1. Wisconsin: I am not going to penalize the Badgers after losing two games on Hail Marys, and I most certainly will not put Nebraska ahead of them after the Badgers destroyed them 5 weeks ago. The bottom line is this - the B1G stinks this year, especially toward the top.
2. Nebraska: The Huskers have rebounded nicely after getting stomped by Wisconsin in their B1G opener in Madison a month ago. The return of cornerback Alfonzo Dennard has helped the defense dramatically, especially after losing tackle Jared Crick for the season. I didn't expect Nebraska to hold Michigan State to 3 points, that was a very impressive defensive performance last week.
3. Penn State: If someone told me that Penn State would be 8-1 a month ago I would have laughed until I started crying. The Penn State D is for real and while watching their games is the equivalent of watching your neighbor paint his garage you can't deny the fact that the Nittany Lions are a good solid football team.
4. Michigan State: The Spartans have played a murderers row of: Michigan, Wisconsin, and @Nebraska and came away with a record of 2-1. That should be good enough to get them to Indy, because I see both Michigan and Nebraska suffering losses down the stretch.
5. Ohio State: I didn't see the Buckeyes beating the Badgers, but they did. Luke Fickell has a right to hold his head high for the way the Buckeyes are playing right now. He is sprucing up his resume for his next job as an assistant coach (sarcasm).
6. Michigan: The Wolverines have a lot to prove after laying an egg against Michigan two weeks ago. They played well against Purdue, but that loss to Michigan State doesn't sit well with me. It just feels like this team is missing a few pieces and is still a year or two away from returning to greatness.
7. Illinois: At the beginning of the year I predicted Illinois would only win 5 games. It looks like I am only going to be one game off;)
8. Iowa: I don't know what happened to Iowa against Minnesota but they should be ashamed of themselves.
9. Northwestern: Playing Indiana can help you get off the schneid. Has Pat Fitzgerald interviewed anywhere recently?
10. Purdue: How are the Boilermakers a .500 team? It feels like they are much worse...
11. Minnesota: The Gophers locked up Jerry Kill for seven years and kept Floyd of Rosedale in Minnesota for a second consecutive year. Not a bad week at all!
12. Indiana: My high school alma mater, the South St. Paul Packers could put up 50+ points against IU and I'm only 1/2 kidding.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
B1G predictions: Week 9
Northwestern 41, Indiana 35: Pat Fitzgerald is far too good of a coach to lose as much as he has this year. This one will give Northwestern fans some anxiety in a high scoring see saw game, but in the end Dan Persa will make a few more plays than Tre Roberson.
Michigan 31, Purdue 17: The Wolverines will come out breathing fire after thinking about their loss to in state rival Michigan State for two weeks. Denard Robinson and the Michigan offense will prove to be too much to contain despite a valiant effort from the Boilermakers.
Michigan State 30, Nebraska 24: I just don't think that Nebraska is that good of a team this year. Let's put it this way, I think the Cornhuskers are a good team but not a great team. Michigan State is on fire and playing with all the confidence in the world. The Spartans defense has turned out to be better than advertised and they will be the difference in this one.
Iowa 38, Minnesota 17: It's tough to fathom, but this will be the closest game the Gophers play in the B1G to date. The Gophers have been blown out by: Michigan, Purdue, and Nebraska. The Gophers will be scrappy in just a 3 touchdown defeat. Baby steps...
Penn State 27, Illinois 13: I don't like the way the Illini are trending at all. Penn State is playing like a ticked off team with a chip on it's shoulder. All in all I think it will be a long day for the Illini in Happy Valley.
Wisconsin 24, Ohio State 13: This will be the ugliest game of the day. You will see lots of penalties, turnovers, and inept football. It will be everything you wouldn't expect from an Ohio State vs. Wisconsin game.
Last Week: 3-2, Overall: 55-12
Michigan 31, Purdue 17: The Wolverines will come out breathing fire after thinking about their loss to in state rival Michigan State for two weeks. Denard Robinson and the Michigan offense will prove to be too much to contain despite a valiant effort from the Boilermakers.
