996. If Gill can follow Fitzgerald’s lead, he too will find his name atop the list at the end of the season.

Wootton and Gill are two more examples of what has become a tradition of stellar defensive linemen in Wildcat history.

Former Wildcat and current San Diego Charger Luis Castillo is one example of player who took the unfamiliar path from Evanston to the NFL. Napoleon Harris, who ranks 11th all-time in tackles for the Wildcats and was drafted in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft, was once traded for Randy Moss.

Despite what some may think, Northwestern players will continue to make an impact at the professional level.

Much of the success of the defensive line is from the heavy emphasis on speed and getting to the backfield. Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz likes to see his players piling up sacks and keeps his linemen in shape by implementing a brand new way to keep his 300-pounders in shape.

"We had a great offseason of conditioning," said Wootton. "Coach Hankwitz has brought tremendous strides to our program with different calls allowing us to make plays. It comes down to just getting off the ball fast and getting after it."

Last season, Gill frequently found himself getting after superior talent such as former Michigan star and current Indianapolis Colt running back Mike Hart. Gill wrapped up the 2007 season with a team-leading eight-and-a-half tackles for loss and ranked second in sacks with four.

"Our defense is just playing well together," said Fitzgerald. "They've got trust. I think our [entire] program has a lot of trust."

If Wootton and Gill continue to wreak havoc in the backfield, Fitzgerald can trust his team will be in prime position to win their first bowl game in 59 years.

Saluki Smackdown: Northwestern Dominates Southern Illinois During a Monsoon

Sam Wenk — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:53:13 -0400

Emptying out the notebook from Northwestern’s 33-7 win over Southern Illinois. As usual, these are my…

(Wild)Cat Nips

Saluki running back Larry Warner looks like a replica of Maurice Jones-Drew. SIU uses him the same way the Jacksonville Jaguars do Jones-Drew, as a running back and a kick returner. He had a 40-yard kick return in the first quarter and later scored on a 19-yard run. On his touchdown, Warner changed directions four times, yet went untouched as he reached the right corner of the end zone. If he was on any major conference team, he would be getting national recognition.

Head coach Pat Fitzgerald on Warner: "I knew we were going to have to stop Larry Warner, and for the most part, I think we did that. He only broke out for a couple of runs. He's a dynamic football player.”
SIU quarterback Chris Dieker was a perfect 5-for-5 until the 11:54 mark in the second quarter. By the end of the game, he was 14-for-22 for only 115 yards.
Dieker left the game in the third quarter after getting sandwiched by defensive tackle John Gill and linebacker Malcolm Arrington.
The Northwestern defense recorded six sacks, the most by a Wildcat team in seven years. They also added 13 tackles for loss.
Northwestern place-kicker Amado Villarreal tied a career high with four field goals.
The rain never let up and was coming down in sheets for a majority of the game.
Said Villarreal of kicking in the rain: “My foot was soaked but that prepped me well for this game. I was talking to Kyle (Daley, the holder) and he said it was extremely difficult for him. I didn't notice it, which is a testament to how well he did but ultimately it wasn't really much of a difference from what I normally do."
Wildcat running back Tyrell Sutton once again demonstrated that as he goes, so goes the offense. He was shut out in the first quarter, rushing for a mere six yards on four carries. By the end of the game, Sutton had 101 yards on 17 carries, while plunging into the end zone three times. He is currently third in school history in total rushing yards (3,307) and total yards from scrimmage (4,311). In my Primer, I predicted Sutton would have no trouble reaching the end zone.
The Northwestern linebackers struggled with their tackling, a testament to both the elusiveness of Warner as well as the slippery weather conditions.
Junior quarterback Mike Kafka saw his first action of the season as he and running back Omar Conteh replaced Bacher and Sutton to begin the second quarter. The offense went three-and-out and Kafka returned to the bench.
Bacher and wide receiver Eric Peterman finally seemed on the same page, hooking up four times for 53 yards.
For the second straight game, Bacher didn’t turn the ball over.
Hats off to Northwestern defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz for containing Warner by blitzing his linebackers directly at him.
Punter Stephon Demos set a career high with a 57-yard punt.
On the flip side, Saluki punter Scott Ravanesi had the first punt blocked of his career by running back and special-teams player Jacob Schmidt, who recovered the ball himself after racing another defender for it.
After catching his first career pass last weekend, Bacher lined up at receiver again, with Conteh taking a direct snap.
Safety Brendan Smith is a play-maker. He led the team in tackles with seven and deflected three passes, a career high.
Defensive linemen Corey Wootton (two sacks) and Gill (one sack) are unstoppable at times. They make each other better when the other commands the double team. I'll expand on them in the coming week…
The Wildcats face Ohio next weekend (11:00 AM) before beginning their Big Ten conference schedule.

Northwestern-Southern Illinois: College Football Pregame Primer

Sam Wenk — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:17:25 -0400

PREGAME PRIMER

Southern Illinois (1-0) at Northwestern (2-0)

Date: Sept. 13, 2008

Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

Game Time: 11:00 a.m. CT

On Air: Big Ten Network, 720 AM

Line: Off

Northwestern can win if…

…quarterback C.J. Bacher can find his rhythm early. The Southern Illinois defense surrendered 450 total yards to Hampton last Saturday and likely won’t be able to stop a mistake-free Bacher.

Somehow, 404 of those yards-allowed were through the air, with only 46 on the ground. Still, running back Tyrell Sutton should have no trouble finding the end zone in this game. He cramped up late in the Duke game but hasn’t had any setbacks all week during practice.

Northwestern’s offensive line been very good so far in 2008. If the group can continue to mesh, the holes should be there for Sutton to run through. Guard Keegan Kennedy has provided a major boost after converting from playing defensive tackle last season.

The Northwestern defense must contain shifty running back Larry Warner, who is a major threat in the backfield and on special teams. Wildcat defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz needs to reduce his blitzing calls in order keep his linebackers from over-pursuing. If the Cats shut down Warner and force the Salukis to pass, Hankwitz will be a happy man.

Northwestern will struggle if…

…they let the Salukis gain any sort of momentum. There will be more Southern Illinois fans making the trip up from Carbondale to cheer on their team, so it is essential the Wildcats score early to silence them and keep the momentum.

