Around the Big Ten
It looks like spring games around the Big Ten took on a similar theme to the one at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. Many major players didn’t play because of minor injuries. Few teams were impressive. No position battles were won. That’s the way it goes this time of year. Here is a little rundown of what went on:
Indiana’s offense beat the defense, 36-34,in a game that used a scoring system that awarded points for first downs, big plays and big hits. Several starters were out, including top running back Marcus Thigpen, who runs track, top receiver Andrew Means, who plays baseball, and All-Big Ten quarterback Kellen Lewis, who has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.
Illinois’ defense dominated, allowing only one touchdown to the offense that is trying to replace running back Rashard Mendenhall.
Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo was an honorary coach for one team in East Lansing, and the passing game took center stage for the Spartans, who return quarterback Brian Hoyer.
Penn State had 73,000 on hand at Beaver Stadium, and those fans saw two quarterbacks battling to replace Anthony Morelli. It appears the competition, like Iowa’s, will continue into fall camp.
Seems two-time defending conference champ Ohio State couldn’t quite satisfy fans who really, really want to put two BCS Championship game debacles in the past. There were more than 76,000 fans on hand, but the team failed to impress. Incoming recruit Terrelle Pryor was there, though, and the 76k gave him a standing ovation. I’m sure it won’t be his last in Ohio Stadium.
At Purdue, defense mattered more than offense, as the team made up of the first defensive unit and back-ups on offense beat the first offense and second-string defense. QB Curtis Painter only played a half, but it sounds like he’s building chemistry with his new tight ends, which will be critical.
Wisconsin has a hot quarterback competition, too, one the coaches say will go into August.