Michigan State 30, Nebraska 24: I just don't think that Nebraska is that good of a team this year. Let's put it this way, I think the Cornhuskers are a good team but not a great team. Michigan State is on fire and playing with all the confidence in the world. The Spartans defense has turned out to be better than advertised and they will be the difference in this one.
Iowa 38, Minnesota 17: It's tough to fathom, but this will be the closest game the Gophers play in the B1G to date. The Gophers have been blown out by: Michigan, Purdue, and Nebraska. The Gophers will be scrappy in just a 3 touchdown defeat. Baby steps...
Penn State 27, Illinois 13: I don't like the way the Illini are trending at all. Penn State is playing like a ticked off team with a chip on it's shoulder. All in all I think it will be a long day for the Illini in Happy Valley.
Wisconsin 24, Ohio State 13: This will be the ugliest game of the day. You will see lots of penalties, turnovers, and inept football. It will be everything you wouldn't expect from an Ohio State vs. Wisconsin game.
Last Week: 3-2, Overall: 55-12
Monday, October 24, 2011
B1G power rankings: Week 9
1. Michigan State: I can't believe I'm putting the Spartans here. After their miserable performance in week 3 against Notre Dame I thought they were going to end up being a huge disappointment. The successful Hail Mary against Wisconsin is the type of moment that could propel the Spartans to their first outright conference championship in years. They are clearly in the drivers seat to represent the Legends Division in Indianapolis. I think they will take care of a flawed Nebraska team this weekend in Lincoln and from there they should be able to hit cruise control.
2. Wisconsin: I think the Badgers are a better football team than Michigan State so I feel kind of funny putting them below Sparty, and losing on a fluke play shouldn't mean that the Badgers are worse, but the bottom line is Michigan State beat Wisconsin fair and square as instant replayed clearly showed. However, I do think the Badgers will get their revenge in Indianapolis the first weekend of December.
3. Penn State: Look at the steady Nittany Lions! They sure aren't pretty but they get the job done. Matt McGloin will do enough at the quarterback position the rest of the way to keep the Nitts in the Leaders division race the entire year.
4. Nebraska: The Huskers rolled Minnesota in Minneapolis, which isn't exactly a tall order. We have come to find that the Nebraska defense can be exposed and will be this weekend at home against Michigan State.
5. Iowa: Here come the Hawkeyes with their annual late season run. I really like Iowa down the stretch and I wouldn't count them out of the Legends division race just yet.
6. Michigan: It will be interesting to see how Michigan responds after an emotional loss to arch rival Michigan State after they had a bye week to sit and think about it. I'm still unsure about what to make of this one loss Michigan team in 2011. I do like what Brady Hoke is building long term, however.
7. Ohio State: The Buckeyes were showing some signs of life before their bye week and I expect to continue to see improvement in the 2nd half. I think Luke Fickell will have his men playing hard and with nothing to lose.
8. Illinois: What ever happened to Illinois?! Ron Zook happened. If the new AD at Illinois knows what's good for him and the program they will make a move immediately.
9. Purdue: Danny Hope's team is showing a little fight and scrap down the stretch here. It will be interesting to see what happens late.
10. Northwestern: I didn't like Northwestern to start the year and so far my prediction is looking good. I thought their success relied far too much on a player coming off of an Achilles injury.
11. Indiana: Kevin Wilson's bunch is going to get a win this year, mark my words. I actually like the way the Hoosiers are playing and competing is some weird way.
12. Minnesota: The Gophers played much better in the 2nd half against Nebraska but the game was already over and Nebraska had already bailed. I don't see another win on the schedule this year for the Gophers. What a disappointing year after that promising opener against USC.
2. Wisconsin: I think the Badgers are a better football team than Michigan State so I feel kind of funny putting them below Sparty, and losing on a fluke play shouldn't mean that the Badgers are worse, but the bottom line is Michigan State beat Wisconsin fair and square as instant replayed clearly showed. However, I do think the Badgers will get their revenge in Indianapolis the first weekend of December.
3. Penn State: Look at the steady Nittany Lions! They sure aren't pretty but they get the job done. Matt McGloin will do enough at the quarterback position the rest of the way to keep the Nitts in the Leaders division race the entire year.
