Game On!
Is anyone else as excited as I am that we have 12 teams and two divisions in the B1G? We have seven of 12 teams in contention for the Big Ten title game. No way that happens in the old world. While the parity that seems to exist means no national title contender, the race for Indy and the Roses alone is great theater.
And while the debate rages on over whether 'Bama and LSU was the greatest game of this century and should meet again in New Orleans this coming January, let's remember that the Big Ten has produced two or three of the very best games this season and has more depth than the SEC.
Speaking of "the big game" - as a college football fan, I thought it was great. It was edge of your seat, cringe before the big hits, as hyped and advertised exciting. I personally don't mind if the teams meet again, but do think that opens up way too many what if scenarios. Plus, sequels are rarely ever as good as the first release.
Back to the Big Ten, in a weekend short on great match-ups, we had several thrilling games. Indiana and Minnesota gave it their all, Northwestern stung Nebraska, and Iowa held off a late charge. The better news? We have three more weeks of this remaining. Game on!
The good...
Iowa. A week after the biggest head scratcher since, well, Iowa State, the Hawkeyes got a huge win against Michigan and find themselves in control - yes, that's right - in control of their Legends destiny. Minnesota and Indiana. Both were big time double digit dogs and scared the pants off of their home team opponents. Moral victories for both. Northwestern. Wow. The Wildcats made moving the ball on the black shirts look a lot easier than MSU did a week prior. Hangover for the 'huskers? Apparently. Wisconsin. Back in style. In a BIG way.
The bad...
Michigan State and Ohio State. Proof positive that you can't take anyone for granted, ever. While the home field edge in this league is crazy big, you can't sleep on teams that have nothing to lose. Michigan. Way too many dropped passes and mistakes to win on the road. The Wolverines need a lot of help now to win the division.
The ugly...
Someone has to be here. Purdue. A few weeks ago, people were high on a defense that was making noise. Uh, maybe it was the lackluster offenses that D was facing. Nebraska. It was a close game, but to lose at home a week after gaining firm control of the Legends race? U-G-L-Y you ain't got no alibi... Speaking of which, I am not sure I've ever read something so haneous and disgusting and troubling as the accounts and allegations against former PSU staffer Jerry Sandusky. Could this be the most unfortunate way to end what should otherwise be a most celebrated coaching era in college football?
The race...
Ohhh things got interesting with that Northwestern upset in Lincoln. Four teams are in play in the Legends Division, two control their own destiny, including an Iowa team left for dead after the disaster in Minny. The Leaders Division race stayed the same but gets very interesting the last three weeks as well. No sense in me setting the table for who's who and what's what, since ESPN did a great job, but I will offer my views on what I think will play out, followed by my bowl projections.
Legends Division:
Already noted that MSU and Iowa control their destiny. But how about this for one possible, crazy, wild scenario?
Iowa beats Michigan State. Michigan beats Nebraska. Nebraska beats Iowa. The four win the rest of their games not including these head to heads. Who goes? Michigan State in a tiebreaker with Michigan. And this is just one of many scenarios. Hang on tight!
Michigan State. Chances of winning the division? 60%
Iowa. Chances of winning the division? 20%
Nebraska. Chances of winning the division? 10%
Michigan. Chances of winning the division? 10%
Leaders Division:
Penn State is obviously in control here but the road games scare me a lot. I think the week off helps with Nebraska coming in, but the Nebraska must win factor swings this game a bit too. The scenarios aren't quite as crazy here, but with PSU playing OSU and UW to close the season, it gets interesting in a hurry.
Penn State. Chances of winning the division? 60%
Ohio State. Chances of winning the division? 25%
Wisconsin. Chances of winning the division? 15%
Weekly Bowl Projections...I'm sticking with Michigan State over Penn State for the Big Ten Championship and MSU in the Rose Bowl. The rest could get very interesting with bowls having tough choices to make.
Rose Bowl - Michigan State @ 11-2
At Large BCS - Wisconsin (Badgers win out to claim this spot) @ 10-2
Capital One Bowl - Penn State @ 10-3
Outback Bowl - Nebraska @ 9-3
Gator Bowl - Michigan @ 9-3
Insight Bowl - Ohio State @ 8-4
Meineke Car Care Bowl - Iowa @ 7-5
Ticket City Bowl - Illinois @ 7-5
Little Caesars Bowl - Northwestern @ 6-6
Get Gamm...
Only Dan was able to keep up with me this week, also going 4-1. But I edged him on the tiebreaker so I pick solo again.
Nebraska at Penn State (Game of the Week)
Michigan State at Iowa
Ohio State at Purdue
Rice at Northwestern
Wisconsin at Minnesota
Michigan at Illinois
Showing posts with label big ten. Show all posts
Showing posts with label big ten. Show all posts
Monday, November 07, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Get Gamm - Week Eight
For most, this is just another interesting week of conference play. A couple of good games and some other tune-ups for next week and beyond. For me? This is THE week. Michigan State and Michigan go toe to toe and there is plenty at stake. There is also plenty of talk, though mostly from former players.
Before I get picking though, I have to weigh in on the college football landscape.
Memo to Mizzou - stay where you are. The SEC will eat you alive and use you for the fact that you are about more than just sports (See Vandy). A&M was wisely replaced with TCU and if the Big 12 has its wits, Houston and SMU will follow to make it a happy family of 12 once again. Or, hey, do nothing and stay at ten. Forget BYU or Boise. My goodness can we get some regional reality in these conferences?
Speaking of which... the Big East is desperate. It is said to be courting schools as far south as Orlando and as far west as Boise. Please. May as well change the name to Big Spread All Over. Boise does not belong in the Big East. Nor does Air Force or even eastern based academies like Army and Navy. In fact, I think Army, Navy, Air Force, VMI and The Citadel should create their own militant conference... but that's just me.
Kudos to the Big Ten for staying put. The only logical move is when or if Notre Dame is ever truly fair game. Then you add them and only someone else if they make sense...
Now, onto the week at hand:
Indiana at Wisconsin, Noon EDT (ESPN2)
Yawn. Indiana is on the cusp of ESPN.com's Bottom 10. Wisconsin is coming off of a bye, ready and refreshed. It is Homecoming, which may be the only thing that keeps the crowd engaged. Kevin Wilson will eventually get the Hoosiers competing, but Russell Wilson pads the stats in a warm up for the big game in East Lansing (the last time the Badgers lost in conference was at MSU last year). Wisconsin 45 - IU 10
Purdue at Penn State, Noon EDT (BTN)
Purdue might wind up one of the those teams that somehow manages to make a bowl game this season. The Boilers aren't very good but have a chance in this one because Penn State's offense has been abysmal. I'll venture to guess that the Nittany Lions will be sluggish to start after a hard fought win over Iowa and that this will be a better game than expected. But PSU is flat out better and just keeps finding ways to win. Penn State 23 - Purdue 13.
Michigan at Michigan State, Noon EDT (ESPN) (Game of the Week)
Really? A noon game between two ranked teams? I guess OK and TX did it last week but come on. This is far better than OSU and Illinois. Ok, enough venting. The noon tilt back in 2009 was a memorable one - an OT win for the green and white. If you look at it carefully, Michigan State has had some of the best success in slowing D-Rob over his career. The Spartans bring a great defense if a sluggish offense to the table. Michigan has been far more opportunistic with the turnovers on D and is bending but not breaking. Typically this one goes to the team who rushes for more yards. M has the upper hand on offense, but State on defense and special teams. Spartans break it open late. Michigan State 31 - Michigan 17.
Ohio State at Illinois, 3:30pm EDT (ABC)
Well, we know OSU isn't totally dead yet - at least not if Braxton Miller is healthy. For as awful as he was made to look against MSU, Miller was a stud against Nebraska. Problem is, the Buckeyes fizzled and blew a 21-point lead. Illinois wasn't great last week at Indiana but that was to be expected after three close wins in a row. The Illini are good and should win this game, but I cannot believe that Ohio State will lose a third straight Big Ten game. OSU pulls off a mild upset. Ohio State 23 - Illinois 20
Northwestern at Iowa, 7pm EDT (BTN)
A battle of the bruised and battered. Iowa looked the part of a wrestling school at Penn State last week. Northwestern once again failed to sustain a lead against a good team. The Wildcats have given the Hawkeyes fits of late and the black and gold O took a giant leap back last week. I'm not sure who truly needs this one more, but for some reason I like the 'Cats to pull off the weekend's second road upset. Northwestern 26 - Iowa 24.
For most, this is just another interesting week of conference play. A couple of good games and some other tune-ups for next week and beyond. For me? This is THE week. Michigan State and Michigan go toe to toe and there is plenty at stake. There is also plenty of talk, though mostly from former players.
Before I get picking though, I have to weigh in on the college football landscape.
Memo to Mizzou - stay where you are. The SEC will eat you alive and use you for the fact that you are about more than just sports (See Vandy). A&M was wisely replaced with TCU and if the Big 12 has its wits, Houston and SMU will follow to make it a happy family of 12 once again. Or, hey, do nothing and stay at ten. Forget BYU or Boise. My goodness can we get some regional reality in these conferences?
Speaking of which... the Big East is desperate. It is said to be courting schools as far south as Orlando and as far west as Boise. Please. May as well change the name to Big Spread All Over. Boise does not belong in the Big East. Nor does Air Force or even eastern based academies like Army and Navy. In fact, I think Army, Navy, Air Force, VMI and The Citadel should create their own militant conference... but that's just me.
Kudos to the Big Ten for staying put. The only logical move is when or if Notre Dame is ever truly fair game. Then you add them and only someone else if they make sense...
Now, onto the week at hand:
Indiana at Wisconsin, Noon EDT (ESPN2)
Yawn. Indiana is on the cusp of ESPN.com's Bottom 10. Wisconsin is coming off of a bye, ready and refreshed. It is Homecoming, which may be the only thing that keeps the crowd engaged. Kevin Wilson will eventually get the Hoosiers competing, but Russell Wilson pads the stats in a warm up for the big game in East Lansing (the last time the Badgers lost in conference was at MSU last year). Wisconsin 45 - IU 10
Purdue at Penn State, Noon EDT (BTN)
Purdue might wind up one of the those teams that somehow manages to make a bowl game this season. The Boilers aren't very good but have a chance in this one because Penn State's offense has been abysmal. I'll venture to guess that the Nittany Lions will be sluggish to start after a hard fought win over Iowa and that this will be a better game than expected. But PSU is flat out better and just keeps finding ways to win. Penn State 23 - Purdue 13.
Michigan at Michigan State, Noon EDT (ESPN) (Game of the Week)
Really? A noon game between two ranked teams? I guess OK and TX did it last week but come on. This is far better than OSU and Illinois. Ok, enough venting. The noon tilt back in 2009 was a memorable one - an OT win for the green and white. If you look at it carefully, Michigan State has had some of the best success in slowing D-Rob over his career. The Spartans bring a great defense if a sluggish offense to the table. Michigan has been far more opportunistic with the turnovers on D and is bending but not breaking. Typically this one goes to the team who rushes for more yards. M has the upper hand on offense, but State on defense and special teams. Spartans break it open late. Michigan State 31 - Michigan 17.
Ohio State at Illinois, 3:30pm EDT (ABC)
Well, we know OSU isn't totally dead yet - at least not if Braxton Miller is healthy. For as awful as he was made to look against MSU, Miller was a stud against Nebraska. Problem is, the Buckeyes fizzled and blew a 21-point lead. Illinois wasn't great last week at Indiana but that was to be expected after three close wins in a row. The Illini are good and should win this game, but I cannot believe that Ohio State will lose a third straight Big Ten game. OSU pulls off a mild upset. Ohio State 23 - Illinois 20
Northwestern at Iowa, 7pm EDT (BTN)
A battle of the bruised and battered. Iowa looked the part of a wrestling school at Penn State last week. Northwestern once again failed to sustain a lead against a good team. The Wildcats have given the Hawkeyes fits of late and the black and gold O took a giant leap back last week. I'm not sure who truly needs this one more, but for some reason I like the 'Cats to pull off the weekend's second road upset. Northwestern 26 - Iowa 24.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Looking back ... and ahead
As expected, it was pretty much a ho-hum weekend for the Big Ten. Illinois struggled as I predicted, but aside from the rotten eggs laid by Minnesota and Indiana, everything else was according to plan. Which begs the question... I know the league will go to nine conference games in the fairly near future (THANK GOODNESS) but can we all agree - no more FCS games and let's sprinkle in a conference game early so we get some games that matter sooner rather than later?
The good...
Penn State may have found a QB. Illinois, despite a struggle, is 4-0 for the first time since 1951. Michigan State leads the nation in total yards per game allowed. Yep, trust me, they do. Michigan is 4-0 again. Ohio State found some offense, sort of. Iowa and Wisconsin routed lesser opponents. Nebraska looked good at what might be one of the most gorgeous stadiums I had previously never seen.
The bad...
Sorry but Minnesota and Indiana flat suck. I feel for Coach Kill, who is going back to get these seizures in order but really? Losing at home to - albeit a good - North Dakota State? And Indiana goes to North Texas and falls short in a rally against maybe the worst team in FBS? Talk about dragging down a conference!
This week...
Big Ten play finally kicks off and there are some dandies. Phats was gutsy enough to let his gold and black homerism shine through in the IU upset loss pick and with his 9-1 record gets to pick again on the home page. Thank goodness for league play. Let the fun begin!
Penn State at Indiana
Minnesota at Michigan
Northwestern at Illinois
Michigan State at Ohio State
Nebraska at Wisconsin (Game of the Week)
Notre Dame at Purdue
As expected, it was pretty much a ho-hum weekend for the Big Ten. Illinois struggled as I predicted, but aside from the rotten eggs laid by Minnesota and Indiana, everything else was according to plan. Which begs the question... I know the league will go to nine conference games in the fairly near future (THANK GOODNESS) but can we all agree - no more FCS games and let's sprinkle in a conference game early so we get some games that matter sooner rather than later?
The good...
Penn State may have found a QB. Illinois, despite a struggle, is 4-0 for the first time since 1951. Michigan State leads the nation in total yards per game allowed. Yep, trust me, they do. Michigan is 4-0 again. Ohio State found some offense, sort of. Iowa and Wisconsin routed lesser opponents. Nebraska looked good at what might be one of the most gorgeous stadiums I had previously never seen.
The bad...
Sorry but Minnesota and Indiana flat suck. I feel for Coach Kill, who is going back to get these seizures in order but really? Losing at home to - albeit a good - North Dakota State? And Indiana goes to North Texas and falls short in a rally against maybe the worst team in FBS? Talk about dragging down a conference!
This week...
Big Ten play finally kicks off and there are some dandies. Phats was gutsy enough to let his gold and black homerism shine through in the IU upset loss pick and with his 9-1 record gets to pick again on the home page. Thank goodness for league play. Let the fun begin!
Penn State at Indiana
Minnesota at Michigan
Northwestern at Illinois
Michigan State at Ohio State
Nebraska at Wisconsin (Game of the Week)
Notre Dame at Purdue
Monday, September 19, 2011
A look back at week three...Ah the good, the so-so, the ugly. There was plenty of it last weekend in the Big Ten. That said, I'm not sure we will truly know who's who until we get into league play. But isn't that all that really matters anyway?
The good...Illinois and Iowa. Both beat very good teams even if in very different ways. Illinois really owned ranked ASU in Champaign and despite being down early in the 4th, was largely in control from the onset. Iowa was down big time. Things were looking bleak. Then the Hawkeyes awoke and stormed from behind for a potential season-making win.
The so-so...Michigan. Wisconsin. Nebraska. Purdue. Indiana. Minnesota. Penn State. Some lopsided wins here with a few nail bitters as well. Why so-so for blowouts? Michigan hasn't proven they are anything different than the past few seasons. Wisconsin hasn't played anyone. Nebraska simply won a game it should have but still lacks the defense we thought they'd boast. IU and PU played nobody's. Minnesota beat a decent MAC team but not emphatically. Penn State is as stagnant as ever on offense.
The ugly...Michigan State. Ohio State. Northwestern. The Spartans shot themselves in the foot with untimely penalties, two failed scoring attempts inside the five and the first kickoff for a TD surrendered in 9 seasons. Ohio State has zero chance with this offense. Whew, that stunk! And Northwestern goes to West Point and gets rolled on the ground. Three winnable games where our Big Ten brethren seemed to forget to show up.
This week...Nothing great on the slate for this weekend. Big Ten v. MAC heats up with three more such battles but no marquee matchups at all. NU and PU get the weekend off. MSU and OSU will look to rebound.
San Diego State at Michigan (Game of the Week)
Central Michigan at Michigan State
Eastern Michigan at Penn State
Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa
Colorado at Ohio State
Western Michigan at Illinois
South Dakota at Wisconsin
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Indiana at North Texas
Nebraska at Wyoming
The good...Illinois and Iowa. Both beat very good teams even if in very different ways. Illinois really owned ranked ASU in Champaign and despite being down early in the 4th, was largely in control from the onset. Iowa was down big time. Things were looking bleak. Then the Hawkeyes awoke and stormed from behind for a potential season-making win.
The so-so...Michigan. Wisconsin. Nebraska. Purdue. Indiana. Minnesota. Penn State. Some lopsided wins here with a few nail bitters as well. Why so-so for blowouts? Michigan hasn't proven they are anything different than the past few seasons. Wisconsin hasn't played anyone. Nebraska simply won a game it should have but still lacks the defense we thought they'd boast. IU and PU played nobody's. Minnesota beat a decent MAC team but not emphatically. Penn State is as stagnant as ever on offense.
The ugly...Michigan State. Ohio State. Northwestern. The Spartans shot themselves in the foot with untimely penalties, two failed scoring attempts inside the five and the first kickoff for a TD surrendered in 9 seasons. Ohio State has zero chance with this offense. Whew, that stunk! And Northwestern goes to West Point and gets rolled on the ground. Three winnable games where our Big Ten brethren seemed to forget to show up.
This week...Nothing great on the slate for this weekend. Big Ten v. MAC heats up with three more such battles but no marquee matchups at all. NU and PU get the weekend off. MSU and OSU will look to rebound.
