tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20867653578835339992024-03-19T02:12:16.310-07:00Big Ten Recruiting HistorianSemi-Regular Analysis of Big Ten Recruiting Classes throughout History, from 1933 to PresentMGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-30623218149836465312009-09-16T08:49:00.000-07:002009-09-16T09:37:59.946-07:00So, How ‘Bout Them New Guys: Illinois Fighting Illini, 1987<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Author's Note:</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Apologies for the amount of time this took, since I got back to school I have been working on pure busywork, but I intend to get a couple of classes out a week at the very least... I do have internet in my apartment now, which is a definite plus.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are some kinks in the math that I am trying to work out. It has to deal with freshmen and how much they count for playing - right now, I have the freshman year counting as a playable year for everyone after 1972, with 22 possible starting spots for every game, but this may cause skew once I start doing older classes. I may divide the board at 1972, therefore.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Set the Stage:</span><br /><br />Head Coach: Mike White (1987), John Mackovic (1988-1991)</div><div>1986 Performance: 4-7, Big Ten 6th<br />New Blood: 27<br /><br />Recruiting Map:</div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38_L1PaQJ2fC_d4w0PPaoFbYqwbY0_4uUJYVF_q01vpEEHVdRvvHneAApIkfw2um1QfRoLQHoK2hvB_8IKFkF6GjX4J1lvyDLy2YrNu_F8YmxyjRWCasPFxpmwKOoWji0od5U8AYFD2c/s400/Illinois+1987.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382103471035998066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px; " /></span></div><p>Mini Recruiting Board Lives Here:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="150" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><tbody><tr><td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Position</strong></p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Count</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">QB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">0</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">RB/FB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">WR</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">TE</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">3</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">OL</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DT</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DE</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">0</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">LB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">8</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">K/P</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td></tr></tbody></table><p>1987 was an important year for Mike White. He was coming off of a poor season, and had to prove himself. The majority of this class was recruited as defensive depth, especially at LB.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">How They Did:</span><br /><br />Overall Record: 33-24-2<br />Varsity Letters: 42<br />Graduated on Team: 17<br />Started a Game: 16<br />Full Eligibility: 11<br />5th Year Seniors: 10<br /><br />Notable Honors:<br /></p><ul><li>Brownlow, Darrick, LB, All-Conference 1989 1990</li><li>Poloskey, Mike, LB, All-Conference 1991</li><li>Simpson, Tom, OG, All-Conference 1991</li></ul>Draftees:<br /><ul><li>Brownlow, Darrick, 1991, 5th Round, 132 Overall</li><li>Griffith, Howard, 1991, 9th Round, 236 Overall</li><li>Turner, Elbert, 1992, 7th Round, 189 Overall</li><li>Simpson, Tom, 1992, 12th Round, 329 Overall</li></ul><p></p><p>Recruiting Score:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="176" align="center"><tbody><tr><td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Category</strong></p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Points</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Man-Game Ratio</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.2920</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Record</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0576</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Letters</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0420</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Heisman</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0000</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">All-Americans</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0000</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">All-Big Ten</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0400</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Full Eligibility</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0110</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Drafted</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0400</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; "><strong>Total</strong></p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; "><strong>0.4826</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>1987 proved to be Mike White's final season coaching, and he was succeeded by the very capable John Mackovic, who led Illinois to four bowls in a row (though he won only one). He finished in the AP Top 25 twice, and won the Big Ten in 1990 (with an 8-4 record, though).