4. Nebraska: The Huskers rolled Minnesota in Minneapolis, which isn't exactly a tall order. We have come to find that the Nebraska defense can be exposed and will be this weekend at home against Michigan State.
5. Iowa: Here come the Hawkeyes with their annual late season run. I really like Iowa down the stretch and I wouldn't count them out of the Legends division race just yet.
6. Michigan: It will be interesting to see how Michigan responds after an emotional loss to arch rival Michigan State after they had a bye week to sit and think about it. I'm still unsure about what to make of this one loss Michigan team in 2011. I do like what Brady Hoke is building long term, however.
7. Ohio State: The Buckeyes were showing some signs of life before their bye week and I expect to continue to see improvement in the 2nd half. I think Luke Fickell will have his men playing hard and with nothing to lose.
8. Illinois: What ever happened to Illinois?! Ron Zook happened. If the new AD at Illinois knows what's good for him and the program they will make a move immediately.
9. Purdue: Danny Hope's team is showing a little fight and scrap down the stretch here. It will be interesting to see what happens late.
10. Northwestern: I didn't like Northwestern to start the year and so far my prediction is looking good. I thought their success relied far too much on a player coming off of an Achilles injury.
11. Indiana: Kevin Wilson's bunch is going to get a win this year, mark my words. I actually like the way the Hoosiers are playing and competing is some weird way.
12. Minnesota: The Gophers played much better in the 2nd half against Nebraska but the game was already over and Nebraska had already bailed. I don't see another win on the schedule this year for the Gophers. What a disappointing year after that promising opener against USC.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
B1G predictions: Week 8
Iowa 45, Indiana 20: Iowa scores over 40 for the second week in a row after scoring only 3 points two weeks ago in State College.
Illinois 31, Purdue 28: This will be a really close game and I am even tempted to pick the Boilermakers. The hook of Scheelhaase and Jenkins proves to be too much for the Boilermakers to overcome as the Illini eek out a win on the road.
Nebraska 48, Minnesota 12: The Huskers will run north, south, sideways, and everywhere in between in a route of the Gophers in Minneapolis.
Penn State 23, Northwestern 20: This is another tough game to predict along with the Illinois/Purdue game and once again I will pick the road team. Penn State's defense will be the difference in this one coming up with a late stop against Dan Persa and company to preserve the W in Evanston.
Wisconsin 28, Michigan State 24: I really like the road teams this week! I just think the Badgers are an all around better team than the Spartans. I also think Russell Wilson is a better quarterback than Kirk Cousins.
Last week: 4-1 Season: 52-10
Illinois 31, Purdue 28: This will be a really close game and I am even tempted to pick the Boilermakers. The hook of Scheelhaase and Jenkins proves to be too much for the Boilermakers to overcome as the Illini eek out a win on the road.
Nebraska 48, Minnesota 12: The Huskers will run north, south, sideways, and everywhere in between in a route of the Gophers in Minneapolis.
Penn State 23, Northwestern 20: This is another tough game to predict along with the Illinois/Purdue game and once again I will pick the road team. Penn State's defense will be the difference in this one coming up with a late stop against Dan Persa and company to preserve the W in Evanston.
Wisconsin 28, Michigan State 24: I really like the road teams this week! I just think the Badgers are an all around better team than the Spartans. I also think Russell Wilson is a better quarterback than Kirk Cousins.
Last week: 4-1 Season: 52-10
Monday, October 17, 2011
B1G power rankings: Week 8
1. Wisconsin: The Badgers will get their first real test this weekend in East Lansing.
2. Michigan State: The Spartans are doing something that they have struggled with historically - improving as the season progresses.
3. Nebraska: The Huskers home wins over Ohio State and Washington all of a sudden look like solid W's.
4. Michigan: Brady Hoke, Denard Robinson, and company ran into a buzz saw in East Lansing. I still like the Wolverines despite the loss. They have already exceeded my expectations.
5. Ohio State: The Buckeyes defense has been spectacular this year. They shut down the high octane Illinois passing attack in Champaign, which was very impressive. I think the Buckeyes offense will continue to improve as the season grows older.
