What Is Illinois' Football Identity?

It is too bad the Ohio State/Illinois game is going to kick off on November 2nd.  The Fighting Illini are a textbook example of "what are they supposed to be?" for a Halloween party.

For those old enough to remember (and obviously that is me, unfortunately), Illinois used to be a major thorn in the side of Ohio State throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.  Let me give you some perspective.

During the 1980s, Illinois used to be quite formidable on offense, especially when Mike White was the head coach.  Illinois used to churn out quarterbacks who earned national recognition.  Quarterbacks who went onto the NFL by the names of Dave Wilson, Tony Eason, and Jack Trudeau.  As a matter of fact, one of the most memorable plays of Keith Byars' Ohio State career took place in Ohio Stadium, as Ohio State rallied to defeat Illinois.

I would be curious to find out what former Ohio State head coach John Cooper would say about playing against Illinois.  Everyone remembers the struggles Coach Cooper had against Michigan, but does anyone recall how Illinois seemed to have Ohio State's number during the first few years of Coach Cooper's tenure?

Coach Cooper began at Ohio State in 1988.  How many times did Coach Cooper defeat Illinois from 1988 through 1992?  Zero.  Coach Cooper's Ohio State's teams lost to Illinois as well in 1994 and 1999.

In the latter 1980s and early 1990s, Illinois was coached by John Mackovic.  Mackovic actually led Illinois to bowl games for four straight years, parlaying his success into the head coaching job at Texas.  Illinois was still an offensive-oriented team, quarterbacked by Jeff George.

In 1992, Illinois promoted Lou Tepper to head coach.  Tepper had been the team's defensive coordinator, and this is where the Illinois identity shift began to take shape.

As Illinois was primarily offensive-oriented under Mike White and John Mackovic, Illinois became much more staid offensively, while developing some top defensive talent.  Players such as Dana Howard, Kevin Hardy, and Simeon Rice became well-known defensive stars, fitting for the school that developed linebacking legend Dick Butkus in the 1960s.

Of course, Ohio State started to turn the corner with Coach Cooper.  One of the most memorable games in this rivalry took place in 1995, as Ohio State smoked Illinois 41-3 behind the running of Eddie George.  George would set the single-game rushing record for Ohio State during this game, and would use this game to propel himself to winning the Heisman Trophy.

After a few years, the powers at Illinois decided Lou Tepper was not going to get it done, and replaced Tepper with Ron Turner.  Back to offensive football.

Despite some setbacks at the onset of his career, Turner was able to achieve some degree of success against the Buckeyes.  In 1999, Illinois walloped Ohio State in Ohio Stadium 46-20 near the end of Coach Cooper's tenure.  In 2001, Illinois again came into Ohio Stadium, ruining Senior Day amidst the DUI-suspension of starting quarterback Steve Bellisari laid down by Coach Tressel, and defeated Ohio State 34-22.

Following the 2004 season, Illinois fired Ron Turner.  Ron Turner's departure led to the arrival of one of the most enigmatic coaches in college football, Ron Zook.  Zook never truly developed any type of identity during his tenure at Illinois, offensively or defensively.

While Ohio State fans would like to mock Zook and Illinois, Zook did have some memorable moments.  None of these moments were as memorable or as painful for Ohio State fans than when Illinois came into Ohio Stadium in 2007 to knock off the top-ranked Buckeyes at home.

While Zook had his share of success, eventually Illinois decided to start over, replacing Zook for 2012 with former Toledo head coach and former Ohio State assistant Tim Beckman.  Beckman is off to a rough start at Illinois, entering this game against Ohio State with a 2-6 record.

What kind of identity will Illinois adopt against Ohio State on November 2nd?  Ohio State fans have certainly seen their share of different identities by Illinois - all the Buckeyes want is a losing one by Illinois next Saturday afternoon.