</div><div><br /></div><div>This class proved to be an important cornerstone for Mackovic, especially in his defenses, where the LBs counted for 35 of the 36 possible LB starts on his 1990 Big Ten Championship team. Tim Simpson started 48 games in a row for Illinois, spanning his four years of eligibility, and the class overall made a large number of starts. In 1991, 6 of the [11+ game] starters on the defense were from this class, and the class overall accumulated 220 defensive starts, 217 of which came after 1987. There is a significant drop to the number of offensive starts (148), which is still large considering that only 7 offensive players played through to their senior season, and only 5 got starting time. </div></div>MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-14448359755370345262009-08-14T23:27:00.000-07:002009-08-14T23:37:29.453-07:00Schedule of Events: August Update<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td width="100">Michigan</td><td align="right" width="75">1981</td><td><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete</td></tr><tr><td>Penn State</td><td align="right">1993</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana</td><td align="right">2004</td><td><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan</td><td align="right">2002</td><td><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan</td><td align="right">1989</td><td><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan State</td><td align="right">1938</td></tr><tr><td>Illinois</td><td align="right">1987</td><td>Analyzed</td></tr><tr><td>Penn State</td><td align="right">1937</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan</td><td align="right">1970</td><td>Analyzed</td></tr><tr><td>Wisconsin</td><td align="right">1971</td></tr><tr><td>Illinois</td><td align="right">1956</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan</td><td align="right">1946</td></tr><tr><td>Ohio State</td><td align="right">1991</td></tr><tr><td>Iowa</td><td align="right">1956</td></tr><tr><td>Purdue</td><td align="right">1950</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan State</td><td align="right">1988</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan State</td><td align="right">1976</td></tr><tr><td>Purdue</td><td align="right">1964</td> <td> Analyzed</td></tr><tr><td>Purdue</td><td align="right">1959</td></tr><tr><td>Illinois</td><td align="right">2000</td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-52610303111946170152009-08-13T16:34:00.000-07:002009-08-13T16:35:09.951-07:00BusyBad week, but I have done the analysis for a few classes, just have to write the posts. Expect news on Monday.MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-28203908112730808902009-08-03T20:25:00.000-07:002009-09-16T09:35:36.649-07:00So How 'Bout Them New Guys: Michigan Wolverines 1989<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Author's Note:</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Home Blog contains my scoring system and the schedule of events, as well as the top classes I have done so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>Purdue's rosters got here Monday. Good thing. Means that I can start working on them and actually get some information. I have back to WWII, minus a few years, so that's good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to stop summarizing with my first paragraph at the bottom. You can all figure out what the numbers mean.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is my second of two Michigan classes in a row, and then I'm going to try to find enough information to do the next one down on my list... we will see how that goes, really. Playing it by ear on schools not named Michigan (or Purdue now).</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Set the Stage:</span><br /><br />Head Coach: Bo Schembechler (1989), Gary Moeller (1990-1993)</div><div>1988 Performance: 9-2-1, AP 4th, Big Ten 1st<br />New Blood: 19<br /><br />Recruiting Map:</div><div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhGD-5rwKW2Yvy1VkpMTs0SjwWrpY-zC9urgVcuzopqW11JEbpHPSx_fo3vCjqIjf70fnWLKxmOCIzIz4cFxu-Q5JQXvBpDfBf0v77IH4tBHOVomSopUiMayoWSRoia5BtRaDffX_pEk/s1600-h/Michigan+1989.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhGD-5rwKW2Yvy1VkpMTs0SjwWrpY-zC9urgVcuzopqW11JEbpHPSx_fo3vCjqIjf70fnWLKxmOCIzIz4cFxu-Q5JQXvBpDfBf0v77IH4tBHOVomSopUiMayoWSRoia5BtRaDffX_pEk/s400/Michigan+1989.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366273701902677490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px; " /></a></div><p>Mini Recruiting Board Lives Here:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="150" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><tbody><tr><td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Position</strong></p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Count</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">QB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">RB/FB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">WR</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">TE</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">OL</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">3</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DT</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DE</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">0</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">LB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">3</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DB</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">K</td><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The 1989 was recruited off of what had been a standard 9-win Big Ten Title season. The class was strongly balanced, with a good mix of every position. I do not know if Bo thought this was his last season by the time this season started, but it is clear that he was intending on leaving a strong foundation for his successor.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">How They Did:</span><br /><br />Overall Record: 46-11-3<br />Varsity Letters: 46<br />Graduated on Team: 16<br />Started a Game: 10<br />Full Eligibility: 12<br />5th Year Seniors: 10<br /><br />Notable Honors:<br /></p><ul><li>Derrick Alexander, WR, All-American 1992, All-Conference 1992 1993</li><li>Tony McGee, TE, All-Conference 1992</li><li>Buster Stanley, DT, All-Conference 1993</li></ul>Draftees:<br /><ul><li>Derrick Alexander, 1994, 1st Round, 29 Overall</li><li>Tony McGee, 1993, 2nd Round, 37 Overall</li></ul><p></p><p>Recruiting Score:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="176" align="center"><tbody><tr><td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Category</strong></p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Points</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Man-Game Ratio</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.1589</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Record</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0792</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Letters</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0460</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Heisman</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0000</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">All-Americans</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0250</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">All-Big