Monday Morning QB ... on Tuesday ...
Not too much excitement around the Big Ten last weekend - unless you are Indiana. The Hoosiers are now one win away from becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1993. To put that in perspective, many of the current IU players were between the ages of five and eight in 1993!
The rest of the weekend went pretty much as expected, although Penn State shutting out Purdue in West Lafayette was a bit of an eye opener. Then again, the Boilermakers struggled to only three points the weekend before - on the same field mind you - against the Badgers. Oh yeah and Illinois just about pulled off another road upset, squandering a late lead against a sleepy looking Badger team. Otherwise, Michigan did nothing fancy and just gritted out a two TD win. Ohio State rolled the Golden Gophers. Iowa handled Northern Illinois a little easier than I expected with Drew Tate on the sideline.
It doesn't get too much more exciting this weekend with Michigan going out of conference to host Ball State and Ohio State traveling to Illinois for another November 18 tune-up game. There is a battle for third place and upper hand in the quest to make the Capital One Bowl when Penn State travels to Madison but the rest of the match-ups are a little yawn-inducing. Yes, Indiana gets its best remaining shot at getting the sixth win it needs to go bowling (at Minnesota) and Purdue and Michigan State fight for their bowl lives in East Lansing, but Iowa and Northwestern might be as exciting to watch as auto racing (I'd rather watch the tide roll in than watch auto racing)...
Team of the Week...
I've got to go with Indiana as my team of the week. The Hooisers were facing a must win to give themselves a legitimate shot at a bowl berth and were going up against the Spartans and all the momentum of their monumental comeback win over Northwestern. Well, the cream and crimson withstood the initial Michigan State drive and responded by putting 46 straight points on the board. Just think, if IU had won the two games it should have back in September, the Hoosiers would be - GASP - 7-2 right now!
Player of the Week...
I'm going with the pitch and catch duo of Kellen Lewis and James Hardy from Indiana. Lewis had six total touchdowns (five passing, one rushing) - four of those to Hardy. The pair tore the MSU defense to shreds in a romp.
The hot seat is ablaze!
A few weeks back, I wrote a take that while I was on the fence with John L. Smith as the coach at Michigan State, the Spartans needed consistency and time to get better. Well, after blowing a golden opportunity at Indiana a week after a miracle, injuries aside, it is time for a change in E.L. unless JLS can win out. Seeing how that is as likely to happen as Minnesota winning the Big Ten this fall, here are some names I'd like to throw out, in no particular order. Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English. Rutgers boss Greg Schiano. Former Miami-FLA and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis. Save me the Mooch for coach speeches. We need someone with fire, someone who can motivate and someone who can recruit against other top programs in the area.
Get Gamm status...
We have a new winner this week. Five went 5-1 but andrewj1313 was the closest on the margin of the Penn State - Purdue contest and gets his shot at picking for the first time this season.
T1 - may0170: 57-13 (.814)
T1 - Buckeye Nation: 57-13 (.814), 3 GG Wins
T1 - Dan Meyer: 57-13 (.814), 2 GG Wins
T1 - andrewj1313: 57-13 (.814), 1 GG Win
5 - flakcat: 56-14 (.800), 1 GG Win
6 - phatsdawg: 55-15 (.786)
7 - Gamm: 54-16 (.771), 1 GG Win
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 53-17 (.757), 1 GG Win
9 - PUFan: 34-14 (.708)
This week's slate:
Indiana at Minnesota
Northwestern at Iowa
Ohio State at Illinois
Ball State at Michigan
Purdue at Michigan State
Penn State at Wisconsin (TIEBREAKER)
Coming soon... my basketball predictions
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Week Nine - Get Gamm Previews ...
Illinois at Wisconsin
Michigan State at Indiana
Northern Illinois at Iowa
Northwestern at Michigan
Minnesota at Ohio State
Penn State at Purdue (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Wisconsin
On paper this one should be no contest. Yes, Illinois beat a decent (and now back on track - maybe) Michigan State team and battled hard at Penn State a week after a tough loss to Ohio but, well, Illinois just isn’t a good football team right now. They are young and growing. There is talent and the team will turn a corner soon enough, but really, against the Badgers? Let me clarify, against the 7-1 Badgers? No chance … or is there?
Hey, as we saw with Michigan State’s improbable comeback at Northwestern, anything can happen in college football. Of course for Illinois to beat the Badgers, a lot of good has to happen on one side and a deluge of bad has to occur for the other, but still, it could happen. If it is to happen, the Illini need to manage the gap between the offenses. Wisconsin ranks second in scoring offense, Illinois 10th. The interesting part is that the difference between the two through the air and on the ground isn’t that wide. The teams ranks first and second in rushing offense and while neither is particularly adept through the air, they aren’t that far apart. It really boils down to Wisconsin’s ability to control the clock and work the right plays to their advantage. The Badgers win this on experience alone. Wisconsin 27 – Illinois 10.
flakcat says … A long season for Illinois fans looks no brighter against a solid Badger team. P.J. Hill will rumble all over an overmatched Illinois defense. On offense, Illinois is trying to rebuild around Juice Williams at QB, who has looked great at times and overmatched at other times. Illinois 10 - Wisconsin 28
Michigan State at Indiana
First of all, who would’ve thought that this game would have huge bowl ramifications for both teams? Second, who would have thought that this might actually be the Game of the Week in the Big Ten? Well it does and it probably is, or at least Game of the Week II. The thing is, it might be either had MSU not shocked themselves and the nation by coming back from a 38-3 deficit to beat Northwestern, or if Indiana hadn’t shocked everyone in the same, second-take manner the week before by handling Iowa. But it is what it is, and it is a huge game for both teams.
Indiana might well already be bowl eligible had Coach Hoeppner not let the team for brain surgery before week three (loss to Southern Illinois). Michigan State might be the same had they not blown the lead against Notre Dame – because chances are that led to the hangover against Illinois. But that’s all in the past. This is about here and now. The Spartans have an arguably easier road ahead after this one, so a win here is more likely to help propel them to a better bowl than the Motor City. IU has a winnable game at Minnesota next week, but then hosts Michigan and plays rival Purdue. Translation? This one is even more important for Indiana than Michigan State. But don’t tell the Spartans that. They know last week will fade away fast without a win in Bloomington. Look for a lot of offense in this game. Both teams throw the ball well, but defend it so-so. The difference might be the ground game. Michigan State is a good running team, Indiana bad and the Hoosiers struggle to stop the run. That’s where the game will be won… Michigan State 31 – Indiana 23.
flakcat says … Depending on which Spartan team shows up this week, Indiana might just have a legitimate shot to hang around in this game. The Hoosier offense was clicking before hitting the steamroller that is OSU last week. The big question is can the Indiana D contain a sometimes explosive MSU offense? The Spartans have to be riding high after their historic comeback against Northwestern last week. Michigan State has the talent to be one of the top Big Ten teams. The question has always been their fragile mental and emotional state. They answered the bell last week and should have the horses to beat the Hooisers. Indiana 21 - Michigan State 31
Northern Illinois at Iowa
The Big Ten is 13-1 against the MAC so far this season, but with Iowa signal caller Drew Tate on the bench after thumb surgery and the nation’s most unknown great tailback (Garret Wolfe) on the field for NIU, that could change. This is the MACs last decent chance to unseat a Big Ten team and the Huskies have practice – they started the season playing in Columbus against the number one Buckeyes. With Tate, I would rate Northern Illinois’ chances at the upset at 10-percent at best. Without him, and looking at the way Iowa struggled with Syracuse when Tate was also shelved, I’d give it a 50-50 chance.
The real motivation for Iowa will be avoiding its first three game losing streak since going 3-9 in 2000. That and stopping Wolfe. The Iowa run defense has been decent this year, but not great and aside from Mike Hart and perhaps P.J. Hill of Wisconsin, Wolfe is the best tailback the Hawkeyes will face this season. The key in this one will be for Iowa to control the ball. Iowa hasn’t run the ball as well as they’ve passed this year, somewhat of a surprise considering what they had on paper coming into the season. Northern Illinois would love this to be a statement game for their program and a Heisman-invite worthy example of what their star can do with the pigskin. It’ll be closer than the experts think. Iowa 24 – Northern Illinois 20.
flakcat says … The Huskies of Northern Illinois University are struggling to hold their own in the MAC. Teams have started to lock down on Garrett Wolfe, and NIU has few other real options. They can't and won't hang with the Hawkeyes, who will be missing QB Drew Tate but won't need him. NIU 14 - Iowa 35
Northwestern at Michigan
If you are Michigan, how do you successfully protect against injury and a let down in a game you are favored to win by five touchdowns? If you are Northwestern, how do you summon the fire to play a game that you are given no chance to win a week after being “the team” to be on the losing end of the greatest comeback in 1-A football history? I guess we’ll find the answers to both when the two do battle in Ann Arbor this weekend.
Michigan and Ohio State are really in cruise control until they meet for the early 21st century version of “The Game of the Century”. That said, Michigan has to play hard and not get too complacent because any sloppiness could carry over to that contest. The maize and blue also have to be wary of injuries. This is the time of year and the type of game that something bad happens. Northwestern just needs to come out and work the offense like they did early against Michigan State. C.J. Bacher has a future at QB and they do have Tyrell Sutton. Not knowing how the Wildcats will react to last week’s debacle makes this one tougher (score-wise) to pick. Michigan 45 – Northwestern 7.
flakcat says … After struggling to score all season, Northwestern showed some life on offense against Michigan State last week. The NU defense, however, continues to be undependable - if not horrific. I have faith that Pat Fitzgerald will get my Wildcats back on track eventually, but it ain't happening this year. One of the better Michigan teams in recent years will beat the Wildcats like the proverbial red-headed stepchild. The big question is when will Lloyd Carr call off the dogs and if ESPN will stick with the broadcast past the third quarter. NU 10 - Michigan 45
Minnesota at Ohio State
I’m debating how much ink to really give this game. Ohio State is good. Really good. Really, really, really good. This is the last semi-test before the aforementioned Game of the 21st Century. Minnesota is not very good. Not very good at all. The Golden Gophers had to block a field goal as time expired to avoid the embarrassment of losing to 1-AA neighbor North Dakota State. The only good thing about that game for Minnesota was the cool look of the throw-back uniforms. They should keep those around.
But, back to the game at hand. Ohio State has three tune-ups before a huge battle with Michigan. Just like Michigan, OSU needs to avoid complacency and injury. Minnesota is a very shaky 3-5 (0-4) and desperately needs wins to go bowling. With Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa left on the slate, that is a daunting task. Look for Ted Ginn to score on something other than a catch or pass this week and for the Buckeyes to keep on rolling. Ohio State 41 – Minnesota 6.
flakcat says … Like the NU-Michigan contest, this ranks right up there as must-miss TV on Saturday. It's been a brutal season for Minnesota, and this game will be salt in the wounds. The Buckeyes look pretty darn unstoppable. Michigan may stop them, but the Golden Gophers certainly won't. Take tOSU and the points with a side bet of ABC dropping the game by the start of the fourth quarter. Minnesota 3 - OSU 48
Penn State at Purdue
For the purposes of Get Gamm, this week’s Game of the Week. Both teams are 5-3. Both teams have lost to Notre Dame. Both teams have handled Northwestern. Both teams have taken out Minnesota in closer than they probably should have been battles. Both teams are looking to separate from the pack and secure a good bowl berth. Got enough reasons to tune in now?
This is the only game Purdue plays against the traditional Big Ten powers this season. The Boilermakers avoid both Michigan and Ohio State. The time to make hay is now. The only real gimme left on the schedule is at Illinois and Tiller and Co. need only ask the Spartans how much of a sure thing that one is. A win here makes Purdue a favorite the rest of the way and gives them a fair shot at 10-3 and the Capital One Bowl (Wisconsin currently has that inside track). Penn State follows this up with a daunting trip to Madison, a game against a faux 1-A team in Temple and a rivalry tilt with Michigan State. A win here and the Nittany Lions very likely go 8-4 if not 9-3 and possibly steal that bowl berth. This one is all about the Purdue passing game against a very good Penn State defensive front seven. If the Nittany Lions can control the clock and get a big play or two on offense, I like their chances. However, the offense just hasn’t clicked thus far and that means the home team has the upper hand. Purdue 24 – Penn State 21.
flakcat says … An interesting contest between a pair of Big Ten underachievers this season, the Get Gamm tiebreaker could go both ways. A stingy Penn State defense vs. the dangerous Purdue offense. An sluggish Penn State offense vs. a mediocre Purdue defense. Special teams may decide this one.Purdue 21 - Penn State 31
Illinois at Wisconsin
Michigan State at Indiana
Northern Illinois at Iowa
Northwestern at Michigan
Minnesota at Ohio State
Penn State at Purdue (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Wisconsin
On paper this one should be no contest. Yes, Illinois beat a decent (and now back on track - maybe) Michigan State team and battled hard at Penn State a week after a tough loss to Ohio but, well, Illinois just isn’t a good football team right now. They are young and growing. There is talent and the team will turn a corner soon enough, but really, against the Badgers? Let me clarify, against the 7-1 Badgers? No chance … or is there?
