Big Ten Tuesday mailblog

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Be sure to follow us on Twitter. To your emails ... David from Chicago writes: I may be out of step with other fans, but I would like to see Iowa schedule a MAC team and a Sun Belt team every year as non-conference opponents, in addition to keeping Iowa State on the schedule. The ultimate goal is to go to the best bowl game as possible, and a guaranteed two (or three) non-conference wins are more important than strength of schedule. If Iowa can consistently go 5-4 to 7-2 in Big Ten play (optimistic but doable), this strategy should translate to seven to ten total wins and a solid bowl invite.

Painter on additions, Hammons and more - Purdue [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Big Ten prepping nine-game schedule

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

The Big Ten unveiled its 2015 conference schedule this month, which was basically just a mirror image of the 2014 schedule that came out in May. While those schedules are noteworthy for their inclusion of Maryland and Rutgers for the first time, the real intrigue will come with the 2016 Big Ten schedule. That, of course, will be the first year of a new nine-game conference schedule. Teams will find out whether they'll be playing five or four home conference games that year, which could have a huge impact on how they schedule nonconference opponents.

2014 Purdue Basketball Recruiting: Myles Turner

Source: Hammer and Rails by Travis Miller

Much has been made about the lack of top-notch 5-star recruits that coach Matt Painter has been able to lure to West Lafayette. Well, that could change:

Just confirmed that Purdue, Ohio State and Virginia has just offered ESPN 100 #10 Myles Turner. That is a really good move on their part !

— Reggie Rankin (@ReggieRankin) June 17, 2013

Coach Painter is definitely swinging for the fences here, as the No. 10 national recruit would easily be his best commitment if he is able to land Turner. One could argue that it would be Purdue's highest profile recruit since Glenn Robinson.

So let's learn

Summer QB checkup: Indiana

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Quarterback competitions took center stage around the Big Ten this spring and will continue to do so when preseason camps kick off in August. As camp approaches, we're examining each of the unsettled signal-caller races in the league, where they stand and what needs to be done in the all important summer months. Up next, Indiana. The candidates: Tre Roberson, 6-foot, 200, redshirt sophomore; Cameron Coffman, 6-2, 203, junior; Nate Sudfeld, 6-5, 234, sophomore Statistics: Roberson was Indiana's opening-day starter in 2012 and completed 33 of 50 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns with an interception, to go along with 133 rush yards and three touchdowns, before suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 2.

Badgers' secondary depth takes another hit

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Wisconsin's secondary, which was already a position facing some depth concerns this season, has suffered its second departure by a safety in about a week. Last week, redshirt freshman Reggie Mitchell -- who had practiced as the team's starting free safety this spring -- was granted his release for an expected transfer to Pittsburgh. Now there is word that Donnell Vercher, a junior college transfer whom the Badgers signed in February to help shore up the safety spot, isn't coming to Madison after all.

Poll: B1G's top receiver in 2013

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Earlier today, Adam and I debated who will lead the Big Ten in receiving yards in 2013. Now, it's your turn to choose. Here are five candidates: Allen Robinson, Penn State: The obvious choice, as Robinson led the league by a wide margin last year with 77 catches and 1,013 yards as a sophomore. Can he maintain or improve upon those numbers, especially with an inexperienced quarterback at the controls for the Nittany Lions? Cody Latimer, Indiana: My dark horse pick to unseat Robinson, Latimer has impressive size and hands and is coming off a year in which he caught 51 balls for 805 yards.

Big Ten lunch links

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez is enjoying life in the wild, wild West. More on QB Wes Lunt's transfer to Illinois here and here and here and here. Check out the latest ESPN 300 recruiting rankings. Michigan still tops ESPN's class rankings . A closer look at the classes for Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan . Northwestern's recruiting momentum rolls on with its 12th pledge for the 2014 class. Minnesota adds a decorated high school center to its recruiting class.

Entrance Interview: Basil Smotherman - Purdue [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

OSU fans make nonconference picks

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Last week, we asked you to pick the nonconference opponent you'd most like to see your favorite team play in the near future. You could pick a team already on the upcoming schedule or one that inexplicably hasn't been added. The response, not surprisingly, has been strong. If you haven't done so already, please send us your picks here and here, and be sure to identify your Big Ten allegiance and why you're picking a certain nonconference foe. Ohio State fans responded en masse, and here's a sampling of their non-league picks.