Ohio State @ Penn State: Not Always A "Happy" Valley For Buckeyes

Like any good rivalry, there is back and forth between the two teams.  Throughout Penn State's history as a Big Ten team, the games versus Ohio State have been no exception.  While Ohio State has had its share of wins in the rivalry, some of the losses at Penn State are painful to remember.

Without question, the lowest of the losses took place during the 1994 season.  Well, maybe it was the most embarrassing of the losses in this rivalry.  Penn State destroyed Ohio State 63-14.  I can only guess Luke Fickell and Mike Vrabel, both of whom played on that team on the defensive line and are now assistant coaches for Ohio State, still wake up in cold sweats of terror from that abomination.  Can someone explain to me how that 1994 Penn State did not get even a share of the national title that season?  Kerry Collins at quarterback.  Ki-Jana Carter at running back.  Kyle Brady at tight end.  Bobby Engram at wide receiver.

Another painful loss took place in 1997, as Penn State defeated Ohio State 31-27.  Ohio State's Joe Germaine threw for nearly 400 yards that game, but it was not enough to pull out the win.  Making it even worse, Penn State's Curtis Enis, a native Ohioan, ran for over 200 yards against the Buckeyes.  Ohio State never truly recruited Curtis Enis.  Well, it might be more accurate to say that Ohio State botched the recruiting of Curtis Enis so badly that Curtis Enis never truly considered becoming a Buckeye.  It always hurts when you see players from the state of Ohio perform well against Ohio State.

In 2001, Ohio State blew a 27-9 lead to lose to Penn State 29-27.  I was watching that game at home with some friends.  My friend Greg was so disgusted as Penn State was rallying during the 4th quarter against the Buckeyes that he walked out of my home before the game was over.  The 2001 game was the victory that allowed Coach Joe Paterno to surpass Coach Bear Bryant's win total.  While I was happy for Coach Paterno and Penn State, did the win truly have to come against Ohio State?

For me, the 2005 loss at Penn State was especially unfortunate to remember.  Losing 17-10 at night, while watching it from home on ESPN.

From my perspective, the 2005 Ohio State team was the most talented Buckeyes team under Coach Jim Tressel that did not win the national championship.  Think back to who was on that team for just a moment.

At quarterback, Troy Smith had emerged as the starter over Justin Zwick.  Antonio Pittman was developing at the tailback position.  Ted Ginn, Jr., Anthony Gonzalez, and Santonio Holmes at wide receiver.  The offensive line was led by Nick Mangold and Rob Sims.

On the defensive line, the Buckeyes started Quinn Pitcock and Mike Kudla.  Think back to those starting linebackers - A.J. Hawk.  Bobby Carpenter.  Anthony Schlegel.  The secondary had Donte Whitner, Ashton Youboty, and Nate Salley.

From this 2005 team, there would be nine draft choices in the 2006 NFL Draft.  Five of them - A.J. Hawk, Donte Whitner, Bobby Carpenter, Santonio Holmes, and Nick Mangold - would be first round draft choices.

Now, Ohio State fans will quickly point out to me that Ohio State had lost to Texas earlier in the season, and that is another memory I try to forget as well.  I simply recall how Ohio State was still in the discussion for the national championship heading into the game at Penn State.

And then this play happened late in the game.  Any hope for a national championship were officially over for the 2005 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Now that this little trip back into Penn State-induced trauma has concluded, I will begin to medicate myself for this upcoming weekend's contest.  As you can surmise, I am hopeful for an outcome much more positive for the Buckeyes in Happy Valley than what I have written about up above.

Will "Miller Time" Take Place At Penn State?

Braxton Miller’s injury versus Purdue on October 20th brought more than a hush to the Ohio State fans in attendance.  Television viewers, such as myself, immediately thought of the possibility that Braxton Miller’s season was over.

When news began to be reported that Braxton Miller was being taken to the hospital, those fears began to grow that perhaps this injury was even more serious than initially believed.  Speaking for myself, as I viewed the replay of the tackle that caused Braxton Miller’s injury, I began to wonder if Braxton Miller had sustained an injury to his neck.