Hey, as we saw with Michigan State’s improbable comeback at Northwestern, anything can happen in college football. Of course for Illinois to beat the Badgers, a lot of good has to happen on one side and a deluge of bad has to occur for the other, but still, it could happen. If it is to happen, the Illini need to manage the gap between the offenses. Wisconsin ranks second in scoring offense, Illinois 10th. The interesting part is that the difference between the two through the air and on the ground isn’t that wide. The teams ranks first and second in rushing offense and while neither is particularly adept through the air, they aren’t that far apart. It really boils down to Wisconsin’s ability to control the clock and work the right plays to their advantage. The Badgers win this on experience alone. Wisconsin 27 – Illinois 10.
flakcat says … A long season for Illinois fans looks no brighter against a solid Badger team. P.J. Hill will rumble all over an overmatched Illinois defense. On offense, Illinois is trying to rebuild around Juice Williams at QB, who has looked great at times and overmatched at other times. Illinois 10 - Wisconsin 28
Michigan State at Indiana
First of all, who would’ve thought that this game would have huge bowl ramifications for both teams? Second, who would have thought that this might actually be the Game of the Week in the Big Ten? Well it does and it probably is, or at least Game of the Week II. The thing is, it might be either had MSU not shocked themselves and the nation by coming back from a 38-3 deficit to beat Northwestern, or if Indiana hadn’t shocked everyone in the same, second-take manner the week before by handling Iowa. But it is what it is, and it is a huge game for both teams.
Indiana might well already be bowl eligible had Coach Hoeppner not let the team for brain surgery before week three (loss to Southern Illinois). Michigan State might be the same had they not blown the lead against Notre Dame – because chances are that led to the hangover against Illinois. But that’s all in the past. This is about here and now. The Spartans have an arguably easier road ahead after this one, so a win here is more likely to help propel them to a better bowl than the Motor City. IU has a winnable game at Minnesota next week, but then hosts Michigan and plays rival Purdue. Translation? This one is even more important for Indiana than Michigan State. But don’t tell the Spartans that. They know last week will fade away fast without a win in Bloomington. Look for a lot of offense in this game. Both teams throw the ball well, but defend it so-so. The difference might be the ground game. Michigan State is a good running team, Indiana bad and the Hoosiers struggle to stop the run. That’s where the game will be won… Michigan State 31 – Indiana 23.
flakcat says … Depending on which Spartan team shows up this week, Indiana might just have a legitimate shot to hang around in this game. The Hoosier offense was clicking before hitting the steamroller that is OSU last week. The big question is can the Indiana D contain a sometimes explosive MSU offense? The Spartans have to be riding high after their historic comeback against Northwestern last week. Michigan State has the talent to be one of the top Big Ten teams. The question has always been their fragile mental and emotional state. They answered the bell last week and should have the horses to beat the Hooisers. Indiana 21 - Michigan State 31
Northern Illinois at Iowa
The Big Ten is 13-1 against the MAC so far this season, but with Iowa signal caller Drew Tate on the bench after thumb surgery and the nation’s most unknown great tailback (Garret Wolfe) on the field for NIU, that could change. This is the MACs last decent chance to unseat a Big Ten team and the Huskies have practice – they started the season playing in Columbus against the number one Buckeyes. With Tate, I would rate Northern Illinois’ chances at the upset at 10-percent at best. Without him, and looking at the way Iowa struggled with Syracuse when Tate was also shelved, I’d give it a 50-50 chance.
The real motivation for Iowa will be avoiding its first three game losing streak since going 3-9 in 2000. That and stopping Wolfe. The Iowa run defense has been decent this year, but not great and aside from Mike Hart and perhaps P.J. Hill of Wisconsin, Wolfe is the best tailback the Hawkeyes will face this season. The key in this one will be for Iowa to control the ball. Iowa hasn’t run the ball as well as they’ve passed this year, somewhat of a surprise considering what they had on paper coming into the season. Northern Illinois would love this to be a statement game for their program and a Heisman-invite worthy example of what their star can do with the pigskin. It’ll be closer than the experts think. Iowa 24 – Northern Illinois 20.
flakcat says … The Huskies of Northern Illinois University are struggling to hold their own in the MAC. Teams have started to lock down on Garrett Wolfe, and NIU has few other real options. They can't and won't hang with the Hawkeyes, who will be missing QB Drew Tate but won't need him. NIU 14 - Iowa 35
Northwestern at Michigan
If you are Michigan, how do you successfully protect against injury and a let down in a game you are favored to win by five touchdowns? If you are Northwestern, how do you summon the fire to play a game that you are given no chance to win a week after being “the team” to be on the losing end of the greatest comeback in 1-A football history? I guess we’ll find the answers to both when the two do battle in Ann Arbor this weekend.
Michigan and Ohio State are really in cruise control until they meet for the early 21st century version of “The Game of the Century”. That said, Michigan has to play hard and not get too complacent because any sloppiness could carry over to that contest. The maize and blue also have to be wary of injuries. This is the time of year and the type of game that something bad happens. Northwestern just needs to come out and work the offense like they did early against Michigan State. C.J. Bacher has a future at QB and they do have Tyrell Sutton. Not knowing how the Wildcats will react to last week’s debacle makes this one tougher (score-wise) to pick. Michigan 45 – Northwestern 7.
flakcat says … After struggling to score all season, Northwestern showed some life on offense against Michigan State last week. The NU defense, however, continues to be undependable - if not horrific. I have faith that Pat Fitzgerald will get my Wildcats back on track eventually, but it ain't happening this year. One of the better Michigan teams in recent years will beat the Wildcats like the proverbial red-headed stepchild. The big question is when will Lloyd Carr call off the dogs and if ESPN will stick with the broadcast past the third quarter. NU 10 - Michigan 45
Minnesota at Ohio State
I’m debating how much ink to really give this game. Ohio State is good. Really good. Really, really, really good. This is the last semi-test before the aforementioned Game of the 21st Century. Minnesota is not very good. Not very good at all. The Golden Gophers had to block a field goal as time expired to avoid the embarrassment of losing to 1-AA neighbor North Dakota State. The only good thing about that game for Minnesota was the cool look of the throw-back uniforms. They should keep those around.
But, back to the game at hand. Ohio State has three tune-ups before a huge battle with Michigan. Just like Michigan, OSU needs to avoid complacency and injury. Minnesota is a very shaky 3-5 (0-4) and desperately needs wins to go bowling. With Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa left on the slate, that is a daunting task. Look for Ted Ginn to score on something other than a catch or pass this week and for the Buckeyes to keep on rolling. Ohio State 41 – Minnesota 6.
flakcat says … Like the NU-Michigan contest, this ranks right up there as must-miss TV on Saturday. It's been a brutal season for Minnesota, and this game will be salt in the wounds. The Buckeyes look pretty darn unstoppable. Michigan may stop them, but the Golden Gophers certainly won't. Take tOSU and the points with a side bet of ABC dropping the game by the start of the fourth quarter. Minnesota 3 - OSU 48
Penn State at Purdue
For the purposes of Get Gamm, this week’s Game of the Week. Both teams are 5-3. Both teams have lost to Notre Dame. Both teams have handled Northwestern. Both teams have taken out Minnesota in closer than they probably should have been battles. Both teams are looking to separate from the pack and secure a good bowl berth. Got enough reasons to tune in now?
This is the only game Purdue plays against the traditional Big Ten powers this season. The Boilermakers avoid both Michigan and Ohio State. The time to make hay is now. The only real gimme left on the schedule is at Illinois and Tiller and Co. need only ask the Spartans how much of a sure thing that one is. A win here makes Purdue a favorite the rest of the way and gives them a fair shot at 10-3 and the Capital One Bowl (Wisconsin currently has that inside track). Penn State follows this up with a daunting trip to Madison, a game against a faux 1-A team in Temple and a rivalry tilt with Michigan State. A win here and the Nittany Lions very likely go 8-4 if not 9-3 and possibly steal that bowl berth. This one is all about the Purdue passing game against a very good Penn State defensive front seven. If the Nittany Lions can control the clock and get a big play or two on offense, I like their chances. However, the offense just hasn’t clicked thus far and that means the home team has the upper hand. Purdue 24 – Penn State 21.
flakcat says … An interesting contest between a pair of Big Ten underachievers this season, the Get Gamm tiebreaker could go both ways. A stingy Penn State defense vs. the dangerous Purdue offense. An sluggish Penn State offense vs. a mediocre Purdue defense. Special teams may decide this one.Purdue 21 - Penn State 31
Monday, October 23, 2006
Monday Morning QB ...
Just another hum-drum weekend in college football. Okay, so I lie! I cannot remember a weekend with as much drama as we experienced Saturday. Texas gets a break at Nebraska, almost loses their own fumble and then rides the leg of a walk-on to a huge road win. Tennessee overcomes a game full of struggles while knocking on the Alabama door and holds off the Crimson Tide. Washington connects on a Hail Mary to force overtime and then throws a pick to help Cal survive. Notre Dame does little offensively all day, and then drives 80 yards in three plays late and shocks UCLA in South Bend. Oh and in the Big Ten there was that little comeback by the team even I (the eternal glass is more than half-full optimist) had quit on.
Anyone who follows college football and saw the third quarter MSU-NU score (38-3) flash across the screen probably had to be pinched, kicked, slapped (JLS style) when they flipped on ESPN for Gameday later that night only to learn that Michigan State, the team known for blowing such leads, was on the winning end of an historic comeback. I know personally, I left the game at the half for my son's soccer game (his coach kicked for Northwestern, so you can guess how I felt!) and vowed not to go to another game all season. Then a fellow Spartan told me the news; "Michigan State has cut the lead to 38-31 and is driving." No way, now how. Not my Spartans. A few minutes later it was tied up and we'd picked off a pass. I got in the car in time to listen to Brett Swenson make the short field goal that gave the green and white the greatest 1-A comeback in history. I'm still floored by it. I just hope that things turn as right on this as they did wrong after the Notre Dame debacle...
Elsewhere, Ohio State cruised. Michigan overcame ultra-conservative play to hold off a game Iowa squad. The two are now 1-2 in the BCS ratings, which barring an epic collapse should set up the best game ever in the historic rivlary. Wisconsin dominated Purdue and is clearly the third best team in the conference. Penn State was sloppy but got back to winning ways with a win over the Illini. Minnesota had to block a field goal late to avoid the third Big Ten loss at the hands of a highly rated 1-AA team this year. Yep, just another ho-hum weekend of football in October.
Team of the Week...
Michigan and Ohio State are the obvious choices but of course the honor has to go to the Spartans. Biggest comeback in 1-A history. A possible season saving, job saving, turn around win for the ages.
Player of the Week...
It would be easy to give it to Ginn or Smith or even Michael Hart or the Wisconsin defense. But my game ball goes to the beaten and battered Drew Stanton. Stanton overcame more injuries against Northwestern to lead the epic comeback win for Michigan State.
Get Gamm status...
All but two went a perfect 6-0 this weekend and one nailed the point differential in the Michigan - Iowa contest to take the tiebreaker. This week's winner is Northwestern fan flakcat. Flak, I feel for you with the loss, but at least you won Get Gamm.
1 - mayo170: 53-11 (.828)
T2 - Buckeye Nation: 52-12 (.813) - 3 GG Wins
T2 - Dan Meyer: 52-12 (.813) - 2 GG Wins
T2 - andrewj1313: 52-12 (.813)
T5 - flakcat: 51-13 (.797) - 1 GG Win
T5 - phatsdawg: 51-13 (.797)
7 - Gamm: 50-14 (.781) - 1 GG Win
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 48-16 (.750) - 1 GG Win
9 - PUFan: 30-12 (.714)
This week's slate:
Illinois at Wisconsin
Michigan State at Indiana
Northern Illinois at Iowa
Northwestern at Michigan
Minnesota at Ohio State
Penn State at Purdue (Tiebreaker)
Just another hum-drum weekend in college football. Okay, so I lie! I cannot remember a weekend with as much drama as we experienced Saturday. Texas gets a break at Nebraska, almost loses their own fumble and then rides the leg of a walk-on to a huge road win. Tennessee overcomes a game full of struggles while knocking on the Alabama door and holds off the Crimson Tide. Washington connects on a Hail Mary to force overtime and then throws a pick to help Cal survive. Notre Dame does little offensively all day, and then drives 80 yards in three plays late and shocks UCLA in South Bend. Oh and in the Big Ten there was that little comeback by the team even I (the eternal glass is more than half-full optimist) had quit on.
