"... I couldn’t help but think of how many people had helped me along the way. One of those people I wanted to personally thank for opening doors was Jimmy Raye. This book tells how some of those doors got pushed open. I’m sure you will enjoy reading about the journey!" - Tony DungyBig Ten
Iconic QB says no national champ this year
Tom Shanahan, Special to Detroit Free PressTerry Hanratty answered his cell phone with a muffled voice. Quarterbacks don’t speak softly, but Hanratty wore a mask while shopping at his local market. He has been masked up since surviving his toughest foe, the COVID-19 virus.“I feel...
College football continues toward Wild West
By TOM SHANAHAN Reports that the Big Ten is considering moving up its football season to starting Thanksgiving weekend was good reason to wonder if college football could get on the same page. Is there a chance for one national championship instead of fall and spring champions?...
Duke looking beyond conference shutdowns
Five days into Duke football’s return to practice, it’s business as usual despite the gathering social media storm threatening to shut down the college season versus playing on despite the health risks.At least that’s what senior tight end Noah Gray and senior defensive end Drew...
ACC expected to rescue Notre Dame again
By TOM SHANAHANNotre Dame football may soon request the Atlantic Coast Conference throw it another lifeline.The Irish treasure their independence in football, and to preserve it they have been previously forced to survive ramifications of conference expansion and post-season...
LeVias and McClain integrated SEC end zones
No singular figure or moment represents the integration of college football, but Jerry LeVias stands out for encompassing so much history in a tumultuous fight for equal opportunity – at least on the playing field. His story also is unique for crossing paths with influential...
Welcome to the Conference of Pioneers
To Kevin Warren:Welcome to the Big Ten Conference. Congratulations on being named the historic league’s next commissioner, succeeding Jim Delaney. Welcome to the Conference of Pioneers.Hey, if Bill Walton can call the Pac-12 the Conference of Champions, well, Big Ten fans...
McQuaid finds his range at the right time
Matt McQuaid spoke about “a sense of urgency” now that the senior is down to his final NCAA Tournament appearance. Win and advance, lose and go home. This time, though, it’s for the Michigan State guard’s career. And his sense of urgency was never bigger than scoring a a...
Khari Willis adds to Dantonio off field resume
Many numbers describe Mark Dantonio’s success re-awakening a Michigan State football program that once stood game among the college game’s giants in the 1950s and 1960s under Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty. Dantonio's resume is summarized in three paragraphs on MSUSpartans.com...
Michigan State needs lesson on its own history
Duffy Daugherty rolled over in his grave. Bubba Smith, George Webster and Charlie Thornhill huddled above and wept as they looked down.The College Football Hall of Fame coach and the legendary players he recruited from the segregated South to Michigan State had to be...
Michigan falls to Florida Gulf Coast in NCAA
Florida Gulf Coast baseball coach Dave Tollett called it “the biggest win program history, no question.” And he didn’t feel that way just because it was the Eagles’ first Division I NCAA tournament appearance.The Michigan brand had a lot to do with enjoying the moment....