Recapping the Big Ten coaching changes

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Purdue's hiring of defensive coordinator Donn Landholm on Monday likely marks the end to the major coaching moves in the Big Ten this year. 

There have been no head-coaching changes — Danny Hope was named Purdue's head coach-in-waiting last year — and unless Iowa's Kirk Ferentz bolts for the Kansas City Chiefs, which isn't likely, all 11 teams will have continuity on top. But there were several key changes among coordinators and key position coaches. 

Here's a summary. 

ILLINOIS

Offensive coordinator: Mike Locksley left to become New Mexico's head coach. Illinois hired TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz as his replacement. 

Defensive line: Ron Zook fired Tom Sims and hired Cincinnati's Keith Gilmore. 

Offensive line: Eric Wolford left for the same post at South Carolina, and Zook hired Houston's Joe Gilbert as his replacement. 

Notes: Arguably Illinois' biggest coaching move was one that didn't happen. Zook offered Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson the chance to be Illinois' defensive coordinator, but the ace recruiter opted to stay in State College. 

INDIANA

No changes.

Notes: Despite a 3-9 season that saw regression on both sides of the ball, head coach Bill Lynch said he didn't expect to make any staff changes for 2009. 

IOWA

No changes.

Notes: Ferentz is being mentioned as a candidate for the Chiefs' head-coaching vacancy because of his ties to new general manager Scott Pioli, but it appears likely he will remain at Iowa for an 11th season. He will hold a signing day news conference scheduled for Feb. 4 and has talked with athletic director Gary Barta about a contract extension.

MICHIGAN

Defensive coordinator: Scott Shafer resigned and later took the same job at Syracuse. Michigan hired former Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson as Shafer's replacement.

Notes: Head coach Rich Rodriguez took his time with the search, and Robinson actually reached out to him about the defensive coordinator vacancy.

MICHIGAN STATE

No changes.

Notes: Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell was in the mix for several head-coaching spots (Miami University, Boston College) but will stay put for 2009.

MINNESOTA

Offensive coordinator: Mike Dunbar resigned Jan. 6 to pursue other professional opportunities. Minnesota hired former Denver Broncos wide receivers coach Jedd Fisch as Dunbar's replacement.

Defensive coordinator: Ted Roof resigned Jan. 6 to take the same post at Auburn. Gophers head coach Tim Brewster hired former Nebraska and Wisconsin defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, who will share coordinator duties with defensive backs coach Ron Lee.

Notes: Fisch will call the offensive plays, but he must collaborate with Tim Davis, the team's new offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Davis, who replaces Phil Meyer, was hired in late November to transform Minnesota's run game and return the team to its roots as a dominant rushing attack.

NORTHWESTERN

Offensive line: Bret Ingalls left for the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald told me he's not concerned about naming a replacement until after signing day, but indications are Adam Cushing, the H-backs coach and recruiting coordinator, will be promoted to line coach. 

Notes: Athletic director Jim Phillips wants to work out a contract extension for Fitzgerald and likely will announce one in the coming weeks or months.

OHIO STATE

No changes.

Notes: Some expected offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Jim Bollman to get the axe, and while it still could happen, head coach Jim Tressel is the primary play-caller and responsible for the unit's success. Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell was mentioned as a candidate for the head-coaching vacancy at Bowling Green.

PENN STATE

No changes.

Notes: Penn State retained Larry Johnson despite Illinois offering more money and a coordinator position. Longtime defensive coordinator Tom Bradley also remains despite some rumors that he was a candidate for the top job at Syracuse.

PURDUE

Offensive coordinator: Ed Zaunbrecher was fired and replaced by Florida Atlantic offensive coordinator Gary Nord. 

Defensive coordinator: Longtime Boilers defensive coordinator Brock Spack left to become Illinois State's head coach. Hope hired his former Eastern Kentucky staffer Landholm as Spack's replacement. 

Running backs coach: Joel Thomas left for the same job at Washington, and Hope hired former Kansas State assistant Cornell Jackson as his replacement. 

