When instant replay made its much-anticipated debut in the Big Ten earlier this year, it did so to apprehension around the country; midway through the conference season it appears to be a success.
Penn State head coach Joe Paterno is happy with how replay has affected games so far.
“It appears to be working,” Paterno said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s been great.”
Instant replay has been used in most of the conference’s games this year and, although it has created some delays, most of the coaches have been pleased with the system.
Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz has never wavered in his support of replay.
“I still say it’s a great idea, great concept,” Ferentz said. “It’s a positive step for the conference.”
Some coaches who were skeptical about the idea have now been convinced after seeing it in games.
Michigan’s Lloyd Carr has been surprised by how quickly he’s warmed to the system.
“As a coach, it’s a great feeling to know you get someone else’s view on the play,” Carr said. “I’m much more comfortable with it than I thought I would be.”
After the season, the conference’s coaches will vote on whether or not they want to keep instant replay.
Indiana’s Gerry DiNardo is one of many coaches who plan on voting to keep it.
“It’s only going to get better,” DiNardo said. “I’m certainly in favor of it right now.”
BCS gives no love to Big Ten: The BCS rankings came out on Monday for the first time this year, and, surprisingly to some around the league, the Big Ten had just three teams in the top 25.
Despite being undefeated, Wisconsin is only ranked sixth and Purdue and Michigan are ranked 12th and 13th respectively.
Minnesota’s Glen Mason was amazed by the low rankings for the Big Ten.
“Joe Tiller and his crew have to be just sick,” Mason said. “They lose to an outstanding Wisconsin team and just drop.”
Wisconsin’s Barry Alvarez says his team is not worried about the BCS rankings at all.
“It’s way too early to get involved or wrapped up in the BCS right now.”
Spartans, Hawkeyes split Big Ten honors: Michigan State and Iowa both claimed co-offensive and co-special teams’ player-of-the-week honors after their huge wins over the weekend.
Quarterback Drew Stanton and kicker Dave Rayner were awarded co-offensive and co-special teams honors for their respective parts in Michigan State’s 51-17 blowout over Minnesota.
Stanton became the first Spartan to ever throw for over 300 yards and rush for more than 100. Rayner made three field goals and accounted for 15 points in the game.
Quarterback Drew Tate and kicker Kyle Schlicher also won co-offensive and co-special teams awards for their respective efforts in Iowa’s largest-ever victory over Ohio State. Tate threw for 331 yards and had four total touchdowns. Schlicher made both of his field goal attempts including a career long 45-yarder.
Wisconsin cornerback Scott Starks was named defensive player of the week in Wisconsin’s 20-17 win at Purdue. Starks scored the game-winning touchdown on a 40-yard fumble recovery and also had nine tackles and a key interception.
