AbsolutePigskin.com

AbsolutePigskin Needs YOU

Tom Loker — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:13:33 GMT

Have you wanted your own forum from which to share your toughts on college football? Wanted to your own blog but didn't want to take time figuring out the technical aspects of getting it together? Doesn't matter what school you are a fan or nor does it matter what you write (well within reason) as long as it is about college football in some shape or form. If you are interested please contact tom@absolutepigskin.com to get set up!

OSU Hires New Offensive Coach

Tom Loker — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:29:05 GMT

I'm liking this hire... the offensive side of the ball needs a shake up especially along the offensive line. I think this might be just the guy for the job with the eventual phasing out of Bollman who seems like a good guy but hasn't been able to get the most out of the offensive line lately.

http://absolutepigskin.com/blogs/aptimes/archive/2009/06/18/ohio-state-hires-new-coach.aspx

PSU Lands Another for 2010

v-diddy — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:12:44 GMT

Hey everyone it's good to be back!

Virginia standout picks Penn State while attending the program's summer football camp.

Penn State's Class of 2010 just got bigger, in two senses of the phrase.

Cory James reports that massive defensive tackle Evan Hailes of Oscar F. Smith High in Chesapeake, Va., has committed to the Nittany Lions.

http://pennstate.scout.com/a.z?s=157&p=8&c=1&nid=3879675

The 6-foot-2, 310-pound four-star prospect is the ninth player to commit to the Lions for the Class of 2010.

He is currently attending Penn State's senior-only football camp.

Roderick Smith

PalmerWoodrow — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:02:32 GMT

MY INSTINCTS TELL ME HE HAS COMMITTED TO THE BUCKEYES. RUMOR HAS IT HE IS ON CAMPUS AS I WRITE THIS AND IS COMMITTING.

Big Ten forks in the road for 2009

PalmerWoodrow — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:08:32 GMT

Big Ten forks in the road for 2009

June 26, 2009 2:30 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As I prepare to hit the road next week for some much needed R&R, I thought we should take a look at the most pivotal road games for each Big Ten team this season. Winning on the road in the Big Ten is never easy, and there might not be a greater factor to a team's success or failure than its performance away from its home turf.

Here are the road games that could make or break the season in the Big Ten. These aren't necessarily the toughest road games for a team, just the most important ones.

ILLINOIS

Fork in the road: Nov. 7 at Minnesota

The Illini will be coming off a fairly manageable stretch against Indiana, Purdue and Michigan, the league's worst three teams last season. If they haven't dug too big a hole to open Big Ten play, they could make a serious bowl push beginning at TCF Bank Stadium. But a loss could trigger a down-the-stretch slide, much like last year.

INDIANA

Fork in the road: Sept. 19, at Akron

Indiana enters the season with its head coach on the hot seat and serious doubts about the team's ability to get on track again. That's why an early trip to Akron and the new InfoCision Stadium is so critical. Indiana could be 3-0 after a win against Akron, or it could be 1-2 with a loss and starting the death march.

IOWA

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Penn State

One of the nation's toughest road schedules has been well-documented, and it all begins in Happy Valley. The Hawkeyes will get a huge boost from a victory at night in front of Penn State's white-out -- never easy to do -- and can validate themselves as a serious league title contender. A loss would reinforce Iowa's recent struggles on the road (the Hawkeyes went 1-3 last year) with more challenges ahead.

MICHIGAN

Fork in the road: Oct. 3 at Michigan State

Michigan's first road game will be pivotal in a number of ways. It could mark the first road start for a freshman quarterback (Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson), and it kicks off a tough stretch of games against the Big Ten's upper tier. Michigan might head to East Lansing at 4-0, but another loss to in-state rival Michigan State could sidetrack Rich Rodriguez's team.

MICHIGAN STATE

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Wisconsin

I'm starting to get really excited about this game because it could mean so much for both teams. Michigan State might be coming off its seventh consecutive victory at Notre Dame and looking to establish itself as a factor in the Big Ten title race. But the Spartans have dropped four of their last five games at Camp Randall Stadium, which will provide a tough setting for a new starting quarterback.

