Now that Big Ten media days have come to a close, it is time to reflect on the craziness, or lack thereof, that took place at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place on Monday and Tuesday.
While Nebraska didn't make the trip following the tragic death of punter Sam Foltz, every other team in attendance fielded questions about expectations, recruiting, and...rap videos?
Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was the highlight of an otherwise uneventful event. Harbaugh is about as quirky as college football coaches come, and that was on full display this weekend.
When asked if he would be attending the Real Madrid vs. Chelsea soccer game this weekend and if he had a rooting interest in the match, he said he would be attending and that he would be rooting for the team that "played the hardest to win".
He also said that the "cool people" like his rap video and "uptight white people" were the ones who didn't.
Aside from Harbaugh, much of the attention was focused on Lovie Smith's return to the college ranks as head coach of Illinois. The former Bears head coach said he didn't think there would be much of a learning curve.
"Even when I was in the NFL I considered myself a college coach," Smith said. "I'm talking about stressing fundamentals, trying to develop, having a personal relationship with our players in the NFL just like we will in college."
Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer answered countless questions about the expectations placed on his team, even after losing nine players to the NFL Draft.
When Kirk Ferentz was asked if the rivalry with Nebraska has heated up over the past couple seasons, he answered with a heaping spoonful of "coach-speak".
"Our goal, no matter who we're playing, is just to show up and compete," Ferentz said. "Like everybody, we want to win every game. That's our goal right now just like the other 14 teams."
There was word that Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney would announce the Big Ten's massive new media rights deal, but instead, Delaney filibustered for the first seven minutes about the history of college sports. Delaney also announced that he would be retiring in four years, which should make for quite the farewell tour. Well done commissioner.
Through all of the clichés and "coach-speak", one thing was clear: these guys are ready to play football.
They'll get their chance soon enough, as Nebraska straps up its pads for fall camp starting Thursday, August 4th. While we didn't get the chance to ask Mike Riley if he's ready, my guess is that he is too.
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Twitter: @TylerMartinOSI
Email: Tyler.Martin@KMTV.com