San Diego State at Michigan (Game of the Week)
Central Michigan at Michigan State
Eastern Michigan at Penn State
Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa
Colorado at Ohio State
Western Michigan at Illinois
South Dakota at Wisconsin
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Indiana at North Texas
Nebraska at Wyoming
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Time to tango - week two is upon usFirst, a hearty congrats and shout out to Phats who went a perfect 12-0 last week! Too bad we seem to have lost Buckeye Nation (is he still in RIP Tressel U mourning?) and Dan, as well as Andrew and some others. But no less, 12-0 was impressive Phats! Send me your picks and I will add them to mine.
Note - welcome back Dan! Not sure why the blog went away... it said there was suspicious activity but we're back now!
Mayo and I went 9-3, not bad, but not good enough!
Week one saw some impressive beginnings, some shaky starts, some lucky finishes and some, well, nasty performances (IU - what the?!). Kudos to Northwestern for the best win of the week and a tip of the hat to Minnesota for a nice start to the Kill era. And, foor those keeping track: Big Ten 2, MAC 1.
No time to belabor the week that was any further, so here is the week that is with a couple of impressive games on the slate.
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State - FAU brings an athletic defense but anemic offense to East Lansing. The Spartans need to shore some gaps, and someone please remind the holder - LACES OUT! I see a smoother game with some big numbers from Baker and Cousins and another great game from Bullough. MSU 41 - FAU 7
Phats: Michigan State 35 FAU 7- Michigan State is my 2nd favorite big ten team behind the Boilers.
Iowa at Iowa State - The Cyclones beat Kurt Warner's alma mater by one in the opener while Iowa rolled. Unfortunately for Iowa, the annual RB injury bug bit again, leaving the Hawkeyes without an impressive freshman. Iowa is better and overcomes a fired up crowd. Iowa 27 - ISU 14
Phats: Iowa 21 Iowa State 14
Oregon State at Wisconsin - The Beavers, of the northern tier in the soon to be Pac 324, lost to Sacramento State in the opener. Meanwhile, the Badgers kicked the runnin' out of the Rebels last week. The Badgers have a top-notch offense, even if there is work to do on D. UW 41 - OSU 17
Phats: Wisconsin 41 Oregon State 10- You would think this would be a better match up, but after OSU losing last week not so sure, and Wisconsin looked pretty tough
South Dakota State at Illinois - Really? Follow up Arkansas State with South Dakota State? No offense to the Jackrabbits, who beat powerhouse Southern Utah in the opener but come on Zooker! The Illini should get plenty of reps for anyone who wants to play. Ill-i-n-i 40 - SDS 13
Phats: Illinois 38 South Dakota State 10
Toledo at Ohio State - OSU goes for 2-0 versus the MAC after an easy slaughter of the Zips. The next fast mascot team to hit C-bus, the Rockets, may be a tad better but don't expect Toledo to add the Bucks to its list of beaten Big Ten teams. Ohio State 45 - Toledo 7
Phats: Ohio State 49 toledo 14- Who made Toledo's schedule? I believe they host Boise State after this game that's a brutal 2 game stretch
Alabama at Penn State - One of two in the Game of the Week sweepstakes. This game has tradition written all over it. Last year, Penn State found out how good the Bama defense was. Might that happen again? I expect a lower scoring affair as Alabama is rounding out the offense. Alabama 20 - Penn State 13.
Phats: Alabama 28 penn state 17- I think this game will be closer than most people think, unfortunately for the Big Ten I don't see us pulling the upset
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern - Yeah. See Illinois commentary. Another week to rest Persa and get a well deserved break after a tough road opener. NU 31 - EIEIO - 10
Phats: ?
New Mexico State at Minnesota - An easier task than a trip to SC for sure. Minnesota notches a win and builds on some of the surprising momentum from the opening loss. Minnesota 34 - NMSU 13
Phats: Minnesota 35 New Mexico State 17- Nice effort by the Gophers at SC, this one should be a little easier and a W!
Purdue at Rice - The Boilers are off to Texas to be entertained by the Rice band. Yep, that's right, this is all about the band. Rice pulls no punches, as it spelled out $EC to Texas Longhorns fans last week. On the field, this could go either way, though Purdue has some momentum from the nice comeback last week. Purdue 27 - Rice 17
Phats: Purdue 24 rice 10- I will take an ugly win any day, especially for a team coming off 6 straight losses, but we really need to clean up some things in week two or we won't be as lucky. Better all around game propels the Boilers to 2-0 and a nice road win. Boiler Up!
Fresno State at Nebraska - Remember when Fresno was the Boise State of college football? The Bulldogs are still decent and aren't afraid to go on the road, but the horses aren't there. Nebraska will only get better from last week and get to 2-0 easily. Cornhuskers 33 - Dogs 10
Phats: Nebraska 49 fresno state 17- Might be closer but who knows still getting to know the Huskers
Virgnia at Indiana - Given that the Hoosiers went to Lucas Oil Field and laid a ginormous egg, I am not going to give this anymore space. UVA breaks a road losing streak. Cavs 37 - Hoosiers 20
Phats: Virginia 42 indiana 21- Different coach, same result.
Notre Dame at Michigan - Game of the Week part duex. ND looked mighty bad in a game that stretched over six hours last week, or at least it felt like that. Michigan got a win in less than three quarters. Some want to canonize the M defense after a two TD performance. While better, take note - ND racked up half a thousand yards but killed itself with mindless turnovers. ND will shore things up. This will be a classic for the first night game in Big House history. I'm going with the non chic pick: ND 27 - M 24
Phats: Michigan 28 notre dame 24- Not really sure how good either of these teams are so this game might tell us something. I don't like ND so GO BLUE
Note - welcome back Dan! Not sure why the blog went away... it said there was suspicious activity but we're back now!
Mayo and I went 9-3, not bad, but not good enough!
Week one saw some impressive beginnings, some shaky starts, some lucky finishes and some, well, nasty performances (IU - what the?!). Kudos to Northwestern for the best win of the week and a tip of the hat to Minnesota for a nice start to the Kill era. And, foor those keeping track: Big Ten 2, MAC 1.
No time to belabor the week that was any further, so here is the week that is with a couple of impressive games on the slate.
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State - FAU brings an athletic defense but anemic offense to East Lansing. The Spartans need to shore some gaps, and someone please remind the holder - LACES OUT! I see a smoother game with some big numbers from Baker and Cousins and another great game from Bullough. MSU 41 - FAU 7
Phats: Michigan State 35 FAU 7- Michigan State is my 2nd favorite big ten team behind the Boilers.
Iowa at Iowa State - The Cyclones beat Kurt Warner's alma mater by one in the opener while Iowa rolled. Unfortunately for Iowa, the annual RB injury bug bit again, leaving the Hawkeyes without an impressive freshman. Iowa is better and overcomes a fired up crowd. Iowa 27 - ISU 14
Phats: Iowa 21 Iowa State 14
Oregon State at Wisconsin - The Beavers, of the northern tier in the soon to be Pac 324, lost to Sacramento State in the opener. Meanwhile, the Badgers kicked the runnin' out of the Rebels last week. The Badgers have a top-notch offense, even if there is work to do on D. UW 41 - OSU 17
Phats: Wisconsin 41 Oregon State 10- You would think this would be a better match up, but after OSU losing last week not so sure, and Wisconsin looked pretty tough
South Dakota State at Illinois - Really? Follow up Arkansas State with South Dakota State? No offense to the Jackrabbits, who beat powerhouse Southern Utah in the opener but come on Zooker! The Illini should get plenty of reps for anyone who wants to play. Ill-i-n-i 40 - SDS 13
Phats: Illinois 38 South Dakota State 10
Toledo at Ohio State - OSU goes for 2-0 versus the MAC after an easy slaughter of the Zips. The next fast mascot team to hit C-bus, the Rockets, may be a tad better but don't expect Toledo to add the Bucks to its list of beaten Big Ten teams. Ohio State 45 - Toledo 7
Phats: Ohio State 49 toledo 14- Who made Toledo's schedule? I believe they host Boise State after this game that's a brutal 2 game stretch
Alabama at Penn State - One of two in the Game of the Week sweepstakes. This game has tradition written all over it. Last year, Penn State found out how good the Bama defense was. Might that happen again? I expect a lower scoring affair as Alabama is rounding out the offense. Alabama 20 - Penn State 13.
Phats: Alabama 28 penn state 17- I think this game will be closer than most people think, unfortunately for the Big Ten I don't see us pulling the upset
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern - Yeah. See Illinois commentary. Another week to rest Persa and get a well deserved break after a tough road opener. NU 31 - EIEIO - 10
Phats: ?
New Mexico State at Minnesota - An easier task than a trip to SC for sure. Minnesota notches a win and builds on some of the surprising momentum from the opening loss. Minnesota 34 - NMSU 13
Phats: Minnesota 35 New Mexico State 17- Nice effort by the Gophers at SC, this one should be a little easier and a W!
Purdue at Rice - The Boilers are off to Texas to be entertained by the Rice band. Yep, that's right, this is all about the band. Rice pulls no punches, as it spelled out $EC to Texas Longhorns fans last week. On the field, this could go either way, though Purdue has some momentum from the nice comeback last week. Purdue 27 - Rice 17
Phats: Purdue 24 rice 10- I will take an ugly win any day, especially for a team coming off 6 straight losses, but we really need to clean up some things in week two or we won't be as lucky. Better all around game propels the Boilers to 2-0 and a nice road win. Boiler Up!
Fresno State at Nebraska - Remember when Fresno was the Boise State of college football? The Bulldogs are still decent and aren't afraid to go on the road, but the horses aren't there. Nebraska will only get better from last week and get to 2-0 easily. Cornhuskers 33 - Dogs 10
Phats: Nebraska 49 fresno state 17- Might be closer but who knows still getting to know the Huskers
Virgnia at Indiana - Given that the Hoosiers went to Lucas Oil Field and laid a ginormous egg, I am not going to give this anymore space. UVA breaks a road losing streak. Cavs 37 - Hoosiers 20
Phats: Virginia 42 indiana 21- Different coach, same result.
Notre Dame at Michigan - Game of the Week part duex. ND looked mighty bad in a game that stretched over six hours last week, or at least it felt like that. Michigan got a win in less than three quarters. Some want to canonize the M defense after a two TD performance. While better, take note - ND racked up half a thousand yards but killed itself with mindless turnovers. ND will shore things up. This will be a classic for the first night game in Big House history. I'm going with the non chic pick: ND 27 - M 24
Phats: Michigan 28 notre dame 24- Not really sure how good either of these teams are so this game might tell us something. I don't like ND so GO BLUE
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Happy Holidays TFS followers!
It has been a wild, busy stretch for me but I finally have a few minutes to post some football thoughts, think a little hoops and get the Get Gamm finale up and running.
I realize that I've missed blogging about the Big Ten - ACC Challenge (Victory for the Big Ten!) and that I didn't even get the most basic of hoops predictions up. Work and life go that way sometimes. Hoops and swimming for my kids, a ton of travel lately with a busy winter ahead, and some cool stuff at work, such as signing Kurt Warner to be spokesperson for my product line, have all taken me away from the blog. But never fear, I'm back! At least for a few visits over the next couple of weeks...
Final regular season football thoughts... It was a great year for the Big Ten. While a wide chasm exists between the top (Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin) and the rest of the pack who sits at 7-5 or worse, the league is set up to have some success in the bowl season. Can the conference continue last year's momentum? Shut up the SEC? Win the big ones? I hope so.
I am still a little sore at the BCS snub for the Spartans. Not because UW and tOSU aren't deserving. But rather because UConn gets to go at 8-4? Please. We need a tweak to the rules for who qualifies for BCS games. That said, the fam is going to Orlando for our third trip in four years during bowl season and the match-up with 'Bama is one of the best of all 35 games.
The league mopped up in award season, and deservedly so. I still don't get how Ray Guy leaves out an Aaron Bates but as I live at the office sometimes, politics can reign over facts and data!
I am ambivalent to the recent division names announcement from the conference. I'd have preferred something more like Lakes and Plains or Black and Blue but it is what it is. I also have to mimic a question from some of the national pundits... that logo? Seriously? The Big Ten paid to have that made? My 3rd grade daughter came up with something nicer... and for FREE! In the end, that is all window dressing but still, we couldn't get better? The awards? Now those they nailed...
Hooping it up... Bummed that I never got around to picking the Big Ten. There are going to be a lot of good teams and the race is as open as ever. Right now I'd have to say I like Ohio State to repeat, but don't count out MSU just because of some early losses.
It was also nice to see the league rough up the ACC a bit. Hoping that trend continues.
As for Get Gamm for hoops... probably a no go this year. Just too much to do and too many games to try and track. Instead, let's do this. Everyone pick the order of finish (ties are fine) and the closest to wins Get Gamm for bball. Deal? Tiebreaker is teams in the Big Dance.
Speaking of Get Gamm... The only playa to have a better than .500 record in the last week was Dan. That moved him into a tie at the top with nine bowl games to pick. Picks are due by December 28 at 10pm EST.
Insight Bowl, 12/28 @ 10pm EST: Iowa vs. Missouri
Texas Bowl, 12/29 @ 6pm EST: Illinois vs. Baylor
Holiday Bowl, 12/30 @ 10pm EST: Nebraska vs. Washington
TicketCity Bowl, 1/1 @ 12pm EST: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
Gator Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan vs. Mississippi State
Outback Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Penn State vs. Florida
Capital One Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan State vs. Alabama
Rose Bowl, 1/1 @ 5pm EST: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl, 1/4 @ 8:30pm EST: Ohio State vs. Arkansas
Happy Holidays TFS followers!
It has been a wild, busy stretch for me but I finally have a few minutes to post some football thoughts, think a little hoops and get the Get Gamm finale up and running.
I realize that I've missed blogging about the Big Ten - ACC Challenge (Victory for the Big Ten!) and that I didn't even get the most basic of hoops predictions up. Work and life go that way sometimes. Hoops and swimming for my kids, a ton of travel lately with a busy winter ahead, and some cool stuff at work, such as signing Kurt Warner to be spokesperson for my product line, have all taken me away from the blog. But never fear, I'm back! At least for a few visits over the next couple of weeks...
Final regular season football thoughts... It was a great year for the Big Ten. While a wide chasm exists between the top (Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin) and the rest of the pack who sits at 7-5 or worse, the league is set up to have some success in the bowl season. Can the conference continue last year's momentum? Shut up the SEC? Win the big ones? I hope so.
I am still a little sore at the BCS snub for the Spartans. Not because UW and tOSU aren't deserving. But rather because UConn gets to go at 8-4? Please. We need a tweak to the rules for who qualifies for BCS games. That said, the fam is going to Orlando for our third trip in four years during bowl season and the match-up with 'Bama is one of the best of all 35 games.
The league mopped up in award season, and deservedly so. I still don't get how Ray Guy leaves out an Aaron Bates but as I live at the office sometimes, politics can reign over facts and data!
I am ambivalent to the recent division names announcement from the conference. I'd have preferred something more like Lakes and Plains or Black and Blue but it is what it is. I also have to mimic a question from some of the national pundits... that logo? Seriously? The Big Ten paid to have that made? My 3rd grade daughter came up with something nicer... and for FREE! In the end, that is all window dressing but still, we couldn't get better? The awards? Now those they nailed...
Hooping it up... Bummed that I never got around to picking the Big Ten. There are going to be a lot of good teams and the race is as open as ever. Right now I'd have to say I like Ohio State to repeat, but don't count out MSU just because of some early losses.
It was also nice to see the league rough up the ACC a bit. Hoping that trend continues.
As for Get Gamm for hoops... probably a no go this year. Just too much to do and too many games to try and track. Instead, let's do this. Everyone pick the order of finish (ties are fine) and the closest to wins Get Gamm for bball. Deal? Tiebreaker is teams in the Big Dance.
Speaking of Get Gamm... The only playa to have a better than .500 record in the last week was Dan. That moved him into a tie at the top with nine bowl games to pick. Picks are due by December 28 at 10pm EST.
Insight Bowl, 12/28 @ 10pm EST: Iowa vs. Missouri
Texas Bowl, 12/29 @ 6pm EST: Illinois vs. Baylor
Holiday Bowl, 12/30 @ 10pm EST: Nebraska vs. Washington
TicketCity Bowl, 1/1 @ 12pm EST: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
Gator Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan vs. Mississippi State
Outback Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Penn State vs. Florida
Capital One Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan State vs. Alabama
Rose Bowl, 1/1 @ 5pm EST: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl, 1/4 @ 8:30pm EST: Ohio State vs. Arkansas
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Get Gamm - Week 12
It is hard to believe that we have but two weeks left in the regular season. Heck, hoops started this week and I have hardly even had the time to digest the success of my Spartans on the gridiron! That's a nice change.
Buckeye Nation is picking with me this week, his first win of the season. Only a few more chances to get to that top spot...
Penn State vs. Indiana (Landover, MD)
Gamm says... Both of these teams were shellacked last weekend. Penn State hung for a half before the bottom dropped out. IU held on for a little more than a quarter before becoming talk show fodder. Really? You can't stop the opponent on ONE possession in a game? The Hoosiers sold out to earn some cash in lieu of a home game. Penn State gets healthy and secures win number seven at FedEx Field. Penn State 34 - Indiana 17
Buckeye Nation says... How pathetic is it for Indiana football? On the heels of giving up over 80 points, you now play a "home" game 500 miles away. Penn State had the range of emotions last Saturday, exhilaration then humiliation, all in the span of 3 hours. Indiana felt only the humiliation part. What's worse, the Hoops team is still at least a year or two away from being legitimate again.The nightmare for Indiana continues as PSU CEO JoePa secures win 401. Penn State 37 - Indiana 17
Purdue at Michigan State
Gamm says... Two teams with a prize in mind. Purdue needs two wins to go bowling. Michigan State needs two wins to clinch at least a share of its first Big Ten title since 1990. Purdue's defense is looking really good and Ryan Kerrigan is a flat out stud. But the offense is shaky at best, as evidenced by the paltry output against the world's worst defense - Michigan. State takes a half to shake the BYE week rust, but rolls in the end. MSU 33 - Purdue 14.
