By Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

No more underclassmen status.  No more title of inexperienced signal caller.

And, let’s not forget, no more Kellen Lewis.

The moment Lewis was banished from the IU football team, that’s the moment Ben Chappell became its leader.

Personally, I wouldn’t know Ben Chappell if he walked up to me and shook my hand.  I do know, however, that as IU’s starting quarterback, Chappell must take on a greater roll than that of the “just don’t lose us the football game” type that’s so often discussed by football pundits on ESPN and the like.

Chappell will not be forced into being the playmaker the way that Lewis was by using his feet outside the pocket, but he can make just as much an impact within the huddle while his feet are stationary.

That will be far more important; a calming influence during tight Big 10 games.

At some point, Chappell will need to make big plays via his strong right arm.  He will.  He’s a heady player, as evidenced by last season’s baptism by fire.
Hoosier fans should take solace in the fact that Chappell will be the starting quarterback in Bloomington during the next two seasons.

With four talented running backs — Bryan Payton, Demetrius McCray, Darius Willis, and Zach Davis-Walker – to hand off to, and developing talents at wide receiver to make big plays – Damarlo Belcher, Terrance Turner, and Tandon Doss – Chappell will be the distributor, not the playmaker, during most games.

That’s fine.  His biggest role will be directing a new offense and making sure each of the players are properly positioned before each snap.

When it’s needed, Chappell is more than capable of delivering touchdown passes as well.
In the end, Chappell is the leader of the IU football team.  Provide leadership, get the players lined up properly, and throw some touchdowns.

If Chappell uses to his feet to gain a few extra yards here or there, nobody will complain either.

By Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

College football always brings new names and faces with the donning of each season. The Big 10 is no exception.

While many Indiana fans are familiar with the name Damarlo Belcher, most conference rivals will become acquainted with the 6-5 receiver later this fall, much to their detriment. Indiana will need a go-to wide receiver from the outset of the season. Belcher provides the talent to be that player.

The other four players may or may not surprise people, depending upon how closely they follow recruiting.

Say hello to Boubacar Cissoko. Yeah, try to say that name five times fast. Good luck. The Michigan cornerback was highly recruited out of Detroit before signing with the Wolverines in Feb. of 2008. The sophomore has excellent speed and quickness. Despite his diminutive 5-9 frame, Cissiko can battle with bigger wide receivers, too. Playing opposite soon to be NFL cornerback Donovan Warren (he’ll be ready for the NFL after this season), Cissoko will see plenty of passes come his way this fall. He will be up to the challenge more often than not.

Before heading to Iowa City, Marvin McNutt played quarterback at Central HS in Hazelwood, Mo.  fter a year at Iowa, he’s now receiving the passes instead of throwing them. His physical skills should compliment Trey Stross, the receiver playing opposite McNutt. McNutt’s 6-4, 215-pound frame should cause mismatches with smaller defensive backs.

The Buckeyes recruit the state of Florida hard, especially Miami. Jamaal Berry will have to share carries with other talented tailbacks for the Buckeyes, but his vision and speed will be too much to for the talented true freshman to sit on the sidelines. Berry is capable of blasting through the hole en route to a long gainer, or taking what the defense gives him and moving the chains.

And your Big 10 Freshman of the Year: Edwin Baker, true freshman tailback from Oak Park, Mich. Yes, the Spartans have a handful of talented backs returning. None of them, however, possess the substantial physical capabilities that Baker possesses. He spurned overtures from the likes of Florida, Georgia and Tennessee to head to East Lansing. Get ready to see his 5-10, 205-pound frame take on the gauntlet that is the Big 10 schedule and not miss a beat.

By Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

The outrage over Michael Vick’s heartless and perhaps even sadistic actions towards animals is almost over.  His heartless acts led him to being incarcerated and now he is serving out the remaining two months of his 23-month sentence while under house arrest in Hampton, Va.

Vick has an inevitable return to the NFL. Will fans really notice? Are college fans and coaches really any different than pro football fans and coaches?

Diehard NFL fans will likely cheer against or for Vick, depending upon which uniform is plastered across his shoulder pads. Fans want to see their teams win. That much is obvious based upon decades of NFL players making comebacks after run-ins with the law.

“Touchdown Michael Irvin!”

You had not forgotten that name, had you? The former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and playboy personality encountered legal problems with drugs and soliciting prostitution. Because he was a star, most fans in “Big D” welcomed him back with open arms, as did the Cowboys coaching staff.

Times have not changed since the mid 1990s in the NFL. Teams are going to do what is in the best interest of winning. Helping the athlete before he joins the NFL, well, that’s a problem that begins before stardom takes place.

Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of the Humane Society makes a prudent point, “Maybe if there had been an intervention program in Newport News 15 years ago, a young Michael Vick would have grown to love and respect pit bulls, and he would not have done these terrible things to dogs.”

