Big Ten Football Previews – Part IV
Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...
Team: Michigan Wolverines
Tidbits … The last losing season in Ann Arbor - before last season - was 1967. The last time the maize and blue failed to go bowling - before last season - was 1975. The last time Michigan only won 3 games was 1963 and they followed that with a 9 win season.
Past Predictions/Results:
2008 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 3-5 )T-7th), Champs / 3-9, 2-6 (T-9th), None
2007 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), BCS / 9-4, 6-2 (T-2nd), Capital One
2006 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 6-2 (T-3rd), Outback / 11-2, 7-1 (T-2nd), Rose
2005 Prediction / actual: 9-2, 6-2 (T-1st), BCS / 7-5, 5-3 (T-3rd), Alamo
2004 Prediction / actual: 10-1, 7-1 (T-1st), BCS / 9-3, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose
2003 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (T-2nd) / 10-3, 7-1 (1st)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-4th) / 10-3, 6-2 (3rd)
2001 Prediction / actual: 8-3, 6-2 (T-1st) / 8-4, 6-2 (2nd)
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Returning Starters: 10.5 offense*, 5 defense, 1 kicker (* given the slew of injuries, Michigan returns 4.5 part time starters and 6 full time starters on the offensive side of the ball)
Key Returnees: WR Greg Mathews, RB Brandon Minor, DE Brandon Graham, LB Obi Ezeh
Key Losses: DE Tim Jamison, DT Will Johnson, DT Terrance Taylor, CB Morgan Trent
Looking Back ... If 2007 marked the end of an era in Ann Arbor, 2008 provided a ghastly start of a new time for college football's winningest program. So anytime you go outside the program and make a hire like Michigan did, there are bound to be growing pains. But no one expected it to be this bad! Just when you thought losing to Appalachian State was bad, there was the Toldeo game. And to lose to every rival by at least two TDs? Ouch. But, as they say, that was then. Those who really wanted change are willing to give it three years. Will that be enough? Will Rich Rodriguez need that much time? Stay tuned...
Outlook - Offense ... The Wolverines return 10-plus guys with starting experience, but I have yet to determine if that is a good thing or not. The offensive front gained a lot of experience in the new scheme last year and developed depth along the way. There is talent at tailback and wide receiver. Tight end Kevin Kroger is underrated. New blood arrives at the skill positions too. But the single key to success will rest on the arm and legs of a true freshman. Tate Forcier - welcome to the spotlight. Michigan players certainly have a better grasp of the offense in year two and there is plenty of talent in the pantry, but can a true freshman lead this team from the depths to contention in one year? Not probable. But then again, Michigan and three wins was not a probable combination last year either.
Outlook - Defense ... Michigan's defense was supposed to carry the team last fall and never really stepped up to the challenge, giving up 35 + points a stunning six times. The good news is that the offense should be better this year, meaning less pressure on the D. The bad news is - unlike with Wolverines' teams in the past - there is only one real star on the defensive side of the ball. Typically Michigan boasts up to a handful of future NFLers, but this year, Brandon Graham is the only one who really stands out - though Obi Ezeh could also fit that bill eventually. Of course there is talent around, this is - after all - Michigan we're talking about, but there is some settling in that needs to be done. The key will be for this group to shake last year's woes and get off to a better start with the basics. Tackling was a big problem last year, but with a new coordinator, new focus and renewed energy, you have to bet that the M defense will be far better in '09 than it was a season ago.
Outlook - Special Teams ... Michigan's special teams play last year was less than stellar. The kicking game only yielded 10 field goals at a .667 clip. Upwards of 13 players tried their hand at the return game and put the ball on the turf at an alarming rate. Only punter Zoltan Mesko had a decent campaign and he may have tired from over-use! Mesko is back and the special teams' units have hopes of vast improvement in 2009. Whether or not they get it remains to be seen.
Schedule:
9/5 - WESTERN MICHIGAN
9/12 - NOTRE DAME
9/19 - EASTERN MICHIGAN
9/26 - INDIANA
10/3 - at Michigan State
10/10 - at Iowa
10/17 - DELAWARE STATE
10/24 - PENN STATE
10/31 - at Illinois
11/7 - PURDUE
11/14 - at Wisconsin
11/21 - OHIO STATE
Key Games:
9/12 - NOTRE DAME, 10/3 - at Michigan State, 11/22 - at Ohio State
Prediction ... Well, last year was even worse than I expected. Word from the die hard Michigan fans is that expectations are for six or seven wins this year. I think that is realistic. My big question is this: what happens if Rodriguez & Co. have another sub .500 season? Will he get a third year? I expect some new weapons to emerge this year that are much better fits for the team and style, but along with young players comes inexperience and rookie mistakes. It'll be better this year, but it still won't measure up to Michigan standards.
OOC: 3-1 (Notre Dame is the only loss, but don't sleep on Western Michigan)
B10: 3-5 (wins over Indiana, Purdue and Wisconsin)
Overall: 6-6, T-7th in the conference, Motor City Bowl
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Big Ten Football Previews – Part III
Editor's Note: This is the third in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...
Team: Northwestern Wildcats
Tidbits … The Wildcats won nine games in 2008 - the most since the 1996 team went 9-3. It was only the fifth time in school history that the team recorded nine wins. The others? 1898, 1903, 1995 and 1996.
Past Predictions/Results:
2008 Prediction/actual: 6-6, 2-6 (T-9th) - At Large Bid / 9-4, 5-3 (T-4th) - Alamo Bowl
2007 Prediction/actual: 5-7, 2-6 (9th) / 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th)
2006 Prediction/actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-9th) / 4-8, 2-6 (T-8th)
2005 Prediction/actual: 5-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 7-5, 5-3 (T-3rd) – Sun Bowl
2004 Prediction/actual: 5-7, 2-6 (9th) / 6-6, 5-3 (4th)
2003 Prediction/actual: 3-9, 0-8 (11th) / 6-7, 4-4 (T-7th) – Motor City Bowl
2002 Prediction/actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-6th) / 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th)
2001 Prediction/actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th) / 4-7, 2-6 (T-10th)
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Returning Starters: 5 offense, 8 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Mike Kafka, DE Corey Wootton, FS Brad Phillips, SS Brendan Smith
Key Losses: QB C.J. Bacher, RB Tyrell Sutton, DT John Gill, DE Kevin Mims, K Amando Villareal
Looking Back ... Wow! To anyone who doubted the move to Pat Fitzgerald in the wake of Randy Walker's sudden death a few years back, shame on you. Fitzgerald turned in one of the best seasons in school history, rattling off nine wins and making a nice run at Mizzou in the Alamo Bowl. And just think - within the losses was one to - gasp - Indiana. That team had a nice mix of power and finesse on offense and a defense that could step up on occasion. How does it look for 2009? Well, that remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Pat Fitzgerald is another big season away from myriad big program coaching opportunities.
Outlook - Offense ... If the Wildcats take a step back in 2009, it will be due to the loss of proven weapons from the offensive arsenal. Mike Kafka got some good experience at quarterback last fall, but Bacher had that winning knack about him. So did Tyrell Sutton, who might be the most missed of them all on the offensive side of the ball. Having to replace three solid wide receivers is no small task either. But enough gloom and doom. What Northwestern does have is a line that returns three starters and Kafka. The key will be for a young back and receiver or two to step up early, otherwise 2009 could be a side step or step back before the next program growth spurt.
Outlook - Defense ... Okay, so how often do we use Northwestern and defense as a strength in the same sentence? Truthfully, not often. That said, the Wildcats have produced some great defenders over the past 10-15 years. The trouble has been fielding defense that is rock solid from top to bottom. Well, this year might be the year. Eight starters return and there are a few others in the starting mix who have seen time but battled injury a season ago. Only two games really got away from the purple and black last year (OSU and MSU) but the defense will have to be even tighter this year if the 'cats are to have success. The entire front four looks good, potentially really good, but each has battled injuries over the years. The back seven is flat out good. The linebackers are quick and athletic, the secondary deep. If this unit can stay healthy, Northwestern will win a few this year with its defense.
Outlook - Special Teams ... Northwestern will miss place kicker Amando Villareal but Stefan Demos may be able to handle all the kicking duties this fall. Northwestern also lost plenty of return game weapons, but the depth that is battling for time at tailback will be a nice positive for that part of special teams this fall.
Schedule:
9/5 - TOWSON
9/12 - EASTERN MICHIGAN
9/19 - at Syracuse
9/26 - MINNESOTA
10/3 - at Purdue
10/10 - MIAMI-OH.
10/17 - at Michigan State
10/24 - INDIANA
10/31 - PENN STATE
11/7 - at Iowa
11/14 - at Illinois
11/21 - WISCONSIN
Key Games:
10/3 - at Purdue, 10/17 - at Michigan State, 11/14 - at Illinois
Prediction ... If only... if only this team had proven firepower returning to the offensive side of the ball, I could easily see better than I am predicting. The schedule isn't bad at all, with no Buckeyes and Penn State at home. This would be a year to get Michigan as they still rebuild, so that is a bummer but in general, it is a good schedule. The OOC slate is ripe for a whipping and that will power NU into yet another bowl game...
OOC: 4-0 (no one here strikes fear into anyone!)
B10: 3-5 (win over Minnesota, Purdue and Indiana)
Overall: 7-5, T-7th in the conference, AT LARGE bowl berth
Editor's Note: This is the third in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...
Team: Northwestern Wildcats
Tidbits … The Wildcats won nine games in 2008 - the most since the 1996 team went 9-3. It was only the fifth time in school history that the team recorded nine wins. The others? 1898, 1903, 1995 and 1996.
Past Predictions/Results:
2008 Prediction/actual: 6-6, 2-6 (T-9th) - At Large Bid / 9-4, 5-3 (T-4th) - Alamo Bowl
2007 Prediction/actual: 5-7, 2-6 (9th) / 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th)
2006 Prediction/actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-9th) / 4-8, 2-6 (T-8th)
2005 Prediction/actual: 5-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 7-5, 5-3 (T-3rd) – Sun Bowl
2004 Prediction/actual: 5-7, 2-6 (9th) / 6-6, 5-3 (4th)
2003 Prediction/actual: 3-9, 0-8 (11th) / 6-7, 4-4 (T-7th) – Motor City Bowl
2002 Prediction/actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-6th) / 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th)
2001 Prediction/actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th) / 4-7, 2-6 (T-10th)
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Returning Starters: 5 offense, 8 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Mike Kafka, DE Corey Wootton, FS Brad Phillips, SS Brendan Smith
Key Losses: QB C.J. Bacher, RB Tyrell Sutton, DT John Gill, DE Kevin Mims, K Amando Villareal
Looking Back ... Wow! To anyone who doubted the move to Pat Fitzgerald in the wake of Randy Walker's sudden death a few years back, shame on you. Fitzgerald turned in one of the best seasons in school history, rattling off nine wins and making a nice run at Mizzou in the Alamo Bowl. And just think - within the losses was one to - gasp - Indiana. That team had a nice mix of power and finesse on offense and a defense that could step up on occasion. How does it look for 2009? Well, that remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Pat Fitzgerald is another big season away from myriad big program coaching opportunities.
Outlook - Offense ... If the Wildcats take a step back in 2009, it will be due to the loss of proven weapons from the offensive arsenal. Mike Kafka got some good experience at quarterback last fall, but Bacher had that winning knack about him. So did Tyrell Sutton, who might be the most missed of them all on the offensive side of the ball. Having to replace three solid wide receivers is no small task either. But enough gloom and doom. What Northwestern does have is a line that returns three starters and Kafka. The key will be for a young back and receiver or two to step up early, otherwise 2009 could be a side step or step back before the next program growth spurt.
Outlook - Defense ... Okay, so how often do we use Northwestern and defense as a strength in the same sentence? Truthfully, not often. That said, the Wildcats have produced some great defenders over the past 10-15 years. The trouble has been fielding defense that is rock solid from top to bottom. Well, this year might be the year. Eight starters return and there are a few others in the starting mix who have seen time but battled injury a season ago. Only two games really got away from the purple and black last year (OSU and MSU) but the defense will have to be even tighter this year if the 'cats are to have success. The entire front four looks good, potentially really good, but each has battled injuries over the years. The back seven is flat out good. The linebackers are quick and athletic, the secondary deep. If this unit can stay healthy, Northwestern will win a few this year with its defense.
Outlook - Special Teams ... Northwestern will miss place kicker Amando Villareal but Stefan Demos may be able to handle all the kicking duties this fall. Northwestern also lost plenty of return game weapons, but the depth that is battling for time at tailback will be a nice positive for that part of special teams this fall.
Schedule:
9/5 - TOWSON
9/12 - EASTERN MICHIGAN
9/19 - at Syracuse
9/26 - MINNESOTA
10/3 - at Purdue
10/10 - MIAMI-OH.
10/17 - at Michigan State
10/24 - INDIANA
10/31 - PENN STATE
11/7 - at Iowa
11/14 - at Illinois
11/21 - WISCONSIN
Key Games:
10/3 - at Purdue, 10/17 - at Michigan State, 11/14 - at Illinois
Prediction ... If only... if only this team had proven firepower returning to the offensive side of the ball, I could easily see better than I am predicting. The schedule isn't bad at all, with no Buckeyes and Penn State at home. This would be a year to get Michigan as they still rebuild, so that is a bummer but in general, it is a good schedule. The OOC slate is ripe for a whipping and that will power NU into yet another bowl game...
OOC: 4-0 (no one here strikes fear into anyone!)
B10: 3-5 (win over Minnesota, Purdue and Indiana)
Overall: 7-5, T-7th in the conference, AT LARGE bowl berth
Monday, July 20, 2009
Big Ten Football Previews – Part II
Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
Tidbits … Indiana's five year trend is 3, 4, 5, 7, 3 ... wins that is. The Hoosiers have been two two bowl games in the lifetime of most current players on the roster.
Past Predictions/Results:
2008 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City / 3-9, 1-7 (11th)
2007 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City / 7-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Insight
2006 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-9th) / 5-7, 3-5 (T-6th)
2005 Prediction / actual: 3-8, 1-7 (11th) / 4-7, 1-7 (10th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 3-8, 1-7 (T-10th) / 3-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th) / 2-10, 1-7 (T-9th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th) / 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 4-7, 2-6 (T-10th) / 5-6, 4-4 (T-4th)
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Returning Starters: 7 offense, 9 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Ben Chappell, DE Greg Middleton, LB Will Patterson, FS Nick Polk
Key Losses: QB Kellen Lewis, RB Marcus Thigpen, DT Greg Brown, K Austin Starr
Looking Back ... How soon the success of one, emotionally charged season can wane. One year after making a run to postseason play for the first time in well over a decade, Indiana was slammed to reality. An injury-riddled 2008 campaign and continuous turmoil from supposed star Kellen Lewis led the Hoosiers from the brink of something consistent to the cellar once more. Maybe we should have seen it coming - the letdown from that season-ending high in 2007. Regardless, there is work to be done in Bloomington this season, or IU will reside in the basement once more.
Outlook - Offense ... Kellen Lewis is gone. So is Marcus Thigpen. Both were big-time playmakers for the Indiana offense. That said, is the loss of Lewis a blessing in disguise? His me-first attitude kept him out of important spring action in 2008 and this go around, it was the end of the road. Ben Chappell has plenty of experience, an offensive front that returns four of five starters and a big trio of wide outs to find down field. The key will be the Indiana ground game. Can Darius Willis go from redshirt to superstar? This offense is going to need Willis - or another back - to balance the attack if the Hoosiers are going to have any sustained success this year.
Outlook - Defense ... Indiana returns nine starters on defense. Ordinarily, that's a good thing. But this is a defense that gave up 42, 55, 45, 55, 34 and 62 in Big Ten tilts a season ago. There are some solid players here, but this unit must gel and come together as one if Indiana is to improve at all on last year's woeful defensive performance. Teams scored 27 times on the ground against IU last fall. The key is for the experienced front seven, led by DEs Greg Middleton and Jammie Kirlew and three-year starting linebacker Will Patterson to return to the form they flashed in 2007. Get some pressure up front and the secondary can gets its licks in. If that front seven flounders, look out - the numbers that seemed bad in '08 could turn catastrophic in '09.
Outlook - Special Teams ... Indiana entered the Big Ten as one of the best in this category last season. But, Austin Starr is gone and so is game-breaking return man Marcus Thigpen. Yes, punter Chris Hagerup returns, but the place-kicking falls to an untested freshman and the Hooisers will be hard-pressed to find a returner with the same speed and knack for finding the holes as Thigpen.
Schedule:
9/3 - EASTERN KENTUCKY
9/12 - WESTERN MICHIGAN
9/19 - at Akron
9/26 - at Michigan
10/3 - OHIO STATE
10/10 - at Virginia
10/17 - ILLINOIS
10/24 - at Northwestern
10/31 - at Iowa
11/7 - WISCONSIN
11/14 - at Penn State
11/21 - PURDUE
Key Games:
9/12 - WESTERN MICHIGAN, 10/10 - at Virgina, 11/21 - PURDUE
Prediction ... Indiana’s bowl berth in 2007 ended a 14-year drought. The Hoosiers’ last winning season before last year came in 1994. Will it be 2020 before IU has another winning season? The recruiting class that comes in was actually a decent haul by Indiana standards and I do like Bill Lynch as the Indiana coach. The key is not to jump the gun and start over - again - if the season plays out as I expect. The OOC slate is much tougher than last year, and the only in conference "break" is no Michigan State. Don't be surprised to see this team pull off a shocker or two, but it might be a lot of the same in 2009...
OOC: 2-2 (Someone call up last year's foursome instead. Wins over EKU and Akron.)
B10: 1-7 (win over Purdue)
Overall: 3-9, 10th in the conference
Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
Tidbits … Indiana's five year trend is 3, 4, 5, 7, 3 ... wins that is. The Hoosiers have been two two bowl games in the lifetime of most current players on the roster.
Past Predictions/Results:
2008 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City / 3-9, 1-7 (11th)
2007 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City / 7-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Insight
2006 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-9th) / 5-7, 3-5 (T-6th)
2005 Prediction / actual: 3-8, 1-7 (11th) / 4-7, 1-7 (10th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 3-8, 1-7 (T-10th) / 3-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th) / 2-10, 1-7 (T-9th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th) / 3-9, 1-7 (T-10th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 4-7, 2-6 (T-10th) / 5-6, 4-4 (T-4th)
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Returning Starters: 7 offense, 9 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Ben Chappell, DE Greg Middleton, LB Will Patterson, FS Nick Polk
Key Losses: QB Kellen Lewis, RB Marcus Thigpen, DT Greg Brown, K Austin Starr
Looking Back ... How soon the success of one, emotionally charged season can wane. One year after making a run to postseason play for the first time in well over a decade, Indiana was slammed to reality. An injury-riddled 2008 campaign and continuous turmoil from supposed star Kellen Lewis led the Hoosiers from the brink of something consistent to the cellar once more. Maybe we should have seen it coming - the letdown from that season-ending high in 2007. Regardless, there is work to be done in Bloomington this season, or IU will reside in the basement once more.