Anyone who follows college football and saw the third quarter MSU-NU score (38-3) flash across the screen probably had to be pinched, kicked, slapped (JLS style) when they flipped on ESPN for Gameday later that night only to learn that Michigan State, the team known for blowing such leads, was on the winning end of an historic comeback. I know personally, I left the game at the half for my son's soccer game (his coach kicked for Northwestern, so you can guess how I felt!) and vowed not to go to another game all season. Then a fellow Spartan told me the news; "Michigan State has cut the lead to 38-31 and is driving." No way, now how. Not my Spartans. A few minutes later it was tied up and we'd picked off a pass. I got in the car in time to listen to Brett Swenson make the short field goal that gave the green and white the greatest 1-A comeback in history. I'm still floored by it. I just hope that things turn as right on this as they did wrong after the Notre Dame debacle...
Elsewhere, Ohio State cruised. Michigan overcame ultra-conservative play to hold off a game Iowa squad. The two are now 1-2 in the BCS ratings, which barring an epic collapse should set up the best game ever in the historic rivlary. Wisconsin dominated Purdue and is clearly the third best team in the conference. Penn State was sloppy but got back to winning ways with a win over the Illini. Minnesota had to block a field goal late to avoid the third Big Ten loss at the hands of a highly rated 1-AA team this year. Yep, just another ho-hum weekend of football in October.
Team of the Week...
Michigan and Ohio State are the obvious choices but of course the honor has to go to the Spartans. Biggest comeback in 1-A history. A possible season saving, job saving, turn around win for the ages.
Player of the Week...
It would be easy to give it to Ginn or Smith or even Michael Hart or the Wisconsin defense. But my game ball goes to the beaten and battered Drew Stanton. Stanton overcame more injuries against Northwestern to lead the epic comeback win for Michigan State.
Get Gamm status...
All but two went a perfect 6-0 this weekend and one nailed the point differential in the Michigan - Iowa contest to take the tiebreaker. This week's winner is Northwestern fan flakcat. Flak, I feel for you with the loss, but at least you won Get Gamm.
1 - mayo170: 53-11 (.828)
T2 - Buckeye Nation: 52-12 (.813) - 3 GG Wins
T2 - Dan Meyer: 52-12 (.813) - 2 GG Wins
T2 - andrewj1313: 52-12 (.813)
T5 - flakcat: 51-13 (.797) - 1 GG Win
T5 - phatsdawg: 51-13 (.797)
7 - Gamm: 50-14 (.781) - 1 GG Win
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 48-16 (.750) - 1 GG Win
9 - PUFan: 30-12 (.714)
This week's slate:
Illinois at Wisconsin
Michigan State at Indiana
Northern Illinois at Iowa
Northwestern at Michigan
Minnesota at Ohio State
Penn State at Purdue (Tiebreaker)
Friday, October 20, 2006
Week Eight - Get Gamm ...
Illinois at Penn State
Michigan State at Northwestern
Wisconsin at Purdue
Indiana at Ohio State
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Iowa at Michigan (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Penn State
Just when it looked like Illinois might be coming around (after the road win at Michigan State) the Illini lay double eggs at home no less against Indiana and Ohio. Okay, so the loss to the Hoosiers doesn’t look as bad as it could have but we’re talking about a team that could – no, make that should - be sitting at 4-3 rather than 2-5. All the Illini have to do now is travel to Happy Valley and Madison on consecutive weeks before a date with Ohio State. Can you say 2-8?
Then again, Penn State is hurting (literally) after a tough home loss to Michigan. Both Anthony Morelli and Daryll Clark went out with concussions last week leaving third stringer Paul Cianciolo as a very realistic option this week. Against anyone else, that might worry me a bit, but Illinois is just too young at quarterback and on defense to pull off this sort of road victory. The Penn State defense dominates and the Nittany Lions get back on track before a mini-road trip the next few weeks. Penn State 24 – Illinois 7.
Dan Meyer says … No respite for the Illini, Happy Valley after a PSU loss is no place to be. The Lion CBs, LBs and WRs have enough electricity to overcome one round of "Juice". Illinois 10 - PENN STATE 27
Michigan State at Northwestern
The battle for the basement... or at least a share with Minnesota (0-4 and out of conference this weekend). Northwestern has no offense. Michigan State has lost its "O" since the fourth quarter of the Notre Dame fiasco, scoring 20, 13 and 7 points to open Big Ten play. The Spartans are also mighty dinged up. Javon Ringer, a sophomore back much in the mold of Northwestern star Tyrell Sutton is out for the season. The offensive line is in shambles. Drew Stanton wouldn't be playing if he were just about any other quarterback in the game. This all works to the Wildcats' advantage in terms of evening things out a bit.
If the Wildcats are to beat the Spartans like they did last year (49-14) or at all, they will have to control the ball and the clock. Even the beleaguered MSU secondary isn't too afraid of the NU aerial attack. If the Spartans are to finally shake their losing ways and get back on track for a big finish, they have to find consistency on offense. Makes what could otherwise be a pretty boring game a somewhat intriguing match-up. Michigan State 27 - Northwestern 17.
Dan Meyer says ... A MUST win for the Spartans to keep bowl hopes alive--or avoid a complete collapse for that matter. The spirit (and effort) is there for the Wildcats, but there is too great a talent differential. MICHIGAN STATE 21 - Northwestern 14
Wisconsin at Purdue
For my money, the game of the week in the Big Ten. Michigan and Iowa is the tiebreaker and should get the monicker, but these teams are the forgotten two. Both have one loss and are right on the tails of Michigan and Ohio State. Purdue gets the break of the year and plays neither. Wisconsin already took its lumps from Michigan and also misses Ohio State. That all makes this one even bigger.
Purdue is back to the basketball on grass ways and the fans are loving it. Curtis Painter suddenly looks like the next great QB to come out of West Lafayette after his deer in the headlights start in the middle of last season. Wisconsin is getting it done the old fashioned way too - with a big, bruising tailback, an efficient quarterback and a sound defense. The advantage here goes to Wisconsin only because, well, Purdue frankly isn't playing much defense these days. In an overtime thriller... Wisconsin 31 - Purdue 24.
Dan Meyer says ... I REALLY wanted to pick the Boilers, but the Badgers are presently playing better than any Big Ten team not located on US 23. The Boiler defense is getting better, but will not be able to overcome the mighty Badger O-line. Purdue's best hope: "dink and dunk" with Painter and have good things happen on special teams. WISCONSIN 35 - Purdue 28 (please prove me wrong, Boilers).
Indiana at Ohio State
Don't look now but the Hoosiers are one game out of first place. No, that is not a misprint, although it will be a quick fall from glory after a trip to Columbus this weekend. The biggest disappointment about the tremendous league start for IU is the two they let get away. Beat Southern Illinois - 1AA Southern Illinois that is - and UConn and the cream and crimson would be - gasp - 6-1 right now and bowl bound for the first time in years.
There isn't much to write about this one. Ohio State is clearly the best team in the land (sorry Michigan, USC, West Virginia and Louisville fans) and should have their way with Indiana. IU may play inspired ball early but will get gassed late and engulfed by the rabid Buckeye faithful. Troy Smith puts another notch on his Heisman quest and Ted Ginn scores via pass, run and return. Ohio State 37 - Indiana 3.
Dan Meyer says ... It's been a fairy-tale last five quarters for the Hoosiers, but the clock strikes twelve with a venegance Saturday. Lewis and Hardy will make a few plays; Smith, Ginn, Gonzales and Pittman will make more. Indiana 14 - OHIO STATE 38
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Don't laugh, but this could be the third 1AA upset of a Big Ten team this year. North Dakota State is a top ten team in 1AA ball and has already beaten MAC team Ball State. Minnesota meanwhile is reeling. The defense is really banged up, the offense is struggling of late and there is mounting pressure to win to keep the bowl streak alive. This isn't the typical easy OOC foe that Minnesota faces, but the Golden Gophers will eke out a victory. Minnesota 27 - NDSU 23.
Dan Meyer says ... Minnesota's situation is similar to the Spartans--or would be except for a questionable pass interference call in the Penn State game. The Gophers take out four weeks of frustration on their non-conference opponents, then look forward to playing spoiler in the Big Ten in following weeks. North Dakota State 10 - MINNESOTA 27
Iowa at Michigan
This is the last real test for Michigan in a quest to stroll into Columbus on November 18 ranked number two (or better if OSU slips along the way). Iowa has not lost back to back games since 2001 but is facing a third loss in four Big Ten tries when they travel to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines.
Michigan might have the best defense in the nation since their 1997 title team. Iowa is really pressing of late and though bowl eligibility won't be a problem this year, the chances for a New Year's Day berth are fading away. If the Hawkeyes are to have a shot, they are going to have to be able to run the ball and avoid the surprising mistakes that have plagued Drew Tate in losses this year. Michigan meanwhile proved that even without their best receiver, they can duke out a win and strong running game plus stellar defense equals another win for the maize and blue. Michigan 20 - Iowa 10.
Dan Meyer says ... A must have for the Hawks to have ANY chance in the Big Ten race--and they refind their "A" game (see Purdue two weeks ago) and throw a HUGE scare to the Wolverine faithful. Rivas is the unlikely hero late. Iowa 21 - MICHIGAN 24
Illinois at Penn State
Michigan State at Northwestern
Wisconsin at Purdue
Indiana at Ohio State
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Iowa at Michigan (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Penn State
Just when it looked like Illinois might be coming around (after the road win at Michigan State) the Illini lay double eggs at home no less against Indiana and Ohio. Okay, so the loss to the Hoosiers doesn’t look as bad as it could have but we’re talking about a team that could – no, make that should - be sitting at 4-3 rather than 2-5. All the Illini have to do now is travel to Happy Valley and Madison on consecutive weeks before a date with Ohio State. Can you say 2-8?
Then again, Penn State is hurting (literally) after a tough home loss to Michigan. Both Anthony Morelli and Daryll Clark went out with concussions last week leaving third stringer Paul Cianciolo as a very realistic option this week. Against anyone else, that might worry me a bit, but Illinois is just too young at quarterback and on defense to pull off this sort of road victory. The Penn State defense dominates and the Nittany Lions get back on track before a mini-road trip the next few weeks. Penn State 24 – Illinois 7.
Dan Meyer says … No respite for the Illini, Happy Valley after a PSU loss is no place to be. The Lion CBs, LBs and WRs have enough electricity to overcome one round of "Juice". Illinois 10 - PENN STATE 27
Michigan State at Northwestern
The battle for the basement... or at least a share with Minnesota (0-4 and out of conference this weekend). Northwestern has no offense. Michigan State has lost its "O" since the fourth quarter of the Notre Dame fiasco, scoring 20, 13 and 7 points to open Big Ten play. The Spartans are also mighty dinged up. Javon Ringer, a sophomore back much in the mold of Northwestern star Tyrell Sutton is out for the season. The offensive line is in shambles. Drew Stanton wouldn't be playing if he were just about any other quarterback in the game. This all works to the Wildcats' advantage in terms of evening things out a bit.
If the Wildcats are to beat the Spartans like they did last year (49-14) or at all, they will have to control the ball and the clock. Even the beleaguered MSU secondary isn't too afraid of the NU aerial attack. If the Spartans are to finally shake their losing ways and get back on track for a big finish, they have to find consistency on offense. Makes what could otherwise be a pretty boring game a somewhat intriguing match-up. Michigan State 27 - Northwestern 17.
Dan Meyer says ... A MUST win for the Spartans to keep bowl hopes alive--or avoid a complete collapse for that matter. The spirit (and effort) is there for the Wildcats, but there is too great a talent differential. MICHIGAN STATE 21 - Northwestern 14
Wisconsin at Purdue
For my money, the game of the week in the Big Ten. Michigan and Iowa is the tiebreaker and should get the monicker, but these teams are the forgotten two. Both have one loss and are right on the tails of Michigan and Ohio State. Purdue gets the break of the year and plays neither. Wisconsin already took its lumps from Michigan and also misses Ohio State. That all makes this one even bigger.
Purdue is back to the basketball on grass ways and the fans are loving it. Curtis Painter suddenly looks like the next great QB to come out of West Lafayette after his deer in the headlights start in the middle of last season. Wisconsin is getting it done the old fashioned way too - with a big, bruising tailback, an efficient quarterback and a sound defense. The advantage here goes to Wisconsin only because, well, Purdue frankly isn't playing much defense these days. In an overtime thriller... Wisconsin 31 - Purdue 24.
Dan Meyer says ... I REALLY wanted to pick the Boilers, but the Badgers are presently playing better than any Big Ten team not located on US 23. The Boiler defense is getting better, but will not be able to overcome the mighty Badger O-line. Purdue's best hope: "dink and dunk" with Painter and have good things happen on special teams. WISCONSIN 35 - Purdue 28 (please prove me wrong, Boilers).