Buckeye Nation says... The Boilers are in the throes of a 4-games losing streak, but have shown flashes of promise in their last two losses to Wisconsin and Michigan. The Boilers can become bowl eligible with a win at MSU and a likely win against Indiana for the Old Oaken Bucket. However, this will be Senior Day in East Lansing with the best senior class in the Dantonio era, and they will not deny the Spartan faithful a home win. Look for Kirk Cousins to have his way on Saturday. Michigan State 31 - Purdue 13
Wisconsin at Michigan
Gamm says... It is hard for me to believe that with the success this UW program has had in the past 20 years, it has only won twice in Ann Arbor in the past 50 years. Michigan is securely in a bowl with seven wins but wants to become prominent again. UW is playing very well right now and has Pasadena in sight. Michigan will keep this a game, but in the end, Wisconsin has too much ball control and run game for the Wolverines to overcome. UW 38 - Michigan 27
Buckeye Nation says... As much as I hate to say it, the Badgers have been on a roll. Except for one afternoon in East Lansing, they find a way to win in the tough games, and blow away the bottom-feeders. Even with RB Clay out, the Badgers hung 83 points on Indiana. The Wolverines are bowl eligible for the first time in the RichRod era, and will close out the home schedule with Wisconsin. UW has won only twice in the past 50 years in Ann Arbor. While I won't be rooting for a Michigan win this weekend, I will be rooting for a Wisconsin loss. Gotta go with the heart. Michigan 42 - Wisconsin 41
Illinois at Northwestern (Wrigley Field)
Gamm says... Just when Zook thought his hide was safe. An epic loss to Michigan and then allowance of a game winning drive, at home, to the very worst team in the Big Ten? Suddenly, Illinois has to win one of the last two to get to a bowl and neither is a given. Northwestern has to replace Dan Persa but you know what, every time NU has had to replace a signal caller in the past, the understudy steps in and steps up big. This will be cool, with Game Day in tow. Illinois finds a way to get it done, but barely. Illinois 27 - Northwestern 24
Buckeye Nation says... Two teams at a crossroads this season. The Wildcats, coming off another HUGE win against Iowa, have lost their QB leader Dan Persa for the season. The Illini, not yet bowl eligible, looked to be the surprise team in the conference until they lost the scoring battle in Ann Arbor, and followed it up with a disheartening loss to the hapless, coach-less Gophers. In case you hadn't heard, the Lincoln Trophy game will be at Wrigley Field this year instead of Evanston. But Chicago is an Illini town as much if not more so than it is a Wildcat town. Without Persa, the Cats just aren't the same team. Illinois 27 - Northwestern 17
Ohio State at Iowa (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says... A few weeks ago, I had this pegged as the help MSU needed. I've been back and forth a million times on this one. OSU has a mega conference title streak to uphold. Iowa has played pissed off football and done major damage coming off of losses. Senior Day at Kinnick. A chance to spoil a season for someone, much in the way the Wildcats have done to the Hawks the past two years. Iowa still has an outside hope for a four way tie at 6-2 and puts MSU in the diver's seat, mere weeks after slapping Sparty around in Iowa City. Iowa 24 - OSU 23
Buckeye Nation says... Given the recent losses by Iowa, this game has lost a little bit of its luster, but not from the viewpoint of its participants, or the conference standings. Ricky Stanzi gets to face the team that didn't want the native Ohioan. The Buckeyes, after one of their worst halves of the season against Penn State, then put together one of their best halves in burying the Lions in the Horseshoe. This will be a hard-hitting game, but the Buckeyes remain focused after seeing what lethargy will do them with the memory of halftime from last Saturday. Terrelle Pryor and Boom Herron keep it running on all cylinders for OSU. Ohio State 34 - Iowa 17
Nebraska at Texas A&M
Gamm says... I like this game. A&M is playing very well right now. Nebraska is too, however, and wants to leave the Big 12 with a bang. A win here clinches the North. A&M is a bit of a long shot to win the South but wants to keep momentum high. The home field advantage at Kyle Field is nice and I think it is enough to get the Aggies a W. A&M 30 - Nebraska 28
Buckeye Nation says... Bo Pelini called out the Husker fans for their blase attitude last Saturday. This time, he will have to call out his troops for a tough game at College Station. On their way out of the Big 12, Nebraska makes the Aggie fans bid them good riddance. Nebraska 24 - Texas A&M 21
It is hard to believe that we have but two weeks left in the regular season. Heck, hoops started this week and I have hardly even had the time to digest the success of my Spartans on the gridiron! That's a nice change.
Buckeye Nation is picking with me this week, his first win of the season. Only a few more chances to get to that top spot...
Penn State vs. Indiana (Landover, MD)
Gamm says... Both of these teams were shellacked last weekend. Penn State hung for a half before the bottom dropped out. IU held on for a little more than a quarter before becoming talk show fodder. Really? You can't stop the opponent on ONE possession in a game? The Hoosiers sold out to earn some cash in lieu of a home game. Penn State gets healthy and secures win number seven at FedEx Field. Penn State 34 - Indiana 17
Buckeye Nation says... How pathetic is it for Indiana football? On the heels of giving up over 80 points, you now play a "home" game 500 miles away. Penn State had the range of emotions last Saturday, exhilaration then humiliation, all in the span of 3 hours. Indiana felt only the humiliation part. What's worse, the Hoops team is still at least a year or two away from being legitimate again.The nightmare for Indiana continues as PSU CEO JoePa secures win 401. Penn State 37 - Indiana 17
Purdue at Michigan State
Gamm says... Two teams with a prize in mind. Purdue needs two wins to go bowling. Michigan State needs two wins to clinch at least a share of its first Big Ten title since 1990. Purdue's defense is looking really good and Ryan Kerrigan is a flat out stud. But the offense is shaky at best, as evidenced by the paltry output against the world's worst defense - Michigan. State takes a half to shake the BYE week rust, but rolls in the end. MSU 33 - Purdue 14.
Buckeye Nation says... The Boilers are in the throes of a 4-games losing streak, but have shown flashes of promise in their last two losses to Wisconsin and Michigan. The Boilers can become bowl eligible with a win at MSU and a likely win against Indiana for the Old Oaken Bucket. However, this will be Senior Day in East Lansing with the best senior class in the Dantonio era, and they will not deny the Spartan faithful a home win. Look for Kirk Cousins to have his way on Saturday. Michigan State 31 - Purdue 13
Wisconsin at Michigan
Gamm says... It is hard for me to believe that with the success this UW program has had in the past 20 years, it has only won twice in Ann Arbor in the past 50 years. Michigan is securely in a bowl with seven wins but wants to become prominent again. UW is playing very well right now and has Pasadena in sight. Michigan will keep this a game, but in the end, Wisconsin has too much ball control and run game for the Wolverines to overcome. UW 38 - Michigan 27
Buckeye Nation says... As much as I hate to say it, the Badgers have been on a roll. Except for one afternoon in East Lansing, they find a way to win in the tough games, and blow away the bottom-feeders. Even with RB Clay out, the Badgers hung 83 points on Indiana. The Wolverines are bowl eligible for the first time in the RichRod era, and will close out the home schedule with Wisconsin. UW has won only twice in the past 50 years in Ann Arbor. While I won't be rooting for a Michigan win this weekend, I will be rooting for a Wisconsin loss. Gotta go with the heart. Michigan 42 - Wisconsin 41
Illinois at Northwestern (Wrigley Field)
Gamm says... Just when Zook thought his hide was safe. An epic loss to Michigan and then allowance of a game winning drive, at home, to the very worst team in the Big Ten? Suddenly, Illinois has to win one of the last two to get to a bowl and neither is a given. Northwestern has to replace Dan Persa but you know what, every time NU has had to replace a signal caller in the past, the understudy steps in and steps up big. This will be cool, with Game Day in tow. Illinois finds a way to get it done, but barely. Illinois 27 - Northwestern 24
Buckeye Nation says... Two teams at a crossroads this season. The Wildcats, coming off another HUGE win against Iowa, have lost their QB leader Dan Persa for the season. The Illini, not yet bowl eligible, looked to be the surprise team in the conference until they lost the scoring battle in Ann Arbor, and followed it up with a disheartening loss to the hapless, coach-less Gophers. In case you hadn't heard, the Lincoln Trophy game will be at Wrigley Field this year instead of Evanston. But Chicago is an Illini town as much if not more so than it is a Wildcat town. Without Persa, the Cats just aren't the same team. Illinois 27 - Northwestern 17
Ohio State at Iowa (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says... A few weeks ago, I had this pegged as the help MSU needed. I've been back and forth a million times on this one. OSU has a mega conference title streak to uphold. Iowa has played pissed off football and done major damage coming off of losses. Senior Day at Kinnick. A chance to spoil a season for someone, much in the way the Wildcats have done to the Hawks the past two years. Iowa still has an outside hope for a four way tie at 6-2 and puts MSU in the diver's seat, mere weeks after slapping Sparty around in Iowa City. Iowa 24 - OSU 23
Buckeye Nation says... Given the recent losses by Iowa, this game has lost a little bit of its luster, but not from the viewpoint of its participants, or the conference standings. Ricky Stanzi gets to face the team that didn't want the native Ohioan. The Buckeyes, after one of their worst halves of the season against Penn State, then put together one of their best halves in burying the Lions in the Horseshoe. This will be a hard-hitting game, but the Buckeyes remain focused after seeing what lethargy will do them with the memory of halftime from last Saturday. Terrelle Pryor and Boom Herron keep it running on all cylinders for OSU. Ohio State 34 - Iowa 17
Nebraska at Texas A&M
Gamm says... I like this game. A&M is playing very well right now. Nebraska is too, however, and wants to leave the Big 12 with a bang. A win here clinches the North. A&M is a bit of a long shot to win the South but wants to keep momentum high. The home field advantage at Kyle Field is nice and I think it is enough to get the Aggies a W. A&M 30 - Nebraska 28
Buckeye Nation says... Bo Pelini called out the Husker fans for their blase attitude last Saturday. This time, he will have to call out his troops for a tough game at College Station. On their way out of the Big 12, Nebraska makes the Aggie fans bid them good riddance. Nebraska 24 - Texas A&M 21
Friday, November 05, 2010
Get Gamm - Week Ten
November is here. The skies have immediately gone gray and will probably stay that way. The air is crisp. The trees are barren. But while the air cools and the daylight strays, the league is heating up and the spotlight is shining bright.
We have a four team race for the title. We have ten teams that still have bowl hopes. Hang on tight. This is going to be a fun ride to the finish...
Iowa at Indiana
Gamm says... Trap game for Iowa? The Hawkeyes have had to get sky high for two straight and hit the road for the first time in a while. Indiana is hanging on for its ever-loving bowl life, needing two to qualify and probably three to be totally safe. I see the Hoosiers hanging early with a hung over Iowa squad, but in the end, Stanzi and the Hawks are too much to contain. Iowa 31 - Indiana 20.
Illinois at Michigan
Gamm says... Are you kidding? Michigan is favored in this game? Sorry Wolverines, but if I'm Vegas and I already bit it hard by making you the five point fave against rival Sparty, I'm not sticking my neck out on this one. Illinois might be playing the best football in the conference right now. Ron Zook has saved his job and now the Illini have sights set on a New Year's Day bowl berth. Michigan's defense is a complete and utter disaster. Somehow worse than the previous two years. And the Illini are TOUGH in that front seven. Illinois 34 - Michigan 27
Minnesota at Michigan State
Gamm says... Perfect timing for this one for MSU. And if you're thinking MSU will look past the Gophers, I'll give you a Lee Corso "not so fast my friend." If you recall, Michigan State lost to Minny last season, thanks in part to some controversial calls or reversals. The Spartans were stung in Iowa but still have a title to play for. The bowl picture may not be simple but one thing is, win out, win at least a piece of the championship. There is a lot to play for. A bye is in sight and I expect MSU to leave it all out there, rush for over 300 yards and dominate. Michigan State 45 - Minnesota 17
Wisconsin at Purdue
Gamm says... After the surprising win in Evanston, Purdue has come crashing back to earth. Hard. Tough to win in this deep conference with so many key players lost for the season. Wisconsin may start sluggish after the bye, but should dominate this game. UW 30 - Purdue 10
Northwestern at Penn State (tiebreaker)
Gamm says... On a week with a really light slate, this is the best game on tap. Northwestern is looking to go New Year's bowling again. Penn State needs one more for bowl eligibility and No. 400 for Joe Pa. Play this at Ryan Field and NU gets the upper hand. But somehow, someway, the Nits will get it done, even if not truly the better team on the field. Penn State 24 - Northwestern 23.
Nebraska at Iowa State
Gamm says... I'm willing to be the Cornhuskers don't look past an ISU squad that tore apart the one team that gave Big Red its lone loss on the season. It will be a good game, as the Cyclones are improving and T-Magic may not be at full strength. Still, Nebraska makes a big play late and sneaks out of Ames with another W. Nebraska 27 - Iowa State 20.
November is here. The skies have immediately gone gray and will probably stay that way. The air is crisp. The trees are barren. But while the air cools and the daylight strays, the league is heating up and the spotlight is shining bright.
We have a four team race for the title. We have ten teams that still have bowl hopes. Hang on tight. This is going to be a fun ride to the finish...
Iowa at Indiana
Gamm says... Trap game for Iowa? The Hawkeyes have had to get sky high for two straight and hit the road for the first time in a while. Indiana is hanging on for its ever-loving bowl life, needing two to qualify and probably three to be totally safe. I see the Hoosiers hanging early with a hung over Iowa squad, but in the end, Stanzi and the Hawks are too much to contain. Iowa 31 - Indiana 20.
Illinois at Michigan
Gamm says... Are you kidding? Michigan is favored in this game? Sorry Wolverines, but if I'm Vegas and I already bit it hard by making you the five point fave against rival Sparty, I'm not sticking my neck out on this one. Illinois might be playing the best football in the conference right now. Ron Zook has saved his job and now the Illini have sights set on a New Year's Day bowl berth. Michigan's defense is a complete and utter disaster. Somehow worse than the previous two years. And the Illini are TOUGH in that front seven. Illinois 34 - Michigan 27
Minnesota at Michigan State
Gamm says... Perfect timing for this one for MSU. And if you're thinking MSU will look past the Gophers, I'll give you a Lee Corso "not so fast my friend." If you recall, Michigan State lost to Minny last season, thanks in part to some controversial calls or reversals. The Spartans were stung in Iowa but still have a title to play for. The bowl picture may not be simple but one thing is, win out, win at least a piece of the championship. There is a lot to play for. A bye is in sight and I expect MSU to leave it all out there, rush for over 300 yards and dominate. Michigan State 45 - Minnesota 17
Wisconsin at Purdue
Gamm says... After the surprising win in Evanston, Purdue has come crashing back to earth. Hard. Tough to win in this deep conference with so many key players lost for the season. Wisconsin may start sluggish after the bye, but should dominate this game. UW 30 - Purdue 10
Northwestern at Penn State (tiebreaker)
Gamm says... On a week with a really light slate, this is the best game on tap. Northwestern is looking to go New Year's bowling again. Penn State needs one more for bowl eligibility and No. 400 for Joe Pa. Play this at Ryan Field and NU gets the upper hand. But somehow, someway, the Nits will get it done, even if not truly the better team on the field. Penn State 24 - Northwestern 23.
Nebraska at Iowa State
Gamm says... I'm willing to be the Cornhuskers don't look past an ISU squad that tore apart the one team that gave Big Red its lone loss on the season. It will be a good game, as the Cyclones are improving and T-Magic may not be at full strength. Still, Nebraska makes a big play late and sneaks out of Ames with another W. Nebraska 27 - Iowa State 20.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Big Ten Football Previews – 2010 (continued)
Editor's Note: Here are the remaining previews ... Get Gamm starts next week!
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Wisconsin Badgers
Tidbits … Wisconsin has yet another big time back in the Heisman race in John Clay. And after a great start and a mediocre middle, Coach Bielema has re-discovered his recipe for success, going 10-3 in 2009 and laying the foundation for what many believe will be a big 2010.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Insight / 10-3, 5-3 (T-4th), Champs
2008 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-2nd), Alamo / 7-6, 3-5 (T-6th), Champs
2007 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 9-4, 5-3 (4th), Outback
2006 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th), Alamo / 12-1, 7-1 (T-2nd), Capital One
2005 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo / 10-3, 5-3 (T-3rd), Capital One
2004 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo / 9-3, 6-2 (3rd), Outback
2003 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (T-2nd) / 7-6, 4-4 (T-7th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-5, 4-4 (T-6th) / 8-6, 2-6 (T-8th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (4th) / 5-7, 3-5 (T-8th)
Returning Starters: 10 offense, 6 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Scott Tolzien, RB John Clay, WR Nick Toon, DE J.J. Watt, LB Culmer St. Jean, K Phillip Welch
Key Losses: TE Garrett Graham, DE O'Brien Schofield, LB Jaevery McFadden, S Chris Maragos
Prediction ... I'm a traditionalist in the sense that I like a Big Ten offense that can pound you but also make you pay with a great pass call at the right time. I'm not a fan of the spread, the spread option or an all run or all pass offense... which is why I like Wisconsin this year. This might be the best top to bottom attack the Badgers have ever had. A weapon like Clay, a solid, heady QB, some great receivers. The question is the defense. The Badgers usually have at least a sound defense but if the D can match the O, look out Big Ten. The kicking game is sound and the schedule isn't scary - except the back to back OSU and Iowa games. UW heads back to Orlando again, but not for the Champs Bowl this time...
OOC: 4-0 (Yawn. Big yawn - unless the Badgers' bus gets stuck at a casino in week one!)
B10: 6-2 (Plenty of tough games but October 16 and 23 are the difference between the Capital One or Rose Bowl)
Overall: 10-2, 3rd in the conference, Capital One Bowl
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Iowa Hawkeyes
Tidbits ... Iowa is a lot like Michigan State in that it flies highest when off the radar - see 2006 as an example of hype and fizzle. That said, the 21st century trend is three year cycles of greatness... this would be year three in a current cycle (11, 10 and 10 wins from 02-04; 9 and 11 wins the past two seasons)
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-4th) Capital One/ 11-2, 6-2 (T-2nd), Orange
2008 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 2-6 (T-9th) / 9-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Outback
2007 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Champs / 6-6, 4-4 (T-5th)
2006 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 6-7, 2-6 (T-8th), Alamo
2005 Prediction / actual: 9-2, 6-2 (T-1st), BCS / 7-5, 5-3 (T-3rd), Outback
2004 Prediction / actual: 9-2, 6-2 (3rd), Capital One / 10-2, 7-1 (T-1st), Capital One
2003 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 10-3, 5-3 (T-4th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th) / 11-2, 8-0 (T-1st)
2001 Prediction / actual: 5-6, 2-6 (T-10th) / 7-5, 4-4 (T-4th)
Returning Starters: 6 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, RB Adam Robinson, DE Adrian Clayborn, DB Tyler Sash
Key Losses: TE Tony Moeaki, LB A.J. Edds, LB Pat Angerer, DB Amari Spievey
Prediction ... I love Iowa's schedule. Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State all come to Iowa City. Michigan is down. Arizona is the only real tough OOC slate. The offense will be good. The defense is always great. Iowa won a bunch of close games last year and with what returns, that means the Hawkeyes know how to win even more so than most opponents. The offense will be sound if not exciting and the defense will keep them in every game. Returning both kickers is also a boon.