Offensive line coach: Hope handled the line in 2008 and hired his former Eastern Kentucky staffer Shawn Clark to replace him. 

Special teams coordinator: Hope moved Mark Hagen from special teams to linebackers and promoted graduate assistant J.B. Gibboney to this post. 

Notes: Tight ends coach John McDonnell was not retained for 2009, and a replacement hasn't been named. Terrell Williams will once again coach the entire defensive line this fall after working strictly with the ends in 2008. 

WISCONSIN

No changes.

Notes: After firing veteran defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz and seeing offensive line coach Bob Palcic leave for UCLA last year, head coach Bret Bielema is keeping his staff in place despite a very disappointing 2008 season.  

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Robinson an excellent choice for Wolverines

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Here's something for Michigan fans to remember as they welcome defensive coordinator Greg Robinson to their program. 

Just because someone didn't succeed as a head coach doesn't mean they can't do what they do best. 

And for Robinson, his best work is coaching defense. 

Despite a miserable run as Syracuse's head coach, Robinson brings an outstanding résumé to Ann Arbor. He helped coach teams that won four Rose Bowls and two Super Bowls, and compiled an 8-0 mark in bowl games. He also served as defensive coordinator with three NFL teams (Broncos, Chiefs and Jets).

"Greg's a high energy, creative, hard-working guy who has had success at both the NFL and collegiate levels," said Texas head coach Mack Brown, who had Robinson as his defensive coordinator in 2004.

"He's a veteran coach with a wealth of knowledge who the players really respond to. His season here in 2004 produced one of the best defenses in Texas history and helped set the stage for our national championship season in 2005." 

Robinson is now the most accomplished assistant on Rodriguez's staff, and he'll be a voice that Rodriguez will respect in meetings. Michigan's defense comes off one of its worst seasons ever and must replace three starting defensive linemen. Though Rodriguez's offense must improve markedly for the team to make any real progress, Robinson can provide a major boost on the other side of the ball. 

The hiring ends a lengthy search by Rodriguez, who parted ways with Scott Shafer after only one season. 

"Greg brings a wealth of experience as a defensive coordinator, both at the collegiate and professional level," Rodriguez said in a statement. "We are excited to have Greg, Laura and their entire family, join our Michigan family. I know that Greg will work well with our defensive staff, entire football staff and players."

Michigan fans shouldn't worry about Robinson's 10-37 record at Syracuse. Robinson is back to doing what he does best, coaching defense, and the Wolverines will be the beneficiaries. 

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Putting a bow on the Big Ten season

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The end result wasn't what most Big Ten fans had in mind, but 2008 still brought plenty of intrigue around the league. Before putting the season to bed, here are some moments that stick out in my mind.

Terrelle Pryor takes over — Pryor came to Ohio State with unparalleled hype as the nation's No. 1 recruit, but most expected him to sit out most of the season. Everything changed after the USC loss, and Jim Tressel's decision to start Pryor in Week 4 marked a significant shift for a program that usually sticks with its seniors. Pryor had some growing pains along the way, but he also showcased incredible talent and the potential to take Ohio State a long way in the years to come.

Joe Paterno keeps on winning — Despite a bum hip that needed to be surgically replaced in November, Paterno gutted his way through the season and proved once again that he knows exactly what he's doing. Despite spending the final nine games in the press box, including the Rose Bowl, Paterno helped Penn State to a co-Big Ten title and won Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. The 82-year-old signed a three-year contract after the season and will be back in 2009.

Holy Toledo — Michigan had never lost to a MAC team in 24 tries, but this season was anything but ordinary in Ann Arbor. The low point for Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines undoubtedly arrived Oct. 11, when a subpar Toledo team came into the Big House and beat Michigan 13-10. Michigan went on to lose a school-record nine games, posted a losing season for the first time since 1967 and missed a bowl for the first time since 1974.

