The Big Ten kicked off its annual media day in Chicago Monday. Coaches answered a variety of questions from the media and there were a few that stuck out as semi-interesting (tough to do at these things). Here is a quick recap featuring some of the contenders for the Big Ten title in 2010.
Ohio State- When Tressel was asked whether the national perception of the conference has altered because of last years success, he had this to say.
"I think you're only thought of as your most recent performances. If you look at the Big Ten as a whole, our recent performances, our bowl game performances, whether we won or we lost, because we lost a couple of tough ones, I thought what people remember most recently about our football is pretty good darned good."
I thought the last part to that answer was priceless. That is the closest you will ever come to hearing JT swear. This is JT when asked about how expansion might effect the rivalry between OSU and Mighigan.
"Look back in our history, most recently it's been in the last regular season game. Prior to that, it wasn't. So where it will be in the future, I'm not sure. But I don't think it will ever change in its importance and the people that are involved in it, especially, what it means to all of them and all of us."
I was a little disappointed to hear that Tressel would support the game being played at a different part of the season. To me OSU-UM has always been special at the end of the season. I guess expansion means the times they are changing. As long as the conference gets the divisions right for 2011, I guess I could get on board with playing this game earlier in the year. Finally, JT commented on his rising Junior class.
"I just see a lot of growth in them. And that's the fun of what we do. We get all nervous and so forth, and we talk a lot about how we do, whether we won the Rose Bowl or won this many games or that many games. I know what coaches get nervous about is how does young person progress, are we getting him ready for the rest of his life."
The Juniors on this team are really good. Add the top 5 recruiting classes that we are going to get and the Bucks can be good for years to come. That being said, the class of Tressel is really on display here. He is always concerned with the growth and well being of his players. We really hit the jackpot with this guy. I also had to make sure I got a "and so forth" quote in there.
Iowa- Ferentz was asked what he thought his chances were to knock tOSU off their pedestal this year.
"One thing for sure, if you're going to try to win a Big Ten Championship, you're going to have to find a way to compete with them and beat them. And not many people have had much luck doing that."
Hey, at least the coach of the year for what, like the past decade in the Big Ten knows his place! I think Iowa will have an outstanding defense this year. If Stanzi (Ohio native... just had to throw that in there) can stop throwing the ball to the other team, they have a chance to be good this year.
Penn State- Paterno was asked if he was going to coach until the day he died. The guy does have some good one liners!
"Is that wishful thinking or what? Oh, I really don't think about that. I just -- I'm enjoying it. I like to coach. I had a little bout earlier in the year, nothing serious. Didn't make a big deal out of it."
JoePa may be old as dirt but you can't deny that the dude is tough as nails. He then commented on the huge game down in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 11.
"I think to be able to go with a bunch of kids and go down there and play defending national champion and on the road before a very hostile crowd, I think it would be a good experience. We'll be a better football team for it."
I LOVE the fact that they scheduled this game. I know I will be rooting for PSU for at least 3 hours this season. I have a lot more to say on this in my next piece for ITS.
Wisconsin- The more I hear Bret Beleima talk, the more he kind of annoys me. I think there is an inferiority complex developing over in Madison. I sense a real dislike of the Buckeyes whenever they come up. However, that has nothing to do with this question. The media wants to know how it feels to have an established quarterback going into this season.
"It's very -- as a head coach it's an unbelievable feeling to know that answer's already there. And to have that answer be Scott Tolzien, for any of you that's interviewed Scotty, he's a perfectionist, he's a detail guy."
I think that Wisconsin poses the biggest threat to an undefeated season for Ohio State. Camp Randall is a tough place to play at night. If Tolzien can keep the passing game afloat, John Clay should be able to do some damage this year.
Michigan- Obviously, I do not feel that UM is a contender for much of anything this year but what is any Ohio State article without some Michigan bashing? DickRod was asked if he was starting to feel the pressure to win the OSU game and what the last two years were like against the Buckeyes. He had this beautiful excuse. "Last year in particular, the Ohio State game we didn't deserve to win it. We turned the ball over too much. That's why they won." Well he got one part of that right. He must of forgot that the Bucks have bigger players, better coaches, superior recruiting classes, an unstoppable running game, explosive receiving threats and a dynamic quarterback. Your days are numbered buddy.
