Media days are upon us! While many of these conference shindigs give us nothing but empty quotes from coaches and players, this year is a little more exciting, because...ya know, Big Ten and stuff. Plus, there's always a good chance for an earth-shattering jab, dig, or comment, as the SEC, Big 12, and ACC Media Days have shown us. What can we expect from our new conference? Here are some things to look out for today:
Media reaction to Rutgers in the Big Ten
The announcement of Rutgers joining the B1G is nearing its two year anniversary, but respect is still hard to come by. That's understandable coming off a lackluster 2013 campaign, but there seems to be more defending the move as opposed to championing the move. Will there be a different atmosphere in Chicago this year? Will the media see the State University of New Jersey as more than just a gateway to more sacks of cash? It's difficult to say otherwise without some better results on the football field, but a good showing from Kyle Flood could build some momentum heading into the season.
Kyle Flood at the podium
UPDATE: Kyle Flood's Monday press conference scheduled for 12pm - 12:15pm.
We've seen a more relaxed and confident Kyle Flood this offseason. He seems to have been more targeted in his recruiting after the decommitments of 2013, and he genuinely looks loose in front of fans and media. That's usually a good sign for a coach heading into the season, especially this upcoming campaign since Flood is arguably on a warm-to-hot seat. I wouldn't be totally surprised if a reporter asks Flood questions regarding his future at RU, and it'll be interesting to see how the third-year coach responds.
Darius Hamilton representing the Knights
Hamilton arrived on campus as an immediate star, largely due to his status as a blue-chip recruit. He had a breakout year in 2013, and figures to be a leader on the field for 2014. Hamilton has served as a great ambassador for the program, especially to potential top-flight recruits in the state of Rutgers. The junior defensive lineman is a great choice as a player representative for RU, and I'd be surprised if the B1G media contingent do not come away impressed.
The Power 5 and autonomy
The Big Ten could potentially be the most lucrative athletic conference in the years to come, so the topic of autonomy in college sports will no doubt be explored at Big Ten Media Days. Jim Delaney has been very vocal on this polarizing topic in the past, and I'm sure the media will feast on the opportunity to press him on the subject in Chicago. I will honestly be surprised if a lightning-rod quote does not manifest during Delaney's podium session.
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Here is the coaches' press conference schedule:
10:30 a.m. -- Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald
10:45 a.m. -- Purdue coach Darrell Hazell
11 a.m. -- Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen
11:15 a.m. -- Illinois coach Tim Beckman
11:30 am. -- Michigan coach Brady Hoke
12 p.m. -- Rutgers coach Kyle Flood
12:15 p.m. -- Minnesota coach Jerry Kill
12:30 p.m. -- Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio
1 p.m. -- Nebraska coach Bo Pelini
1:15 p.m. -- Maryland coach Randy Edsall
1:30 p.m. -- Ohio State coach Urban Meyer
2 p.m. -- Penn State coach James Franklin
2:15 p.m. -- Indiana coach Kevin Wilson
2:30 p.m. -- Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz
You can find the list of attending players here.
Stay tuned to OtB for news updates throughout the day. You can watch Big Ten Media Days live on Big Ten Network, as well as select segments on ESPNU.