OOC: 3-1 (Arizona stings Iowa in the desert)
B10: 7-1 (OSU nips Iowa again)
Overall: 10-2, 2nd in the conference, Rose Bowl
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Tidbits: The Buckeyes have only failed to win double digit games twice since I started prognosticating the Big Ten. The scarlet and gray have won five-straight Big Ten titles, absolutely owned Michigan and are poised to make another run at the BCS Title. Fear the sweater vest!
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 7-1 (T-1st), BCS Bowl / 11-2, 7-1 (1st) - Rose
2008 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 8-0 (1st) - BCS Title Game / 10-3, 7-1 (T-1st) - Fiesta Bowl
2007 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (3rd) - Captial One / 11-2, 7-1 (1st), BCS Title Game
2006 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), BCS / 12-1, 8-0 (1st), BCS Title Game
2005 Prediction / actual: 8-3, 6-2 (T-1st), Capital One / 10-2, 7-1 (T-1st), Fiesta
2004 Prediction / actual: 10-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 8-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo
2003 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (1st) / 11-2, 6-2 (T-2nd)
2002 Prediction / actual: 11-2, 6-2 (T-1st) / 14-0, 8-0 (T-1st), National Champs
2001 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th) / 7-5, 5-3 (3rd)
Returning Starters: 9 offense, 5 defense, 0 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Dan Herron, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, DL Cameron Heyward, LB Ross Homan, DB Chemdi Chekwa
Key Losses: DL Thaddeus Gibson, DL Doug Worthington, DB Kurt Coleman, P Aaron Pettrey
Prediction: It is awfully tough to pick against Ohio State, even with the Big Ten seemingly on the rise. Pryor enters year three and I think he still has plenty to prove as a signal caller and leader. Pay no mind to any personnel loses, OSU goes three deep everywhere. The defense will take some time to come around - four quarters anyway - and the kicking game is a possible question, but like I said, who bets against five-time defending champions?
OOC: 4-0 (Miami is the best test)
B10: 8-0 (Sixth straight title)
Overall: 12-0, 1st - BCS Title Game Berth
Editor's Note: Here are the remaining previews ... Get Gamm starts next week!
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Wisconsin Badgers
Tidbits … Wisconsin has yet another big time back in the Heisman race in John Clay. And after a great start and a mediocre middle, Coach Bielema has re-discovered his recipe for success, going 10-3 in 2009 and laying the foundation for what many believe will be a big 2010.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Insight / 10-3, 5-3 (T-4th), Champs
2008 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-2nd), Alamo / 7-6, 3-5 (T-6th), Champs
2007 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 9-4, 5-3 (4th), Outback
2006 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th), Alamo / 12-1, 7-1 (T-2nd), Capital One
2005 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo / 10-3, 5-3 (T-3rd), Capital One
2004 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo / 9-3, 6-2 (3rd), Outback
2003 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (T-2nd) / 7-6, 4-4 (T-7th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-5, 4-4 (T-6th) / 8-6, 2-6 (T-8th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (4th) / 5-7, 3-5 (T-8th)
Returning Starters: 10 offense, 6 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Scott Tolzien, RB John Clay, WR Nick Toon, DE J.J. Watt, LB Culmer St. Jean, K Phillip Welch
Key Losses: TE Garrett Graham, DE O'Brien Schofield, LB Jaevery McFadden, S Chris Maragos
Prediction ... I'm a traditionalist in the sense that I like a Big Ten offense that can pound you but also make you pay with a great pass call at the right time. I'm not a fan of the spread, the spread option or an all run or all pass offense... which is why I like Wisconsin this year. This might be the best top to bottom attack the Badgers have ever had. A weapon like Clay, a solid, heady QB, some great receivers. The question is the defense. The Badgers usually have at least a sound defense but if the D can match the O, look out Big Ten. The kicking game is sound and the schedule isn't scary - except the back to back OSU and Iowa games. UW heads back to Orlando again, but not for the Champs Bowl this time...
OOC: 4-0 (Yawn. Big yawn - unless the Badgers' bus gets stuck at a casino in week one!)
B10: 6-2 (Plenty of tough games but October 16 and 23 are the difference between the Capital One or Rose Bowl)
Overall: 10-2, 3rd in the conference, Capital One Bowl
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Iowa Hawkeyes
Tidbits ... Iowa is a lot like Michigan State in that it flies highest when off the radar - see 2006 as an example of hype and fizzle. That said, the 21st century trend is three year cycles of greatness... this would be year three in a current cycle (11, 10 and 10 wins from 02-04; 9 and 11 wins the past two seasons)
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-4th) Capital One/ 11-2, 6-2 (T-2nd), Orange
2008 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 2-6 (T-9th) / 9-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Outback
2007 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Champs / 6-6, 4-4 (T-5th)
2006 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 6-7, 2-6 (T-8th), Alamo
2005 Prediction / actual: 9-2, 6-2 (T-1st), BCS / 7-5, 5-3 (T-3rd), Outback
2004 Prediction / actual: 9-2, 6-2 (3rd), Capital One / 10-2, 7-1 (T-1st), Capital One
2003 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 10-3, 5-3 (T-4th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th) / 11-2, 8-0 (T-1st)
2001 Prediction / actual: 5-6, 2-6 (T-10th) / 7-5, 4-4 (T-4th)
Returning Starters: 6 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, RB Adam Robinson, DE Adrian Clayborn, DB Tyler Sash
Key Losses: TE Tony Moeaki, LB A.J. Edds, LB Pat Angerer, DB Amari Spievey
Prediction ... I love Iowa's schedule. Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State all come to Iowa City. Michigan is down. Arizona is the only real tough OOC slate. The offense will be good. The defense is always great. Iowa won a bunch of close games last year and with what returns, that means the Hawkeyes know how to win even more so than most opponents. The offense will be sound if not exciting and the defense will keep them in every game. Returning both kickers is also a boon.
OOC: 3-1 (Arizona stings Iowa in the desert)
B10: 7-1 (OSU nips Iowa again)
Overall: 10-2, 2nd in the conference, Rose Bowl
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Tidbits: The Buckeyes have only failed to win double digit games twice since I started prognosticating the Big Ten. The scarlet and gray have won five-straight Big Ten titles, absolutely owned Michigan and are poised to make another run at the BCS Title. Fear the sweater vest!
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 7-1 (T-1st), BCS Bowl / 11-2, 7-1 (1st) - Rose
2008 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 8-0 (1st) - BCS Title Game / 10-3, 7-1 (T-1st) - Fiesta Bowl
2007 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (3rd) - Captial One / 11-2, 7-1 (1st), BCS Title Game
2006 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), BCS / 12-1, 8-0 (1st), BCS Title Game
2005 Prediction / actual: 8-3, 6-2 (T-1st), Capital One / 10-2, 7-1 (T-1st), Fiesta
2004 Prediction / actual: 10-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 8-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo
2003 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (1st) / 11-2, 6-2 (T-2nd)
2002 Prediction / actual: 11-2, 6-2 (T-1st) / 14-0, 8-0 (T-1st), National Champs
2001 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th) / 7-5, 5-3 (3rd)
Returning Starters: 9 offense, 5 defense, 0 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Dan Herron, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, DL Cameron Heyward, LB Ross Homan, DB Chemdi Chekwa
Key Losses: DL Thaddeus Gibson, DL Doug Worthington, DB Kurt Coleman, P Aaron Pettrey
Prediction: It is awfully tough to pick against Ohio State, even with the Big Ten seemingly on the rise. Pryor enters year three and I think he still has plenty to prove as a signal caller and leader. Pay no mind to any personnel loses, OSU goes three deep everywhere. The defense will take some time to come around - four quarters anyway - and the kicking game is a possible question, but like I said, who bets against five-time defending champions?
OOC: 4-0 (Miami is the best test)
B10: 8-0 (Sixth straight title)
Overall: 12-0, 1st - BCS Title Game Berth
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Big Ten Football Previews – 2010 (continued)
Editor's Note: Here are the next set of previews ... the rest will follow as time allows.
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Penn State Nittany Lions
Tidbits: Penn State has had double digit wins 21 times in Joe Paterno's tenure. The 159 points allowed last year was the lowest since 1986, when the Nittany Lions won the National Title.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 11-2, 6-2 (T-2nd), Capital One
2008 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-2nd), BCS Berth / 11-2, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose
2007 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-4th), Outback / 9-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo
2006 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 6-2 (T-3rd), Capital One / 9-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Outback
2005 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Music City / 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Orange
2004 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 4-4 (T-5th), Music City / 4-7, 2-6 (9th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (T-5th) / 3-9, 1-7 (T-9th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 6-2 (T-1st) / 9-4, 5-3 (4th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 5-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 5-6, 4-4 (T-4th)
Returning Starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: RB Evan Royster, C Stefen Wisniewski, WR Derek Moye, WR Graham Zug, S Nick Sukay
Key Losses: QB Daryll Clark, TE Andrew Quarless, DT Jared Odrick, LB Sean Lee, LB Navorro Bowman
Prediction: Penn State will be an interesting team to watch in 2010. There is one "money" OOC tilt (at Alabama) and tough revenge trips to Iowa and Ohio State on tap. Evan Royster is the top tailback in the league, the wide receiving corps is dangerous and the interior of the line is sound. But the Nittany Lions must break in a new signal caller and a pair of tackles. Never underestimate the loss of a veteran quarterback. Defensively, Penn State loses even more starters including the entire linebacking corps. Now this is Linebacker U so expect guys like Chris Colasanti to step right up, but the talent losses might be too much for this team to perform as predicted by so many. I think Penn State takes a step back in 2010 in preparation for a fantastic 2012 - which I predict will be Paterno's last in Happy Valley...
OOC: 3-1 (The trip to Alabama could make or break the season, and don't sleep on Temple)
B10: 5-3 (Revenge will not be found in Iowa City or Columbus and Penn State finally loses at home against the Spartans)
Overall: 8-4, T-4th, Gator Bowl Berth
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Michigan State Spartans
Tidbits ... The Spartans' recent bowl streak is the first three season run since Nick Saban took over in the mid 90s. The last time the Spartans missed the mark on a solid preseason Big Ten ranking and lost as many games in the waning moments was 1998 - the year before once of the best seasons in program history.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (3rd), Outback / 6-7, 4-4 (T-6th), Alamo
2008 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-2nd), Outback / 9-4, 6-2 (3rd), Capital One
2007 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Insight / 7-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Champs
2006 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (5th), Champs / 4-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
2005 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 5-3 (4th), Sun / 5-6, 2-6 (9th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (T-5th), Sun / 5-7, 4-4 (T-5th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 8-5, 5-3 (T-4th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (T-1st) / 4-8, 2-6 (T-8th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 8-3, 6-2 (T-1st) / 7-5, 3-5 (T-8th)
Returning Starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Larry Caper, WR Keshawn Martin, LG Joel Foreman, LB Greg Jones, LB Eric Gordon, P Aaron Bates
Key Losses: C Joel Nitchman, WR Blair White, NT Oren Wilson, S Danny Fortener, PK Brett Swenson
Prediction ... Michigan State is back in the sleeper role and that is one that frankly, suits the Spartans just fine. A season ago, the QB position was unsettled. Not this time around. Kirk Cousins is the bona fide leader of the offense and the team and he has an offense loaded with weapons, including former QB Keith Nichol who has moved to wide receiver. The biggest question on offense is the front line. State needs to be able to run the ball better this season. Defensively, you'll be hard pressed to find a better corps of linebackers in the nation. And that includes two impact freshmen. The front line is solid but not spectacular. The secondary needs to tighten up and is quite young. Don't underestimate the loss of Brett Swenson. He was the best kicker in a long line of storied MSU booters. Still, the schedule sets up nicely for MSU to do some very nice things...
OOC: 4-0 (Nothing overly scary here)
B10: 5-3 (Wisconsin, Northwestern and Iowa prove to be the road blocks to a phenominal season)
Overall: 9-3, T-4th, Outback Bowl Berth
Editor's Note: Here are the next set of previews ... the rest will follow as time allows.
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Penn State Nittany Lions
Tidbits: Penn State has had double digit wins 21 times in Joe Paterno's tenure. The 159 points allowed last year was the lowest since 1986, when the Nittany Lions won the National Title.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose / 11-2, 6-2 (T-2nd), Capital One
2008 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-2nd), BCS Berth / 11-2, 7-1 (T-1st), Rose
2007 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-4th), Outback / 9-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Alamo
2006 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 6-2 (T-3rd), Capital One / 9-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Outback
2005 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 3-5 (T-7th), Music City / 11-1, 7-1 (T-1st), Orange
2004 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 4-4 (T-5th), Music City / 4-7, 2-6 (9th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (T-5th) / 3-9, 1-7 (T-9th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 6-2 (T-1st) / 9-4, 5-3 (4th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 5-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 5-6, 4-4 (T-4th)
Returning Starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: RB Evan Royster, C Stefen Wisniewski, WR Derek Moye, WR Graham Zug, S Nick Sukay
Key Losses: QB Daryll Clark, TE Andrew Quarless, DT Jared Odrick, LB Sean Lee, LB Navorro Bowman
Prediction: Penn State will be an interesting team to watch in 2010. There is one "money" OOC tilt (at Alabama) and tough revenge trips to Iowa and Ohio State on tap. Evan Royster is the top tailback in the league, the wide receiving corps is dangerous and the interior of the line is sound. But the Nittany Lions must break in a new signal caller and a pair of tackles. Never underestimate the loss of a veteran quarterback. Defensively, Penn State loses even more starters including the entire linebacking corps. Now this is Linebacker U so expect guys like Chris Colasanti to step right up, but the talent losses might be too much for this team to perform as predicted by so many. I think Penn State takes a step back in 2010 in preparation for a fantastic 2012 - which I predict will be Paterno's last in Happy Valley...
OOC: 3-1 (The trip to Alabama could make or break the season, and don't sleep on Temple)
B10: 5-3 (Revenge will not be found in Iowa City or Columbus and Penn State finally loses at home against the Spartans)
Overall: 8-4, T-4th, Gator Bowl Berth
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Michigan State Spartans
Tidbits ... The Spartans' recent bowl streak is the first three season run since Nick Saban took over in the mid 90s. The last time the Spartans missed the mark on a solid preseason Big Ten ranking and lost as many games in the waning moments was 1998 - the year before once of the best seasons in program history.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (3rd), Outback / 6-7, 4-4 (T-6th), Alamo
2008 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-2nd), Outback / 9-4, 6-2 (3rd), Capital One
2007 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Insight / 7-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Champs
2006 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (5th), Champs / 4-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
2005 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 5-3 (4th), Sun / 5-6, 2-6 (9th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (T-5th), Sun / 5-7, 4-4 (T-5th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 8-5, 5-3 (T-4th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 10-2, 6-2 (T-1st) / 4-8, 2-6 (T-8th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 8-3, 6-2 (T-1st) / 7-5, 3-5 (T-8th)
Returning Starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Larry Caper, WR Keshawn Martin, LG Joel Foreman, LB Greg Jones, LB Eric Gordon, P Aaron Bates
Key Losses: C Joel Nitchman, WR Blair White, NT Oren Wilson, S Danny Fortener, PK Brett Swenson
Prediction ... Michigan State is back in the sleeper role and that is one that frankly, suits the Spartans just fine. A season ago, the QB position was unsettled. Not this time around. Kirk Cousins is the bona fide leader of the offense and the team and he has an offense loaded with weapons, including former QB Keith Nichol who has moved to wide receiver. The biggest question on offense is the front line. State needs to be able to run the ball better this season. Defensively, you'll be hard pressed to find a better corps of linebackers in the nation. And that includes two impact freshmen. The front line is solid but not spectacular. The secondary needs to tighten up and is quite young. Don't underestimate the loss of Brett Swenson. He was the best kicker in a long line of storied MSU booters. Still, the schedule sets up nicely for MSU to do some very nice things...
OOC: 4-0 (Nothing overly scary here)
B10: 5-3 (Wisconsin, Northwestern and Iowa prove to be the road blocks to a phenominal season)
Overall: 9-3, T-4th, Outback Bowl Berth
Friday, August 06, 2010
Big Ten Football Previews – 2010 (continued)
Editor's Note: Here are the next set of previews ... the rest will follow as time allows.
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Purdue Boilermakers
Tidbits … The last time Purdue came off a 5-win season, the Boilermakers won 8 games and went bowling. This is the first time since 1995 and 1996 that the gold and black have put up consecutive losing seasons.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 2-10, 0-8 (11th) / 5-7, 4-4 (T-6th)
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
Returning Starters: 6 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: WR Keith Smith, TE Kyle Adams, DE Ryan Kerrigan, DT Kawann Short, K Carson Wiggs,
Key Losses: QB Joey Elliott, FS Torri Williams, DT Mike Neal, CB Brandon King
Prediction ... Purdue is a team that many preseason magazines have squarely in the middle of the pack. I can't disagree, but there are some question marks with the running game (due to all of the spring injuries) and transfer Robert Marve has tremendous upside, but I've seen plenty of heralded transfers turn to duds. This is the first time I can remember that the Boilermakers open with Notre Dame. That will be a key game for both. Things ease up from there in the OOC but while Purdue avoids Iowa, the road gets much tougher when the Big Ten season calls. I like this team to be able to do better than I predict and certainly not any worse, but there are too many questions at this time for me to go any higher (the secondary comes to mind).
