You thought that was it from Big Ten Media Days? No shot. We are going to finish recapping or die trying.
Day 1 was like your first night in Las Vegas – full of hope and possibility and unlimited amounts of energy. But Day 2 was more business-like, that ever-important last night to live out your intentions, fulfill all your desires and leave your mark on the town. Day 2 was tough but fair. Here’s what we learned.
Rutgers
Head coach Greg Schiano fielded questions about a wide range of topics at Big Ten Media Day, from CHOP to breaking the Big Ten curse and even query about his old pal P.J. Fleck. But the topic that truly made Schiano light up like Christmas in July was the subject of recruiting, particularly of the in-state variety. Schiano mentioned that back in 2001 it wasn’t “in vogue” to go to Rutgers and that he actually built those programs with a lot of players from South Florida. His trick? Taking a page from former mentor Urban Meyer’s book. “I have said this before, I thought I was one of the hardest working recruiters in the business and when I worked for Urban I saw a guy that trumped me for sure,” said Schiano. “So I stole some ideas from him, how to do things and the intensity that’s required at the upper level in recruiting.” So Rutgers made some new friends but they are definitely keeping the old, returning almost the entire offensive unit that averaged 26.7 points per game and most of a defense that held six teams to 30 points or less.
Michigan State
The Spartans have some catching up to do. New head coach Mel Tucker barely got his feet under him before the world turned upside down with COVID-19 shutting down campus, spring ball, and the recruiting circuit. Michigan State still managed to hand Northwestern its only loss and defeat Michigan in the Big House – beat your rival and it’s still a decent year, right? Tucker talked about culture and competition and having a lot to prove, even fielding a tough but fair question about improving from 2-5. The more than 20 incoming transfers are a good start, providing immediate help to the 16 returning starters. The biggest challenge for Tucker will be watching the defense rebuild, having to rely heavily on offense this season. The hiring of DC Scottie Hazelton was key but it will still be a process to procure the personal for the 4-2-5. This true Year One should be interesting to watch.
Iowa
If we learned anything from last season, it’s that Kirk Ferentz is basically indestructible. The almost 66-year-old veteran head coach is heading into his 23rd season at the helm of the Hawkeyes and it would seem nothing can slow him down. Iowa was picked to finish second in the West, behind Wisconsin who is favored ahead of the Hawkeyes for the Big Ten Championship game. Despite all the off-field issues and key player departures, Iowa looks as strong as ever with the biggest question being quarterback Spencer Petras’s development. Ferentz cited last year’s Illinois game as a big learning experience for Petras. “I think it was a great learning experience for him and I think it was also very revealing in terms of how he’s wired and how he’s built,” said Ferentz. “He’s a really resilient guy, tough-minded guy, extremely conscientious.” The offensive line is questionable having been hit hard by departures, there is the bright spot of center Tyler Linderbaum, arguably the best center in the country. A bowl game is absolutely within reach for this team, but anything more is wait and see.
Indiana
Tom Allen is the only head coach who mentioned special teams at the podium, calling out his punter, kicker, and long snapper by name. This garnered extreme respect from at least one reporter, who tracked down Allen during breakouts to find out more special teams dish from the former special teams guy.
@CoachAllenIU was the only coach to mention his long snapper (@SeanWracher95), kicker (@chuck_campbell3) & punter (@james8evans) in his opening comment at the podium. Makes sense given his Special Teams background. Here’s why he places emphasis on the unit. #KickersArePeopleToo pic.twitter.com/RhtJaQcMnK
— Emily Van Buskirk (@Emilnem) July 23, 2021
It was awesome to hear a coach with such a talented team give credit to the kicking unit. Of course, the Hoosiers will face some skepticism to start in this 2021 season and people will be looking to call last year a fluke. But Indiana clearly believes in Allen and Allen in turn truly believes in his talented roster led by players like Michael Penix Jr. and Micah McFadden. The cohesion on the field and off might have something to do with Allen’s LEO (Love Each Other) philosophy which sounds like it was borrowed from Jackie Moon but has clearly sparked something in Allen’s group of guys. They have a tough schedule and the offensive line needs to improve but Allen holds the keys to the Big Ten and beyond.
Wisconsin
Honestly, the main question that comes to mind when Paul Chryst takes the stage, towering over the podium, is whether or not Bret Bielema could beat him in an arm-wrestling match. You laugh, but a Big Ten coaches arm wrestling tournament would be a sight to behold. The Badgers struggled last season, averaging just 25.1 points per game. Some of the struggles were Covid, but most were Graham Mertz’s performances over the last six games – he completed just 59.6 percent of his passes, throwing only four touchdowns and five interceptions during that 3-3 stretch. Chryst fielded multiple questions about his sophomore quarterback most of which centered around Mert’z consistency. “What I appreciate from Graham is that he sees that and recognizes that,” answered Chryst. “It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about Graham, any player, and any coach. You’re looking for consistency and you’re looking for consistency at a high level. I think that he’s capable of that. He’s shown that he has the ability to do that.” With Mertz on the move and an experienced defense in tow, Wisconsin could be primed for a playoff run. Another thing that makes them great – their utilization of the fullback.
FULLBACK TALK at #B1GMediaDays ???? I asked @BadgerFootball coach Paul Chryst about how & why he utilizes fullbacks. He praised @mlstokke , @AI_XLV, @DerekWatt34 & @JohnChenal . “Fullbacks don’t need attention! They do a great job together, that’s what’s special.” @DrinkallCoach pic.twitter.com/4dRcX1MYrb
— Emily Van Buskirk (@Emilnem) July 23, 2021
Purdue
Jeff Brohm was a formidable presence at the podium, stoic yet hopeful. In a way, that reflects the Boilermakers team itself – looking urgently to shake off back-to-back disappointing seasons by focusing on the positives, like depth and experience on the roster. But instead of imploring the Purdue head coach for news about the starting quarterback, the focus should really be on newly minted defensive coordinator Brad Lambert, a solid hire from Marshall, as well as Ron English and Mark Hagen and how the Boilermakers plan to give up less than 29.8 points per game and 254.2 passing yards to opposing Big Ten teams. Scoring points has never been a problem for Brohm. This year boasts the Boilermakers’ best offense in three years and the best defense in four with nine starters back on both sides of the ball. Purdue hopes to put the injury-riddled last two seasons behind it and make a triumphant return to the postseason.
Ohio State
The belle of the Big Ten ball, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Certainly felt like the conference was saving the best for last. Head coach Ryan Day took the stage by storm, sporting a full beard and a sizeable smile, a smile that remained in place even when he was asked just how much a starting quarterback from Ohio State would be worth on the open market. “I think the focus for all those guys just has to be development,” answered Day. “If they are worried about starting, if they are worried about money than they are worried about the wrong things – those things happen and they will come naturally.” The three-man quarterback competition between C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller III, and Kyle McCord has stolen a lot of pre-season focus and Day has given no indication on who we will see in Week 1. Add early enrollee Quinn Ewers to the mix and you have the most stacked QB room in college football. Whoever gets the nod will be blessed with solid pass protection and weapons in all directions. Add a favorable schedule and it looks like the Buckeyes road could include two stops in Indy. Just need to shore up a few things on defense like increasing pash rush and limiting big plays plus add some swagger to the special teams and Day once again has the recipe for success.