Thankfully, those fears were unfounded.  By Saturday evening, Coach Urban Meyer and the rest of the Ohio State fan base were provided information that all tests had been performed on Braxton Miller, and that Miller was going to be released from the hospital.

On October 22^nd, Coach Meyer and Ohio State released its depth chart for the upcoming game at Penn State on October 27^th.  Braxton Miller was listed as the starter at quarterback.

With all of the natural euphoria associated with backup quarterback Kenny Guiton’s comeback overtime victory over Purdue, as well as the good news of Braxton Miller’s condition, Ohio State fans are all breathing a collective sigh of relief.  The star of the offense is still good to go, while Ohio State fans now believe that the backup quarterback position is in very capable hands with Kenny Guiton.

The question I have is – should Ohio State start Braxton Miller against Penn State?

Before everyone erupts at me in outrage, please hear me out.  Yes, I believe Braxton Miller gives Ohio State its best chance of a win against Penn State.  Yes, I will acknowledge that Braxton Miller’s mobility at the quarterback position gives Ohio State’s offense an added dimension, a dimension that is not as much of a threat if Kenny Guiton is running the offense.

All very worthwhile points.  My question is, even with Braxton Miller testing out as okay from the hospital…Is Braxton Miller truly going to be at 100% versus Penn State?

My rationale on this point is very simple.  Watch that play again.  More importantly – think back to how Braxton Miller appeared after that tackle.

Braxton Miller was out cold.  For several minutes.  

Yes, I want to win at Penn State.  Yes, I believe Braxton Miller gives Ohio State its best chance for a win with him starting at quarterback.

But…I also believe in erring on the side of caution, especially with injuries to the head and neck, which Braxton Miller sustained.  And perhaps the coaching staff could use this entire week preparing Kenny Guiton to start, versus waiting until mid-week to make that determination.

What do I believe will happen?  I believe the coaching staff will see how Braxton Miller is performing in practice, before the decision is made to switch to Kenny Guiton.

Will the coaching staff and Coach Meyer make the switch, if they believe Braxton Miller is still suffering any effects from the Purdue game?  Yes, as the coaching staff truly is concerned about the long-term health of Braxton Miller.

Kenny Guiton showed the Ohio State coaching staff and its fans what he could do when asked to come into the game completely cold.  It may be better to see what he could do with a full week of practice as the starter, allowing Braxton Miller even more time to heal for the all-important month of November’s Big Ten battles.

Coach Meyer: Post-game Purdue press conference

Courtesy of elevenwarriors.com and youtube.com.  Enjoy...

Ohio State Is In Search Of A "Star"

Any devoted Ohio State fan will be able to look at this year's squad and rattle off names of players on defense like Bradley Roby, or John Simon, or Johnathan Hankins. 

Each of those players have established themselves as stellar defenders and are well-respected for their hard play. How can someone suggest that the Buckeyes lack a star on defense?

Easily. Think about what the "star" term has traditionally meant to Ohio State defense over the past decade.

Within Buckeye parlance, a "star" is a versatile defensive position, designed to counter against teams that run spread offenses. A "star" is a linebacker/safety hybrid, capable of defending the run and pass equally well.

Think about Tyler Moeller, who concluded his career at Ohio State last season. Moeller was recruited as a linebacker out of Cincinnati Colerain, listed at 6'1", 200 lbs. coming out of high school. Moeller was too light to play linebacker down after down, yet not completely comfortable about playing safety in obvious passing situations.

Now that we have figured out what type of player who manned this position in the past, why not take a look at Ohio State's current roster to see who is manning that position presently?

[Insert cricket chirping sound...]