Indiana at Ohio State
Don't look now but the Hoosiers are one game out of first place. No, that is not a misprint, although it will be a quick fall from glory after a trip to Columbus this weekend. The biggest disappointment about the tremendous league start for IU is the two they let get away. Beat Southern Illinois - 1AA Southern Illinois that is - and UConn and the cream and crimson would be - gasp - 6-1 right now and bowl bound for the first time in years.
There isn't much to write about this one. Ohio State is clearly the best team in the land (sorry Michigan, USC, West Virginia and Louisville fans) and should have their way with Indiana. IU may play inspired ball early but will get gassed late and engulfed by the rabid Buckeye faithful. Troy Smith puts another notch on his Heisman quest and Ted Ginn scores via pass, run and return. Ohio State 37 - Indiana 3.
Dan Meyer says ... It's been a fairy-tale last five quarters for the Hoosiers, but the clock strikes twelve with a venegance Saturday. Lewis and Hardy will make a few plays; Smith, Ginn, Gonzales and Pittman will make more. Indiana 14 - OHIO STATE 38
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Don't laugh, but this could be the third 1AA upset of a Big Ten team this year. North Dakota State is a top ten team in 1AA ball and has already beaten MAC team Ball State. Minnesota meanwhile is reeling. The defense is really banged up, the offense is struggling of late and there is mounting pressure to win to keep the bowl streak alive. This isn't the typical easy OOC foe that Minnesota faces, but the Golden Gophers will eke out a victory. Minnesota 27 - NDSU 23.
Dan Meyer says ... Minnesota's situation is similar to the Spartans--or would be except for a questionable pass interference call in the Penn State game. The Gophers take out four weeks of frustration on their non-conference opponents, then look forward to playing spoiler in the Big Ten in following weeks. North Dakota State 10 - MINNESOTA 27
Iowa at Michigan
This is the last real test for Michigan in a quest to stroll into Columbus on November 18 ranked number two (or better if OSU slips along the way). Iowa has not lost back to back games since 2001 but is facing a third loss in four Big Ten tries when they travel to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines.
Michigan might have the best defense in the nation since their 1997 title team. Iowa is really pressing of late and though bowl eligibility won't be a problem this year, the chances for a New Year's Day berth are fading away. If the Hawkeyes are to have a shot, they are going to have to be able to run the ball and avoid the surprising mistakes that have plagued Drew Tate in losses this year. Michigan meanwhile proved that even without their best receiver, they can duke out a win and strong running game plus stellar defense equals another win for the maize and blue. Michigan 20 - Iowa 10.
Dan Meyer says ... A must have for the Hawks to have ANY chance in the Big Ten race--and they refind their "A" game (see Purdue two weeks ago) and throw a HUGE scare to the Wolverine faithful. Rivas is the unlikely hero late. Iowa 21 - MICHIGAN 24
Monday, October 16, 2006
Monday Morning QB ...
Well, we're another week closer to the game we all want to see - unbeaten and number one Ohio State against unbeaten and number two Michigan to see who reps our great conference in the national title game. Every year, all the talk is about the SEC being the cream of the crop. Every year I counter with the question, why not us? Folks, the Big Ten is good. Really good. I saw Ohio State in person this past weekend. They are good - REAL good. No, make that fantastic. You can have your SEC, ACC, Big 12 and PAC 10 ... the Big Ten is the best conference around.
Not only for how the teams play on the field, but for how they act on the field as well. When is the last time you saw a disgusting display of thug, punk street fighting on a football field in the Big Ten? In case you missed it, that happened over the weekend in, surprise, surprise, the Orange Bowl, home of the king thug program of the them all, Miami-FLA.
I understand that things get chippy sometimes and that words may be said that fuel spats, but ladies and gentlemen, this was a full out alley battle. It was sick, it was disgusting, it was everything that is wrong with sports today. And what is the penalty? 31 kids get a ONE GAME suspension? Are you kidding me? Dick Vitale had it right this morning on ESPN Radio - these kids should never, ever be allowed to suit up in division one again. And it goes for both teams - Miami and Florida International. Stomping on the back of legs of players on the ground? Swinging helmets as weapons at players? Miami's own color commentator and former player Lamar Thomas was even spewing trash from the booth about how "no one comes into the OB and treats the U like this." Memo to his boss - that guy should be fired, NOW.
Memo to both programs - do the right thing and cancel the rest of your games this year. Neither of you deserve to play again this fall. For the Hurricanes, this is just a continuation of the unruly nature that has followed the team for years. In reality, this will just be a good excuse for Miami to fire Larry Coker but it has been this way long before he arrived. Remember, this is the same team that stomped on the "L" at Louisville this year (before getting pounded by the Cardinals) and fought with LSU after getting whipped in the Peach Bowl last winter. I could go on and on.
Bottom line, end the seasons now. Send a message. Do it the right way or expect more of this trash in the future. And by the way, when you end the seasons, send each of the main culprits out all over America to explain to kids that this is not the way sports are to be played. What I saw was criminal and it needs to be dealt with severely, harshly and NOW.
Team of the Week ...
On a lighter note, how 'bout those Hoosiers? When I saw that score flashed on the board in East Lansing I nearly fell out of the upper deck. So much for my pick to win the Big Ten (Iowa). Way to go Hoosiers. And just think, if you could have beaten two teams you should have - Southern Illinois and UConn, you'd already have a bowl berth locked up!
Player of the Week ...
Curtis Painter of Purdue was absolutely unstoppable this weekend. And, don't look now but Purdue is staying in this race. A big battle with Wisconsin looms, and the Basketball on Grass style that endeared Joe Tiller to the gold and black faithful is back just in time.
Get Gamm ...
Another repeat winner this week. Dan Meyer notched win number two by beating out two others who were also within three points of the final margin in the Michigan - Penn State contest by having a closer total score. For the week, six went 4-2 (best record for the week).
1 - mayo170: 47-11 (.810)
T2 - Buckeye Nation: 46-12 (.793), 3 GG Wins
T2 - Dan Meyer: 46-12 (.793), 2 GG Wins
T2 - phatsdawg: 46-12 (.793)
T2 - andrewj1313: 46-12 (.793)
6 - flakcat: 45-13 (.776)
7 - Gamm: 44-14 (.759), 1 GG Win
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 42-16 (.724), 1 GG Win
* - PUFan: 25-11 (.694)
* - Aaron Roberts: 23-5 (.821)
* = not eligible for final season prize
This week's schedule ...
Illinois at Penn State
Michigan State at Northwestern
Wisconsin at Purdue
Indiana at Ohio State
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Iowa at Michigan (Tiebreaker)
Well, we're another week closer to the game we all want to see - unbeaten and number one Ohio State against unbeaten and number two Michigan to see who reps our great conference in the national title game. Every year, all the talk is about the SEC being the cream of the crop. Every year I counter with the question, why not us? Folks, the Big Ten is good. Really good. I saw Ohio State in person this past weekend. They are good - REAL good. No, make that fantastic. You can have your SEC, ACC, Big 12 and PAC 10 ... the Big Ten is the best conference around.
Not only for how the teams play on the field, but for how they act on the field as well. When is the last time you saw a disgusting display of thug, punk street fighting on a football field in the Big Ten? In case you missed it, that happened over the weekend in, surprise, surprise, the Orange Bowl, home of the king thug program of the them all, Miami-FLA.
I understand that things get chippy sometimes and that words may be said that fuel spats, but ladies and gentlemen, this was a full out alley battle. It was sick, it was disgusting, it was everything that is wrong with sports today. And what is the penalty? 31 kids get a ONE GAME suspension? Are you kidding me? Dick Vitale had it right this morning on ESPN Radio - these kids should never, ever be allowed to suit up in division one again. And it goes for both teams - Miami and Florida International. Stomping on the back of legs of players on the ground? Swinging helmets as weapons at players? Miami's own color commentator and former player Lamar Thomas was even spewing trash from the booth about how "no one comes into the OB and treats the U like this." Memo to his boss - that guy should be fired, NOW.
Memo to both programs - do the right thing and cancel the rest of your games this year. Neither of you deserve to play again this fall. For the Hurricanes, this is just a continuation of the unruly nature that has followed the team for years. In reality, this will just be a good excuse for Miami to fire Larry Coker but it has been this way long before he arrived. Remember, this is the same team that stomped on the "L" at Louisville this year (before getting pounded by the Cardinals) and fought with LSU after getting whipped in the Peach Bowl last winter. I could go on and on.
Bottom line, end the seasons now. Send a message. Do it the right way or expect more of this trash in the future. And by the way, when you end the seasons, send each of the main culprits out all over America to explain to kids that this is not the way sports are to be played. What I saw was criminal and it needs to be dealt with severely, harshly and NOW.
Team of the Week ...
On a lighter note, how 'bout those Hoosiers? When I saw that score flashed on the board in East Lansing I nearly fell out of the upper deck. So much for my pick to win the Big Ten (Iowa). Way to go Hoosiers. And just think, if you could have beaten two teams you should have - Southern Illinois and UConn, you'd already have a bowl berth locked up!
Player of the Week ...
Curtis Painter of Purdue was absolutely unstoppable this weekend. And, don't look now but Purdue is staying in this race. A big battle with Wisconsin looms, and the Basketball on Grass style that endeared Joe Tiller to the gold and black faithful is back just in time.
Get Gamm ...
Another repeat winner this week. Dan Meyer notched win number two by beating out two others who were also within three points of the final margin in the Michigan - Penn State contest by having a closer total score. For the week, six went 4-2 (best record for the week).
1 - mayo170: 47-11 (.810)
T2 - Buckeye Nation: 46-12 (.793), 3 GG Wins
T2 - Dan Meyer: 46-12 (.793), 2 GG Wins
T2 - phatsdawg: 46-12 (.793)
T2 - andrewj1313: 46-12 (.793)
6 - flakcat: 45-13 (.776)
7 - Gamm: 44-14 (.759), 1 GG Win
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 42-16 (.724), 1 GG Win
* - PUFan: 25-11 (.694)
* - Aaron Roberts: 23-5 (.821)
* = not eligible for final season prize
This week's schedule ...
Illinois at Penn State
Michigan State at Northwestern
Wisconsin at Purdue
Indiana at Ohio State
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Iowa at Michigan (Tiebreaker)
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Week Seven - Get Gamm Previews ...
Ohio at Illinois
Purdue at Northwestern
Iowa at Indiana
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Ohio State at Michigan State
Michigan at Penn State (Tiebreaker)
Ohio at Illinois
This is the 14th contest between the Big Ten and its little brother MAC this season. So far, the older, bigger, stronger brother is 13-0. This is the first of four more chances to stun big brother with a blow to the chops, and perhaps the best remaining shot. Ohio is 3-3 and Illinois is 2-4. The Illini had a great chance to come into this game riding a three game win streak but lost on a late field goal to Indiana last week and now need this to try and secure another win before facing Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Purdue over the following four weeks. I like where Zook has the Illini heading, but it will be a slow process despite the big win in East Lansing two weeks ago. Make it Big Ten 14, MAC 0. Illinois 30 - Ohio 24.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Illini try to get back on the winning track after the heart-breaking loss to Indiana at home. Here's thinking the "Juice" will be too much for the Bobcats. Illini 23 - Ohio U. 14
Purdue at Northwestern
The number one scoring offense (Purdue, 33.5 ppg) meets a middle of the pack scoring defense (Northwestern 24.7 ppg) in a battle on the lakeshore this Saturday. The forecast calls for breezy conditions with comfortable temperatures, which benefits the home team. Why? Purdue leads the conference in passing offense and likes to heave it around. Northwestern ranks dead last in scoring offense and total offense and when it does have success with the ball, it often takes place when Tyrell Sutton totes the pigskin. Sutton was hurt last week at Wisconsin. Seeing the picture?