OOC: 4-0 (ND win pushes PU to a great start)
B10: 3-5 (wins over Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana)
Overall: 7-5, 7th in the conference, Texas Bowl bid
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Northwestern Wildcats
Tidbits … Northwestern is on a three-year run of seasons with a .500 or better record. That's the longest such run since the late 1920's / early 1930's. The 17 wins over the last two seasons is the best since NU won 19 games from 1995-96.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction/actual: 7-5, 3-5 (T-7th_ - At Large Bid / 8-5, 5-3 (T-4th) - Outback Bowl
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)
Returning Starters: 8 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Dan Persa, SB Drake Dunsmore, WR Sidney Stewart, FS Brian Peters, LB Quentin Davie, P/K Stefan Demos
Key Losses: QB Mike Kafka, DE Corey Wootton, FS Brad Phillips, SS Brendan Smith
Prediction ... Northwestern was a pleasant surprise last year, rattling off some surprise wins over ranked foes and playing in maybe the best bowl game of the season. There is a fair amount of turnover at key positions, but the return of the entire offensive front should allow for some solid plug and play at skill positions. The secondary could be sketchy, but the linebacking corps is solid and Stefan Demos is a great weapon as well. The OOC slate is pretty easy, though don't sleep on Central Michigan. I see overall improvement in the record from last year and for the Wildcats to take true advantage for not having to play Ohio State or Penn State.
OOC: 4-0 (no one here strikes fear into anyone!)
B10: 4-4 (wins over Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana and Illinois)
Overall: 8-4, 6th in the conference, Insight bowl berth
Editor's Note: Here are the next set of previews ... the rest will follow as time allows.
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Purdue Boilermakers
Tidbits … The last time Purdue came off a 5-win season, the Boilermakers won 8 games and went bowling. This is the first time since 1995 and 1996 that the gold and black have put up consecutive losing seasons.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 2-10, 0-8 (11th) / 5-7, 4-4 (T-6th)
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
Returning Starters: 6 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: WR Keith Smith, TE Kyle Adams, DE Ryan Kerrigan, DT Kawann Short, K Carson Wiggs,
Key Losses: QB Joey Elliott, FS Torri Williams, DT Mike Neal, CB Brandon King
Prediction ... Purdue is a team that many preseason magazines have squarely in the middle of the pack. I can't disagree, but there are some question marks with the running game (due to all of the spring injuries) and transfer Robert Marve has tremendous upside, but I've seen plenty of heralded transfers turn to duds. This is the first time I can remember that the Boilermakers open with Notre Dame. That will be a key game for both. Things ease up from there in the OOC but while Purdue avoids Iowa, the road gets much tougher when the Big Ten season calls. I like this team to be able to do better than I predict and certainly not any worse, but there are too many questions at this time for me to go any higher (the secondary comes to mind).
OOC: 4-0 (ND win pushes PU to a great start)
B10: 3-5 (wins over Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana)
Overall: 7-5, 7th in the conference, Texas Bowl bid
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Northwestern Wildcats
Tidbits … Northwestern is on a three-year run of seasons with a .500 or better record. That's the longest such run since the late 1920's / early 1930's. The 17 wins over the last two seasons is the best since NU won 19 games from 1995-96.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction/actual: 7-5, 3-5 (T-7th_ - At Large Bid / 8-5, 5-3 (T-4th) - Outback Bowl
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)
Returning Starters: 8 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Dan Persa, SB Drake Dunsmore, WR Sidney Stewart, FS Brian Peters, LB Quentin Davie, P/K Stefan Demos
Key Losses: QB Mike Kafka, DE Corey Wootton, FS Brad Phillips, SS Brendan Smith
Prediction ... Northwestern was a pleasant surprise last year, rattling off some surprise wins over ranked foes and playing in maybe the best bowl game of the season. There is a fair amount of turnover at key positions, but the return of the entire offensive front should allow for some solid plug and play at skill positions. The secondary could be sketchy, but the linebacking corps is solid and Stefan Demos is a great weapon as well. The OOC slate is pretty easy, though don't sleep on Central Michigan. I see overall improvement in the record from last year and for the Wildcats to take true advantage for not having to play Ohio State or Penn State.
OOC: 4-0 (no one here strikes fear into anyone!)
B10: 4-4 (wins over Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana and Illinois)
Overall: 8-4, 6th in the conference, Insight bowl berth
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Big Ten Football Previews – 2010
Editor's Note: So many things to do, so little time to do it. I know I've gone from writing novel-like predictions to shorter essays and this year - my tenth of providing preseason insights - I'm going Cliffs Notes on you. Here are previews for the bottom four... the others will follow as time allows.
Our annual prognostication contest will happen as always. In the meantime, digest, comment, disagree, etc. on my worst to first order and predictions. Football season is just a few weeks away!
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Tidbits ... Minnesota was shut out twice last year, despite putting up more than 20 eight times and greater than 30 points four times.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (6th), At Large / 6-7, 3-5 (8th), Insight
2008 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 2-6 (T-9th) / 7-6, 3-5 (T-6th), Insight
2007 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 1-7 (T-10th) / 1-11, 0-8 (11th)
2006 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-9th) / 6-7, 3-5 (T-6th), Insight
2005 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Motor City / 7-5, 4-4 (7th), Music City
2004 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 3-5 (8th), Motor City / 7-5, 3-5 (8th), Music City
2003 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (5th) / 10-3, 5-3 (T-4th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 2-6 (9th) / 8-5, 3-5 (T-7th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 5-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 4-7, 2-6 (T-10th)
Returning Starters: 9 offense, 2 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Adam Weber, QB MarQueis Gray, RB Duane Bennett, WR Troy Stoudermire, K Eric Ellestad
Key Losses: WR Adam Decker, LB Lee Campbell, LB Nate Triplett, CB Marcus Sherels
Prediction ... Minnesota has a sneaky tough OOC slate, headlined by USC. The Golden Gophers are breaking in yet another offensive coordinator and unveiling their fourth offense in as many years. The good news is, nine starters return on that side of the ball. The ugly news is that only two return on the defensive side of the ball and one of those broke an ankle in the spring, while the other was suspended. Both should be back but Minnesota could trot out eleven new starters on defense this fall. Ouch. I see things starting hot - as usual - for this team, but for the natives to get restless as soon as mid-October hits and the plunge begins.
OOC: 3-1 (lone loss comes to USC at home)
B10: 1-7 (lone win over Northwestern)
Overall: 4-8, T-10th in the conference
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
Tidbits … Indiana's out of conference schedule consists of four teams who had a combined 9-38 record in 2009. Four-win Arkansas State had the most with four.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 3-9, 1-7 (10th) / 4-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
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)
Returning Starters: 8 offense, 4 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Ben Chappell, RB Darius Willis, WR Tandon Doss, LB Tyler Replogle
Key Losses: LT Rodger Saffold, DE Greg Middleton, DE Jamie Kirlew, LB Will Patterson, CB Ray Fisher, S Nick Polk
Prediction ... The Hoosiers might have the biggest joke of a non-conference slate in the history of the conference! The trouble is, where will the other two requisite wins come from? Indiana returns a bevy of nice skill players on offense but must replace some key players from the front line. The defense is more or less a total rebuild, with some long-term mainstays moving on. I expect a torrid start, including a very rare win over Michigan, but after that, it'll be slim pickings en route to another losing season in Bloomington.
OOC: 4-0 (what, they couldn't schedule Bloomington High too?)
B10: 1-7 (lone win over Michigan)
Overall: 5-7, T-10th in the conference
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Illinois Fighting Illini
Tidbits ... Illinois continued the trend started in 2001 - a hard, five-year fall following a surprise BCS berth. If the trend continues, the Illini can expect three more tough seasons - and a brand new coaching staff.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Alamo / 3-9, 2-6 (9th)
2008 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-2nd), Capital One / 5-7, 3-5 (T-6th)
2007 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-10th) / 9-4, 6-2 (T-2nd) - Rose Bowl
2006 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 2-6 (8th) / 2-10, 1-7 (T-10th)
2005 Prediction / actual: 4-7, 2-6 (10th) / 2-9, 0-8 (11th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 4-7, 1-7 (T-10th) / 3-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 3-5 (T-7th) / 1-11, 0-8 (11th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th) / 5-7, 4-4 (T-5th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 3-5 (T-7th) / 10-2, 7-1 (1st)
Returning Starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: RB Mikel Leshoure, RB Jason Ford, DE Clay Nurse, DT Corey Liuget, LB Martez Wilson
Key Losses: QB Juice Williams, WR Arrelious Benn, S Garrett Edwards
Prediction ... Illinois, as you can see above, routinely gives me more fits than anyone when it comes to predicitons. Ron Zook overhauled his coaching staff in hopes of saving his hide, so we shall see if that comes to fruition. On paper, the offense doesn't invoke fear in anyone. The tailbacks are very good, but the passing game could be quite iffy. The defense will be solid with a good chunk of the front seven returning. Both specialists remain in tact as well. This is move it or lose it time for Zook. The schedule is not all that easy either, including the OOC...
OOC: 2-2 (wins over directional Illinois schools)
B10: 2-6 (wins over Indiana and Minnesota)
Overall: 4-8, T-8th in the conference
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Michigan Wolverines
Tidbits … The last time Michigan had three straight losing seasons? NEVER! The last time the Wolverines lost three straight to in-state rival Michigan State? 1965-67 and shortly after a coach by the name of Bo Schembecler arrived on the scene.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City / 5-7, 1-7 (T-10th), None
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)
Returning Starters: 10 offense, 8 defense, 0 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Tate Forcier, QB Denard Robinson, WR Ray Roundtree, C David Molk, LB Obi Ezeh, LB Jonas Moutan
Key Losses: RB Brandon Minor, RB Carlos Brown, WR Greg Mathews, DE Brandon Graham, P Zoltan Mesko
Prediction ... This is a make it or break it year for Rich Rodriguez. Michigan has had two-straight losing seasons and is in serious jeopardy of an unprecedented third-straight. A boat load of starters return on both sides of the ball but the team struggled to score as the season wore on and the defense was abysmal. The good news is, the depth on the offensive side is getting better and Michigan should be more consistent. The bad news is the defense could be worse. It is fast, but small and that just doesn't bode well in the Big Ten. Losing both kickers always hurts more than the casual fan might consider as well. There are no breaks with the schedule and not the gimmes out of conference that the maize and blue might need for bowl-type success...
OOC: 3-1 (at Notre Dame is the only loss, but don't sleep on UConn)
B10: 2-6 (wins over Illinois and Purdue)
Overall: 5-7, T-8th in the conference
Editor's Note: So many things to do, so little time to do it. I know I've gone from writing novel-like predictions to shorter essays and this year - my tenth of providing preseason insights - I'm going Cliffs Notes on you. Here are previews for the bottom four... the others will follow as time allows.
Our annual prognostication contest will happen as always. In the meantime, digest, comment, disagree, etc. on my worst to first order and predictions. Football season is just a few weeks away!
*Note, bowl shown only from 2004 on as I did not predict the bowl berths prior to that season.
Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Tidbits ... Minnesota was shut out twice last year, despite putting up more than 20 eight times and greater than 30 points four times.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 7-5, 4-4 (6th), At Large / 6-7, 3-5 (8th), Insight
2008 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 2-6 (T-9th) / 7-6, 3-5 (T-6th), Insight
2007 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 1-7 (T-10th) / 1-11, 0-8 (11th)
2006 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-9th) / 6-7, 3-5 (T-6th), Insight
2005 Prediction / actual: 7-4, 4-4 (T-5th), Motor City / 7-5, 4-4 (7th), Music City
2004 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 3-5 (8th), Motor City / 7-5, 3-5 (8th), Music City
2003 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (5th) / 10-3, 5-3 (T-4th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 2-6 (9th) / 8-5, 3-5 (T-7th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 5-6, 3-5 (T-7th) / 4-7, 2-6 (T-10th)
Returning Starters: 9 offense, 2 defense, 1 kicker
Key Returnees: QB Adam Weber, QB MarQueis Gray, RB Duane Bennett, WR Troy Stoudermire, K Eric Ellestad
Key Losses: WR Adam Decker, LB Lee Campbell, LB Nate Triplett, CB Marcus Sherels
Prediction ... Minnesota has a sneaky tough OOC slate, headlined by USC. The Golden Gophers are breaking in yet another offensive coordinator and unveiling their fourth offense in as many years. The good news is, nine starters return on that side of the ball. The ugly news is that only two return on the defensive side of the ball and one of those broke an ankle in the spring, while the other was suspended. Both should be back but Minnesota could trot out eleven new starters on defense this fall. Ouch. I see things starting hot - as usual - for this team, but for the natives to get restless as soon as mid-October hits and the plunge begins.
OOC: 3-1 (lone loss comes to USC at home)
B10: 1-7 (lone win over Northwestern)
Overall: 4-8, T-10th in the conference
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
Tidbits … Indiana's out of conference schedule consists of four teams who had a combined 9-38 record in 2009. Four-win Arkansas State had the most with four.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 3-9, 1-7 (10th) / 4-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
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)
Returning Starters: 8 offense, 4 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Ben Chappell, RB Darius Willis, WR Tandon Doss, LB Tyler Replogle
Key Losses: LT Rodger Saffold, DE Greg Middleton, DE Jamie Kirlew, LB Will Patterson, CB Ray Fisher, S Nick Polk
Prediction ... The Hoosiers might have the biggest joke of a non-conference slate in the history of the conference! The trouble is, where will the other two requisite wins come from? Indiana returns a bevy of nice skill players on offense but must replace some key players from the front line. The defense is more or less a total rebuild, with some long-term mainstays moving on. I expect a torrid start, including a very rare win over Michigan, but after that, it'll be slim pickings en route to another losing season in Bloomington.
OOC: 4-0 (what, they couldn't schedule Bloomington High too?)
B10: 1-7 (lone win over Michigan)
Overall: 5-7, T-10th in the conference
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Illinois Fighting Illini
Tidbits ... Illinois continued the trend started in 2001 - a hard, five-year fall following a surprise BCS berth. If the trend continues, the Illini can expect three more tough seasons - and a brand new coaching staff.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 5-3 (T-4th), Alamo / 3-9, 2-6 (9th)
2008 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-2nd), Capital One / 5-7, 3-5 (T-6th)
2007 Prediction / actual: 4-8, 1-7 (T-10th) / 9-4, 6-2 (T-2nd) - Rose Bowl
2006 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 2-6 (8th) / 2-10, 1-7 (T-10th)
2005 Prediction / actual: 4-7, 2-6 (10th) / 2-9, 0-8 (11th)
2004 Prediction / actual: 4-7, 1-7 (T-10th) / 3-8, 1-7 (T-10th)
2003 Prediction / actual: 5-7, 3-5 (T-7th) / 1-11, 0-8 (11th)
2002 Prediction / actual: 8-4, 4-4 (T-6th) / 5-7, 4-4 (T-5th)
2001 Prediction / actual: 6-5, 3-5 (T-7th) / 10-2, 7-1 (1st)
Returning Starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers
Key Returnees: RB Mikel Leshoure, RB Jason Ford, DE Clay Nurse, DT Corey Liuget, LB Martez Wilson
Key Losses: QB Juice Williams, WR Arrelious Benn, S Garrett Edwards
Prediction ... Illinois, as you can see above, routinely gives me more fits than anyone when it comes to predicitons. Ron Zook overhauled his coaching staff in hopes of saving his hide, so we shall see if that comes to fruition. On paper, the offense doesn't invoke fear in anyone. The tailbacks are very good, but the passing game could be quite iffy. The defense will be solid with a good chunk of the front seven returning. Both specialists remain in tact as well. This is move it or lose it time for Zook. The schedule is not all that easy either, including the OOC...
OOC: 2-2 (wins over directional Illinois schools)
B10: 2-6 (wins over Indiana and Minnesota)
Overall: 4-8, T-8th in the conference
- - - - - - - - - -
Team: Michigan Wolverines
Tidbits … The last time Michigan had three straight losing seasons? NEVER! The last time the Wolverines lost three straight to in-state rival Michigan State? 1965-67 and shortly after a coach by the name of Bo Schembecler arrived on the scene.
Past Predictions/Results:
2009 Prediction / actual: 6-6, 3-5 (T-7th), Motor City / 5-7, 1-7 (T-10th), None
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)
Returning Starters: 10 offense, 8 defense, 0 kickers
Key Returnees: QB Tate Forcier, QB Denard Robinson, WR Ray Roundtree, C David Molk, LB Obi Ezeh, LB Jonas Moutan
Key Losses: RB Brandon Minor, RB Carlos Brown, WR Greg Mathews, DE Brandon Graham, P Zoltan Mesko
Prediction ... This is a make it or break it year for Rich Rodriguez. Michigan has had two-straight losing seasons and is in serious jeopardy of an unprecedented third-straight. A boat load of starters return on both sides of the ball but the team struggled to score as the season wore on and the defense was abysmal. The good news is, the depth on the offensive side is getting better and Michigan should be more consistent. The bad news is the defense could be worse. It is fast, but small and that just doesn't bode well in the Big Ten. Losing both kickers always hurts more than the casual fan might consider as well. There are no breaks with the schedule and not the gimmes out of conference that the maize and blue might need for bowl-type success...
OOC: 3-1 (at Notre Dame is the only loss, but don't sleep on UConn)
B10: 2-6 (wins over Illinois and Purdue)
Overall: 5-7, T-8th in the conference
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Some much to talk about, so little time!
I still owe bowl recaps. I so want to chat Big Ten hoops. But heck, I hardly have enough time right now to get the Get Gamm contest up.
One of these days...
01/26/10
Michigan State @ Michigan
Northwestern @ Minnesota
01/27/10
Illinois @ Penn State
Ohio State @ Iowa
01/28/10
Wisconsin @ Purdue
01/30/10
Indiana @ Illinois
Iowa @ Michigan
Northwestern @ Michigan State
01/31/10
Penn State @ Purdue
Minnesota @ Ohio State
I still owe bowl recaps. I so want to chat Big Ten hoops. But heck, I hardly have enough time right now to get the Get Gamm contest up.
One of these days...
01/26/10
Michigan State @ Michigan
Northwestern @ Minnesota
01/27/10
Illinois @ Penn State
Ohio State @ Iowa
01/28/10
Wisconsin @ Purdue
01/30/10
Indiana @ Illinois
Iowa @ Michigan
Northwestern @ Michigan State
01/31/10
Penn State @ Purdue
Minnesota @ Ohio State
Monday, January 04, 2010
Get Gamm - Big Ten Basketball
I hope to add to this post later... thoughts on the 3-3 record to date in the bowls, thoughts on the first week of Big Ten hoops. But I at least need to get this week's slate of games on the table!
