B1G Ten Tour - Latest Big Ten News & Notes

Phil Harrison's news and weekly take on the Big Ten world

Phil Harrison
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OSU’s Klein Reinstated-
When Storm Klein was booted off of the team after being charged with domestic violence, it was thought that his playing days as a Buckeye were over. Not so. Urban Meyer left himself an out by stating that Klein could be reinstated if the situation changed.

Well, the situation has indeed changed as the charges against Klein were dismissed this past week. Not missing a beat, word came quickly that the Buckeyes would get some depth back at the linebacker spot as OSU released an announcement on Urban Meyer’s behalf:

"As I had indicated previously, if there are changes in the charges against Storm, I would re-evaluate his status, “The charges that would have violated our core values have been totally dismissed. "I have spoken extensively to members of both families and that has prompted me to reassess his situation and allow him back."

Though Klein will not start and could still be facing a slight suspension, he’s a veteran and will get playing time. An extra, more than capable body at linebacker is a nice commodity to have in a physical league like the Big Ten. Just how much a part of the plans Klein becomes remains to be seen.

Looking Ahead to Alabama vs. Michigan in the “Jerry Dome”-
There is no doubt that all eyes will be on the Michigan vs. Alabama game on Saturday night. And for the Big Ten, that’s a bitter-sweet proposition. Win, and reclaim some of the negative equity that the conference has accumulated with some big game flops, lose and the perception-based bottom line goes further in the red.

If ever an Ohio State or Michigan State fan can find a little spot in their hearts to pull for their arch rival, a game against the defending national champion SEC team on national television--in prime time would be it. As the saying goes--college football is cyclical. That means that somewhere, somehow, the Big Ten should get its act together again. It has too right? Will this be a step in that direction, or will fans living in the Midwest hear the chant SEC!, SEC!, SEC! yet again?

Game on.

Big Game Part Two-
The other big game of the weekend is Boise State vs. Michigan State in East Lansing. For both teams, it’ll be a great litmus test to see which program is further along in replacing an all-time leader at quarterback.

For, Michigan State, Andrew Maxwell is the next man up. He’ll not only be trying to fill the big shoes of Kirk Cousins, he’ll be doing it with only four returning starters on offense. Most distressing is the fact that Maxwell will be trying to throw to a receiving corps that lost its top three pass catchers from 2011.

Not to be outdone, Boise is looking to try with all its might to replace an icon in Kellen Moore. Enter stage left junior Joe Southwick. In contrast to Maxwell’s plight, Southwick will be looking at a lot of veteran eyes in the huddle. There is experience across the O-line, receivers, and tight ends to help ease the rookie starter into the fold.

It’ll be two programs that have begun to assert themselves in the national limelight trying to keep things going--all while turning the keys to the offense over to a new designated driver. It’s another perception game for the Big Ten, but it’s also one in which the quarterback of the winning team will get a much needed boost of confidence. That boost of confidence will be needed on the MSU sideline if it wants to plant a stake in the notion that the program has arrived.

DISH Network and BTN At Odds-
If you have the DISH Network for your cable television provider, you had better start highlighting games on the schedule for BTN that you don’t want to miss. That’s the first step. The second step is playing phone-a-friend and reserving time with a buddy that doesn’t have the DISH Network. Why? According to sources, the Dish Network could very well drop BTN just before the slate of weekend games kick off.

The Dish Network was one of the first service providers to welcome the Big Ten Network when it launched in 2007, but the current contract is set to expire on Friday with the two sides still looking at a wide gap of negotiations.


Phil is the lead Big Ten writer for CFN. Follow him on Twitter @PhilHarrisonCFN