Basically, college football is to me what cocaine is to Paris Hilton- I go through withdrawal without it. Therefore, as the season begins (and that long offseason finally ends) I’m covering not one but two games this week. For preview one, Ohio State vs. Marshall go here.
Throughout the season, I’ll be bringing you these informative yet blunt game previews of every contest I cover; with a heavy focus on Northwestern, Illinois, Notre Dame, and the Big Ten in general.
From a national relevance standpoint, Virginia Tech vs. Boise St. is the game of the week, but from a fun-to-watch standpoint, I think Saturday’s shootout in South Bend, Notre Dame versus Purdue, is the winner hands down. Unless you’re really into punting, then the game will likely do nothing for you. This season opening battle between two “Crossroads of America” rivals will feature two dynamic spread-option offenses, minimal breaks between plays, and quite possibly 700+ combined passing yards.
If you have a Labor Day weekend cookout that might preclude from watching this game, skip it!
By Paul M. Banks
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When Purdue plays their opener at Notre Dame Saturday, they’ll do so with a ton of questions about their running game, offensive line, and secondary. The Boilers are no doubt confident in their passing game. This is Purdue, the school that gave us “basketball on grass” after all. But the strength of the team is probably the defensive line, led by senior defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, who enters his final season as fifth on the school’s all time list in sacks.
By Paul M. Banks
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Making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament just was not good enough for Wake Forest administration as they ended up firing their head coach this off-season. With four starters gone, the Demon Deacons have a year of re-building on their hands.
The Sports Bank’s 99 team college basketball preview in 99 days breaks down the 72 power conference teams and top 27 mid-majors and will lead you right into the opening tip of the season. Click here if you missed teams #76-#99.
By: David Kay
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All the statements reacting to Big Ten realignment have been released. And you might have guessed all the soundbites and quotes are of the cheerleading variety; so I figured “might as well have cheerleaders as the lead pictures for the posts.” Here’s the Illini reaction from Champaign-Urbana.
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As you know Big Ten Conference office announced tonight (Sept. 1) the football division alignments and conference schedules for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
The University of Michigan will compete in a division that features Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern.
The other division consists of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin. Each school will play the five institutions within its division and will face three teams from the other division, including one cross-division matchup guaranteed on an annual basis. Michigan’s protected cross-divisional rival is Ohio State. “The Game,” regarded as college football’s greatest rivalry, will continue to be played as the final contest of the regular season.
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Well, I guess there’s no point in watching the Big Ten Network division announcement show now? The divisions are already leaked:
- Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern and Minnesota.
- Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana and Illinois
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Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9
Round 10 Pick 1
Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank
Pick: WR Derrick Mason BAL
He’s as solid as they come. He’s had at least 1,000 yards in eight of his nine past seasons. I understand he will be the number two, maybe even number three option with Ray Rice and now Boldin, but he’s too consistent to pass up as my #4 WR.
Round 10 Pick 2
Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football
Pick: RB Montario Hardesty CLE
Jerome Harrison fumbled twice on his first two carries in the last preseason game. Eric Mangini loves Montario Hardesty and could opt to play the rookie over Harrison.
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When the gates of the renovated Michigan Stadium open (Sept. 4), Michigan fans will have new landmarks within the gigantic bowl in which to meet up with their chums.
Former Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin came up with an idea to add a feature to the renovation that embraced the entire state of Michigan. The university installed individual engraved plaques along the perimeter of the stadium’s concourse that carry the names of all 83 Michigan counties. Yes, even Jackson County, home to the Wolverines’ rival Michigan State Spartans.
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The Big Ten Conference will announce football division alignments to begin with the 2011 season tonight at 6 p.m. CT.
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Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8
Round 9 Pick 1
Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends
Pick: WR Lee Evans BUF
He is far better than his numbers suggest thanks to a horrible offense. Regardless, he’s too good to pass up in the 9th round.