The collapse at the Coliseum — The most anticipated game of the season turned into a disaster for the Big Ten and Ohio State, which got steamrolled 35-3 by USC. Ohio State couldn't stop Mark Sanchez, committed uncharacteristic errors and didn't score a touchdown for the first time since 1996. The loss reinforced the perception that Ohio State struggles in big games, a reputation the Buckeyes helped restore in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Murray kicks Penn State out of title game — Penn State seemed destined for a date in the BCS Championship Game until it ran into an inspired Iowa team on Nov. 8 at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes rallied from a 9-point fourth-quarter deficit and won the game in the final seconds on a 31-yard field goal by Daniel Murray, an Iowa City native who had lost his starting job seven weeks earlier. Head coach Kirk Ferentz went back to Murray in the clutch, a decision that paid off.

Coordinators take off — The Big Ten had no head-coaching changes this year, but several of the league's top assistants left following the season. Illinois offensive coordinator and chief recruiter Mike Locksley left to become New Mexico's head coach. Minnesota lost both of its coordinators, as Mike Dunbar stepped down and Ted Roof left for the defensive coordinator spot at Auburn. Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer resigned after only one season.

Another bowl flop — The league needed a boost in the postseason after dropping four consecutive BCS games and four Rose Bowls. Instead, the Big Ten's national perception took another blow as the conference went 1-6 in bowl games. Despite a dominant Outback Bowl win by Iowa and encouraging performances from Ohio State and Northwestern, the Big Ten lost two more BCS games and another Rose Bowl.

Rodriguez sounds off — His comments were largely misrepresented, but Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez didn't do himself any favors during a Nov. 17 news conference. Speaking about outlandish comments on fan message boards, Rodriguez said, "You almost want to tell them, 'Get a life.' There's a whole lot bigger problems. Look at the economy." Though the comments weren't directed at Michigan's fan base, they made headlines around the Big Ten and added to the woes for the first-year coach.

Northwestern's Smith stuns Minnesota — No play symbolized Northwestern's renaissance on defense more than Brendan Smith's 48-yard interception return for a touchdown with 12 seconds left to beat Minnesota 24-17 on Nov. 1. Defense was the story for Northwestern during a 9-4 season, as first-year coordinator Mike Hankwitz revolutionized one of the conference's worst units. Smith's return also signaled the beginning of the end for Minnesota, which dropped its final five games after a 7-1 start.

Dantonio gets rewarded with new deal — Mark Dantonio's stock is on the rise at Michigan State, and the university rewarded him before the Capital One Bowl with a restructured contract. Dantonio's salary raise puts him on par with other Big Ten coaches, and he will receive a million bonus if he's still coaching Michigan State on Jan. 15, 2016. The Spartans have made upgrades in facilities and recruiting, and if they can keep Dantonio, they'll consistently be in the mix for league titles.

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Shafer finds new home at Syracuse

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

As expected, it didn’t take long for Scott Shafer to find a new job after resigning from Michigan last month after one season as defensive coordinator. 

Shafer has officially been named defensive coordinator at Syracuse, joining the staff of new head coach Doug Marrone. Syracuse becomes Shafer’s fourth stop in the last three seasons, as he moved from Western Michigan to Stanford to Michigan.

Marrone in a statement called Shafer “a veteran defensive play-caller who has an attacking defensive style.”

Despite the very poor results on the field this fall, Shafer remains a pretty good coach, and if he gets the freedom to operate, he should help Syracuse. 

Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez isn’t in a major rush to name Shafer’s replacement. If Rodriguez doesn’t look in-house and promote linebackers coach Jay Hopson, he’ll likely find someone at the American Football Coaches Association convention, held Jan. 11-14 in Nashville. 

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Big Ten lunch links: Brodell prepares for last game

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Catching up on a weekend full of links and several more from this morning …

• Iowa wide receiver Andy Brodell does not expect to be granted a sixth year of eligibility, likely making the Outback Bowl his final collegiate game, Andy Hamilton and Randy Peterson write in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.  
• Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer is still trying to make people forget about his last bowl performance, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. 
• Former Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer won’t be ripping Rich Rodriguez any time soon, at least not in public, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. 

