Big Ten Bowl Review: Outback, Capital One, Rose

Say what you want about how ugly some of the games were (Capital One, Outback), but there's no denying that with Ohio State's dominating Rose Bowl victory, the once-maligned conference played its collective hearts out this bowl season. New Year's Day was the highlight; let's take a look at what "they" are saying.

Outback Bowl: Auburn 38, Northwestern 35 (OT)

• This loss must have been particularly tough on NU alum Adam Rittenberg, who points out in his typical level-headedness that the Cats had plenty of chances to win the game prior to the final fake field goal.

• I hate linking to just a wire story, but you gotta love the CBSSports.com fan comments on any of the Big Ten-SEC game stories. Here we'll start with the Outback recap.

Capital One Bowl: Penn State 19, Louisiana State 17

• Penn State did it the usual way, with defense and ball control, writes Rittenberg.

• Evan Royster spoke with SportingNews.com's Brian McLaughlin about the field conditions, among other things.

• For more really funny SEC fan comments, let's see some of them for CBS's Capital One recap.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State 26, Oregon 17

• Over at TWWL, Ivan Maisel and Adam Rittenberg offer thoughts on Ohio State's victory.

• The Big Ten turned out to be New Year's Day's big winner, according to Matt Hayes at SportingNews.com.

• SI.com's Stewart Mandel also throws some praise the Buckeyes' way.

I know this was a crappy post. My apologies. But I have some big news coming your way this week that I just know will make up for it.

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Freaking just commit already! God!

Next week, I'm going to say the school I'm going to, sign it and get it over with,' Pryor said after getting 23 points and eight rebounds to lead his team to a 76-72 overtime win over Strawberry Mansion in the Class AA title game." - Associated Press.

I'm not going to be pessimistic about this the way most everyone else is right now. You know what, sure, Ohio State has the best shot at him. Many are pointing out that he hasn't taken an official visit. But why does that mean he doesn't know what PSU has to offer? I'm quite sure he's been there plenty of times. He knows Tom Bradley, and has a really great relationship with him. We'll see, but regardless of what I'm hearing, I'm going to remain optimistic.

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Kirk Herbstr-- I mean Mike Farrell is doing some fine reporting on Pryor

This is getting rediculous. You'd think Terrelle Pryor got his first scholarship offer last week. He's running around, as if he's had no time to decide where to play football. To top it off--not that I have any simpathy for sports journalists--he's dickteasing guys like Mike Farrell of Rivals.com. I'm sorry, but in the modern landscape we have here, if you're going to leak something to a reporter, don't fucking go back on it the next day. (coughcoughLesMilescough)

From Mike Farrell"

Terrelle Pryor just called me a few minutes ago and said he's now not signing tomorrow. He said he's 100-percent sure he's not signing. He said he's going to take an official visit to Penn State for sure, hopefully a weekend visit, and might visit Oregon. He said he is just not sure of his choice as of right now.

He has had numerous discussions with his father who really likes the way Penn State has recruited Terrelle. Penn State has been to Terrelle's father's house numerous times and had done a good job making him feel comfortable that PSU is the right place for his son.

So as of now it's OSU, Michigan, PSU and Oregon for his services with no signing date set. He could change his mind again when he wakes up, so I am simply reporting what he's telling me.

Trust me, he is not doing this for the attention, this kid sounds as torn up about a decision as any I've covered. And he is aware of the reputation that some folks are pinning on him and to that he told me he has to do what is right for him and can't worry about public opinion. He and his family come first and this is an important decision that he's not going to rush for anyone.

Good news for PSU fans here no doubt.

Mike Farrell

Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst
This post was edited on 2/5 10:15 PM by Sean Fitz/BWI

Scout.com has it's own "Christ man, we're all really getting sick of this bullshit you're pulling" story about Pryor.

By Bob Lichtenfels
Regional Recruiting Analyst
Posted Feb 6, 2008

Terrelle Pryor has maintained that he was uncertain about his future and whether or not he would sign a letter of intent on Wednesday. Scout.com has continued to report that and we have stuck by that. Here is the latest almost ten hours before his scheduled announcement time.