Outlook - Offense ... Kellen Lewis is gone. So is Marcus Thigpen. Both were big-time playmakers for the Indiana offense. That said, is the loss of Lewis a blessing in disguise? His me-first attitude kept him out of important spring action in 2008 and this go around, it was the end of the road. Ben Chappell has plenty of experience, an offensive front that returns four of five starters and a big trio of wide outs to find down field. The key will be the Indiana ground game. Can Darius Willis go from redshirt to superstar? This offense is going to need Willis - or another back - to balance the attack if the Hoosiers are going to have any sustained success this year.
Outlook - Defense ... Indiana returns nine starters on defense. Ordinarily, that's a good thing. But this is a defense that gave up 42, 55, 45, 55, 34 and 62 in Big Ten tilts a season ago. There are some solid players here, but this unit must gel and come together as one if Indiana is to improve at all on last year's woeful defensive performance. Teams scored 27 times on the ground against IU last fall. The key is for the experienced front seven, led by DEs Greg Middleton and Jammie Kirlew and three-year starting linebacker Will Patterson to return to the form they flashed in 2007. Get some pressure up front and the secondary can gets its licks in. If that front seven flounders, look out - the numbers that seemed bad in '08 could turn catastrophic in '09.
Outlook - Special Teams ... Indiana entered the Big Ten as one of the best in this category last season. But, Austin Starr is gone and so is game-breaking return man Marcus Thigpen. Yes, punter Chris Hagerup returns, but the place-kicking falls to an untested freshman and the Hooisers will be hard-pressed to find a returner with the same speed and knack for finding the holes as Thigpen.
Schedule:
9/3 - EASTERN KENTUCKY
9/12 - WESTERN MICHIGAN
9/19 - at Akron
9/26 - at Michigan
10/3 - OHIO STATE
10/10 - at Virginia
10/17 - ILLINOIS
10/24 - at Northwestern
10/31 - at Iowa
11/7 - WISCONSIN
11/14 - at Penn State
11/21 - PURDUE
Key Games:
9/12 - WESTERN MICHIGAN, 10/10 - at Virgina, 11/21 - PURDUE
Prediction ... Indiana’s bowl berth in 2007 ended a 14-year drought. The Hoosiers’ last winning season before last year came in 1994. Will it be 2020 before IU has another winning season? The recruiting class that comes in was actually a decent haul by Indiana standards and I do like Bill Lynch as the Indiana coach. The key is not to jump the gun and start over - again - if the season plays out as I expect. The OOC slate is much tougher than last year, and the only in conference "break" is no Michigan State. Don't be surprised to see this team pull off a shocker or two, but it might be a lot of the same in 2009...
OOC: 2-2 (Someone call up last year's foursome instead. Wins over EKU and Akron.)
B10: 1-7 (win over Purdue)
Overall: 3-9, 10th in the conference
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Big Ten Football Previews – Part I
Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...
Team: Purdue Boilermakers
Tidbits … The Boilermakers have made a bowl game in ten of the last 12 seasons, however last year was the second time in four seasons that Purdue was home for the holidays. Consensus has the Boilers as owning the worst rated incoming class in the Big Ten - BUT - a movement towards speed could pay huge dividends immediately.
Past Predictions/Results:
2008 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (6th), Insight / 4-8, 2-6 (T-9th)
2007 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th), Alamo / 8-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City
2006 Prediction / actual: 8-5, 4-4 (T-6th), Insight / 8-6, 5-3 (T-4th), Champs
2005 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Outback / 5-6, 3-5 (8th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 5-3 (4th), Outback / 7-5, 4-4 (T-5th), Sun
2003 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (T-2nd) / 9-4, 6-2 (T-2nd)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-4th) / 7-6, 4-4 (T-5th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 9-2, 6-2 (T-1st) / 6-6, 4-4 (T-4th
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Returning Starters: 4 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Joey Elliott, RB Jaycen Taylor, FS Torri Williams, DT Mike Neal
Key Losses: QB Curtis Painter, WR Greg Orton, RB Kory Sheets, LB Anthony Heygood
Looking Back ... Purdue fans would appreciate it if we all just swept 2008 under the rug. It was no way to end a solid tenure for Joe Tiller. Team turmoil and gripes over playing time, philosophies, etc. led to the worst season in West Lafayette in a long, long time.
Outlook - Offense ... Purdue's top four offensive weapons have moved on. Well, make that five. The very promising Justin Siller failed to meet academic expectations, forcing the Boilers to face the season with very little depth or experience at the quarterback position. The good news is that there is some - albeit rather limited - experience in signal caller Joey Elliott. Wide receiver Keith Smith and tailback Jaycen Taylor provide some big play potential and the strength is the offensive line, which returns four starters. I believe that this offense will bog down at times, but look for Danny Hope to inject some of his young speedsters into the fray and for the offense to improve as the season wears on.
Outlook - Defense ... This is where the Boilermakers will have to make hay early in the season. Seven starters return, including a couple of stalwarts up front and a nice wall of linebackers. Health has been an issue for a few of those being counted on for big things in 2009 (LB Jason Werner, FS Torri Williams) and that is a concern since the depth chart is littered with sophomores. Purdue doesn't have a real weakness on the defensive side of the ball, and that is good news considering the plight of the offense. If this group over-achieves at all, the Boilers will be far better than I predict.
Outlook - Special Teams ... Both kickers return, though neither is necessarily upper echelon in the conference. Look for one of the fast frosh to break onto the scene as a key play maker in the return game.
Schedule:
9/5 - TOLEDO
9/12 - at Oregon
9/19 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS
9/26 - NOTRE DAME
10/3 - NORTHWESTERN
10/10 - at Minnesota
10/17 - OHIO STATE
10/24 - ILLINOIS
10/31 - at Wisconsin
11/7 - at Michigan
11/14 - MICHIGAN STATE
11/21 - at Indiana
Key Games:
9/26 - Notre Dame, 11/21 - at Indiana
Prediction ... Did Joe Tiller leave the program in the condition it was when he inherited it? Don't hate on me Purdue friends. This season is gonna be ugly. But it won't last too long. Purdue will be in most games this season and a decent foundation will be laid for the future. Plus, you have a Top Ten - maybe Top Five - hoops program to look forward to watching, so I know you can't wait for winter...
OOC: 2-2 (wins over Toledo and Northern Illinois)
B10: 0-8 (tough sledding in W.L. this fall)
Overall: 2-8, 11th in the conference
Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...
Team: Purdue Boilermakers
Tidbits … The Boilermakers have made a bowl game in ten of the last 12 seasons, however last year was the second time in four seasons that Purdue was home for the holidays. Consensus has the Boilers as owning the worst rated incoming class in the Big Ten - BUT - a movement towards speed could pay huge dividends immediately.
Past Predictions/Results:
2008 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (6th), Insight / 4-8, 2-6 (T-9th)
2007 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th), Alamo / 8-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City
2006 Prediction / actual: 8-5, 4-4 (T-6th), Insight / 8-6, 5-3 (T-4th), Champs
2005 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Outback / 5-6, 3-5 (8th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 5-3 (4th), Outback / 7-5, 4-4 (T-5th), Sun
2003 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (T-2nd) / 9-4, 6-2 (T-2nd)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-4th) / 7-6, 4-4 (T-5th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 9-2, 6-2 (T-1st) / 6-6, 4-4 (T-4th
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Returning Starters: 4 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Joey Elliott, RB Jaycen Taylor, FS Torri Williams, DT Mike Neal
Key Losses: QB Curtis Painter, WR Greg Orton, RB Kory Sheets, LB Anthony Heygood
Looking Back ... Purdue fans would appreciate it if we all just swept 2008 under the rug. It was no way to end a solid tenure for Joe Tiller. Team turmoil and gripes over playing time, philosophies, etc. led to the worst season in West Lafayette in a long, long time.
Outlook - Offense ... Purdue's top four offensive weapons have moved on. Well, make that five. The very promising Justin Siller failed to meet academic expectations, forcing the Boilers to face the season with very little depth or experience at the quarterback position. The good news is that there is some - albeit rather limited - experience in signal caller Joey Elliott. Wide receiver Keith Smith and tailback Jaycen Taylor provide some big play potential and the strength is the offensive line, which returns four starters. I believe that this offense will bog down at times, but look for Danny Hope to inject some of his young speedsters into the fray and for the offense to improve as the season wears on.
Outlook - Defense ... This is where the Boilermakers will have to make hay early in the season. Seven starters return, including a couple of stalwarts up front and a nice wall of linebackers. Health has been an issue for a few of those being counted on for big things in 2009 (LB Jason Werner, FS Torri Williams) and that is a concern since the depth chart is littered with sophomores. Purdue doesn't have a real weakness on the defensive side of the ball, and that is good news considering the plight of the offense. If this group over-achieves at all, the Boilers will be far better than I predict.
Outlook - Special Teams ... Both kickers return, though neither is necessarily upper echelon in the conference. Look for one of the fast frosh to break onto the scene as a key play maker in the return game.
Schedule:
9/5 - TOLEDO
9/12 - at Oregon
9/19 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS
9/26 - NOTRE DAME
10/3 - NORTHWESTERN
10/10 - at Minnesota
10/17 - OHIO STATE
10/24 - ILLINOIS
10/31 - at Wisconsin
11/7 - at Michigan
11/14 - MICHIGAN STATE
11/21 - at Indiana
Key Games:
9/26 - Notre Dame, 11/21 - at Indiana
Prediction ... Did Joe Tiller leave the program in the condition it was when he inherited it? Don't hate on me Purdue friends. This season is gonna be ugly. But it won't last too long. Purdue will be in most games this season and a decent foundation will be laid for the future. Plus, you have a Top Ten - maybe Top Five - hoops program to look forward to watching, so I know you can't wait for winter...
OOC: 2-2 (wins over Toledo and Northern Illinois)
B10: 0-8 (tough sledding in W.L. this fall)
Overall: 2-8, 11th in the conference
Monday, March 30, 2009
To the Big Ten bashers: Bite me.
A wise man once said, in reference to the hub-ub about the Big East getting five teams into the Sweet 16, "The Big East might have five teams in, but it won't rule the Final Four. Two get in, at best - mark my words."
Okay, so really I'm not a wise man, but hey, I was right, so I can gloat a bit, can't I?
Yes, the Big East got two in the Final Four. Once was a given since the East Region finale paired Big East teams. But Syracuse got steamrolled in the Sweet 16 and Louisville got Spartan Slapped in the Elite Eight.
Thanks, by the way, for the congrats and well wishes from fellow Big Ten fans. My beloved Spartans are playing inspired ball and are carrying the "Big Ten sucks" chip on their shoulders. Let's see if we can put it to bed and bring home another title!
How it'll play out in Motown
I had Michigan State in my Final Four on my "sheet of integrity." It has me in first place in my pool. If only Pitt had won I'd be a cool 4-for-4 with the Final Four. But I digress.
Back when the brackets came out, I loved the draw for State. Frankly it is the first time I put MSU through to the Final Four in my "original" bracket since 2005. I also honestly had MSU bowing out to UConn in the Semis. But now I'm not so sure.
When I look at this team, I see multiple people stepping up. Raymar off his game or hurt, no worries - DeDe to the rescue. Need a big shot from outside to stem the tide? Allen and Summers have been as consistent as they've been all season. Need a few minutes to spell Suton? Send in Gray or Ibok. Got to have a big shot and Lucas is being denied? Travis will step up.
There is something special about this team and I truly think that the hard part is done. Getting to Detroit carried a ton of pressure. Now all the talk will be about UConn and UNC. Truth be told, I see MSU and Villanova going toe to toe on Monday with the Spartans cutting down the nets.
What is going on in Iowa City?
Poor Todd Lickliter. Just when it looks like he's getting a team together to play his style, three more hit the road. And we're not talking bench warmers or those disgruntled with PT. To lose Jake Kelly is as devastating to the Hawkeyes as it was to lose Tyler Smith a few years ago. Ouch. What is going on? Is Coach a bad guy? Is it the style? Inquiring minds want to know.
Spring Football begins...
Spring football is here and while I won't really write about it, it gets me thinking that before I know it - it will be time to pour through the preseason rags and whip up my predictions. Feel free to report in on the low down from your favorite campus if there is something noteworthy to spill.
In the meantime, GO STATE (as in Penn State and Michigan State) - let's remind the nation that the best ball is played in the Midwest...
A wise man once said, in reference to the hub-ub about the Big East getting five teams into the Sweet 16, "The Big East might have five teams in, but it won't rule the Final Four. Two get in, at best - mark my words."
Okay, so really I'm not a wise man, but hey, I was right, so I can gloat a bit, can't I?
Yes, the Big East got two in the Final Four. Once was a given since the East Region finale paired Big East teams. But Syracuse got steamrolled in the Sweet 16 and Louisville got Spartan Slapped in the Elite Eight.
Thanks, by the way, for the congrats and well wishes from fellow Big Ten fans. My beloved Spartans are playing inspired ball and are carrying the "Big Ten sucks" chip on their shoulders. Let's see if we can put it to bed and bring home another title!
How it'll play out in Motown
I had Michigan State in my Final Four on my "sheet of integrity." It has me in first place in my pool. If only Pitt had won I'd be a cool 4-for-4 with the Final Four. But I digress.
Back when the brackets came out, I loved the draw for State. Frankly it is the first time I put MSU through to the Final Four in my "original" bracket since 2005. I also honestly had MSU bowing out to UConn in the Semis. But now I'm not so sure.
When I look at this team, I see multiple people stepping up. Raymar off his game or hurt, no worries - DeDe to the rescue. Need a big shot from outside to stem the tide? Allen and Summers have been as consistent as they've been all season. Need a few minutes to spell Suton? Send in Gray or Ibok. Got to have a big shot and Lucas is being denied? Travis will step up.
There is something special about this team and I truly think that the hard part is done. Getting to Detroit carried a ton of pressure. Now all the talk will be about UConn and UNC. Truth be told, I see MSU and Villanova going toe to toe on Monday with the Spartans cutting down the nets.
What is going on in Iowa City?
Poor Todd Lickliter. Just when it looks like he's getting a team together to play his style, three more hit the road. And we're not talking bench warmers or those disgruntled with PT. To lose Jake Kelly is as devastating to the Hawkeyes as it was to lose Tyler Smith a few years ago. Ouch. What is going on? Is Coach a bad guy? Is it the style? Inquiring minds want to know.
Spring Football begins...
Spring football is here and while I won't really write about it, it gets me thinking that before I know it - it will be time to pour through the preseason rags and whip up my predictions. Feel free to report in on the low down from your favorite campus if there is something noteworthy to spill.
In the meantime, GO STATE (as in Penn State and Michigan State) - let's remind the nation that the best ball is played in the Midwest...
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sweet, Sweet 16
I have a question. When did the use of "chalk" become so prevalent in the vernacular of college basketball analysts? Seriously. Chalk. The brackets have gone chalk. No where in the dictionary is chalk defined as "a measure of the amount of top seeds in the NCAA tournament to march on to the Regional Semifinals." I know. I quadruple checked to make sure I wasn't wrong. See for yourself.
Regardless, call it chalk, call it strong seeding, call it what you want... it is, plain and simple, a very sweet, Sweet 16. Add up the seeds left over and you get 49. The best possible is 40. Record aside, you could argue that Arizona is more like a 4 than a 12. Then the number would be 41.
It is amazing. Why? Because there is almost always a Cinderella of sorts come the second weekend of the tournament. But not this time. In fact, there is a general shortage of mid majors, period. Those that remain - Memphis, Gonzaga, and Xavier - are routinely in the mix with the big boys.
Enough about that though. It's been beaten to death by the media already. What I care about is the fact that Michigan State and Purdue have moved on (as I predicted) and are looking very strong right now. Both beat solid Pac-10 foes in round two and are poised to make more noise in the round of 16.
Purdue has the tougher road, but can definitely beat UConn. Michigan State was written off by the pundits before the USC game and now those same knobs are picking Kansas. Let them.
The Big East might have five teams in, but it won't rule the Final Four. Two get in, at best - mark my words.
The rest and the NIT
The rest of the Big Ten did the league pretty proud in the Dance and NIT. Wisconsin battled back and made a run at the Sweet 16 before losing to a very good Xavier team. Michigan fought adversity in the name of Blake Griffin and made a splash. Minnesota ran into a Texas team that is really better than a 7 seed but was respectable. Ohio State had its chances in a devastating loss to Siena, but the Saints gave Louisville a run for their money. Only Illinois dogged it although WKU is a solid squad.
Kudos to Penn State for advancing to the NIT Semifinals. Bring another one home for the conference.
I have a question. When did the use of "chalk" become so prevalent in the vernacular of college basketball analysts? Seriously. Chalk. The brackets have gone chalk. No where in the dictionary is chalk defined as "a measure of the amount of top seeds in the NCAA tournament to march on to the Regional Semifinals." I know. I quadruple checked to make sure I wasn't wrong. See for yourself.
Regardless, call it chalk, call it strong seeding, call it what you want... it is, plain and simple, a very sweet, Sweet 16. Add up the seeds left over and you get 49. The best possible is 40. Record aside, you could argue that Arizona is more like a 4 than a 12. Then the number would be 41.
It is amazing. Why? Because there is almost always a Cinderella of sorts come the second weekend of the tournament. But not this time. In fact, there is a general shortage of mid majors, period. Those that remain - Memphis, Gonzaga, and Xavier - are routinely in the mix with the big boys.
Enough about that though. It's been beaten to death by the media already. What I care about is the fact that Michigan State and Purdue have moved on (as I predicted) and are looking very strong right now. Both beat solid Pac-10 foes in round two and are poised to make more noise in the round of 16.
Purdue has the tougher road, but can definitely beat UConn. Michigan State was written off by the pundits before the USC game and now those same knobs are picking Kansas. Let them.
The Big East might have five teams in, but it won't rule the Final Four. Two get in, at best - mark my words.
The rest and the NIT
The rest of the Big Ten did the league pretty proud in the Dance and NIT. Wisconsin battled back and made a run at the Sweet 16 before losing to a very good Xavier team. Michigan fought adversity in the name of Blake Griffin and made a splash. Minnesota ran into a Texas team that is really better than a 7 seed but was respectable. Ohio State had its chances in a devastating loss to Siena, but the Saints gave Louisville a run for their money. Only Illinois dogged it although WKU is a solid squad.
Kudos to Penn State for advancing to the NIT Semifinals. Bring another one home for the conference.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Let the Madness begin!
I love this time of year. Scratch that, I live for this time of year! I'm Andy Gamm, and I am a basketball-aholic. I can't wait for the action to start and to catch every single game via my Directv March Mega Madness package. All in HD. Love it!
I also love that the Big Ten got seven in. I think Penn State got screwed by the likes of Arizona and a Mississippi State run in the SEC, but hey, we can't have everything.
