Other People’s News Department

Despite my best efforts, Buckeye Commentary does not write itself. So on occasion I look to news sources for inspiration. This weekend’s draft was a good starting point. The New York Times William Rhoden had an interesting piece on the role reversal for highly sought after players in the NFL Draft. Vernon Gholston figures prominently in Rhoden’s piece about how many of the draft’s top players are in a new and uncomfortable position because they are not in control of their destiny. Unlike three or four years earlier, players are waiting to see which team they will play for instead of making the choice for themselves. Maurice Clarett even makes an appearance.

The Times also ran a story on the future of the BCS and likelihood (or lack thereof) of a playoff in college football. As with all BCS v. Playoff debates, the Big Ten looms large in this discussion because of its exclusive deal with the Pac 10 and the Rose Bowl. Ohio State President Gordon Gee reiterated his familiar stance regarding a playoff; although this time, he left out the phrase “cold dead hands.”

Speaking of the Pac 10, College Football News had a very early (and brief) look at the Ohio State v. USC game this fall. A reader asked for a breakdown of the advantages each team would have in this season’s epic showdown. Interestingly, the majority of the advantages broke in the Buckeyes favor yet Pete Fiutak still has a hard time picking against the Trojans.

Finally, the Big Ten Network informed me this afternoon that they will be airing a NFL Draft Recap Show tomorrow night at 9:00pm. To the press release:

“The Big Ten Network will present Big Ten Tonight: 2008 NFL Draft Recap.  The show will be hosted by Dave Revsine, Big Ten Network football analyst Chris Martin and the editor and publisher of Pro Football Weekly, Hub Arkush.
 
The roundtable style show will preview the professional futures of Big Ten draftees. In all, 28 Big Ten players were selected over the weekend.  Which Big Ten player will have the biggest impact in 2008?  Which Big Ten player will likely receive immediate playing time this fall?  Which Big Ten player will have the longest NFL career?”

For those of you receiving The Big Ten Network, enjoy the show (and lack of coach Gerry DiNardo).