Both teams got crushed on the road last week, and only one has a legitimate shot at a bowl game this season. That is Purdue, but with this week's tilt in Evanston - and with games coming up with Wisconsin, Penn State and even Michigan State - the Boilermakers need to win now if they want to entertain thoughts of a better bowl come holiday season. I think the Wildcats will play inspired ball early and that Purdue will still be a little stung from the walloping in Iowa. But when push comes to shove, Purdue should and will win this game going away. Purdue 42 - Northwestern 23.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Boilers are smarting from the ambush they experienced in Iowa City. The Wildcats are still hurting from the loss of Randy Walker. To make matters worse for NU, Tyrell Sutton was injured last week. The Boilers earn a much-needed road win. Purdue 28 - Northwestern 23
Iowa at Indiana
Iowa is back and feeling good about itself after dismantling Purdue at home a week after the crushing loss to Ohio State. The Hawkeyes will need help to win the Big Ten, but have at least a semi-favorable schedule most of the rest of the way. Neither of these teams has much of an offense to write home about and there isn't a ton separating the defenses either. Iowa is surely the better team and surprisingly ranks second in the conference in an area that was supposed to be the biggest weakness heading in to the season - passing offense. Indiana is okay against the pass but softer than fresh Wonder Bread against the run. Seems like a perfect time for Iowa to get that ground game figured out in this tune-up before a huge road trip to Ann Arbor. Iowa scored 42 against a bad Purdue defense and might rack up 50 against a not much better Indiana D. Iowa 45 - Indiana 17.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Hawkeyes rebounded nicely after the disappointing home loss to OSU. The good times continue as the Hawks invade Indiana, and the Hoosiers don't notice too much after getting their win at Champaign the week before. Iowa 38 - Indiana 14
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Ah the Battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe. This is the second Bunyan trophy to be contested in the past two weeks (MSU vs. Michigan is the other). Minnesota still has to be haunted by the late collapse that cost them the beloved trophy in Minneapolis last fall. Oh and the Golden Gophers are still shocked that they lost due to a missed PAT in overtime against Penn State last weekend. And my fellow Spartans thought Michigan State was the only team that found new excruciating ways to lose every season!
The Gophers are in their usual predicament at this time of the year. Good, strong offense, balanced even this year (passing slightly better than rushing) ... seive of a defense. Minnesota ranks next to last in passing, rushing and total defense and is only surviving because of the positive turnover margin they posses. Wisconsin is nothing flashy, but when are they? They just go out and find a way to win games. At 5-1 so far, the Badgers are still right in the mix for a shot at the Big Ten title. Only because it is a rivalry game, do I see this one staying close. Wisconsin 27 - Minnesota 24.
BuckeyeNation says ... The annual grudge-match for Paul Bunyan's Axe takes place in Madison with the Badgers on an upsurge. The Gophers ghive it the old college try, but come up short.
Wisconsin 42 - Minnesota 34
Ohio State at Michigan State
I know, last week or so I said that Michigan State would win one of the two games between Michigan and Ohio State. I still want to believe that, but at the rate Michigan State is losing playmakers (Ringer, Trannon, Kellen Davis, left guards galore, and dinged up defensive stars like Ryan and Herron) and the rate that water is flooding the boat makes a huge upset seem highly unlikely. Then again, that is why they play the game. Just ask the 1998 Buckeyes who blew a sizable second half lead against the Spartans, in Columbus no less, when ranked number one.
If the MSU fans are into the game early, it could inject some life into this team. The players are helping John L. Smith (or so they claim) fight for his job and a win in this one would be huge given the way the schedule eases up over the next four games. Okay, okay, all that talk is fine, but obviously this comes down to what will happen on the field. Michigan State has the horses to compete with OSU but I am not sure they have the jockey to win the race. The green and white pass defense is struggling (big shock) and the pass rush is non-existent. The question is, who becomes a bona fide Heisman candidate - Ginn or Smith? Spartan fans, at least we have basketball season AND the Tigers! Ohio State 38 - Michigan State 20.
BuckeyeNation says ... Everyone in Columbus has been wary of this game since the beginning of the season. However, the banged-up Spartans are in the throes of a 3 game losing streak with the nation's Number 1 team in town. Drew Stanton looked good at times in his visit to Columbus last year, but the loss of Javon Ringer makes the challenge that much tougher for MSU. I will be at this game cheering on the Buckeyes, looking for the Troy to Ginn (or Gonzo) Show to perform an encore. Buckeyes 32 - Spartans 13
Michigan at Penn State
Think back a season ago. Penn State was undefeated and in control late against Michigan. The Wolverines were in dire need of another big win to try and turn their season around. Chad Henne found Mario Manningham in the back of the endzone on the final play of the game and the Wolverines ended Penn State's national title hopes. Fast forward one year. The shoe is on the other foot. Michigan is unbeaten and looking to stay that way until a season ending battle with Ohio State. Penn State is a little down from last season but is 2-1 in the conference and things ease up a bit after this game.
The Nittany Lions flat out love to play at night. The fans will be decked out in all white and Beaver Stadium will literally sway with each roar from the crowd. Michigan hates to play at night, or at least Coach Carr does. Michigan will also be without field stretching wide receiver extraordinaire and last year's hero Mario Manningham. Manningham will certainly don the number one for Michigan after this year and in my mind might be the best receiver ever to play for the maize and blue, and that is saying a lot. He'll be missed. Mike Hart will have to take every yard he can get as you know JoePa will sell out to stop him first and foremost. This Michigan team isn't flashy and gets it done on defense, but something tells me there will be an upset this day in the Big Ten and this will be it... Penn State 23 - Michigan 20.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Wolverines have had the Lions number for quite some time. UM suffered a blow with hotshot (Ohio traitor) Mario Manningham's surgery. PSU will try to reprise the atmosphere they ambushed OSU with last year with another "white-out" game. While the Lions will roar, UM will escape with a big road win in Happy Valley. Michigan 28 - Penn State 24
Ohio at Illinois
Purdue at Northwestern
Iowa at Indiana
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Ohio State at Michigan State
Michigan at Penn State (Tiebreaker)
Ohio at Illinois
This is the 14th contest between the Big Ten and its little brother MAC this season. So far, the older, bigger, stronger brother is 13-0. This is the first of four more chances to stun big brother with a blow to the chops, and perhaps the best remaining shot. Ohio is 3-3 and Illinois is 2-4. The Illini had a great chance to come into this game riding a three game win streak but lost on a late field goal to Indiana last week and now need this to try and secure another win before facing Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Purdue over the following four weeks. I like where Zook has the Illini heading, but it will be a slow process despite the big win in East Lansing two weeks ago. Make it Big Ten 14, MAC 0. Illinois 30 - Ohio 24.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Illini try to get back on the winning track after the heart-breaking loss to Indiana at home. Here's thinking the "Juice" will be too much for the Bobcats. Illini 23 - Ohio U. 14
Purdue at Northwestern
The number one scoring offense (Purdue, 33.5 ppg) meets a middle of the pack scoring defense (Northwestern 24.7 ppg) in a battle on the lakeshore this Saturday. The forecast calls for breezy conditions with comfortable temperatures, which benefits the home team. Why? Purdue leads the conference in passing offense and likes to heave it around. Northwestern ranks dead last in scoring offense and total offense and when it does have success with the ball, it often takes place when Tyrell Sutton totes the pigskin. Sutton was hurt last week at Wisconsin. Seeing the picture?
Both teams got crushed on the road last week, and only one has a legitimate shot at a bowl game this season. That is Purdue, but with this week's tilt in Evanston - and with games coming up with Wisconsin, Penn State and even Michigan State - the Boilermakers need to win now if they want to entertain thoughts of a better bowl come holiday season. I think the Wildcats will play inspired ball early and that Purdue will still be a little stung from the walloping in Iowa. But when push comes to shove, Purdue should and will win this game going away. Purdue 42 - Northwestern 23.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Boilers are smarting from the ambush they experienced in Iowa City. The Wildcats are still hurting from the loss of Randy Walker. To make matters worse for NU, Tyrell Sutton was injured last week. The Boilers earn a much-needed road win. Purdue 28 - Northwestern 23
Iowa at Indiana
Iowa is back and feeling good about itself after dismantling Purdue at home a week after the crushing loss to Ohio State. The Hawkeyes will need help to win the Big Ten, but have at least a semi-favorable schedule most of the rest of the way. Neither of these teams has much of an offense to write home about and there isn't a ton separating the defenses either. Iowa is surely the better team and surprisingly ranks second in the conference in an area that was supposed to be the biggest weakness heading in to the season - passing offense. Indiana is okay against the pass but softer than fresh Wonder Bread against the run. Seems like a perfect time for Iowa to get that ground game figured out in this tune-up before a huge road trip to Ann Arbor. Iowa scored 42 against a bad Purdue defense and might rack up 50 against a not much better Indiana D. Iowa 45 - Indiana 17.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Hawkeyes rebounded nicely after the disappointing home loss to OSU. The good times continue as the Hawks invade Indiana, and the Hoosiers don't notice too much after getting their win at Champaign the week before. Iowa 38 - Indiana 14
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Ah the Battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe. This is the second Bunyan trophy to be contested in the past two weeks (MSU vs. Michigan is the other). Minnesota still has to be haunted by the late collapse that cost them the beloved trophy in Minneapolis last fall. Oh and the Golden Gophers are still shocked that they lost due to a missed PAT in overtime against Penn State last weekend. And my fellow Spartans thought Michigan State was the only team that found new excruciating ways to lose every season!
The Gophers are in their usual predicament at this time of the year. Good, strong offense, balanced even this year (passing slightly better than rushing) ... seive of a defense. Minnesota ranks next to last in passing, rushing and total defense and is only surviving because of the positive turnover margin they posses. Wisconsin is nothing flashy, but when are they? They just go out and find a way to win games. At 5-1 so far, the Badgers are still right in the mix for a shot at the Big Ten title. Only because it is a rivalry game, do I see this one staying close. Wisconsin 27 - Minnesota 24.
BuckeyeNation says ... The annual grudge-match for Paul Bunyan's Axe takes place in Madison with the Badgers on an upsurge. The Gophers ghive it the old college try, but come up short.
Wisconsin 42 - Minnesota 34
Ohio State at Michigan State
I know, last week or so I said that Michigan State would win one of the two games between Michigan and Ohio State. I still want to believe that, but at the rate Michigan State is losing playmakers (Ringer, Trannon, Kellen Davis, left guards galore, and dinged up defensive stars like Ryan and Herron) and the rate that water is flooding the boat makes a huge upset seem highly unlikely. Then again, that is why they play the game. Just ask the 1998 Buckeyes who blew a sizable second half lead against the Spartans, in Columbus no less, when ranked number one.
If the MSU fans are into the game early, it could inject some life into this team. The players are helping John L. Smith (or so they claim) fight for his job and a win in this one would be huge given the way the schedule eases up over the next four games. Okay, okay, all that talk is fine, but obviously this comes down to what will happen on the field. Michigan State has the horses to compete with OSU but I am not sure they have the jockey to win the race. The green and white pass defense is struggling (big shock) and the pass rush is non-existent. The question is, who becomes a bona fide Heisman candidate - Ginn or Smith? Spartan fans, at least we have basketball season AND the Tigers! Ohio State 38 - Michigan State 20.
BuckeyeNation says ... Everyone in Columbus has been wary of this game since the beginning of the season. However, the banged-up Spartans are in the throes of a 3 game losing streak with the nation's Number 1 team in town. Drew Stanton looked good at times in his visit to Columbus last year, but the loss of Javon Ringer makes the challenge that much tougher for MSU. I will be at this game cheering on the Buckeyes, looking for the Troy to Ginn (or Gonzo) Show to perform an encore. Buckeyes 32 - Spartans 13
Michigan at Penn State
Think back a season ago. Penn State was undefeated and in control late against Michigan. The Wolverines were in dire need of another big win to try and turn their season around. Chad Henne found Mario Manningham in the back of the endzone on the final play of the game and the Wolverines ended Penn State's national title hopes. Fast forward one year. The shoe is on the other foot. Michigan is unbeaten and looking to stay that way until a season ending battle with Ohio State. Penn State is a little down from last season but is 2-1 in the conference and things ease up a bit after this game.
The Nittany Lions flat out love to play at night. The fans will be decked out in all white and Beaver Stadium will literally sway with each roar from the crowd. Michigan hates to play at night, or at least Coach Carr does. Michigan will also be without field stretching wide receiver extraordinaire and last year's hero Mario Manningham. Manningham will certainly don the number one for Michigan after this year and in my mind might be the best receiver ever to play for the maize and blue, and that is saying a lot. He'll be missed. Mike Hart will have to take every yard he can get as you know JoePa will sell out to stop him first and foremost. This Michigan team isn't flashy and gets it done on defense, but something tells me there will be an upset this day in the Big Ten and this will be it... Penn State 23 - Michigan 20.
BuckeyeNation says ... The Wolverines have had the Lions number for quite some time. UM suffered a blow with hotshot (Ohio traitor) Mario Manningham's surgery. PSU will try to reprise the atmosphere they ambushed OSU with last year with another "white-out" game. While the Lions will roar, UM will escape with a big road win in Happy Valley. Michigan 28 - Penn State 24
Monday, October 09, 2006
Monday Morning QB ...
A rather ho-hum weekend in the Big Ten. Ohio State crushed Bowling Green, as expected. Iowa bounced back big with a resounding win over Purdue. Michigan dominated rival Michigan State. Wisconsin ran all over Northwestern. Really, the only games that brought some excitement were played by traditional cellar dwellars Indiana and Illinois and by Penn State and Minnesota.