If Warner returns his second kickoff of the year for a touchdown, the Saluki faithful will erupt and be buzzed the entire game.

There likely will be a shootout between both teams, as both quarterbacks are prepared for a potential gunslinging competition. Southern Illinois will focus on stopping Sutton from any big gains, hoping to force Bacher to commit costly turnovers. The Saluki defense forced five of them last weekend.

As always, if the Wildcats dig themselves into a hole by committing penalties and turnovers, Southern Illinois will walk away a winner.

Northwestern players to watch

Quarterback C.J. Bacher

He could have a career game against a poor Saluki defense that allowed Hampton quarterback Herbert Bynes to throw for over 400 yards and three scores. Sure, they force turnovers, but it’s “hit or miss” with this unit, and they tend to miss more frequently.

Running back Tyrell Sutton

Sutton has piled up three touchdowns this season, demonstrating that as he goes, so goes the offense. He needs to be a factor in the passing game like he was in the opener against Syracuse. Against Duke, Sutton didn’t record a reception, failing to give Bacher the safety valve he clearly needs.

Linebacker Prince Kwateng

For the Wildcats to contain the Saluki running game, Kwateng must keep his fellow linebackers (Quentin Davie and Malcolm Arrington) honest to make sure Larry Warner doesn’t get past them.

Southern Illinois players to watch

Quarterback Chris Dieker

In his first career start, the 6'5", 227-lb. sophomore dominated Hampton, completing 55 percent of his passes and throwing for three touchdowns. He isn’t afraid to let it fly.

Running back Larry Warner

The “mighty midget” himself ran for 151 yards on 19 carries last weekend against Hampton and scored two touchdowns, including one a 95-yard kickoff return. By the end of the day, he had accumulated over 350 all-purpose yards. Warner, the Missouri Valley offensive player of the week, may be only 5'5" and 170 lbs., but he is the one player the Wildcats must stop in order to win.

Safety Mike McElroy

Only a sophomore, McElroy finished with two interceptions and recovered a fumble against Hampton, while also recording five tackles. On Monday, he was named the Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the week. He will be licking his chops if Bacher is forced to throw in a close game.

Most Telling Statistic

Southern Illinois has won 50 games from 2003 to 2007, averaging 10 wins each season in that span.

Personal Note

Saluki offensive lineman Mike Farrell was a senior when I was a freshman at Lake Forest High School in Illinois. Farrell, at 6'5" and 296 lbs., earned a full ride to SIU for his outstanding talent, blocking, and leadership skills, and helped Lake Forest make the state playoffs in his final year.

Prediction

Last week I said the Wildcats would blow out the Blue Devils, but obviously that wasn’t the case. Northwestern has so much talent on both sides of the ball, and they should watch it come to fruition in this game.

It wouldn’t be a shock to see Bacher have a career day, but he needs to use the play-action fake more often, hoping the Saluki defense bites. Wide receiver Eric Peterman needs to find the end zone in this game, and I bet he does twice before the final whistle blows.

Northwestern 37, Southern Illinois 17

Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune

Northwestern Dukes It Out With The Blue Devils. Winning 24-20

Sam Wenk — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:21:28 -0400

A few notes, observations, and random facts before and after Northwestern’s 24–20 win over Duke…

Pre-game (Wild)Cat Nips

Tony Pauline of TFYDraft.com on running back Tyrell Sutton’s NFL potential: “He's one of the better third-down backs in the nation heading toward the draft.”

I emailed ESPN Draft Expert Mel Kiper Jr. on Wednesday asking for his take on Sutton’s NFL potential:

Sam (Bleacher Report.com): What are the scouts saying about Tyrell Sutton's pro-grade?

Mel Kiper: “First of all, when he's healthy, Northwestern is a different football team. Their offense at Northwestern is outstanding. Sutton [is] not real big, but when he's healthy, [he is a] really a good football player. He gives them a weapon in the backfield. How does he project to the pro level? I'd say a situational guy. But I think this [Northwestern] can win 8-9 games.”

Leading up to the game, senior defensive tackle John Gill was named the Wildcats' defensive “practice” player of the week. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald on Gill’s preparation for Duke: "He was like a man possessed."

Post-game (Wild)Cat Nips

What an exciting game to watch…oh wait, it wasn’t on television. At least we could listen, albeit on a random radio station (1160 AM) due to the Cubs vs. Reds game earning first priority on WGN Radio.

Quarterback C.J. Bacher didn’t throw an interception this time, but he also didn’t record a touchdown pass and completed only 45 percent of his throws. He did have an exciting play in the second quarter, when receiver Eric Peterman found Bacher on a 25-yard receiver throwback.

It was nice to see senior running back Omar Conteh score the winning touchdown with just over nine minutes to play in regulation.

Blue Devils quarterback Thaddeus Lewis is one of the most underrated players in the ACC. If he played all his games against Northwestern, you might hear Mel Kiper mentioning him as a potential first round draft pick.

Monster game (10 receptions for 129 yards) for Duke freshman receiver Johnny Williams.

Northwestern offensive coordinator Mick McCall will have an interesting time figuring out his unit finished with only 327 total yards against a mediocre Duke defense.

This week will be a tough one for Blue Devils offensive tackle Cameron Goldberg. After Lewis found running back Clifford Harris with 90 seconds remaining for the would-be winning touchdown, Goldberg was called for holding, giving the nick-name “Cameron Crazies” a whole new meaning.

Coach Fitzgerald after the game: “We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’ll be better next week than we were this week. We tried to give it to them.”

Defensive lineman Corey Wooton on the defense’s fatigue after Duke was able to control the clock for almost 40 minutes: “We were rotating guys [so we could rest]. We were on the field a lot.”

Northwestern (2-0) will host in-state rival Southern Illinois (1-0) next weekend.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune

College Football Pregame Primer: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils

Sam Wenk — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:35:46 -0400

PREGAME PRIMER

Northwestern (1-0) at Duke (1-0)

Date: September 6, 2008

Location: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC

Game Time: 6:00 p.m. CT

On Air: 1160 AM

Line: Northwestern by 6.5

Northwestern can win if...