Ten</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0400</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Full Eligibility</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0120</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; ">Drafted</p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; ">0.0300</p></td></tr><tr><td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center; "><strong>Total</strong></p></td><td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center; "><strong>0.3911</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><br /></div>So, besides being the year I was born, 1989 is famously known as the year after Desmond Howard was recruited, or Bo's last year coaching. That's about it. The class produced two draftees, but they went in rounds 1 and 2, so that is redeeming. One All-American honor was awarded, to <a href="http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fballam/aaalexde.htm">Derrick Alexander</a>, who also was All-Big Ten twice and a first-round draft pick. Alexander was solely responsible for .0700 points of this class, giving the class a strong boost. This class only started 15.9% of possible starts, implying that the surrounding classes will be much stronger.<div><br /></div><div>This class also had a weak Senior season (9-0-3), as well as a weak 5th Year (8-4-0). When I get more data points, I'm going to try to link 4th year record to recruiting score.<br /><div><br /></div></div>MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-54622812678979508282009-07-30T22:39:00.000-07:002009-08-01T00:19:55.599-07:00So How 'Bout Them New Guys: Michigan Wolverines 2002<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Author's Note:</span></div><br /><p>So at this point I am having many issues with finding enough information for schools not named Michigan before 2004. I've had to skip one Penn State class and am sure I'll have to do it with other schools. Fortunately, Purdue and Minnesota are mailing me their information. I've got requests out at many schools trying to get information. So at this point, I've got two Michigan classes in a row, and then back to the grind of finding information. Enjoy. </p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Set the Stage:</span><br /><br />Head Coach: Lloyd Carr<br />2001 Performance: 8-4-0, 2nd Big Ten, 20th Overall<br />New Blood: 23<br /><br />Recruiting Map:<br /><br /><br /><a align="center" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyxnMgDwgkNnzvEdKSP464tYMSSC72V1eZ801KV-Trd81KQC4_C-VNj3PoRoROCJyhZ2chuqLn4weSanvrud1T7zO7GPlUbE9iElX_Ma7V4mPajhqGjM1eBHRhyphenhyphenkat9eFFwJIuXLQ19w/s1600-h/Indiana+2004.jpg"></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZHWzp12wpxhUHtiAwpAhWwHKJK2ZvOh_qMcUOtMFkN3OGSV_l5UjDE6Cnk9KhyphenhyphenVU-vhPTxQorByUY3qehDceiIy5q0ZiSCtV0i9rxLmHUbtHIxiDcj6n3cGP3myF2nnoOdMk1EkY-EI/s1600-h/Michigan+2002.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZHWzp12wpxhUHtiAwpAhWwHKJK2ZvOh_qMcUOtMFkN3OGSV_l5UjDE6Cnk9KhyphenhyphenVU-vhPTxQorByUY3qehDceiIy5q0ZiSCtV0i9rxLmHUbtHIxiDcj6n3cGP3myF2nnoOdMk1EkY-EI/s400/Michigan+2002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364800033711508386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><p>Mini Recruiting Board Lives Here:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="150" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><tbody> <tr> <td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Position</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Count</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">QB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td> </tr><tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">RB/FB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">WR</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">TE</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">OL</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DT</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DE</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">LB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">K</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><br />The 2002 class was recruited off of a mediocre 8-4 campaign in 2001, which succumbed to Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl. Lloyd aimed for a very balanced class here, though a light on the line on both sides of the ball. The emphasis on skill positions was expected to pay off in spades. This class contained 13 in-state players, showing Lloyd's preference for Michigan Men to come from Michigan.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How They Did:</span><br /><br />Overall Record: 47-16<br />Varsity Letters: 61<br />Graduated on Team: 18<br />Started a Game: 17<br />Full Eligibility: 15<br />5th Year Seniors: 12<br /><br />Notable Honors:<br /></p><ul><li>Jason Avant, WR, All-Conference 2005</li><li>Dave Harris, ILB, All-Conference 2006</li><li>Gabriel Watson, DT, All-Conference 2005 2006</li></ul><br />Draftees:<br /><ul><li>Jason Avant, 2006, 4th Round, 109 Overall</li><li>Steve Breaston, 2007, 5th Round, 142 Overall</li><li>Dave Harris, 2007, 2nd Round, 47 Overall</li><li>Gabriel Watson, 2006, 4th Round, 107 Overall</li></ul><br /><p></p><p>Recruiting Score:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="176" align="center"><tbody> <tr> <td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Category</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Points</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Man-Game Ratio</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.1566</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Record</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0746</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Letters</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0610</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Heisman</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0000</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">All-Americans</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0000</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">All-Big Ten</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0400</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Full Eligibility</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0150</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Drafted</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0400</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Total</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;"><strong>0.3872</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Of the 23 students drafted, 18 graduated, 17 started a game, 15 used their full eligibility, and 12 played as redshirt seniors.