MINNESOTA

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Northwestern

The Gophers don't get many favors with their Big Ten road schedule, and their league-opening trip to Northwestern provides the best opportunity for a win. Minnesota will be coming off two emotional home games against Cal and Air Force, and could be anywhere from 3-0 to 1-2 entering Ryan Field. If the Gophers have taken the next step, they need to show it against Northwestern, which has delivered consecutive heartbreaking losses to Tim Brewster's team.

NORTHWESTERN

Fork in the road: Oct. 17 at Michigan State

For the second straight year, Northwestern could enter its showdown against Michigan State undefeated because of an easy opening stretch. The Wildcats took themselves out of last year's contest with a miserable first quarter, but they've had pretty good success at Spartan Stadium since 1995. A win could propel Northwestern toward a major bowl, while a loss would lower expectations.

OHIO STATE

Fork in the road: Nov. 7 at Penn State

An obvious choice here as Ohio State likely will take one of the nation's most impressive win streaks into Happy Valley. Provided the Buckeyes handle Purdue and Indiana, they will own a 17-game Big Ten road win streak. The last team to beat Ohio State at home? Penn State in 2005. A win in the Big Ten's premier game could clinch a league title for Ohio State. A loss could put the Buckeyes out of the BCS mix.

PENN STATE

Fork in the road: Oct. 3 at Illinois

Penn State plays six of its first seven games at Beaver Stadium, but a trip to Champaign could prove problematic. Illinois boasts the league's best passing attack, and Penn State's secondary likely will be its weakest link this fall. The Lions lost their last game at Memorial Stadium and struggled to contain Arrelious Benn last year in Happy Valley. A win likely means Penn State will be 7-0 heading to Michigan on Oct. 24.

PURDUE

Fork in the road: Oct. 10 at Minnesota

Like Indiana, Purdue is a team that needs some early success to keep things afloat. The opening stretch won't be easy, and Purdue hosts Ohio State and Illinois after its visit to the Twin Cities. The Boilers will have a rough time winning at Oregon in Week 2, so this game provides quarterback Joey Elliott and his teammates a chance to build confidence away from home.

WISCONSIN

Fork in the road: Oct. 10 at Ohio State

Wisconsin's overall schedule is extremely favorable this fall, but the team's biggest test arrives in Columbus. This isn't necessarily a must-win for Wisconsin, but the Badgers need to show they can play with the league's best on the road. Wisconsin faces Ohio State and Iowa in back-to-back weeks, and its performance in those games will determine whether or not the Badgers are back.

Some new surrounding castmates might be the best thing for the brilliant Pryor

PalmerWoodrow — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:57:03 GMT

Originally Published: June 26, 2009
Top 25 Intel: No. 6 Ohio State

Some new surrounding castmates might be the best thing for the brilliant Pryor

By Chris Sprow
ESPN Insider

"He's an extraordinary worker" says Tressel.

"Originally ranked below USC at No. 7, Ohio State moves up one spot after securing the services of No. 1 QB Terrelle Pryor. Pryor will get the benefit of not having to play right away."
-- ESPN's 2008 Recruiting Rankings

Well, maybe that didn't go quite according to plan.

For quarterback Terrelle Pryor, a year of marinating as a freshman, with some spot duty here and there, turned into a one-way ticket to the barbecue of college football. Here's the ball, kid, remember to keep an eye out for those USC linebackers.

But was it worth it? Was it better to play Pryor and get him used to a group of skill position talents, all of whom have since left for the NFL?

Yes, says Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel.

"I don't care if you're a young quarterback or an old quarterback, you can talk about the receivers all you want," says Tressel, "if you don't have time to throw, it doesn't matter. But when you do, and you can stay on rhythm and have a chance to make your reads, it's going to mean the world to you."

In 2009, Pryor will get that chance.

And are you really worried about finding skill position talent? Ohio State has produced 243 NFL draft picks since 1967, including 50 since 2002. The Buckeyes' 10 first-round picks in the last four years are the most of any school. So while they have big holes to fill, they have an unmatched track record in finding that talent.

For Pryor, a new cast might even be good for him.