As for my predicted top four seeds per region... I nailed the Midwest, got many of the other teams right but was WAY off on a few. Still fun to play Joe Lunardi once in a while. I also nailed MSU and Michigan, was close on Minnesota and Illinois, even if way off on Wisconsin (holy dangerous 12 Batman) and Ohio State (who got screwed and rewarded all at once).
Before I get into my team by team picks, I will say this - kudos to Buckeye Nation who got 8 of the 10 B10 Tourney games right and correctly had Purdue beating his Bucks in the final. I like what OSU has for the future. MSU and OSU should be battling at the top for the next few years... with a little Purdue sprinkled in!
Michigan State: I hope the Spartans get to Detroit for many, many reasons. The first of which is to shut up the likes of Digger and Dickie V. I do have MSU taking care of business all the way to the Final Four, where they lose to UConn.
Purdue: I like the Boilers to do some damage and it wouldn't shock me to see them pick off UConn. But I have them bowing out in the Sweet 16. Watch out for them next year if they can stay healthy.
Illinois: Illinois got a tricky draw with a Western Kentucky team that pulled an upset from the 12 slot last year, and then there is Gonzaga. If Chester Frazier is able to go in round two, Illinois can advance. If not, it will be a win and a second round exit for the Illini.
Ohio State: As I said above, OSU got screwed and rewarded all at once. This team is better than an 8 seed that has to face a tough mid major in Siena and then if that, play number one overall Louisville. The reward? Home cooking in Dayton. If the Bucks get hot, they can pull off a shocker in round two. But I think they are a season away.
Minnesota: Tough draw for the Gophers, but you know they are happy to be there. I like Texas to do some damage in that bracket, so one and done for Minnesota.
Michigan: Yes, even for a Spartan, I felt good for my U-M friends on Sunday. Clemson is no picnic though, and I think here too it is one and done for the Big Ten.
Wisconsin: Florida State has to be saying things I shouldn't write in a blog to the tournament committee. The Badgers, one of the last teams in? I have them making the Sweet 16.
At the end of the day, the Big Ten shows well and quiets even Bobby Knight, who has been dogging his former conference...
My Final Four is MSU, UConn, Pitt and UNC with UNC beating UConn on Monday night.
Let the Madness ensue!
I love this time of year. Scratch that, I live for this time of year! I'm Andy Gamm, and I am a basketball-aholic. I can't wait for the action to start and to catch every single game via my Directv March Mega Madness package. All in HD. Love it!
I also love that the Big Ten got seven in. I think Penn State got screwed by the likes of Arizona and a Mississippi State run in the SEC, but hey, we can't have everything.
As for my predicted top four seeds per region... I nailed the Midwest, got many of the other teams right but was WAY off on a few. Still fun to play Joe Lunardi once in a while. I also nailed MSU and Michigan, was close on Minnesota and Illinois, even if way off on Wisconsin (holy dangerous 12 Batman) and Ohio State (who got screwed and rewarded all at once).
Before I get into my team by team picks, I will say this - kudos to Buckeye Nation who got 8 of the 10 B10 Tourney games right and correctly had Purdue beating his Bucks in the final. I like what OSU has for the future. MSU and OSU should be battling at the top for the next few years... with a little Purdue sprinkled in!
Michigan State: I hope the Spartans get to Detroit for many, many reasons. The first of which is to shut up the likes of Digger and Dickie V. I do have MSU taking care of business all the way to the Final Four, where they lose to UConn.
Purdue: I like the Boilers to do some damage and it wouldn't shock me to see them pick off UConn. But I have them bowing out in the Sweet 16. Watch out for them next year if they can stay healthy.
Illinois: Illinois got a tricky draw with a Western Kentucky team that pulled an upset from the 12 slot last year, and then there is Gonzaga. If Chester Frazier is able to go in round two, Illinois can advance. If not, it will be a win and a second round exit for the Illini.
Ohio State: As I said above, OSU got screwed and rewarded all at once. This team is better than an 8 seed that has to face a tough mid major in Siena and then if that, play number one overall Louisville. The reward? Home cooking in Dayton. If the Bucks get hot, they can pull off a shocker in round two. But I think they are a season away.
Minnesota: Tough draw for the Gophers, but you know they are happy to be there. I like Texas to do some damage in that bracket, so one and done for Minnesota.
Michigan: Yes, even for a Spartan, I felt good for my U-M friends on Sunday. Clemson is no picnic though, and I think here too it is one and done for the Big Ten.
Wisconsin: Florida State has to be saying things I shouldn't write in a blog to the tournament committee. The Badgers, one of the last teams in? I have them making the Sweet 16.
At the end of the day, the Big Ten shows well and quiets even Bobby Knight, who has been dogging his former conference...
My Final Four is MSU, UConn, Pitt and UNC with UNC beating UConn on Monday night.
Let the Madness ensue!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tourney Time
Before Ohio State and Purdue battle today for the B10 Tourney crown, I thought I would get out my Top 4 seeds by region. Good luck to the Bucks and Boilers. Both are playing solid basketball this weekend.
East:
1 - Pittsburgh
2 - Duke
3 - Mizzou
4 - Tennessee
Midwest:
1 - Louisville
2 - Michigan State
3 - Kansas
4 - Wake Forest
South:
1 - North Carolina
2 - UConn
3 - LSU
4 - Purdue
West:
1 - Memphis
2 - Oklahoma
3 - Washington
4 - Syracuse
The rest of the Big Ten...
Ohio State gets a 5
Illinois gets a 6
Wisconsin gets an 8
Michigan gets a 10
Minnesota gets an 11
Penn State gets a 12
O
Before Ohio State and Purdue battle today for the B10 Tourney crown, I thought I would get out my Top 4 seeds by region. Good luck to the Bucks and Boilers. Both are playing solid basketball this weekend.
East:
1 - Pittsburgh
2 - Duke
3 - Mizzou
4 - Tennessee
Midwest:
1 - Louisville
2 - Michigan State
3 - Kansas
4 - Wake Forest
South:
1 - North Carolina
2 - UConn
3 - LSU
4 - Purdue
West:
1 - Memphis
2 - Oklahoma
3 - Washington
4 - Syracuse
The rest of the Big Ten...
Ohio State gets a 5
Illinois gets a 6
Wisconsin gets an 8
Michigan gets a 10
Minnesota gets an 11
Penn State gets a 12
O
Monday, March 09, 2009
Tourney Time...
We had a very fitting week of upsets to lead us into March Madness. Indiana gave Big Ten Champ MSU all it could handle. Penn State hit a buzzer beater to beat Illinois. Northwestern shocked Purdue on the road. Michigan stunned Minnesota at The Barn. Iowa took out Penn State in double overtime. As a basketball fan, I was loving every minute of it. Even if it meant sweating the Get Gamm title!
I had a good year for me - my first with finishes at the top in both football and hoops. Congrats to Mayo with the bold pick of the NU over PU upset. We're not playing for records anymore - just pride - but you do get to pick the Big Ten tourney with me...
Here is the full, pretty schedule.
Here is my breakdown...
Thursday:
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Northwestern - Both teams need wins to go dancing, though NU needs them more. Should be a great, great game. Both come in off of tough losses. Northwestern gets a rare first day win. NORTHWESTERN
#7 Michigan vs. #10 Iowa - Trust me, no one wants to play Iowa in this thing. The Hawkeyes always fare well in these, or so it seems - especially when facing a four in four situation. Iowa won't win this tournament, but they may well put Michigan back on the bubble. IOWA
#6 Penn State vs. #11 Indiana - The Nittany Lions shot themselves in the foot with the loss at Iowa but can make a statement with a big win. IU has nothing whatsoever to lose, which makes them dangerous. Still, Penn State wants to go dancing. PENN STATE
Friday:
#9 Northwestern vs. #1 Michigan State - The Wildcats have picked off MSU on day one before but the Spartans have championships on their mind. Oh and a little payback for what then seemed like a devastating home loss for the Spartans. MICHIGAN STATE
#5 Ohio State vs. #4 Wisconsin - This should be a great game. Wisconsin is playing well right now and wants a shot to ruin MSU's dreams in the Semi's yet again. In an overtime thriller... WISCONSIN
#10 Iowa vs. #2 Illinois - Illinois has lost two in a row to end the season and has had a lot of time to think about it. I have a feeling about Iowa, but I'm talking myself out of it. ILLINOIS
#6 Penn State vs. #3 Purdue - Purdue is also reeling of late. Penn State could use another win to solidify its spot, but Purdue has something to prove. PURDUE
Saturday:
#4 Wisconsin vs. #1 Michigan State - A must watch game. Wisconsin has stabbed MSU's dreams in the heart so many times over the past several years - this round of the Big Ten Tourney included. This time, MSU wills itself to a scrappy win. MICHIGAN STATE
#3 Purdue vs. #2 Illinois - Illinois is 2-0 against the Boilers this year. The Illini will not make it a three-for. PURDUE
Sunday:
#3 Purdue vs. #1 Michigan State - A rubber match between the two best teams in the Big Ten. Purdue has a bit of an edge playing in its home state. Michigan State has the most recent upper hand though, which could creep into Purdue's mind. MSU is playing for a #1 seed out west. Purdue for a spot on the 4-line. I am tossing a coin. Head it's MSU, Tails it's Purdue... Heads... MICHIGAN STATE
We had a very fitting week of upsets to lead us into March Madness. Indiana gave Big Ten Champ MSU all it could handle. Penn State hit a buzzer beater to beat Illinois. Northwestern shocked Purdue on the road. Michigan stunned Minnesota at The Barn. Iowa took out Penn State in double overtime. As a basketball fan, I was loving every minute of it. Even if it meant sweating the Get Gamm title!
I had a good year for me - my first with finishes at the top in both football and hoops. Congrats to Mayo with the bold pick of the NU over PU upset. We're not playing for records anymore - just pride - but you do get to pick the Big Ten tourney with me...
Here is the full, pretty schedule.
Here is my breakdown...
Thursday:
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Northwestern - Both teams need wins to go dancing, though NU needs them more. Should be a great, great game. Both come in off of tough losses. Northwestern gets a rare first day win. NORTHWESTERN
#7 Michigan vs. #10 Iowa - Trust me, no one wants to play Iowa in this thing. The Hawkeyes always fare well in these, or so it seems - especially when facing a four in four situation. Iowa won't win this tournament, but they may well put Michigan back on the bubble. IOWA
#6 Penn State vs. #11 Indiana - The Nittany Lions shot themselves in the foot with the loss at Iowa but can make a statement with a big win. IU has nothing whatsoever to lose, which makes them dangerous. Still, Penn State wants to go dancing. PENN STATE
Friday:
#9 Northwestern vs. #1 Michigan State - The Wildcats have picked off MSU on day one before but the Spartans have championships on their mind. Oh and a little payback for what then seemed like a devastating home loss for the Spartans. MICHIGAN STATE
#5 Ohio State vs. #4 Wisconsin - This should be a great game. Wisconsin is playing well right now and wants a shot to ruin MSU's dreams in the Semi's yet again. In an overtime thriller... WISCONSIN
#10 Iowa vs. #2 Illinois - Illinois has lost two in a row to end the season and has had a lot of time to think about it. I have a feeling about Iowa, but I'm talking myself out of it. ILLINOIS
#6 Penn State vs. #3 Purdue - Purdue is also reeling of late. Penn State could use another win to solidify its spot, but Purdue has something to prove. PURDUE
Saturday:
#4 Wisconsin vs. #1 Michigan State - A must watch game. Wisconsin has stabbed MSU's dreams in the heart so many times over the past several years - this round of the Big Ten Tourney included. This time, MSU wills itself to a scrappy win. MICHIGAN STATE
#3 Purdue vs. #2 Illinois - Illinois is 2-0 against the Boilers this year. The Illini will not make it a three-for. PURDUE
Sunday:
#3 Purdue vs. #1 Michigan State - A rubber match between the two best teams in the Big Ten. Purdue has a bit of an edge playing in its home state. Michigan State has the most recent upper hand though, which could creep into Purdue's mind. MSU is playing for a #1 seed out west. Purdue for a spot on the 4-line. I am tossing a coin. Head it's MSU, Tails it's Purdue... Heads... MICHIGAN STATE
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Big Ten awards time...
Yes, I am aware that there is still a weekend of play remaining, but my ballots are done. I've done my homework (stats) and watched enough games (probably half of at least 75% of the games this year) to know who I want if I am picking my best five players.
Note, I don't believe you pick a player at each position. I believe you pick the five best. I'll also give my defensive player of the year and coach of the year and an update on who will go where for the postseason.
Quickly though, a shout out to NU for the stunner at Mackey. Makes up for the blown lead game at Welsh-Ryan back in January. And that comeback win for Penn State over Illinois? Excellent.
Gamm's All Big Ten:
Evan Turner (G) - Ohio State: Leads the Big Ten in scoring (17.3 ppg), third in rebounds (7.1 rpg), fourth in assists (4.4 apg). Top ten in shooting percentage, top 12 in free throw shooting percentage.
Kalin Lucas (G) - Michigan State: Second in the Big Ten in scoring (16.2 ppg), ninth in assists (3.9 apg). Among the fastest point guards in the nation. Can take a game over with shooting, scoring or passing. Third in free throw percentage.
Talor Battle (G) - Penn State: Fifth in the Big Ten in scoring (15.3 ppg), second in assists (4.5 apg), 16th in rebounding (5.3 rpg). A guy who can take the game over (see last night for instance) with speed and versatility.
Manny Harris (Point Forward) - Michigan: Fourth in the league in scoring (15.4 ppg), fifth in rebounding (6.9 rpg), 10th in assists (3.6 apg). Edges out teammate DeShawn Sims who might actually be the better pro prospect.
Robbie Hummel (Forward) - Purdue: Despite the time he missed, when he's on the court, he makes Purdue a great team. Without question, a fully healthy Hummel is the best player in the league. His stats don't tell his story, so I am leaving them out.
Honorable mention: Raymar Morgan, Kevin Coble, DeShawn Sims, Jamelle Cornley.
Player of the Year:
The most valuable player for his team - any team - is Evan Turner. Hands down the best producer this Big Ten season. Without him, the Buckeyes are NIT at best.
Coach of the Year:
Ed DeChellis - Penn State. Tied for their highest win total ever in conference play. Beat Purdue, Michigan State and Illinois (twice). Could garner the two seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
Postseason Predictions:
Michigan State - win out and get a #1. Otherwise, a #2 seems like a lock.
Purdue - could go as high as a 4, but more likely a 5.
Illinois - locked in at a 6.
Penn State - could also get to a 6, more likely a 7 or 8.
Ohio State - 8 or 9.
Wisconsin - 10 at best.
Minnesota - 10.
Michigan and Northwestern slide to the NIT as some of the last teams out.
*Note - all stats are conference game stats only
Yes, I am aware that there is still a weekend of play remaining, but my ballots are done. I've done my homework (stats) and watched enough games (probably half of at least 75% of the games this year) to know who I want if I am picking my best five players.
Note, I don't believe you pick a player at each position. I believe you pick the five best. I'll also give my defensive player of the year and coach of the year and an update on who will go where for the postseason.
Quickly though, a shout out to NU for the stunner at Mackey. Makes up for the blown lead game at Welsh-Ryan back in January. And that comeback win for Penn State over Illinois? Excellent.
Gamm's All Big Ten:
Evan Turner (G) - Ohio State: Leads the Big Ten in scoring (17.3 ppg), third in rebounds (7.1 rpg), fourth in assists (4.4 apg). Top ten in shooting percentage, top 12 in free throw shooting percentage.
Kalin Lucas (G) - Michigan State: Second in the Big Ten in scoring (16.2 ppg), ninth in assists (3.9 apg). Among the fastest point guards in the nation. Can take a game over with shooting, scoring or passing. Third in free throw percentage.
Talor Battle (G) - Penn State: Fifth in the Big Ten in scoring (15.3 ppg), second in assists (4.5 apg), 16th in rebounding (5.3 rpg). A guy who can take the game over (see last night for instance) with speed and versatility.
Manny Harris (Point Forward) - Michigan: Fourth in the league in scoring (15.4 ppg), fifth in rebounding (6.9 rpg), 10th in assists (3.6 apg). Edges out teammate DeShawn Sims who might actually be the better pro prospect.
Robbie Hummel (Forward) - Purdue: Despite the time he missed, when he's on the court, he makes Purdue a great team. Without question, a fully healthy Hummel is the best player in the league. His stats don't tell his story, so I am leaving them out.
Honorable mention: Raymar Morgan, Kevin Coble, DeShawn Sims, Jamelle Cornley.
Player of the Year:
The most valuable player for his team - any team - is Evan Turner. Hands down the best producer this Big Ten season. Without him, the Buckeyes are NIT at best.
Coach of the Year:
Ed DeChellis - Penn State. Tied for their highest win total ever in conference play. Beat Purdue, Michigan State and Illinois (twice). Could garner the two seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
Postseason Predictions:
Michigan State - win out and get a #1. Otherwise, a #2 seems like a lock.
Purdue - could go as high as a 4, but more likely a 5.
Illinois - locked in at a 6.
Penn State - could also get to a 6, more likely a 7 or 8.
Ohio State - 8 or 9.
Wisconsin - 10 at best.
Minnesota - 10.
Michigan and Northwestern slide to the NIT as some of the last teams out.
*Note - all stats are conference game stats only
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Get Gamm - last round
We'll take our shots at the postseason too, but this is the last week in the content.
Tuesday:
Michigan State at Indiana - MSU is playing this game tournament style - with less than 48 hours to prepare and still on the road after the big win at Illinois. IU will be geared up but Michigan State clinches with a 10 point win.
Ohio State at Iowa - An absolute must-win for the Buckeyes who remain a team that comes on and off the bubble. The Hawkeyes scrap and claw but OSU pulls it out in the end.
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Purdue - Northwestern wants to win for the blown opportunity against the Boilers at home earlier this season. No go. Purdue is playing for NCAA position now.
Wisconsin at Minnesota - Another payback opportunity. Wisconsin blew it big time against the Gophers earlier this season. But Minny is playing for its NCAA life. When in doubt, go with the home team.
Thursday:
Illinois at Penn State - Paybacks can be hell. We all know watching the first game between these teams was just that! Illinois gets it back on the road.
Saturday:
Michigan at Minnesota - A must win for Michigan if they want to get back in the NCAA hunt. That's really the case for both teams, which makes this a great game. Minnesota rules the home court...
Penn State at Iowa - Penn State needs one after a home loss to Illinois. And gets it...
Sunday:
Purdue at Michigan State (tiebreaker) - A relaxed Spartans team plays much better than one wound tight. Purdue would love to ruin Senior Day and lay claim to have beaten the outright champs twice - but that won't happen. MSU 68 - Purdue 64.
Northwestern at Ohio State - another one on the Payback Week slate. Northwestern stormed back against OSU a few weeks back and got a huge win. Ohio State needs this one to feel comfortable. Buckeyes win.
Indiana at Wisconsin - no contest. Wisconsin rolls.