<br /><br />I think this class justifies the use of the man-game starting ratio. This team had an extremely weak starting percentage, barely over 15%, but a high winning percentage, ~75%. The senior season, at 7-6, reflects the starting percentage well. All other classes for Michigan within this time period should have a higher starting percentage, and better senior seasons. This was nowhere near Carr's best performing class.<br /><br />The lean of this class was towards its skill players in recruiting, and a couple of strong players came from it. Steve Breaston and Jason Avant were both strong receivers and anchors for their senior campaigns. However, the linemen, even though they had less presence, had 43% of the starts for the class. Gabe Watson, DT, won two All-Conference First Team honors, and was drafted just before Jason Avant in the '06 draft. Of the skill players, only two wide receivers an an inside linebacker (Dave Harris) stood out, while Gabe Watson, Reuben Riley, Mark Bihl, and Rondell Biggs all became strong presences on the line during their respective senior campaigns.</div>MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-27636197953366495062009-07-29T15:41:00.000-07:002009-07-31T15:13:30.326-07:00So How 'Bout Them New Guys: Indiana Hoosiers 2004<span style="font-weight:bold;">Author's Note:</span><br /><br />Hi to all of the (one or two) followers I have so far. Wow, I didn't realize just how difficult it would be to dig up starting lineups for teams... I was forced to skip Penn State 1993, I will go back to them when I get the chance.<br /><br />A new conundrum came up in my calculations in the sense that I am counting more man-games than a class can possibly play in some cases (too few players). I am going to stick with how I'm doing it - assuming the first 4 seasons are full at 22 players per game and then taking double the number of players that are redshirt seniors. This is just for the sake of continuity.<br /><br />Anyway, on with the show.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Set the Stage:</span><br /><br />Head Coach: Gerry DiNardo (2004), Terry Hoeppner (2005-2006), Bill Lynch (2007-2008)<br />2003 Performance: 2-10-0, 9th Big Ten<br />New Blood: 20 (Possibly off count, could not find a 2004 roster that differentiated FR from RS FR anywhere)<br /><br />Recruiting Map:<br /><br /><a align="center" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyxnMgDwgkNnzvEdKSP464tYMSSC72V1eZ801KV-Trd81KQC4_C-VNj3PoRoROCJyhZ2chuqLn4weSanvrud1T7zO7GPlUbE9iElX_Ma7V4mPajhqGjM1eBHRhyphenhyphenkat9eFFwJIuXLQ19w/s1600-h/Indiana+2004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyxnMgDwgkNnzvEdKSP464tYMSSC72V1eZ801KV-Trd81KQC4_C-VNj3PoRoROCJyhZ2chuqLn4weSanvrud1T7zO7GPlUbE9iElX_Ma7V4mPajhqGjM1eBHRhyphenhyphenkat9eFFwJIuXLQ19w/s400/Indiana+2004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364023724784421586" /></a><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Mini Recruiting Board Lives Here:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="150" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><tbody> <tr> <td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Position</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Count</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">QB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td> </tr><tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">RB/FB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">WR</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">TE</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">OL</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DT</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DE</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">LB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">4</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">K</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><br />The 1984 class was the last of 3 classes recruited by Gerry DiNardo, who was fired after 3 seasons in a row of at best 3 wins. The class came out to be 9 offensive, 10 defensive, and one special teams player, with a strong balance of positions accounted for. The lack of running backs is questionable, however.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How They Did:</span><br /><br />Overall Record: 22-38<br />Varsity Letters: 45<br />Graduated on Team: 16<br />Started a Game: 10<br />Full Eligibility: 11<br />5th Year Seniors: 9<br /><br />Notable Honors:<br /></p><ul><li>James Hardy, WR, All-Conference 2007</li><li>Tracy Porter, CB, All-Conference 2007</li><li>Austin Starr, K, All-Conference 2007</li></ul><br />Draftees:<br /><ul><li>James Hardy, 2008, 2nd Round, 41st Overall</li><li>Tracy Porter, 2008, 2nd Round, 40th Overall</li></ul><br /><p></p><p>Recruiting Score:</p><table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="176" align="center"><tbody> <tr> <td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Category</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Points</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Man-Game Ratio</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.1792</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Record</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0373</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Letters</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0450</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Heisman</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0000</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">All-Americans</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0000</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">All-Big Ten</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0300</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Full Eligibility</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0100</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Drafted</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0200</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Total</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;"><strong>0.3215</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Of the 20 students brought in, 16 graduated, 9 as redshirt seniors. 