Monday's Tidbits: Sept. 7

Welcome back earthlings to another edition of this week's tidbits. Since today is Labor Day, the tidbits will be short and sweet, but as always, will leave you satisfied. I have been sent a few links many of you will enjoy, featuring the "50 Greatest Hits in College Football history." Speaking of College Football, we'll recap the biggest game from the weekend, and provide the odds for next week's Notre Dame-Michigan contest.

1. Indiana Lands Second 2010 Commit
 Guards are flying in from the heavens and landing in Bloomington. 

According to Peegs.com, DeMatha (MD) shooting guard Victor Oladipo has committed to Tom Crean and the Hoosiers. Oladipo made his pledge to the Cream and Crimson after visiting campus on an official visit Saturday afternoon. He joins David Williams as the two commitments in the 2010 class for the Hoosiers.

Oladipo, a 6-4, 180 pounds shooting guard out of Hyattsville, Maryland, picked Indiana over offers from Notre Dame, Marquette and Xavier. He is ranked as the 133rd overall prospect in the 2010 class and is listed as a three star, according to Rivals.com.

To get a taste of Oladipo, check both of these videos. He's extremely long and athletic. Needs to work on his consistency. 

Dunk contest in Bloomington against Indiana's Maurice Creek
High school highlights

2. ND, Michigan, Purdue win big

The Irish, Wolverines, and Boilermakers all had questions coming into their respective games this past weekend. How will Purdue look in Danny Hope's first game? Can Michigan take a step forward with freshman Tate Forcier at quarterback? Has Notre Dame's young five-star talent finally grown up? Let's answer each of these questions.

Purdue 52,  Toledo 31

It wasn't perfect, but the Boilers got the job done. Led by senior quarterback Joey Elliott's three touchdowns, the Purdue Boilermakers cruised to victory over MAC opponent Toledo, 52-31. Despite three interceptions, Elliott, for the the most part, played better than expected in the season opener. A few throws made you scratch your head, but that's expected early in the season. Coach Hope should be happy with his quarterback's performance, but he should be a little concerned with the defensive effort. Nothing against Toledo, but a mid-level MAC team should never score 31 points against a Big Ten team. Still, there's room and time for improvement, and I give coach Hope a passing grade in his first game as head coach.

Michigan 31, Western Michigan 7

Behind freshman quarterback Tate Forcier and a stellar defensive performance, the Michigan Wolverines rolled over Western Michigan, 31-7 at the Big House on Saturday afternoon. While this should have been chalked in as a win before kickoff, Michigan fans were all curious and anxious to see how their new quarterback would perform in his first game in the Maize and Blue. If the score wasn't an indicator, the statsheet painted the picture. Forcier went 13-20 for 179 yards through the air and rushed for 37 yards on 10 carries, running Rich Rodriguez's spread offense. Although Western Michigan wasn't a tough a opponent, Michigan fans should be excited for the future. The real test comes next week as the Irish come to town.

Notre Dame 35, Nevada 0

Are the Irish back? Not yet, but they are getting closer. The Irish had no trouble defeating the Nevada Wolfpack 35-0, thanks to another fine performance from quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who went 15-18 for 315 yards and four touchdowns. Over the last two games, Clausen has thrown more touchdown passes, nine, than incompletions, seven. Pretty impressive. Future All-American wide receiver Michael Floyd had 4 receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns. While watching the game, it's clear the Irish have developed as a unit over the past two seasons. The talented recruiting classes have grown up, and now, they are showing their potential. Like Michigan, the true test comes next week as the Irish look for a victory in the Big House.

Monday's Odds for the Michigan-Notre Dame game on Saturday...

Notre Dame -4

Michigan

3. Biggest Hits in College Football History

Like big hits? Click this link, and you will see the top bone-crushing tackles from over the years. Personally, #2 on the list is ridiculous.

Wow!

3. Is the Big Ten done forever?

The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story discussing the main reason why the Big Ten has been considered 'down' over the years. Can you guess what it is? Read this article and you will find out. The answer may surprise you. Thank you Grandpa Felts for providing this interesting story.

 P.S.: Ever notice the number '11'  embedded in the Big Ten logo?

4. Oregon's Blount suspended for the season

In case you missed it, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount has been suspended for the entire 2009 season after punching Boise State backup defensive lineman Byron Hout following last Thursday's game. Here's the video link.

This was a crazy scene that should not have ever happened. Personally, I think Blount's suspension is a little steep, since he didn't start the altercation and who knows what Hout said in the aftermath. However, Oregon is sending a message: 'We don't act like this here.' Four games would've fit the crime, in my opinion. Hout should be suspended, too, for unsportsmanlike-conduct and for acting like a fool in victory.

6. NFL Super Bowl Predictions

College football had their moment in the sun, now it's the NFL's turn. This Sunday marks opening day for the 2009 NFL season, and if you are like me, I'm on pins and needles. So many story lines and questions await, such as, who are the teams to beat? Listed below are the favorites to win the Super Bowl from around the media.

Sports Illustrated: New England over Chicago

Sporting News: New York Giants over New England

ESPN: New England over New York Giants

John: New England over Philadelphia

NFL Rumblings...

-Colts safety Bob Sanders is expected to return from injury in five weeks.

-Rookie quarterback Matt Stafford has been tabbed as the Lions starter for opening day.

-It appears Brady Quinn will be named Cleveland's starting quarterback for week 1. Wouldn't be surprised if Derek Anderson wins the spot, either.

Short and sweet. Have a good one.