Two players from the 2010 recruiting class who were supposed to evolve into this position are no longer on the roster, which will hopefully make sense of my cricket chirping point from up above. Scott McVey and Chad Hagan were originally meant to play this star position. Scott McVey's listed physical characteristics as McVey was coming out of Cleveland St. Ignatius to Ohio State were very comparable to Tyler Moeller. Chad Hagan's listed physical characteristics were the same type- a little heavier than either Tyler Moeller or Scott McVey, but someone who the previous coaching regime believed could fill the star position for Ohio State.

Okay, so Tyler Moeller's eligibility has expired, and Scott McVey and Chad Hagan are no longer on the roster. Is there any hope for Ohio State's roster with the star position?

Christian Bryant could be a possibility. Bryant actually played the star position for Ohio State before.

During the 2010 season, Tyler Moeller went down with an injury, forcing Bryant into fulfilling Moeller's role on the defense. Even as a true freshman, Bryant was capable of playing the star position. Bryant has been starting at safety, but perhaps could be moved to the star position going forward.
Perhaps the question is not a matter of personnel, but more a matter of coaching. After all, the star position was used by Coach Tressel's defensive staff, and only Coach Luke Fickell remains from that staff on Coach Meyer's coaching staff.

Coach Everett Withers is also responsible with Coach Fickell for the coordination of the Ohio State defense. New to the coaching staff this season, Coach Kerry Coombs also assists Coach Withers with coaching the secondary. Something to keep in mind is that Coach Coombs was Tyler Moeller's head coach at Cincinnati Colerain - perhaps Coach Coombs could identify either Christian Bryant or another player on the roster who could play the star role in the same manner that Tyler Moeller used to for the Buckeyes.

Am I attacking the coaching staff for how the staff is using their players? No. Am I suggesting that mistakes are being made? Not at all.

What I am suggesting is that Ohio State has struggled on defense this season, especially against teams that run the spread offense. I am suggesting that Ohio State will be facing one of those teams this coming Saturday when Purdue University comes into Ohio Stadium. Just as a reminder, Purdue has defeated Ohio State twice over the last three seasons. And I am suggesting that the star position has worked against spread offenses in the past, and perhaps could this season.

Who knows? Maybe if Ohio State decides to bring this position back, Buckeye fans will be seeing a "star" flying across the FieldTurf in Ohio Stadium.

Ohio State Has Gone From "Linebacker U" To "Linebacker Ew"

Randy Gradishar.  Tom Cousineau.  Marcus Marek.  Pepper Johnson.  My all-time favorite Buckeye, Chris Spielman.  Steve Tovar.  Andy Katzenmoyer.  Na'il Diggs.  Matt Wilhelm.  A.J. Hawk.  James Laurinaitis.

Every one of these names is familiar to Ohio State fans.  Every single one listed was an All-American linebacker during their career at Ohio State, spanning from the 1970s through the 2000s.

Want to guess the last year Ohio State had an All-American at linebacker?  2008, when James Laurinaitis was named for the final time in a three year period, from 2006 through 2008.  Four years ago.

Now think about how Ohio State fullback Zach Boren led Ohio State in tackles versus Indiana with eight, and how Boren had not played linebacker since his senior year of high school.  Ouch.
What has happened to Ohio State's proud tradition of stellar linebacker play?

Is it the coaching?  Critics will point out that Luke Fickell is in charge of the linebackers, and the play of the linebackers should reflect what and how they are being coached.

On the other hand, Coach Fickell has been the linebackers coach since 2004.  Yes, I know Coach Mike Vrabel coached the linebacker position last season when Coach Fickell was the interim head coach, but Fickell has been the name associated most with the linebacker coaching over the past decade.  By the logic I wrote up above, that the play of the linebackers are a reflection of their coaching, Luke Fickell had a strong part in helping both A.J. Hawk and James Laurinaitis reach All-American status during their respective Ohio State careers.  I am going to suggest that coaching is not the root of the problem here.

Is it the players themselves?  Is Ohio State lacking talent at the position?