...the offensive line plays like it did against Syracuse last weekend, opening up holes for running back Tyrell Sutton to run through while also allowing quarterback CJ Bacher enough time to throw.

The Cats need to get wide receiver Eric Peterman more involved, as well. After only catching one pass against the Orange, Peterman was used as more of a decoy, with Sutton and the running game dominating early.

Mike Hankwitz’s defense needs to continue to blitz a majority of the time. Syracuse faced heavy pressure in the first game, and the results paid off for the Wildcats, putting eight points on the board by themselves. Safety Brendan Smith was able to return an interception for a touchdown and linebacker Quentin Davie forced an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone, good for the team’s first safety of the season.

The defense will also receive a huge boost Saturday, as star defensive tackle John Gill returns after serving his one-game suspension.

Northwestern will struggle if...

...it overlooks the Blue Devils for the second straight year. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was more upset after the Duke loss last season than he was following the overtime defeat against Big Ten rival Michigan State.

Bacher must remember to take what the defense gives him and not force his throws. He was able to rebound from an early interception against Syracuse and resembled the offensive machine he was so often last season.

Coming off a blowout victory against James Madison under first-year head coach David Cutcliffe, the Blue Devils will try to establish their running game, which finished with 218 yards last week. Senior running back Clifford Harris had a 54-yard gain on one carry and Duke will be counting on more big plays from him. If Northwestern can’t contain Harris and the Duke no-huddle offense, it could be déjà vu all over again.

Northwestern players to watch

Wide receiver Jeremy Ebert

Lining up in the slot position, Ebert should earn his second touchdown catch in as many games.

Wide receiver Ross Lane

Recorded nine receptions for 128 yards the last time these two teams met. Duke will likely double-team Eric Peterman, leaving Lane with some favorable one-on-one matchups.

Defensive tackle John Gill

Returning from his one game suspension, Gill will show the nation why he is considered one of the top players at his position.

Duke players to watch

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis

The mobile Lewis threw for three touchdowns against the Wildcats in the upset game last year, and had two more touchdown passes on Saturday. He hasn’t thrown an interception in his last 129 attempts, dating back to last season. Lewis can be erratic at times, and if Duke can’t get its running game going, he will likely hurry his progression at the line, resulting in turnovers.

Running back Clifford Harris

The 5'10", 220-pound tailback is the focal point of the Blue Devil’s offense and will be responsible for getting Duke on the scoreboard early.

Cornerback Jabari Marshall

One of the ACC’s top return men is one of Duke’s lone playmakers, proving it last week against James Madison with a 67-yard interception return.

Northwestern’s Last Game

Defeated Syracuse at home, 30-10.

Duke’s Last Game

Defeated James Madison at home, 31-7.

Most Telling Statistic

Before last Saturday’s game, Duke hadn’t won at home since 2005.

Prediction

This will be an over-analyzed game before the teams even take the field. There was absolutely no reason for the Wildcats to lose to the Blue Devils last season. The offense looked in mid-season form after the first quarter against Syracuse and will continue to put points on the board. The return of defensive tackle John Gill will be a major boost for the defense and will only add to the blitz packages implemented by Mike Hankwitz.

If not for last season’s debacle, the Cats would be huge favorites for another blowout victory. As the long as this game gets played—with Hurricane Hanna looming—Northwestern should have no trouble reminding the less talented Blue Devils to stick to basketball.

—Northwestern 35, Duke 7

2008 NFL Predictions Sure To Go RIGHT

Sam Wenk — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:03:43 -0400

Lucky for all of us, the preseason games are finally over. Players have been cut, position battles awarded, and for one week, every team has the same record.

With team previews beaten into our heads all summer leading up to Thursday's season opener, I’m here to offer you not what “might” happen, but instead what WILL happen.

AFC East Champion

New England Patriots – Best quarterback in the league? Check. Best wide receiver in the league? Check. Best head coach in the league? Check.

Sure, the Jets are the “sexy” pick, but does anyone really see Bill Belichick playing it conservative after failing to go 19-0 last season? This should be one of the easiest divisions to win, and the Patriots will dominate from day one, with or without hidden cameras.

AFC North Champion

Pittsburgh Steelers – Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is coming off his best career season and the Steelers’ running game will get a major boost from first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall. Head coach Mike Tomlin is establishing himself as one of the best coaches in the league.

Their schedule is brutal and could potentially be the one thing that holds them back. The other contender in the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns, are depending on too many one-year wonders (Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis, Donte Stallworth). The Cincinnati Bengals decided to mail in their season before it began when they re-signed trouble making receiver Chris Henry.

AFC South Champion

Jacksonville Jaguars – Yes, you read it right, the division dominance of the Indianapolis Colts comes to an end in 2008.

With a top five defense and the two-headed rushing attack of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, along with newly signed quarterback David Garrard, the Jags will finally become the team everyone thought they would be last season.

If there were ever a season for Jacksonville to overtake the Colts, it has to be now, when Peyton Manning is less than 100 percent healthy.

AFC West Champion

San Diego Chargers – The injury to Shawne Merriman could be devastating, but being the macho-man that he is, Merriman decided to play the 2008 season hurt. Maybe he could’ve given that same advice to LaDainian Tomlinson during last years AFC Championship game.

With a healthy Tomlinson and the continued development of quarterback Phillip Rivers, the Chargers will emerge from their division, but will face surprised competition from the Oakland Raiders. One other AFC West prediction sure to go right: Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan officially finds himself on the hot-seat when his team finishes last this year.

AFC Wild Cards

Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets – The Colts will just miss winning the South and behind the 2008 rushing leader Joseph Addai, will have no trouble securing a playoff spot.

The Jets, led by their “not-so-talked-about” quarterback Brett Favre, will claim the last playoff berth but will be the first team to fall in the post season. Let the Brett Favre retirement saga begin all over again.

AFC Champion

New England Patriots – I would love to have Jacksonville here, but knowing how smart Belichick is, I just can’t see him being out-coached by Jacksonville’s Jack Del Rio.