Sorry, vaca had me busy with house projects and now it's back to work...
01/05/10
Minnesota @ Purdue
Iowa @ Illinois
01/06/10
Wisconsin @ Michigan State
Indiana @ Ohio State
01/07/10
Michigan @ Penn State
01/09/10
Purdue @ Wisconsin
Michigan State @ Iowa
Illinois @ Indiana
Ohio State @ Minnesota
01/10/10
Northwestern @ Michigan
I hope to add to this post later... thoughts on the 3-3 record to date in the bowls, thoughts on the first week of Big Ten hoops. But I at least need to get this week's slate of games on the table!
Sorry, vaca had me busy with house projects and now it's back to work...
01/05/10
Minnesota @ Purdue
Iowa @ Illinois
01/06/10
Wisconsin @ Michigan State
Indiana @ Ohio State
01/07/10
Michigan @ Penn State
01/09/10
Purdue @ Wisconsin
Michigan State @ Iowa
Illinois @ Indiana
Ohio State @ Minnesota
01/10/10
Northwestern @ Michigan
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wrapping up 2009...
It's hard to believe that another year - heck, another decade - has come and gone. Here we sit just a week or so from the end of a great year. One full of highs and lows for the Big Ten. One ending with seven teams fighting for league cred in bowl games. One closing with talk of expansion. One fading out with our first (finally) ACC-Big Ten challenge win and tons of past and future hoops success on the horizon.
And can you believe that between this blog (circa August 2006) and the old TheFinalScore.net site (Established in 2000) this wraps ten years of me carrying on about this conference? WOW!
It's been a fun ride and I hope to continue to pontificate about all things Big Ten for years to come. In the meantime, my annual football "report card", the first league play picks for Get Gamm Basketball and a link to the bowl picks follow.
Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. GO BIG TEN!
Team by Team
Time for a quick synopsis for each team (in order of my preseason predictions), including a look at how my predictions played out and what is left for 2009 before the books are officially closed...
Grading Scale (average of total and conference games missed):
0 off = A+
.5 off = A
1 off = B+
1.5 off = B
2 off = B-
2.5 off = C+
3 off = C
3.5 off = C-
4 off = D
4.5 or more off = F
Purdue Boilermakers - An early season disappointment that came on strong in conference play. The Boilers were snake bitten early, stung by a close loss at Oregon, a late in the game home loss to rival Notre Dame and a head-scratching home defeat at the hands of Northern Illinois. The Boilermakers did manage to shock the Buckeyes and get a long awaited win in Ann Arbor and were oh-so-close to knocking off the Spartans and likely making a bowl. You could say that a foundation was built for the future, but there will be some attrition that needs to be tended to in spring ball. All in all, a much better year than I projected.
Prediction: 2-10 (0-8), 11th - Home for the Holidays
Actual: 5-7 (4-4), T6 - home for the Holidays
My Grade: Missed them by three games overall and four in conference. C-
Indiana Hoosiers - I commented in my preview that IU's trend was 3, 4, 5, 7, 3 wins over the previous five seasons. That logically had to mean that 4 was next in the cycle, right? Indiana was actually not quite as poor as the record indicates. The Hoosiers had Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa and Penn State on the ropes but wound up losing each of those games. The offense is young, the defense growing. Bill Lynch might be on the proverbial hot seat entering next year, but I will already ask - "why?" The Hoosiers need consistency at the top and they are very close to being a team that can at least contend for six or seven wins year in and year out.
Prediction: 3-9 (1-7), 10th and Home for the Holidays
Actual: 4-8 (1-7), T10th and Home for the Holidays
My grade: Missed it by one games overall, nailed the conference record. A
Northwestern Wildcats - What a great year for the Wildcats. Despite a tough loss at Syracuse and a home shocker at the hands of Minnesota, Northwestern did as Nike says and "Just did it." The Wildcats have no superlative players, rather a collection of eleven on both sides of the ball that know how to get the job done. Whether the comeback win over Indiana or the sweet, sweet victories over Illinois and Wisconsin to close the season, NU showed a fight we better get accustomed to as Pat Fitzgerald further grows in his role as the head man in Evanston.
Prediction: 7-5 (3-5), T7th and an At-large bowl berth
Actual: 8-4 (5-3), T4th and an Outback Bowl berth
My grade: Off by one game overall, two games in conference. B
Michigan Wolverines - After a rip-roaring start to this season, even amidst player backlash and NCAA allegations, no one saw this coming. The mighty Wolverines went from 4-0 to 5-7 with a thud and are bowl-less for a second straight season. The natives are restless in Ann Arbor and if this keeps up, the Rich Rod experiment will end after next season. Internal strife happens everywhere, because you can't keep 105 players happy all the time. But to rat out the coaches for violations? I'm thinking those who may have helped kill any Les Miles to Michigan deal a few years ago are second guessing that. The worst part? I don't see that the maize and blue made enough strides in key areas to think 2010 will be any different.
Prediction: 6-6 (3-5), T7 and a Motor City Bowl berth
Actual: 5-7 (1-7), T10th and Home for the Holidays.
My grade: Missed it by one game overall, and two in the conference. B
Wisconsin Badgers - Aside from Northwestern, the team I most underestimated. The young defense came through, the new signal caller had flashes of brilliance and the rushing attack was at times, spectacular. The Badgers probably deserve a New Year's Day bowl, but bowls are business and given that the hoops and football team was in Hawaii in a two week period, UW lands back in Orlando. Wisconsin is well set for the future with a nice bounce back from 2008's dud in hand...
Prediction: 7-5 (3-5), T7th - Insight Bowl berth
Actual: 9-3 (5-3), T4th - Champs Bowl berth
My Grade: Off by two games overall and in conference. B-
Minnesota Golden Gophers - The Golden Gophers both trilled and appalled over the course of the 2009 season. The new stadium in Minneapolis is a gem, some of the performances there? Not so much. For the big wins, there were games that were way too close for comfort and a couple of absolute uglies too boot. Minnesota lost star receiver Adam Decker for the season and nearly watched a bowl slip away. Still, this program is making strides and should really benefit from the extra practice that a bowl berth brings - even if it is the same bowl game as last year.
Prediction: 7-5 (4-4), 6th and an At Large Bowl berth
Actual: 6-6 (4-4), 8th and a return trip to the Insight Bowl.
My grade: One game off overall, perfect in conference. A
Illinois Fighting Illini - You'd think I would have learned my lesson after Illinois laid an egg in 2008. Not so much. Illinois won two games over FBS foes. Two. Yes, there were tough losses but in this day and age I am amazed that Ron Zook kept his job. Players are transferring. Some are opting out early for the NFL. I am struggling to see the bright side of the big picture. One thing is for sure, with no more Juice at the helm, Illinois will be carving out a new identity. Coach Zook better hope that translates to victories.
Prediction: 8-4 (5-3), T4th and an Alamo Bowl berth
Actual: 3-9 (2-6), 9th and Home for the Holidays
My grade: Missed it by fives games overall, three games in conference. D
Iowa Hawkeyes - Iowa never did it with much in the way of style or pizazz, but man did the Hawkeyes get it done. Two blocked field goals in seven seconds seals the season opening win. Comeback wins in nearly every game, capped by the last play game winner in a thriller in East Lansing. Who knows, if not for the injury to Ricky Stanzi, we could be looking at Iowa in the BCS title game. Plain jane and vanilla as it gets or not, Iowa knows how to win. That's why I think they will win the Orange Bowl and serve notice that they will be a favorite in the league in 2010.
Prediction: 9-3 (5-3), T4th and a Capital One Bowl berth
Actual: 10-2 (6-2), T2nd with an Orange Bowl berth
My grade: Missed it by one games on both ends. B+
Michigan State Spartans - The facts. MSU won three less games than in 2008. MSU lost five of six games by a total of 23 points, three of those by a combined seven points, two on the very last play of the game. It was oh-so-close to great, but in the end, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The off-the-field actions immediately following the Penn State loss capped a disappointing season. The good news is that the best players are young - freshmen, sophomore and juniors. Not much departs and the class coming in is good. But the black eye of the "Rather Hall Brawl" needs to subside and State needs to put up a good undermanned fight at the Alamo Bowl for this season to have some semblance of success.
Prediction: 10-2 (6-2), 3rd and an Outback Bowl berth
Actual: 6-6 (4-4), T6th with an Alamo Bowl berth
My grade: Four games off overall, two games off in conference. C
Ohio State Buckeyes - Five straight titles. Another win over Michigan. Another loss to USC. A resounding road win over Penn State. A thrilling, title clinching OT win over Iowa. Yep, this season had it all. The road win streak was snapped but once again, in the face of doubters, this team rose to the top. Hard to believe that this marks the first trip for the Buckeyes to Pasadena since the mid 90s. This program reloads and will be the favorite again in 2010.
Prediction: 10-2 (7-1), T1st - BCS Bowl berth
Actual: 10-2 (7-1), 1st - Rose Bowl berth
My grade: Perfection! But OSU is getting mighty easy to predict. A+
Penn State Nittany Lions - All in all, a solid season for Penn State. We saw with the early home loss to Iowa that this team was not going to be the elite team many expected, and that was verified with a resounding home loss at the hands of Ohio State. Despite a cupcake OOC slate that would make even Glen Mason blush, the Nittany Lions did some nice things, including manhandling both Michigan and Michigan State on the road. There is some turnover coming at key positions for the Nits in 2010, but we all know they will be right in the thick of things.
Prediction: 11-1 (7-1), T1st - Rose Bowl berth
Actual: 10-2 (6-2), T2nd - Capital One Bowl berth
My Grade: Missed them by one game on both ends. B+
Get Gamm Basketball (picks due by 12/29):
12/29 - Purdue at Iowa
12/29 - Penn State at Minnesota
12/30 - Northwestern at Illinois
12/31 - Michigan at Indiana
12/31 - Ohio State at Wisconsin
1/2 - Minnesota at Iowa
1/2 - Michigan State at Northwestern
1/3 - Wisconsin at Penn State
1/3 - Ohio State at Michigan
It's hard to believe that another year - heck, another decade - has come and gone. Here we sit just a week or so from the end of a great year. One full of highs and lows for the Big Ten. One ending with seven teams fighting for league cred in bowl games. One closing with talk of expansion. One fading out with our first (finally) ACC-Big Ten challenge win and tons of past and future hoops success on the horizon.
And can you believe that between this blog (circa August 2006) and the old TheFinalScore.net site (Established in 2000) this wraps ten years of me carrying on about this conference? WOW!
It's been a fun ride and I hope to continue to pontificate about all things Big Ten for years to come. In the meantime, my annual football "report card", the first league play picks for Get Gamm Basketball and a link to the bowl picks follow.
Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. GO BIG TEN!
Team by Team
Time for a quick synopsis for each team (in order of my preseason predictions), including a look at how my predictions played out and what is left for 2009 before the books are officially closed...
Grading Scale (average of total and conference games missed):
0 off = A+
.5 off = A
1 off = B+
1.5 off = B
2 off = B-
2.5 off = C+
3 off = C
3.5 off = C-
4 off = D
4.5 or more off = F
Purdue Boilermakers - An early season disappointment that came on strong in conference play. The Boilers were snake bitten early, stung by a close loss at Oregon, a late in the game home loss to rival Notre Dame and a head-scratching home defeat at the hands of Northern Illinois. The Boilermakers did manage to shock the Buckeyes and get a long awaited win in Ann Arbor and were oh-so-close to knocking off the Spartans and likely making a bowl. You could say that a foundation was built for the future, but there will be some attrition that needs to be tended to in spring ball. All in all, a much better year than I projected.
Prediction: 2-10 (0-8), 11th - Home for the Holidays
Actual: 5-7 (4-4), T6 - home for the Holidays
My Grade: Missed them by three games overall and four in conference. C-
Indiana Hoosiers - I commented in my preview that IU's trend was 3, 4, 5, 7, 3 wins over the previous five seasons. That logically had to mean that 4 was next in the cycle, right? Indiana was actually not quite as poor as the record indicates. The Hoosiers had Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa and Penn State on the ropes but wound up losing each of those games. The offense is young, the defense growing. Bill Lynch might be on the proverbial hot seat entering next year, but I will already ask - "why?" The Hoosiers need consistency at the top and they are very close to being a team that can at least contend for six or seven wins year in and year out.
Prediction: 3-9 (1-7), 10th and Home for the Holidays
Actual: 4-8 (1-7), T10th and Home for the Holidays
My grade: Missed it by one games overall, nailed the conference record. A
Northwestern Wildcats - What a great year for the Wildcats. Despite a tough loss at Syracuse and a home shocker at the hands of Minnesota, Northwestern did as Nike says and "Just did it." The Wildcats have no superlative players, rather a collection of eleven on both sides of the ball that know how to get the job done. Whether the comeback win over Indiana or the sweet, sweet victories over Illinois and Wisconsin to close the season, NU showed a fight we better get accustomed to as Pat Fitzgerald further grows in his role as the head man in Evanston.
Prediction: 7-5 (3-5), T7th and an At-large bowl berth
Actual: 8-4 (5-3), T4th and an Outback Bowl berth
My grade: Off by one game overall, two games in conference. B
Michigan Wolverines - After a rip-roaring start to this season, even amidst player backlash and NCAA allegations, no one saw this coming. The mighty Wolverines went from 4-0 to 5-7 with a thud and are bowl-less for a second straight season. The natives are restless in Ann Arbor and if this keeps up, the Rich Rod experiment will end after next season. Internal strife happens everywhere, because you can't keep 105 players happy all the time. But to rat out the coaches for violations? I'm thinking those who may have helped kill any Les Miles to Michigan deal a few years ago are second guessing that. The worst part? I don't see that the maize and blue made enough strides in key areas to think 2010 will be any different.
Prediction: 6-6 (3-5), T7 and a Motor City Bowl berth
Actual: 5-7 (1-7), T10th and Home for the Holidays.
My grade: Missed it by one game overall, and two in the conference. B
Wisconsin Badgers - Aside from Northwestern, the team I most underestimated. The young defense came through, the new signal caller had flashes of brilliance and the rushing attack was at times, spectacular. The Badgers probably deserve a New Year's Day bowl, but bowls are business and given that the hoops and football team was in Hawaii in a two week period, UW lands back in Orlando. Wisconsin is well set for the future with a nice bounce back from 2008's dud in hand...
Prediction: 7-5 (3-5), T7th - Insight Bowl berth
Actual: 9-3 (5-3), T4th - Champs Bowl berth
My Grade: Off by two games overall and in conference. B-
Minnesota Golden Gophers - The Golden Gophers both trilled and appalled over the course of the 2009 season. The new stadium in Minneapolis is a gem, some of the performances there? Not so much. For the big wins, there were games that were way too close for comfort and a couple of absolute uglies too boot. Minnesota lost star receiver Adam Decker for the season and nearly watched a bowl slip away. Still, this program is making strides and should really benefit from the extra practice that a bowl berth brings - even if it is the same bowl game as last year.
Prediction: 7-5 (4-4), 6th and an At Large Bowl berth
Actual: 6-6 (4-4), 8th and a return trip to the Insight Bowl.
My grade: One game off overall, perfect in conference. A
Illinois Fighting Illini - You'd think I would have learned my lesson after Illinois laid an egg in 2008. Not so much. Illinois won two games over FBS foes. Two. Yes, there were tough losses but in this day and age I am amazed that Ron Zook kept his job. Players are transferring. Some are opting out early for the NFL. I am struggling to see the bright side of the big picture. One thing is for sure, with no more Juice at the helm, Illinois will be carving out a new identity. Coach Zook better hope that translates to victories.
Prediction: 8-4 (5-3), T4th and an Alamo Bowl berth
Actual: 3-9 (2-6), 9th and Home for the Holidays
My grade: Missed it by fives games overall, three games in conference. D
Iowa Hawkeyes - Iowa never did it with much in the way of style or pizazz, but man did the Hawkeyes get it done. Two blocked field goals in seven seconds seals the season opening win. Comeback wins in nearly every game, capped by the last play game winner in a thriller in East Lansing. Who knows, if not for the injury to Ricky Stanzi, we could be looking at Iowa in the BCS title game. Plain jane and vanilla as it gets or not, Iowa knows how to win. That's why I think they will win the Orange Bowl and serve notice that they will be a favorite in the league in 2010.
Prediction: 9-3 (5-3), T4th and a Capital One Bowl berth
Actual: 10-2 (6-2), T2nd with an Orange Bowl berth
My grade: Missed it by one games on both ends. B+
Michigan State Spartans - The facts. MSU won three less games than in 2008. MSU lost five of six games by a total of 23 points, three of those by a combined seven points, two on the very last play of the game. It was oh-so-close to great, but in the end, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The off-the-field actions immediately following the Penn State loss capped a disappointing season. The good news is that the best players are young - freshmen, sophomore and juniors. Not much departs and the class coming in is good. But the black eye of the "Rather Hall Brawl" needs to subside and State needs to put up a good undermanned fight at the Alamo Bowl for this season to have some semblance of success.
Prediction: 10-2 (6-2), 3rd and an Outback Bowl berth
Actual: 6-6 (4-4), T6th with an Alamo Bowl berth
My grade: Four games off overall, two games off in conference. C
Ohio State Buckeyes - Five straight titles. Another win over Michigan. Another loss to USC. A resounding road win over Penn State. A thrilling, title clinching OT win over Iowa. Yep, this season had it all. The road win streak was snapped but once again, in the face of doubters, this team rose to the top. Hard to believe that this marks the first trip for the Buckeyes to Pasadena since the mid 90s. This program reloads and will be the favorite again in 2010.
Prediction: 10-2 (7-1), T1st - BCS Bowl berth
Actual: 10-2 (7-1), 1st - Rose Bowl berth
My grade: Perfection! But OSU is getting mighty easy to predict. A+
Penn State Nittany Lions - All in all, a solid season for Penn State. We saw with the early home loss to Iowa that this team was not going to be the elite team many expected, and that was verified with a resounding home loss at the hands of Ohio State. Despite a cupcake OOC slate that would make even Glen Mason blush, the Nittany Lions did some nice things, including manhandling both Michigan and Michigan State on the road. There is some turnover coming at key positions for the Nits in 2010, but we all know they will be right in the thick of things.