Think about the current players at the linebacker position.  Ryan Shazier could have played anywhere in the country, as evidenced by the substantial scholarship offer list available for review.  Remember how excited the Ohio State fan base was when Curtis Grant announced on Signing Day 2011 that he was going to be an Ohio State Buckeye?  Like Ryan Shazier, Curtis Grant could have played for any major program in the country as well.  Same for Etienne Sabino, who is presently injured but will hopefully return by the end of the season.  Storm Klein is a popular scapegoat and whipping boy of the Ohio State fan base, but think about how the defense would be without Klein returning to the team after Coach Meyer reconsidered Klein's outright dismissal from the squad.

My belief is that some of these players have been playing out of position.  For example, Curtis Grant has not been able to make an impact at the middle linebacker position.  Supposedly, outgoing defensive coordinator Jim Heacock suggested that Curtis Grant would make a better defensive end than linebacker.  Perhaps this offseason, Grant will be moved where he can make a positive impact.
What about the young linebackers signed in February?  Why aren't those players making a bigger impact?

Players such as Joshua Perry, Jamal Marcus, David Perkins, Camren Williams, and Luke Roberts have all played this season.  The reality is the majority of those snaps have come on special teams.  While Ohio State fans have been hopeful of instant impact, it is entirely possible that those players are just not ready to play at the level needed.  Considering Zach Boren was moved from fullback over to start at inside linebacker versus Indiana kind of shows that line of thinking.

Fortunately for Ohio State fans, help and hope seem to be on the short and long term horizons.  Let me provide you both lines of thinking.

For the short term, Ohio State will be playing at home versus Purdue, a spread team that has defeated Ohio State two of the last three seasons.  Those defeats all took place in West Lafayette, not in Columbus.  Coach Meyer has stated that he will be increasing his involvement with the defense this week and beyond to get this figured out.

Long term?  It is all about recruiting.  Players such as Darron Lee and Tyquan Lewis have verbally committed for next year's class, with other linebacker prospects such as Mike Mitchell being listed as becoming likely Buckeyes eventually.

Can Ohio State get back to being "Linebacker U"?  Perhaps not this season, but at this point, Ohio State fans would certainly prefer any improvement over "Linebacker Ew".

Indiana Football Has Gone From (Bill) Mallory To Misery

Every college football season, either near the end of the season or at the conclusion of the season, there is coaching turnover. A university president will make a determination that the college football program needs a fresh start, and it is in the best interests of the university and football program to bid adieu to its coaching staff.

Such was the decision made by Indiana University in 1996 with Bill Mallory.


At first glance, someone could make the argument that Indiana University had made the right decision. After all, Bill Mallory was in the middle of a losing season in 1996, eventually guiding Indiana to a 3-8 season. Yes, Indiana did almost upset Ohio State that season. Same for close losses at Illinois (46-43), as well as at Michigan that season (27-20). It was time to send Bill Mallory out to pasture.

The powers at Indiana University believed the 1987 season was an ancient memory. It was in 1987 that Indiana defeated both Ohio State and Michigan that season for the first time in Indiana's history. Ohio State's Earle Bruce was heard mentioning something about a "darkest day" after Ohio State was defeated in Ohio Stadium, 31-10. Showing its victory over Ohio State was no fluke, Bill Mallory and Indiana defeated Michigan and Bo Schembechler in Bloomington's Memorial Stadium two weeks later, 14-10.

Ohio State fans look at Indiana today as an easy victory. I recall how Coach John Cooper suffered "Darkest Day II" in his first season in 1988 as Ohio State's head coach, getting thumped by Indiana in Memorial Stadium, 41-7. Indiana came close to defeating Ohio State in 1989, losing 35-31. I also recall how Ohio State had to fight tooth and nail with Indiana to earn a tie (remember when college football used to have tie games?) in 1990 on ESPN, 27-27.

Since that tie game in 1990, Ohio State has not lost to Indiana. Throughout the early years of John Cooper's tenure at Ohio State, Indiana came very close on many occasions to defeating Ohio State. The 1996 defeat was the last of these close calls.