We'll take our shots at the postseason too, but this is the last week in the content.
Tuesday:
Michigan State at Indiana - MSU is playing this game tournament style - with less than 48 hours to prepare and still on the road after the big win at Illinois. IU will be geared up but Michigan State clinches with a 10 point win.
Ohio State at Iowa - An absolute must-win for the Buckeyes who remain a team that comes on and off the bubble. The Hawkeyes scrap and claw but OSU pulls it out in the end.
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Purdue - Northwestern wants to win for the blown opportunity against the Boilers at home earlier this season. No go. Purdue is playing for NCAA position now.
Wisconsin at Minnesota - Another payback opportunity. Wisconsin blew it big time against the Gophers earlier this season. But Minny is playing for its NCAA life. When in doubt, go with the home team.
Thursday:
Illinois at Penn State - Paybacks can be hell. We all know watching the first game between these teams was just that! Illinois gets it back on the road.
Saturday:
Michigan at Minnesota - A must win for Michigan if they want to get back in the NCAA hunt. That's really the case for both teams, which makes this a great game. Minnesota rules the home court...
Penn State at Iowa - Penn State needs one after a home loss to Illinois. And gets it...
Sunday:
Purdue at Michigan State (tiebreaker) - A relaxed Spartans team plays much better than one wound tight. Purdue would love to ruin Senior Day and lay claim to have beaten the outright champs twice - but that won't happen. MSU 68 - Purdue 64.
Northwestern at Ohio State - another one on the Payback Week slate. Northwestern stormed back against OSU a few weeks back and got a huge win. Ohio State needs this one to feel comfortable. Buckeyes win.
Indiana at Wisconsin - no contest. Wisconsin rolls.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Big Ten top is clear, the middle? Not so much...
One more win and that long, painful wait for another Big Ten title is totally over. For those who had their head in the sand last week... Michigan popped Purdue in the mouth and then Michigan State got a rare win on Senior Day in Champaign (first ILL loss at home on said day since 1999) to clinch a tie for the title.
Get Gamm is starting to clear up too. With just this one last week to go, I've got a two game lead on the pack. No one beat me last week so it's just me vs. the field. Can Buckeye Nation pick up the games to beat me and re-claim his title?
Here are the games this week:
Tuesday:
Michigan State at Indiana
Ohio State at Iowa
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Purdue
Wisconsin at Minnesota
Thursday:
Illinois at Penn State
Saturday:
Michigan at Minnesota
Penn State at Iowa
Sunday:
Purdue at Michigan State (tiebreaker)
Northwestern at Ohio State
Indiana at Wisconsin
And I'll leave you with this... if Travis Walton isn't B10 Defensive Player of the Year, something is seriously wrong. What about B10 PoTY? That one is a wide open race. My vote? Stay tuned!
One more win and that long, painful wait for another Big Ten title is totally over. For those who had their head in the sand last week... Michigan popped Purdue in the mouth and then Michigan State got a rare win on Senior Day in Champaign (first ILL loss at home on said day since 1999) to clinch a tie for the title.
Get Gamm is starting to clear up too. With just this one last week to go, I've got a two game lead on the pack. No one beat me last week so it's just me vs. the field. Can Buckeye Nation pick up the games to beat me and re-claim his title?
Here are the games this week:
Tuesday:
Michigan State at Indiana
Ohio State at Iowa
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Purdue
Wisconsin at Minnesota
Thursday:
Illinois at Penn State
Saturday:
Michigan at Minnesota
Penn State at Iowa
Sunday:
Purdue at Michigan State (tiebreaker)
Northwestern at Ohio State
Indiana at Wisconsin
And I'll leave you with this... if Travis Walton isn't B10 Defensive Player of the Year, something is seriously wrong. What about B10 PoTY? That one is a wide open race. My vote? Stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Get Gamm...
No time to mince words. Let's roll!
Tuesday:
Penn State at Ohio State
Gamm says: Ohio State snaps a three game losing streak.
Buckeye Nation says: Just when most Buckeye fans thought their team was in the driver's seat for an invite to the Big Dance, two losses to teams from the Land of Lincoln who couldn't miss whatever they put up, put them squarely back on the NCAA tournament bubble. The game against the Nittany Lions now becomes a veritable "must win" situation for the young Buckeyes at a time when a little self-doubt is creeping into the Buckeye psyche. Moreover, the Nits feature Jamelle Cornley, a local Columbus City League product, who has been mouthing off that his team will beat the Bucks, ever since he arrived at State College. The Buckeyes have their backs against the wall, and it will take a focused, aggressive approach on offense and defense for OSU to prevail. Given these circumstances, the Schott should be rocking, and the home court will be the decisive edge in what should be a rock 'em - sock 'em Big 10 game. Ohio State 65 - Penn State 61
Mayo170 says: Ohio State
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Indiana
Gamm says: Northwestern has NIT on their minds. IU gives it a run and could easily win, but I like NU here.
Buckeye Nation says: Indiana
Mayo170 says: Northwestern seems to be a couple of games out of the dance at this point, and after getting blown out by Minnesota, it’s all about getting more wins. Indiana on the other hand is playing hard, but not very talented. My guess is that Northwestern is going to win this game, but IU will keep it close. NU 54 – IU 51
Iowa at Michigan State
Gamm says: Can't take anyone in this conference as a gimme win. Spartans were stretched to the limit on Sunday but have what it takes to finally close out another conference title. It starts with this one, where Raymar has his best game in six weeks and MSU runs away. MSU 71 - Iowa 52.
Buckeye Nation says: Michigan State
Mayo170 says: Michigan State
Thursday:
Minnesota at Illinois
Gamm says: Huge game for both teams. Illinois proved that they are not invincible at home. Minnesota got right with a huge win over NU. Illini barely stay in the race to set up a Sunday showdown.
Buckeye Nation says: Illinois
Mayo170 says: Minnesota has been so hard to figure out this year. The Barn will absolutely be up for this game, and Illinois is putting together a pretty nice season. I had my doubts about Weber keeping things going after Self left a while back, but this team is tough to beat. Illinois seems pretty determined to get things rolling before tourney time. Illinois 68 – Minnesota 59
Purdue at Michigan
Gamm says: Michigan's dreams of getting back to the dance likely dissipated in Iowa City. Purdue has a title in mind. Purdue rolls.
Buckeye Nation says: Purdue
Mayo170 says: Well, if Michigan really needed a win, it was this past weekend at Iowa. Of course, they blew that one and now they have a very tough go of it to try and get back on the bubble. This is been Michigan recently though, the end of the season when they can put it together, it starts falling apart. Purdue on the other hand has been playing much better since the train wreck at the start of conference play. I thought Michigan might be able to get into the Tournament this year, but it’s back to the Not Invited Tournament and Purdue cements that with a big win. Purdue 71 – Michigan 54.
Saturday:
Iowa at Northwestern
Gamm says: Northwestern gets a big win and steps closer to the NIT.
Buckeye Nation says: Northwestern
Mayo170 says: Iowa
Ohio State at Purdue
Gamm says: Purdue has payback in mind. Big time payback.
Buckeye Nation says: Paybacks are hell, especially in the Big 10. I fully expect the Buckeyes to give a game effort in West Lafayette, especially given the liability they will face there as a road team. However, the Boilermakers are nearly healthy with the return of Robbie Hummel. Plus, they no doubt remember the OT loss they suffered in Columbus earlier in the month. As much as I hope I'm wrong, my mind and my gut tells me that the Boilers win this game, although it shouldn't be a cakewalk. Purdue 71 Ohio State 64
Mayo170 says: Purdue
Indiana at Penn State
Gamm says: Penn State puts any bubble talk to rest.
Buckeye Nation says: Penn State
Mayo170 says: Penn State
Sunday:
Michigan at Wisconsin
Gamm says: Wisconsin makes up for the fall in East Lansing.
Buckeye Nation says: For the Wolverines, a trip to Madison against a resurgent Badger team is NOT what the doctor ordered. Michigan has the marquee wins on its resume, but not really when it comes to wins in the conference. Except for a recent stumble in East Lansing, Bo Ryan has Wisconsin on a roll. While Michigan may have a chance if they go lights-out from 3 point-land, they will likely be intimidated by the Kohl fieldhouse crowd and go down. Wisconsin 71 Michigan 60
Mayo170 says: Wisconsin
Michigan State at Illinois (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says: This one pulls me in two very different directions. State struggles at Illinois. But Illinois isn't unbeatable at Assembly as proven by Penn State. The teams battled in January in a very defensive game. Win this and State likely clinches at least a tie (if not completely, theoretically). An Illinois win keeps them right in the mix. Coin toss. MSU 58 - ILL 57.
Buckeye Nation says: After embarrassing themselves at home last week against Penn State, the Illini seemingly couldn't miss a basket when they came away with a huge win over the Buckeyes in Columbus, and thus put themselves back in the race for a chance at the Big 10 championship, IF MSU can stumble one more time. But for that to be a possibility, the Illini have to beat the Spartans at home, which will be extremely difficult. When Illinois plays well, they look like world-beaters, when they don't, all you can see is Bruce Weber whining about everything. Tom Izzo has his team well-positioned to win yet another regular season Big 10 title, and he will have MSU ready to pull off a big road win. However, my gut tells me that the Spartans will come up just a little short before a raucous crowd in Assembly Hall. After the final buzzer sounds, they will be toasting in Champaign-Urbana, with hopes that Purdue can pull off the miracle at the end of the season in East Lansing. Illinois 78 Michigan State 76
Mayo170 says: What a great game this is turning out to be. Lot’s of marbles on the floor for this one. I really like the way MSU has played this year, all things (illness mostly) considered. Illinois has made some waves this year too, and could put a big end-of-the-year boost in the win column with this game. MSU should have everyone totally healthy and practicing/playing full-speed by the time this one rolls around. The road has been very good to the Spartans this season and I think their defense will be enough to win this one. MSU 63 – Illinois 58
No time to mince words. Let's roll!
Tuesday:
Penn State at Ohio State
Gamm says: Ohio State snaps a three game losing streak.
Buckeye Nation says: Just when most Buckeye fans thought their team was in the driver's seat for an invite to the Big Dance, two losses to teams from the Land of Lincoln who couldn't miss whatever they put up, put them squarely back on the NCAA tournament bubble. The game against the Nittany Lions now becomes a veritable "must win" situation for the young Buckeyes at a time when a little self-doubt is creeping into the Buckeye psyche. Moreover, the Nits feature Jamelle Cornley, a local Columbus City League product, who has been mouthing off that his team will beat the Bucks, ever since he arrived at State College. The Buckeyes have their backs against the wall, and it will take a focused, aggressive approach on offense and defense for OSU to prevail. Given these circumstances, the Schott should be rocking, and the home court will be the decisive edge in what should be a rock 'em - sock 'em Big 10 game. Ohio State 65 - Penn State 61
Mayo170 says: Ohio State
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Indiana
Gamm says: Northwestern has NIT on their minds. IU gives it a run and could easily win, but I like NU here.
Buckeye Nation says: Indiana
Mayo170 says: Northwestern seems to be a couple of games out of the dance at this point, and after getting blown out by Minnesota, it’s all about getting more wins. Indiana on the other hand is playing hard, but not very talented. My guess is that Northwestern is going to win this game, but IU will keep it close. NU 54 – IU 51
Iowa at Michigan State
Gamm says: Can't take anyone in this conference as a gimme win. Spartans were stretched to the limit on Sunday but have what it takes to finally close out another conference title. It starts with this one, where Raymar has his best game in six weeks and MSU runs away. MSU 71 - Iowa 52.
Buckeye Nation says: Michigan State
Mayo170 says: Michigan State
Thursday:
Minnesota at Illinois
Gamm says: Huge game for both teams. Illinois proved that they are not invincible at home. Minnesota got right with a huge win over NU. Illini barely stay in the race to set up a Sunday showdown.
Buckeye Nation says: Illinois
Mayo170 says: Minnesota has been so hard to figure out this year. The Barn will absolutely be up for this game, and Illinois is putting together a pretty nice season. I had my doubts about Weber keeping things going after Self left a while back, but this team is tough to beat. Illinois seems pretty determined to get things rolling before tourney time. Illinois 68 – Minnesota 59
Purdue at Michigan
Gamm says: Michigan's dreams of getting back to the dance likely dissipated in Iowa City. Purdue has a title in mind. Purdue rolls.
Buckeye Nation says: Purdue
Mayo170 says: Well, if Michigan really needed a win, it was this past weekend at Iowa. Of course, they blew that one and now they have a very tough go of it to try and get back on the bubble. This is been Michigan recently though, the end of the season when they can put it together, it starts falling apart. Purdue on the other hand has been playing much better since the train wreck at the start of conference play. I thought Michigan might be able to get into the Tournament this year, but it’s back to the Not Invited Tournament and Purdue cements that with a big win. Purdue 71 – Michigan 54.
Saturday:
Iowa at Northwestern
Gamm says: Northwestern gets a big win and steps closer to the NIT.
Buckeye Nation says: Northwestern
Mayo170 says: Iowa
Ohio State at Purdue
Gamm says: Purdue has payback in mind. Big time payback.
Buckeye Nation says: Paybacks are hell, especially in the Big 10. I fully expect the Buckeyes to give a game effort in West Lafayette, especially given the liability they will face there as a road team. However, the Boilermakers are nearly healthy with the return of Robbie Hummel. Plus, they no doubt remember the OT loss they suffered in Columbus earlier in the month. As much as I hope I'm wrong, my mind and my gut tells me that the Boilers win this game, although it shouldn't be a cakewalk. Purdue 71 Ohio State 64
Mayo170 says: Purdue
Indiana at Penn State
Gamm says: Penn State puts any bubble talk to rest.
Buckeye Nation says: Penn State
Mayo170 says: Penn State
Sunday:
Michigan at Wisconsin
Gamm says: Wisconsin makes up for the fall in East Lansing.
Buckeye Nation says: For the Wolverines, a trip to Madison against a resurgent Badger team is NOT what the doctor ordered. Michigan has the marquee wins on its resume, but not really when it comes to wins in the conference. Except for a recent stumble in East Lansing, Bo Ryan has Wisconsin on a roll. While Michigan may have a chance if they go lights-out from 3 point-land, they will likely be intimidated by the Kohl fieldhouse crowd and go down. Wisconsin 71 Michigan 60
Mayo170 says: Wisconsin
Michigan State at Illinois (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says: This one pulls me in two very different directions. State struggles at Illinois. But Illinois isn't unbeatable at Assembly as proven by Penn State. The teams battled in January in a very defensive game. Win this and State likely clinches at least a tie (if not completely, theoretically). An Illinois win keeps them right in the mix. Coin toss. MSU 58 - ILL 57.
Buckeye Nation says: After embarrassing themselves at home last week against Penn State, the Illini seemingly couldn't miss a basket when they came away with a huge win over the Buckeyes in Columbus, and thus put themselves back in the race for a chance at the Big 10 championship, IF MSU can stumble one more time. But for that to be a possibility, the Illini have to beat the Spartans at home, which will be extremely difficult. When Illinois plays well, they look like world-beaters, when they don't, all you can see is Bruce Weber whining about everything. Tom Izzo has his team well-positioned to win yet another regular season Big 10 title, and he will have MSU ready to pull off a big road win. However, my gut tells me that the Spartans will come up just a little short before a raucous crowd in Assembly Hall. After the final buzzer sounds, they will be toasting in Champaign-Urbana, with hopes that Purdue can pull off the miracle at the end of the season in East Lansing. Illinois 78 Michigan State 76
Mayo170 says: What a great game this is turning out to be. Lot’s of marbles on the floor for this one. I really like the way MSU has played this year, all things (illness mostly) considered. Illinois has made some waves this year too, and could put a big end-of-the-year boost in the win column with this game. MSU should have everyone totally healthy and practicing/playing full-speed by the time this one rolls around. The road has been very good to the Spartans this season and I think their defense will be enough to win this one. MSU 63 – Illinois 58
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hang on for a wild ride...
We've got a great race to the finish, and bigger than that, an excellent race to see if the Big Ten can land as many as eight teams in the Big Dance.
Mayo and Buckeye tied with the best records last week, so see below for which games you'll pick.
Two weeks to go. Gonna be a wild ride!
Tuesday:
Penn State at Ohio State (Buckeye Nation)
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Indiana (Mayo)
Iowa at Michigan State (Gamm)
Thursday:
Minnesota at Illinois (Mayo)
Purdue at Michigan (Mayo)
Saturday:
Iowa at Northwestern
Ohio State at Purdue (Buckeye Nation)
Indiana at Penn State
Sunday:
Michigan at Wisconsin (Buckeye Nation)
Michigan State at Illinois (Tiebreaker - all three pick)
We've got a great race to the finish, and bigger than that, an excellent race to see if the Big Ten can land as many as eight teams in the Big Dance.
Mayo and Buckeye tied with the best records last week, so see below for which games you'll pick.
Two weeks to go. Gonna be a wild ride!
Tuesday:
Penn State at Ohio State (Buckeye Nation)
Wednesday:
Northwestern at Indiana (Mayo)
Iowa at Michigan State (Gamm)
Thursday:
Minnesota at Illinois (Mayo)
Purdue at Michigan (Mayo)
Saturday:
Iowa at Northwestern
Ohio State at Purdue (Buckeye Nation)
Indiana at Penn State
Sunday:
Michigan at Wisconsin (Buckeye Nation)
Michigan State at Illinois (Tiebreaker - all three pick)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Breaking down the Big Ten finish
Wow, I tuned in to watch the Penn State v. Illinois basketball game last night and a high scoring football game broke out! Tough to believe that as tough as the Illini are at home, they've lost three straight to the Nittany Lions at Assembly Hall. That effectively knocks Illinois out of the race for first, as I think no more than four losses takes it this year.
Ohio State also took one on the chin, though in a much more entertaining fashion. The three point shooting in that game was unreal. Northwestern has to be thinking "we're five points - FIVE POINTS - in three home losses (Purdue, Illinois, Michigan) away from 17-7 and a very real shot at the school's first ever berth to the Big Dance.
With all that went on last night, Purdue's win over Michigan State and five to six games left on everyone's plate, I thought I would go team by team and run through how I see the season playing out. By the way, realize I have no analyzed all the tie breakers for seeding, so I admit I may be off a slot or two where there are ties!
Michigan State - 10-3 (20-5)
2/22 - Wisconsin (WIN)
2/25 - Iowa (WIN)
3/1 - at Illinois (LOSS)
3/3 - at Indiana (WIN)
3/7 or 8 - Purdue (WIN)
14-4 (24-6). Big Ten champs. No. 1 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 2 seed in Big Dance.
Purdue - 9-4 (20-6)
2/21 - Indiana (WIN)
2/26 - at Michigan (WIN)
2/28 - Ohio State (WIN)
3/4 - Northwestern (WIN)
3/7 or 8 - at Michigan State (LOSS)
13-5 (24-7). Second place. No. 2 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 3 seed in Big Dance.