Yes, indeed, education will be necessary to help stop dog fighting. Stopping NFL teams from taking a chance on Michael Vick, much the same way the Cowboys took chances on Michael Irvin, is another matter.

So, who’s going to be the first team to take a chance on Vick in an effort to reach the NFL playoffs?

With sub 4.4 speed, Vick will bolster an NFL roster soon enough. It’s America - the land of second chances.

Many college football fans wear blinders as well; astute when it’s convenient, blind because they want to see their teams win.

Such is the nature of our sporting society.

College football fans and coaches are really not that much different than their pro football counterparts.

They want to win.

Remember the juggernaut Nebraska teams of the mid 1990s? Remember Huskers’ I-back Lawrence Phillips, the sure-fire top pick in the 1996 draft if he would have just stayed out of trouble? Yeah, he’s the same guy that dragged his girlfriend down a flight of stairs, by the hair no less, during an argument.

Tom Osborne, the then Nebraska head coach, allowed Phillips back on the team. Why? Winning, of course.  Nebraska went on to win the 1995 national championship with Phillips as its star. If he was not a star, there’s little question he would have been marshaled out of town.

As a society, we honestly allow this process to take place. Special talents lead to special exceptions, fair or not.

At some point during the upcoming college football season, there will be a player that’s allowed back on the team after serious violations of the law. It will be overlooked in an effort to help old State U. win some ball games. It’s a continuing cycle at the pro and college level.

By Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

With a plethora of bowl options, even teams that do not finish in the upper half of the Big 10 standings can make a bowl game.

One team that could make a run at the upper echelon of the Big 10 standings is Michigan State. The Spartans need better offensive line play, based on the Spartan tailbacks averaging less than two yards per tote during the spring game. If the running game improves, the transition for whomever the starting quarterback ends up being will be a much easier one. Head coach Mark Dantonio knows defense; defensive end Trevor Anderson will know Big 10 quarterbacks well by the end of next season, too.

Ben Chappell takes over at quarterback, several injured players return to the lineup, but the fact that Indiana won just one Big 10 game last fall still remains. The Hoosiers need Damarlo Belcher to reach his vast potential quickly to provide a quick-strike threat. Overall, the Hoosiers will need a high level of play from Chappell, Belcher, et al, to become bowl eligible this fall.

Minnesota knows offense; can they play “any” defense against a top five Big 10 opponent? Plus, Minnesota’s rushing attack ranked dead last in conference play last season. At least one or the other must improve dramatically for the Gophers to go bowling. If they can somehow pull off a couple of Big 10 upsets along the way, a .500 or better overall record is not out of the question, leading to a bowl game.

Last season Northwestern found its way to being ranked in the middle of most of the Big 10 statistical standings, but one stat, not surprisingly, stood out. The Wildcats averaged just over 24 points per game.  Ouch. For the boys from Evanston, Ill. to make any headway towards the upper division, a tailback or wide receiver needs to step forward this fall. If nothing else, quarterback Mike Kafka might just tuck in n’ run.  He’s quite the athlete.

The two teams who are most likely to be at the bottom of the Big 10 both have a similar issue: quarterback play. Say what one will about overall talent and experience, if a team has an inexperienced quarterback, it spells trouble far more often than not.

Michigan will introduce Tate Forcier as its new signal caller, and he will need lots of help if Michigan has serious intentions of getting back to a bowl game. The Wolverines defense was gauged for 367 yards per game last season. That’s horrendous. Will a new defensive coordinator and supposed new attitude on “D” spell the difference? Don’t count on it. There’s still the freshman quarterback issue.

And your likely cellar dweller, the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue lost not one, but both of its top quarterbacks from last season. Double ouch. The Boilermakers defense also left a stench with a defense that allowed 358 yards per game last season. Bad combination. Purdue will have a long, cold, winter to go through after football season ends.

By Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

It’s early to make full-blown predictions for the upcoming Big 10 football season, due mainly to off season injuries and the like. Categorizing, on the other hand, that’s a worthwhile strategy. Here’s a look at the “haves, have-nots, and what’s left in between for the 2009 Big 10 Football season.

If you do not start out with the Buckeyes, shame on you.  By far the most talent along the defensive line, Ohio State also has a solid group of running backs, and of course, Terrelle Pryor taking the snaps. The Buckeyes are in a group by themselves. After that, it’s dicey at best.

Because the Buckeyes are the only team that fit into the “haves” category, will anyone challenge the Buckeyes for Big 10 Supremacy?

Best answer: Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin and Illinois could all have that magical moment and knock off the Buckeyes, much like Iowa defeated then undefeated Penn State last season. A closer look at “what’s left in between” goes like this:

The Hawkeyes lost some good defensive players and one heck of a tailback, but their returning offensive linemen have a good blend of talent and experience to open up holes for Jewell Hampton, the one-time Indianapolis Warren Central running back. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi will be the beneficiary of the excellent Iowa ground attack.