Both games came down to a kick. One meant a win, the other a loss. Indiana finally got back in the win column by nailing a game winning field goal in Champaign and sending Illinois back to the familiar territory of a loss. Minnesota missed a PAT and watched Penn State convert a score and PAT in their part of overtime to avoid an upset and keep the Gophers winless in the conference.
This weekend sees another rivalry game involving Paul Bunyan (Minnesota at Wisconsin), an anticipated Saturday evening battle between two tremendous programs (Michigan at Penn State), a game that was once thought to be a trap game for the Buckeyes (Ohio State at Michigan State) and a couple of "so-what" games when Purdue hits the road for Evanston and Illinois entertains Ohio.
Team of the Week ...
Iowa could have been caught licking the wounds of a rather lopsided home loss to Ohio State in what was billed as one of the bigger games ever played in Kinnick. Instead, the Hawkeyes bounced back big and hammered the Boilermakers.
Player of the Week ...
P.J. Hill ran all over Northwestern for 249 yards and hit the century mark 10 minutes into the game. Also considered - Troy Smith and Mario Manningham, but frankly, they win every other week!
A look at my preseason predictions, halfway into the season...
Indiana - I had them at 4-2 (1-1) with losses to Western Michigan and Illinois; They are 3-3 (1-1) with losses to Southern Illinois, UConn and Wisconsin
Minnesota - I had them at 2-4 (0-3) with losses to Cal, Purdue, Michigan and Penn State; I have them nailed at this point
Northwestern - I had them 3-3 (0-2) with losses to Nevada, Penn State and Wisconsin; They are 2-4 (0-2) with an additional loss, to 1-AA New Hampshire
Illinois - I had them 3-3 (1-2) with losses to Rutgers, Iowa and MSU; They are 2-4 (1-2) with losses to Rutgers, Syracuse, Iowa and Indiana
Purdue - I had them 4-2 (1-1) with losses to Notre Dame and Iowa; I have them nailed at this point
Wisconsin - I had them 4-2 (1-2) with losses to Michigan and Indiana; They are 5-1 (2-1) with a lone loss to Michigan
Michigan State - I had them 4-2 (1-1) with losses to Notre Dame and Michigan; They are 3-3 (0-2) with those losses plus a loss to Illinois
Michigan - I had them 5-1 (3-0) with a loss to Notre Dame; They are 6-0 (3-0)
Penn State - I had them at 4-2 (2-1) with losses to Notre Dame and Ohio State; I have them nailed at this point
Ohio State - I had them at 5-1 (1-1) with a loss to Iowa; They are 6-0 (2-0)
Iowa - I had them at 6-0 (3-0); They are 5-1 (2-1) with a loss to Ohio State
Get Gamm Status ...
We actually had to go to the second tiebreaker this week. Five of us went 5-1 but may0170 and Buckeye Nation were each within three points of the tiebreaker. From there it goes to total points in the tiebreaker game, meaning the nod once again goes to Buckeye Nation (you know the drill). B.N. is, as Dan Patrick used to say "en fuego."
1 - mayo170: 43-9 (.827)
T2 - BuckeyeNation: 42-10 (.808), 3 GG Wins
T2 - phatsdawg: 42-10 (.808)
T2 - Dan Meyer: 42-10 (.808), 1 GG Win
T2 - flakcat: 42-10 (.808)
T2 - andrewj1313: 42-10 (.808)
7 - Gamm: 41-11 (.788), 1 GG Win
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 39-13 (.750), 1 GG Win
- AaronRoberts: 23-5 (.821)*
- PUFan: 21-9 (.750)*
* = Not eligible for final prize
This week...
Ohio at Illinois
Purdue at Northwestern
Iowa at Indiana
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Ohio State at Michigan State
Michigan at Penn State (Tiebreaker)
A rather ho-hum weekend in the Big Ten. Ohio State crushed Bowling Green, as expected. Iowa bounced back big with a resounding win over Purdue. Michigan dominated rival Michigan State. Wisconsin ran all over Northwestern. Really, the only games that brought some excitement were played by traditional cellar dwellars Indiana and Illinois and by Penn State and Minnesota.
Both games came down to a kick. One meant a win, the other a loss. Indiana finally got back in the win column by nailing a game winning field goal in Champaign and sending Illinois back to the familiar territory of a loss. Minnesota missed a PAT and watched Penn State convert a score and PAT in their part of overtime to avoid an upset and keep the Gophers winless in the conference.
This weekend sees another rivalry game involving Paul Bunyan (Minnesota at Wisconsin), an anticipated Saturday evening battle between two tremendous programs (Michigan at Penn State), a game that was once thought to be a trap game for the Buckeyes (Ohio State at Michigan State) and a couple of "so-what" games when Purdue hits the road for Evanston and Illinois entertains Ohio.
Team of the Week ...
Iowa could have been caught licking the wounds of a rather lopsided home loss to Ohio State in what was billed as one of the bigger games ever played in Kinnick. Instead, the Hawkeyes bounced back big and hammered the Boilermakers.
Player of the Week ...
P.J. Hill ran all over Northwestern for 249 yards and hit the century mark 10 minutes into the game. Also considered - Troy Smith and Mario Manningham, but frankly, they win every other week!
A look at my preseason predictions, halfway into the season...
Indiana - I had them at 4-2 (1-1) with losses to Western Michigan and Illinois; They are 3-3 (1-1) with losses to Southern Illinois, UConn and Wisconsin
Minnesota - I had them at 2-4 (0-3) with losses to Cal, Purdue, Michigan and Penn State; I have them nailed at this point
Northwestern - I had them 3-3 (0-2) with losses to Nevada, Penn State and Wisconsin; They are 2-4 (0-2) with an additional loss, to 1-AA New Hampshire
Illinois - I had them 3-3 (1-2) with losses to Rutgers, Iowa and MSU; They are 2-4 (1-2) with losses to Rutgers, Syracuse, Iowa and Indiana
Purdue - I had them 4-2 (1-1) with losses to Notre Dame and Iowa; I have them nailed at this point
Wisconsin - I had them 4-2 (1-2) with losses to Michigan and Indiana; They are 5-1 (2-1) with a lone loss to Michigan
Michigan State - I had them 4-2 (1-1) with losses to Notre Dame and Michigan; They are 3-3 (0-2) with those losses plus a loss to Illinois
Michigan - I had them 5-1 (3-0) with a loss to Notre Dame; They are 6-0 (3-0)
Penn State - I had them at 4-2 (2-1) with losses to Notre Dame and Ohio State; I have them nailed at this point
Ohio State - I had them at 5-1 (1-1) with a loss to Iowa; They are 6-0 (2-0)
Iowa - I had them at 6-0 (3-0); They are 5-1 (2-1) with a loss to Ohio State
Get Gamm Status ...
We actually had to go to the second tiebreaker this week. Five of us went 5-1 but may0170 and Buckeye Nation were each within three points of the tiebreaker. From there it goes to total points in the tiebreaker game, meaning the nod once again goes to Buckeye Nation (you know the drill). B.N. is, as Dan Patrick used to say "en fuego."
1 - mayo170: 43-9 (.827)
T2 - BuckeyeNation: 42-10 (.808), 3 GG Wins
T2 - phatsdawg: 42-10 (.808)
T2 - Dan Meyer: 42-10 (.808), 1 GG Win
T2 - flakcat: 42-10 (.808)
T2 - andrewj1313: 42-10 (.808)
7 - Gamm: 41-11 (.788), 1 GG Win
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 39-13 (.750), 1 GG Win
- AaronRoberts: 23-5 (.821)*
- PUFan: 21-9 (.750)*
* = Not eligible for final prize
This week...
Ohio at Illinois
Purdue at Northwestern
Iowa at Indiana
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Ohio State at Michigan State
Michigan at Penn State (Tiebreaker)
Friday, October 06, 2006
Backing up my letter to MSU fans...
I pointed out a few times this week that MSU can be counted on for three things every year:
1) A blown lead in a game that could turn the season (against a good team)
2) An excruciating loss to a team that State has no business losing to
3) A heroic, upset win over someone given the above, they should have no business beating
Well, I did a little research, and low and behold, I was right...
2006 - Blown Lead = Notre Dame, Bad Loss = Illinois, Big Win = ???
2005 - Blown Lead = Ohio State, Bad Loss = Purdue, Big Win = Notre Dame
2004 - Blown Lead = Michigan & OSU, Bad Loss = Rutgers, Big Win = Wisconsin
2003 - Blown Lead = Louisiana Tech (not that good but a good example), Bad Loss = LA Tech, Big Win = Iowa
2002 - Blown Lead = ND/Purdue, Bad Loss = Northwestern, Big Win = NONE
2001 - Blown Lead = Northwestern, Bad Loss = Indiana, Big Win = Michigan
2000 - Blown Lead = Wisconsin, Bad Loss = Iowa, Big Win = Purdue
1999 - The only season since 1990 where things went pretty much how they should have
1998 - Blown Lead = Purdue & Minnesota, Bad Loss = Minnesota, Big Win = Notre Dame & Ohio State
1997 - Blown Lead = Purdue, Bad Loss = Northwestern, Big Win = Penn State
I repeat, Michigan State is very predictable...
Open Letter to MSU Fans:
You know me, optimist number one and head coach apologist extraordinaire... only I've even become jaded. I left the ND game convinced that I never wanted to go to a game again.
It subsided a bit over a day or so, and actually I had to miss the Illinois game - only my sixth home game missed since 1991 and first since 2002 - but I was glad not to be there. I saw the first 3 and a half quarters on TV then we left with the score 20-10 and I put it on the radio. I actually turned the game off on the Stanton fumble which they eventually overruled and where he got hurt. I only turned it back on because my grandpa convinced me to and that was just in time to hear Illinois drive on us to kick the game winner.
The thing is, it has been this way since the latter half of Perles' tenure. We win a game we have no business winning, we lose a game that is really embarassing to a team we shouldn't and we blow a big lead in a game that could change the season. I have no doubt that even if we win against ND 37-33, we would have blown Illinois out and the hype for the game this week would be unreal. We're good enough to beat anyone, but first and foremost, we're good enough to beat ourselves. I blame Smith but yet I don't. Hell, he's just inherited the overall poor attitude that has been there since the end of the Perles days. It is like a curse. If we dump him, we start over - again. Then in four years, we do the same thing and we're right back where we started - again.
I know sports today is about win now, but I'd honestly like to see Smith with a team solely built of his players and if that means we go 6-6 this year and make the Motor City Bowl, so be it. We need to be built before we can reload. We never get to reload because we've never been built. The closest we came was year five with Saban. We struggled and then the light came on and the class we salvaged was great, only to be driven to the dirt by Williams. Smith is slowly building that up by recruiting the heck out of FLA and we have a great start on next year in Michigan which is full of studs.
We gave Izzo some time (and the program was not in the bad shape it was when Smith came on board), same needs to be done here. What JLS said the other day was sheer honesty. I give him credit for that and so what if he is quirky. Better than being lifeless and dead. He's not sugar coating anything. If we ever want to get ahead, we need to fully build a program, have some success and then start demanding 8+ win seasons. Until then, it will be status quo for years to come.
Is JLS the right man? I'm still on the fence. But until MSU fans, alums, writers, top brass, etc. realize that WE DON'T HAVE A PROGRAM RIGHT NOW AND HAVEN'T SINCE 1987-1990, we will go nowhere. We will fire this coach, start over and in four years do it again.
Look at the talent and the fact that we finally have some decent depth again. Kids are going to class. Kids are in a lot less trouble than before. There is more to building a program than quick wins despite tough losses and blown leads.
Do what you want with Smith, but don't make me say I told you so if we fire him and in four years we are still pinning for a program.
Looking for Get Gamm previews? Click Here.
I pointed out a few times this week that MSU can be counted on for three things every year:
1) A blown lead in a game that could turn the season (against a good team)
2) An excruciating loss to a team that State has no business losing to
3) A heroic, upset win over someone given the above, they should have no business beating
Well, I did a little research, and low and behold, I was right...
2006 - Blown Lead = Notre Dame, Bad Loss = Illinois, Big Win = ???
2005 - Blown Lead = Ohio State, Bad Loss = Purdue, Big Win = Notre Dame
2004 - Blown Lead = Michigan & OSU, Bad Loss = Rutgers, Big Win = Wisconsin
2003 - Blown Lead = Louisiana Tech (not that good but a good example), Bad Loss = LA Tech, Big Win = Iowa
2002 - Blown Lead = ND/Purdue, Bad Loss = Northwestern, Big Win = NONE
2001 - Blown Lead = Northwestern, Bad Loss = Indiana, Big Win = Michigan
2000 - Blown Lead = Wisconsin, Bad Loss = Iowa, Big Win = Purdue
1999 - The only season since 1990 where things went pretty much how they should have
1998 - Blown Lead = Purdue & Minnesota, Bad Loss = Minnesota, Big Win = Notre Dame & Ohio State
1997 - Blown Lead = Purdue, Bad Loss = Northwestern, Big Win = Penn State
I repeat, Michigan State is very predictable...
