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Football
Day One of Big Ten Media Day Produces Some Nuggets
By John Porentas

The annual rite of the Big Ten Media Days is underway in Chicago with each of the Big Ten coaches addressing writers and radio reporters this morning. Big Ten Network CEO Mark Silverman and Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany also addressed the group. Silverman, Delany and the coaches will talk to television reporters this afternoon.

Most of the remarks by the coaches were entirely predictable. With the exception of Joe Paterno, they all talked about off-season improvements in team chemistry, team unity, work ethic, depth and skill. The competitiveness of the conference was also a major topic. Paterno had the decency to admit that he doesn't know much about his team yet because he has so many new faces in key positions, particularly along the offensive line. That was kind of refreshing.

OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel had his turn at the podium, again with predictable results, but was a bit more forthcoming with reporters when he talked to them in the hallway following his appearance at the podium. He commented on a wide variety of topics while in the hall, including his surprise at the fact that OSU sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor was voted the preseason offensive player of the year by the media in attendance.

"I really was," said Tressel.

"I guess I had forgotten that they do such a thing. Then when it was mentioned I got to thinking about all the good guys coming back in this league. Darrell Clark and Juice Williams have been around for a long time. You can go down a list of guys in our league."

Speculation arose that Pryor could possibly be elected a captain at OSU in just his sophomore season. Tressel was asked if he would allow that, but Tressel's remarks seemed contrary to that notion.

"I don't know about "allow".

"I have a lot of votes but I'm not sure I have a hundred-some.

"I guess sitting here at this moment I'm not sure that that's something you would want to add to a sophomore's plate, but we'll see how things evolve."

Tressel was also a bit surprised that the Buckeyes were named as the preseason favorite to win the league title despite the fact that they were hit very hard by graduation this year.

"Even with 31 guys gone it's a reminder of the proud history Ohio State has and the expectation that they have. I was a little surprised but it's a neat thing," Tressel said.

A hot topic this fall is new contract that ESPN has inked with the SEC. Reporters asked Tressel if he feared that the new deal would give the SEC the tools to "take it to the next level".

"I don't know what the next level is, but I looked at them on film and I think they're already at the next level. They're pretty good. I don't know how you get much better than those good folks," Tressel quipped drawing a laugh.

Tressel also commented on some depth chart issues, specifically at tailback. Highly regarded recruit Carlos Hyde failed to be admitted to Ohio State while fellow incoming freshman running back Jamaal Berry has enrolled but has some legal issues due to a marijuana possession arrest in Florida. Tressel says Berry's arrest will probably not impact his early career at OSU.

"He won't be held back any because of his external situation," said Tressel of Berry.

"Will he be in the mix? I've never seen Jamaal do anything. I wish I was out there watching all the workouts, but I hear from some of the kids that he's an explosive guy, but you have to do it when the helmets go on and when we're not out there in shorts."

Tressel confirmed that Jermil Martin has moved from fullback to tailback to give the Buckeyes a big-back option to go with Boom Herron and Brandon Saine. According to Tressel, the development of two younger players at fullback allowed that move.

"Jermil Martin will probably stay at tailback because we're really happy with Adam Homan, and it gave us the decision to make of what are we going to do with Zack Boren, because we have high expectations for Zack," said Tressel.

"We decided to put him over there at fullback. With Adam and Zack we think they're the kind of guys that will be good at that which will free up a chance for Jermil to to move to focus in on the tailback," Tressel said.

Rumors have been afloat this spring and summer that at least two Buckeyes, wide receiver Ray Small and defensive end Keith Wells, have academic issues they must resolve in summer school to be eligible this fall. Tressel would not confirm or deny those reports, but when asked if there would any Buckeyes missing from the roster this fall for any reason he responded "Could you ask me after Thursday after we get the grades?" then added "I think we'll be fine."

Comments from Other Coaches:

Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald: Fitzgerald was very proud of his team's performance on the field last year, but seemed to be genuinely equally pleased with their performance in the classroom as well. The Wildcats earned a team GPA of over 3.0. He also noted that every senior who has played for him has earned a degree. Fitzgerald also noted that on the field last season his team took a significant step forward with a win against "The team in South Bend".

Illinois' Ron Zook: Zook was excited about his schedule, not so much for who is on it, but because the Illini have two open dates this season. Zook thinks that will give his team an advantage over the grind of 12 games.

Wisconsin's Brett Bielema: The Badgers have been criticized in some places for playing a weak non-conference schedule. When asked about that, Bielema offered what we thought was a confusing explanation. According to him, the Badgers have lost just three regular-season non-conference games over the past five years and that is somehow scaring off quality non-conference opponents. Hello? Schedule weak teams and win, and this somehow scares off good teams? And better programs actually want home and home contracts, and that's a reason not to play a better schedule? Come on Brett.

Michigan's Rich Rodriguez: Rich made it through the day without saying too much that could damage him, save in our opinion for one little comment about the pressure of coaching in Ann Arbor. According to Rodriguez, coaching for Michigan in Ann Arbor doesn't involve any more pressure than coaching for West Virginia. Not sure if the Wolverine faithful are going to appreciate that from Rodriguez.

Purdue's Danny Hope: Danny's name is Hope, but he wasn't willing to raise Boilermaker hopes too high for the upcoming season. His idea of a "special season" in West Lafayette this year is anything over .500. That's probably realistic in terms of expectations, but can you imagine how that would play coming from Jim Tressel?

Minnesota's Tim Brewster: Brewster saved his most controversial comment for last when he advocated strongly for the addition of a 12th conference team, divisional play and conference playoff game. Brewster probably stepped just a little too far into a decision that going to be made by the likes of Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany and the Big Ten University presidents with his stance. Tim probably needs to brush up on his conference politics.

Indiana's Bill Lynch: Lynch was pretty proud of Indiana's new 25,000 square foot weight room and has advocated a tougher schedule for the Hoosiers, stating that a non-conference game with a team from a BCS conference would be a good thing for his program. We like his sentiment.

MSU's Mark Dantonio: Dantonio listed three qualities that have contributed to the renaissance of MSU football in his three years in East Lansing: stability, resources, and tradition. In expanding on each of those concepts, he was careful to make clear that stability includes not just stability of the coaching staff, but also stability of the roster and lack of defections to transfer, etc. Seemed like a not-so-veiled jab at Rich Rodriguez and the transfer problems the Wolverines have had the last couple of seasons.

Penn State's Joe Paterno: Joe got the annual "Why did you come back for another season" question and said it was because he would miss the media so much if he retired. Everybody laughed, including Joe. Joe also got a laugh when he mused that fans have to have fodder to put on their "Twittle-do, Twittle-dee" things they are all doing now. So much for Twitter and Joe Pa.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz: Scheduling was a common topic, and Ferentz mentioned it early. Ferentz pointed to Iowa's schedule in September as the key to their season. He may be right. The Hawkeyes take on in-state rivals Northern Iowa and Iowa State in the season's first two games, then host Arizona followed by a trip to Penn State. Tough September.

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