Rex Hudler

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Oct 3, 2011 -> 06:52 AM) Most likely to go undefeated: 1 Boise State 2 Wisconsin 3 Stanford 4 Oklahoma State 5 Alabama 6 LSU 7 Oklahoma 8 Georgia Tech 9 Texas 10 Clemson 11 Michigan 12 Illinois 13 Kansas State I would set the over/under at 3 teams. If I had to put money down, it would be Wisconsin-Stanford in the title game, with Boise absolutely destroying some Big Ten or Pac-12 team in the Rose Bowl. Question is, where does a one loss Alabama or LSU fit into the picture? It would not surprise me at all if one of them still gets into the BCS Championship over an undefeated team from elsewhere. Like it or not, the SEC has proven itself as the premier conference with the toughest road to get to the CG, yet they win it when they get there. I think that will weigh heavily on voters.

Michigan State's Delvon Roe hangs up the sneakers today due to degenerative knee pain.

Rock, where are you getting your info on Trent Richardson? I had not heard this before but would be very interested in learning more.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Sep 26, 2011 -> 11:16 PM) Is there a reason to think that Mayweather would be going to jail or is that entirely hypothetical? It's possible, yes. He's dealing with some legal troubles now. Whether any will land him in jail, its hard to say.

Am contemplating going to Vegas for the Pacquiao - Marquez fight. There are several different factors playing into the decision but I'd say its 50/50 at this point. I may even have an opportunity to work for the lighting crew, which would give me backstage access as well. A buddy of mine from college owns the company that does all the lighting design for many major events. He has had the last four Manny fights and was also scheduled to do the Super Sox finale in Atlantic City before it got postponed. Never been to Vegas period, let alone for a major fight. Biggest fight card I have ever been to in person was a ShoBox card outside of Memphis that included Fernando Guerrero, Shawn Porter and Mike Dallas Jr.

A few late observations... 1. Floyd was the better fighter as I thought he would be. I like Victor and hoped he could compete and give Floyd trouble, but I never felt he was truly ready for prime time. 2. The knockout punches were legal and cheap shots. As a fan of the sport, I felt cheap after watching how it ended? Utterly disappointed is the best I can describe it. 3. I don't know what the hell Ortiz was doing. By his reactions, my guess is he got caught up in the fight, the frustrations and adrenaline and did something stupid. Judging by his reactions afterward, I think he realized he did something stupid and freaked out, trying to apologize multiple times. That was his downfall. The best thing that could have happened to Victor is to get out of the round and let his corner calm him down. That didn't happen. 4. Floyd Mayweather may be the best boxer of all time. However, he will never be remembered as such because he is an ass. If I could watch Floyd box and never have to listen to him when he opens his mouth, I could enjoy it. But quite frankly, I can't bring myself to enjoy his brilliance. A dose of humility never hurt someone. Unfortunately, it may take jail for that to happen. Then again, his father did time and I don't see a whole lot of difference so who knows. 5. I'd love to see Floyd v. Manny. I do think Manny has a decent chance in that fight, but I certainly wouldn't be against Floyd. The fight I would really like to see is Floyd v. Sergio Martinez. Sergio could get down to 154. I think that would be an exciting fight and a challenge for Floyd. But that will never happen. Floyd and his people won't put Floyd in that position.

QUOTE (dasox24 @ Sep 11, 2011 -> 10:43 PM) The main thing that separates the SEC from all the other conferences are its defensive lines - they're all so big and fast. It's as close to the NFL as you can find. And Melvin Ingram is a prime example of that defensive line talent. How many d-lineman can outrun an entire team for 70 yards on a fake punt and also be on the "hands team" for kickoffs? It's amazing. And deep. You are absolutely correct. The DL athletes in the SEC are night and day above the rest of the country.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Sep 10, 2011 -> 07:33 PM) I would go read right, read left then go for the throw on 3rd down. Get the kid out in space against a LB or DE and he's gone. That didn't work very well against OSU last year, did it?