Prediction: 11-1 (7-1), T1st - Rose Bowl berth
Actual: 10-2 (6-2), T2nd - Capital One Bowl berth
My Grade: Missed them by one game on both ends. B+
Get Gamm Basketball (picks due by 12/29):
12/29 - Purdue at Iowa
12/29 - Penn State at Minnesota
12/30 - Northwestern at Illinois
12/31 - Michigan at Indiana
12/31 - Ohio State at Wisconsin
1/2 - Minnesota at Iowa
1/2 - Michigan State at Northwestern
1/3 - Wisconsin at Penn State
1/3 - Ohio State at Michigan
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday Morning Quarterback
It's hard to believe that we are done with the 2009 Big Ten football season. Yes, I know Illinois has two OOC games left and Wisconsin takes its wounded self to Hawaii for a game, but the standings are set and so is, for all intents and purposes, the bowl pecking order.
It was another weekend with some eyebrow raisers, at least one mild upset and some more chest puffing at the top. Ohio State has won six straight over Michigan. Wow. Penn State throttled the Spartans for one quarter on Saturday and that proved to be plenty - which has to make Iowa nervous. Iowa shut out Minnesota for the pig - again. Purdue stomped a rather uninspired Indiana team and Northwestern pulled the upset of the weekend.
It has been a fun season, filled with big plays, shocking upsets, puzzling losses and more. The major awards are to be revealed tonight, the bowl picture settled in about 13 days and who knows, maybe a coach or two will find himself in the unemployment line.
We're not totally done with football here. After today we'll have the last of Get Gamm - Football style and a report card on my preseason picks. Note that the standings are updated through last weekend's games. There are still ten left (including the three you already picked for the last regular season games).
I'll be shifting focus to hoops as we start with the Big Ten - ACC Challenge next week already. I hope to get my preseason picks out ASAP too...
Team of the Week: Northwestern. Congrats to the cats. Northwestern posted a sweet win over Wisconsin and with that, a solid 8-4 (5-3) record. NU better keep hold of Pat Fitzgerald because I think Notre Dame would love to hire a young, up and coming Irish boy to replace Jabba the Coach.
Player of the Week: Call this one a lifetime achievement award... Daryll Clark, Penn State quarterback, has carved up the Spartans for 651 yards and 8 TD passes in the past two seasons. His third quarter explosion gives him the nod over a cast of worthy opponents (Elliott, Kafka, Jones).
Around the Big Ten
The team-by-team capsules include my final bowl (and opponent) projections. Here is where Adam Rittenberg sees the Big Ten falling, as well as the experts at ESPN and CBS.
Illinois - Illinois has two games left and while no bowl game is on tap, the extended season sort of allows for that extra practice, without really getting extra practice. The big question these last two weeks will be "Is Ron Zook's job safe?" I'm not so sure it is. Next up: at Cincinnati (11/27), Fresno State (12/5)
Indiana - Indiana really let me down this past weekend. I thought we'd see more fight out of IU in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. Negatory. The Hoosiers got slapped around Memorial Stadium by its rival. I think Bill Lynch is safe, if only because Indiana is young and has the potential to be decent in 2010. Next Up: Spring Practice
Iowa - It wasn't pretty but Iowa shut out Minnesota again to retain Floyd. Iowa sits at 11 in the latest BCS poll but will have to sweat it out with Penn State to see if an at-large is tossed their way. I think the Big Ten DOES get that second berth, and then it becomes a chess match with the very PSU team Iowa smacked around in State College. I'm a little torn on which way the BCS will lean, but predict that Iowa brings enough cache to squeeze out the Nittany Lions. Next up: versus Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
Michigan - Let the speculation build. Will Rich Rod be back for a third season? Can Michigan fans, alums, faculty, etc. tolerate more growing pains? I think Rodriguez will be back UNLESS the NCAA upturns something nasty, in which case he'll be run out on a rail. Sorry to wash, rinse, repeat, but this will be the story line in Ann Arbor now that Michigan is once again home for the holidays. Next up: Spring Practice
Michigan State - This was not the way MSU wanted to end its season. After a wonderful first half, State snapped and got handled at home by Penn State for the first time. Most MSU-PSU tilts in East Lansing have been MSU blowout wins or instant classics. Not this time. The good news for the Spartans is that despite the hiccup, a bowl game and all that extra practice awaits. That is critical for a team this young. Next up: versus Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl
Minnesota - Yikes. After the impressive win over Michigan State, Minnesota has been a dud. The Gophers are barely bowl eligible and playing some awful football right now - particularly on the offensive side of the ball. By virtue of a predicted two teams in the BCS, Minnesota avoids the Pizza Pizza bowl and returns to Tempe for New Year's Eve. Next up: versus Texas Tech in the Insight Bowl
Northwestern - Last week I said I was impressed. This week? I'm really impressed. What Pat Fitzgerald has done here is amazing. Northwestern's win firmly planted the Wildcats in warm, sunny Florida for the holidays. Now NU just has to keep the Irish away from its rising star of a coach. Next up: versus North Carolina in the Champs Sports Bowl
Ohio State - Hard to believe fact of the year? Ohio State finishes first, Michigan last in the Big Ten. OSU is off to Pasadena for the first time in over a decade and will bring throngs of scarlet and gray clad fans with them. I like the potential match up out there with the Ducks. In fact, outside of the title game, this looks to be the best on the table. Next Up: versus Oregon in the Rose Bowl
Penn State - The Nittany Lions obliterated Michigan State for 15 minutes on Saturday and that was all that was needed to seal another ten-win season for JoePa. The ageless one has an amazing 21 seasons with ten or more wins. The performance in East Lansing certainly helped the cause for the Nits, who hope to sneak past Iowa and into the BCS mix. I think that loss in State College to the Hawkeyes sends them to Orlando instead. Next up: versus Ole Miss in the Capital One Bowl.
Purdue - Saturday's resounding win in Bloomington should be a good building block for 2010. Purdue put up some fantastic numbers this season but was a few bounces from a much better record. Look for the Boilers to build on the second half success and go bowling in 2010. Next up: Spring Practice
Wisconsin - The Badgers laid an egg in Evanston and cost themselves a shot at a BCS berth and perhaps moved all the way below the Wildcats in the bowl pecking order. The safer bet is that the well-traveled Badgers get win nine in Hawaii and then roll down to Tampa for New Year's Day. Next up: at Hawaii (12/5), versus LSU in the Outback Bowl.
Get Gamm Football:
With three games left from the regular season and the bowl games to go, Andrew and St. Louis Spartan are deadlocked at the top. Look for the bowl version of Get Gamm to come out the week of December 7.
Meantime, let's Get Gamm - hoops style! We'll pick the Big Ten - ACC Challenge and then get after it in full once conference play tips off...
Penn State at Virginia (11/30)
Northwestern at NC State (12/1)
Wake Forest at Purdue (12/1)
Maryland at Indiana (12/1)
Michigan State at North Carolina (12/1)
Virginia Tech at Iowa (12/1)
Illinois at Clemson (12/2)
Minnesota at Miami-FLA (12/2)
Boston College at Michigan (12/2)
It was another weekend with some eyebrow raisers, at least one mild upset and some more chest puffing at the top. Ohio State has won six straight over Michigan. Wow. Penn State throttled the Spartans for one quarter on Saturday and that proved to be plenty - which has to make Iowa nervous. Iowa shut out Minnesota for the pig - again. Purdue stomped a rather uninspired Indiana team and Northwestern pulled the upset of the weekend.
It has been a fun season, filled with big plays, shocking upsets, puzzling losses and more. The major awards are to be revealed tonight, the bowl picture settled in about 13 days and who knows, maybe a coach or two will find himself in the unemployment line.
We're not totally done with football here. After today we'll have the last of Get Gamm - Football style and a report card on my preseason picks. Note that the standings are updated through last weekend's games. There are still ten left (including the three you already picked for the last regular season games).
I'll be shifting focus to hoops as we start with the Big Ten - ACC Challenge next week already. I hope to get my preseason picks out ASAP too...
Team of the Week: Northwestern. Congrats to the cats. Northwestern posted a sweet win over Wisconsin and with that, a solid 8-4 (5-3) record. NU better keep hold of Pat Fitzgerald because I think Notre Dame would love to hire a young, up and coming Irish boy to replace Jabba the Coach.
Player of the Week: Call this one a lifetime achievement award... Daryll Clark, Penn State quarterback, has carved up the Spartans for 651 yards and 8 TD passes in the past two seasons. His third quarter explosion gives him the nod over a cast of worthy opponents (Elliott, Kafka, Jones).
Around the Big Ten
The team-by-team capsules include my final bowl (and opponent) projections. Here is where Adam Rittenberg sees the Big Ten falling, as well as the experts at ESPN and CBS.
Illinois - Illinois has two games left and while no bowl game is on tap, the extended season sort of allows for that extra practice, without really getting extra practice. The big question these last two weeks will be "Is Ron Zook's job safe?" I'm not so sure it is. Next up: at Cincinnati (11/27), Fresno State (12/5)
Indiana - Indiana really let me down this past weekend. I thought we'd see more fight out of IU in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. Negatory. The Hoosiers got slapped around Memorial Stadium by its rival. I think Bill Lynch is safe, if only because Indiana is young and has the potential to be decent in 2010. Next Up: Spring Practice
Iowa - It wasn't pretty but Iowa shut out Minnesota again to retain Floyd. Iowa sits at 11 in the latest BCS poll but will have to sweat it out with Penn State to see if an at-large is tossed their way. I think the Big Ten DOES get that second berth, and then it becomes a chess match with the very PSU team Iowa smacked around in State College. I'm a little torn on which way the BCS will lean, but predict that Iowa brings enough cache to squeeze out the Nittany Lions. Next up: versus Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
Michigan - Let the speculation build. Will Rich Rod be back for a third season? Can Michigan fans, alums, faculty, etc. tolerate more growing pains? I think Rodriguez will be back UNLESS the NCAA upturns something nasty, in which case he'll be run out on a rail. Sorry to wash, rinse, repeat, but this will be the story line in Ann Arbor now that Michigan is once again home for the holidays. Next up: Spring Practice
Michigan State - This was not the way MSU wanted to end its season. After a wonderful first half, State snapped and got handled at home by Penn State for the first time. Most MSU-PSU tilts in East Lansing have been MSU blowout wins or instant classics. Not this time. The good news for the Spartans is that despite the hiccup, a bowl game and all that extra practice awaits. That is critical for a team this young. Next up: versus Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl
Minnesota - Yikes. After the impressive win over Michigan State, Minnesota has been a dud. The Gophers are barely bowl eligible and playing some awful football right now - particularly on the offensive side of the ball. By virtue of a predicted two teams in the BCS, Minnesota avoids the Pizza Pizza bowl and returns to Tempe for New Year's Eve. Next up: versus Texas Tech in the Insight Bowl
Northwestern - Last week I said I was impressed. This week? I'm really impressed. What Pat Fitzgerald has done here is amazing. Northwestern's win firmly planted the Wildcats in warm, sunny Florida for the holidays. Now NU just has to keep the Irish away from its rising star of a coach. Next up: versus North Carolina in the Champs Sports Bowl
Ohio State - Hard to believe fact of the year? Ohio State finishes first, Michigan last in the Big Ten. OSU is off to Pasadena for the first time in over a decade and will bring throngs of scarlet and gray clad fans with them. I like the potential match up out there with the Ducks. In fact, outside of the title game, this looks to be the best on the table. Next Up: versus Oregon in the Rose Bowl
Penn State - The Nittany Lions obliterated Michigan State for 15 minutes on Saturday and that was all that was needed to seal another ten-win season for JoePa. The ageless one has an amazing 21 seasons with ten or more wins. The performance in East Lansing certainly helped the cause for the Nits, who hope to sneak past Iowa and into the BCS mix. I think that loss in State College to the Hawkeyes sends them to Orlando instead. Next up: versus Ole Miss in the Capital One Bowl.
Purdue - Saturday's resounding win in Bloomington should be a good building block for 2010. Purdue put up some fantastic numbers this season but was a few bounces from a much better record. Look for the Boilers to build on the second half success and go bowling in 2010. Next up: Spring Practice
Wisconsin - The Badgers laid an egg in Evanston and cost themselves a shot at a BCS berth and perhaps moved all the way below the Wildcats in the bowl pecking order. The safer bet is that the well-traveled Badgers get win nine in Hawaii and then roll down to Tampa for New Year's Day. Next up: at Hawaii (12/5), versus LSU in the Outback Bowl.
Get Gamm Football:
With three games left from the regular season and the bowl games to go, Andrew and St. Louis Spartan are deadlocked at the top. Look for the bowl version of Get Gamm to come out the week of December 7.
Meantime, let's Get Gamm - hoops style! We'll pick the Big Ten - ACC Challenge and then get after it in full once conference play tips off...
Penn State at Virginia (11/30)
Northwestern at NC State (12/1)
Wake Forest at Purdue (12/1)
Maryland at Indiana (12/1)
Michigan State at North Carolina (12/1)
Virginia Tech at Iowa (12/1)
Illinois at Clemson (12/2)
Minnesota at Miami-FLA (12/2)
Boston College at Michigan (12/2)
Duke at Wisconsin (12/2)
Florida State at Ohio State (12/2)
Florida State at Ohio State (12/2)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Get Gamm - Week 12 Plus
Only two more opportunities to Get Gamm in football. Look for Get Gamm Hoops to start with the ACC-Big Ten Challenge and then continuing once conference play tips off.
In the meantime, here we go. A lot of jockeying for bowl position in the next few weeks. Our picture should be pretty clear after Saturday.
St. Louis Spartan won the right to pick with me, but he's in transition with a big move to a new home this week so he just gave me his scores. Guess that means more room for me to pontificate!
Purdue at Indiana - The Battle for the Old Oaken Bucket is a de facto bowl game for these squads. Neither will play a lick of football after Saturday, so for the seniors on both sides, urgency is high. That, the rivalry, and the similarities in these teams makes this a game to watch.
I'm not convinced that a whole lot of defense will be played in Memorial Stadium. Both teams have great weapons at quarterback, wide receiver and tailback. Purdue has the upper hand - or should I say "leg" on special teams, but Indiana has a few more defensive playmakers. When push comes to shove, I'll go back to my preseason projections. I said IU then, I'm sticking to it!
Indiana 40 - Purdue 38
St. Louis Spartan says ... Purdue 35 - Indiana 31
Minnesota at Iowa - In Bloomington, they're playing for a bucket. In Iowa City? A big 'ol bronzed pig. Cool. Floyd of Rosedale is at stake when the Gophers invade Kinnick on Saturday. So are some other things. For Minnesota - dignity after last year's epic beat down. Oh and NOT having to settle for the Pizza Pizza Bowl. For Iowa it is a chance to make a statement to the Fiesta or Orange Bowl committees to "pick me." It is also an opportunity to retain the pig, bounce back from the two-game losing streak and send the seniors off as winners.
It won't be 55-0, but Minnesota doesn't stand a chance.
Iowa 27 - Minnesota 13.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Iowa 28 - Minnesota 17
Ohio State at Michigan - The best rivalry in college football - bar none. No trophy needed. No cute, made up gimmick or name (sorry Red River Rivalry). Nothing driving this but pure hatred. Maybe even some disrespect. Guys from Ohio playing for Michigan. Guys transferring from Michigan to play for Ohio State. Are you a reality TV fan? This is reality TV at its core? Tune in!
Now, this one doesn't have the marquee value of past games. Not even close. Ohio State is already Rose Bowl bound. Michigan isn't going much of anywhere. One has won its fifth straight title. The other is looking at another 1-7 league record. In a way though, this adds intrigue. Ohio State is playing for the pure pride of another win over the arch-enemy. Michigan is playing to get to a bowl. No 1 vs. 2 here but plenty of reasons to watch.
I think Michigan comes out with fire and passion, but cannot keep up when push comes to shove.
Ohio State 20 - Michigan 10.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Ohio State 31 - Michigan 14
Wisconsin at Northwestern - Don't sleep on this game. Wisconsin has BCS dreams - all be they long shot dreams. Northwestern is quietly building to a very solid season. It may be a foregone conclusion that Wisconsin will be in Florida for New Year's Day but we don't know where the 'cats are heading. That hinges on this game. Lose, finish 7-5 (4-4) and maybe the Spartans or Gophers, even Michigan (if bowl eligible) jump you. Win and you'r e8-4 (5-3) and on your way somewhere warm. The Badgers are not likely to pass Iowa or Penn State unless both lose but boy does 10-2 look nice.
I think this will be an instant classic. Wisconsin wins in overtime.
Wisconsin 30 - Northwestern 24.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Wisconsin 31 - Northwestern 24
Penn State at Michigan State - The most "forced" of the rivalries by virtue of the short time the two have battled for the Land Grant Trophy but still, a very underrated rivalry. These teams have played some memorable season-enders over the past 16 years and this should be no different.
Penn State is very much in the mix for a big payday and a BCS at-large berth. Michigan State is bowl eligible but seeks its best three year stretch (7+ wins each season) since Duffy roamed the sidelines in the mid 50s.
The Nittany Lions have been slow starters this season. The offensive line has been a problem. That bodes well for the Spartans who have to get pressure on the QB to have any success at all on defense. I think Swenson seals the Groza with a game winner.
Michigan State 24 - Penn State 23.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Penn State 28 - Michigan State 24
Illinois at Cincinnati (Friday, 11/27) - This is a huge opportunity for the Big Ten to save some football face. And it might be the right time. Notre Dame might already be in Brian Kelly's ear. Cincy will be peeking ahead to a battle royal at Pitt. Okay, back to reality. Illinois isn't good. Illinois won't win.
Cincinnati 37 - Illinois 23.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Cincinnati 35 - Illinois 17
Fresno State at Illinois - I'm running out of time. Fresno is good on the road. This is Senior Day and Illinois' bowl game. Juice and Benn have one last hurrah...
Illinois 27 - Fresno State 23.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Illinois 28 - Fresno State 24
Wisconsin at Hawaii - This trip seems all beaches and bikini clad women but ask MSU, Purdue, Wisconsin and others who have been there, done that. This is no picnic. The trip is long. There are distractions galore. I've never seen a ref over there not put the screws on a visiting team at some point during the game. All of that said, Wisconsin has ten wins in sight and enough time to prepare for this trip.
