Michael Ferns, 4-star inside linebacker, is one of Michigan's marquee 2014 commitments. He's the No. 6 inside linebacker in the 2014 class and the No. 4 player from the state of Ohio, both according to the 247Sports composite rankings. So, not only is he a big-time recruit nationally at his position, but he's also one of the top players from "that state down south".  If you're a true maize and blue Michigan fan, I shouldn't have to explain ...

Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis is encouraged by the increased athleticism and depth of the Cornhuskers' defense this fall.  But he clearly does not want this optimism to translate into elevated expectations for his Blackshirts in 2013.His post-practice comments to the media appeared hesitant and calculated as he tiptoed the line between encouragement and hype.Yet he did so for good reason.Entering this fall, Papuchis can take comfort in the rock-bottom expectations for his defensive unit.Despite ...

On Thursday evening in Norman, Oklahoma, coach Bob Stoops laid to rest one of the week's most hotly discussed rumors: who would be the starting quarterback for the Sooners against Louisiana-Monroe. As reported by OU's athletic site, Sooner Sports, Oklahoma will be trotting out redshirt freshman Trevor Knight as its starter. Heading into the fall, it seemed that junior quarterback, Blake Bell—"The Belldozer"—would finally get his chance to shine for OU. Instead, the former short-yardage package player will ...

College football juniors can sometimes be the best available NFL draft prospects. While seniors are thrown into the pool of talent each year due to graduation, juniors have a choice to either return to school or bolt for the next level if they are good enough. And if that NFL draft stock begins to flash dollar signs, there's a good chance said player isn't returning to school. Every year, there are many juniors who generate so ...

There isn’t a more polarizing player in all of college basketball right now than Aaron Craft. Ohio State fans in particular love him for obvious reasons, but he garners plenty of hate as well. In fact, he was the only current player to make Grantland’s most hated college basketball players of the last 30 years bracket. It is a strange phenomenon, but partially because of the divisive nature of Craft’s game, the argument can be made that ...

North Carolina's 2013-14 nonconference schedule doesn't appear to be nearly as nasty as past seasons. There is a possibility the Tar Heels will face Louisville in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 24, but we can't guarantee that will happen. There are a couple teams on the nonconference schedule that could cause some problems for UNC, though.  And the ACC expansion made the conference schedule even tougher with the additions of Notre Dame, Pittsburgh ...

NCAA basketball has been flirting with record-low scoring numbers in recent years, making point production a priority for recruiters around the country. Whether they’re low-post bruisers or long-range gunners, there are plenty of imposing offensive weapons to be found in the recruiting class of 2014. One of the best examples of the latter category is Texas product Kelly Oubre. The small forward may be one-dimensional, but one dimension multiplied by many three-point baskets equals a big-time scoring ...

As if college basketball isn't entertaining enough by itself, several of its most recognizable coaches do a superb job of adding to the festivities. With the right men on the sideline, the on-court action can become secondary to the real show. The coach's home fans love to watch him get fired up. The opponents love to make fun of the outrage. Television highlight producers love that their jobs are made so much easier thanks to the ...

This college basketball offseason has a stench to it. From P.J. Hairston driving like a fool to Marshall Henderson being Marshall Henderson to the NCAA's lack of compassion, we really need basketball games to start. Pronto. And here's the good news: It's getting closer, and this season has the potential to be the most entertaining of this century. You have (potentially) great players, the (potential) greatest recruiting class of all time and a (potential) repeat champ. The dog days ...

As much as Michigan basketball fans hate to admit it, the Wolverines do not match up well with every team on its 2013-14 schedule. In fact, there are five opponents the Maize and Blue faithful should be very concerned about. A few of these teams gave the Wolverines problems during the 2012-13 campaign. Three of the squads you will read about boasted a 4-2 overall record against Michigan a season ago. The other two are newcomers ...