Yardbarker: Brady Quinn

Free Brady Quinn

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:08:05 -0500

Am I missing something? I just don't get it. Derek Anderson has been simply awful. Free Brady Quinn!

Week 7 Big Ten wrap with blogpoll

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:22:37 -0500

Yesterday was frustrating in more ways than one for Purdue fans. It was such a topsy-turvy day in the Big Ten that we were the only visiting team to a Big Ten Stadium that did not walk away with a victory. Now we find ourselves with the difficult, but not impossible, task of needing to win four of our last six games so we might sneak back to Detroit for the Motor City Bowl. At least we're past the hardest part of our schedule now. Before we get to the blogpoll ballot, let's rank the Big Ten again. Since we're at the midway point or further, we can also talk about bowl chances for each team as well.

11. (11) Indiana (2-4, 0-3) Result: Iowa 45, Indiana 9 a?" The Hoosier Report summed things up best on Saturday night in calling the loss to Iowa a season-ender. Though they currently sit at 2-4, the Hoosiers haven't been nearly as competitive as Purdue, nor does it look like they will be able to pull off four more wins on the season with Illinois, Wisconsin, and Penn State remaining. They are 2-4 after the easiest part of their schedule, while we are 2-4 after the hardest part.

Indiana's offense is stagnant and one-dimensional, while the defense cannot stop anyone. That is a recipe for failure. There is no running game to speak of. Opposing teams haven't had trouble either, especially since Shonn Greene and Indiana native Jewel Hampton both ran for more than 100 yards yesterday. At this point, Indiana will be lucky to win another game.

10. (8) Michigan (2-4, 1-1) Result: Toledo 13, Michigan 10 a?" The last time Michigan did not play in a bowl game was after the 1974 season. The only reason they missed a game that year was because it was the final season that the Big Ten allowed only its champion to play in a post-season game. Michigan has been a postseason regular for 33 consecutive seasons since. After losing to a godawful Toledo team yesterday, their first ever loss to a MAC quad, the streak is now in serious jeopardy.

The only Game that Matters joins the Hoosier Report and me from two weeks ago in saying that the sky is falling for our respective programs. Should the Big Ten indeed get both Penn State and Ohio State into the BCS it looks like Indiana, Purdue, and Michigan will be the three left at home at the moment. Sadly, Michigan's streak is the longest in the country, and three more losses would hand that honor over to Florida State, who will likely play in their 27^th straight bowl.

9. (10) Purdue (2-4, 0-2) Result: Ohio State 16, Purdue 3 a?" Perhaps I am just overly delusional at this point. Michigan got the 10 spot because it has at least shown a pretty good defense even if its offense couldn't score in a women's prison with a fistful of pardons. Purdue is playing better at the moment, but that means very little.

I outlined our own bowl hopes yesterday, so there is no need to go over them again. If the Boilers can get a game in Evanston this weekend, things will likely calm down, at least somewhat, in West Lafayette. If not, I still think there is hope for next year. It's not going to be as bad as it seems, even if the GBI boards are in full meltdown mode.

8. (5) Wisconsin (3-3, 0-3) Result: Penn State 48, Wisconsin 7 a?" Three weeks ago I thought Wisconsin had a chance at the national championship. Now they may not even make a bowl game at this rate. Illinois and Michigan State are more than capable of beating the Badgers. If that happens, Wisconsin has little margin for error next week against Iowa or in the Big Ten finale against Minnesota.

The Badgers should be embarrassed with the crap game it turned in Saturday night at home. Penn State only outgained them by less than 70 yards, but did so much more with the ball when they had it. It is honestly hard to see where this one got away except for the punt return by Derrick Williams. The Iowa game this week will be important for both teams.

7. (9) Iowa (4-3, 1-2) Result: Iowa 45, Indiana 9 a?"After the past two seasons Saturday's win over Indiana had to be pretty sweet. Indiana had embarrassed them on consecutive occasions, but the Hawkeyes turned the tables. Now a bowl game looks like a better possibility, especially if they can take advantage of a down Wisconsin team this week. I'd give the edge to the Badgers, but the Purdue-Iowa game on November 15^th could be an elimination game.

Iowa had a dual-headed running game from Hampton and Greene yesterday, but they have to get better play from the quarterback position if they are going to get the mandatory two wins needed. Andy Brodell did make the Hoosiers look silly though. As far as bowl hopes, they would get a huge boost by beating Wisconsin and hurting the Badgers even further.

6. (3) Illinois (3-3, 1-2) Result: Minnesota 27, Illinois 20 a?" After yesterday, my original comparison of Illinois this year to Purdue of 2002 look even better. Illinois can play with any team in the country, but they can lose to just about anyone as well. They are no longer a lock for a bowl game either with Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Northwestern left on the schedule. All three of those could easily be losses, and a dangerous trip to a pretty good Western Michigan team in November could trip them up. Just ask Iowa about November games against the Broncos. They need to take that seriously, unlike yesterday.

It is clear that Illinois needs a better running game. Minnesota never had to worry about it yesterday and sacked Juice Williams five times. It may have been the most wasted 462 yard performance since Brady Quinn threw for 400+ against Purdue in 2004.