6. Penn State: Don't sleep on the Nittany Lions, they like TOSU have a spectacular defense and an less than stellar offense. The Nittany Lions schedule does get significantly toughter, however.
7. Illinois: Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino really misses Mikel Leshoure. The Illini lack a feature back and Nathan Scheelhaase, A.J. Jenkins, and the Illini offense has become one dimensional, which is throw the ball up in the air and hope Jenkins comes up with it.
8. Iowa: The Hawkeyes finally got the Wildcat off their back putting up 41 points on an awful Northwestern defense. The Hawkeyes went from scoring 3 points in State College against PSU to scoring 41 at home against Northwestern, go figure...
9. Northwestern: The Cats have been in some good football games, but thanks to their atrocious defense have come out on the short end of the stick in most of them. I wonder how much longer Pat Fitzgerald is going to be content coaching Northwestern to 6-7 wins and mediocre bowl games?
10. Purdue: The Boilermakers made it more of a game in State College than I anticipated and should be given credit for it.
11. Indiana: The Hoosiers didn't give up 80 points to the Badgers this year! To quote Charlie Sheen "winning"!
12. Minnesota: It's not a matter of whether the Gophers will lose every game the rest of the year, it's a matter of by how many points.
2. Michigan State: The Spartans are doing something that they have struggled with historically - improving as the season progresses.
3. Nebraska: The Huskers home wins over Ohio State and Washington all of a sudden look like solid W's.
4. Michigan: Brady Hoke, Denard Robinson, and company ran into a buzz saw in East Lansing. I still like the Wolverines despite the loss. They have already exceeded my expectations.
5. Ohio State: The Buckeyes defense has been spectacular this year. They shut down the high octane Illinois passing attack in Champaign, which was very impressive. I think the Buckeyes offense will continue to improve as the season grows older.
6. Penn State: Don't sleep on the Nittany Lions, they like TOSU have a spectacular defense and an less than stellar offense. The Nittany Lions schedule does get significantly toughter, however.
7. Illinois: Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino really misses Mikel Leshoure. The Illini lack a feature back and Nathan Scheelhaase, A.J. Jenkins, and the Illini offense has become one dimensional, which is throw the ball up in the air and hope Jenkins comes up with it.
8. Iowa: The Hawkeyes finally got the Wildcat off their back putting up 41 points on an awful Northwestern defense. The Hawkeyes went from scoring 3 points in State College against PSU to scoring 41 at home against Northwestern, go figure...
9. Northwestern: The Cats have been in some good football games, but thanks to their atrocious defense have come out on the short end of the stick in most of them. I wonder how much longer Pat Fitzgerald is going to be content coaching Northwestern to 6-7 wins and mediocre bowl games?
10. Purdue: The Boilermakers made it more of a game in State College than I anticipated and should be given credit for it.
11. Indiana: The Hoosiers didn't give up 80 points to the Badgers this year! To quote Charlie Sheen "winning"!
12. Minnesota: It's not a matter of whether the Gophers will lose every game the rest of the year, it's a matter of by how many points.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
B1G predictions: Week 7
Michigan State 27, Michigan 21: I don't have a great feeling about this one. Did you ever take a multiple choice test where you made a selection and deep down you knew you were wrong but for some reason you didn't want to change your answer? This is the game. I will probably be wrong, but I'm sticking with Sparty. I think the Michigan State defense and home field advantage is the difference in this one as the Spartans continue their domination of the in state rival Wolverines.
Penn State 24, Purdue 9: Penn State will continue to flex their muscles on defense and Silas Redd will shake loose for close to 200 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns as the Nittany Lions cruise over the Boilermakers.
Wisconsin 49, Indiana 13: Bret Bielema will be merciful in this game as the Badgers will only score about 1/2 as many points as they scored last year against IU. The Badgers will be able to score more but Bret will find his conscience somewhere along the way and pull his starters midway through the third quarter.
Illinois 27, Ohio State 24: Derek Dimke will kick the game winner with time expiring. Nathan Scheelhaase and A.J. Jenkins will hook up 3 times for 48 yards on the final drive as the Illini remain undefeated.
