Big Ten getting big on suspensions

Suddenly, the Big Ten is suspension central.

Sept. 18, the league suspended Michigan's Jonas Mouton after he struck a Notre Dame player in the Wolverines' victory Sept. 12. He tangled with Fighting Irish center Eric Olsen and was viewed, by the league, to have thrown a punch. A penalty wasn't called and Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez said he didn't see a punch.

Five days later, the Big Ten suspended Purdue offensive lineman Zach Reckman after he speared Northern Illinois' defender Sean Progar on the final play of the Huskies' 27-21 victory over the Boilermakers.

This week, Ohio State safety Kurt Coleman was suspended for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Illinois quarterback Eddie McGee during the Buckeyes' victory. Coleman was called for a personal foul but not ejected. He was pulled out of the game and didn't return.

Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel objected to the suspension. He and OSU Athletics Director Gene Smith issued a joint statement Monday accusing the Big Ten of poor judgment.

That's three one-game suspensions in three weeks. Michigan didn't plan to suspend Mouton; Purdue was going to suspend Reckman for one quarter.

When league officials said in the preseason they would closely watch on-field conduct, apparently they meant it. There is a new sheriff in Big Ten town. This is Bill Carollo's first season as the conference's coordinator of officials.

Last season, the Big Ten issued no suspensions.

“I think Bill probably had some impact on that, and I think nationally right now there's a huge emphasis, if you will, on sportsmanship,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said. “I think that's good.”

The Coleman suspension was the first tied to NCAA “Rule 9-6,” which calls for a video review when a dangerous penalty is called. The rule also states that if a personal foul isn't called, the conference can impose sanctions upon review.

The Big Ten said in the Coleman statement it supports “Rule 9-6 as a way of deterring the targeting of an opponent (that) poses a risk of injury to defenseless players.”

Ohio State's objection is based in the fact that Coleman was called for a penalty but not ejected.

Weekend word

No. 22 Michigan (4-0, 1-0) at Michigan State (1-3, 0-1) - If Spartans lose, it's abandon bandwagon.

Northwestern (2-2, 0-1) at Purdue (1-3, 0-0) - Purdue has that big drum. That counts for something.

Wisconsin (4-0, 1-0) at Minnesota (3-1, 1-0) - Just take some Tolzien, Bret. That should clear that right up.

Arkansas State (1-2) at No. 13 Iowa (4-0) - Not feeling the Western Michigan vibe here. This team is healthier under the helmet.

No. 15 Penn State (3-1, 0-1) at Illinois (1-2, 0-1) - Illini fans' level of anger reaches 8.7.

No. 9 Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) at Indiana (3-1, 0-1) - Somehow, the Hoosiers will get hosed at Michigan again this week.