Open Letter to MSU Fans:
You know me, optimist number one and head coach apologist extraordinaire... only I've even become jaded. I left the ND game convinced that I never wanted to go to a game again.
It subsided a bit over a day or so, and actually I had to miss the Illinois game - only my sixth home game missed since 1991 and first since 2002 - but I was glad not to be there. I saw the first 3 and a half quarters on TV then we left with the score 20-10 and I put it on the radio. I actually turned the game off on the Stanton fumble which they eventually overruled and where he got hurt. I only turned it back on because my grandpa convinced me to and that was just in time to hear Illinois drive on us to kick the game winner.
The thing is, it has been this way since the latter half of Perles' tenure. We win a game we have no business winning, we lose a game that is really embarassing to a team we shouldn't and we blow a big lead in a game that could change the season. I have no doubt that even if we win against ND 37-33, we would have blown Illinois out and the hype for the game this week would be unreal. We're good enough to beat anyone, but first and foremost, we're good enough to beat ourselves. I blame Smith but yet I don't. Hell, he's just inherited the overall poor attitude that has been there since the end of the Perles days. It is like a curse. If we dump him, we start over - again. Then in four years, we do the same thing and we're right back where we started - again.
I know sports today is about win now, but I'd honestly like to see Smith with a team solely built of his players and if that means we go 6-6 this year and make the Motor City Bowl, so be it. We need to be built before we can reload. We never get to reload because we've never been built. The closest we came was year five with Saban. We struggled and then the light came on and the class we salvaged was great, only to be driven to the dirt by Williams. Smith is slowly building that up by recruiting the heck out of FLA and we have a great start on next year in Michigan which is full of studs.
We gave Izzo some time (and the program was not in the bad shape it was when Smith came on board), same needs to be done here. What JLS said the other day was sheer honesty. I give him credit for that and so what if he is quirky. Better than being lifeless and dead. He's not sugar coating anything. If we ever want to get ahead, we need to fully build a program, have some success and then start demanding 8+ win seasons. Until then, it will be status quo for years to come.
Is JLS the right man? I'm still on the fence. But until MSU fans, alums, writers, top brass, etc. realize that WE DON'T HAVE A PROGRAM RIGHT NOW AND HAVEN'T SINCE 1987-1990, we will go nowhere. We will fire this coach, start over and in four years do it again.
Look at the talent and the fact that we finally have some decent depth again. Kids are going to class. Kids are in a lot less trouble than before. There is more to building a program than quick wins despite tough losses and blown leads.
Do what you want with Smith, but don't make me say I told you so if we fire him and in four years we are still pinning for a program.
Looking for Get Gamm previews? Click Here.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Week Six - Get Gamm Previews ...
Purdue at Iowa
Indiana at Illinois
Penn State at Minnesota
Northwestern at Wisconsin
Bowling Green at Ohio State
Michigan State at Michigan (tiebreaker)
Purdue at Iowa
Not much time for either team to lick its wounds after rather resounding losses last week. Purdue never quit against Notre Dame but if not for a very average Notre Dame defense, would have been further out of it than they were. Iowa saw what the rest of the nation had before - Ohio State is clearly the best team in the Big Ten and the country.
Put last week aside though, because these teams are playing a key game in the overall race. Chances are neither will win the Big Ten, but Iowa still could run the table and Purdue is one of just three unbeatens in the league. Both teams can move the ball a bit, but Iowa has the far better defense. If Purdue can manage the clock and mix up the aerial attack with the ground game, the Boilermakers could do the unthinkable and hang a second straight home loss on Drew Tate and company. However, I see the Iowa passing game taking advantage of a below average (at best) Purdue secondary and after a quarter or so of shaking off last week's loss, taking control in this tilt. Iowa 27 - Purdue 17.
Buckeye Nation says ... Hawkeyes come off the big loss to OSU after Beano and Corso got their hopes up high. The Hawkeye Crowd starts out a little flat, but rallies as their team does over an improving Boilermaker squad. Iowa 32 - Purdue 24
Indiana at Illinois
When I wrote my preseason previews, I noted this game as one that could help either team to a better than expected season. Well that certainly is the case for the Illini, who despite getting hammered by Rutgers, handled by Syracuse and beat up on by Iowa found a way to beat a down Michigan State team. Win this one and suddenly the Illini are 3-3 with at least a couple of winnable games left on the slate. On the other side of the coin, there is Indiana. The Hoosiers looked solid in starting 2-0 but switched quarterbacks and have since been beaten by a 1-AA squad, a not so good UConn team and obliterated by Wisconsin. Both teams sit 2-3 but are heading in opposite directions.
I think the move to Juice Williams at quarterback was huge for the future of the program. Illinois is hungry to build on just their second Big Ten win in the last 26 tries and will have an inspired home crowd behind them. Indiana is growing and building as well, but might be better served to have Blake Powers taking the snaps if the Hoosiers want to win now. In a good game between two not so good teams... Illinois 24 - Indiana 20.
Buckeye Nation says ... The Illini comes home to celebrate, but the Hoosiers aren't popping any corks. Still the home team prevails in the end. No worries about any flag plantings in Champaign... Illinois 24 - Indiana 17
Penn State at Minnesota
This one is a key early season battle for bowl positioning. Not so much who would go to a better bowl if they wound up tied, that is a no brainer (Penn State). Rather, the winner has a much better chance to actually make a bowl game. Minnesota is about where I expected them to be. Not a bad team, but not quite good enough to compete with the likes of Cal, Michigan or even Purdue. Penn State is not the team I expected. I didn't forsee quite as many challenges on offense or on the defensive front. The Nittany Lions got pasted by Notre Dame but did, despite what the scoreboard says, play OSU as tough as anyone has all season. Their wins are over very unimpressive Youngstown State and Northwestern and a pretty good Akron team.
This game will be a good test of the Nits. Penn State has Michigan coming to town next weekend and will get a chance to face a good, solid offensive attack to prepare. Minnesota really only has one more "easy" league game on the slate (vs. Indiana) as well as a contest with North Dakota State so these winnable games are musts if they are to keep the current Gopher bowl streak alive. I'm torn on this one mostly because of the unpredictable Penn State offense. That said, PSU has the better defense and doesn't defense win games? Penn State 23 - Minnesota 21.
Buckeye Nation says ... No one can quite figure out the Gophers, but it's doubtful they can pull the trick on JoePa...even at home, although they'll make it close as PSU peeks a little bit ahead to next week against UM. Penn State 23 - Minnesota 20
Northwestern at Wisconsin
Avert your eyes if you cheer for the Wildcats, this one could get ugly. While Northwestern has shown flashes of decency at times they are struggling in all phases of the game. Meanwhile, after a slugglish performance at Michigan, Wisconsin seems to have found its stride in a dominating win over Indiana. Northwestern and Indiana are about on par and this one is in Madison. I could write more, but really, there isn't much more to say than send it in for Big Red... Wisconsin 45 - Northwestern 13.
Buckeye Nation says ... Wisconsin rolls out the barrel with the Wildcats in town. The Cheeseheads celebrate. Wisconsin 26 - Northwestern 17
Bowling Green at Ohio State
Okay, so there is less to say about this one than Northwestern v. Wisconsin! Bowling Green is not the offensive power they've been in recent history. Ohio State is good. Damn good. This is the first breather they get in a tough early season slate. The Buckeyes can't look all the way to November 18 and expect to remain unscathed, but they can look past this one and still cover the spread. Ohio State 48 - BGSU 9
Buckeye Nation says ... This was to be the Buckeyes' Bye Week until the NCAA voted in the 12th game. The way the Falcons are playing this season, it still likely is a Bye week for OSU. The Falcons would have rather played OSU in 2004, and Wiscy in Cleveland with the 2005 team, not 2006. The Number 1 team in the country rolls BGSU. Buckeyes 42 - Bowling Green 6
Michigan State at Michigan
It really is amazing how fragile the Spartans' psyche is. As sure as I am breathing, holding on for the W over Notre Dame would have led to a victory over Illinois and this game getting national attention ... for the right reasons. Instead, it is getting attention because the schizo Spartans have again pulled off two parts of their typical trifecta. That is, they've blown the big lead in a game that could have been a season changer. They've lost in unspeakable and embarassing fashion to a team they have no business losing to. All that remains is the predictable win over a team it should have no business beating.
There are two great chances to pull of the third leg. This week and next. Michigan State has the talent to win this game. The past three have been decided by one score or less, the past two in overtime. Michigan has won four in a row, dating back to the infamous last second play in 2001. This game will also be close, even with a dinged up Drew Stanton at the helm, the loss of tailback Javon Ringer and the MSU state of mind. A lot of comparisons are being made to the last time State won in Ann Arbor when the game was billed as No. 1 vs. No One. A win here and Michigan State could rebound to great things. A loss and the season may spiral further out of control. I'm telling you that this week or next will be that one game for Michigan State... Michigan 31 - Michigan State 19.
Buckeye Nation says ... Can it get any worse for the Spartans? John L will be smacking himself (and trying to hold on to his job) after the hated Wolverines spank the Spartans. Michigan 39 - MSU 18
Purdue at Iowa
Indiana at Illinois
Penn State at Minnesota
Northwestern at Wisconsin
Bowling Green at Ohio State
Michigan State at Michigan (tiebreaker)
Purdue at Iowa
Not much time for either team to lick its wounds after rather resounding losses last week. Purdue never quit against Notre Dame but if not for a very average Notre Dame defense, would have been further out of it than they were. Iowa saw what the rest of the nation had before - Ohio State is clearly the best team in the Big Ten and the country.
Put last week aside though, because these teams are playing a key game in the overall race. Chances are neither will win the Big Ten, but Iowa still could run the table and Purdue is one of just three unbeatens in the league. Both teams can move the ball a bit, but Iowa has the far better defense. If Purdue can manage the clock and mix up the aerial attack with the ground game, the Boilermakers could do the unthinkable and hang a second straight home loss on Drew Tate and company. However, I see the Iowa passing game taking advantage of a below average (at best) Purdue secondary and after a quarter or so of shaking off last week's loss, taking control in this tilt. Iowa 27 - Purdue 17.
Buckeye Nation says ... Hawkeyes come off the big loss to OSU after Beano and Corso got their hopes up high. The Hawkeye Crowd starts out a little flat, but rallies as their team does over an improving Boilermaker squad. Iowa 32 - Purdue 24
Indiana at Illinois
When I wrote my preseason previews, I noted this game as one that could help either team to a better than expected season. Well that certainly is the case for the Illini, who despite getting hammered by Rutgers, handled by Syracuse and beat up on by Iowa found a way to beat a down Michigan State team. Win this one and suddenly the Illini are 3-3 with at least a couple of winnable games left on the slate. On the other side of the coin, there is Indiana. The Hoosiers looked solid in starting 2-0 but switched quarterbacks and have since been beaten by a 1-AA squad, a not so good UConn team and obliterated by Wisconsin. Both teams sit 2-3 but are heading in opposite directions.
I think the move to Juice Williams at quarterback was huge for the future of the program. Illinois is hungry to build on just their second Big Ten win in the last 26 tries and will have an inspired home crowd behind them. Indiana is growing and building as well, but might be better served to have Blake Powers taking the snaps if the Hoosiers want to win now. In a good game between two not so good teams... Illinois 24 - Indiana 20.
Buckeye Nation says ... The Illini comes home to celebrate, but the Hoosiers aren't popping any corks. Still the home team prevails in the end. No worries about any flag plantings in Champaign... Illinois 24 - Indiana 17
Penn State at Minnesota
This one is a key early season battle for bowl positioning. Not so much who would go to a better bowl if they wound up tied, that is a no brainer (Penn State). Rather, the winner has a much better chance to actually make a bowl game. Minnesota is about where I expected them to be. Not a bad team, but not quite good enough to compete with the likes of Cal, Michigan or even Purdue. Penn State is not the team I expected. I didn't forsee quite as many challenges on offense or on the defensive front. The Nittany Lions got pasted by Notre Dame but did, despite what the scoreboard says, play OSU as tough as anyone has all season. Their wins are over very unimpressive Youngstown State and Northwestern and a pretty good Akron team.
This game will be a good test of the Nits. Penn State has Michigan coming to town next weekend and will get a chance to face a good, solid offensive attack to prepare. Minnesota really only has one more "easy" league game on the slate (vs. Indiana) as well as a contest with North Dakota State so these winnable games are musts if they are to keep the current Gopher bowl streak alive. I'm torn on this one mostly because of the unpredictable Penn State offense. That said, PSU has the better defense and doesn't defense win games? Penn State 23 - Minnesota 21.