To read the rest of Top 25 Intel, you must be an ESPN Insider. Insider

As a rival Big Ten coach we talked to this week explained, in some ways new receivers could actually help Pryor, regardless of talent level. Last year, Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie were precision route-runners and receivers for a quarterback learning on the fly. "He didn't need perfect receivers, he needed guys who could adapt," says the coach. In essence, you took refined offensive weapons and put them out there with Pryor, who sometimes looked like the greatest flag football quarterback who ever lived. Pryor needed adaptability, and some guys who could grow with him, not wait for him to grow to their level.

So it's 2009: New group, new spring, new fall, new chemistry.

"He's an extraordinary worker," says Tressel of his quarterback, who is working with returning pass-catchers like Ray Small, Jake Ballard and Dane Sanzenbacher in the summer, minus the oversight of coaches. "You have 29 practices (when the team arrives in August), twice as long as spring. And Terrell showed great improvement just in spring, so if he does in fall what he did in spring, he'll be right on track to get a lot better."

Bare Without Beanie

Combined rushing without Wells playing in 2008 vs. Ohio, Southern California and Troy
Herron Saine Pryor
Carries 43 11 30
Yards 195 34 143
Yards/rush 4.5 3.1 4.8
Yards/game 65.0 11.3 47.7
TD 1 1 0

Last season, Chris "Beanie" Wells and Pryor ran the ball on 346 of Ohio State's 540 rushing attempts (64.1 percent). Pryor will undoubtedly run the football again when needed, but the 6-6, 235-pound sophomore can't run the ball all the time. The Buckeyes do have a crew of running backs returning in sophomore Dan "Boom" Herron and junior Brandon Saine. However they didn't do much in the three games that Wells didn't play in 2008.

If stud freshman Jaamal Berry's legal issues do not interfere, he also could help in the Buckeye backfield. Bucks fans know freshmen can play in Columbus.

"Now, if your receivers really step up now you've got the whole package," says Tressel. "But it all starts up front, without question. Not only just pass protection but if you can run the ball, that sure makes passing the ball a lot easier."

The Buckeyes lost three good players on their offensive line, but a spring in which Tressel says the team stayed healthy will help. And, led by ex-Wolverine Justin Boren and steady center Michael Brewster, "it'll be interesting," Tressel says, but based on spring play "we have a chance to plug in and get better."

Downward Aerial Trend

Ohio State passing, 2006-2008
2008 2007 2006
Passing yards 1,953 (104) 2,565 (75) 2,791 (37)
Yards per game 150.2 (105) 197.3 (84) 214.7 (45)
Completion pct. 59.9 (45) 63.9 (17) 65.0 (12)
TDs 17 (66) 26 (35) 31 (7)

If the line is better, he expects the passing game to improve. In the last three years, it's dropped some, a trend ready to be reversed.

But all their offensive maneuvering aside, we should also remember this: In Columbus, the program makes its money on defense. Remarkably, the Buckeyes have been in the top three in the Big Ten in scoring defense, rushing defense and passing defense for the last four years.

In that vein, defense at OSU can draft the slogan for superstars: Even when it's bad, it's not that bad. And while the Buckeyes lost several stars in linebackers Marcus Freeman, and James Laurinaitis, plus cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, at OSU it's always a matter of simply wondering who the next NFL-worthy talent is, and whether he's ready to emerge.

"We stayed healthy in the spring, and a lot of guys got to play a lot of ball against a lot of things we bring at them," says Tressel. "It would be nice if the older guys just passed things down naturally, but that's not the way the world works. You have to go learn it on your own."

But, especially on defense, Ohio State isn't just finding replacements; it's refining NFL talent -- something the program doesn't conceal.

"Hey, we don't hide the fact that we want our kids to have goals like becoming the best at their position in college football and being attractive to the NFL," says Tressel. "But on the other hand, that has to go hand-in-hand with what the team needs.

"I think we're very capable talent-wise. Now the question will be, will the leadership rise?"

So the Buckeyes will replace a lot on defense, and have something to prove on offense. But isn't that just the way of a program like this? When great talent leaves, you don't have to replace it. You just have to reveal the latest version.

Statistical information and research provided by Andrew Davis of ESPN Stats & Information.

Link: ESPiN CFB Front Page

Good old Rich Rod at it again...

