The Quickest Slant . . .

I tweeted this yesterday, but didn't quite get it over to the blog.

Sioux City Heelan star and University of Iowa football recruit Michael Malloy pleaded pleaded guilty Monday in Dakota Count Court to misdemeanor obstructing a peace officer and sentenced to nine months' probation.

The Sioux City Journal reported that in exchange for his plea, three other counts of trespassing, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without headlights were dismissed.

Malloy was arrested on Aug. 15 in connection with an incident early on July 31 in South Sioux City, Neb. Police say Malloy was one of people who fled on foot after a police officer tried to stop a car he was driving.

Where does his scholarship stand? Iowa can't comment. That will have to come from Malloy. I haven't seen anything on that.

Here's Kirk Ferentz on the Big Ten teleconference:

-- Statement: Disappointing loss for us. Did some positive things, but they clearly outplayed us and earned the victory. Another big challenge with Pittsburgh coming to town.

-- On Pitt: They've got good players. Staff has done a good job, good hire at Pitt. They've got a lot of good football players. Clearly learning new schemes. Nice job of transition and playing well.

-- Pitt spread: We didn't do a great job of it last week. This is really becoming a way of play for a lot of people nationally. Quite frankly, we didn't handle well. High on our list, long list. We're going to have to do a better job of playing what we're playing and add a few things as well.

-- On Vandenberg: Doing a good job. He's missed a couple throws, made a couple bad decisions. That's part of playing QB. He was a guy we were counting on, even though inexperienced.

-- Pitt vs. run, hitching to Vandenberg: There's a real perception that we're a run first and second team, but I don't think that's necessarily accurated. Perfect world, be balanced. Confidence James can help win football games.

-- Breaking in new QB, shortcuts?: There's still something about game experience that is so, so valuable. Played Banks a series or two that season, felt Brad deserved to get worked and wanted to bring him along a little bit. At the end of the day, until a guy gets off the field, it's different.

-- Pass rush technique: I've never seen a player who can't improve by improving his technique.

-- Ideal non-conference schedule, how closely work with AD office: Simple here. Our admin been great since I've been here. Good stability. Philosophy well set. BCS, Iowa State and then two teams outside of that description. Nine games will change things a little bit. Plan to play ISU every year. BCS opponent will be ninth Big Ten game. Biggest challenge: Asking the wrong guy.

The bold is the thing here.

Injuries: Dakota Getz knee out for the year.

Tyler Nielsen is a captain. That sprained ankle of his is going to be a problem, though. Seriously. He walked through reporters with an aircast on his ankle and a scowl on his face. That ankle is a work in progress.

Safety Jordan Bernstine (strep) will be OK.

Damon Bullock will be next RB after Jason White.

Pitt was KF's first big-time exposure. He was there under Jackie Sherrill.

Failing is education. Still no fun to lose, KF said.

On Ray Graham: Strong aggressive guy.

KF likes Mike Meyer quite a bit.

DE Mike Hardy is around, not hurt.

Knowing what he knows now, yes, KF would've gone for the fourth-and-1 in OT.

The DJK stuff, you'll be reading and hearing about it.