5. (6) Northwestern (5-1, 1-1) Result: Michigan State 37, Northwestern 20 a?" I was actually a little disappointed that Northwestern lost yesterday, because a win would have given us a bonus chance at knocking off a ranked team. Sometimes college football is all about matchups. I feel we match up well with them, and I liked our chances had they been ranked to find a cheap way of ending our streak. Sadly, our only chance remaining will come at Michigan State, and it is not a good one. Northwestern will still get one more win for a bowl bid.

Tyrell Sutton is yet another impressive back we must contain his week. He went for 139 yards against a pretty good defense, but like Illinois on the day, Northwestern had finishing issues. Both teams from the state to the west of us grossly outgained their opponents while playing at home, yet it was the opponent that walked away with a win. We will need to be as efficient as Michigan State to get the win. They are disappointed, so we must take advantage.

4. (7) Minnesota (6-1, 2-1) Result: Minnesota 27, Illinois a?" Everything from this point forward is gravy. Minnesota will be playing somewhere in the postseason even if they collapse and lose the last five games. That isn't likely going to happen if they continue to play balanced, smart football. They get a week off to prepare for us, and they still have a weak Michigan team left.

Minnesota is not turning the ball over, moving it well, and now has a pretty good pass rush in order to cause disruptions with a much improved defense. The only cause for concern is the fact that the passing game is grossly skewed towards Eric Decker. He has almost half of the passing game's production. If we can slow him down in two weeks out chances at winning will greatly improve.

3. (2) Ohio State (6-1, 3-0) Result: Ohio State 16, Purdue 3 a?" I don't know if our defense played out of its minds or if Ohio State is just struggling right now, but I cannot believe we held one of the best backs in the country below 100 yards when we couldn't stop the worst rushing team in the country last year just two weeks ago. The Buckeye Battle Cry thinks they held back. Ohio State is too one-dimensional, but if they show up in East Lansing like they did in Madison they will be fine.

It is now a two game season for them. If they win the next two weeks they will clear their two largest hurdles for the Big Ten title. Northwestern and Illinois could be dangerous, but in reality Michigan State and Penn State are all that remain. If they don't get more of a passing game they will lose both.

2. (4) Michigan State (6-1, 3-0) Result: Michigan State 37, Northwestern 20 a?" This is the week we find out if Michigan State is real. If they can knock off Ohio State they will put themselves in line for a very special season. It would mean a potential season finally in Happy Valley where an unbeaten Penn State could end up losing the Rose Bowl to a one loss Michigan State team. I think the Spartans are that good.

Even the Cal loss isn't looking that bad at this point, as explained by the Spartan's Weblog. The more that Michigan State can prove it doesn't need Javon Ringer to go apeshit on teams to win the better. I actually like his chances after our own Kory Sheets had a decent game against a normally stout Buckeye run defense.

1. (1) Penn State (7-0, 3-0) Result: Penn State 48, Wisconsin 7 a?" It's not a gay thing, it's a dominance thing. Penn State raped and pillaged Madison on Saturday night, and now they have moved into the top 3 nationally. They are now the conference's only hope to win a national championship this season. Best of all, they will likely get there if they patiently take care of business. The odds are good that someone ahead of them will fall before the end of the season, especially since Texas still has games against Texas Tech, Missouri, and Oklahoma State.

Unfortunately, Penn State still must go to Ohio State where it has constantly struggled. Not only that, a season ending game against a very good Michigan State team could be trouble. That said, they have manhandled everyone so far in getting to 7-0. They are here at #1 until someone physically takes it from them. Your turn, Michigan.

CBS Sports Blogpoll ballot:

I was hoping that Missouri would have pulled off last night's game with Oklahoma State in order to immediately reward us with a #1 vs. #2 matchup this coming week. Instead, the Longhorns take my top spot. I also leapfrogged Penn State to #2 simply because of conference loyalty, Alabama not playing, and irrational dislike of Nick Saban. Ball State keeps on moving up at the bottom, and i think it will be interesting to see where BYU ends up playing if unbeaten teams from BCS conferences continue to fall. As usual, feel free to critique the draft ballot before Wednesday's final goes up.

Rank	Team	Delta

1	Texas	3
2	Penn State	4
3	Alabama	1
4	Texas Tech	3
5	Oklahoma State	12
6	Florida	5
7	Oklahoma	6
8	Brigham Young	2
9	Southern Cal	--
10	Georgia	2
11	Missouri	6
12	Ohio State	2
13	Utah	1
14	LSU	11
15	Boise State	--
16	North Carolina	9
17	South Florida	3
18	Kansas	3
19	Michigan State	3
20	Virginia Tech	1
21	Ball State	1
22	Tulsa	4
23	California	3
24	Wake Forest	2
25	Vanderbilt	12

Dropped Out: Auburn (#18), Wisconsin (#23), Northwestern (#24).