10 made starts, and 11 played out their eligibility. <div><br /></div><div>141 defensive and 83 offensive starts were made, for a total of 224. This shows a strong defensive bias in this class.<br /><br />Indiana has never really been the strongest team in the Big Ten. This class showed some signs of life, though, having a fairly strong senior campaign at 7-6 with a bowl appearance. Of everyone on the team, the best players were the three awarded All-Conference honors in their senior season - Hardy (the only consensus 1st team), Porter, and Starr (both Media 1st team). Though some talent poked through, it appears that DiNardo was a terrible recruiter, and the late Hoeppner was the reason that these players were showing any of their potential. It appears that he was on the way to bringing Indiana out of the basement of the Big Ten in the future, and it is deeply unfortunate that he had to pass so early in his tenure there.</div>MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-89743766728117507232009-07-26T19:11:00.000-07:002009-07-29T18:21:51.823-07:00So, How ‘Bout Them New Guys: Michigan Wolverines, 1981<p><strong>Set the Stage:</strong><br /><br />Coach: Bo Schembechler<br />1980 Performance: 10-2, Rose Bowl Victory, Final Ranking: 4th National, 1st Big Ten<br />1981 New Blood Count: 24</p><p>Recruiting Map:</p><br /><img align="center" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKiZlPbH7-o0agFxen-lHsBxIacXFoVfrw0WJ9GrumbYhBkHttMQwxliG4cUuN9pwGrEzmThuvqd6u6ibSOkMdu567Xk8OQfUALsLZVIa7-xUznL-jL55aqx4RSIQgkgzuH_wDYfOr-o/s320/Michigan+1981.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362961894500832114" /><p><br /></p><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Mini Recruiting Board Lives Here:</p><table align="center" border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="150" style="text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Position</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Count</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">QB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"></td> </tr><tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">RB/FB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">WR</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">TE</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">OL</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DT</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DE</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">LB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">DB</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">2</td></tr><tr><td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">K</td> <td width="75" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The 1981 class was recruited coming off of the wings of a great 1980 season, which culminated in a Rose Bowl win. The class included 12 offensive and 12 defensive players, a very balanced 24-man class. The lack of a quarterback is explained by the presence of Steve Smith, who was the starting QB for most of the games for the first 3 seasons of this class. There was obvious weakness in both the linebacker and offensive line cores, which Bo hoped to fill with this class.</p><p><strong>How They Did:</strong></p><p>Overall Record: 42-17-1<br />Varsity Letters: 56<br />Graduated on Team: 18<br />Started a Game: 15<br />Full Eligibility: 11<br />5th Year Seniors: 8</p><p><br />Notable Honors:<br /></p><ul><li>Kevin Brooks, All Conference 1983 1984</li><li>Brad Cochran, All-American 1985, All-Conference 1985</li><li>Mike Hammerstein, All-American 1985, All-Conference 1985</li><li>Eric Kattus, All-Conference 1985</li><li>Mike Mallory, All-Conference 1984 1985</li><li>Clay Miller, All-Conference 1985</li><li>Alan Sincich, All-Conference 1983</li></ul>Draftees:<br /><ul><li>Kevin Brooks, 1985, 1st Round, 17th Overall</li><li>Brad Cochran, 1986, 3rd Round, 80th Overall</li><li>Mike Hammerstein, 1986, 3rd Round, 65th Overall</li><li>Eric Kattus, 1986, 4th Round, 91st Overall</li><li>Clay Miller, 1986, 12th Round, 306th Overall</li></ul><p></p><p>Recruiting Score:</p><table align="center" border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="176"><tbody> <tr> <td width="120" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Category</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Points</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Man-Game Ratio</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.2580</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Record</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0708</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Letters</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0560</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Heisman</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0000</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">All-Americans</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0500</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">All-Big Ten</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0900</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Full Eligibility</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0110</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;">Drafted</p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;">0.0600</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="106" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Total</strong></p></td> <td width="70" nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"><p align="right" style="text-align: center;"><strong>0.5958</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Of the 24 players recruited, 18 made it to graduation as members of the team. 15 made starts, and 11 played for their full four years. </p><p>The worst year for this class was in its senior year, 1984, when 12 players from the class made 114 starts and the team went 6-6. 