Ohio State- When Tressel was asked whether the national perception of the conference has altered because of last years success, he had this to say.
"I think you're only thought of as your most recent performances. If you look at the Big Ten as a whole, our recent performances, our bowl game performances, whether we won or we lost, because we lost a couple of tough ones, I thought what people remember most recently about our football is pretty good darned good."
I thought the last part to that answer was priceless. That is the closest you will ever come to hearing JT swear. This is JT when asked about how expansion might effect the rivalry between OSU and Mighigan.
"Look back in our history, most recently it's been in the last regular season game. Prior to that, it wasn't. So where it will be in the future, I'm not sure. But I don't think it will ever change in its importance and the people that are involved in it, especially, what it means to all of them and all of us."
I was a little disappointed to hear that Tressel would support the game being played at a different part of the season. To me OSU-UM has always been special at the end of the season. I guess expansion means the times they are changing. As long as the conference gets the divisions right for 2011, I guess I could get on board with playing this game earlier in the year. Finally, JT commented on his rising Junior class.
"I just see a lot of growth in them. And that's the fun of what we do. We get all nervous and so forth, and we talk a lot about how we do, whether we won the Rose Bowl or won this many games or that many games. I know what coaches get nervous about is how does young person progress, are we getting him ready for the rest of his life."
The Juniors on this team are really good. Add the top 5 recruiting classes that we are going to get and the Bucks can be good for years to come. That being said, the class of Tressel is really on display here. He is always concerned with the growth and well being of his players. We really hit the jackpot with this guy. I also had to make sure I got a "and so forth" quote in there.
Iowa- Ferentz was asked what he thought his chances were to knock tOSU off their pedestal this year.
"One thing for sure, if you're going to try to win a Big Ten Championship, you're going to have to find a way to compete with them and beat them. And not many people have had much luck doing that."
Hey, at least the coach of the year for what, like the past decade in the Big Ten knows his place! I think Iowa will have an outstanding defense this year. If Stanzi (Ohio native... just had to throw that in there) can stop throwing the ball to the other team, they have a chance to be good this year.
Come to Penn SCHTAAATE!!!
Penn State- Paterno was asked if he was going to coach until the day he died. The guy does have some good one liners!
"Is that wishful thinking or what? Oh, I really don't think about that. I just -- I'm enjoying it. I like to coach. I had a little bout earlier in the year, nothing serious. Didn't make a big deal out of it."
JoePa may be old as dirt but you can't deny that the dude is tough as nails. He then commented on the huge game down in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 11.
"I think to be able to go with a bunch of kids and go down there and play defending national champion and on the road before a very hostile crowd, I think it would be a good experience. We'll be a better football team for it."
I LOVE the fact that they scheduled this game. I know I will be rooting for PSU for at least 3 hours this season. I have a lot more to say on this in my next piece for ITS.
Who, me?
Wisconsin- The more I hear Bret Beleima talk, the more he kind of annoys me. I think there is an inferiority complex developing over in Madison. I sense a real dislike of the Buckeyes whenever they come up. However, that has nothing to do with this question. The media wants to know how it feels to have an established quarterback going into this season.
"It's very -- as a head coach it's an unbelievable feeling to know that answer's already there. And to have that answer be Scott Tolzien, for any of you that's interviewed Scotty, he's a perfectionist, he's a detail guy."
I think that Wisconsin poses the biggest threat to an undefeated season for Ohio State. Camp Randall is a tough place to play at night. If Tolzien can keep the passing game afloat, John Clay should be able to do some damage this year.
Stick a knife in it, RR..
Michigan- Obviously, I do not feel that UM is a contender for much of anything this year but what is any Ohio State article without some Michigan bashing? DickRod was asked if he was starting to feel the pressure to win the OSU game and what the last two years were like against the Buckeyes. He had this beautiful excuse. "Last year in particular, the Ohio State game we didn't deserve to win it. We turned the ball over too much. That's why they won." Well he got one part of that right. He must of forgot that the Bucks have bigger players, better coaches, superior recruiting classes, an unstoppable running game, explosive receiving threats and a dynamic quarterback. Your days are numbered buddy.