“Shafer parted ways with Michigan by ‘mutual agreement’ a week before the school announced the change in the letter from athletic director Bill Martin, but there were conditions. It said Shafer could not publicly release the terms of his agreement, and he also agreed ‘that I will not issue any statements to the media or in a public or similar setting which demean or disparage the University of Michigan, the football program, or any of their employees, in any way.’”

• Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley isn’t campaigning for Joe Paterno’s job, even though many think he deserves it, Cory Giger writes in The Altoona Mirror. Paterno’s toughness and longevity resonate with his players, Chris Dufresne writes in the Los Angeles Times.
• The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus does an autopsy on Wisconsin’s disappointing season and how the Badgers must bounce back despite losing plenty of seniors. 
• Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber got rid of his goatee and hopes to atone for “below average” play down the stretch, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.

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Shafer could be headed to Syracuse

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

When Scott Shafer resigned as Michigan’s defensive coordinator last week, he said he had already sent out a few feelers for new jobs. 

Shafer could land on his feet soon after possibly interviewing with new Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone on Monday. Marrone had better be willing to run a base 4-3 defense, which Shafer prefers and what likely led to his departure from Michigan after switching the scheme during this season. 

Despite a disappointing second half of the year in Ann Arbor, Shafer still has the personality and track record to end up as a head coach in the near future. He had been successful at every stop but Michigan and got next to no help from Rodriguez’s offense this season.

Though he might need to tone down the self-criticism — he took “full responsibility for the demise of the Michigan program” — he should be OK in the long run. Syracuse is starting over as a program after the Greg Robinson mess, and Marrone might give Shafer the freedom he needs. 

As for Michigan, Rodriguez likely will look to linebackers coach Jay Hopson as a potential replacement for Shafer. Hopson served as Southern Miss’ defensive coordinator from 2005-07. 

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Recapping a quiet month in the Big Ten

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

It has been exactly one month since a Big Ten team played a game that counted.

Thankfully, we’re less than a week away from the end of the drought, as Wisconsin will take the field Saturday afternoon in the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET). Two days later, Northwestern faces Missouri in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Minnesota follows with an Insight Bowl matchup against Kansas, bringing us right to New Year’s Day.

Bottom line: Big Ten Nation can start getting excited for real football again.

Though the last month featured nothing on the field, there were several interesting happenings around the league.

Here’s a quick recap of the Big Ten’s top storylines for those who might have stepped away for a bit.

• Penn State and head coach Joe Paterno agreed to a contract extension through the 2011 season. Paterno, the 2008 Big Ten Coach of the Year, previously had a contract that expired following the Rose Bowl. But after helping Penn State to an 11-1 record and a Big Ten co-championship, Paterno was rewarded with a three-year extension. Paterno turned 82 years old on Sunday, and the university’s statement about the extension stated that “the parties might re-evaluate their circumstances and alter the arrangement by either shortening or extending its length as necessary.” There was no mention of a succession plan.
• Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer resigned after only one season. The Wolverines finished 68th nationally in total defense but struggled at times, getting little to no help from the offense. It appeared as though a philosophical difference between Shafer and head coach Rich Rodriguez led to the split, as Michigan began the season in a base 4-3 before switching to a 3-3-5. Rodriguez said recruiting is his top priority before looking for a replacement at defensive coordinator.
• Other coaching changes included Purdue’s new head coach Danny Hope hiring Gary Nord as his new offensive coordinator. Hope, who didn’t retain Ed Zaunbrecher, also must look for a defensive coordinator after Brock Spack left to become Illinois State’s coach. Illinois lost a key member of its coaching staff, as offensive coordinator and top recruiter Mike Locksley left to become head coach at New Mexico. Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster scored a coup by hiring veteran offensive line coach Tim Davis to oversee the Gophers’ struggling front five.
• There were two prominent transfers, as Penn State backup quarterback Pat Devlin and Michigan running back Sam McGuffie both decided to leave their schools. Devlin likely will latch on with an FCS team, while McGuffie is looking at programs in his home state of Texas.
• Nothing official yet on any juniors who plan to enter the NFL draft, but it would be surprising if Iowa running back Shonn Greene, Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells and Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis don’t make the jump.
• It was a good month for awards in the Big Ten. Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Players who won national awards included Iowa’s Greene (Doak Walker), Penn State center A.Q. Shipley (Rimington), Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (Thorpe) and Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis (Lott).
• Indiana head coach Bill Lynch received a vote of confidence for the 2009 season from his new boss, athletic director Fred Glass. Lynch will definitely be on the hot seat next fall after a 3-9 campaign.
• Illinois sophomore linebacker Martez Wilson suffered two stab wounds while trying to help a former teammate (D’Angelo McCray), who was being beaten by several men outside a bar in Champaign. Wilson underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Head coach Ron Zook praised Wilson for coming to the aid of a friend.