Iowa 31, Northwestern 24: The Hawkeyes will get the "Wildcat" off their back as they prevail in Iowa City. Marcus Coker will awaken from his coma to rush for 150 yards and 3 TDs. Wait? Haven't I already said that before? It has to happen sooner or later for Marcus, right?
Last week: 4-1, Season: 48-9
Penn State 24, Purdue 9: Penn State will continue to flex their muscles on defense and Silas Redd will shake loose for close to 200 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns as the Nittany Lions cruise over the Boilermakers.
Wisconsin 49, Indiana 13: Bret Bielema will be merciful in this game as the Badgers will only score about 1/2 as many points as they scored last year against IU. The Badgers will be able to score more but Bret will find his conscience somewhere along the way and pull his starters midway through the third quarter.
Illinois 27, Ohio State 24: Derek Dimke will kick the game winner with time expiring. Nathan Scheelhaase and A.J. Jenkins will hook up 3 times for 48 yards on the final drive as the Illini remain undefeated.
Iowa 31, Northwestern 24: The Hawkeyes will get the "Wildcat" off their back as they prevail in Iowa City. Marcus Coker will awaken from his coma to rush for 150 yards and 3 TDs. Wait? Haven't I already said that before? It has to happen sooner or later for Marcus, right?
Last week: 4-1, Season: 48-9
Monday, October 10, 2011
B1G power rankings: Week 7
1. Wisconsin: I wonder if Whiskey will put up 80 again this year on IU? The answer is simple, they will if they want to.
2. Michigan: I am surprised that Michigan has been this good. I thought the new staff at Michigan would neuter Denard Robinson, instead he's a Heisman front runner and his numbers are comparable to last year. The defense has been way better than expected, which is why the Wolverines will avoid a late season collapse for the third year in a row.
3. Nebraska: The Huskers defense has been making me very nervous this year. They should be ashamed of themselves for giving up 27 points to Ohio State at home last weekend. Thank god Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead and company have been able to move the ball on offense or this would be a long first year in the B1G for the Cornhuskers.
4. Illinois: I was wrong on Illinois. I thought they would be mediocre to bad this year. I predicted they would win only 5 games and they have already eclipsed that pathetic projection after 6 games! Ron Zook will be sending me a big plate of crow to munch on. The Nathan Scheelhaase to A.J. Jenkins hook is nasty!
5. Michigan State: The Spartans look great on paper, both offensively and defensively, but is it just me or is something missing? We shall see this week against in state rival Michigan if the Spartans are contenders or pretenders. The game with the Wolverines will go a long in deciding who will represent the Legends division in Indianapolis the first of December in my opinion.
6. Penn State: The Nittany Lions defense is for real! Wow! They absolutely shut down one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the B1G in Iowa. I must say that I didn't see that coming. I thought for sure Iowa would score some points against PSU and pull out a victory. If the Nittany Lions can get Silas Redd going and find some consistency at the quarterback position they may have a chance to surprise some people like they did last weekend against Iowa.
7. Ohio State: The Buckeyes showed me a lot more than I expected from them last Saturday night in Lincoln. If Braxton Miller can stay healthy and continue to improve, the Buckeyes could be a tough out late in the year. Remember, the Buckeyes will have Devier Posey and Boom Herron at their disposal moving forward, which will make their offense look considerably better.
8. Iowa: I am disappointed in Iowa. I don't know if it's the ineffectiveness of Marcus Coker, the lack of play makers along the front seven or what, but I legitimately thought the Hawkeyes would be better this year. Granted they only have two close losses on the road, but I am not seeing any signs that lead me to believe the Hawkeyes will turn around their season this year. I hope I'm wrong...
9. Northwestern: The Cats are definitely a Jekyll and Hyde type of team. At the end of the day they are a team with a suspect defense that gets zero production from their running backs in the run game. That means this is a fringe bowl team at best.