NFC East Champion

Dallas Cowboys – The most talented team in the NFL will come out guns blazing in the NFL’s most competitive division. Quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Terrell Owens will become the next great quarterback-receiver duo.

Power running back Marion Barber will finish as Fantasy Football’s best player by reaching the end zone 25 times.

NFC North Champion

Minnesota Vikings – Do I really have to pick a winner here? The Lions and Bears will continue to battle in 2008…for last place.

Minnesota has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, most notably new defensive end Jared Allen, and as long as 2007 rookie of the year Adrian Peterson stays healthy, they should run away with the top spot in the North.

The Packer’s will regret their handling of the Favre situation when Aaron Rodgers falters early and fans drop their support for him. You heard it here first: rookie quarterback Brian Brohm will be starting by season’s end.

NFC South Champion

New Orleans Saints – Forget 2007, this is the year the Saints click on all cylinders.

Drew Brees will be the MVP of the league, wide receiver Marques Colston will record over 1,500 yards receiving, and Reggie Bush will shed the “bust” label that has been associated with him since his rookie year. They practically stole Jonathan Vilma from the Jets, as he makes their defense a whole lot better.

NFC West Champion

Seattle Seahawks – Did I say the North was the worst division? The NFC West sure puts up a decent argument. Seattle has recently been bitten by the injury bug (Deion Branch, Bobby Engram) but will find ways to win with underrated quarterback Matt Hasselbeck leading the charge.

The ‘Hawks have dominated this division forever it seems, yet experts continue to pick Arizona as their sleeper team. The Cardinals are going no where with old man Edgerrin James in their backfield. The St. Louis Rams need to develop a defense before they can even be mentioned.

NFC Wild Cards

Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles – No way the Eagles play like they did early last season. Donovan McNabb will return as one of the best quarterbacks in the league and will make rookie receiver DeSean Jackson a contender for rookie of the year honors.

Washington has a good balance of talent on the offense and defense, and the addition of Jason Taylor (if he can stay healthy) is a major boost to their defense. Quarterback Jason Campbell has the play-makers around him to succeed and Clinton Portis will continue to prove he is still capable of taking over games.

Sorry New York Giants fans, the loss of defensive end Osi Umenyiora for the year leaves you as the last team to miss the playoffs.

NFC Champion

Dallas Cowboys – The ‘Boys won’t have any trouble dismantling each team that tries to stop them in the NFC. Get your popcorn ready Dallas fans, Terrell Owens is leading going back to the Super Bowl.

NFL Champion

Dallas Cowboys– Why not? They have a bruising running back in Marion Barber, a stud quarterback in Tony Romo, and a play-making receiver in Terrell Owens. With soon-to-be head coach Jason Garrett running the offense, 2008 is the year the Cowboys return to the good ol’ days.

Coach of the Year

Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints) – He will lead his team through any and all natural disasters that come his way, and with an offense that will put a lot of points on the board, Payton will be the hands-down winner.

MVP

Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) – Brees has so much talent around him, this award should be more obvious than it initially appears.

When (not if) running back Reggie Bush breaks out this year and receiver Marques Colston cements himself as the best player at his position, Brees will have no trouble piling up the necessary stats. The addition of tight end Jeremy Shockey is one more reason to believe Brees is primed for a huge year.

Offensive Player of the Year

Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys) – Yeah, they invested a first round pick on rookie running back Felix Jones, but Barber is in the prime of his career and should see his role in the offense become more and more important as the season goes on. He should score 25 touchdowns (as mentioned above) and help take the spotlight off of teammate Tony Romo.

Defensive Player of the Year

Adalius Thomas (New England Patriots) – After signing a mega-free agent deal after the 2006 season, Thomas was relatively quiet for all the publicity he received. Not this year, as Thomas will become a tackling machine and will score three touchdowns by himself. Expect no less than 15 sacks and interceptions combined.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) – This pick was too easy. 150-year-old team owner Al Davis is paying McFadden too much money not to be the focal point of the offense, and despite being listed second on the depth chart behind teammate Justin Fargas, will be the starter by week four and won’t look back.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Jerod Mayo (New England Patriots) – Belichchick loved him so much that he reached for him in the draft, selecting the former Tennessee linebacker 10^th overall. Yet, I bet Bill knows something about Mayo the experts don’t.

Look for him to be counted on heavily throughout the 2008 campaign and become a leader of the defense by next season.

Money Well Spent: Baseball Free Agency Revisited

Sam Wenk — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:31:32 -0400

Wondering why your favorite team has played so poorly this season (I’m looking at you, Yankees fans)? Trying to understand the mysterious production your team has displayed throughout the first five months of the season?

Below is a review of the best and worst free-agent signings made this past offseason. To qualify, a player had to be signed during the offseason period of free agency, which ended on Mar. 14. The rankings are based on value per dollar. (Stats as of 9/1/08)

10 Best Free-Agent Signings

10. Darin Erstad (One Year, $1 million) Houston Astros

2008 Stats: .295 AVG 3 HR 26 RBI .326 OBP .384 SLG

Why it worked: Houston seems to have a love of older players (Randy Wolf, Miguel Tejada), but Erstad has been steady the entire season, earning a one-year contract extension on Saturday.

9. Eric Hinske (One Year, $800,000) Tampa Bay Rays

2008 Stats: .252 AVG 19 HR 56 RBI .336 OBP .491 SLG

Why it worked: The versatile Hinske can play the both corner outfield spots and first base. He also has decent speed, successfully stealing nine bases so far.

8. Jorge Cantu (One Year, $500,000) Florida Marlins

2008 Stats: .280 AVG 22 HR 72 RBI .329 OBP .467 SLG

Why it worked: The previous one-year wonder found his power swing again and has been a force in the middle of the Marlins' lineup all season. His offense improved when he changed positions to third base.

7. Mariano Rivera (Three Years, $45 million) New York Yankees

2008 Stats: 5-5 32 SV 1.46 ERA .70 WHIP

Why it worked: The “greatest closer ever” continues to dominate. Francisco Rodriguez may ask for “Mo Rivera Money” this offseason, but no closer should ever be paid mo' than “Mo.”