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Shafer resigns as Michigan’s defensive coordinator

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Scott Shafer is out as Michigan defensive coordinator after only one season on the job.

From the release:

University of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez announced today that Scott Shafer resigned his position as defensive coordinator. Shafer spent the 2008 season as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator and also worked with the cornerbacks.

“Scott and I agreed that moving in a different direction was in the best interest of the program,” said Rodriguez. “I appreciate Scott’s hard work on behalf of Michigan football the past year. He is a good football coach, a good person and a true professional. We wish him well in the future.”

Rodriguez will continue to evaluate his staff and review all possibilities before deciding upon a new defensive coordinator.

This isn’t a total surprise, as Michigan certainly underachieved on defense this fall, finishing 10th in the Big Ten in scoring (28.9 points per game) and ninth in yards allowed (366.9 yards per game). The unit got next to no help from Rodriguez’s offense but should have been better, particularly in the front seven.

Shafer was one of few outsiders Rodriguez brought in for his staff, most of whom joined him in Ann Arbor from West Virginia. The resignation or firing, however you choose to look at it, is certainly a setback for Shafer, a rising star who seemed destined for a head coaching position in the near future.

No word yet on possible replacements. Michigan’s linebackers coach Jay Hopson has defensive coordinator experience at Southern Miss (2005-07), and defensive line coach Bruce Tall served as defensive coordinator at Harvard, Northeastern and Ohio Wesleyan.

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Michigan Wolverines season recap

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Michigan found itself lost in translation this fall, as major personnel turnover combined with difficulties to adjust to new schemes and coaches resulted in the worst season in team history.

Growing pains were inevitable after Michigan lost its offensive core to the NFL and brought in a new coach (Rich Rodriguez) with a dramatically different system. But few could have imagined how severe the team’s struggles would be, as the Wolverines lost a school-record nine games, missed a bowl for the first time since 1974 and posted a losing record for the first time since 1967.

Quarterback play was a problem from the start as Rodriguez tried to integrate two players (Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan) into a system that didn’t fit their strengths. Whether the coach should have better adapted his schemes is certainly up for debate, but both Threet and Sheridan struggled to execute the offense for entire games. Michigan played well in stretches — a quarter here, a half there — but rarely put together a complete 60 minutes.

Several skill players showed flashes of promise, but questions at quarterback and an offensive line that took time to take shape led to Michigan finishing 109th nationally in total offense (290.8 ypg).

Perhaps more troubling was a defense that had experience up front and in the secondary. After carrying Michigan through the first four games, Scott Shafer’s unit struggled against Illinois, Penn State, Michigan State and Purdue. The defense joined the offense at the bottom of the Big Ten statistical charts as Michigan tumbled to a 3-9 season.

Offensive MVP — Running back Brandon Minor

One of few bright spots on a flustered unit, Minor emerged in the second half to become Michigan’s primary back and most consistent offensive performer. He led the team with 533 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. Minor’s strong showings against Penn State (117 rush yards, 2 TDs) and Purdue (155 rush yards, 3 TDs) raise hope for the future.

Defensive MVP — Defensive end Brandon Graham

The lone non-senior starter on the defensive line looked like a veteran this fall, carving a spot among the nation’s elite pass-rushers. Graham led the Big Ten and ranked second nationally in tackles for loss (20) and finished third in the league in sacks (10). The junior recorded tackles for loss in 10 of 12 games and had multiple TFLs in six contests.