Tom Loker — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:18:35 GMT

http://spartannation.com/Hondo%27s_House/flash/COACHWATTS062109.html

Ohio State Fan Dots The I an Iran

Tom Loker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:53:41 GMT

http://deadspin.com/5292816/ohio-state-fan-dots-the-i-in-iranian-revolution

College football: Berry at Ohio State as legal case unfolds

Tom Loker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:50:41 GMT

College football: Berry at Ohio State as legal case unfolds
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:55 AM
By Tim May

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Running back Jaamal Berry, facing a charge of felony possession of marijuana in his hometown of Miami, has joined Ohio State's summer program for freshman football players.

"As the legal process proceeds, he will be attending class and maintaining his orientation preparation academically and athletically," OSU coach Jim Tressel said yesterday. "The privilege of playing will be determined by the outcome of the legal situation."

Berry reported on Sunday with the rest of the 2009 recruiting class. Summer quarter began yesterday. Schools let their freshmen enroll in summer classes so they can get a head start academically and go through summer workouts with the upperclassmen.

There was a question of whether Berry, a speedy prospect from Palmetto High School in Miami, would be allowed to take part in the summer program after his arrest on June 11. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing July 2 in a Miami courtroom.

Berry was pulled over near midnight June 11 for running a stop light, according to the Miami-Dade County police report, which says that officers noticed a bag of marijuana on the back seat. It was found to hold about an ounce of marijuana, according to the report; anything over 20 grams is considered felony possession in Florida.

The police report also said that Berry admitted he had bought the bag about an hour earlier and that he intended to share it with friends.

Berry was considered one of the elite running-back prospects in the country in the 2009 recruiting season, despite being hampered by injuries his senior season. He was expected to challenge for playing time this fall, with the Buckeyes having lost Chris Wells to the NFL draft and returning only two scholarship tailbacks, Daniel Herron and Brandon Saine.

tmay@dispatch.com

UM: Burned by Web hype, recruiters go with gut

Tom Loker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:38:19 GMT

NOW THIS IS FUNNY STUFF!!!

CORAL GABLES - Recruiting had become simple for the University of Miami football staff.

While counterparts were out scouring the country for the next All-American, the Hurricanes coaches were likely parked in front of a computer with a pad and pen. They surfed Internet recruiting sites in search of talent, almost forgetting their own evaluation in the process.

Read More Here...

Jack Nicklaus

PalmerWoodrow — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:25:51 GMT

It's interesting people have mentioned Phil Mickleson sort of flubbing hischance to win a U.S. Open. He has finished 2nd 5 times. Then there is all the talk about Tiger. Is Tiger the greatest golfer ever? All this is of course driven by BSPN.

I admit Tiger will likely end up the greatest ever at least statisticall. But I think people get caught up in the Major Championship victories and miss a bigger point. Jack has 18 Majors, 2 U.S. Amatuers, 1 NCAA Championship. Impressive enough.

Jack also has 19 2nd place finishes in Majors. NINETEEN!! That's 40 Top 2's in Championships. 40. Wow.

K I am done.

Santonio Holmes

PalmerWoodrow — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:19:49 GMT

Q: Who's better, Buckeyes fans or Steelers fans?

A: In Pittsburgh, everywhere you go, you're going to see somebody in black and gold. But I see Ohio State people everywhere, period. Walk through any airport, and you'll see people with the scarlet and gray on. "O-H!" And they will turn around: "I-O!" And you just keep walking.

Q: Could you have gone to one of the major Florida schools?

A: That's a really sensitive subject for me to talk about. I wanted to go to the University of Miami, but the offer wasn't as I expected it to go. I didn't get offered by the University of Florida until they found out I was going to commit to Ohio State. I don't even think I got an offer from Florida State.

Q: Would you have been the best wideout at any of those schools?

A: I think so. But--and this is proven--the reason I chose to go to Ohio State is they have produced more wide receivers in the NFL than any other school. Cris Carter, Joey Galloway--I knew if I played at that school, I could be just as great as those guys. Looking back at Florida, not too many guys made it to the NFL that played wide receiver. True enough, they threw the ball like crazy, but how many of them spent more than six years in the NFL? ... At Ohio State, you had guys who were willing to block, willing to catch the ball no matter what the situation was, and guys with speed.