6. Kyle Lohse (One Year, $4.25 million) St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Stats: 13-6 3.89 ERA 1.29 WHIP .272 BAA

Why it worked: Almost sat out the 2008 season before the Cards took a chance on him. Has been their most consistent starter and should cash in this offseason.

5. Kerry Wood (One Year, $4.2 million) Chicago Cubs

2008 Stats: 4-2 28 SV 2.59 ERA .97 WHIP

Why it worked: Always the injury risk, “Kid K” has helped the best team in baseball close out games in style. Rewarding the Wrigley Faithful for remaining loyal.

4. Troy Percival (Two Years, $8 million) Tampa Bay Rays

2008 Stats: 2-0 27 SV 3.69 ERA 1.03 WHIP

Why it worked: He went from a fan throwing out the first pitch in 2007 to closing games for the hottest team in the American League. Injuries have bothered him lately, but his presence alone will be a major boost for the Rays come October.

3. Alexi Ramirez (Four Years, $4.75 million) Chicago White Sox

2008 Stats: .307 AVG 15 HR 60 RBI .323 OBP .490 SLG

Why it worked: “The Cuban Missile” wasn’t on anyone’s radar screen in the winter, but he has made a name for himself as one of the top rookies in baseball. He should challenge Rays’ third baseman Evan Longoria for American League Rookie of the Year.

2. Willie Harris (One Year, $800,000) Washington Nationals

2008 Stats: .250 AVG 12 HR 40 RBI .342 OBP .436 SLG

Why it worked: Willie who? The last time anyone even mentioned his name was in 2005, when he was the 25th man on the World Series Champion White Sox. In a matter of three years, Harris has gone from a bench player to a cleanup hitter, albeit on the lowly Nationals.

1. Milton Bradley (One Year, $5 million) Texas Rangers

2008 Stats: .326 AVG 22 HR 73 RBI .448 OBP .586 SLG

Why it worked: All mental issues aside, Bradley has been one of the biggest surprises of the year. He tore his ACL at the end of 2007 and was expected to miss significant time in 2008, yet has remained relatively healthy the whole season.

Playing in Arlington obviously helps, but he leads the American League in on-base percentage and batting average and will likely land a much-deserved multi-year deal this offseason.

10 Worst Free Agent Signings

10. Livan Hernandez (One Year, $5 million) Minnesota Twins

2008 Stats: 11-11 6.14 ERA 1.66 WHIP .344 BAA

Why it didn’t work: Sure, he can pile up the innings, but he can also pile up the earned runs. Maybe letting him know he will be on the mound every fifth day was Minnesota’s biggest miscalculation when signing him. The Rockies claimed him off waivers in August, despite the fact they play in hitter-friendly Coors Field.

9. Mark Prior (One Year, $1 million) San Diego Padres

2008 Stats: No Games Played

Why it didn’t work: Had to put his name on this list. He tried to pretend he would be ready by May, when everyone except San Diego GM Kevin Towers knew he can’t be counted on ever again to stay healthy.

8. Octavio Dotel (Two Years, $11 million) Chicago White Sox

2008 Stats: 4-4 1 SV 3.68 ERA 1.26 WHIP

Why it didn’t work: When his fastball has no movement, it’s basically batting practice all over again. Manager Ozzie Guillen refused to use Dotel when closer Bobby Jenks went down, knowing Dotel can’t be counted on with the game on the line.

7. Curt Schilling (One Year, $8 million) Boston Red Sox

2008 Stats: No Games Played

Why it didn’t work: Just like Prior, he tried to say he would be back by the summer. Yet the Red Sox basically paid him to sit on his couch all day and update his blog. The only announcement Schilling made by the summer was his decision to retire.

6. Geoff Jenkins (Two Years, $13 million) Philadelphia Phillies

2008 Stats: .246 AVG 9 HR 29 RBI .304 OBP .394 SLG

Why it didn’t work: Much like old teammate Richie Sexson, Jenkins became a shell of himself once he left Milwaukee. Has he done anything noteworthy at all since signing?

5. Michael Barrett (One Year, $3.5 million) San Diego Padres

2008 Stats: .202 AVG 2 HR 9 RBI .274 OBP .298 SLG

Why it didn’t work: Kevin Towers must have a fondness for Cubs’ castoffs. Barrett was never the same after freaking out and punching A.J Pierzynski and fighting Carlos Zambrano.

4. Eric Gagne (One Year, $10 million) Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Stats: 4-2 10 SV 6.23 ERA 1.64 WHIP

Why it didn’t work: Yikes. From Cy Young to Cy Yuck, Gagne somehow struck it rich, despite coming off a miserable postseason with Boston. He has since lost the closers job and barely sees any significant game action.

3. Alex Rodriguez (Ten Years, $275 million) New York Yankees

2008 Stats: .306 AVG 29 HR 81 RBI .394 OBP .580 SLG

Why it didn’t work: Hey, at least Madonna thinks highly of A-Rod. With the non-stop headlines on the wrong side of the newspaper, Rodriguez has continued his familiar trend of failing in the biggest spots.

He grounded into 10 double plays in the month of August alone. Luckily for Alex, Hank Steinbrenner still has nine more years of tabloids and rumors to deal with.

2. Carlos Silva (Four Years, $48 million) Seattle Mariners

2008 Stats: 4-14 6.36 ERA 1.55 WHIP .328 BAA

Why it didn’t work: Did anyone really think Silva was a $12-million-a-year pitcher? His stuff has been so bad that the Mariners were begging teams to take him during the July 31 trade deadline. Have fun Seattle, it will be “Silva Time” every fifth day for the next three years.

1. Andruw Jones (Two Years, $36.2 million) Los Angeles Dodgers

2008 Stats: .161 AVG 3 HR 14 RBI .261 OBP .254 SLG

Why it didn’t work: What happened to this guy? He was one of the brightest stars in the league until he discovered Wendy’s was open late at night. He came into camp out of shape and overweight and eventually lost his starting job to young stars Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.

The Braves were smart to let him walk last year. His statistics are frightening when compared to his salary.