QUOTE (fathom @ Sep 10, 2011 -> 07:02 PM) Agreed, it's sad to see. Michigan would have been so much better with RichRod's offensive strategy this year. How would that be? Did you see how well the offense did last year against good teams? Take out the ND game and we sucked against every good team. While the offense was exciting and explosive, it wasn't very good against defenses that knew how to play it. Right now they are trying to develop a running game beside Denard. Their best back (so far) Fitz Toussaint was out for the ND game. If they can't develop any kind of run game from Denard, they'll adapt as they did in the 2nd half against ND. As far as passing, teams are ruching the two ends upfield to make Denard step up in the pocket. The DT's aren't really rushing to help contain (along with 1-2 LB's) Denard and make him pass. Denard can throw the short passes well. Right now he is struggling with the deep ball because of foot work, but he can throw. If they can get him to calm down and get his footwork right, he'll be able to throw from the pocket. It will take time. Al Borges is very capable of adapting and I think that showed. Think of the potential if they can develop a running game with a tail back. Play action will open up, bootlegs, FB passes, etc. It could make Denard more dangerous when he runs. But the bottom line is, Denard got hurt in 10 out of 13 games last year and had to miss some time. He doesn't need to be carrying the ball 20x week in and week out. To say they need to go all spread only puts us back to where we where last year when we got stymied by good defenses, especially after they got enough film to adapt.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Sep 8, 2011 -> 10:56 AM) I assume the Big 10 title game revenue would be completely unrelated because that deal is with Fox (unrelated to all other deals) until 2016. So if you are talking 2014-2015 it would be right around the time to renegotiate the deals. ND NBC deal expires in 2015. Big 10 ABC deal expires 2016. Hence why the time line makes sense. (edit) So if you really want to read between the lines of the rumor. IF ND/Texas were to join around 2014 the Big 10 could sell its conference to the highest bidder (NBC, ABC and who I believe is the darkhorse Fox). Fox could potentially buy the rights to all Big 10 games (Fox already owns half the BTN) and give the Big 10 3 prime time games on Saturday (Fox at 12, 3 and 7), with all other games on BTN. I think if I have to listen to Fox broadcasters 3x on a Saturday I might just shoot myself!

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Sep 1, 2011 -> 02:24 PM) Rock, Was just using the most recent examples of teams getting in trouble. As for Wisconsin, if Wisconsin broke the rules and couldnt play in the postseason I wouldnt expect them to be able to play in the CCG. It has nothing to do with recruiting advantage (I dont even think I mentioned that). Regardless of the small stipend I think the players should get more. Im not sure where they would be tailgating on a Thursday. I know that on Saturday games they have huge areas around the stadium, and Ive never driven so not sure where the lots are. Id say it was the Southwest corner. Badger, do you REALLY think giving the players more would stop them from taking other money? Hell no it wouldn't. These kids aren't taking stuff because they have no money. They take it because its offered and it is a materialistic, selfish world. And for the football player that gets his degree and can't get hired... its his own damned fault! The players have networking opportunities no other student has, if they would simply be smart and take advantage of them. A major college athlete can pretty much write his own ticket if he graduates, applies himself a little, takes advantage of the networking opprtunities available and has a half way decent work ethic when in a situation where a coach isn't yelling at him to do so. Let's not act like these players have it bad. They simply don't!

QUOTE (Real @ Aug 21, 2011 -> 11:57 AM) Ortiz: I'm Going To Destroy Mayweather, Then KO Him Victor, Victor.... I'd love to see this happen, but I just don't see it right now. As much of an ass that Mayweather is, he's damned good and very difficult to fight. His fights aren't always pretty. I do think the one way to potentially beat him is to get physical with him and don't let him run. Get chest to chest and push him around a little. Floyd wants to box, not brawl. If Victor can make him uncomfortable physically, I think he has a chance. If not, Floyd will adapt and counter whatever Ortiz brings.