Scout.com has learned through multiple sources as of midnight Terrelle Pryor will not sign a national letter of intent. Pryor will address the media, but not to announce what school he is attending.
Per our source, Pryor and Jeannette head coach Ray Reitz will answer five questions from ESPN. The questions have been in the possession of Reitz for almost a week.

The pair will answer those five questions on camera and we are uncertain if they will field any other media questions.

The questions will be answered on ESPNU at 12:05 pm as part of their signing day coverage. With Pryor you never know what will happen, he could wake up Wednesday morning and change his mind, but this demonstrates to us that he is clearly undecided and needs more time.

A recent visit by Penn State coaches has put the Nittany Lions right back in the race. Remember, Pryor has visited Penn State more than any other school. We also expect he could take an unofficial to Ohio State so his confidant Charlie Batch can get a feel for the staff and see the facilities. Chip Kelly has been recruiting Pryor for a number of weeks and has Oregon in position to earn a visit.

Pryor also likes the Michigan offense, but talk has sputtered with the Wolverines as of late. We have learned that several family members would like to see him at Ann Arbor. Penn State assistant coach Tom Bradley has been recruiting Pryor since the beginning and the two have a very good relationship.

As we have stated previously, this looked like a done deal that Pryor was going to Ohio State and he still may, but things have gotten a lot more interesting over the past few days.

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ZN Top 25: Week 11

What a great weekend for PSU fans. Sure, while it would have been nice for OSU to go and win a National Championship, I couldn’t help but revel in the fact that both OSU and Michigan lost on the same day. Too bad they can’t do that again when they face off in Ann Arbor this weekend.

1. Oklahoma (3) - There’s no way anyone can say which team is definitely No. 1. So, I’m just going with OU this week.
2. Oregon (2) - Didn’t play, but can make one last statement against OSU. For UO’s sake, it better be a blowout.
3. LSU (4) - Like OU, there’s not much more to prove until the conference championship games.
4. Kansas (6) - Even though this is probably the best run team in the nation, I’m not yet ready to put them up there. KU vs. Mizzou will mean more than ever.
5. Ohio State (1) - OK, so one loss by 7 points; not bad, except for the fact that it was at the ‘Shoe, on senior day. Pathetic.
6. Missouri (8) - Watch this match up with KU, with two of the best QBs in the nation in Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing.
7. West Virgina (5) - A big sluggish, which will hurt the ‘Neers when it comes to the bowl picture. UConn could be tricky, but WVU will pull another win.
8. Arizona State (9) - This is a fun team to watch, and if it can win out should lock up a BCS berth.
9. Virginia Tech (11) - Wow, where did that VT offense come from? I mean, really, 40 points against FSU? Nice job.
10. Georgia (12) - I don’t know, but don’t you think UGA would love to have that Tennessee loss back right about now?
11. Virginia (18) - Talk about taking UM to the woodshed, the VT/UVA rivalry just got A LOT more interesting.
12. Florida (16) - I just don’t understand why UF is still so high in the polls. Beating SC four weeks ago would have been impressive, but you don’t get credit for beating “used to be” teams.
13. Hawai'i (14) - Again, undefeated.
14. Illinois (NR) - I don’t feel so bad now knowing PSU lost to Illinois, but it just thrust Ron Zook back into the national spotlight, this time, in a positive way.
15. Penn State (20) - OK, yeah and? PSU should have beaten Temple that way, nothing super here.
16. Texas (17) - That was a lot of points to give up, even against TT.
17. USC (19) - Like UF’s win over SC, the Trojans’ win over a shell of a Cal team doesn’t carry as much weight now.
18. Boston College (7) - It must be “East Coast Choke” year in college football.
19. Clemson (24) - Creepin’ and crawlin’ towards the ACC championship game.
20. Cincinnati (25) - I know I’m to blame also, but why isn’t this team getting more respect nationally?
21. Kentucky (21) - That win wasn’t too impressive; after all, this is the only team to beat LSU.
22. Tennessee (NR) - Shutting down Darren McFadden warrants praise, regardless of how up and down this team is.
23. Wisconsin (NR) - Without its best players, UW still gave it to UM.
24. Connecticut (10) - It can redeem itself against WVU, but I just don’t see that happening.
25. Michigan (13) - I don’t care how many players are out; the defense was intact and still sucked. Don’t count on UM pulling an upset this week, because this defense isn’t nearly as good as Illinois’ was against OSU.