Illinois - 9-5 (21-6)
2/22 - at Ohio State (LOSS)
2/26 - Minnesota (WIN)
3/1 - Michigan State (WIN)
3/5 - at Penn State (WIN)
12-6 (24-7). 3rd place finish. No. 3 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 6 seed in Big Dance.
Penn State - 8-6 (19-8)
2/24 - at Ohio State (LOSS)
2/28 - Indiana (WIN)
3/5 - Illinois (LOSS)
3/7 - at Iowa (WIN)
10-8 (21-10). T-5th place finish. No. 6 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 10 seed in Big Dance.
Minnesota - 7-6 (19-6)
2/19 - at Michigan (LOSS)
2/22 - Northwestern (WIN)
2/26 - at Illinois (LOSS)
3/4 - Wisconson (WIN)
3/8 - Michigan (WIN)
10-8 (22-8). T-5th place finish. No. 7 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 9 seed in Big Dance.
Ohio State - 7-6 (17-7)
2/22 - Illinois (WIN)
2/24 - Penn State (WIN)
2/28 - at Purdue (LOSS)
3/3 - at Iowa (WIN)
3/7 - Northwestern (WIN)
11-7 (21-8). 4th place finish. No. 4 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 6 seed in Big Dance.
Wisconsin - 7-6 (16-9)
2/19 - at Indiana (WIN)
2/22 - at Michigan State (LOSS)
3/1 - Michigan (WIN)
3/4 - at Minnesota (LOSS)
3/7 - Indiana (WIN)
10-8 (19-11). T-5th place finish. No. 5 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 11 seed in Big Dance.
Michigan - 6-7 (16-10)
2/19 - Minnesota (WIN)
2/22 - at Iowa (WIN)
2/26 - Purdue (LOSS)
3/1 - at Wisconsin (LOSS)
3/7 - at Minnesota (LOSS)
8-10 (18-13). 8th place finish. No. 8 seed in B10 Tourney, NIT bid.
Northwestern - 5-8 (14-10)
2/22 - at Minnesota (LOSS)
2/25 - at Indiana (WIN)
2/28 - Iowa (WIN)
3/4 - at Purdue (LOSS)
3/7 - at Ohio State (LOSS)
7-11 (16-13). 9th place finish. No. 9 seed in B10 Tourney, NIT bid.
Iowa - 3-10 (13-13)
2/22 - Michigan (LOSS)
2/25 - at Michigan State (LOSS)
2/28 - at Northwestern (LOSS)
3/3 - Ohio State (LOSS)
3/7 - Penn State (LOSS)
3-15 (13-18). X place finish. No. X seed in B10 Tourney.
Indiana - 1-11 (6-18)
2/19 - Wisconsin (LOSS)
2/21 - at Purdue (LOSS)
2/25 - Northwestern (LOSS)
2/28 - at Penn State (LOSS)
3/3 - Michigan State (LOSS)
3/7 - at Wisconsin (LOSS)
1-17 (6-24). Last place finish. No. 11 seed in B10 Tourney.
Wow, I tuned in to watch the Penn State v. Illinois basketball game last night and a high scoring football game broke out! Tough to believe that as tough as the Illini are at home, they've lost three straight to the Nittany Lions at Assembly Hall. That effectively knocks Illinois out of the race for first, as I think no more than four losses takes it this year.
Ohio State also took one on the chin, though in a much more entertaining fashion. The three point shooting in that game was unreal. Northwestern has to be thinking "we're five points - FIVE POINTS - in three home losses (Purdue, Illinois, Michigan) away from 17-7 and a very real shot at the school's first ever berth to the Big Dance.
With all that went on last night, Purdue's win over Michigan State and five to six games left on everyone's plate, I thought I would go team by team and run through how I see the season playing out. By the way, realize I have no analyzed all the tie breakers for seeding, so I admit I may be off a slot or two where there are ties!
Michigan State - 10-3 (20-5)
2/22 - Wisconsin (WIN)
2/25 - Iowa (WIN)
3/1 - at Illinois (LOSS)
3/3 - at Indiana (WIN)
3/7 or 8 - Purdue (WIN)
14-4 (24-6). Big Ten champs. No. 1 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 2 seed in Big Dance.
Purdue - 9-4 (20-6)
2/21 - Indiana (WIN)
2/26 - at Michigan (WIN)
2/28 - Ohio State (WIN)
3/4 - Northwestern (WIN)
3/7 or 8 - at Michigan State (LOSS)
13-5 (24-7). Second place. No. 2 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 3 seed in Big Dance.
Illinois - 9-5 (21-6)
2/22 - at Ohio State (LOSS)
2/26 - Minnesota (WIN)
3/1 - Michigan State (WIN)
3/5 - at Penn State (WIN)
12-6 (24-7). 3rd place finish. No. 3 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 6 seed in Big Dance.
Penn State - 8-6 (19-8)
2/24 - at Ohio State (LOSS)
2/28 - Indiana (WIN)
3/5 - Illinois (LOSS)
3/7 - at Iowa (WIN)
10-8 (21-10). T-5th place finish. No. 6 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 10 seed in Big Dance.
Minnesota - 7-6 (19-6)
2/19 - at Michigan (LOSS)
2/22 - Northwestern (WIN)
2/26 - at Illinois (LOSS)
3/4 - Wisconson (WIN)
3/8 - Michigan (WIN)
10-8 (22-8). T-5th place finish. No. 7 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 9 seed in Big Dance.
Ohio State - 7-6 (17-7)
2/22 - Illinois (WIN)
2/24 - Penn State (WIN)
2/28 - at Purdue (LOSS)
3/3 - at Iowa (WIN)
3/7 - Northwestern (WIN)
11-7 (21-8). 4th place finish. No. 4 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 6 seed in Big Dance.
Wisconsin - 7-6 (16-9)
2/19 - at Indiana (WIN)
2/22 - at Michigan State (LOSS)
3/1 - Michigan (WIN)
3/4 - at Minnesota (LOSS)
3/7 - Indiana (WIN)
10-8 (19-11). T-5th place finish. No. 5 seed in B10 Tourney, No. 11 seed in Big Dance.
Michigan - 6-7 (16-10)
2/19 - Minnesota (WIN)
2/22 - at Iowa (WIN)
2/26 - Purdue (LOSS)
3/1 - at Wisconsin (LOSS)
3/7 - at Minnesota (LOSS)
8-10 (18-13). 8th place finish. No. 8 seed in B10 Tourney, NIT bid.
Northwestern - 5-8 (14-10)
2/22 - at Minnesota (LOSS)
2/25 - at Indiana (WIN)
2/28 - Iowa (WIN)
3/4 - at Purdue (LOSS)
3/7 - at Ohio State (LOSS)
7-11 (16-13). 9th place finish. No. 9 seed in B10 Tourney, NIT bid.
Iowa - 3-10 (13-13)
2/22 - Michigan (LOSS)
2/25 - at Michigan State (LOSS)
2/28 - at Northwestern (LOSS)
3/3 - Ohio State (LOSS)
3/7 - Penn State (LOSS)
3-15 (13-18). X place finish. No. X seed in B10 Tourney.
Indiana - 1-11 (6-18)
2/19 - Wisconsin (LOSS)
2/21 - at Purdue (LOSS)
2/25 - Northwestern (LOSS)
2/28 - at Penn State (LOSS)
3/3 - Michigan State (LOSS)
3/7 - at Wisconsin (LOSS)
1-17 (6-24). Last place finish. No. 11 seed in B10 Tourney.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Get Gamm
Sorry for the late nature of the post. Work has been a zoo! Dan Meyer was the only one to beat me last week - a nifty 10-0 to get back in the race. Buckeye slipped a little, pushing me back to the top.
A huge week on tap for the contest as well as the league standings, starting with the big one tonight in West Lafayette.
Tuesday
Michigan State @ Purdue
Gamm says ... Head to head between my Spartans and Dan's Boilers. Hummel and Morgan will both play so no excuses allowed. State has been a fine-tuned machine on the road this season. Purdue has been strong at home and owns a 26-10 advantage in the series at Mackey. MSU spotted the Boilers a big lead last year and nearly came back. With a week of rest, I think State will be geared up and ready to roll. I expect this to be a barn-burner, but MSU takes an enormous next step in the Big Ten race. MSU 68 - Purdue 67.
Dan says ... Michigan State 65 at PURDUE 68--Probably a biased pick but Boilers NEED the win and Hummel has had one game to get the rust off.
Wednesday
Penn State @ Illinois
Gamm says ... Penn State is likely in the Big Dance at this point, but has a chance to make a big statement here. Illinois wants to stay in the Big Ten race. Illini win at home.
Dan says ... Penn State 65 at ILLINOIS 72--Illini hold serve at home and move within a game of the Spartans.
Ohio State @ Northwestern
Gamm says ... Oh the humanity. NU has lost three games by a total of 5 points at home (Purdue, Illinois and Michigan). The Big Dance is really slipping away, and the NIT might if the 'cats don't hold serve. Northwestern squeaks this one out.
Dan says ... Ohio State 62 at NORTHWESTERN 63--I think eventually that the Wildcats break through and this is the time.
Thursday
Minnesota @ Michigan
Gamm says ... You can't call this an elimination game on both sides, but it certainly looks that way for Michigan. Minnesota is up and down right now, this means more to Michigan. Wolverines win.
Dan says ... ?
Wisconsin @ Indiana
Gamm says ... No Brian Butch bank shot needed. Wisconsin rolls.
Dan says ... WISCONSIN 74 at Indiana 68--Suddenly hot Badgers win fifth straight.
Saturday
Indiana @ Purdue
Gamm says ... Rivalry time! IU has the short turn around and Purdue will be hungry after a tough loss to MSU. Purdue rolls.
Dan says ... Indiana 58 at PURDUE 66--Hoosiers are playing better, but not enough better to win at Mackey in rivalry game.
Sunday
Illinois @ Ohio State
Gamm says ... Bucks have been tough at home and knock the Illini back a peg...
Dan says ... Illinois 72 at OHIO STATE 74--Basically a home-court pick in the first of two excellent games.
Wisconsin @ Michigan State
Gamm says ... MSU's basketball nemesis comes calling for our only battle on the year. Wisconsin has stripped State of Big Ten title dreams in the past (an OT loss with the banner hanging rolled in the rafters comes to mind) but this one brings some revenge. State 68 - Wisconsin 57.
Dan says ... Wisconsin 68 at MICHIGAN STATE 70--Spartans stretched to limit, but keep top spot in Big Ten and end Badgers' winning streak.
Michigan @ Iowa
Gamm says ... Iowa has been pesky at home, but Michigan gets another huge win.
Dan says ... MICHIGAN 63 at Iowa 62--Wolverines get a valuable road split.
Northwestern @ Minnesota
Gamm says ... Minnesota gets back to winning...
Dan says ... Northwestern 65 at MINNESOTA 70--Tubby and company burnish their Big Dance credentials.
Sorry for the late nature of the post. Work has been a zoo! Dan Meyer was the only one to beat me last week - a nifty 10-0 to get back in the race. Buckeye slipped a little, pushing me back to the top.
A huge week on tap for the contest as well as the league standings, starting with the big one tonight in West Lafayette.
Tuesday
Michigan State @ Purdue
Gamm says ... Head to head between my Spartans and Dan's Boilers. Hummel and Morgan will both play so no excuses allowed. State has been a fine-tuned machine on the road this season. Purdue has been strong at home and owns a 26-10 advantage in the series at Mackey. MSU spotted the Boilers a big lead last year and nearly came back. With a week of rest, I think State will be geared up and ready to roll. I expect this to be a barn-burner, but MSU takes an enormous next step in the Big Ten race. MSU 68 - Purdue 67.
Dan says ... Michigan State 65 at PURDUE 68--Probably a biased pick but Boilers NEED the win and Hummel has had one game to get the rust off.
Wednesday
Penn State @ Illinois
Gamm says ... Penn State is likely in the Big Dance at this point, but has a chance to make a big statement here. Illinois wants to stay in the Big Ten race. Illini win at home.
Dan says ... Penn State 65 at ILLINOIS 72--Illini hold serve at home and move within a game of the Spartans.
Ohio State @ Northwestern
Gamm says ... Oh the humanity. NU has lost three games by a total of 5 points at home (Purdue, Illinois and Michigan). The Big Dance is really slipping away, and the NIT might if the 'cats don't hold serve. Northwestern squeaks this one out.
Dan says ... Ohio State 62 at NORTHWESTERN 63--I think eventually that the Wildcats break through and this is the time.
Thursday
Minnesota @ Michigan
Gamm says ... You can't call this an elimination game on both sides, but it certainly looks that way for Michigan. Minnesota is up and down right now, this means more to Michigan. Wolverines win.
Dan says ... ?
Wisconsin @ Indiana
Gamm says ... No Brian Butch bank shot needed. Wisconsin rolls.
Dan says ... WISCONSIN 74 at Indiana 68--Suddenly hot Badgers win fifth straight.
Saturday
Indiana @ Purdue
Gamm says ... Rivalry time! IU has the short turn around and Purdue will be hungry after a tough loss to MSU. Purdue rolls.
Dan says ... Indiana 58 at PURDUE 66--Hoosiers are playing better, but not enough better to win at Mackey in rivalry game.
Sunday
Illinois @ Ohio State
Gamm says ... Bucks have been tough at home and knock the Illini back a peg...
Dan says ... Illinois 72 at OHIO STATE 74--Basically a home-court pick in the first of two excellent games.
Wisconsin @ Michigan State
Gamm says ... MSU's basketball nemesis comes calling for our only battle on the year. Wisconsin has stripped State of Big Ten title dreams in the past (an OT loss with the banner hanging rolled in the rafters comes to mind) but this one brings some revenge. State 68 - Wisconsin 57.
Dan says ... Wisconsin 68 at MICHIGAN STATE 70--Spartans stretched to limit, but keep top spot in Big Ten and end Badgers' winning streak.
Michigan @ Iowa
Gamm says ... Iowa has been pesky at home, but Michigan gets another huge win.
Dan says ... MICHIGAN 63 at Iowa 62--Wolverines get a valuable road split.
Northwestern @ Minnesota
Gamm says ... Minnesota gets back to winning...
Dan says ... Northwestern 65 at MINNESOTA 70--Tubby and company burnish their Big Dance credentials.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Get Gamm
We're starting to get a glimpse of March and the madness that ensues. Every game is critical in the Big Ten race and as teams jockey to get into the Big Dance, for seeding, etc.
Some big ones on the slate in the Big Ten this week to continue to whet the appetite.
Tuesday
Michigan State @ Michigan
Gamm says - MSU is 5-0 on the road. Michigan had a good week last week after a not so hot run the week before. The key is simple: Michigan takes a load more triples than anyone else, but also makes them less than any other team. The Spartans rebound and run better than anyone in the nation. If the Wolverines are making the triples, this could be an upset. The Spartans will miss Raymar Morgan more this game than in the past few. I think State gets the W and goes into the week off on a high. MSU 67 - Michigan 65.
Buckeye Nation says - Michigan State
Indiana @ Minnesota
Gamm says - Minnesota gets back on track. IU will miss Devan "The Elbow Thrower" Dumes.
Buckeye Nation says - Minnesota
Wednesday
Penn State @ Purdue
Gamm says - Purdue is hurting without Robbie Hummel. On one hand, you know he wants to come back. On the other, I think for his career and future with the Boilers, he needs to sit the rest of the season. Purdue is looking for payback and Penn State is reeling. Purdue 65 - Penn State 51.
Buckeye Nation says - Purdue
Iowa @ Wisconsin
Gamm says - Wisconsin is rolling again with March in mind.
Buckeye Nation says - Wisconsin
Thursday
Illinois @ Northwestern
Gamm says - A little rivalry action to take us into the weekend. Illinois is playing with confidence and Northwestern lost a critical game at Iowa. This is huge for the Wildcats so I'm going with the upset. NU in a low scoring affair.
Buckeye Nation says - This is a "pick 'em" game. What? In usual years, everyone chalked up Northwestern as "automatic wins" when previewing their upcoming schedules. Not this year. The Wildcats have enjoyed success this year both at home (Florida State, Minnesota, Wisconsin) and on the road (huge signature win at MSU). When Bill Carmody's Princeton offense is clicking, Northwestern is very tough, especially this season. Illinois has been largely a tale of two teams (except at Purdue who had injuries): awesome at home, beatable on the road. Throw in the fact that this is a rivalry game, the only regular season meeting between these two teams, and the stakes grow even higher. Illinois looks like a NCAA tournament team, but the Cats aren't there yet. It is tough to win on the road in the Big 10. This one will go down to the wire with the Wildcats winning an emotional game in a see-saw struggle. Northwestern 71 - Illinois 69
Saturday
Minnesota @ Penn State
Gamm says - this might well be an elimination game for the tournament. Both teams were swept last week and find themselves in must win position. Minny has more wins, but not enough are high quality. Same probably goes for the Nits. I like PSU to snap the three game skid and get a huge win. Penn State 63 - Minnesota 60.
Buckeye Nation says - Both of these teams have enjoyed surprising success in the Big 10 this years, but both teams enter the game on losing streaks. Tubby Smith has the Gophers playing good ball, especially at home, but Ed DeChellis can make a similar claim. The Nittany Lions were certainly feeling their oats after a stunning win at MSU, but reality set in with a road loss at Michigan and a home loss to suddenly resurgent Wisconsin. From a talent standpoint, this is a pick 'em game, but I believe the Lions with the home court advantage will prevail over Minnesota. Penn State 67 - Minnesota 63
Purdue @ Iowa
Gamm says - a potential trap for Purdue between the critical home rematch with Penn State and a game against the Spartans. But the Boilers get it done.
Buckeye Nation says - Purdue
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
Gamm says - ESPN GameDay will be in Madison and the Kohl will be rocking. In the blink of an eye, Wisconsin turns the four game losing streak into a four game win streak...
Buckeye Nation says - Just when it appeared that rigor mortis had set in on Bo Ryan's Badgers, Wisconsin notched two huge wins at home against Illinois, and on the road at suddenly good Penn State. Granted, most of the Wisconsin losses were close ones, but losing has a tendency to become habit-forming. Now, the rejuvenated Badgers will entertain Thad Matta's Buckeyes, who are enjoying their own resurgence with a 4 game winning streak including big home wins against Purdue and Minnesota. This will be the only regular season meeting against these two teams. And it will be in the Kohl Center where the Badgers usually have their way with the Buckeyes. Coming into the game, the Badgers will face Iowa at home, while the Buckeyes will be coming off of a bye-week. Last year, at Value City Arena, the Badgers prevailed, and they will definitely be favored to win this one as well. I can only hope it will not be a Valentine's Day Massacre. However, I'm a Buckeye homer, and this is a game where I think the Buckeyes, with a size advantage underneath, will have a chance to steal one on the road and pull out a win at the buzzer. Ohio State 65 - Wisconsin 63
Sunday
Illinois @ Indiana
Gamm says - Illinois
Buckeye Nation says - Illinois
Michigan @ Northwestern
Gamm says - Michigan bounces back.