Wisconsin 38 - Hawaii 27.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Wisconsin 31 - Hawaii 17
Only two more opportunities to Get Gamm in football. Look for Get Gamm Hoops to start with the ACC-Big Ten Challenge and then continuing once conference play tips off.
In the meantime, here we go. A lot of jockeying for bowl position in the next few weeks. Our picture should be pretty clear after Saturday.
St. Louis Spartan won the right to pick with me, but he's in transition with a big move to a new home this week so he just gave me his scores. Guess that means more room for me to pontificate!
Purdue at Indiana - The Battle for the Old Oaken Bucket is a de facto bowl game for these squads. Neither will play a lick of football after Saturday, so for the seniors on both sides, urgency is high. That, the rivalry, and the similarities in these teams makes this a game to watch.
I'm not convinced that a whole lot of defense will be played in Memorial Stadium. Both teams have great weapons at quarterback, wide receiver and tailback. Purdue has the upper hand - or should I say "leg" on special teams, but Indiana has a few more defensive playmakers. When push comes to shove, I'll go back to my preseason projections. I said IU then, I'm sticking to it!
Indiana 40 - Purdue 38
St. Louis Spartan says ... Purdue 35 - Indiana 31
Minnesota at Iowa - In Bloomington, they're playing for a bucket. In Iowa City? A big 'ol bronzed pig. Cool. Floyd of Rosedale is at stake when the Gophers invade Kinnick on Saturday. So are some other things. For Minnesota - dignity after last year's epic beat down. Oh and NOT having to settle for the Pizza Pizza Bowl. For Iowa it is a chance to make a statement to the Fiesta or Orange Bowl committees to "pick me." It is also an opportunity to retain the pig, bounce back from the two-game losing streak and send the seniors off as winners.
It won't be 55-0, but Minnesota doesn't stand a chance.
Iowa 27 - Minnesota 13.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Iowa 28 - Minnesota 17
Ohio State at Michigan - The best rivalry in college football - bar none. No trophy needed. No cute, made up gimmick or name (sorry Red River Rivalry). Nothing driving this but pure hatred. Maybe even some disrespect. Guys from Ohio playing for Michigan. Guys transferring from Michigan to play for Ohio State. Are you a reality TV fan? This is reality TV at its core? Tune in!
Now, this one doesn't have the marquee value of past games. Not even close. Ohio State is already Rose Bowl bound. Michigan isn't going much of anywhere. One has won its fifth straight title. The other is looking at another 1-7 league record. In a way though, this adds intrigue. Ohio State is playing for the pure pride of another win over the arch-enemy. Michigan is playing to get to a bowl. No 1 vs. 2 here but plenty of reasons to watch.
I think Michigan comes out with fire and passion, but cannot keep up when push comes to shove.
Ohio State 20 - Michigan 10.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Ohio State 31 - Michigan 14
Wisconsin at Northwestern - Don't sleep on this game. Wisconsin has BCS dreams - all be they long shot dreams. Northwestern is quietly building to a very solid season. It may be a foregone conclusion that Wisconsin will be in Florida for New Year's Day but we don't know where the 'cats are heading. That hinges on this game. Lose, finish 7-5 (4-4) and maybe the Spartans or Gophers, even Michigan (if bowl eligible) jump you. Win and you'r e8-4 (5-3) and on your way somewhere warm. The Badgers are not likely to pass Iowa or Penn State unless both lose but boy does 10-2 look nice.
I think this will be an instant classic. Wisconsin wins in overtime.
Wisconsin 30 - Northwestern 24.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Wisconsin 31 - Northwestern 24
Penn State at Michigan State - The most "forced" of the rivalries by virtue of the short time the two have battled for the Land Grant Trophy but still, a very underrated rivalry. These teams have played some memorable season-enders over the past 16 years and this should be no different.
Penn State is very much in the mix for a big payday and a BCS at-large berth. Michigan State is bowl eligible but seeks its best three year stretch (7+ wins each season) since Duffy roamed the sidelines in the mid 50s.
The Nittany Lions have been slow starters this season. The offensive line has been a problem. That bodes well for the Spartans who have to get pressure on the QB to have any success at all on defense. I think Swenson seals the Groza with a game winner.
Michigan State 24 - Penn State 23.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Penn State 28 - Michigan State 24
Illinois at Cincinnati (Friday, 11/27) - This is a huge opportunity for the Big Ten to save some football face. And it might be the right time. Notre Dame might already be in Brian Kelly's ear. Cincy will be peeking ahead to a battle royal at Pitt. Okay, back to reality. Illinois isn't good. Illinois won't win.
Cincinnati 37 - Illinois 23.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Cincinnati 35 - Illinois 17
Fresno State at Illinois - I'm running out of time. Fresno is good on the road. This is Senior Day and Illinois' bowl game. Juice and Benn have one last hurrah...
Illinois 27 - Fresno State 23.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Illinois 28 - Fresno State 24
Wisconsin at Hawaii - This trip seems all beaches and bikini clad women but ask MSU, Purdue, Wisconsin and others who have been there, done that. This is no picnic. The trip is long. There are distractions galore. I've never seen a ref over there not put the screws on a visiting team at some point during the game. All of that said, Wisconsin has ten wins in sight and enough time to prepare for this trip.
Wisconsin 38 - Hawaii 27.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Wisconsin 31 - Hawaii 17
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday Afternoon Quarterback
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winner. We also have a pretty clear delineation of the tiers in this conference. There is one more full week to be played, followed by a smattering of other games on the slate. Eight teams are still alive in the bowl hunt, seven are eligible.
The weekend was full of (mostly) close games and unfortunately, due to a business trip to southern California (they are NOT pleased with the Trojans out there) all I saw was overtime of the OSU - Iowa tilt. That's right, I haven't even seen the MSU game yet, though thanks to my DVR, I plan to as soon as the kids are in bed tonight...
With the champion crowned, it might seem like we're set up for an anti-climactic finish, but I'd argue otherwise. The jockeying for bowl position is still going to be very, very interesting. With the PAC 10 and Big 12 floundering at the top, the Big Ten is still very alive in the hunt for an at-large berth. It all makes for an interesting final weekend of Big Ten play...
Team of the Week: Iowa. Yes, I am aware that the Hawkeyes lost but no one outside of Iowa City gave the black and gold a prayer going into the game at the 'shoe last weekend. Down 24-10 in the fourth, it looked to be signed, sealed and delivered. But true to form, Iowa clawed back and took the Buckeyes to overtime. Hat's off to the never say die Iowa Hawkeyes.
Player of the Week: A lot of guys had great games over the weekend. Joey Elliott from Purdue. Keith Smith from Purdue. Scott Tolzein of Wisconsin. But I would argue that one player had the biggest impact on his team's victory Saturday. Michigan State's Keshawn Martin had 236 all-purpose yards and an 85-yard kickoff return in the waning moments of a barn burner in West Lafayette to set up the game winner.
Around the Big Ten
The team-by-team capsules will continue to focus on the adjusted bowl possibilities and projections. For those out of the mix, I'll think of something else! Here are ESPN.com's, College Football News', and CBS Sportsline's.
Illinois - The Illini are cooked. They made a valiant effort but the 1-5 hole the Illini dug for itself was hard to overcome. Perhaps a better start this past weekend would have kept it alive. Where do they go from here? The focus has to be on finishing strong and building for next year. The nice thing for Illinois is that there are two games left, which means time to practice longer than most other non-bowl teams in the land. Next up: at Cincinnati (11/27), Fresno State (12/5)
Indiana - I really feel for Indiana. The Hoosiers might be one of the best four win teams in the nation. They battled again on the road but came up short. This team lacks the depth of weapons that everyone else has and therefore needs to pounce when there are opportunities. The Hoosiers didn't get enough out of four first half turnovers by the Nittany Lions on Saturday and after next week get to look back and wonder, what if...Next Up: Purdue
Iowa - I love the gutsy effort put forth by the under-manned Hawkeyes last weekend. In fact, that performance, if followed up by a win this coming weekend, may bring about the reward of a BCS berth for Iowa. What you see is what you get with this team and folks, they know how to put themselves in position to win.
The weekend was full of (mostly) close games and unfortunately, due to a business trip to southern California (they are NOT pleased with the Trojans out there) all I saw was overtime of the OSU - Iowa tilt. That's right, I haven't even seen the MSU game yet, though thanks to my DVR, I plan to as soon as the kids are in bed tonight...
With the champion crowned, it might seem like we're set up for an anti-climactic finish, but I'd argue otherwise. The jockeying for bowl position is still going to be very, very interesting. With the PAC 10 and Big 12 floundering at the top, the Big Ten is still very alive in the hunt for an at-large berth. It all makes for an interesting final weekend of Big Ten play...
Team of the Week: Iowa. Yes, I am aware that the Hawkeyes lost but no one outside of Iowa City gave the black and gold a prayer going into the game at the 'shoe last weekend. Down 24-10 in the fourth, it looked to be signed, sealed and delivered. But true to form, Iowa clawed back and took the Buckeyes to overtime. Hat's off to the never say die Iowa Hawkeyes.
Player of the Week: A lot of guys had great games over the weekend. Joey Elliott from Purdue. Keith Smith from Purdue. Scott Tolzein of Wisconsin. But I would argue that one player had the biggest impact on his team's victory Saturday. Michigan State's Keshawn Martin had 236 all-purpose yards and an 85-yard kickoff return in the waning moments of a barn burner in West Lafayette to set up the game winner.
Around the Big Ten
The team-by-team capsules will continue to focus on the adjusted bowl possibilities and projections. For those out of the mix, I'll think of something else! Here are ESPN.com's, College Football News', and CBS Sportsline's.
Illinois - The Illini are cooked. They made a valiant effort but the 1-5 hole the Illini dug for itself was hard to overcome. Perhaps a better start this past weekend would have kept it alive. Where do they go from here? The focus has to be on finishing strong and building for next year. The nice thing for Illinois is that there are two games left, which means time to practice longer than most other non-bowl teams in the land. Next up: at Cincinnati (11/27), Fresno State (12/5)
Indiana - I really feel for Indiana. The Hoosiers might be one of the best four win teams in the nation. They battled again on the road but came up short. This team lacks the depth of weapons that everyone else has and therefore needs to pounce when there are opportunities. The Hoosiers didn't get enough out of four first half turnovers by the Nittany Lions on Saturday and after next week get to look back and wonder, what if...Next Up: Purdue
Iowa - I love the gutsy effort put forth by the under-manned Hawkeyes last weekend. In fact, that performance, if followed up by a win this coming weekend, may bring about the reward of a BCS berth for Iowa. What you see is what you get with this team and folks, they know how to put themselves in position to win.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 10-2 and given what's happened in other conferences, I like Iowa to head to the Fiesta Bowl. Next up: Minnesota
Michigan - Let the speculation begin. Will Rich Rod be back for a third season? Can Michigan fans, alums, faculty, etc. tolerate more growing pains? I think Rodriguez will be back UNLESS the NCAA upturns something nasty, in which case he'll be run out on a rail. Short term, the Wolverines still have a shot at bowl eligibility. And wouldn't it be sweet victory for this program to rise up and beat the hated Buckeyes to get there?
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 5-7 and no bowl. Next up: Ohio State
Michigan State - After the big win in West Lafayette - despite a statistical beat down - MSU is 2-0 in November and in search of its first 3-0 final month since 1999. The Spartans finally found a way to win the sort of game that has bit them in the butt all season long and in the process, became bowl eligible for the third straight season. That's the first time since 1995-1997 and only the third such streak in school history.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 7-5 and an Alamo Bowl Berth. Next up: Penn State
Minnesota - Oh my. The Golden Gophers were this close to staring home for the holiday's square in the face. A home win by a field goal over an FCS foe? Ouch. Minnesota's flash fire rise to relevance against the Spartans has been followed by a bunch of smoke spitting and sputtering the past two weeks. Nonetheless, Minnesota gained that extra practice time so coveted by a young team and now is playing for position.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 6-6. Minnesota only avoids snowy, gray Detroit by virtue of losing to Iowa and sending the Hawkeyes to the Fiesta. Off to the Insight - again - for the Gophers. Next up: at Iowa
Northwestern - I'm impressed. Northwestern has really come together under the leadership of Pat Fitzgerald and will go bowling in back to back seasons for just the second time in school history. Now it's a matter of where. The 'cats are rooting for Iowa or Penn State as a second BCS berth upgrades the destination quite a bit.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 7-5. Prediction is 7-5. The Wildcats benefit from a second BCS berth for the conference and head to Orlando for the Champs Bowl. Next up: Wisconsin
Ohio State - Congrats to the five-time champ Ohio State Buckeyes. Saturday was more of a battle than expected but that win means the first trip to Pasadena for the Bucknuts, since, can you believe it - after the 1996 season! The last time Ohio State went to the Rose Bowl, they beat Jake Plummer and the Arizona State Sun Devils. The clinched BCS berth is OSU's record 8th since the series began.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Next Up: at Michigan
Penn State - The Nittany Lions came out flatter than a slashed tired against Indiana last weekend but still has its sights set on a big bowl payout. This season has been more of a struggle than expected but the Nits might well benefit from the down year being had by the Big 12 and PAC 10. This weekend is all about position. Win and move up the pecking order. Lose and settle in for New Year's in Florida.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 9-3 and a berth in the Outback Bowl. Next up: at Michigan State
Purdue - Saturday's result was a microcosm of the Boilermakers' season. Another close but no cigar finish. Another great game on paper with the wrong results to show for it. That leaves a young team home for the holiday's and missing out on critical extra practice time. The bowl game becomes the Old Oaken Bucket Bowl in Bloomington.
Wisconsin - The Badgers laid the hammer to Michigan and exacted a measure of revenge for last season. It also left UW still in the mix for a BCS berth, though it will be tough for the Badgers to pass up two teams it lost to head to head (OSU and Iowa). Now it comes down to Orlando or Tampa?
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip back to Orlando, this time for the Capital One Bowl. Next up: at Northwestern, at Hawaii (12/5)
Get Gamm Winner:
Andrew maintained his lead but gave a game back to our only perfect picker on the week - St. Louis Spartan. With three "strays" on tap after this weekend, we'll pick the rest all at once. That means two more chances to Get Gamm - this one and bowl style...
Ohio State at Michigan
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Penn State at Michigan State
Purdue at Indiana (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Cincinnati (11/27)
Fresno State at Illinois (12/5)
Wisconsin at Hawaii (12/5)
Michigan - Let the speculation begin. Will Rich Rod be back for a third season? Can Michigan fans, alums, faculty, etc. tolerate more growing pains? I think Rodriguez will be back UNLESS the NCAA upturns something nasty, in which case he'll be run out on a rail. Short term, the Wolverines still have a shot at bowl eligibility. And wouldn't it be sweet victory for this program to rise up and beat the hated Buckeyes to get there?
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 5-7 and no bowl. Next up: Ohio State
Michigan State - After the big win in West Lafayette - despite a statistical beat down - MSU is 2-0 in November and in search of its first 3-0 final month since 1999. The Spartans finally found a way to win the sort of game that has bit them in the butt all season long and in the process, became bowl eligible for the third straight season. That's the first time since 1995-1997 and only the third such streak in school history.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 7-5 and an Alamo Bowl Berth. Next up: Penn State
Minnesota - Oh my. The Golden Gophers were this close to staring home for the holiday's square in the face. A home win by a field goal over an FCS foe? Ouch. Minnesota's flash fire rise to relevance against the Spartans has been followed by a bunch of smoke spitting and sputtering the past two weeks. Nonetheless, Minnesota gained that extra practice time so coveted by a young team and now is playing for position.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 6-6. Minnesota only avoids snowy, gray Detroit by virtue of losing to Iowa and sending the Hawkeyes to the Fiesta. Off to the Insight - again - for the Gophers. Next up: at Iowa
Northwestern - I'm impressed. Northwestern has really come together under the leadership of Pat Fitzgerald and will go bowling in back to back seasons for just the second time in school history. Now it's a matter of where. The 'cats are rooting for Iowa or Penn State as a second BCS berth upgrades the destination quite a bit.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 7-5. Prediction is 7-5. The Wildcats benefit from a second BCS berth for the conference and head to Orlando for the Champs Bowl. Next up: Wisconsin
Ohio State - Congrats to the five-time champ Ohio State Buckeyes. Saturday was more of a battle than expected but that win means the first trip to Pasadena for the Bucknuts, since, can you believe it - after the 1996 season! The last time Ohio State went to the Rose Bowl, they beat Jake Plummer and the Arizona State Sun Devils. The clinched BCS berth is OSU's record 8th since the series began.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Next Up: at Michigan
Penn State - The Nittany Lions came out flatter than a slashed tired against Indiana last weekend but still has its sights set on a big bowl payout. This season has been more of a struggle than expected but the Nits might well benefit from the down year being had by the Big 12 and PAC 10. This weekend is all about position. Win and move up the pecking order. Lose and settle in for New Year's in Florida.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 9-3 and a berth in the Outback Bowl. Next up: at Michigan State
Purdue - Saturday's result was a microcosm of the Boilermakers' season. Another close but no cigar finish. Another great game on paper with the wrong results to show for it. That leaves a young team home for the holiday's and missing out on critical extra practice time. The bowl game becomes the Old Oaken Bucket Bowl in Bloomington.
Wisconsin - The Badgers laid the hammer to Michigan and exacted a measure of revenge for last season. It also left UW still in the mix for a BCS berth, though it will be tough for the Badgers to pass up two teams it lost to head to head (OSU and Iowa). Now it comes down to Orlando or Tampa?
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip back to Orlando, this time for the Capital One Bowl. Next up: at Northwestern, at Hawaii (12/5)
Get Gamm Winner:
Andrew maintained his lead but gave a game back to our only perfect picker on the week - St. Louis Spartan. With three "strays" on tap after this weekend, we'll pick the rest all at once. That means two more chances to Get Gamm - this one and bowl style...
Minnesota at Iowa
Ohio State at Michigan
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Penn State at Michigan State
Purdue at Indiana (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Cincinnati (11/27)
Fresno State at Illinois (12/5)
Wisconsin at Hawaii (12/5)
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