Dropped Out:
Alabama (22) - I realize the game was away, and no one expected a miracle ASAP from Nick Saban, but come on. Playing that flat will always lose games.
Auburn (23) - I really thought this team could bounce back and make some New Years noise. Guess not.

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ZN Top 25: Week 10

I was really rooting for BC this week. It's been a long time since a north/mid-Atlantic team got to the championship game. Maybe next year.

1. Ohio State (LW: 1) - The Bucks just wanted to play with us, make us think UW had a shot; if it makes anyone feel better, UW lost by one more point than PSU did.
2. Oregon (6) - This was one of the better games on; too bad the voters still have a massive boner for LSU and the SEC; This team can go all the way.
3. Oklahoma (3) - People are quickly forgetting about the CU loss; but unless LSU loses, OU will be shut out of the BCS championship.
4. LSU (4) - Where did the "world's-best-defense" go? I don't know about you, but this team needs to clamp down fast; I thought the SEC was a defensive conference.
5. West Virgina (5) - Lock them in to a BCS slot; but like OU, unless teams lose, don't count on the Championship Game.
6. Kansas (8) - Don't you just feel bad for Nebraska? Me neither.
7. Boston College (2) - Almost everyone knew the Eagles weren't going to run the table; so much for Ryan's Heisman campaign.
8. Missouri (9) - Dominating a CU team that beat OU is just what the Tigers needed; the Big XII North is back, minus NU.
9. Arizona State (7) - It's still a great season; now go get USC.
10. Connecticut (14) - One point from undefeated; at Cincy and at WVU will be make-or-break time for the Huskies.
11. Virginia Tech (16) - Where has that offense been all year; the Hokies lucked out when GT overthrew a wide open receiver.
12. Georgia (10) - Again, I thought the SEC was the best defensive conference? Well, giving up 30 to Troy doesn't help that argument.
13. Michigan (11) - Sure, anyone can beat MSU when the Spartans have a massive lead late in the game; UM shouldn't have struggled, with or without Henne/Hart 100%.
14. Hawai'i (13) - Undefeated is undefeated; that's more than most teams can say.
15. Boise State (15) - I can't wait for the Nov. 24 game vs. Hawai'i; let's hope BSU isn't thinking the same.
16. Florida (12) - The Gators could be in for a drop out if they lose to South Carolina.
17. Texas (19) - The Horns may have just gotten another coach fired; Where has Jamal Charles been all year?
18. Virginia (NR) - You knew this team would be dubbed "The Cardiac Cavs" sooner or later.
19. USC (23) - USC will remain a "good" team, not a superpower as it has been.
20. Penn State (NR) - Does this PSU team ever wake up before halftime? I know, they just want to make the other teams think they have a chance.
21. Kentucky (20) - A week off better mean a sharp performance; Vandy is a dangerous team.
22. Alabama (18) - Had LSU on the ropes, but couldn't close the deal; many in Norman and Eugene are pissed off at the Tide right now.
23. Auburn (24) - Oooo, you beat Tennessee Tech; AU/UGA games are always entertaining.
24. Clemson (NR) - The Tigers could punch a ticket to Atlanta if it wins out; Wake Forest and BC are pissed off though, and want blood.
25. Cincinnati (NR) - The Bearcats are still hanging around in that wild Big East race.

Dropped Out:
USF (17) - Free... Free Fallin'!
Wake Forest (21) - Anyone playing UVA should have been expecting that sort of final score.
Wisconsin (22) - Did Bucky really think OSU would roll over and let UW walk out with a win?
Tennessee (25) - If this UT defense doesn't make wholesale changes (ULL win doesn't count), it could be a long day against Darren McFadden.

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UO vs. UM update

UO 32, UM 7.

This is outstanding. PSU can only hope UM is this pathetic on offense in two weeks. QB Henne looks scared in the pocket. UO is getting pressure on him. There is no reason PSU can't do the same. But, let's just worry about the game that starts 47 minutes from now.

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