Round 9 Pick 2
Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox
Pick: WR Donald Driver GB
I’m not in love with Driver this season, but in the 9th round, he represents good value. Driver has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons, and if he can stay healthy, he has the opportunity to make it seven.
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When Northwestern takes the field Saturday night at Vanderbilt they’ll do so without Corey Wootton, who’s now graduated and moved on to the Chicago Bears. The stud defensive end was a key player for the Cats for four years, and one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the program’s history. But life goes on in 2010, and the adjustment won’t be as difficult as one might think. Wootton was not really himself until late in the 2009 season, and we really didn’t see much of him at all in the first few games of the season. Or at least we didn’t see the Coreysaurus that everyone with Purple Pride knew and loved.
So this unit has learned to survive and thrive without him for an extended period already, and the front seven should be a source of strength for the Cats in 2010.
By Paul M. Banks
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Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal are now in the NBA. Translation: Georgia Tech is in trouble. So much trouble that I do not think Paul Hewitt will still be coaching this team when the 2011-2012 season rolls around.
The Sports Bank’s 99 team college basketball preview in 99 days breaks down the 72 power conference teams and top 27 mid-majors and will lead you right into the opening tip of the season. Click here if you missed teams #77-#99.
By: David Kay
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Sometimes a situation just gets the best of you. What happens after that is a test of character, strength and just what kind of a man you are.
By all accounts, Purdue starting quarterback Robert Marve has passed those tests.
After what can only be described as a tumultuous tenure in Coral Gables at the University of Miami, Marve seems to have found a home in West Lafayette, as well as the ability to focus on the things that matter.
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There’s only one rule at Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame: there are no rules! The second rule of the rock ‘n’ roll hall of fame: NO PICTURES! Therefore, I have little to nothing for ya when it comes to pics of the collection inside. Rock ‘n’ roll may be a medium of defiance (or at least it was when it began) but at the HOF they are quasi-fascist and somewhat materialistic. And The Sports Bank is kind of like what’s written on Woody Guthrie’s guitar “this machine kills fascists.”
So TSB readers, are you adequately prepared to rock?
By Paul M. Banks
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Did Milwaukee Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings just say he wants to start his own Big Three with 2010 rookie phenoms Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Sacramento’s Tyreke Evans? Not quite.
By Jake McCormick
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I’ve always been a fan of the wardrobe of Notre Dame men’s basketball coach Mike Brey. He’s well known for his suit with no tie and a turtleneck sweater underneath instead of dress shirt look. I rock a similar look often, except I substitute a tight Banana Republic stretch t-shirt underneath instead of the turtleneck sweater.
So I don’t mind following his lead on fashion, especially if it helps out a good cause. And Brey is issuing a challenge to all Fighting Irish fans in an effort to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Michiana.
As part of McDazzle 2010 “Men in Kilts,” Brey is participating in a fundraising effort that will provide a free overnight stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Room for the family of a critically ill child. Brey is among 12 participants who have joined forces in this unique promotion in an effort to raise money and awareness for the Ronald McDonald charities in the South Bend and Mishawaka region.
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The Sports Bank’s AL Cy Young Watch is back for installment number two, and perhaps some things could be learned from each of the original five contenders that were listed in the July edition:
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It hasn’t been the best offseason for Michigan State basketball. First the troubled Chris Allen, who had been in and out of Coach Tom Izzo‘s doghouse, was kicked off the team. And now backup point guard Korie Lucious, who became a star in his own right during March madness faces a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Kalin Lucas will be running the point again in East Lansing, but if he goes down with an injury again, Lucious will be a key player.
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Tune in to the “Triple Threat Show” on Chicagoland Sports Radio.com tonight from 7-10. I’ll be on at 7:30 doing my weekly college sports segment.
I made my debut last week discussing Illinois, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Michigan and more. I’ll be appearing every week from now on as the show’s official college sports reporter.
And they’ll be giving away free White Sox tickets tonight!
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[The Montreal Half-Marathon starts with a 5.5 mile uphill climb. Photo of Montreal by Christine Scholes.]