Penn State signs up to face mighty Indiana State in 2011

Tom Loker — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:03:43 GMT

If I were a Penn State fan I would be livid as Penn State seems much more interested in getting as many home games as possible instead of scheduling opponents that might actually help the team. I guess they figured they would try to get the easiest opponent they could before they face Alabama.

Indiana State is a I-AA (FCS) team.

Lamarcus Joyner...

Tom Loker — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:03:09 GMT

... nations 10th ranked prospect and 2nd rated cornerback says he is down to Florida State and Ohio State as his final two. Looking like he won' t be making a decision anytime soon and I tend to think Florida State has a slight lead on Ohio State.

Hey, Doug: Doug Lesmerises answers your Ohio State questions

Tom Loker — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:55:54 GMT

Hey, Doug: Doug Lesmerises answers your Ohio State questions

by Doug Lesmerises/Plain Dealer Reporter
Saturday June 13, 2009, 9:32 PM

Hey, Doug: Has there ever been a period of time in the past, like now, when OSU had a streak of losses in big games? If so, what was the game or year when that streak was turned around? -- Ellis Parks, Geneva, Ohio

Hey, Ellis: First, let's put a finer point on this big-game streak. I'll call it games against foes in the top 10, and since beating Michigan in that historic No. 1 vs. No. 2 game, 42-39, on Nov. 18, 2006, the Buckeyes have lost five straight against top 10 teams.

Those losses are the national title losses to Florida and LSU, regular-season losses last year to USC and Penn State, and the Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas.

That's the third time in Ohio State history the Buckeyes have lost at least five in a row against the top 10. However, the most recent comparison would be John Cooper's streak of four straight losses from 1993 to 1995, when Ohio State lost in bowl games to Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee and squeezed in a regular-season loss to No. 1 Penn State. What ended that? The 1996 season, when Ohio State beat No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 4 Penn State during the season, then knocked off No. 4 Arizona State in the Rose Bowl. (The one loss in the ointment was that 13-9 loss to No. 21 Michigan.)

But the worst modern-day run? That was 10 straight losses to top-10 teams, starting with a loss by Woody Hayes' team to No. 4 Michigan in 1976 and continuing through an Earle Bruce Fiesta Bowl loss to Penn State in 1980. Think about that -- for more than four seasons, Ohio State didn't beat a top-10 team. The Buckeyes were ranked in every one of those games, and ranked in the top 10 for seven of them, including a loss as No. 1 to No. 3 USC in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 1980.

So it has been worse than this. What ended that? A victory by unranked Ohio State over No. 7 Michigan in 1981.

-- Doug

http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2009/06/hey_doug_doug_lesmerises_answe_40.html

Ohio State football: Buckeyes rank No. 4 when it comes to bringing in football money; Texas No. 1

Tom Loker — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:48:22 GMT

Ohio State pulls fans into the Horseshoe, but the University of Texas manages to rake in a few more dollars than the Buckeyes.

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2009/06/ohio_state_football_buckeyes_r.html

JoePA College Football Live

Tom Loker — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:39:36 GMT

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Tressel talks about Berry

Tom Loker — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:35:27 GMT

Tressel not sure how arrest will affect recruit
Sunday, June 14, 2009 3:19 AM
By Ken Gordon

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said he does not yet know whether incoming freshman Jaamal Berry will report for summer quarter after his arrest Thursday.

Berry was charged with felony drug possession in his hometown of Miami after police said they found a bag containing about an ounce of marijuana in his car. He was scheduled to come to Columbus in time for the start of classes June 22.

"(I) probably won't know until early this week, when we get a little early indication as to really what we're facing, as opposed to hearsay," Tressel said yesterday.

"I don't have much information yet.

"Obviously, any time guys get into situations that you'd rather not have them in, it's disappointing. But before you take too many opinions in your own mind, you find out what the story is and what's going to be the future of it."

Tressel addressed several other topics, as well:

? On the job posting for a full-time assistant coach on the Ohio State Web site, Tressel said the only thing he knows for sure is that director of football operations Bob Tucker is retiring June 30.