1985 was an excellent year, in which 5 of the 8 remaining redshirt senior players made All-Conference and two made All-American honors (both of whom could have gone on to be cops). The 1985 team made it to the Fiesta Bowl, which they won, bringing their final record to 10-1-1. The caliber of the players in this class was sub-par compared to years surrounding it, shown by the general mediocrity of the team’s record.</p><p>Unfortunately for Bo, only 3 of the 7 OL recruits made any starts, one of which made one, one of which was a starting senior, and one of which converted to a DT and became an All-American. 5 of the 7 LB recruits made impacts on the team.</p><p>The shining point of this class was the defense. Of the 322 starts the class made, 201 were on defense. The two All-Americans were Brad Cochran, DB, who made 36 straight starts in his last 3 years, and Mike Hammerstein, DT, who was MVP of the 1985 defense, which allowed a whopping 8.1 ppg. The three defensive players who were drafted went in the 1st, 3rd, and 3rd rounds.</p><p>Overall, the 1981 class built a strong defensive core, which allowed Bo to focus on the offense in the next year's class. </p>MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-24800011157518514552009-07-26T13:41:00.001-07:002009-07-26T14:49:08.344-07:00The Rating SystemThe Class Rating System that I use is fairly simple to understand. It has 8 parts.<br /><br /><ol><li>Man-Game Ratio: The largest part. This is defined by starts/starts possible. There are either 11 or 22 starts per football game, and up to 12 games per season depending on the year and whether or not there was a bowl game involved. Note: For the 5th season, I only count as many starts as the remaining players could possibly make, so if there were 6 players, they could make a maximum of 12 starts per game, not 22.</li><li>Record: Has a large impact. This value is .1*(Wins + .5*Ties)/(Games Played)</li><li>Letters: The number of letters the class received. In the ratio, .001*Letters is used.</li><li>Heisman: If the year has the Heisman, .1 is added to their score.</li><li>All-Americans: Each All-American is worth .025</li><li>All-Big Tens: Each All-Big Ten is worth .01</li><li>Drafted: Each Player Drafted is worth .01. An extra .01 is awarded for 1st Round Draftees.</li><li>Full Eligibility: Each player who uses their full eligibility is worth .001. This is sort of a tiebreaker statistic. Requires either 4 V letters or 5 years on Roster</li></ol><div>Because I have not done analysis using this system yet, I do not know what the score for an excellent team would be. I am setting the bar for 'Good' at .7500 and 'Great' at 1.000, initially.</div>MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-15865711513016091202009-07-24T21:46:00.000-07:002009-07-24T22:30:10.329-07:00Schedule of Events: August<col width="100" span="2"><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody> <tr> <td width="100">Michigan</td> <td align="right" width="75">1981</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Penn State</td> <td align="right">1993</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Indiana</td> <td align="right">2004</td></tr><tr> <td>Michigan</td> <td align="right">2002</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan</td> <td align="right">1989</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan State</td> <td align="right">1938</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Illinois</td> <td align="right">1987</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Penn State</td> <td align="right">1937</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan</td> <td align="right">1970</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Wisconsin</td> <td align="right">1971</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Illinois</td> <td align="right">1956</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan</td> <td align="right">1946</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ohio State</td> <td align="right">1991</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Iowa</td> <td align="right">1956</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Purdue</td> <td align="right">1950</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan State</td> <td align="right">1988</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan State</td> <td align="right">1976</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Purdue</td> <td align="right">1964</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Purdue</td> <td align="right">1959</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Illinois</td> <td align="right">2000</td> </tr></tbody></table><br />I use an Excel spreadsheet with a randomizing calculation to determine what order I will be writing pieces in. Here are my first twenty, which should get me through the time span from now through August. Note: I may skip around, based on available information. However, I will try to stick to these 20.MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2086765357883533999.post-67573099444667472752009-07-23T18:08:00.000-07:002009-07-23T21:19:48.467-07:00IntroductionWelcome to my new sports blog, devoted to analyzing the history of Big Ten recruiting! There will be analysis for multiple classes per week, from all of the Big Ten schools, up to the most recent graduating class. Once in awhile I may pepper in analysis of a non-Big Ten class, usually something special. Expect the first post sometime soon.<br /><br />There are several issues with collecting recruiting information for some schools. Michigan has the Bentley Historical Library, which has full roster information, etc. but other schools are much more difficult to find information for. Some classes may take me longer to compile than others, and since I am generating Year/School randomly, I may wind up spending 3-4 days on an older class. Please bear with me!MGoDoubleMshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462040455516653568noreply@blogger.com0