Buckeye Nation says - Northwestern.
We're starting to get a glimpse of March and the madness that ensues. Every game is critical in the Big Ten race and as teams jockey to get into the Big Dance, for seeding, etc.
Some big ones on the slate in the Big Ten this week to continue to whet the appetite.
Tuesday
Michigan State @ Michigan
Gamm says - MSU is 5-0 on the road. Michigan had a good week last week after a not so hot run the week before. The key is simple: Michigan takes a load more triples than anyone else, but also makes them less than any other team. The Spartans rebound and run better than anyone in the nation. If the Wolverines are making the triples, this could be an upset. The Spartans will miss Raymar Morgan more this game than in the past few. I think State gets the W and goes into the week off on a high. MSU 67 - Michigan 65.
Buckeye Nation says - Michigan State
Indiana @ Minnesota
Gamm says - Minnesota gets back on track. IU will miss Devan "The Elbow Thrower" Dumes.
Buckeye Nation says - Minnesota
Wednesday
Penn State @ Purdue
Gamm says - Purdue is hurting without Robbie Hummel. On one hand, you know he wants to come back. On the other, I think for his career and future with the Boilers, he needs to sit the rest of the season. Purdue is looking for payback and Penn State is reeling. Purdue 65 - Penn State 51.
Buckeye Nation says - Purdue
Iowa @ Wisconsin
Gamm says - Wisconsin is rolling again with March in mind.
Buckeye Nation says - Wisconsin
Thursday
Illinois @ Northwestern
Gamm says - A little rivalry action to take us into the weekend. Illinois is playing with confidence and Northwestern lost a critical game at Iowa. This is huge for the Wildcats so I'm going with the upset. NU in a low scoring affair.
Buckeye Nation says - This is a "pick 'em" game. What? In usual years, everyone chalked up Northwestern as "automatic wins" when previewing their upcoming schedules. Not this year. The Wildcats have enjoyed success this year both at home (Florida State, Minnesota, Wisconsin) and on the road (huge signature win at MSU). When Bill Carmody's Princeton offense is clicking, Northwestern is very tough, especially this season. Illinois has been largely a tale of two teams (except at Purdue who had injuries): awesome at home, beatable on the road. Throw in the fact that this is a rivalry game, the only regular season meeting between these two teams, and the stakes grow even higher. Illinois looks like a NCAA tournament team, but the Cats aren't there yet. It is tough to win on the road in the Big 10. This one will go down to the wire with the Wildcats winning an emotional game in a see-saw struggle. Northwestern 71 - Illinois 69
Saturday
Minnesota @ Penn State
Gamm says - this might well be an elimination game for the tournament. Both teams were swept last week and find themselves in must win position. Minny has more wins, but not enough are high quality. Same probably goes for the Nits. I like PSU to snap the three game skid and get a huge win. Penn State 63 - Minnesota 60.
Buckeye Nation says - Both of these teams have enjoyed surprising success in the Big 10 this years, but both teams enter the game on losing streaks. Tubby Smith has the Gophers playing good ball, especially at home, but Ed DeChellis can make a similar claim. The Nittany Lions were certainly feeling their oats after a stunning win at MSU, but reality set in with a road loss at Michigan and a home loss to suddenly resurgent Wisconsin. From a talent standpoint, this is a pick 'em game, but I believe the Lions with the home court advantage will prevail over Minnesota. Penn State 67 - Minnesota 63
Purdue @ Iowa
Gamm says - a potential trap for Purdue between the critical home rematch with Penn State and a game against the Spartans. But the Boilers get it done.
Buckeye Nation says - Purdue
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
Gamm says - ESPN GameDay will be in Madison and the Kohl will be rocking. In the blink of an eye, Wisconsin turns the four game losing streak into a four game win streak...
Buckeye Nation says - Just when it appeared that rigor mortis had set in on Bo Ryan's Badgers, Wisconsin notched two huge wins at home against Illinois, and on the road at suddenly good Penn State. Granted, most of the Wisconsin losses were close ones, but losing has a tendency to become habit-forming. Now, the rejuvenated Badgers will entertain Thad Matta's Buckeyes, who are enjoying their own resurgence with a 4 game winning streak including big home wins against Purdue and Minnesota. This will be the only regular season meeting against these two teams. And it will be in the Kohl Center where the Badgers usually have their way with the Buckeyes. Coming into the game, the Badgers will face Iowa at home, while the Buckeyes will be coming off of a bye-week. Last year, at Value City Arena, the Badgers prevailed, and they will definitely be favored to win this one as well. I can only hope it will not be a Valentine's Day Massacre. However, I'm a Buckeye homer, and this is a game where I think the Buckeyes, with a size advantage underneath, will have a chance to steal one on the road and pull out a win at the buzzer. Ohio State 65 - Wisconsin 63
Sunday
Illinois @ Indiana
Gamm says - Illinois
Buckeye Nation says - Illinois
Michigan @ Northwestern
Gamm says - Michigan bounces back.
Buckeye Nation says - Northwestern.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Let the attrition begin!
Wow was it a battle last week in the Big Ten. Penn State gets everyone within reach of Michigan State on Sunday and then - WHAM - every one starts beating up on the other. Penn State loses what could amount to two very costly games. Purdue goes down twice and is looking at what life is like without Robbie Hummel (not nearly as good, that's for sure). Wisconsin gets two huge wins after a six game losing streak. Illinois splits. Northwestern drops a critical game. Minnesota gets clipped twice. Ohio State got two killer home wins to vault back into the race. And in the end, the team that entered the week in some trouble - MSU - wins two to reclaim a two game lead.
Buckeye Nation moved to the top of the leaderboard and gets to pick this week. Maybe I'll actually have time to get my picks in on time this go around!
Without further ado...
Tuesday
Michigan State @ Michigan (Andy)
Indiana @ Minnesota
Wednesday
Penn State @ Purdue (Andy)
Iowa @ Wisconsin
Thursday
Illinois @ Northwestern (Buckeye)
Saturday
Minnesota @ Penn State (Tiebreaker - Andy & Buckeye)
Purdue @ Iowa
Ohio State @ Wisconsin (Buckeye)
Sunday
Illinois @ Indiana
Michigan @ Northwestern
Wow was it a battle last week in the Big Ten. Penn State gets everyone within reach of Michigan State on Sunday and then - WHAM - every one starts beating up on the other. Penn State loses what could amount to two very costly games. Purdue goes down twice and is looking at what life is like without Robbie Hummel (not nearly as good, that's for sure). Wisconsin gets two huge wins after a six game losing streak. Illinois splits. Northwestern drops a critical game. Minnesota gets clipped twice. Ohio State got two killer home wins to vault back into the race. And in the end, the team that entered the week in some trouble - MSU - wins two to reclaim a two game lead.
Buckeye Nation moved to the top of the leaderboard and gets to pick this week. Maybe I'll actually have time to get my picks in on time this go around!
Without further ado...
Tuesday
Michigan State @ Michigan (Andy)
Indiana @ Minnesota
Wednesday
Penn State @ Purdue (Andy)
Iowa @ Wisconsin
Thursday
Illinois @ Northwestern (Buckeye)
Saturday
Minnesota @ Penn State (Tiebreaker - Andy & Buckeye)
Purdue @ Iowa
Ohio State @ Wisconsin (Buckeye)
Sunday
Illinois @ Indiana
Michigan @ Northwestern
Monday, February 02, 2009
Wow...
The Breslin Center mystique appears to have vanished. Penn State is officially for real. Northwestern remains hot. So does Purdue. Ohio State got back on track. Illinois overcame the ugly loss at Minnesota to get back to winning. What's wrong with Wisconsin? Wins over Duke and UCLA seem like eons ago for Michigan. When will IU get its first W? Folks, we've got ourselves a race.
While Buckeye Nation and Phats tied me, I snuck out with the tiebreaker so I pick solo this week. Every week the teeth and fists clinch tighter... hang on, gonna be a wild finish!
Tuesday
Purdue @ Ohio State
Wednesday
Iowa @ Indiana
Chicago State @ Northwestern
Minnesota @ Michigan State
Thursday
Penn State @ Michigan
Illinois @ Wisconsin
Saturday
Indiana @ Michigan State
Michigan @ Connecticut
Northwestern @ Iowa
Minnesota @ Ohio State
Sunday
Purdue @ Illinois (Tiebreaker)
Wisconsin @ Penn State
The Breslin Center mystique appears to have vanished. Penn State is officially for real. Northwestern remains hot. So does Purdue. Ohio State got back on track. Illinois overcame the ugly loss at Minnesota to get back to winning. What's wrong with Wisconsin? Wins over Duke and UCLA seem like eons ago for Michigan. When will IU get its first W? Folks, we've got ourselves a race.
While Buckeye Nation and Phats tied me, I snuck out with the tiebreaker so I pick solo this week. Every week the teeth and fists clinch tighter... hang on, gonna be a wild finish!
Tuesday
Purdue @ Ohio State
Wednesday
Iowa @ Indiana
Chicago State @ Northwestern
Minnesota @ Michigan State
Thursday
Penn State @ Michigan
Illinois @ Wisconsin
Saturday
Indiana @ Michigan State
Michigan @ Connecticut
Northwestern @ Iowa
Minnesota @ Ohio State
Sunday
Purdue @ Illinois (Tiebreaker)
Wisconsin @ Penn State
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Get Gamm - Week Five
Buckeye Nation and Phats are picking some games with me, games that are near and dear to their hearts. Some big games on tap this week in a conference that is still lacking respect from the pundits but one that is quietly racking up impressive credentials...
Tuesday
Purdue @ Wisconsin - Huge game for both. Wisconsin is hemorrhaging big time and needs to get the ship righted or the NIT starts to look like the March destination. Purdue is starting to roll and has earned one of the rare wins in the Kohl of late. Home court means something, but talent beats home court in this one. Purdue by 10.
BuckeyeNation says ... Wisconsin
Phats says ... Boilers starting to play really good basketball as of late, and started off this tough stretch of road games with a nice win at the Barn. Winning at Wisconsin is never easy, and the task got even harder since we'll be facing a mad Badger team that might start need to looking at games as must wins. Boilers will play their typical tough defense, and a healthy Kramer, and Hummel back in the starting five will mean a victory for Purdue. PURDUE over Wisconsin
Wednesday
Michigan @ Ohio State - Ohio State is on a tumble since winning in Ann Arbor. Michigan finally ended a streak with a nice win over Northwestern. Two teams that are young and evenly matched. In those cases, look to the home court edge. Ohio State gets the W by 8.
BuckeyeNation says ... The rivalry continues in this rematch of a game that the Buckeyes stole in Ann Arbor a little over a week ago. The Wolverines are coming off a big win at home against Northwestern, who likely was still celebrating their huge win at conference leader MSU in East Lansing. The Buckeyes have dropped their last two, and are in desperate need of a win at home. Both teams are young, but the Buckeyes are down a few players in their rotation, which MSU exploited brilliantly. As in their first meeting, the Buckeyes' formula for success is to contain UM on the perimeter, and dominate them underneath. UM's formula will be to knock down 3s with unbridled impunity, and hope OSU panics as a result. The crowd should be rocking the Schott on Wednesday, because, after all, this is OSU-Michigan. Look for the Buckeyes to rebound with a much-needed victory. Ohio State 67 - Michigan 60
Phats says ... Ohio State
Indiana @ Northwestern - Two teams in a bit of a role reversal. Northwestern gets a win to make it three of the last four.
BuckeyeNation says ... Northwestern
Phats says ... Northwestern
Thursday
Michigan State @ Iowa - Carver Hawkeye is never all that kind to MSU (see 36 points last year) but the Spartans are really playing well on the road and seemed to find a renewed purpose after a shaky start at Ohio State. This is a chance to start a nice four game run before the meat of the schedule really kicks in. State wins by 15.
BuckeyeNation says ... Michigan State
Phats says ... Michigan State
Illinois @ Minnesota (Tiebreaker) - The game of the week in the Big Ten. Minnesota has already lost at The Barn twice and needs to win out at home to hope to stay in the title mix. Illinois is playing as well as anyone, including Michigan State. This should be a fantastic game. It is tough to pick against Illinois right now, but I think the Gophers are ripe for a big win, especially at home. Minnesota 64 - Illinois 61.
BuckeyeNation says ... This is truly a "pick 'em" game. Illinois get the slight edge on being the better team, but Tubby has Minnesota believing in themselves this season, plus they enjoy a tremendous home court advantage in "the Barn," although the Big 10 co-favorites this year have both come out with a victory in the Twin Cities. The Gophers have looked shaky during the past week or so, and were lucky to come out with a win at Bloomington on Sunday. Illinois, on the other hand has hit its stride and Bruce Weber has the Illini contending for the Big 10 title and primed for a bid to the Big Dance after last season's bad dream. Nevertheless, it is tough to win on the road in the Big 10. This one will go down to the wire with the Gophers hitting a ridiculous shot at the buzzer to win it. Minnesota 71 - Illinois 69
Phats says ... This is a tough one, Illinois seems to be playing really well, and Minnesota seems to be going on a downward trend, if this game were at Illinois it'd be a no brainer, but the Barn is a very tough place to play. I will take Minnesota in a close game. MINNESOTA 66 illinois 64
Saturday
Michigan @ Purdue - The second of two big tests for the Wolverines. Purdue lost once at home, though, and won't lose at Mackey again this year. Purdue by 12.
BuckeyeNation says ... Purdue
Phats says ... The one home game in a 5 game stretch for the Boilers, and it's a scary one, mostly because you never know which Michigan team you're going to get. They are definitely dangerous, but the Boilermakers are playing really well right now, and I see them keeping that winning streak going, and keeping the pressure on MSU. PURDUE over michigan
Ohio State @ Indiana - Might the Hoosiers finally get a win in league play? It will happen at some point. Why not this one? IU in an upset.
BuckeyeNation says ... Who would've ever thunk it? The Indiana Hoosiers being a doormat IN HOOPS and the closest thing to a "gimme" in the Big 10 this season. Probably the last time that happened was during an era when peach baskets and the two-handed set shot were all the rage in hoops. Although the Hoosiers are decimated on their roster as a result of departures and NCAA probation, Tom Crean has gotten them to put a scare into a few Big 10 teams at Assembly Hall. The Buckeyes have a young, thin rotation due to injuries and an unforeseen transfer. Moreover, OSU will need to bring their "A game" because Indiana will lay down for no one at home. From a talent standpoint, this should be a win for OSU, and I believe Thad Matta will have his guys ready to gut out another much-needed win on the road. Ohio State 65 - Indiana 61.
Phats says ... Ohio State
Wisconsin @ Northwestern - If Wisconsin loses to Purdue at home, I think it could get really ugly. Northwestern is playing well and gets this W.
BuckeyeNation says ... Wisconsin
Phats says ... Wisconsin
Sunday
Penn State @ Michigan State - The white hot Nittany Lions get a week off to prepare for Michigan State. I think we might see more of that zone that stymied the Spartans late in State College. However, sorry to say for the fans of the Nits, NO WAY Michigan State loses at home again this year. MSU by 10.
BuckeyeNation says ... Michigan State
Phats says ... Michigan State
Iowa @ Illinois - Illinois gets a big home win over Iowa.
BuckeyeNation says ... Illinois
Phats says ... Illinois
Buckeye Nation and Phats are picking some games with me, games that are near and dear to their hearts. Some big games on tap this week in a conference that is still lacking respect from the pundits but one that is quietly racking up impressive credentials...
Tuesday
Purdue @ Wisconsin - Huge game for both. Wisconsin is hemorrhaging big time and needs to get the ship righted or the NIT starts to look like the March destination. Purdue is starting to roll and has earned one of the rare wins in the Kohl of late. Home court means something, but talent beats home court in this one. Purdue by 10.
BuckeyeNation says ... Wisconsin
Phats says ... Boilers starting to play really good basketball as of late, and started off this tough stretch of road games with a nice win at the Barn. Winning at Wisconsin is never easy, and the task got even harder since we'll be facing a mad Badger team that might start need to looking at games as must wins. Boilers will play their typical tough defense, and a healthy Kramer, and Hummel back in the starting five will mean a victory for Purdue. PURDUE over Wisconsin
Wednesday
Michigan @ Ohio State - Ohio State is on a tumble since winning in Ann Arbor. Michigan finally ended a streak with a nice win over Northwestern. Two teams that are young and evenly matched. In those cases, look to the home court edge. Ohio State gets the W by 8.
BuckeyeNation says ... The rivalry continues in this rematch of a game that the Buckeyes stole in Ann Arbor a little over a week ago. The Wolverines are coming off a big win at home against Northwestern, who likely was still celebrating their huge win at conference leader MSU in East Lansing. The Buckeyes have dropped their last two, and are in desperate need of a win at home. Both teams are young, but the Buckeyes are down a few players in their rotation, which MSU exploited brilliantly. As in their first meeting, the Buckeyes' formula for success is to contain UM on the perimeter, and dominate them underneath. UM's formula will be to knock down 3s with unbridled impunity, and hope OSU panics as a result. The crowd should be rocking the Schott on Wednesday, because, after all, this is OSU-Michigan. Look for the Buckeyes to rebound with a much-needed victory. Ohio State 67 - Michigan 60
Phats says ... Ohio State
Indiana @ Northwestern - Two teams in a bit of a role reversal. Northwestern gets a win to make it three of the last four.
BuckeyeNation says ... Northwestern
Phats says ... Northwestern
Thursday
Michigan State @ Iowa - Carver Hawkeye is never all that kind to MSU (see 36 points last year) but the Spartans are really playing well on the road and seemed to find a renewed purpose after a shaky start at Ohio State. This is a chance to start a nice four game run before the meat of the schedule really kicks in. State wins by 15.
BuckeyeNation says ... Michigan State
Phats says ... Michigan State
Illinois @ Minnesota (Tiebreaker) - The game of the week in the Big Ten. Minnesota has already lost at The Barn twice and needs to win out at home to hope to stay in the title mix. Illinois is playing as well as anyone, including Michigan State. This should be a fantastic game. It is tough to pick against Illinois right now, but I think the Gophers are ripe for a big win, especially at home. Minnesota 64 - Illinois 61.
BuckeyeNation says ... This is truly a "pick 'em" game. Illinois get the slight edge on being the better team, but Tubby has Minnesota believing in themselves this season, plus they enjoy a tremendous home court advantage in "the Barn," although the Big 10 co-favorites this year have both come out with a victory in the Twin Cities. The Gophers have looked shaky during the past week or so, and were lucky to come out with a win at Bloomington on Sunday. Illinois, on the other hand has hit its stride and Bruce Weber has the Illini contending for the Big 10 title and primed for a bid to the Big Dance after last season's bad dream. Nevertheless, it is tough to win on the road in the Big 10. This one will go down to the wire with the Gophers hitting a ridiculous shot at the buzzer to win it. Minnesota 71 - Illinois 69
Phats says ... This is a tough one, Illinois seems to be playing really well, and Minnesota seems to be going on a downward trend, if this game were at Illinois it'd be a no brainer, but the Barn is a very tough place to play. I will take Minnesota in a close game. MINNESOTA 66 illinois 64
Saturday
Michigan @ Purdue - The second of two big tests for the Wolverines. Purdue lost once at home, though, and won't lose at Mackey again this year. Purdue by 12.