Penn State has a weapon that started to gain attention last season, tailback Stephon Green. Combined with starting tailback Evan Royster, that’s a potent duo. Senior quarterback Daryll Clark will miss three departed wide receivers, but he will still be productive. The Penn State defense welcomes the return of linebacker Sean Lee after missing last season with a knee injury.

Wisconsin was not Wisconsin-like last season, as the defense was up and down. Assuming the defense rights the ship, and there is talent playing for the Wisconsin defense, the chance to play in a major Jan. 1 bowl could be realized. John Clay, learn the name. The tailback started to emerge last season and could eventually be the Badgers next high profile player.

The Illini will go where Juice Williams takes them.  The senior signal caller went through the trials and tribulations of being a freshman and sophomore quarterback at the Big 10 level, and showed continued improvement last season. Williams must take his game to another level for Illinois to be in contention for the upper tier of the Big 10, and with the help of many talented running backs and wide receivers, the Illini should score many points this fall. Much like Wisconsin, the Illini defense needs to improve.

Later this week, a preview of the remaining Big 10 teams.

by Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

Regardless of conference, the biggest predictor for a team’s success is quarterback experience. It doesn’t hurt to have a future NFL quarterback playing quarterback either, such as Terrelle Pryor.

Take a look at the quarterbacks that will likely lead their respective offenses this fall, going in alphabetical order by school, then my personal Big 10 ranking for each player indicated within ():

Illinois – Juice Williams has been a major contributor since he was a freshman, and his passing accuracy has improved tremendously since he arrived in Champaign. His running ability is second to that of young Mr Pryor within the Big 10. (4)

Indiana – Ben Chappell split time at quarterback last season, but it was valuable experience nonetheless.  Chappell provides the Hoosiers with a capable arm and the guts to run when necessary. (7)

Iowa – Ricky Stanzi took over last season and started 11 of 13 games for the Hawkeyes. Stanzi possess a good arm and above average mobility for a 218-pound quarterback. He is not well known yet, but he will be before the 2009 season concludes. (5)

Michigan – Tate Forcier will likely be the starter for Michigan, but he’s a mere true freshman. With Forcier’s lack of physical maturity (roughly 180 pounds) united with zero college snaps, it’s easy to select Michigan as the team with the worst quarterback situation for the 2009 campaign. (11)

Michigan State – Will Kirk Cousins or Drew Nichol lead the Spartans during the 2009 season? That’s a decision that is not yet decided. Cousins played sparingly last season while Nichol sat out after transferring from Oklahoma. Nichol, who was highly coveted out of high school, provides a high ceiling assuming he grasps the offensive system. (8)

Minnesota – Adam Weber is the most underrated quarterback in the Big Ten. After passing for 39 touchdowns and over 5,600 yards combined from the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Big 10 defensive coordinators know Weber all too well. Weber also provides the ability to run with the football. (3)

Northwestern – Senior Mike Kafka finally receives his opportunity to lead the Wildcats. He’s done admirably during his limited stints, but he’s inexperienced nonetheless. (9)

Ohio State – Terrelle Pryor is electric with the football once he’s decided to run, but needed to improve his passing efficiency.  Judging by Pryor’s spring game performance courtesy of the Big Ten Network, he’s starting to become a polished college quarterback. He will be a dark horse for the 2009 Heisman Trophy. (1)

Penn State – Daryll Clark became the Nittany Lions’ unquestioned leader last season. He’ll be asked to do more this year without Derrick Williams at wide receiver. The senior will be one of college football’s better signal callers. (2)

Purdue – The loss of Justin Stiller for academic reasons means that senior Joey Elliot takes over for the Boilermakers. He’s a senior, but a senior that attempted only 15 pass attempts last season as a third string QB. (10)

Wisconsin – Justin Sheerer, a suburban Indianapolis native that played his prep football at Hamilton Heights, enters his final year of college eligibility. He’s a good player, but not one that will take over a game. The Badgers will need more out of Sheerer than what should be expected from Sheerer if they are to compete for one of the top three spots in the Big 10. (6)

by Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

Dear IU students, fans, and residents of Bloomington:

Few fan bases resemble the one that will march into Bloomington during the first weekend of October. Yes, the imminent invasion will knock the Indiana football from the ranks of the unbeaten, but the invasion, more importantly, could be ghastly for property damage.

Confused?

First off, Terrelle Pryor and Co. will likely defeat Indiana (and most Big Ten foes) by a wide margin. If you want to debate that issue, somebody in Vegas will abide by your wishes, monetarily speaking.