B1G Official Visit: Cornhuskers get hot

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Mitch Sherman stops by to talk about the suddenly red-hot Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Jared Shanker talks about a return of the Cradle of Quarterbacks at Purdue.

Boilermakings Has Very Low Expectations

Source: Hammer and Rails by Travis Miller

Any season where Purdue is picked to lose to Indiana in football should be considered a bad one. That is exactly what USA Today expects, as Purdue falls to No. 89 nationally in their preview of every FBS team in the nation. They have very low expectations for year one under Darrell Hazell, so I guess we will have to prove them wrong.

College football countdown | No. 89: Purdue
New Purdue coach Darrell Hazell will look to build the program from the bottom up.

Joe Rocchio (left of Painter in this photo) has been offered a position as basketball manager by Matt Painter. Joe is an incoming freshman

B1G Official Visit: Cornhuskers get hot

Source: ESPN YouTube

On this Official Visit, Mitch Sherman stops by to talk about the suddenly red hot Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Jared Shanker joins us to talk about a return of the Cradle of Quarterbacks at Purdue.

Video: Penn State's X factor

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Versatile defensive back Adrian Amos, who moved from cornerback to safety this spring, will be the X factor for Penn State in 2013.

Boilermakings Has Very Low Expectaitons

Source: Hammer and Rails by Travis Miller

Any season where Purdue is picked to lose to Indiana in football should be considered a bad one. That is exactly what USA Today expects, as Purdue falls to No. 89 nationally in their preview of every FBS team in the nation. They have very low expectations for year one under Darrell Hazell, so I guess we will have to prove them wrong.

College football countdown | No. 89: Purdue
New Purdue coach Darrell Hazell will look to build the program from the bottom up.

Take Two: Big Ten's top receiver in 2013

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right. We're in the process of projecting the Big Ten's statistical leaders for the 2013 season. We've already offered our choices for the league's top rusher and top passer. So naturally, today's Take Two topic is: Who will lead the Big Ten in receiving yards this year?

Missed our $99 deal? Here's another chance - Purdue (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

If you missed Rivals.com's GetGear99 deal this spring, good news: You have another chance. But for a limited time only.

Bedford forward commits to Purdue women's basketball

Source: Journal & Courier

Last year at Purdue's Elite Camp, Dominique McBryde received a scholarship offer from coach Sharon Versyp.

Sophomore grabs camp offer - Purdue [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Former WNBA president believes women's basketball needs changes to grow

Source: Journal & Courier

Val Ackerman has done her work. It's time for the NCAA to take the next step in the growth of women's basketball.

Former Purdue guard calls pro basketball experience in Lithuania educational

Source: Journal & Courier

Jackson's team was one of the youngest in the league. The roster included two 30-year-olds. Everyone else was no older than 25. The season ended in late April.

Former Purdue guard's pro basketball experience in Lithuania educational

Source: Journal & Courier

Jackson's team was one of the youngest in the league. The roster included two 30-year-olds. Everyone else was no older than 25. The season ended in late April.

M. Swimming. Catching Up With Purdue Alumni on Cliff Diving World Series

Source: Purdue Official Site

Amidst their busy summer travel schedules, Purdue diving alumni David Colturi and Steve LoBue made time this month to return to the places where their journeys to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series began.

Big Ten Monday mailbag

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

I like the way you work it. I got to 'bag it up. A.J. from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Hey Brian, this is a question regarding the B1G and the SEC. Could part of the reason it's been so hard for the B1G to stay competitive on a national level with the SEC be weather? For instance, it wouldn't be ridiculous to think that recruits would want to choose a school where you almost always play in sunny and warm conditions, and could prevent recruits from wanting to be in the Midwest.

Video: Northwestern's X factor

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Sophomore tight end Dan Vitale will help Northwestern's passing attack create better balance in the offense during the 2013 season

GoldandBlack.com's top athletes: No. 10 - Purdue (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

It was hard for Terone Johnson to be happy with his individual performance - the third-team All-Big Ten honors and team-leading points per game - with the team struggling. But he did enough to warrant a spot on our top 10 list.

Coach: Blough 'the total deal' - Purdue [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

MSU fans make nonconference picks

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Last week, we asked you to pick the nonconference opponent you'd most like to see your favorite team play in the near future. You could pick a team already on the upcoming schedule or one that inexplicably hasn't been added. The response, not surprisingly, has been strong. If you haven't done so already, please send us your picks here and here, and be sure to identify your Big Ten allegiance and why you're picking a certain nonconference foe. Michigan State fans had some good thoughts on this topic, and here are several of them from around Sparta.

