Ohio State’s Elliott, Iowa’s Ferentz receive Big Ten honors

Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, top, celebrates his touchdown against Minnesota with teammate Chase Farris during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. He has 940 career receiving yards in three seasons.

The final College Football Playoff poll will be released on Sunday, December 6. “He throws the ball really well and he finds his receivers. Considering losing teams is saying “you’re not good enough, but we’re inviting you because we’re desperate for people who will buy tickets”. Those guys are really older now, and they’re very comfortable, consistent and confident in their abilities.

Six men? All ready to go whenever? There is indeed something to be said for the effectiveness of a zone pass defense against Connor Cook.

Dantonio could have just as easily been describing Cook.

“I don’t know how to answer that because I don’t know any of the variables of that non-champion”, said Long, Arkansas’ athletic director.

Missouri, which is going through a coaching change, already said it would not accept a bid. “So everything we do, recruiting, everything points in this direction to be able to play for a Big Ten Championship with the hope that leads us to other things, great things down the line”. Noble by the Tigers but it’s doubtful the other 5-7 teams will have their same sense of chivalry.

Dantonio might as well refer to the rotation as a revolving door. “A lot of times it becomes a numbers thing and that was the issue”.

“I think anybody on the team would be a fool to go in and take an undefeated team lightly”, said senior linebacker Darien Harris who won the team’s sportsmanship award earlier in the week. He played in the 2013 Big Ten title game, the 2014 Rose Bowl and the 2015 Cotton Bowl — and won all three. Michigan State’s defense proved playoff worthy forcing four Penn State turnovers, including an interception by Malik McDowell, which was returned for a touchdown.

Teams everywhere envy that sort of depth, preparation and talent. And with Iowa occupying one of those four spots, whether or not at least one of those four teams stumble is entirely in the Spartans’ control. That isn’t an issue, but it’s odd to score seven goals one night against Dartmouth and to score one the next. He has a future in the National Football League, just like his predecessors. He has also rushed for 285 yards and six touchdowns.

And now, as the Spartans prepare to take on the Hawkeyes Saturday at 8:17 p.m.in Indianapolis, the Spartans are exactly where Dantonio has built his program to be. With Michigan State’s team total projected around 28 points, it speaks volumes to the trust that is being put in Sparty: Iowa has yet to surrender more than 27 points all season.

Even with all of the offensive weapons that Michigan State has, I think Iowa will pull off the upset. “In high school, I tried to play the way their D-backs played”. We know what it’s like to stay in Indy, the (pregame) walk-through, the whole nine yards. There will be a wrinkle here and there, but we have a pretty good idea of what they’re gonna do. It’s worth the investment. “They’re very tough to run and throw against, and I think that’s kind of been a cornerstone of their program. We’re a world-class university, in all respects, not just athletically”. “That’s my motivation to work harder and keep preparing everyweek”, said Conklin of his initial walk-on status.