10. Purdue: The Boilermakers got the perfect medicine this weekend: the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Gophers handed the game to the Boilermakers (literally) and the Boilermakers weren't rude, they accepted the Gophers gifts with a smile and a thank you. Minnesota received a penalty after one of their players ran into the Boilermakers punter and injured himself, not the punter, in the process.
11. Indiana: The Hoosiers had a short lived 10 point lead over Illinois before getting absolutely demolished by a superior team. The Hoosiers only chance for a B1G win is in the Old Oaken Bucket game against in state rival Purdue.
12. Minnesota: Whatever momentum the Gophers had after their season opening 19-17 loss to USC in LA is long gone. The game against USC seems like 37 years ago. The Gophers have had a nightmare season. I don't even think pessimists envisioned the catastrophe that has taken place in Minneapolis.
2. Michigan: I am surprised that Michigan has been this good. I thought the new staff at Michigan would neuter Denard Robinson, instead he's a Heisman front runner and his numbers are comparable to last year. The defense has been way better than expected, which is why the Wolverines will avoid a late season collapse for the third year in a row.
3. Nebraska: The Huskers defense has been making me very nervous this year. They should be ashamed of themselves for giving up 27 points to Ohio State at home last weekend. Thank god Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead and company have been able to move the ball on offense or this would be a long first year in the B1G for the Cornhuskers.
4. Illinois: I was wrong on Illinois. I thought they would be mediocre to bad this year. I predicted they would win only 5 games and they have already eclipsed that pathetic projection after 6 games! Ron Zook will be sending me a big plate of crow to munch on. The Nathan Scheelhaase to A.J. Jenkins hook is nasty!
5. Michigan State: The Spartans look great on paper, both offensively and defensively, but is it just me or is something missing? We shall see this week against in state rival Michigan if the Spartans are contenders or pretenders. The game with the Wolverines will go a long in deciding who will represent the Legends division in Indianapolis the first of December in my opinion.
6. Penn State: The Nittany Lions defense is for real! Wow! They absolutely shut down one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the B1G in Iowa. I must say that I didn't see that coming. I thought for sure Iowa would score some points against PSU and pull out a victory. If the Nittany Lions can get Silas Redd going and find some consistency at the quarterback position they may have a chance to surprise some people like they did last weekend against Iowa.
7. Ohio State: The Buckeyes showed me a lot more than I expected from them last Saturday night in Lincoln. If Braxton Miller can stay healthy and continue to improve, the Buckeyes could be a tough out late in the year. Remember, the Buckeyes will have Devier Posey and Boom Herron at their disposal moving forward, which will make their offense look considerably better.
8. Iowa: I am disappointed in Iowa. I don't know if it's the ineffectiveness of Marcus Coker, the lack of play makers along the front seven or what, but I legitimately thought the Hawkeyes would be better this year. Granted they only have two close losses on the road, but I am not seeing any signs that lead me to believe the Hawkeyes will turn around their season this year. I hope I'm wrong...
9. Northwestern: The Cats are definitely a Jekyll and Hyde type of team. At the end of the day they are a team with a suspect defense that gets zero production from their running backs in the run game. That means this is a fringe bowl team at best.
10. Purdue: The Boilermakers got the perfect medicine this weekend: the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Gophers handed the game to the Boilermakers (literally) and the Boilermakers weren't rude, they accepted the Gophers gifts with a smile and a thank you. Minnesota received a penalty after one of their players ran into the Boilermakers punter and injured himself, not the punter, in the process.
11. Indiana: The Hoosiers had a short lived 10 point lead over Illinois before getting absolutely demolished by a superior team. The Hoosiers only chance for a B1G win is in the Old Oaken Bucket game against in state rival Purdue.
12. Minnesota: Whatever momentum the Gophers had after their season opening 19-17 loss to USC in LA is long gone. The game against USC seems like 37 years ago. The Gophers have had a nightmare season. I don't even think pessimists envisioned the catastrophe that has taken place in Minneapolis.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
B1G predictions: Week 6
So I went 4-2 in my predictions last week thanks to Northwestern coughing up a gigantic lead. Northwestern lost an 18 point lead to Illinois, forced a late Illinois fumble and cashed in to retake the lead only lead to gag it up again, allowing the Illini to score with 18 seconds left. My overall record is still a solid 44-8, but ESPN bloggers Adam Rittenburg and Brian Bennett both went 6-0 to gain ground on me. My ego took a hit last week. On to this week...