"There will be some reorganization," he said. "And sometimes, when you have movement with a guy like Bob Tucker, who has done so much, it gives you an opportunity to give guys different responsibilities."

Indications are that football operations assistant Nick Siciliano will be named quarterbacks coach and current quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels will remain on the staff, but not in a coaching role.

? On whether cornerback Devon Torrence is going to play minor-league baseball for a third summer or stay in Columbus for workouts, Tressel said, "The last time I saw him, he wasn't sure which he was going to do. I told him playing baseball wouldn't hurt him. Either place he is, he's fine. Devon Torrence is going to be a good player."

? On his trip to the Middle East from May 26 to June 4, to visit American military installations:

"That was a special one -- in fact, I'm still kind of trying to figure it all out. It's just mind-boggling to me, all the places we were and all the faces we saw and all that we learned about our brave young men and women. It was extraordinary."

OSU football: Boren gives his linemates physical education lesson

Tom Loker — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:00:54 GMT

OSU football: Boren gives his linemates physical education lesson
Sunday, June 14, 2009 3:34 AM
By Ken Gordon

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Justin Boren doesn't want to be singled out. He's a guard -- anonymous by nature -- and he just wants to quietly fit in with his still relatively new Ohio State teammates.

That's why, as his intense, physical play raised eyebrows in spring practice, Boren refused all interview requests.

"A lot of guys stood out and did well in the spring," Boren said. "I was just trying to work hard and earn a position and contribute to the team's success. The fans should be excited about the whole team's potential. I'm just a small part of it."

But the thing is, he could be a big part of a rebuilt offensive line. And as much as he downplays it, he is different -- and maybe just what the line needs.

A unit that has been viewed as underachieving and perhaps even lacking aggressiveness can't help but get a boost from Boren, who brings an attitude and an edge that stood out in practices.

The Pickerington native and Michigan transfer is the type who "plays through the whistle," a prototypical wide-bodied, hard-nosed guard who loves the scratching and clawing that goes on up front.

More than a few times in the spring, Boren was involved in minor scuffles.

"He's a strong kid and I think he'll add a dimension," coach Jim Tressel said. "He loves football. He loves to compete, and he'll sometimes wear his feelings on his sleeves, which doesn't hurt."

Defensive tackle Doug Worthington faced Boren daily in practice.

"Boren is so physical," Worthington said of the 6-foot-3, 315-pound junior. "You see how big and how wide he is, but he brings it, and he brings it really quick."

He is a lock to be OSU's starting left guard.

This should not be a surprise to Big Ten fans. Boren was an honorable mention all-conference pick in 2007, when he started all 13 games for Michigan as a sophomore.

His father, Mike, was a linebacker for Michigan under Bo Schembechler and passed along his love for the game to his sons (Zach Boren, a fullback-linebacker, is an OSU freshman this season).

"I grew up in a football family," Justin said. "My dad taught me all aspects of football at a young age. In peewee, I remember him yelling at me when I was 6 years old."

Regarding his intensity and passion, Boren again prefers not to make himself out to be anything different or special.

"I would say I enjoy the physical aspect of the game, without a doubt," he said, "but that's pretty typical for an offensive lineman. I always have the attitude that I take pride in what I'm going to do.

"Of course, my job is to try and keep defensive players out of the play, and I take it personal if that doesn't happen."

Speaking of taking it personally, there were hard feelings surrounding Boren's exit from Michigan. Boren left in March 2008, saying he thought the team's "family values" eroded after coach Rich Rodriguez replaced Lloyd Carr.

Boren said he has not talked to any current Wolverines players since he left, but that he keeps in touch with former players, such as running back Mike Hart and quarterback Chad Henne.

He knows his first game against his former teammates will be a hot story line this November. There's almost no chance Boren will be available for interviews that week, either, so this might be all he ever says publicly about it.

"My attitude is there are 11 games before that game," he said. "I can't let myself get worked up thinking about that game. I don't want to take a chance of being unprepared for any of the first 11 games. The week that game gets here, it will be my primary focus."

kgordon@dispatch.com

Not football related but..

Tom Loker — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:49:23 GMT

... being a fan of MMA this is unreal that Tim Silvia sucks so bad to get knocked out in an MMA match against a near 50 year old Ray Mercer in just ten seconds.