Bill Mallory was able to cultivate and develop NFL players during his career at Indiana. Running backs such as Anthony Thompson and Vaughn Dunbar. Trent Green played his college football for the Hoosiers before going onto a lengthy NFL career.

Indiana actually used to go to bowl games quite regularly during Bill Mallory's tenure. Trips to the Peach Bowl, the Liberty Bowl, and the Copper Bowl all took place between the 1987 through 1993 seasons. The last bowl game appearance of Bill Mallory's Indiana career took place on December 31, 1993, in the Independence Bowl.

The next time Indiana would play in a bowl game would take place fourteen seasons later, after the 2007 season. If the powers at Indiana University could look into a crystal ball in 1996 to foresee the plight of its football program, Bill Mallory would not have been fired.

After Bill Mallory was fired following the 1996 season, Indiana ran through a litany of coaches. Cam Cameron, from 1997 through 2001. Gerry DiNardo, from 2002 through 2004. Terry Hoeppner, who later succumbed to cancer before the 2007 season, coached from 2005 through 2006. Bill Lynch, who broke Indiana's bowl-less streak after the 2007 season, coached from 2007 until 2010. Now Kevin Wilson is at the helm, trying to rebuild Indiana into a respectable, competitive team.

Will Kevin Wilson be able to succeed, where his immediate predecessors failed? Only time will tell. If anything, the legacy of Bill Mallory and Indiana football is one that Kevin Wilson would be happy to achieve, and I am guessing Indiana University would be much more appreciative of this time around.

Can Coach Meyer Make Sure Ohio State Does Not Overlook Indiana?

Coach Urban Meyer has provided numerous psychological motivators throughout this college football season for the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Inheriting a team that went 6-7 during the 2011 season, Coach Meyer has been able to effectively push the right buttons to lead the Buckeyes to a 6-0 record this season.

Perhaps Coach Meyer can draw upon a painful lesson from the 1987 season to keep the Buckeyes properly focused for this upcoming contest versus Indiana on October 13^th at 8pm EST.  If Coach Meyer does not feel he is the best person to deliver the message, perhaps he can ask his mentor, former Ohio State head coach Earle Bruce, to deliver the message.

“Darkest Day”.

Yes, I know it happened back in 1987.  Yes, I know it happened many years before members of this team were even born.  Yes, I know it happened in Ohio Stadium, and not in Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana, where this coming Saturday’s game will be played.

(Go on ahead and say it – “Minnich, how old are you?!?  Referencing a game from 1987?!?”)

All valid questions and worthwhile points.

If the first example seems too ancient to contemplate, maybe Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell and Ohio State defensive line coach Mike Vrabel can draw on their personal experiences, when they were both seniors on the Ohio State defensive line.  Anyone remember how close the 1996 game versus Indiana was?

Yes, I know Ohio State won that game.  Yes, I know that 1996 was sixteen years ago, so again, most of these players will not be able to reflect on how difficult it was for Ohio State to put Indiana away, even though the Buckeyes were prohibitive favorites.

Perhaps Coach Meyer will simply turn on the film of this past week’s game for his team.  

No, not Ohio State versus Nebraska.  Indiana versus Michigan State.

Yes, that Michigan State team that Ohio State had to rally to defeat by one point a couple weeks ago, 17-16.  The same Michigan State team that was losing to Indiana by seventeen points, needing to rally to victory over the Hoosiers, 31-27.

Even last season, Ohio State was tied up with Indiana late in the game, until Ohio State pulled away to a 34-20 victory.  And that was a home game, not on the road.

Yes, I will concede that this year’s Ohio State team versus last year’s team is like making a comparison between night and day.  The offensive game plans of new offensive coordinator Tom Herman, continuing development of quarterback Braxton Miller, and immensely improved play of the offensive line are just three of the areas that jump out at most Ohio State fans.