QUOTE (Real @ Aug 18, 2011 -> 12:31 PM) Mayweather vs Martinez Can Happen, Says Lou DiBella I'd love to see that fight. Mayweather in preparing for Ortiz has commented that he is willing to take on whoever they put in front of him. He's been a champion in 5 or 6 weight classes, but not junior middle. As Mayweather gets older it MAY get tougher to make 147. Then again, he is in incredible shape and doesn't let himself go when not fighting, so maybe not. Mayweather - Martinez would be classic as both fighters use a lot of head movement, both have fast hands and both keep their hands fairly low. It would be interesting to see Martinez on the attach and Mayweather try to defend and counter.

On a separate note, the PPV card for Mayweather - Ortiz is loaded. Unless they jack the price way up, it should be a definite buy for any boxing fan. Also on the card is: Erik Morales vs. Lucas Mathysse which should be a true battle. There will be much more punching than dancing in this fight. Morales is a three division world champion and is the last person to beat Manny Pacquiao (later avenged twice). He's 51-7 and looks to be a Hall of Famer. Mathysse is a pressure fighter that keeps coming. His only two losses were split decisions to Zab Judah and Devon Alexander, both slick, quick fighters. Morales will stay in front of him and go toe to toe. Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez - While possibly not the most competitive fight on the card, this one is being simulcast from Los Angeles. Alvarez is the 20 year old red headed Mexican fighter that is undefeated (37-0) since turning pro at 15 or 16. Lopez' only loss since 2004 was to Miguel Cotto. Alvarez on his own would be a large PPV draw and is considered an icon in Mexico at age 20. Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez - Vargas is a 22 yr old prospect that is 16-0 and Lopez is 29-3 and has faced much better competition. Should be a fight worth watching. All four of these fights are scheduled to be on the PPV broadcast.

What seems to be happening is Mayweather and Pacquiao will end up fighting each other a year or two from now as both are on the downside of their careers. I'd love for Victor Ortiz to give Mayweather problems, I just don't think he will. I think Mayweather is too slick defensively. I'm rooting for Ortiz though. On a side note, I MAY have a chance to go to Vegas for Pacquiao - Marquez III. I've wanted to see a big fight in Vegas and may have the opportunity to do so. I don't give Marquez much of a shot as I think he is fading a bit, but their styles should make for an exciting fight, while it lasts. lol Their first two fights were amazing. I've watched them online a couple of times. I just think Manny is bigger now, too big and strong for Marquez. I hope everything falls into place for fight and my first trip to Vegas!

QUOTE (Palehosefan @ Aug 11, 2011 -> 06:35 PM) A&M will accept the SEC invite August 22nd at their board meeting apparently. SEC is also talking to FSU now about joining. Orangebloods reported the SEC would try to attract Oklahoma and OK St and VA Tech. Obviously things change if the OK schools stay put or go west. The big question is, how quickly are the dominos about to fall?

QUOTE (dasox24 @ Jul 27, 2011 -> 10:42 AM) His brother plays for IU, right? Otherwise, I don't get it. I don't care if he's the biggest Indiana fan in the history of the world or whatever his deal may be. If you're a 5-star QB being recruited by just about everyone, you don't go to Indiana. And I think any reasonable Indiana fan would agree with me (at least the guys I work with who went to IU agree with me, though they'll happily take the kid if he does end up there). Of course, it's still July and a commitment doesn't mean much with signing day 7 months away. While I would never say I expected this, I can understand why it happened. It's not that big of a stretch if you ask me. Ok, I'll assume you did and I'll explain... First, he is an Indiana kid. Columbus is less than an hour from Bloomington. That in itself is not enough to get a super to play football at IU, but it doesn't hurt. IU's new head coach was the OC at Oklahoma and had some QB by the name of Sam Bradford play under his tutelage. IU's QB coach was a Michigan and coached Denard Robinson last year. He is also a very good recruiter. Kevin Wilson and his staff are building some excitement (yes, that has been said before and not translated into results) and a player like Kiel could be just the guy to help IU step up to being bowl eligible again. I'm sure the coaches are selling even higher aspirations. He may just be the kind of kid that sees the chance to bring IU football to a level they haven't seen before as a great challenge. Lastly, his brother plays there now. Add all of those things up and its not that big a stretch. Still wasn't a slam dunk, but not as amazingly off the charts as some think. To me the interesting thing is his brother, which could be the starting QB this year is only a sophomore. You Gunner will show up in his brother's JR year. Will he walk in and take big bro's job?

