MaxBuck;2332853; said:
Not sure what all this argument has to do with "Recruiting Tidbits." Maybe I'm just dense.
Only loosely related at first, now not related whatsoever. Good convo but it needs split. The only real point was how the SEC drafting so many players is just a further disadvantage to the Big Ten. Back to that topic, I think that Ohio State and scUM are going to be lights out recruiting nationally every year because of their tradition, regardless of how the Big Ten looks. But as to the rest of the Big Ten:
- scUM: I love/hate to say it but I think Hoke will continue to do well. We need scUM for a strong Big Ten and I want a competitive rivalry. Not to mention, I completely trust that regardless of what happens on the recruiting trail, UFM is going to beat him with whoever we have. He is putting together the pieces for a very good dynasty, especially at OL, but there needs to be more focus on the impact players at skilled positions. Also, they get the better Midwest players but I think they are going to need to go into SEC country, TX, and CA a little more than they are. Regardless, they will be fine.
- PSU will be right behind those two when they are off probation, I was VERY impressed what O'Brien accomplished given his circumstances. Not sure what the classes will look like moving forward but holding on to Brenneman, Hackenburg, etc. was a coup. Personally I think Hackenburg was the best pro style QB in the country last year.
- Michigan St: Pretty pathetic efforts lately. If Dantonio keeps whining about recruiting nationally and making hires like Jim Bollman, he is going to be out the door quick. He is perfectly content staying in the Midwest and is getting beat at his own game there at that...picking up scraps in the Midwest and getting beat out by Northwestern, Indiana, etc. frequently is not acceptable.
- Northwestern has stepped things up a bit under Fitzgerald and he has impressed me with the recruits he is bringing in...he is doing well in the Midwest but also going to TX, FL, CA, NJ, etc. and getting guys that most of the Big Ten aren't even trying to get.
- Nebraska: They always recruit TX and CA pretty well so if they can keep it up, they will prove to be competitive in the Big Ten and nationally. Now they have a bit of a pipeline in the Midwest with the conference connection and even managed to dip into LA, GA, and FL some the last few last years.
-Iowa is embarrassing under Ferentz and he needs to go if he is just going to give up recruiting nationally. They used to do well in TX and can't even get their foot in the door now.
- Wisconsin always gets by recruiting mostly local under Bielema and Alvaraez but can they under Anderson, or will he take a national approach moving forward? He is off to a good start locally but I think Wisconsin has a good enough brand name to go get some national guys, especially at RB.
- Indiana got off to a running start and was the biggest surprise to me. I always thought they would be a bottom feeder but they fielded a decent team last year and put together a FANTASTIC class last year. Kept Latham, Kenney, and Allen (all four stars with national offers) in state, then went out and then cleaned up in GA and FL. I'm talking guys the SEC went after hard...had four Rivals250 guys and five four stars, plus lots of 3 stars with solid offer lists. It will be interesting to see if they can keep up that pace.
- Minnesota: Dismal performances and while I don't see them getting better much sooner, their last two recruiting classes have been heavy on FL, GA, TX, and other recruiting hot beds. At least they are trying.
- Illinois: They better hope Bailey can put the team on his back and bring back some prominence because they are getting embarrassed on and off the field right now. Their talent-rich state is getting raided and they are fighting for scraps in the Midwest. Their FL connection is dying off and despite having 4 NFL selections on their team, they didn't come close to winning a single Big Ten, lost to LA Tech and got drubbed by ASU, and won 2 games against patsies.
- Purdue: I think Hazell is going to turn it around there. This year will likely be rough, as they literally lost their entire starting offense and all 3 QBs, plus most of their defense. However, Etling could be a star at QB and their last recruiting class wasn't awful. Hazell has connections he should capitalize on in FL and in the south. They hit FL and GA very hard last year and should continue to do so.
How in the hell was the B1G on TV for 34 years in between NC's, both of which were won by a single team? Also, most of the B1G has sucked hard for the last fifteen years. According to you, I should expect the upcoming TV deal to be worth far less than the sec, correct?