Dishonorable Mention

Jorge Posada (Four Years, $52.4 million) New York Yankees

2008 Stats: .268 AVG 3 HR 22 RBI .364 OBP .411 SLG

Why it didn’t work: A lot of experts saw this one coming. Posada has been plagued by injuries all season and lost his catcher’s job half way into his new four-year deal. Posada will most likely to be moved to full-time DH duty in 2009.

The Yankees wonder why they are so many games behind the Rays. Signing older players at important positions like catcher is one reason.

Luis Castillo (Four Years, $25 million) New York Mets

2008 Stats: .263 AVG 3 HR 27 RBI .363 OBP .328 SLG

Why it didn’t work: The Mets forgot it isn’t 2003 anymore. That was the last time Castillo was actually a productive player.

Kosuke Fukudome (Four Years, $48 million) Chicago Cubs

2008 Stats: .265 AVG 9 HR 54 RBI .366 OBP .388 SLG

Why it didn’t work: OK, he plays great defense and is a marketing icon all around Wrigley, but where is the power hitter we all heard about before the season began? Manager Lou Piniella knew Fukudome would struggle at one point this season, he just didn’t expect it to be the entire season. His defense is the only thing keeping him in the lineup every day.

Stat Key

AVG (batting average)

HR (home runs)

RBI (runs batted in)

OBP (on-base percentage)

SLG (slugging percentage)

0-0 (win-loss record)

SV (saves)

ERA (earned run average)

WHIP (walks, hits, per innings pitched)

BAA (batting average against)

Orange Crush: Tyrell Sutton leads Northwestern over Syracuse

Sam Wenk — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:31:03 -0400

By Sam Wenk

8:31 PM CDT, August 30, 2008

With the sun beaming down on Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois, running back Tyrell Sutton couldn’t wait to begin his senior campaign. The newly installed no-huddle offense from first year offensive coordinator Mick McCall was front and center, leaving Sutton unsure how much he would be incorporated into it.

By the end of Northwestern’s dominating 30-10 performance against the Syracuse Orange, Sutton understood 2008 could be one special year.

"Well, we've been working in the locker room and on the field for eight months with nothing to show for it yet and this was our payday,” he said.

Rushing for over 100 yards before the first half ended, Sutton would finish the game with 185 total yards (144 rushing, 41 receiving), while also scoring his first touchdown on a 12-pass from quarterback C.J. Bacher.

With Bacher (23/35, 215 yards, three TD, one INT) struggling early after a first-quarter interception, Sutton put Northwestern on his back and carried them the entire game, helping the Cats pile up 484 yards, albeit against one of the worst defenses in the nation.

“I’m very versatile,” replied Sutton when asked if he sees himself being a dual threat on the ground and through the air.

Alongside backfield teammate Omar Conteh (12 carries, 71 yards), Sutton hoped to regain his freshman form, when he ran for over 1,400 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, putting Northwestern back on the national map they had disappeared from since their last Rose Bowl appearance in 1996.

After watching his tailback suffer through an injury-riddled junior season last year, head coach Pat Fitzgerald hoped Sutton would start out with a bang, and No. 19 didn’t disappoint. His only blemish was a third-quarter fumble picked up by the Orange.

“If he truly stays healthy, [he] has the chance to be the all-time leading rusher in Northwestern history,” said Fitzgerald of his prized running back. “I am not surprised by the way he played today. He ran behind his pads, he was physical and he is in great condition.”

Syracuse had trouble bringing down the 5'9", 200 lbs., Sutton, as he seemed to break tackle after tackle, fighting for every yard he could gain. He proved to be Bacher’s safety valve early and often, being targeted every time the quarterback was faced with heavy pressure.

"I'm good at following my blockers,” said Sutton. “Several times I was five or six yards down field before anybody touched me."

If Northwestern can count on a healthy Tyrell Sutton and a mistake-free C.J. Bacher, the color purple might become in style again. The receiving corps, led by seniors Eric Peterman and Ross Lane, looks in mid-season form and has a new partner in crime in freshman Jeremy Ebert, who registered his first career touchdown catch in the second quarter.

The over scrutinized, make-shift offensive line of Northwestern held its own, opening the necessary holes for Sutton to run through.

"I was very proud of the way our offensive line performed," said Fitzgerald. “That's what I was most proud of."

"It was a big confidence boost to get out and perform behind an offensive line that might be a little inexperienced but definitely didn't play inexperienced today,” added Sutton. “They played like they had been out there blocking together for the last two or three years.”

“Whenever I'm on the field I try to make the 10 other guys around me better whether it's with the run or the block or whatever.”

As long as Sutton is leading the Wildcats and putting up solid numbers like he did on Saturday, the team could be on track to win its first bowl game in 59 years.

(Wild)Cat Nips

In my Pre-Game Primer submitted on Friday, one of my predictions actually came true and I was very close on the other: Safety Brendan Smith earned his first interception of the year, returning it 27 yards for a touchdown. My final score prediction, Northwestern 30 Syracuse 10, was only four points off. Sorry, but don’t count on any future betting advice, that will probably be the closest I get.

Smith on his interception: "I can't tell you how excited I am. I was a quarterback in high school and I was involved in a lot of touchdowns and I haven't scored one in a while. It was really nice to get back in the end zone.”

The no-huddle offense will take some getting used to for the Wildcats. At times, the players seemed fatigued having to run back to the huddle so fast and having to fire off the next play.

Freshman receiver Jeremy Ebert looked solid in the slot position and could emerge as C.J. Bacher’s big-play target as the season progresses.

Bacher hit 10 different receivers in the game, with five of them catching more than one pass.

Bacher on post-game grades: “[I’d give myself] maybe a C. The offense I would give a B or B+.”

The first two points of the season came on a safety, when Orange quarterback Andrew Robinson, facing pressure from linebacker Quentin Davie, was called for intentional grounding in his own end zone.

Photo courtesy of chicagotribune.com

Tricks Of The Trade: College Football's Biggest Pranskter

Sam Wenk — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:25:04 -0400

University of Illinois linebacker Brit Miller has seen it all. As a freshman in 2005, Miller watched as his teammates suffered through a 2-9 season.

He started four games that year and had a career high 12 tackles against Northwestern, including his first career sack.

In 2006, Miller’s team finished at 2-10 and had trouble seeing any improvement heading into the 2007 season.