What I will suggest to any and all Ohio State fans is that it is imperative for Coach Meyer and the Ohio State coaching staff to impress upon the football team one of the oldest maxims in every sport ~ Never underestimate your opponent.

Otherwise, the alternative can be referred to as the “darkest day”.

And that is something Coach Meyer, as well as Ohio State’s fan base, would prefer not to relive during Coach Meyer’s tenure as Ohio State’s head coach.

The Long And Winding Road For Nebraska's Return To Dominance

Ohio State fans are still trying to reconcile the devastating loss to Florida in the 2007 BCS Championship Game.  What could go wrong, did go wrong.

It has been a long time, but there was a time when Florida fans felt the same, thanks to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  In the 1996 Fiesta Bowl, Nebraska destroyed Florida 62-24 to help Tom Osborne claim his second consecutive national championship. 

Before the BCS era began in 1998, the Nebraska Cornhuskers could lay claim to being the team of the 1990s.  The 1993 Nebraska Cornhuskers were undefeated, until losing 18-16 to Florida State in the 1994 Orange Bowl.  The 1994 Nebraska Cornhuskers were undefeated, rallying  to defeat the Miami Hurricanes in the 1995 Orange Bowl, 24-17 for Tom Osborne’s first national championship.  Tom Osborne’s Nebraska squad won a share of another national championship in 1997 by defeating Tennessee and some quarterback by the name of Peyton Manning, 42-17.

Think about that for a moment.  4 national championship game appearances.  3 national championships, two of them consecutively.  A record of 36-1 from the 1993 season through the 1995 season.

Upon the conclusion of the 1997 season, Coach Tom Osborne retired, turning the reins over to his longtime assistant, Frank Solich.  Solich kept Nebraska competitive, even coaching Nebraska to a top ranking during the 2001 season, until a fateful trip to Boulder that resulted in a devastating 62-24 loss to Colorado.  Despite Nebraska not winning its conference, Nebraska was tabbed by the BCS for the national championship game versus the Miami Hurricanes in the 2002 Rose Bowl, where the Cornhuskers were routed 37-14.

Frank Solich never recovered from those losses.  Nebraska staggered to a 7-7 record in the 2002 season, and Solich was fired from Nebraska following a disappointing 10-3 season in 2003.

No, you did not misread that.  Fired after a 10-3 season.

Cue up the 1988 power ballad from Cinderella ~ “Don't know what you got till it's gone.  Don't know what it is I did so wrong…”

Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson, the man responsible for the firing of Frank Solich, ushered in former Oakland Raiders head coach Bill Callahan for the 2004 season.  Callahan, intent on implementing a NFL West Coast offensive scheme, snapped an NCAA record of 35 consecutive bowl seasons and 42 consecutive winning seasons by going 5-6.  Nebraska would rally to play in bowl games after the 2005 and 2006 seasons, but the dominance was gone.  The bottom completely fell out during the 2007 season, culminating in the firing of both Steve Pederson and Bill Callahan.

How would Nebraska fans characterize this time period from 2004-2007?  Perhaps this scene from Billy Madison encapsulates it.

Tom Osborne came riding to the rescue of this beleaguered program in late 2007, taking over the reins as Nebraska’s athletic director.  Osborne needed a coach who not only understood the heritage and traditions of Nebraska football, but would also actively embrace them.

Enter Bo Pelini for the 2008 season.

Pelini had served under Frank Solich during the 2003 season as Nebraska’s defensive coordinator, guiding the team to its bowl victory over Michigan State following Solich’s firing by Steve Pederson.  Pelini was fresh off a stint as defensive coordinator on LSU’s 2007 national championship team.

Bo Pelini has done his able best at reconstructing the image of Nebraska football during his tenure, emphasizing the physical style of football on both sides of the ball that became synonymous during Nebraska’s glory days.  While Nebraska has not contended for the national championship during this time period, Nebraska has been a consistent winning program, something that could not be said from 2004 through 2007.

