Big Ten Daily (Dec. 11): Urban Meyer Critical of Kyle McCord Entering Transfer Portal

Did quarterback Kyle McCord make the right decision by entering the transfer portal? Former Ohio State coach and analyst Urban Meyer is critical of the choice, saying it "made no sense."

If Urban Meyer could send a message to Kyle McCord, the adage, "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" might be applicable. The former coach was stunned about the quarterback's decision to leave Ohio State and enter the transfer portal.

There's a good chance Meyer might actually lose his hair due to all the head-scratching he's been doing over the past few days.

"That made no sense," Meyer said in a podcast hosted by On3's Tim May. "I’m still trying to comprehend it. I tried to take a position of Kyle or even Ohio State, and it just doesn’t compute."

McCord entered his name in the transfer portal a day after Buckeyes coach Ryan Day declined to name a starting quarterback moving forward. Following another loss to Michigan, Day said everyone would have a chance to compete.

McCord started all 12 games for Ohio State in 2023. He finished the year throwing for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions. The Buckeyes ended the year with an 11-1 record and are heading to the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Even though Ohio State caught flak for a third straight loss to Michigan, McCord's season was a successful one. That's what makes his decision even more confusing for Meyer.

"I’m trying to make it compute because I want to be empathetic and I want to say, ‘OK, I understand.’ There’s no place better for Kyle than Ohio State. That place does not exist, unless he’s being guaranteed a starting spot," Meyer said.

According to On3's Steven Sipple, McCord is taking a visit to Nebraska at some point this week. If he commits to the Huskers, he would instantly become the front-runner to land the starting job.

Meyer admitted that his bias might be seeping through. Perhaps he's just a little too close to Ohio State. But he also doesn't believe that a guaranteed starting spot means McCord is making the best decision for his future.

"I’m not ripping Kyle at all, because I don’t know him. I admire him, and I think he was in a tough situation all year," Meyer said.

"But, yeah, I didn’t dig in too hard because I don’t want to. But it does not compute with me. I guess I love Ohio State, and I think competition brings out the best in you."

Nebraska Beats Michigan State

There's a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation unfolding in Lincoln. Sunday night, the Huskers finally got back in the win column after suffering a pair of ugly losses.

Nebraska overcame a seven-point deficit to defeat Michigan State 77-70 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, improving to 8-2 on the year. Juwan Gary had a big night, scoring 20 points, and Brice Williams came through in clutch moments, getting all 14 of his points in the second half.

Although the Spartans now sit 4-5 on the season, Sunday's win was a big bounce-back for the Huskers. Fred Hoiberg's squad had dropped the two previous games to No. 15 Creighton (89-60) and Minnesota (76-65). 

Nebraska finished the game shooting 50% from the floor and knocking down 10-of-23 shots from 3-point range. The Huskers also converted on 13-of-15 attempts from the free throw line. 

In the losses to Creighton and Minnesota, Nebraska attempted 40 shots from long range, making just seven (17.5%). 

Not to state the obvious, but when the Huskers are efficient from behind the 3-point line, they're capable of beating anyone in the Big Ten.

Fran McCaffery Gets Tossed

Iowa played three games last week and coach Fran McCaffery earned three technical fouls. That's just part of the Io-woes the Hawkeyes have suffered on the basketball court recently.

McCaffery earned his first technical in last Monday's 87-68 loss to No. 4 Purdue at Mackey Arena. He earned his second and third during the Hawkeyes' 90-80 loss to Michigan on Sunday night, resulting in an ejection with more than 12 minutes to play.

At the time, the Hawkeyes trailed the Wolverines 59-42.

Fran McCaffery has been TOSSED! pic.twitter.com/QSQ3zPstB4

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) December 10, 2023

Here's the thing: We can talk all we want about McCaffery's temper, but this feels more like the coach is attempting to motivate his team. Because, let's be honest, the past week has been dreadful for Iowa.

The Hawkeyes have lost all three games by double digits. Sandwiched between conference losses to Purdue and Michigan, Iowa dropped a 90-65 decision to in-state rival Iowa State.

Iowa lost three games last week by an average of 18 points per game. The Hawkeyes are 5-5 on the season and 0-2 in the Big Ten. Wouldn't you do something to try and light a fire under your team, too?

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