BLOOMINGTON -- During what has assuredly been the most difficult stretch of football in his career — not counting the rehab from his three season-ending injuries — Michael Penix Jr. has found comfort in prayer and in his puppy.
During a 1-2 start in which Penix has completed just 48.3% of his passes and thrown six interceptions against four touchdowns, the left-hander from Tampa, Fla., has at least been able to go back to his apartment and know there was something there who wouldn't ask him what he was thinking when he forced a pass into the middle of the field — his pit bull, Giuseppe.