75 Days To Purdue Football: Josh Davis

Source: Hammer and Rails by Travis Miller

Today's featured player is one that could play a big role this coming season in terms of offensive line depth.

Josh Davis - Jr.

Plain City, Ohio (Jonathan Alder HS)

6'5", 300 pounds

Offensive Line

2013 Projection: Reserve on offensive line

Purdue looks like most of its starters are set going into 2013 along the offensive line. Guys like Robert Kugler, Kevin Pamphile, Cody Davis, and Devin Smith are pretty much locked in based on their experience. Depth is always needed in

Could QB transfer save Beckman at Illinois?

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Illinois coach Tim Beckman finally got his man as former Oklahoma State Wes Lunt has decided to transfer to the Illini, colleague Joe Schad is reporting. Lunt, who passed for 1,108 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions as a freshman at Oklahoma State, picked Illinois ahead of Sugar Bowl champion Louisville. He'll sit out the 2013 season and have three seasons of eligibility left with the Illini. Although Lunt is a Rochester, Ill., native, his transfer choice is sure to raise some eyebrows given the seemingly opposite trajectories of Illinois and Louisville.

77 Days To Purdue Football: Joey Warburg

Source: Hammer and Rails by Travis Miller

Once again, I am slightly behind on the countdown, so let's get right to the player that was due to be featured on Saturday.

Joey Warburg - Fr. (RS)

Louisville, Kentucky (Trinity HS)

6'5", 260 pounds

Offensive Line

2013 Projection: Reserve on offensive line

As is typical for most jersey numbers in the 70's we're dealing with an offensive lineman. Joey Warburg was a three-star recruit out of Louisville's Trinity High School. While there he won consecutive high school state championships and he blocked for incoming running back Dalyn Dawkins. Dawkins was a year behind Warburg, but

2013 Indiana All-Star Series: Next Stop Purdue

Source: Hammer and Rails by Travis Miller

Bryson Scott and Basil Smotherman officially ended their high school careers on Saturday as the Indiana All-Stars defeated the Kentucky All-Stars 84-77 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This came a night after the Indiana All-Stars thrashed Kentucky 114-60 at Freedom Hall in Louisville. It was a solid week overall for both Bryson and Basil. They went 4-0, including their sweep of the junior All-Stars I wrote about last Friday.

In Friday night's game everybody looked good for Indiana as our All-Stars set a record for margin of victory in the series. Indiana has now won 11 straight over the Kentucky All-Stars. Bryson had 15 points and five rebounds while going 6 of 7 at the line. Smotherman did not score and missed two free

Athlon makes its All-Big Ten picks

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

You know the season is getting closer and closer as more publications come out with their official previews and preseason all-conference teams. Phil Steele offered his All-Big Ten selections earlier this month, and now Athlon has come out with its picks for all-conference performers. You can view the publication's first-, second- and third-team choices here. Some notes on the picks: Athlon differs with Steele on a few key choices, including Penn State's Kyle Carter over Wisconsin's Jacob Pedersen as first-team tight end.

Entrance Interview: Evan Panfil - Purdue [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Big Ten lunchtime links

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Had a good weekend. Went bird hunting with Ken Cosgrove. Some reasons for optimism for Illinois, according to Howard Griffith. Indiana defensive line signee Darius Latham put his appetite on display (subscription required). Iowa's opener vs. Northern Illinois will set the tone for the season, Bryce Miller writes. A Texas safety became the Hawkeyes' sixth commitment. A walk-on linebacker was injured in a moped accident. Michigan no longer is looking for a transfer quarterback.

Purdue football adds two more recruits to 2014 class after camp

Source: Purdue Exponent

Purdue hosted over 200 high school football players at its Elite football camp Friday night. Made up of individuals headed into their senior season of high school, their skills were tested in various

Hey Johnny Football: Shut up and learn something.

Source: Boiled Sports

Johnny B. Good (sometimes)In case you didn't know it, Johnny Manziel lives a blessed, privileged life.  Hell, from where I'm sitting, I think college athletes have it pretty damned good...and this guy is living waaaaaaaaaaay above the average college football player's rent.

