Iowa writer picks Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi as the best in the Big Ten.
The strength of his fourth-quarter numbers has prompted one preseason prognosticator to name Iowa's Ricky Stanzi the top quarterback in the Big Ten.Cleveland, Ohio -- The only thing less useful than a cork on the Titanic is a preseason football poll. But that doesn't mean all us sports fans don't eat, drink, breathe and sleep 'em.
So comes a fellow named Bret Feddern, a featured columnist for bleacherreport.com, opining about the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. His No. 1? Rick Stanzi of Iowa - and Lake Catholic High School - over Terrelle Pryor of Ohio State.
Not to worry, Buckeye fans. Feddern insists that his residence in Iowa, his allegiance to the Hawkeyes and his faux-hawk (get it?) are totally irrelevant in his rankings:
Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi completed 56 percent of his throws last year for 2,417 yards and 17 touchdowns. Solid, but nothing too lavish. He also threw 15 interceptions, four of which were returned for a touchdown.
So why is he No. 1?
As Phil Steele points out, Stanzi has an outstanding 67 percent passing completion in the fourth quarter of play. That equates to a pass efficiency rating of 200.2 in arguably the most important quarter of football. His fourth quarter statistics are a huge reason for his 19-4 record as a starter. Two of those wins were back-to-back bowl victories (Outback 2008, Orange 2010).
Before the "homer" label flies in the comments, think about this: if Terrelle Pryor threw five interceptions in a game, would he still be able to lead his team to a come-from-behind victory in the fourth quarter?
Maybe, maybe not. But the other thing to consider is how many times Pryor will A) throw five picks and B) whether the Bucks will even have to come from behind this season, since other prognosticators have picked 'em No. 2 in the nation, behind only defending national champion Alabama.
Whom they -- and not the Hawkeyes -- likely will meet in the BCS title game.
Floridian pleads guilty to punching OSU linebackerRalph Gray Decker on Wednesday pleaded guilty to punching to punching Ohio State football player Tyler Moeller in an unprovoked attack last July at Gator's Cafe and Saloon in Treasure Island, according to the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times.
Moeller had brain surgery after the punch, suffered stroke-like symptoms and is still recuperating, but he has been cleared to return to practice, the paper reported.
Ralph Gray Decker did not speak at a court hearing Wednesday, but afterward apologized to Moeller's mother, Amy, for the attack, and hugged her in a courthouse hallway. Tyler Moeller was not present — his mother said he is preparing for final exams.
Decker will be sentenced in August, and his attorney, Sean McQuaid, said until then he will work to pay $11,000 in restitution for Moeller's medical bills. He pleaded guilty Wednesday without making a plea bargain, meaning the judge could sentence him to as much as five years in prison.
Moeller, who fell after the punch and hit his head, required two dime-sized holes to be drilled into his skull to relieve pressure. His progress has been gradual, but the family is thrilled that the linebacker was cleared for spring practice at Ohio State, although not allowed to participate in on-field hitting.
The Moellers were visiting Pinellas County last year to celebrate a family wedding anniversary when the attack took place. It's not clear exactly what prompted Decker to punch Moeller, although Amy Moeller (the player's mother) denied that it had anything to do with any Florida vs. Ohio State rivalry.
Moeller is considering asking the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility because of the time he lost to the injury.