However, the Illini became one of the hottest teams of 2007, upsetting Big Ten rival and No. 1-ranked Ohio State 28-21 at Ohio Stadium.

Miller registered three solo tackles in that game, helping the defense force three turnovers and keep highly touted running back Chris Wells under 80 yards rushing.

Miller, despite his stellar play in last year’s Rose Bowl, has never been considered a leader on the field. It becomes a whole different story off of it.

The 6-foot-1, 250-pound senior from Decatur considers himself the team prankster. Stopping at nothing to keep the Illini loose, Miller is always on the lookout for the next person to frustrate.

“This is kind of an ongoing one right now,” he explained. “We’ll switch name plates with the freshmen [who] don’t really notice it because [it’s their] locker, so [they] keep getting notes from the coaches and they don’t know why.”

Lockers are prime targets for pranks, especially sophomore quarterback Eddie McGee’s. “The other day we stuffed anything we could in [his] locker, including a bicycle. He was pretty mad when he came in the next morning. We were loving it.”

Young players aren’t the only ones who Miller likes to mess with. The face of the team, junior quarterback Juice Williams, once found his helmet stuck to his head. “I mess with Juice all the time,” said Miller.

“Every now and then we get this sticky spray that you [usually] put on a brace and we’ll spray it in someone’s helmet and earpieces. If you put the thing on while it’s still dry you’re just stuck until you start sweating. It’s hilarious. Every guy had their helmets on during warm-ups and [couldn’t] get it off. Coach says ‘take off your helmet’ and they say ‘I can’t, Coach.’”

Luckily for Miller, the Illini are a close team after last season and knows his teammates can handle all of his different surprises.

“There’s always skirmishes,” he said. “We invite those openly. If you get mad about stuff like that, we have ways to get discrepancies out. Every Wednesday night, we have fight night, like wrestling matches.”

Heading into his final season in Champaign, Miller has some big shoes to fill. Last year’s star middle linebacker, J Leman, has taken his ability to the NFL.

Can Miller handle all of the pressure with the expectations higher than ever and the team coming off a Rose Bowl appearance?

“You don’t want to [mess] with this guy,” he said.

Otherwise, you might find a bicycle in your locker the next morning.

10 Thoughts on Day Two of the Big Ten Media Days

Sam Wenk — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:55:49 -0400

Sam Wenk was LIVE at the Big Ten Media Days.

After a relatively average Thursday, the second day of Big Ten Media Days had it everything a reporter wanted.

1. The Players and Coaches Interviews Are Awesome

The second day consisted of each player and each coach sitting at their own separate table with seven to eight chairs surrounding them. The media was given the opportunity to ask as many or as few questions as they wanted and could rotate from table to table at will, all within the two-hour time slot. This was the definition of media frenzy.

2. A Voice Recorder is a Man’s Best Friend

Without the ability to simply hold your own voice recorder while a player or coach is answering, you’re pretty much screwed. With dialogue being spewed so fast these days, it’s impossible to jot down a word-for-word a response to a question without missing something or misquoting someone. These recorders can hold countless hours of material and all you have to do is press “stop” and “record.”

3. James Laurinaitis is a Popular Guy

Ohio State was bound to get the most attention during the Big Ten Media Days, but on day two, their entire area never seemed to slow down. Senior linebacker and preseason Defensive Player of the Year James Laurinaitis had a constant stream of recorders in front of his face from beginning to end. By the final minute, one of the toughest players in the country was no doubt beat, mentally.

4. The Players Know How to Dress

From Marcus Thigpen’s salmon-pink suit, to Juice Williams' black-and-white checkered tie, to Javon Ringer’s all-black ensemble, the players sure didn’t disappoint when it came to style. Each player was wearing some sort of suit, and most came equipped with a tie showcasing their school’s colors.

5. Brit Miller is Hilarious

Being labeled as a prankster before the day began, Miller didn’t fail in living up to the hype of his highly-publicized personality. He was laughing and joking the entire time, and would even get serious when the question being asked required it.

6. Nothing is Off-Limits

I heard many different types of questions throughout the day, but one reporter thought it was a good idea to ask Laurinaitis about his religion; even going so far as to ask a follow-up question on how his conversion has gone and which specific church he attends. Give it to Laurinaitis to keep his sanity and answer whatever the reporter threw at him with a smile.

7. There's No Love for Iowa

Of the 11 designated areas, one for each school, Iowa was by far the least crowded of them all. Head coach Kirk Ferentz got the most attention, while linemen Seth Olsen, Mitch King, and Matt Kroul sat for sometime, just staring at each other.

8. Rich Rodriguez Needs a Vacation

The Michigan coach was surrounded by microphones for over the two-hour time frame. Bombarded by questions regarding his storied offseason, Rodriguez must realize what finally forced former head coach Lloyd Carr to retire.

9. It’s a Long Day for Each Player

Yes, the media were forced to wake up early and be ready with our questions before 8:00 AM. However, the players were required to be all dressed up and ready to go at the same time, knowing they have two-plus hours of annoying questions, followed by an autograph session with several hundred fans.

Once they got through all of that, the famous Big Ten Luncheon was scheduled to begin immediately after. Talk about being blitzed.

10. The Experience is Unforgettable

Having the opportunity to sit next to such high-profile names was truly an honor. If someone would have told me nine months ago that in July I would be sitting three inches away and having a conversation with names like Joe Paterno, Juice Williams, and Jim Tressel, I’d have called them crazy.

(Since the Big Ten has 11 teams…)

11. The Bleacher Report has Officially Established Itself

Everywhere I went, I made sure to mention our site, informing anyone and everyone what we are about and where to learn more. Before each interview, I would introduce myself as, “Sam Wenk from the Bleacher Report.com.”

With 2008 being the first year of granted access into Big Ten Media Days, I feel another step was taken in making Bleacher Report.com one of the best sports Web sites in the world.

Big Ten Media Day Coverage: Coach Speak Wrap-Up

Sam Wenk — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:44:45 -0400

Sam Wenk is LIVE at the Big Ten Media Day in Chicago.

The Big Ten coaches were asked a number of questions. Here are some quotes from each one during the first day.