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Jaamal, wtfo?

PalmerWoodrow — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:39:39 GMT

Berry arrested for marijuana possession

Comment Email Print Share

By Adam Rittenberg
ESPN.com
Archive

Ohio State recruit Jaamal Berry has been arrested for felony marijuana possession, court records show.

Berry, a heralded running back from Miami and an ESPNU 150 prospect, was arrested Thursday and charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. The third-degree felony carries a penalty of up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Ohio State is aware of the situation but declined comment as it checks into the facts of Berry's case. His high school coach, Larry Coffey, told ESPN.com he has been in touch with Berry but declined further comment.

Berry, 18, ranked as the nation's third best running back and 22nd best player in the 2009 recruiting class, according to ESPN's Scouts Inc. He's widely regarded as Ohio State's top incoming recruit and had been expected to compete for playing time as a true freshman as the Buckeyes try to replace Chris "Beanie" Wells in the backfield.

Adam Rittenberg covers Big Ten football for ESPN.com. He can be reached at espnritt@gmail.com.

Another system test...

Tom Loker — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:00:19 GMT

... testing.

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Stupid, Stupid, Stupid

Tom Loker — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:40:14 GMT

Ohio State football
Recruit told police he bought marijuana
Saturday, June 13, 2009 3:04 AM
By Ken Gordon

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State football recruit Jaamal Berry admitted to buying and planning to smoke the marijuana found in his car Thursday morning, a Miami-Dade County arrest report shows.

Berry was pulled over after he ran a red light at 12:10 a.m. Thursday. The officer saw a bag of marijuana on the backseat and wrote in his report that Berry, "stated that he had just bought the narcotics approximately one hour before and planned to smoke the narcotics with friend." The bag contained about 28 grams of marijuana, the report said, which is about 1 ounce. Berry was charged with third-degree felony possession. He paid bond and was released later Thursday.

OSU athletic department officials remained silent on the case yesterday. Coach Jim Tressel did not return phone calls. Athletic director Gene Smith declined to comment.

There is no university policy that would prevent Berry from reporting for the start of school. Summer quarter begins June 22, with fall practice set to begin in early August.

A school spokesman said that students charged with a felony before they are enrolled are handled on a case-by-case basis. Berry could face potential restrictions once he arrives, such as not being allowed to live in campus housing or being required to see a counselor.

If Berry is convicted of a felony, the university judicial affairs department would handle the case, likely holding a hearing before deciding on any punishment.

Under Tressel, there have been four players charged with felonies, and none played for OSU again -- Marco Cooper, charged with drug abuse and carrying a concealed weapon in 2002; Louis Irizarry and Ira Guilford (robbery and receiving stolen property, 2004) and Jonathan Skeete (drug trafficking, 2005).

Berry's case might be viewed differently, as it does not involve weapons, violence or selling drugs.

Berry, a running back from Miami Palmetto High School, is one of OSU's highest-ranked recruits and was expected to challenge for playing time this fall.

Dispatch reporter Tim May contributed to this story.

kgordon@dispatch.com

Sources "USC in real trouble"

PalmerWoodrow — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:29:21 GMT

Some of my sources are reporting sanctions are due at any time regarding USC. Largely centered around Regie Bush, O.J. Mayo and more, Lack of Institutional Control will be the minimum. USC's problems are deep and wide and the following is just the tip of the iceburg in the near 3 year investigation.

1. They really have no Complance Department at USC.

2. USC did not self report. Big no no.

3. Stonewalling. Bigger no no. USC has not followed up with reqested interviews, documents and more.

4. Steroid use rampant.

5. Extra benefits. From expensive rentals, travel, clothing, food, cars and more, this is harder to hide than most believe.

I am being told the Death Penalty was discussed and contemplated. No further info here, but whether that happens or not, USC is in for a rude aakening. At the very least it looks like a post season ban for both revenue driving sports, schollie hits, probation and voiding wins in 05.

The timetable for the announcement is soon and imminent.

hazelton cant skirt NCAA rule

Tom Loker — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:34:14 GMT

http://m.espn.go.com/ncf/story?storyId=4248650

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