Buckeye Nation says ... No one can quite figure out the Gophers, but it's doubtful they can pull the trick on JoePa...even at home, although they'll make it close as PSU peeks a little bit ahead to next week against UM. Penn State 23 - Minnesota 20
Northwestern at Wisconsin
Avert your eyes if you cheer for the Wildcats, this one could get ugly. While Northwestern has shown flashes of decency at times they are struggling in all phases of the game. Meanwhile, after a slugglish performance at Michigan, Wisconsin seems to have found its stride in a dominating win over Indiana. Northwestern and Indiana are about on par and this one is in Madison. I could write more, but really, there isn't much more to say than send it in for Big Red... Wisconsin 45 - Northwestern 13.
Buckeye Nation says ... Wisconsin rolls out the barrel with the Wildcats in town. The Cheeseheads celebrate. Wisconsin 26 - Northwestern 17
Bowling Green at Ohio State
Okay, so there is less to say about this one than Northwestern v. Wisconsin! Bowling Green is not the offensive power they've been in recent history. Ohio State is good. Damn good. This is the first breather they get in a tough early season slate. The Buckeyes can't look all the way to November 18 and expect to remain unscathed, but they can look past this one and still cover the spread. Ohio State 48 - BGSU 9
Buckeye Nation says ... This was to be the Buckeyes' Bye Week until the NCAA voted in the 12th game. The way the Falcons are playing this season, it still likely is a Bye week for OSU. The Falcons would have rather played OSU in 2004, and Wiscy in Cleveland with the 2005 team, not 2006. The Number 1 team in the country rolls BGSU. Buckeyes 42 - Bowling Green 6
Michigan State at Michigan
It really is amazing how fragile the Spartans' psyche is. As sure as I am breathing, holding on for the W over Notre Dame would have led to a victory over Illinois and this game getting national attention ... for the right reasons. Instead, it is getting attention because the schizo Spartans have again pulled off two parts of their typical trifecta. That is, they've blown the big lead in a game that could have been a season changer. They've lost in unspeakable and embarassing fashion to a team they have no business losing to. All that remains is the predictable win over a team it should have no business beating.
There are two great chances to pull of the third leg. This week and next. Michigan State has the talent to win this game. The past three have been decided by one score or less, the past two in overtime. Michigan has won four in a row, dating back to the infamous last second play in 2001. This game will also be close, even with a dinged up Drew Stanton at the helm, the loss of tailback Javon Ringer and the MSU state of mind. A lot of comparisons are being made to the last time State won in Ann Arbor when the game was billed as No. 1 vs. No One. A win here and Michigan State could rebound to great things. A loss and the season may spiral further out of control. I'm telling you that this week or next will be that one game for Michigan State... Michigan 31 - Michigan State 19.
Buckeye Nation says ... Can it get any worse for the Spartans? John L will be smacking himself (and trying to hold on to his job) after the hated Wolverines spank the Spartans. Michigan 39 - MSU 18
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Monday Morning QB - on Wednesday ...
It took me this long to get off the bridge after my alma mater hit on annual guarantee number two of three this past weekend. Okay, not really, I've just been busy, but MSU fans are not a happy camp right now. To that I reply: Hey, we're two for three. Shame on any Spartans fan who doesn't recognize that each and every year, State can be counted on for three things. One, an excruciatingly painful loss in a game that was well in hand well into the fourth quarter (Notre Dame). Two, a painfully embarassing loss that garners unwanted national attention due to who the loss came to (Illinois). The third item give us hope the next two weekends. Michigan State always beats a team it really shouldn't at some point in every season...
Team of the Week...
It could be Ohio State for their dismantling of Iowa in rabid Hawkeye country. It could be Wisconsin for absolutely hammering the Hoosiers in a game many thought IU would win. It could even be Purdue or Michigan for nice opening wins. But really, does anyone except Illinois deserve it? As much as Michigan State helped the cause by not showing up until it was too late, the Illini, losers of 24 of their last 25 conference games (no, that isn't a typo), went to East Lansing and beat a better team much more soundly than the final score indicates. Hats off to Zook and the Illini.
Player of the Week...
I get tired of giving it to guys for the teams that always win. So I am going to give it to Illinois QB Juice Williams. The Juice was loose in East Lansing and he ran and passed just well enough to give Illini fans a sliver of hope for the future.
Get Gamm Status...
Last weekend's winner was Ohio State fan Buckeye Nation, who nailed down win number two thanks to picking closer to the margin in the tiebreaker game than the other three who went 5-1. BN, you know the drill.
1 - phatsdawg: 39-7 (.848)
T2 - Dan Meyer: 38-8 (.826), 1 GG win
T2 - mayo170: 38-8 (.826)
T4 - flakcat: 37-9 (.804)
T4 - Buckeye Nation: 37-9 (.804), 2 GG wins
T6 - Gamm: 36-10 (.783), 1 GG win
T6 - andrewj1313: 36-10 (.783)
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 34-12 (.739), 1 GG win
9 - PUFan: 18-6 (.750)
- Aaron Roberts: 20-2 (.909)*
- Mike: 10-1 (.909)*
11 - PUFan: 14-4 (.777)*
* Missed weeks, not eligible for prize
This weekend's games:
Purdue at Iowa
Indiana at Illinois
Penn State at Minnesota
Northwestern at Wisconsin
Bowling Green at Ohio State
Michigan State at Michigan (tiebreaker)
Open Letter to MSU Fans:
You know me, optimist number one and head coach apologist extraordinaire... only I've even become jaded. I left the ND game convinced that I never wanted to go to a game again.
It subsided a bit over a day or so, and actually I had to miss the Illinois game - only my sixth home game missed since 1991 and first since 2002 as my son had a soccer game in Mona Shores - but I was glad not to be there. I saw the first 3 and a half quarters on TV then we left with the score 20-10 and I put it on the radio. I actually turned the game off on the Stanton fumble which they eventually overruled and where he got hurt. I only turned it back on because my grandpa convinced me to and that was just in time to hear Illinois drive on us to kick the game winner.
The thing is, it has been this way since the latter half of Perles' tenure. We win a game we have no business winning, we lose a game that is really embarassing to a team we shouldn't and we blow a big lead in a game that could change the season. I have no doubt that even if we win against ND 37-33, we would have blown Illinois out and the hype for the game this week would be unreal. We're good enough to beat anyone, but first and foremost, we're good enough to beat ourselves. I blame Smith but yet I don't. Hell, he's just inherited the overall poor attitude that has been there since the end of the Perles days. It is like a curse. If we dump him, we start over - again. Then in four years, we do the same thing and we're right back where we started - again.
I know sports today is about win now, but I'd honestly like to see Smith with a team solely built of his players and if that means we go 6-6 this year and make the Motor City Bowl, so be it. We need to be built before we can reload. We never get to reload because we've never been built. The closest we came was year five with Saban. We struggled and then the light came on and the class we salvaged was great, only to be driven to the dirt by Williams. Smith is slowly building that up by recruiting the heck out of FLA and we have a great start on next year in Michigan which is full of studs.
We gave Izzo some time (and the program was not in the shape it was when Smith came on board), same needs to be done here. What JLS said the other day was sheer honesty. I give him credit for that and so what if he is quirky. Better than being lifeless and dead. He's not sugar coating anything. If we ever want to get ahead, we need to fully build a program, have some success and then start demanding 8+ win seasons. Until then, it will be status quo for years to come.
Is JLS the right man? I'm still on the fence. But until MSU fans, alums, writers, top brass, etc. realize that WE DON'T HAVE A PROGRAM RIGHT NOW AND HAVEN'T SINCE 1987-1990, we will go nowhere. We will fire this coach, start over and in four years do it again.
Look at the talent and the fact that we finally have some decent depth again. Kids are going to class. Kids are in a lot less trouble than before. There is more to building a program than quick wins despite tough losses and blown leads.
Do what you want with Smith, but don't make me say I told you so if we fire him and in four years we are still pinning for a program.
It took me this long to get off the bridge after my alma mater hit on annual guarantee number two of three this past weekend. Okay, not really, I've just been busy, but MSU fans are not a happy camp right now. To that I reply: Hey, we're two for three. Shame on any Spartans fan who doesn't recognize that each and every year, State can be counted on for three things. One, an excruciatingly painful loss in a game that was well in hand well into the fourth quarter (Notre Dame). Two, a painfully embarassing loss that garners unwanted national attention due to who the loss came to (Illinois). The third item give us hope the next two weekends. Michigan State always beats a team it really shouldn't at some point in every season...
Team of the Week...
It could be Ohio State for their dismantling of Iowa in rabid Hawkeye country. It could be Wisconsin for absolutely hammering the Hoosiers in a game many thought IU would win. It could even be Purdue or Michigan for nice opening wins. But really, does anyone except Illinois deserve it? As much as Michigan State helped the cause by not showing up until it was too late, the Illini, losers of 24 of their last 25 conference games (no, that isn't a typo), went to East Lansing and beat a better team much more soundly than the final score indicates. Hats off to Zook and the Illini.
Player of the Week...
I get tired of giving it to guys for the teams that always win. So I am going to give it to Illinois QB Juice Williams. The Juice was loose in East Lansing and he ran and passed just well enough to give Illini fans a sliver of hope for the future.
Get Gamm Status...
Last weekend's winner was Ohio State fan Buckeye Nation, who nailed down win number two thanks to picking closer to the margin in the tiebreaker game than the other three who went 5-1. BN, you know the drill.
1 - phatsdawg: 39-7 (.848)
T2 - Dan Meyer: 38-8 (.826), 1 GG win
T2 - mayo170: 38-8 (.826)
T4 - flakcat: 37-9 (.804)
T4 - Buckeye Nation: 37-9 (.804), 2 GG wins
T6 - Gamm: 36-10 (.783), 1 GG win
T6 - andrewj1313: 36-10 (.783)
8 - BigTenSportsFan: 34-12 (.739), 1 GG win
9 - PUFan: 18-6 (.750)
- Aaron Roberts: 20-2 (.909)*
- Mike: 10-1 (.909)*
11 - PUFan: 14-4 (.777)*
* Missed weeks, not eligible for prize
This weekend's games:
Purdue at Iowa
Indiana at Illinois
Penn State at Minnesota
Northwestern at Wisconsin
Bowling Green at Ohio State
Michigan State at Michigan (tiebreaker)
Open Letter to MSU Fans:
You know me, optimist number one and head coach apologist extraordinaire... only I've even become jaded. I left the ND game convinced that I never wanted to go to a game again.
It subsided a bit over a day or so, and actually I had to miss the Illinois game - only my sixth home game missed since 1991 and first since 2002 as my son had a soccer game in Mona Shores - but I was glad not to be there. I saw the first 3 and a half quarters on TV then we left with the score 20-10 and I put it on the radio. I actually turned the game off on the Stanton fumble which they eventually overruled and where he got hurt. I only turned it back on because my grandpa convinced me to and that was just in time to hear Illinois drive on us to kick the game winner.
The thing is, it has been this way since the latter half of Perles' tenure. We win a game we have no business winning, we lose a game that is really embarassing to a team we shouldn't and we blow a big lead in a game that could change the season. I have no doubt that even if we win against ND 37-33, we would have blown Illinois out and the hype for the game this week would be unreal. We're good enough to beat anyone, but first and foremost, we're good enough to beat ourselves. I blame Smith but yet I don't. Hell, he's just inherited the overall poor attitude that has been there since the end of the Perles days. It is like a curse. If we dump him, we start over - again. Then in four years, we do the same thing and we're right back where we started - again.
I know sports today is about win now, but I'd honestly like to see Smith with a team solely built of his players and if that means we go 6-6 this year and make the Motor City Bowl, so be it. We need to be built before we can reload. We never get to reload because we've never been built. The closest we came was year five with Saban. We struggled and then the light came on and the class we salvaged was great, only to be driven to the dirt by Williams. Smith is slowly building that up by recruiting the heck out of FLA and we have a great start on next year in Michigan which is full of studs.
We gave Izzo some time (and the program was not in the shape it was when Smith came on board), same needs to be done here. What JLS said the other day was sheer honesty. I give him credit for that and so what if he is quirky. Better than being lifeless and dead. He's not sugar coating anything. If we ever want to get ahead, we need to fully build a program, have some success and then start demanding 8+ win seasons. Until then, it will be status quo for years to come.
Is JLS the right man? I'm still on the fence. But until MSU fans, alums, writers, top brass, etc. realize that WE DON'T HAVE A PROGRAM RIGHT NOW AND HAVEN'T SINCE 1987-1990, we will go nowhere. We will fire this coach, start over and in four years do it again.
Look at the talent and the fact that we finally have some decent depth again. Kids are going to class. Kids are in a lot less trouble than before. There is more to building a program than quick wins despite tough losses and blown leads.
Do what you want with Smith, but don't make me say I told you so if we fire him and in four years we are still pinning for a program.
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