Purdue 31, Minnesota 23: MarQueis Gray will return at quarterback for the Golden Gophers and split reps with true freshman Max Shortell. Shortell got a rude welcome to the B1G in his first career start as he and the Gophers were flattened by a vastly superior Michigan team 58-0. The Gophers fortunes will be much better this week, but not good enough to win. Purdue wins a seesaw battle as Akeem Shavers and Ralph Bolden will get loose and the Purdue ground game will control the clock and the momentum late.
Illinois 45, Indiana 23: The Illini will have a 38-23 lead with 1:48 to play when their quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase chucks a 57 yard touchdown pass to A.J. Jenkins. After the game when Kevin Wilson and Ron Zook meet at midfield, Wilson will ask Zook if Jack Trudeau put him up to this, Zook will respond "yes", and Wilson will proceed to punch him square in the nose in the most entertaining Illinois/Indiana game in the history of the rivalry.
Iowa 27, Penn State 17: The Hawkeyes simply have too much firepower for the punch less Nittany Lions. The Hawkeyes will continue their dominance over PSU as James Vandenberg continues his hot streak with another 300 yard passing day.
Michigan 48, Northwestern 20: Dan Persa won't be able to go in this one and that spells doom for Northwestern. The Wildcat defense doesn't come close to slowing down Denard Robinson all day as the Wolverines win another non competitive game to improve to 6-0.
Nebraska 17, Ohio State 6: An angry Cornhuskers defense takes out their frustrations on a completely lost Buckeyes offense. I don't even know why I'm saying Ohio State scores 6 in this game. I think the Buckeyes would have trouble scoring on Minnesota at this point. Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead, and company get enough going on the ground to grind out a victory.
Purdue 31, Minnesota 23: MarQueis Gray will return at quarterback for the Golden Gophers and split reps with true freshman Max Shortell. Shortell got a rude welcome to the B1G in his first career start as he and the Gophers were flattened by a vastly superior Michigan team 58-0. The Gophers fortunes will be much better this week, but not good enough to win. Purdue wins a seesaw battle as Akeem Shavers and Ralph Bolden will get loose and the Purdue ground game will control the clock and the momentum late.
Illinois 45, Indiana 23: The Illini will have a 38-23 lead with 1:48 to play when their quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase chucks a 57 yard touchdown pass to A.J. Jenkins. After the game when Kevin Wilson and Ron Zook meet at midfield, Wilson will ask Zook if Jack Trudeau put him up to this, Zook will respond "yes", and Wilson will proceed to punch him square in the nose in the most entertaining Illinois/Indiana game in the history of the rivalry.
Iowa 27, Penn State 17: The Hawkeyes simply have too much firepower for the punch less Nittany Lions. The Hawkeyes will continue their dominance over PSU as James Vandenberg continues his hot streak with another 300 yard passing day.
Michigan 48, Northwestern 20: Dan Persa won't be able to go in this one and that spells doom for Northwestern. The Wildcat defense doesn't come close to slowing down Denard Robinson all day as the Wolverines win another non competitive game to improve to 6-0.
Nebraska 17, Ohio State 6: An angry Cornhuskers defense takes out their frustrations on a completely lost Buckeyes offense. I don't even know why I'm saying Ohio State scores 6 in this game. I think the Buckeyes would have trouble scoring on Minnesota at this point. Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead, and company get enough going on the ground to grind out a victory.
Monday, October 3, 2011
B1G power rankings Week 6: Music edition
1. Wisconsin - U2: They were a dark, Gothic, underground band in the 80's with just a cult following. In the early 90's they became a world wide sensation, selling out arenas and stadiums everywhere. They went platinum and evolved from an alternative rock band to universal pop/rock sensation with multiple hits. On their recent 360 Tour they opened up their play book to include their bread and butter from the 80's and 90's as well as some more progressive music from the 2000's.