I left college with student loans, searching for a job and not having much of a network after I got off campus...and still felt pretty blessed and lucky to have a Purdue diploma.  Conversely, it seems pretty chic for college athletes to continually ask how and why they don't have more than they

Big Ten fourth in recruiting rankings

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Brady Hoke and Urban Meyer have Michigan and Ohio State recruiting at a nationally elite level. Penn State continues to bring in decorated prospects despite the heavy NCAA sanctions and scholarship reductions imposed on the program. Northwestern's 2014 recruiting is off to a splendid start, and Pat Fitzgerald is poised to sign the best class of his tenure. Nebraska's recent recruiting surge puts the program on solid footing entering the middle of the summer.

Future Boilermakers help Indiana sweep Kentucky in basketball all-star game

Source: Purdue Exponent

Two future Boilermakers helped all-stars from Indiana defeat a team of all-stars from Kentucky Saturday at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Nebraska's recruiting picks up steam

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

The Big Red weekend met several goals for Nebraska, not the least of which was mitigating fan panic about the Huskers' 2014 recruiting class. Angst usually runs high in the football-obsessed Cornhusker State, and fans had some understandable concern when June began and Nebraska's commits total for 2014 sat at just two. The number figured to climb during Nebraska's top recruiting weekend of the summer, but by how much? The Huskers ended up adding four verbal commitments during Big Red weekend, to go along with two pledges -- offensive lineman Tanner Farmer and quarterback Zack Darlington -- in the days leading up to the event.

Purdue Football Entrance Interview: Johnny Daniels

Source: Hammer and Rails by Travis Miller

Evan Massey continues to be a great asset here, as he has been able to make connections with multiple incoming recruits for interviews. In the most recent interview he spoke with incoming defensive tackle Johnny Daniels.

Evan:

Johnny:

Evan:

Johnny:

Evan: What made you choose to sign with the Boilermakers?

Johnny: The coaching staff came off as "trustworthy" to me. I've heard about Coach Hazel and his previous success at Kent and how they were a rising talent, and I could relate, so that's another one. Then Purdue made me feel like I could grow not only as a good player, but a successful student and man as well.

Evan: What do you feel is

Delany: Big Ten bowl lineup taking shape

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Bits and pieces continue to come out about the next Big Ten bowl lineup, which will take effect in 2014. We know the league has added the Pinstripe Bowl to its lineup, that it will be involved in the new Detroit Lions-run bowl and that it will likely add at least one more California game (Holiday) if not two (Kraft Fight Hunger). So when will we see the full, official lineup? Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany told ESPN.com on Friday that he hopes it will be "weeks, not months.

Meeting Michael Jordan a thrill for former Purdue basketball star Hummel

Source: Journal & Courier

As he was maturing into an excellent AAU, high school and then college standout at Purdue, Valparaiso native Robbie Hummel adored Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' NBA championship teams of the 1990s.

Tight end prospect emerges at camp - Purdue [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Purdue's Scott helps Indiana boys basketball All-Stars complete sweep

Source: Journal & Courier

For Purdue basketball recruit Bryson Scott, Saturday is a day he never will forget.

Indiana girls basketball All-Stars earn split after 100-86 victory over Kentucky

Source: Journal & Courier

How much confidence does Bridget Perry bring to the Purdue women's basketball team after leading Indiana in scoring in both games against Kentucky?

Purdue football adds Texas quarterback to 2014 recruiting class

Source: Journal & Courier

Maybe David Blough was destined to be a Boilermaker after all.

Indiana girls earn split after 100-86 victory over Kentucky

Source: Journal & Courier

Incoming Purdue freshman Bridget Perry scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Indiana pull away from Kentucky 100-86 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

2014 Purdue Football Recruiting: David Blough

Source: Hammer and Rails by tschapman

These days it seems like Purdue has started to capitalize on its "Cradle of Quarterbacks" moniker, landing two highly ranked quarterback prospects in Austin Appleby and Danny Etling the past two years. Add another name to that growing list of acclaimed quarterbacks choosing Purdue, with Elite 11 quarterback David Blough giving his commitment to Coach Darrell Hazell earlier today.

The 6-foot-1 quarterback chose Purdue over offers from Memphis and New Mexico State, but had begun to see his stock skyrocket since receiving an invitation to the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp on May 7. The offer came from Purdue's very own Drew Brees via Twitter.

On behalf of coach @TDESPN the

Purdue football: Texas quarterback commits

Source: Journal & Courier

Purdue's Elite Camp paid another dividend Saturday when Texas quarterback David Blough announced he plans to join the Boilermaker program beginning in the 2014 season.