Written by David Regimbal

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“Telling Quotes” is a weekly recap of the Big Ten’s top stories using quotes from around the conference (with a moderate Ohio State lean).

Remember John L. Smith?

The former Michigan State head coach consistently provided Big Ten fans with something to laugh at, and it’s nice to know he’s still spreading that same joy throughout SEC country. We’ll get to that in a bit.

His former conference fared much better on the field this week than last, at least from a win/loss perspective, and the Buckeyes improved to 3-0 after a closer-than-expected battle with Cal.

Check out this week’s top quotes after the jump.

“Is everybody ready? Let’s go. You guys act like it’s... pick it up a little bit. ‘Kay? Get your chin up. Smile. Smile! Okay? Dang you guys, alright? If not I’m not talking! Let’s get rolling. Okay.” - John L. Smith - Arkansas interim head coach.

Via Jason Kirk

Please do yourself a favor and watch the clip. Beauty this transcendent only reveals itself once every few years.

Some observations:

How insane is John L. Smith? You can tell he wanted to start that press conference with a joke -- probably a solid decision after flushing a national title contender down the drain -- and that he probably came up with the I’ll tell them to smile strategy beforehand. Unfortunately, his delivery was interrupted by the kind of rage you commonly see in serial killers.

The media person he was looking at the second time he screamed, “SMILE!” is very, very dead right now. We should probably start looking for this person, because his/her family wants to give them a proper burial.

I wish I knew John L. Smith personally. Or even better, I wish he would just pop out of nowhere and scream at me to smile every time I was down. I would pep up, not because I thought it was funny or because he motivated me, but because he probably knows where I live and I like the un-murdered version of my wife.

"[Devin Smith] is one of the most improved players on our team. His whole demeanor has changed from where it was in the spring." - Urban Meyer, Ohio State head coach

Via Steve Helwagen

After leading the team in receiving yards as a freshman, Devin Smith has picked up right where he left off last year through three games this season. Smith has hauled in 13 catches for 233 yards (17.9 yards per reception) along with three touchdowns -- one of which might be the catch of the year in college football.

If Smith continues to improve at the rate he is now, how high is his potential? The kid has track speed, fantastic hands, and he can play tough with corners who want to be physical when the ball is in the air.

Meyer was looking for a receiver or two to step up this year, and so far, Devin Smith has answered the call.

“It goes to show people understand football is just a game.” - Manti Te'o, Notre Dame linebacker

Via Dan Wetzel

Notre Dame’s talented middle linebacker had a rough week, losing his grandmother and longtime girlfriend within a span of 24 hours.

The Fighting Irish traveled to East Lansing for a top-25 matchup against Michigan State last weekend, and despite his losses, Te’o made the trip and played with his team. Spartan fans reportedly showed nothing but support for Notre Dame’s linebacker, even though their team had just been embarrassed by Te’o and the Irish.

Some might think the actions of Michigan State fans should be assumed -- that no one would treat a situation that serious with anything but respect. Those people aren’t aware of how dark the underbelly of college football fandom is. Googling “Ped State” will produce multiple search results that everyone responsible should be embarrassed about.

Regardless, hats off to Michigan State fans. Congratulations on not being terrible people. Seriously.

"I think I am. Large, husky, whatever. Chris Farley, whatever." - Brady Hoke, Michigan head coach

Via Mark Snyder

Brady Hoke, why you no self-esteem?

 

(Photo credit - Dan Harker - TheOzone.net)

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