(This article originally published August 1 on www.orangeandbluenews.com)
Here’s a rundown of a scattering of tidbits from today’s opening press conference at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago:
FUZZY MATH
Illini coach Ron Zook explained that he thought the rule change to move kickoffs back to the 30-yard line would actually be a 7-yard change, because most teams return kicks that are within two yards of the end line. But, don’t they already do this? I’m pretty sure that in this case, five yards back is truly just five yards back. Wisconsin’s Bret Bielema weighed in on the kickoff issue by saying this his independent research showed that, since the NFL moved their kickoff line back to the 30-yard line, that the team receiving the opening kick has won 80% of overtime games. Every bit of research I can find says the number is much closer to 60%. In my opinion, the biggest thing the new kickoff rule will do is help keep games closer. Why? Well, who receives kickoffs? With the exception of each half’s opening kick, the team receiving a kick is always a team that has just been scored on. So, its an extra five (or seven) yards for every team that has just given up points. It might not make a huge difference, but over the long run, it will mean closer games.
FOOD STUFFS
I attended MAC Media Day in Detroit last week, and the presentation of that event really trumped this one. Sure, the Big Ten brings the ESPN crew, a whole bunch more people, and the downtown Chicago setting, but I don’t think they got the little things right. MAC: free dinner for all reporters that included sirloin, pork, asparagus, free beer and amazing desserts. Big Ten: Cellophane-wrapped hoagies with potato chips and fruit. Sure, they’ve got more people to feed here, but the difference was marked.
KARMA
In discussing his squad’s crucial road victory at Iowa last year, Wisconsin Coach Bret Bielema referenced the hostile environment at Iowa, saying “I went to school there, and they called me a bunch of names I’d never even heard before.” Ironic, since Bielema, after a 1992 victory over cross-state rival Iowa State at that same Kinnick Stadium, told Cyclone Coach Jim Walden at midfield, “I think you’re a big (expletive), and I’ve enjoyed kicking your (expletive) for five years.” Instant Karma – its gonna get ya.
PRETTY BOY WATCH
ESPN Golden Boy Kirk Herbstreit was in the house today, but no Corso. Say what you will about Herby, he is easily the brains of ESPN’s GameDay duo. I can’t help but wondering in front of what mirror Lee Corso was trying on mascot heads while Herbstreit was actually doing some work. Ladies: the quarterback actually looks a little pudgy in person.
EVERYONE’S A POLITICIAN
Weighing in on the kickoff rule, Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald said “As a Chicagoan, watching Devin Hester run back kicks in Soldier Field, I’m a little scared of defending the kickoffs.” I’m sure Fitzgerald meant what he said, but the comment was a little stiff, and came off like the politician who starts every speech with: Its great to be here in (town name), how about them (local sports team)?”
TIM BREWSTER: EASILY EXCITABLE
While I enjoyed Tim Brewster’s opening comments to the gathered press, his energy came off as being a bit excessive when making a few comments. In reference to Minnesota’s long –standing competition with Michigan for a certain little brown piece of hardware, Brewster exclaimed, full of bluster, “Make no mistake about it, we’re going to go get that JUG!” Commenting on new Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith’s aggressive style of basketball, Brewster almost shouted, “We’re going to have the barn ROCKING!”
ACCENTUATE THE…WHAT?
Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz took a markedly different approach to his opening comments than the other Big Ten coaches. While most, most notedly Indiana’s Bill Lynch, used the time to accentuate all the positives about their team, Ferentz chose to speak mostly about all the uncertainties and challenges his team faced. Captain Kirk spoke of weakness on the offensive line, young quarterbacking, and no real receivers to speak of. I’ve always liked Ferentz’s humility, but couldn’t help but wonder if this was humble pie, or an attempt to manage expectations by the leader of a program who has barely gone .500 since its coach’s huge contract extension in 2004.
THE VIEW FROM ABOVE
Penn State’s Joe Paterno said he may consider coaching from the press box in coming years. After suffering a leg injury in last season’s loss to Wisconsin, Paterno performed coaching duties from the press box, and said the experience wasn’t as bad as one might think. “You see a lot from up there,” Paterno said. “Every now and then I slipped my coaches a note, but mostly I was able to just sit down, have a cup of coffee.” JoePa went on to joke: “I just sat on my rear end and watched television. I felt like a newspaper guy.”
LIVE AND IN COLOR
Kurt Kittner, a Schaumburg native and the Illini’s all-time winningest quarterback, took in the festivities today, dressed in a snappy black suit and orange & blue tie. Kittner will begin his career in broadcasting this fall as the color man on Illini Radio. Kittner’s thoughts on the Illini’s prospects this fall. “I think it looks good,” the ex-Chicago Bear said. “We’ve got a lot of really good young players looking to come in, and a lot of guys who saw playing time last year that need to step up and really become playmakers this season.” And how’s the broadcasting training going? “We’ll find out September 1.”
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