The long road back for Nebraska will take another step this Saturday evening as the Cornhuskers travel to Ohio Stadium for the first time since 1956.  Can Bo Pelini win this crucial game versus his alma mater?  Tune in Saturday night at 8pm EST to find out.

How Can The Big Ten Improve Its Non-Conference Scheduling?

Despite some clunkers, whom among you who call yourselves Big Ten fans did not enjoy this past weekend's games?

Yes, Ohio State escaped a close call against Michigan State, 17-16. Purdue had a shootout victory over Marshall, 51-41. Northwestern moved to 5-0 with a 44-29 victory over Indiana. Nebraska rallied against Wisconsin, 30-27.

Yes, even with some clunkers like Iowa thrashing Minnesota 31-13, or Penn State stomping Illinois 35-7, these games were just better to watch. Yes, I will concede Big Ten fans will always be better in tune with conference play, but what can The Big Ten and Jim Delany do to make non-conference play even more compelling?

These thoughts come to mind as Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith made the revelation last week that Ohio State will look to improve upon its non-conference schedule over the next few seasons, possibly beginning in 2017. As college football moves to a playoff system with the 2014 season, a strength of schedule component will likely be a factor in determining which teams will be a part of the playoff's final four teams.

With Big Ten teams insisting upon playing an eight game conference schedule, how can Big Ten teams schedule games that will keep them in the running for a coveted playoff spot? How to ensure a strong strength of schedule?

1. Determine Policy Of No FCS Opponents For Big Ten Teams: Yes, I realize Ohio State is scheduled to play Florida A&M in 2013. Yes, I know Michigan fans are looking forward to a repeat Appalachian State visit in 2014.

With strength of schedule probably being a consideration for playoff seeding, Big Ten teams cannot schedule opponents that will be used against them by a committee. Does that sound harsh, arrogant, and/or condescending? Probably. Necessary consideration? Yes.

2. Limit Each Big Ten To One MAC Opponent: With the news that Ohio State would be adjusting its scheduling philosophies, Gene Smith mentioned that Ohio State would be limiting, if not outright eliminating, MAC opponents. My first thoughts? Good. My later thoughts - try to schedule this game for the first game of the season.

Considering how both MAC and Big Ten teams have comparable geographic footprints, it would make complete sense to try to use the first game of the season as almost a preseason scrimmage. Could there be MAC teams that would defeat Big Ten teams, as Ohio University defeated Penn State, Ball State over Indiana, or Central Michigan over Iowa? Certainly.

Thinking from an Ohio State fan's perspective, I believe the financial benefits of keeping the money within the state of Ohio are a worthwhile consideration. Akron, Kent State, Miami University, Ohio University, and Toledo could all be set up on a rotational basis, beginning in 2017, as the designated Ohio State home opener. If these teams could somehow set up a game at a larger stadium, like when Toledo "hosted" Ohio State in Cleveland in 2009, I would be all in favor of it. Can you imagine Miami University "hosting" Ohio State in Cincinnati's Paul Brown Stadium, how beneficial that would be for Ohio State recruiting purposes across the state of Ohio?

3. Set Up The Big Ten/ACC Challenge For Football: With The Big Ten and Pac-12 unable to come up with an agreement for a regularly scheduled game, why not look to the ACC for a non-conference opponent? It has worked so well for college basketball, after all.

Again, from an Ohio State fan's perspective, there are many teams relatively close to Ohio State's recruiting focus that would be tremendously attractive ~ Maryland. Georgia Tech. Virginia.
You may notice I have not mentioned North Carolina or Virginia Tech, as Ohio State has games scheduled with these opponents in the next few years. Boston College has been an Ohio State visitor in the past, as have the Miami Hurricanes.

Will any of these ideas come into play for Big Ten non-conference scheduling? Perhaps not, but these suggestions are one fan's ideas on how The Big Ten can look better as college football will begin its playoff system in subsequent seasons.