After dancing around the topic Monday in his game week presser, The Vest again attempted to toe the line on yesterday's Big Ten teleconference when asked about The Game potentially being played earlier in the conference slate however he finally gave insight into his personal feelings by saying:
"I've enjoyed being a part of and observing Ohio State and Michigan playing at the end of the season but I'm not silly enough to think that my feelings are the only ones that are important."
For me, that's all Tressel really needed to say. Any real fan with experience following Tressel had to know where he stood before his comments considering all he has done to embrace the rivalry while leading the program and his historical perspective on Ohio State, the rivalry and Big Ten football, in general. I never needed or expected him to scream from the mountaintops in a public forum because (1) I felt very secure in the assumption that he voiced his opinion when asked by anyone affiliated with the university and/or conference and (2) I felt even more sure that his stated preference was aligned with the rest of a logical America evaluating the situation with money and ratings as a non-factor. Are you satisfied with Tressel's handling of the rivalry-relocation grenade? With rumors out there that the Big Ten will announce the divisional alignment later today, we may be able to finally connect the dots on what has become of the greatest rivalry in sports. Stay tuned.
Though the Buckeyes aren't allowed to look ahead to Miami, we are, with an eye on Jacory Harris. The quarterback noted recently that he's no longer wearing a wrap on the surgically repaired thumb on his throwing hand. Further, even though he initially planned to still wrap it for The U's season opener Thursday against Florida A&M, that's no longer the case. 'Cane receivers say they're feeling increased zip on his throws and HC Randy Shannon continues to support Harris via chatter that some of the 17 INT's last year were not solely the QB's fault. One thing is certain, there won't be any room for excuses if Harris doesn't show up against the Silver Bullets. In other 'Cane happenings, former Tarblooder Latwan Anderson finally gained approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse and arrived at practice this past Sunday though he didn't wear pads. One could assume Shannon is preturbed by the whole 'Twan circus as his exchange with local media was described as "surly" after he answered four separate questions with a stern "He's a walk-on" retort. In one final bit of U-news, everybody's favorite non-Buckeye, Seantrel Henderson, is currently listed as the 2nd string right tackle.
Keeping an eye on the enemy, Joe Paterno still hasn't named a starting quarterback though he might later today. Those of us far removed from the program expected sophomore Kevin Newsome to get the nod but Joe Pa claims Newsome, redshirt sophomore Kevin McGloin and true freshman Robert Bolden are all still in the running. The back-up version of Linebacker U is also without a returning starting LB though Paterno believes he's got at least five guys good enough to play. All this said, I continue to think PSU will walk into a buzz saw in Tuscaloosa on their way to a disappointing season but here's to hoping they can surprise as the conference looks to build on last season's bowl success.
If you're looking for something to do this holiday weekend, don't forget about the Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic going down in Ohio Stadium this Sunday and Monday. The second game Sunday (3:30pm) features future Buckeye QB Braxton Miller (Huber Heights Wayne) squaring off against fellow future Buckeye DE Steve Miller (Canton McKinley). The game will also be televised on ESPNU. Monday's action includes a noon tilt pitting Florida powerhouse Dwyer against Cleveland Glenville (ESPN). The Tarblooders feature three guys with offers from OSU in WR Shayne Wynn, OG Aundrey Walker and (DE) Andre Sturdivant.