BuckeyeNation says ... Purdue
Phats says ... The one home game in a 5 game stretch for the Boilers, and it's a scary one, mostly because you never know which Michigan team you're going to get. They are definitely dangerous, but the Boilermakers are playing really well right now, and I see them keeping that winning streak going, and keeping the pressure on MSU. PURDUE over michigan
Ohio State @ Indiana - Might the Hoosiers finally get a win in league play? It will happen at some point. Why not this one? IU in an upset.
BuckeyeNation says ... Who would've ever thunk it? The Indiana Hoosiers being a doormat IN HOOPS and the closest thing to a "gimme" in the Big 10 this season. Probably the last time that happened was during an era when peach baskets and the two-handed set shot were all the rage in hoops. Although the Hoosiers are decimated on their roster as a result of departures and NCAA probation, Tom Crean has gotten them to put a scare into a few Big 10 teams at Assembly Hall. The Buckeyes have a young, thin rotation due to injuries and an unforeseen transfer. Moreover, OSU will need to bring their "A game" because Indiana will lay down for no one at home. From a talent standpoint, this should be a win for OSU, and I believe Thad Matta will have his guys ready to gut out another much-needed win on the road. Ohio State 65 - Indiana 61.
Phats says ... Ohio State
Wisconsin @ Northwestern - If Wisconsin loses to Purdue at home, I think it could get really ugly. Northwestern is playing well and gets this W.
BuckeyeNation says ... Wisconsin
Phats says ... Wisconsin
Sunday
Penn State @ Michigan State - The white hot Nittany Lions get a week off to prepare for Michigan State. I think we might see more of that zone that stymied the Spartans late in State College. However, sorry to say for the fans of the Nits, NO WAY Michigan State loses at home again this year. MSU by 10.
BuckeyeNation says ... Michigan State
Phats says ... Michigan State
Iowa @ Illinois - Illinois gets a big home win over Iowa.
BuckeyeNation says ... Illinois
Phats says ... Illinois
Monday, January 26, 2009
Bouncing around the Big Ten...
A wild week in the Big Ten last week. Upsets, blowouts, the end of some sizable streaks in East Lansing. You name it, it happened. Here's a quick team-by-team and the slate for this week's games. Phats was the big winner last week. Since Buckeye Nation won the first week, I'll note below the games for you two to focus on. Send me your picks by tomorrow afternoon...
Illinois: A solid week for the Illini. Taking care of business at home and in style, with two big wins over Ohio State and Wisconsin. Huge road game on Thursday at Minnesota looms, followed by a visit from pesky Iowa. Stock: Rising.
Indiana: The young Hoosiers almost got that elusive conference win on Sunday and continue to scrap. It won't be long before an upset happens and it won't be long after that until we see the Hoosiers really start to put the program back together. Stock: Falling.
Iowa: A mixed bag last week. Big, overtime win over Wisconsin followed by about 32-35 minutes of domination over Penn State before gassing and sputtering to a tough road loss. Iowa is one of those hot and cold teams that will deal some damaging blows this season. Stock: Even
Michigan: The Wolverines finally snapped the losing streak with a nice win over previously white hot Northwestern. That sets up a huge week with road contests at Ohio State and Purdue. This week will go a long way in U-M's battle for an NCAA berth. Stock: Even - pending this week's action.
Michigan State: The Spartans were stunned at home and saw a bevy of streaks go by the way side. For more details, see my new MSU blog. The telling moment was how MSU overcame the benching of Lucas and Walton, the continued illness of Morgan and a slow start at OSU to get a huge win, start 4-0 on the road for the first time in school history and set up what could be a great stretch of wins. Stock: Back on the rise.
Minnesota: A rough home loss to Purdue followed by a near monumental upset at the hands of Indiana on the road. Tubby Smith can't be too pleased right now. One huge game on the schedule this week. A must win if Minnesota wants to stay in the title chase. Stock: Falling but with a chance to smooth out and rise.
Northwestern: Perhaps the biggest program win ever in East Lansing on Wednesday, followed by a rather ho-hum effort in Ann Arbor. The Wildcats have two very legitimate chances to get Ws this week, and that would go a long, long way to helping NU squeeze into the postseason. Stock: Even but teetering on the edge...
Ohio State: A rough week for the scarlet and gray. A bad loss at Illinois followed up by a blown lead and loss at home to Michigan State. The Buckeyes are young and inexperienced and that is the difference thus far. Two good chances to get back on track ahead this week. Stock: falling.
Penn State: My team of the week for last week. A big home win over Michigan followed by a gritty comeback victory over Iowa. Penn State has a week to prep for an enormous game in East Lansing as it looks to continue its three game win streak. Stock: Skyrocketing.
Purdue: Don't look now but the Boilermakers are right back where everyone had them pegged at the start of the season - right in the Big Ten mix. The trip to Wisconsin will be critical, and Purdue can't look past Michigan either. Stock: Rising
Wisconsin: This might be the worst stretch in recent memory for the Badgers. UW has lost three straight and with Purdue and Northwestern on the slate this week, it doesn't get any easier. A win in both would totally right the ship, even one is critical to save the season. Stock: Falling, fast...
This week's schedule:
Tuesday
Purdue @ Wisconsin (Phats commentary)
Wednesday
Michigan @ Ohio State (Buckeye Nation commentary)
Indiana @ Northwestern
Thursday
Michigan State @ Iowa (Gamm commentary)
Illinois @ Minnesota (Tiebreaker) (Gamm, Phats, BN commentary)
Saturday
Michigan @ Purdue (Phats commentary
Ohio State @ Indiana (Buckeye Nation commentary)
Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Sunday
Penn State @ Michigan State (Gamm commentary
Iowa @ Illinois
A wild week in the Big Ten last week. Upsets, blowouts, the end of some sizable streaks in East Lansing. You name it, it happened. Here's a quick team-by-team and the slate for this week's games. Phats was the big winner last week. Since Buckeye Nation won the first week, I'll note below the games for you two to focus on. Send me your picks by tomorrow afternoon...
Illinois: A solid week for the Illini. Taking care of business at home and in style, with two big wins over Ohio State and Wisconsin. Huge road game on Thursday at Minnesota looms, followed by a visit from pesky Iowa. Stock: Rising.
Indiana: The young Hoosiers almost got that elusive conference win on Sunday and continue to scrap. It won't be long before an upset happens and it won't be long after that until we see the Hoosiers really start to put the program back together. Stock: Falling.
Iowa: A mixed bag last week. Big, overtime win over Wisconsin followed by about 32-35 minutes of domination over Penn State before gassing and sputtering to a tough road loss. Iowa is one of those hot and cold teams that will deal some damaging blows this season. Stock: Even
Michigan: The Wolverines finally snapped the losing streak with a nice win over previously white hot Northwestern. That sets up a huge week with road contests at Ohio State and Purdue. This week will go a long way in U-M's battle for an NCAA berth. Stock: Even - pending this week's action.
Michigan State: The Spartans were stunned at home and saw a bevy of streaks go by the way side. For more details, see my new MSU blog. The telling moment was how MSU overcame the benching of Lucas and Walton, the continued illness of Morgan and a slow start at OSU to get a huge win, start 4-0 on the road for the first time in school history and set up what could be a great stretch of wins. Stock: Back on the rise.
Minnesota: A rough home loss to Purdue followed by a near monumental upset at the hands of Indiana on the road. Tubby Smith can't be too pleased right now. One huge game on the schedule this week. A must win if Minnesota wants to stay in the title chase. Stock: Falling but with a chance to smooth out and rise.
Northwestern: Perhaps the biggest program win ever in East Lansing on Wednesday, followed by a rather ho-hum effort in Ann Arbor. The Wildcats have two very legitimate chances to get Ws this week, and that would go a long, long way to helping NU squeeze into the postseason. Stock: Even but teetering on the edge...
Ohio State: A rough week for the scarlet and gray. A bad loss at Illinois followed up by a blown lead and loss at home to Michigan State. The Buckeyes are young and inexperienced and that is the difference thus far. Two good chances to get back on track ahead this week. Stock: falling.
Penn State: My team of the week for last week. A big home win over Michigan followed by a gritty comeback victory over Iowa. Penn State has a week to prep for an enormous game in East Lansing as it looks to continue its three game win streak. Stock: Skyrocketing.
Purdue: Don't look now but the Boilermakers are right back where everyone had them pegged at the start of the season - right in the Big Ten mix. The trip to Wisconsin will be critical, and Purdue can't look past Michigan either. Stock: Rising
Wisconsin: This might be the worst stretch in recent memory for the Badgers. UW has lost three straight and with Purdue and Northwestern on the slate this week, it doesn't get any easier. A win in both would totally right the ship, even one is critical to save the season. Stock: Falling, fast...
This week's schedule:
Tuesday
Purdue @ Wisconsin (Phats commentary)
Wednesday
Michigan @ Ohio State (Buckeye Nation commentary)
Indiana @ Northwestern
Thursday
Michigan State @ Iowa (Gamm commentary)
Illinois @ Minnesota (Tiebreaker) (Gamm, Phats, BN commentary)
Saturday
Michigan @ Purdue (Phats commentary
Ohio State @ Indiana (Buckeye Nation commentary)
Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Sunday
Penn State @ Michigan State (Gamm commentary
Iowa @ Illinois
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Quick look at the Big Ten...
Gonna be a quick one today. Life is so busy I don't have near enough time to write like I want to. Some upsets and near upsets around the Big Ten last week. Purdue escapes NU and then NU takes it out on Minnesota who pulled off a miracle comeback win at Wisconsin mid week. Penn State finally wins at Indiana. Michigan State shakes off two pesky opponents to stake a two game lead in the conference and is off to its best start since 1978 (in league play). Check out the Big Ten recap.
This week looks to be no different. Sorry Buckeye Nation. You went 9-1 to take the prize but I don't have time to get commentary. I'll owe you one!
Here are the games this week (my picks in bold):
Tuesday
Ohio State @ Illinois
Michigan @ Penn State
Wednesday
Northwestern @ Michigan State
Wisconsin @ Iowa
Thursday
Purdue @ Minnesota 62-59 (Tiebreaker)
Saturday
Wisconsin @ Illinois
Iowa @ Penn State
Northwestern @ Michigan
Sunday
Minnesota @ Indiana
Michigan State @ Ohio State
Gonna be a quick one today. Life is so busy I don't have near enough time to write like I want to. Some upsets and near upsets around the Big Ten last week. Purdue escapes NU and then NU takes it out on Minnesota who pulled off a miracle comeback win at Wisconsin mid week. Penn State finally wins at Indiana. Michigan State shakes off two pesky opponents to stake a two game lead in the conference and is off to its best start since 1978 (in league play). Check out the Big Ten recap.
This week looks to be no different. Sorry Buckeye Nation. You went 9-1 to take the prize but I don't have time to get commentary. I'll owe you one!
Here are the games this week (my picks in bold):
Tuesday
Ohio State @ Illinois
Michigan @ Penn State
Wednesday
Northwestern @ Michigan State
Wisconsin @ Iowa
Thursday
Purdue @ Minnesota 62-59 (Tiebreaker)
Saturday
Wisconsin @ Illinois
Iowa @ Penn State
Northwestern @ Michigan
Sunday
Minnesota @ Indiana
Michigan State @ Ohio State
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Get Gamm - Basketball Style
Mayo won the honor to pick with me this week, so let's get down to business. Only one unbeaten remains in what is shaping up to be a far more competitive, deeper league than first thought.
Tuesday
Indiana at Ohio State
- Gamm says: Ohio State has too much for an Indiana team that won't be down long. OSU wins.
- Mayo170 says: Indiana in an upset.
Wednesday
Michigan State at Penn State
- Gamm says: MSU has to be thinking revenge after the foul infested, upset loss in Happy Valley last year. Penn State is better this year, makes it a game, but falls short to a team on a mission. MSU 70 - Penn State 60.
- Mayo170 says: MSU has proven they are truly a better team than either of their losses. Penn State should not be much of a threat to knock down the class of the Big Ten right now. MSU wins 68 – 55.
Michigan at Illinois
- Gamm says: Michigan jumped on Illinois a little more than a week ago, but has to face the Orange Krush for this one. I like how the Illini are playing and the home court. Illinois 71 - Michigan 63.
- Mayo170 says: As good a road test as Michigan could use right now. Illinois is a pretty good team right now, and their only loss in conference is to Michigan on the road. Illinois gets a bit of revenge with a 71 – 60 win.
Thursday
Purdue at Northwestern
- Gamm says: Purdue is rounding back into form and crushes NU.
- Mayo170 says: Purdue.
Minnesota at Wisconsin
- Gamm says: Minnesota is showing Kentucky fans what it so badly wanted to - and did - run out of Lexington. Not many teams win in Madison, but the Gophers will come close. Wisconsin 63 - Minnesota 60.
- Mayo170 says: What a great matchup this is going to be. Minnesota is rolling this year and Wisconsin is perennially a tough team in a tough place to play. I like the Gophers here in a tight one 74 – 71.
Saturday
Illinois at Michigan State
- Gamm says: On MoPete day, MSU prevails.
- Mayo170 says: Michigan State wins.
Penn State at Indiana
- Gamm says: Penn State gets back on track with a rare win at IU.
- Mayo170 says: Indiana.
Ohio State at Michigan
- Gamm says: Michigan might just be for real this year. Big wins over Duke and UCLA plus a strong Big Ten start say so. OSU is trying to find itself. Michigan 68 - Ohio State 64.
- Mayo170 says: Ohio State is a young team that I mentioned before I know nothing about. They are playing fairly well although I don’t know if they can stop a Michigan team that is putting together a nice season. Both teams appear to me to be solid middle-pack teams, with UM being a little higher on the ladder right now. Michigan wins 67 – 64.
Sunday
Iowa at Purdue
- Gamm says: Purdue keeps rolling.
- Mayo170 says: Purdue
Minnesota at Northwestern
- Gamm says: NU is going to pick more than one team off this year and catches Minny napping.
- Mayo170 says: Minnesota.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Around the court...
We're now well into basketball season in the Big Ten and some interesting things are happening. For starters, the league is a lot deeper than anyone - including me - thought it would be. It's really not a shock that some upsets are occurring on the road - they always do - but for Purdue to be 1-2 and already having faced a must-win (Sunday vs. Wisconsin)? Hang on, it will be a wild ride.
Get Gamm Football Recap
For the first time in ages, I won my own contest. Well, technically St. Louis Spartan - my roommate from college - tied me. But no one beat me, so no one gets to go shopping this time around! Thanks to all who played and made it a challenge.
Get Gamm Basketball Update
Mayo170 won the tiebreaker for last week and gets to pick with me this week. Mayo, games to give commentary on are in BOLD below.
Tuesday
Indiana @ Ohio State
Wednesday
Michigan State @ Penn State
Michigan @ Illinois
Thursday
Purdue @ Northwestern
Minnesota @ Wisconsin
Saturday
Illinois @ Michigan State
Penn State @ Indiana
Ohio State @ Michigan (tiebreaker)
Sunday
Iowa @ Purdue
Minnesota @ Northwestern
We're now well into basketball season in the Big Ten and some interesting things are happening. For starters, the league is a lot deeper than anyone - including me - thought it would be. It's really not a shock that some upsets are occurring on the road - they always do - but for Purdue to be 1-2 and already having faced a must-win (Sunday vs. Wisconsin)? Hang on, it will be a wild ride.
Get Gamm Football Recap
For the first time in ages, I won my own contest. Well, technically St. Louis Spartan - my roommate from college - tied me. But no one beat me, so no one gets to go shopping this time around! Thanks to all who played and made it a challenge.
Get Gamm Basketball Update
Mayo170 won the tiebreaker for last week and gets to pick with me this week. Mayo, games to give commentary on are in BOLD below.
Tuesday
Indiana @ Ohio State
Wednesday
Michigan State @ Penn State
Michigan @ Illinois
Thursday
Purdue @ Northwestern
Minnesota @ Wisconsin
Saturday
Illinois @ Michigan State
Penn State @ Indiana
Ohio State @ Michigan (tiebreaker)
Sunday
Iowa @ Purdue
Minnesota @ Northwestern
Monday, January 05, 2009
Happy New Year!
Back from my trip to the Capital One Bowl. Great time, even if the result for my Spartans wasn't optimum. It was, however, a right next step. PSU and OSU crushed MSU early in the season and the logical next step was to go toe-to-toe with a big boy. Who knows, if State converts early field position into TDs instead of FGs, maybe the upset happens. Either way, great memories for the entire family due to the endless autographs and photo opps that we got.
For those interested, I made some press over the holiday's too. The first was as a result of a search for the biggest Spartans fanatics. If I can find the email I sent the writer as to why I was one they should select, I'll post that here!
Biggest fan story in LSJ
A little pre-bowl game photo opp
Get Gamm Hoops style got started last week. I went 9-1 and the closest to me was 7-3. So here are the games for this week. Gotta beat me to write about the top games of the week! My picks in bold.
Tuesday
Ohio State @ Michigan State
Purdue @ Penn State
Wednesday
Michigan @ Indiana
Northwestern @ Wisconsin
Thursday
Minnesota @ Iowa
Friday
Houston Baptist @ Ohio State
Saturday
Kansas @ Michigan State
Indiana @ Illinois
Sunday
Iowa @ Michigan
Wisconsin @ Purdue (Tiebreaker) 63-61
Penn State @ Minnesota
Back from my trip to the Capital One Bowl. Great time, even if the result for my Spartans wasn't optimum. It was, however, a right next step. PSU and OSU crushed MSU early in the season and the logical next step was to go toe-to-toe with a big boy. Who knows, if State converts early field position into TDs instead of FGs, maybe the upset happens. Either way, great memories for the entire family due to the endless autographs and photo opps that we got.
For those interested, I made some press over the holiday's too. The first was as a result of a search for the biggest Spartans fanatics. If I can find the email I sent the writer as to why I was one they should select, I'll post that here!
Biggest fan story in LSJ
A little pre-bowl game photo opp
Get Gamm Hoops style got started last week. I went 9-1 and the closest to me was 7-3. So here are the games for this week. Gotta beat me to write about the top games of the week! My picks in bold.
Tuesday
Ohio State @ Michigan State
Purdue @ Penn State
Wednesday
Michigan @ Indiana
Northwestern @ Wisconsin
Thursday
Minnesota @ Iowa
Friday
Houston Baptist @ Ohio State
Saturday
Kansas @ Michigan State
Indiana @ Illinois
Sunday
Iowa @ Michigan
Wisconsin @ Purdue (Tiebreaker) 63-61
Penn State @ Minnesota
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Get Gamm - Bowl Style
Here is the official bowl slate. Picks are due before kickoff of the first game. Good luck. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Note - don't miss at the bottom the first round of Get Gamm Basketball. Those games start on next week already too!