Ohio State fans are not only known for their everlasting support of their beloved Buckeyes, but also for their unruliness. Not many Ohio State fans act as anarchists while playing out their drunken shenanigans, but the ones that do…

Prepare yourself for the following:

1 Thick skin – Many Ohio State fans enjoy running their mouths well before the game kicks off, let alone after Terrelle Pryor scores his third touchdown of the first half.  Big mouths + intoxication = confrontations.  Advice: take a deep breath, turn, and walk away.

2 No Parking – The Ohio State game will be a sellout, due to half the Memorial Stadium crowd cheering for the Scarlet and Grey in addition to the Cream and Crimson. That means an additional 25,000 people searching for parking spaces.

3 Hide your furniture – Whatever you do, don’t leave a couch or chair on your front porch.  Fire! Fire! Fire!

Yes, the unenviable portion of Ohio State fans are known to burn their couches when the Buckeyes lose.  That wasn’t a joke. Who is to say OSU fans won’t take their fire-starter show on the road with them in case the Hoosiers pull the colossal upset?

“Martha, what’s that smell?”

“Why I don’t know, Henry, let me look outside. Henry! Call 911! Something’s burning across the street on that student’s front porch!”

The Buckeyes are coming.  Prepare yourself.

I like to welcome our new beat writers for our 2009 coverage of the IU football team.

Beat Writers: Nate Hart and Greg Rosenstein

Columnist: Dave Leno

Hart comes from the Little 500 Beat. Rosenstein makes his way to the gridiron from the baseball beat.

Leno is returning as columnist.

Don’t forget - Brian Smith, a former recruiting analyst of Notre Dame Football will be assisting us with blog columns.

Here’s to a fun season!

By Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

Headlines across the country read, “Hoosiers knock off Michigan at the Big House.”  Let’s get right to how IU can slay the Wolverines.

First, just like with any other game, turnovers change momentum and often lead to great field position.  Considering Michigan’s penchant for turning the football over and true freshman quarterback Tate Forcier conducting the spread offense, IU holds a distinct advantage.

To create turnovers, hit the quarterback, hit the quarterback, and hit the quarterback again.  Football is barbaric and IU needs to be the aggressor.  IU defensive ends Jamie Kirlew and Greg Middleton must help take away Forcier’s inside runs, draws, and option keepers.  A battered freshman signal caller will lead to turnovers.

Run the football!  The Pistol offense makes it difficult for a defense to spotlight one player or concentrate its effort towards just stopping the run or the pass.  Draw the safeties near the line of scrimmage by running the football, then play-action pass over the top.  Voila.  It sounds so simple, but with a talented group of running backs and a vastly improved offensive line, IU should be able to pound the football against Michigan for consistent gains ranging from three-to-six yards.  Ben Chappell must deliver accurate passes – over the drawn-in safeties – to his wide receivers to seal the deal.  Michigan’s pass defense, or lack thereof, led to many loses last season.

Note: Sans Brandon Graham, a defensive end, and Obi Ezi, a linebacker, the Michigan front seven lacks its usual talent and experience. There are other talented players such as sophomore defensive tackle Mike Martin, but the Wolverines truly lack its normal front seven talent level.

The Hoosiers have the ability to defeat Michigan.  If they stick to the game plan, the headlines will favor the Hoosiers.

by Brian Smith

Special to Under The Rock

Anyone that handed a ticket to an usher and walked into the so-called Big House to watch Michigan play football knows tradition echoes out of the stadium, not noise.  One of the biggest myths in all of college football is that Michigan Stadium is, well, loud.  It’s not quiet, but it’s nothing like Tennessee or many SEC stadiums.  Take it from someone who’s been to Michigan Stadium twice.

he Hoosiers sojourn to Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sep. 26.  It will probably be a noon game, and the Michigan fans will expect an eminent victory against an opponent it usually tramples.  The Wolverines will run out of the tunnel and touch the Go Blue banner while the band is playing and the crowd is cheering.  Again, it’s not that loud, thanks to a bowl-shaped stadium which allows noise to escape into the autumn air.  Simply put, IU needs to set aside the fact they are playing the famed winged helmets and instead realize they are facing a team that is still in the infancy stages of its new offense with a freshman quarterback.  Never mind Michigan’s defensive talent undermines its stout reputation.

Could it be?  Could the Hoosiers knock off the Wolverines in Ann Arbor?

Michigan fans have been spoiled for over 100 years, but with a true freshman taking shot gun snaps and the defense not up to its traditional standards, no game is a sure win for Big Blue.  Mull over Michigan’s horrendous offensive statistics from last season:

Michigan lost 18 fumbles, averaged 143 yards passing, completed less than 49% of its passes, and barely averaged over 20 points per game, ranking Michigan last or next to last in every aforementioned Big 10 statistic.  The defense gave up nearly 29 points per game.  Not your grandfather’s Michigan, is it?

How do the Hoosiers game plan to defeat Michigan?  The strategy revealed tomorrow…