By John
Harris
-
2007 Preseason Lookaheads -
Big Ten
Illinois
– Perhaps the two most important recruits in
Ron Zook’s tenure, sophomore quarterback Juice Williams and true
freshman wide receiver Arrelious Benn, proved to the 10,000 in
attendance that this offense may be ready for prime time. The two
hooked up on three pass plays of 30 + yards getting the juices flowing,
no pun intended, for what might be the scary sleeper team in the Big Ten
race.
Indiana – The continued growth of quarterback Kellen Lewis was
evident in the annual Crimson-Cream spring football game. The sophomore
paced the Cream squad with 259 yards passing, 107 of those to wide
receiver James Hardy leading the way to a 27-26 victory. The Crimson
scored a late touchdown on a pass by quarterback Ben Chappell to cut the
lead to one late in the game, but the attempt for two failed.
Iowa
– 19,000 fans showed up at Kinnick Stadium for the
final spring scrimmage. Most of them were there to take a long hard
look at the quarterback battle taking place between Jake Christensen,
Adam Farnsworth, Arvell Nelson and Richard Stanzi. Christensen is the
frontrunner in the battle to replace Drew Tate, but he didn’t stand out
in the spring game.
Michigan State
– New head coach Mark Dantonio has worked to instill a new, fresh
attitude, which was evident in the MSU spring game, as the Green
overtook the White 21-8. Redshirt freshman quarterback Connor Dixon led
the surprising Green team, completing 10-of-12 for 105 yards and a
touchdown to tight end Kellen Davis.
Michigan
– The Wolverines were team turmoil this spring losing key players to
injury and/or suspension, but that didn’t stand in the way of an
exciting 42-41 spring game won by the defense. With many holes to fill,
the defense registered the one point victory over Chad Henne’s potent
offensive crew.
Minnesota
– New head coach Tim Brewster showed off his new changes to 15,000 plus
fans who filed into the Metrodome to see the Gopher offense battle the
defense. Tony Mortensen and Adam Weber completed 17-of-28 for 178 yards
in the battle to replace Bryan Cupito.
Northwestern
– In Northwestern’s version of an NHL shootout, the Purple and White
spring game was decided by a field goal contest after the teams ended
regulation tied at 14. The Purple squad came out on top after Amado
Villarreal knocked home a 35 yarder to win. Wide receiver Eric Peterman
was the offensive star, snaring ten passes for 104 yards.
Ohio State
– Wearing VT decals in honor of the fallen students at Virginia Tech,
the Buckeyes took the field in front of more than 75,000 fans in the
Shoe. Those in attendance saw the Gray come from behind to beat the
Scarlet 17-9. Down one late in the game, the Scarlet drove inside the
red zone, but linebacker Larry Grant returned a forced fumble 80 yards
for the final Gray score. Todd Boeckman cemented himself as the
replacement for Troy Smith, at least going into fall practices.
Penn State
– 71,000 fans came out to Beaver Stadium to see the White knock off the
Blue 30-6. The White defense was led by junior linebacker Tyrell Sales,
who racked up 11 tackles, in a bid to replace former All-American Paul
Posluszny. Starting quarterback Anthony Morelli led the Blue to two
early field goals, but the White responded with 30 unanswered points to
finish on top.
Purdue
– The offense dominated the defense in the annual Black and Gold game in
West Lafayette putting up 86 points in a convincing win. Running back
Kory Sheets ran through the number one Purdue defense, piling up 105
yards on only six carries – one of which a 65 yard touchdown jaunt.
Wisconsin
– The Cardinal, loaded with many of the Badger starting players,
predictably trounced the White team 35-6. However, most fans in the
stands were glued to the performances of quarterbacks Tyler Donovan and
Allen Evridge, each vying for the starting position. Donovan finished
seven of 11 for 95 yards, one touchdown and a pick, while Evridge was
eight of 14 for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Neither has taken a firm
grasp of the starting job.