Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah joined the growing contingent of people shaking their heads at the recent escapades of Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston this week. Abdullah, a Heisman contender in his own right, knows Winston from time spent at regional recruiting camps while growing up in Alabama. He said Winston needs to think before he acts and show “a higher level of maturity.” Be careful, though, Ameer. The last Heisman hopeful to dish on the behavior of a Heisman winner ended up eating his words.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio can see a potential future where the playoff or bust mentality in college football creates unhealthy expectations for a long list of programs. He said coaches and players will still value their conference championship rings, but it didn’t sound like he thinks that will be enough to appease the masses. In Dantonio’s world, a league championship would be a prerequisite for getting a shot at a national championship.
While just about everyone outside of Michigan’s locker room has expressed doubts about Brady Hoke’s job performance, those inside the locker room are still passionately behind their coach, at least in public. A day after defensive coordinator Greg Mattison got worked up talking about his close relationships with Hoke, junior receiver Dennis Norfleet chastised outsiders for taking shots at his coach. The Wolverines are closing ranks and attempting to rally around their beleaguered coach. The "us against the world" approach could be just what Michigan needs, but history shows another tough loss will start to eat away at that locker room solidarity.
And now, your daily links:
East Division
James Franklin wants to see better punt returns from Penn State this week.
Maryland see its Big Ten this debut this weekend as a historic moment for the program.
Indiana lost a pair of defensive role players for the season in its big win over No. 18 Missouri.
Michigan State's Macgarrett Kings Jr. learned that "nothing is promised" the hard way this offseason.
Tickets for this Saturday's Michigan-Minnesota game came at a massive discount for some lucky fans.
Urban Meyer introduced two very special members of his team ahead of a "Coach To Cure" weekend in college football.
Kemoko Turay wants to be more than a pass rush specialist for Rutgers this season.
West Division
Nebraska's younger offensive line is making a smooth transition early in the year.
Wes Lunt needs to put together a more consistent game against Nebraska.
C.J. Beathard is ready to go at quarterback for Iowa if he gets the call on Saturday.
Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner isn't healthy yet, but won't lose his job to an injury.
Third-down efficiency is a priority for Wisconsin moving forward.
Purdue's run defense has been impressive so far, but Iowa will put it to the test.
Northwestern has never had much success when going head-to-head with the Nittany Lions.