Turning point — Oct. 11 vs. Toledo

The trouble signs were there, but Michigan still had a chance to even its record at 3-3 and set up a potential postseason push. Michigan had never lost to a Mid-American Conference team in 24 previous meetings, but a miserable offensive performance led to a 13-10 upset in Ann Arbor. Threet had an interception returned 100 yards for a touchdown, and Michigan went on to lose its next three games.

What’s next

It can’t get much worse for Rodriguez and the Wolverines, but they have plenty to fix in the offseason, starting with the offense. Minor and a more experienced group of wide receivers and offensive linemen return, but Rodriguez must get production from his quarterback, who more than likely will be a true freshman (Shavodrick Beaver or Tate Forcier). The defense must replace three starting linemen but should be better in the back half.

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Introducing Terrelle Pryor to THE GAME

Tomorrow’s the day, Terrelle. Tomorrow is the day why you were brought to Ohio State. Forget the National Championships, and forget Big Ten Championships, Terrelle. While they are wonderful accomplishments, and while they are great goals to have while you play at THE Ohio State University, they’re not THE GOAL.

Like it or not, right or wrong, your valor as a quarterback is defined by your performance against the Michigan Wolverines, Terrelle. Troy Smith didn’t fall in defeat to them during his career, and look at the aura he holds in this town. Great quarterbacks like Bobby Hoying are often not given their full due because they struggled in this game.

So get ready for the spotlight, Terrelle, and get ready for your legacy to be written, because this is the game that will make or break you in Buckeye folklore.

From a strategy standpoint, I fully expect the Wolverines defense to load the box on first and second downs with eight-man fronts. Expect those safeties up around the line of scrimmage waiting for any kind of Beanie Wells or Pryor in the earlier running game.

I look for Michigan Defensive Coordinator Scott Shafer to try to get the Buckeyes into third and long passing situations and put the game on Pryor’s arm.

I also think you see a different approach, at least early, for the UM defensive unit. If they are successful in getting Pryor and OSU into third and longs, I look for them to try to mix up looks on third down situations. Look for Shafer to AT LEAST EARLY…try to blitz Pryor, as opposed to the soft zones on third down that Pryor’s been getting from the likes of Illinois and Northwestern.

Also, don’t be surprised if you see one of Michigan’s best defenders, linebacker Obi Ezeh, act as a spy in a soft zone if Michigan doesn’t indeed try to mix coverages to try to confuse Pryor.

For the UM defense, I think the onus definitely falls on the defensive front four for the Wolverines…Brandon Graham, Ryan Van Bergen, Terrence Taylor, Tim Jamison, etc….have to win the battle in the trenches for this defense to establish its presence in the backfield consistently.

For Terrelle Pryor, this game is simple…play within yourself, understand your sight adjustments in the passing game, know your defensive keys on the option zone read, and know when it’s there, it’s okay to throw it away and play another down.

Play smart, get the ball to your playmakers, and be the playmaker when you see your opportunities—because the opportunities will present themselves throughout this game.

Troy Smith became a Buckeye legend by keeping his team in the game and playing smart football, and then when the plays were there to be made…he made them.

This is Ohio State vs. Michigan, so throw out the records, Terrelle. Respect this team because this IS the Michigan Wolverine season. They have nothing else going in a historically bad season. Right now their program is an absolute mess, and they are looking for ANY KIND OF REDEMPTION. A victory over Ohio State goes a long way in doing that, so expect a very fired-up Michigan unit out there tomorrow.

All this said…this Buckeyes team is just clearly better than the Wolverines. If Terrelle goes out there with intensity and urgency, plays within himself and makes plays as they are there, and lets the talent around him work for him, the Buckeyes should make this rivalry seven out of eight, and five in a row.

Welcome to THE GAME, Terrelle. Welcome to the greatest rivalry in all of sports. In about 27 hours from this article you will be baptized into its passion and spectacle—and you will TRULY start writing your legacy here at THE Ohio State University.

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