Eight Days and Counting: Notes and Rumors from Big Ten Fall Camps

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a QB controversy

It seems the Dan Persa Heisman train might be stuck in the station.  Dan Persa, who is still recovering from an Achilles heel injury from late last season, is still struggling to regain his 2010 form.  This has allowed his backup Kain Colter (Seriously?  Kain Colter?  With a name like that he was destined for Northwestern from birth.  That or the Ivy League) to pull even in the quarterback race.

Colter, oddly enough, is the least experienced of the back up quarterbacks.  It was then RS-FR Evan Watkins who stepped in for Persa in the last two games.  Watkins wasn't stellar last year (36/70, 378 yards, 2/5 TD/INT), but Colter had only nine attempts (with one INT) in garbage time last year.

Colter, however, has obviously impressed the staff enough so far in fall camp to earn their comfort. Pat Fitzgerald has no plans to give Persa's starting spot away permanently, but his inability to play at 100 percent seriously jeopardizes an already shaky NU offense.

Fool Me Once, Shame on You...

Some guys just never learn.  Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon is proving to be one of those guys.

After suffering a historic upset to Appalachian State, a FBS team, that set off one of the most up and down college football seasons ever, Brandon has decided to double down and invite the Mountaineers back to campus for another go around in 2014. 

The obvious question is: why?  There is absolutely nothing to gain from this match up.  The payoff to get ASU in the stadium will most likely run between half to one million dollars.  If the Wolverines win, which they should, no one cares.  If they lose?

Let's cross that bridge if we come to it.

Because God Hates Purdue

 There is really no other explanation for the rash of injuries that befell most of Purdue's skill position starters in 2010.

Well, there is one: it must be something in the water.  How else can you explain quarterback Rob Henry's ACL tear this fall in practice.  Combined with one of last year's ACL victim's, Robert Marve, struggle to recover fully, this puts the onus on either Caleb TerBush or Sean Robinson to lead the offense.

Whoever wins the job had better not get too comfortable.  If recent history is any indication he will end up in the trainers room before too long.

Color Me Shocked

 Michigan State released the names of the 2011 team captains.  They are, to no ones surprise, quarterback Kirk Cousins, safety Trenton Robinson and guard Joel Foreman.  

If Cousins wasn't named team captain again, I would have eaten my computer.  This will be his third year filling that role.  Robinson, being one of the most experienced players returning on a young defense was another obvious choice, as was RS-SR Joel Foreman, the most experienced offensive lineman.