Champs Sports Bowl - Orlando, FL
December 27, 4:30pm
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Gamm says ... The first in a slate of what should be seven good bowl games for the Big Ten this year. FSU is on the cusp of returning to the top of the ACC. Wisconsin had a highly disappointing campaign that included a mind-numbing loss to lowly Michigan and a gut-wrenching loss at Michigan State. Still, the season ended well and the Badgers are hungry to keep building for next year. I like Wisconsin in Florida bowl games... Wisconsin 24 - Florida State 20.
Buckeye Nation says ... A real "pick 'em" game between two teams who disappointed their fans this season. Something tells me that the Badgers pull this one out. Wisconsin 23 - Florida State 21
Alamo Bowl - San Antonio, TX
December 29, 8pm
Northwestern vs. Missouri
Gamm says ... I so want to pick the Wildcats in this one. NU had a fantastic season and rightfully deserved a better bowl slot than Iowa. But alas, that's business in the Big Ten. Vegas doesn't like Northwestern's chances at all, I am not as pessimistic. The NU defense is better than it is getting credit for and while Mizzou is good, a lot of folks are still basing their game thoughts on the pre Oklahoma State game Tigers. Missouri will win, but not by the wide margin some expect. Missouri 33 - Northwestern 30.
Buckeye Nation says ... This matchup is interesting. Mizzou is undoubtedly disappointed given the thinking at the beginning of the season that they were BCS Championship contenders with Chase Daniel at QB. Northwestern, on the other hand, exceeded expectations, even though they lost star RB Tyrell Sutton for the meat of the Big 10 schedule. The 'Cats aren't accustomed to this type of post-season revelry, but the Tigers are. Missouri 38 - Northwestern 27
Insight Bowl - Tempe, AZ
December 31, 6pm
Minnesota vs. Kansas
Gamm says ... Credit the Minnesota staff and players for a wonderful turnaround this season. This is a nice and just reward. Trouble is, Kansas is a lot better than a Golden Gophers team that was exposed an awful lot over the last few weeks of the season. I think Kansas cuts through this defense like a hot knife through butter. Kansas 41 - Minnesota 27.
Buckeye Nation says ... Both of these squads started out hot, but limped home to close out the season. Kansas however, rebounded in knocking off Mizzou, while the Gophers seemed to get worse with every game, concluding with a blow-out loss at home to archrival Iowa. The clock strikes midnight for the Gophers...as it did for the last month of the season. Kansas 41 - Minnesota 24
Outback Bowl - Tampa, FL
January 1, 11am
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Gamm says ... The one and only favorite - per Vegas - this Big Ten bowl season is Iowa. The Hawkeyes have the Penn State feather in their cap, and three of the team's losses game in a row in heartbreaking fashion. Iowa might have the most upside potential going forward but will all the hype get to Hawkeyes? I don't think so. South Carolina isn't a great SEC team, maybe not even a truly good one. Iowa wins and Greene rides off into the NFL... Iowa 27 - South Carolina 14.
Buckeye Nation says ... The Hawkeyes vs. the Gamecocks will be a great way to start a full day of bowl viewing. And in my view, the Big 10 fans will be smiling when it's all over in this one. Iowa 34 - South Carolina 26
Capital One Bowl - Orlando, FL
January 1, 1pm
Michigan State vs. Georgia
Gamm says ... So, the gurus are calling this one the rock solid lock of the bowl season. Georgia in a landslide. Well, in the immortal words of Lee Corso, not so fast my friend. UGA fell to this game. MSU aspired to it. The Bulldogs have been praised for their losses to Florida, Alabama and Georgia Tech. Ahem, last I checked Ohio State, Penn State and Cal were every bit in that neighborhood. That garbage aside, the running back show will be spectacular. And, we could be watching the future of the Detroit Lions (Matthew Stafford) at the helm of the dawgs. I think State has more to prove and more to play for. Have a 2000 Citrus Bowl flashback... Michigan State 34 - Georgia 31 on a late field goal.
Buckeye Nation says ... Speaking of disappointing seasons, the Dawgs thought they were headed to Miami when the season opened up, but had to settle for Orlando as a consolation prize. The Spartans on the other hand exceeded expectations by being in the hunt for a share of the Big 10 title until the final day of the season. Dantonio has the Spartans headed in the right direction, but they're not there just yet. While I'd like to see Andy smile, I don't think he will be after this one. Georgia 42 - Michigan State 17.
Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
January 1, 5pm
Penn State vs. USC (TIEBREAKER)
Gamm says ... In my book, this one is as good as the national title game. Both were uncanny road slip ups away. Both teams are stocked with NFL talent. USC might be bored playing in, ho-hum, another Rose Bowl. Penn State is hungry to show it is worthy of the national title talk that existed up until that Iowa loss. I'm looking for a classic, but in the end, SC has too much. USC 23 - Penn State 21.
Buckeye Nation says ... Two teams that could have been undefeated but for one slip-up, marks this year's Grandaddy-of-them-all matchup. I'd love to see the Lions do it, but the Trojans get the home field advantage, and the win. USC 38 - Penn State 13
Fiesta Bowl - Glendale, AZ
January 5, 8pm
Ohio State vs. Texas
Gamm says ... On one hand, you have an Ohio State team tired of hearing how it gets killed whenever the spotlight shines. On the other you have one pissed off set of Longhorns, screwed by the system that inexplicably doesn't take into account head-to-head. Now, Oklahoma might well be the best team in the land, but Texas has something to prove. Ohio State might have a bit more talent, but Texas is a play away from playing for something even bigger. Texas 20 - Ohio State 16
Buckeye Nation says ... Probably the third best bowl matchup on the entire slate after the BCS Championship game and the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes are very familiar with Phoenix, having played there 4 out of the past 6 years, but the last time in Arizona was a clunker. Texas has never faced a defense like OSU's, on the other hand, OSU has not seen an offense quite like Texas's offense. The Longhorns are smarting from not making the BCS title game, in spite of beating Oklahoma, and Colt McCoy finished 2nd in the Heisman voting. They will finish second here as well. Texas thinks they are playing in the wrong game, and the Buckeyes are looking for redemption. Look for the Buckeyes to finally give the conference the respect it deserves. Ohio State 28 - Texas 23.
Get Gamm Basketball (my picks in bold, score only needed for MSU - Minnesota):
12/30/08
Illinois @ Purdue
12/31/08
Michigan State @ Minnesota (MSU 64 - Minnesota 63)
Northwestern @ Penn State
Wisconsin @ Michigan
Iowa @ Ohio State
01/03/09
Ohio State @ Minnesota
Penn State @ Wisconsin
Indiana @ Iowa
Michigan State @ Northwestern
01/04/09
Illinois @ Michigan
Here is the official bowl slate. Picks are due before kickoff of the first game. Good luck. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Note - don't miss at the bottom the first round of Get Gamm Basketball. Those games start on next week already too!
Champs Sports Bowl - Orlando, FL
December 27, 4:30pm
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Gamm says ... The first in a slate of what should be seven good bowl games for the Big Ten this year. FSU is on the cusp of returning to the top of the ACC. Wisconsin had a highly disappointing campaign that included a mind-numbing loss to lowly Michigan and a gut-wrenching loss at Michigan State. Still, the season ended well and the Badgers are hungry to keep building for next year. I like Wisconsin in Florida bowl games... Wisconsin 24 - Florida State 20.
Buckeye Nation says ... A real "pick 'em" game between two teams who disappointed their fans this season. Something tells me that the Badgers pull this one out. Wisconsin 23 - Florida State 21
Alamo Bowl - San Antonio, TX
December 29, 8pm
Northwestern vs. Missouri
Gamm says ... I so want to pick the Wildcats in this one. NU had a fantastic season and rightfully deserved a better bowl slot than Iowa. But alas, that's business in the Big Ten. Vegas doesn't like Northwestern's chances at all, I am not as pessimistic. The NU defense is better than it is getting credit for and while Mizzou is good, a lot of folks are still basing their game thoughts on the pre Oklahoma State game Tigers. Missouri will win, but not by the wide margin some expect. Missouri 33 - Northwestern 30.
Buckeye Nation says ... This matchup is interesting. Mizzou is undoubtedly disappointed given the thinking at the beginning of the season that they were BCS Championship contenders with Chase Daniel at QB. Northwestern, on the other hand, exceeded expectations, even though they lost star RB Tyrell Sutton for the meat of the Big 10 schedule. The 'Cats aren't accustomed to this type of post-season revelry, but the Tigers are. Missouri 38 - Northwestern 27
Insight Bowl - Tempe, AZ
December 31, 6pm
Minnesota vs. Kansas
Gamm says ... Credit the Minnesota staff and players for a wonderful turnaround this season. This is a nice and just reward. Trouble is, Kansas is a lot better than a Golden Gophers team that was exposed an awful lot over the last few weeks of the season. I think Kansas cuts through this defense like a hot knife through butter. Kansas 41 - Minnesota 27.
Buckeye Nation says ... Both of these squads started out hot, but limped home to close out the season. Kansas however, rebounded in knocking off Mizzou, while the Gophers seemed to get worse with every game, concluding with a blow-out loss at home to archrival Iowa. The clock strikes midnight for the Gophers...as it did for the last month of the season. Kansas 41 - Minnesota 24
Outback Bowl - Tampa, FL
January 1, 11am
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Gamm says ... The one and only favorite - per Vegas - this Big Ten bowl season is Iowa. The Hawkeyes have the Penn State feather in their cap, and three of the team's losses game in a row in heartbreaking fashion. Iowa might have the most upside potential going forward but will all the hype get to Hawkeyes? I don't think so. South Carolina isn't a great SEC team, maybe not even a truly good one. Iowa wins and Greene rides off into the NFL... Iowa 27 - South Carolina 14.
Buckeye Nation says ... The Hawkeyes vs. the Gamecocks will be a great way to start a full day of bowl viewing. And in my view, the Big 10 fans will be smiling when it's all over in this one. Iowa 34 - South Carolina 26
Capital One Bowl - Orlando, FL
January 1, 1pm
Michigan State vs. Georgia
Gamm says ... So, the gurus are calling this one the rock solid lock of the bowl season. Georgia in a landslide. Well, in the immortal words of Lee Corso, not so fast my friend. UGA fell to this game. MSU aspired to it. The Bulldogs have been praised for their losses to Florida, Alabama and Georgia Tech. Ahem, last I checked Ohio State, Penn State and Cal were every bit in that neighborhood. That garbage aside, the running back show will be spectacular. And, we could be watching the future of the Detroit Lions (Matthew Stafford) at the helm of the dawgs. I think State has more to prove and more to play for. Have a 2000 Citrus Bowl flashback... Michigan State 34 - Georgia 31 on a late field goal.
Buckeye Nation says ... Speaking of disappointing seasons, the Dawgs thought they were headed to Miami when the season opened up, but had to settle for Orlando as a consolation prize. The Spartans on the other hand exceeded expectations by being in the hunt for a share of the Big 10 title until the final day of the season. Dantonio has the Spartans headed in the right direction, but they're not there just yet. While I'd like to see Andy smile, I don't think he will be after this one. Georgia 42 - Michigan State 17.
Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
January 1, 5pm
Penn State vs. USC (TIEBREAKER)
Gamm says ... In my book, this one is as good as the national title game. Both were uncanny road slip ups away. Both teams are stocked with NFL talent. USC might be bored playing in, ho-hum, another Rose Bowl. Penn State is hungry to show it is worthy of the national title talk that existed up until that Iowa loss. I'm looking for a classic, but in the end, SC has too much. USC 23 - Penn State 21.
Buckeye Nation says ... Two teams that could have been undefeated but for one slip-up, marks this year's Grandaddy-of-them-all matchup. I'd love to see the Lions do it, but the Trojans get the home field advantage, and the win. USC 38 - Penn State 13
Fiesta Bowl - Glendale, AZ
January 5, 8pm
Ohio State vs. Texas
Gamm says ... On one hand, you have an Ohio State team tired of hearing how it gets killed whenever the spotlight shines. On the other you have one pissed off set of Longhorns, screwed by the system that inexplicably doesn't take into account head-to-head. Now, Oklahoma might well be the best team in the land, but Texas has something to prove. Ohio State might have a bit more talent, but Texas is a play away from playing for something even bigger. Texas 20 - Ohio State 16
Buckeye Nation says ... Probably the third best bowl matchup on the entire slate after the BCS Championship game and the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes are very familiar with Phoenix, having played there 4 out of the past 6 years, but the last time in Arizona was a clunker. Texas has never faced a defense like OSU's, on the other hand, OSU has not seen an offense quite like Texas's offense. The Longhorns are smarting from not making the BCS title game, in spite of beating Oklahoma, and Colt McCoy finished 2nd in the Heisman voting. They will finish second here as well. Texas thinks they are playing in the wrong game, and the Buckeyes are looking for redemption. Look for the Buckeyes to finally give the conference the respect it deserves. Ohio State 28 - Texas 23.
Get Gamm Basketball (my picks in bold, score only needed for MSU - Minnesota):
12/30/08
Illinois @ Purdue
12/31/08
Michigan State @ Minnesota (MSU 64 - Minnesota 63)
Northwestern @ Penn State
Wisconsin @ Michigan
Iowa @ Ohio State
01/03/09
Ohio State @ Minnesota
Penn State @ Wisconsin
Indiana @ Iowa
Michigan State @ Northwestern
01/04/09
Illinois @ Michigan
Monday, December 15, 2008
Playing catch-up...
Well, life continues to be busy, but I've finally found a gap to get back to what I love... talking Big Ten football and hoops.
In the few weeks since I last posted, the Big Ten gave its best run ever at the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. If only Iowa could make a free throw, or Illinois a late stop, the Big Ten would finally, finally, be able to shake that ACC twow-on guerrilla off its back. We also saw the mighty - Purdue and Michigan State - get soundly thumped by the leaders of the ACC. Hey, the way I look at it is simple - November and December games are fun and all, but talk to me in March, when it matters.
Other than the Challenge there have been some nice games so far. Ohio State has a few solid wins to its credit. So does Michigan. Might the basketball team help ease the pain for all the Michigan football fans still licking their 3-9 wounds? The top tier teams will still make this a two or three horse race, but the middle of the pack will provide some defining moments come January and February...
Over the same time frame, the Big Ten football awards were released. The bowl selections made. Some national hardware passed out. So much to weigh in on...
No real qualms with any of what the coaches or media selected in terms of the Big Ten awards, with one exception: Mark Dantonio and/or Pat Fitzgerald deserved the Coach of the Year honors over Joe Paterno. If it were "Staff of the Year", then give it to Penn State, but you won't convince me that JoePa had as much impact on that team as Dantonio or Fitzgerald who made decent teams look very, very good. Paterno's team was loaded from the get-go.
The bowl games shook out as expected. Despite being the underdog in six of the seven match-ups, I like the Big Ten to fare just fine this postseason. More on that next week when I post my picks (Buckeye Nation, get me yours by THIS Thursday please).
Congrats to those who grabbed some national award coverage as well. Shonn Greene deserved the Doak Walker. Javon Ringer deserved All America honors. The Big Ten gets the shaft from the national media but watch a handful of NFL games each weekend and count the Big Ten starters on each roster. You can have your conferences, I love the Big Ten.
As for the national picture - Texas got screwed, even if Oklahoma is playing better right now. And the Heisman gets no complaints here. Could have been any of the three. I question, is it "best player", "MVP", or "best player on the best team"? All three give you a different winner in my book...
For those who want to weigh in now, here is the bowl slate. Picks are due before kickoff of the first game. Good luck. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Champs Sports Bowl - Orlando, FL
December 27, 4:30pm
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Alamo Bowl - San Antonio, TX
December 29, 8pm
Northwestern vs. Missouri
Insight Bowl - Tempe, AZ
December 31, 6pm
Minnesota vs. Kansas
Outback Bowl - Tampa, FL
January 1, 11am
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Capital One Bowl - Orlando, FL
January 1, 1pm
Michigan State vs. Georgia
Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
January 1, 5pm
Penn State vs. USC
Fiesta Bowl - Glendale, AZ
January 5, 8pm
Ohio State vs. Texas
Well, life continues to be busy, but I've finally found a gap to get back to what I love... talking Big Ten football and hoops.
In the few weeks since I last posted, the Big Ten gave its best run ever at the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. If only Iowa could make a free throw, or Illinois a late stop, the Big Ten would finally, finally, be able to shake that ACC twow-on guerrilla off its back. We also saw the mighty - Purdue and Michigan State - get soundly thumped by the leaders of the ACC. Hey, the way I look at it is simple - November and December games are fun and all, but talk to me in March, when it matters.
Other than the Challenge there have been some nice games so far. Ohio State has a few solid wins to its credit. So does Michigan. Might the basketball team help ease the pain for all the Michigan football fans still licking their 3-9 wounds? The top tier teams will still make this a two or three horse race, but the middle of the pack will provide some defining moments come January and February...
Over the same time frame, the Big Ten football awards were released. The bowl selections made. Some national hardware passed out. So much to weigh in on...
No real qualms with any of what the coaches or media selected in terms of the Big Ten awards, with one exception: Mark Dantonio and/or Pat Fitzgerald deserved the Coach of the Year honors over Joe Paterno. If it were "Staff of the Year", then give it to Penn State, but you won't convince me that JoePa had as much impact on that team as Dantonio or Fitzgerald who made decent teams look very, very good. Paterno's team was loaded from the get-go.
The bowl games shook out as expected. Despite being the underdog in six of the seven match-ups, I like the Big Ten to fare just fine this postseason. More on that next week when I post my picks (Buckeye Nation, get me yours by THIS Thursday please).
Congrats to those who grabbed some national award coverage as well. Shonn Greene deserved the Doak Walker. Javon Ringer deserved All America honors. The Big Ten gets the shaft from the national media but watch a handful of NFL games each weekend and count the Big Ten starters on each roster. You can have your conferences, I love the Big Ten.
As for the national picture - Texas got screwed, even if Oklahoma is playing better right now. And the Heisman gets no complaints here. Could have been any of the three. I question, is it "best player", "MVP", or "best player on the best team"? All three give you a different winner in my book...
For those who want to weigh in now, here is the bowl slate. Picks are due before kickoff of the first game. Good luck. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Champs Sports Bowl - Orlando, FL
December 27, 4:30pm
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Alamo Bowl - San Antonio, TX
December 29, 8pm
Northwestern vs. Missouri
Insight Bowl - Tempe, AZ
December 31, 6pm
Minnesota vs. Kansas
Outback Bowl - Tampa, FL
January 1, 11am
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Capital One Bowl - Orlando, FL
January 1, 1pm
Michigan State vs. Georgia
Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
January 1, 5pm
Penn State vs. USC
Fiesta Bowl - Glendale, AZ
January 5, 8pm
Ohio State vs. Texas
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