Vindication for Charlie Frye

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:11:14 -0500

Fans in Cleveland are starting to clamor for Brady Quinn to start over Derek Anderson, a feeling that may only grow stronger with the Browns upcoming game against the Giants. As you'll recall, Anderson rose to prominence with his pro bowl-level play after getting the starting job at halftime of week one. The guy who was benched in favor of him was none other than Charlie Frye. However, in an ironic twist, Frye's position as a starter now seems more secure than Anderson's. Due to injuries at #1 and #2 quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Frye finally gets another shot. Just like Derek Anderson last year, he comes into the game with no pressure on his shoulders, which might help him play relaxed and confidently, knowing he has nothing to lose.

Can Politics Divide A Locker Room?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:10:43 -0500

You often see actors, musicians and other high profile celebrities throwing their name behind political candidates but it's not often that you hear about an athlete. Why is that? Do athletes not care as much OR is there another element at play, namely the coaches? The stories were circulating about QB Brady Quinn's introduction of Presidential nominee John McCain at a rally on Wednesday and now the story of Romeo Crennel wanting it to stop. There are a few athletes who have chosen sides and been active, here is a brief list...

My Friends, Brady Quinn is a Fruit

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:45:55 -0500

This whole election is really like a horrible reality show. Except the end result won't be a 2-month marriage briefly mentioned in the tabloids and forgotten soon after, but potentially another 4 years of embarrassing leadership for the entire country. This ish is just unreal.

I hate Brady Quinn. I hate Sarah Palin. I hate McCain. I hate this video.

McCain and Palin rally in Strongsville

My Friends, Brady Quinn is a Fruit

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:45:55 -0500

McCain and Palin rally in Strongsville

If Only They Made "5-Hour Pass Catching" Drinksa??

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:28:18 -0500

I'm sure by now you all have seen the commercials… our boy Braylon Edwards is shilling for 5-Hour Energy drinks: "Yeah, my friend always wants one of mine and I have to say get your own. I'm like the 5-Hour Energy Designated Driver." How about this, Braylon: how about you spend more time being the 3-Hour Pro Bowl Pass Catcher that we Browns fans saw last year instead of worrying about your endorsement of crappy products?

What else ya got up your sleeve?

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:37:58 -0500

During their bye week, the news has been slow (some would say, thankfully so). But, with the World Champs coming to town next Monday night, and the Browns languishing at 1-3, one can't help but wonder (perhaps "pray" is a better word) if perhaps the Browns' coaches have been cooking up some new things during the bye week.

The Link Tent | 10.3.08

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:20:42 -0500

BABES: Minka Kelly or new Friday night obsession, Sarah Shahi?
BABES: Los Angeles Temptation practice: Quarterback-center snaps at the bar
BABES: Shannon Doherty: Hot or Not?

SPORTS: Raiders demise is MADDENing
SPORTS: National Geographic: Wide Receiver species
SPORTS: NBA player found in paleontologist's yard post-Ike
SPORTS: Four NFL franchises in need of bailout plans
SPORTS: 30 NFL covers from SI that represent the league quite nicely
SPORTS: SI never gets things right with their Cubs covers
SPORTS: Brady Quinn should never have graduated college
SPORTS: Palin picks Clinton (Portis) campaign video
SPORTS: NFL players, officials and WAGs as South Park characters

STUFF: Other people's shame
STUFF: Playboy's Women of Wall Street casting call

A Franchise In Denial

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:47:45 -0500

As the Cleveland Browns sit and rest over the Bye Week while waiting to take on the New York Giants on Monday Night Football (again), it's understandable that this would be a time of reflection for the Browns organization and the media alike. After all, this season has not exactly turned out like anyone around this franchise had envisioned. Unfortunately, it seems like it's only the media and fans who are asking questions. It seems like we are the only ones who understand that the status quo is not working.

[Browns] Browns QB Brady Quinn Gets More First Team Reps

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:42:39 -0500

Contrary to some national and local reports, Browns quarterback Brady Quinn did receive additional reps last week with the No. 1 offense. Quinn said...

[Browns] Browns QB Brady Quinn Gets More First Team Reps

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:42:39 -0500

Contrary to some national and local reports, Browns quarterback Brady Quinn did receive additional reps last week with the No. 1 offense. Quinn said...

Previewing the Browns-Bengals Battle

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:19:34 -0500

Two teams desperate for a win collide in the Queen City on Sunday, as the 0-3 Browns take on the 0-3 Bengals in the Battle of Ohio - Part One.A These two teams met in week 16 last year, and the Bengals knocked their rivals out of the playoffs with a win.A Little has gone [...]

A Win is a Win

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:19:33 -0500

Well, the Brownies got their first win of the 08 season. It was not pretty, but it still counts the same. The Browns didn't wake up until the end of the 3rd quarter. The 4th quarter was quite good if you ask me. We have a tough schedule the rest of the year. I honestly [...]

Week 4 Preview Browns at Bengals

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:18:58 -0500

Two teams desperate for a win collide in the Queen City on Sunday, as the 0-3 Browns take on the 0-3 Bengals in the Battle of Ohio - Part One. These two teams met in week 16 last year, and the Bengals knocked their rivals out of the playoffs with a win. Little [...]