Purdue Head Coach Joe Tiller

“(I’m) as excited about this year as I was about (my first year). (We have a) very important summer and training camp ahead of us.”

On his legacy at Purdue:

“People are still curious about me. We were able to bring Purdue from the depths to competitive.”

On the transition to new head coach Danny Hope:

“Danny was with us our first five years at Purdue. ... (Next year) I’ll miss the camaraderie of the staff. I’ve been very fortunate.”

On the spread offense:

“(It) just fits right in. Things can be consistent (when running it).”

On Penn State head coach Joe Paterno:

“He’s not going to coach forever. Penn State will miss him. College football will miss him more so. Like the Energizer bunny, (he) just keeps on ticking.”

On his technological background:

“I’m the only coach without an email address.”

On the Big Ten conference being labeled as weak:

“Let the critics say what they may. I don’t put too much stock in that.”

Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel

“It’s an exciting time for all of us coaches. I think we have 40 guys entering years four or five. It’s a lot of fun. Every day is different, every year is different. We’re excited about our football team. You don’t know much about your leadership until it is tested.”

On the Michigan rivalry:

“(It’s) tremendous being a part (of it).”

On Carson Palmer’s comments regarding Ohio State:

“Shows he’s very proud of the place he played.”

On when Terrelle Pryor will become part of the offensive system:

“August 4th. (There’s) a lot of things he has to build (on) as a foundation. (He) loves to train, (he) loves to compete, (he has) great ability. From day one, (he’s) a guy you will take notice of.”

On playing USC September 13:

“It’s an exciting thing when you talk to guys (you are) recruiting. (Playing USC is a) tremendously difficult (challenge). (Pete Carroll’s) folks have tremendous fundamentals, bring a lot at you. (We) look forward to having that opportunity (to play them).”

On the pressure to win:

“At Ohio State we're expected to win the conference every year. I don’t know if that adds anything. They (the players) understand we want to be the Big Ten champions.”

On quarterback Todd Boeckman:

“(He) has real life experiences. There’s no price tag on experience. Now he has proven (to his team) he has been their quarterback.”

On Penn State head coach Joe Paterno:

“If I were a betting man, I’d say he’d be there in 2009.”

On the prospects of losing a third straight NCAA Championship Game:

“If that happened again, (at least) that means we were the Big Ten champions.”

Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio

On the Big Ten:

“(It’s) one of the premier conferences. (I’m) very proud to be a part of it.”

On running back Javon Ringer:

“Javon Ringer is one of the premier running backs. I can’t say enough about him as a person.”

On Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez:

“(He’s got) great football awareness (and is an) outstanding recruiter and worker.”

On his team being considered this year’s surprise team:

“Everyone has an opportunity in this conference. How we play down the stretch will be important. Your seniors have to play their best football. We have to replace some key people.”

On replacing wide receiver Devin Thomas:

“(Wide receiver) Mark Dell is raising his game. (B.J.) Cunningham is a guy we can look for great things from. We have some other guys moving through the process. Sometimes it’s what your quarterback can do to give those wide receivers opportunities as well. Can we get the same production out of one person (like we did with Devin), that’s tough. (Remember,) Thomas didn’t catch a pass (last) spring.”

Minnesota Head Coach Tim Brewster

“We feel like we recruited one of the top classes in the nation. We feel like we’ve added more football players that will make us more dynamic. We didn’t stop anybody (defensively last season). (We were a) very poor defensive football team. We went out and recruited defensive football players (this year), kids that can make a difference on the defensive side. There’s a tremendous commitment (for us) to get better on defense.”

“(We were) extremely physical in spring practice. Most physical practice I’ve been around. We changed a lot of things. Our change is really going (to) benefit us as we move forward. We’re committed to winning a championship. I feel the state (of Minnesota’s) pain.”

On wide receiver Eric Decker:

“I think he is going to be one of the top wide receivers in America. (He’s) just an outstanding athlete and a tremendous player for us.

On linebacker Steve Davis:

“Really like his leadership. (He) likes to play the game. Steve Davis without question loves football.”

On the new on-campus stadium:

“(It’s a) tremendous advantage for recruiting and game day experience.”

On changing the defensive philosophy:

“(Our) players have an attitude. (Our philosophy now is) Alignment, assignment, and tackle.”

On the Big Ten:

“From top to bottom (it’s) an extremely competitive conference”

Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno

On his induction into the Hall of Fame:

“You like to be recognized by your peers. I’ve had a lot of outstanding football coaches who’ve taught me how to coach. I haven’t gotten the time to enjoy it.”

On Terrelle Pryor’s impact playing for Ohio State:

“I think that’s a dumb question to be honest with you.”

On retiring after his 43rd season as a coach:

“I get tired of answering the same old question when I don’t know. I’d like to retire when I feel I can’t make a contribution to Penn State. I want to get out of it when I think it’s appropriate. I don’t want it to take away from the team I have this year. I’m having a lot of fun. I don’t want to be too stupid.”

“I d-o-n-t know. How many times can I say it?”

On his attitude this season:

“Health-wise I feel good. I’m ready to have a little fun.”

Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez

“Coming in (from another conference), the Big Ten has the most respect as any conference in the country. The transition (from West Virginia) has gone as well as I expected. The players’ attitude has been tremendous.”

“We’re going to be very young on offense. We’ve lost some of the best players that probably have ever played. I really don’t know (how I’ll be like as the new head coach). I’ll have a better feel for it through camp.”

On coping with his past:

“After a while it was like ‘stand in line if you’re going to throw darts our way.’ I’ve tried to stay focused on the future the whole time.”

On how the players are responding to his offense:

“There’s no one right way to do things.”

On the strength of the Big Ten:

“There’s a lot of players every year playing in the NFL (from the Big Ten). There’s fast athletes everywhere throughout (the conference). Sometimes perception becomes reality in people’s minds (that the conference is weak), but not mine.”

On the rivalry with Ohio State:

“Those are easy games to get your team motivated. You don’t live in Michigan without understanding the rivalry games, you have to be crazy not to. I still have the (beat Ohio State) button. If you look too far ahead you’ll stumble your way early.”