QUOTE (He_Gawn @ Jul 21, 2011 -> 08:51 AM) He'll be here this weekend. Sounds like this has a REALLY good chance of happening. Wouldn't be surprised to see him give his pledge this weekend. Just read an article that he is planning to go to Long Beach State and San Diego St. as well. Guess anything can happen. I don't recall seeing him play, but he averaged 6 pts and 5 reb a game last year in only 18 min per game. I'm sure we could find him some court time for a year.

QUOTE (farmteam @ Jul 11, 2011 -> 07:30 PM) Only 2. He couldn't apply for a medical redshirt because both injuries occurred midway through the season (the first was in late December, the second was in mid-January). I wonder if he'll be granted an additional year after he's done because of time lost...but the precedent isn't good for that. Sounds like to me he'd be smart to redshirt this year and do everything he can to get 100% healthy, physically and mentally.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 12, 2011 -> 07:28 AM) Ouch. Couldn't have picked a worse place either. Brionte Dunn may be next....

QUOTE (farmteam @ Jul 10, 2011 -> 07:30 PM) I didn't get to any of the games, and no, I'm not on peegs. I basically follow a couple of blogs (Inside the Hall and the Hoosier Scoop, which is the Bloomington Herald-Times blog). They give pretty exhaustive coverage, and sometimes I look stuff up in other places. I'm really excited about Abell for this coming year. He sounds like a big point who can drive, which is exactly what Crean's offense needs. Farm, do you ultimately see Jordy Hulls becoming more of a role player in the next two years or do you feel he can continue to improve as he did last year and be strong enough to lead this team to compete at the top of the Big Ten? In other words will he be good enough to delay major playing time from Abell or Ferrell the following year?

QUOTE (PlaySumFnJurny @ Jul 8, 2011 -> 01:44 PM) tOSU has vacated its 2010 football wins http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6749330 Yawn! Surely they can't think that is gonna cut it? Are they that stupid? arrogant?

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Jun 25, 2011 -> 09:58 PM) Saw these tweets today. Take them as you may. All from Sports by Brooks. I take Sports by Brooks with a very small grain of salt. That said, I did hear that the NCAA was going to/would consider a TV ban for Ohio St. No one said it will happen, just that it would be "on the table" in terms of potential punishments. My guess is that it does not happen, but who knows?

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Jun 25, 2011 -> 02:22 PM) I honestly thought the offense played a role in Michigan's defensive struggles. They offense was explosive, but the part of the problem with that is when you score quick your defense has to get right back on the field and doesnt get as much rest. Could be just me, I just never thought it was a great fit for Michigan, but should be good for Big 10 overall to have Michigan back to balance out the 2 divisions. I think there is some validity to that. But many of the missed assignments and missed tackles had nothing to do with that. It was a combination of poor play, less than elite talent, schemes and TOP.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Jun 25, 2011 -> 02:08 PM) Yeah now that Rodriquez is gone, Michigan is once again something to worry about in the Big 10. I know some Michigan fans liked him, but his system just never made sense because Michigan got top of the line talent, so they should just be lining up and mauling teams, not running a spread option. As for next year, should be a good battle with Wisconsin and OSU for the Leaders division. Wisconsin has a huge question at QB, but otherwise returns most of the team that went to the Rose Bowl. Because Wisconsin's offense is run first, the hope is that the QB doenst have a ton of responsibility, but only has to manage the game and not make mistakes. Should be a fun year in the Big 10, my only complaint is the selection of Indy for the title game. It should be outdoors because that is what Big 10 football is about. Run first? Ya think?? Wisconsin threw one pass in the second half against Michigan last year and still ran it down our throats. That one pass was the 2nd or 3rd play of the half and was picked off, I think. Run first is a bit of an understatement. lol I am looking forward to getting back to a more pro-style offense at Michigan. While Rodriguez' offense wasn't my favorite, it was explosive at times. It was the defense that killed me, never more evident in the last three games of last year. UGLY!