2. Michigan - The Beatles: Widely considered the greatest rock band of all time, their music is iconic and to this day sounds relevant. They are classic and pure, not trendy, just themselves. Their critics will tell you that they weren't a true rock band and that their songs were boring and at times soft and sounded too much like pop music. However, the Beatles were progressive and different and remain the gold standard for all bands up to this day.
3. Michigan State - The Rolling Stones: Fans of the Stones are generally not fans of the Beatles and vice verse. The Stones combine elements of blues and rock and are more in your face and hard than The Beatles. Their lead singer Mick Jagger is edgy, fun, and considered a party boy. The Stones are the ultimate get out of your seat and dance rock band.
4. Nebraska - Def Leppard: Skeptics mocked and ridiculed them during their run in the 80's and early 90's, because of their one dimensional monster ballads, but no one can deny the popularity and success of Def Leppard during their run. They were a band you didn't want to admit you liked, but they were the Kings of the now extinct hair bands. The band has tried to make a return to mainstream relevance in the 2000's with mixed results. For the most part they have been relegated to State Fairs and casinos.
5. Illinois - Mumford and Sons: Every 5-10 years or so comes along a band that has a 3 year shelf life. Mumford and Sons is that band. They are as deep as a puddle and they sing the same song over and over again. They are trendy right now, but you, me, and your brother's dog all know that they will be a punch line in 10 years. "Dude, remember when we went to that Mumford and Sons concert? How fucking embarrassing was that?!" Think Dave Mathews Band, Limp Bizkit, and Kid Rock. They are all fun, but they have the life expectancy of the Big 12 conference.
6. Iowa - The Cure: They have a passionate fan base, some would consider it a cult following nonetheless it's as passionate of a fan base as you will find. They specialize in dark, Gothic, alternative, however they have come out with 3 or 4 main stream hits such as: "Friday, I'm in Love", "Boys Don't Cry", and "Just Like Heaven". Some consider The Cure the Kings of the First Wave of Alternative Rock.
7. Ohio State - Britney Spears: People have written her off before only to find it backfire. Spears is an elite entertainer that continues to find ways to reinvent herself. After a personal crisis 5 years ago, she is back on the top of the Billboard charts once again. Once you think she is down for good, she pops right back up better and stronger than ever.
8. Penn State - Michael Jackson: The late Michael Jackson is the undisputed King of Pop was amazing in the 80's and to this day, no one in music will ever say a bad word about him. He was transcendent, progressive, and simply put amazing, but his music eroded late in his career and most people found it painful to watch him perform in public because he looked terrible and was a shell of his former self. Simply put most people saw the end of Michael Jackson's career as simply sad, no one wants to watch a legend fail.
9. Northwestern - Taylor Swift: Sweet, innocent, and rarely taken serious by anyone over the age of 25. She is cute and talented but doesn't strike fear into anyone. A tireless worker who will consistently overachieve.
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10. Purdue - Kid Rock: He had a heck of a run in the early 2000's taking the country by storm with his mix of rap, rock, and folk. He was progressive and invigorated the music industry with a new genre that it hadn't ever seen before. That genre is still being used today, however Kid's career has fallen off a cliff.
11. Indiana - William Hung: He made a career for himself by being terrible on American Idol.
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12. Minnesota - Frank Sinatra: Ol' blue eyes was an icon! However, he doesn't resonate with today's generation. He had an incredible run from the 40's to 60's and to this day is looked at as a legend. His strong powerful voice was unmatched. It's too bad that old blue eyes passed away in 1998. He is sorely missed.
2. Michigan - The Beatles: Widely considered the greatest rock band of all time, their music is iconic and to this day sounds relevant. They are classic and pure, not trendy, just themselves. Their critics will tell you that they weren't a true rock band and that their songs were boring and at times soft and sounded too much like pop music. However, the Beatles were progressive and different and remain the gold standard for all bands up to this day.
3. Michigan State - The Rolling Stones: Fans of the Stones are generally not fans of the Beatles and vice verse. The Stones combine elements of blues and rock and are more in your face and hard than The Beatles. Their lead singer Mick Jagger is edgy, fun, and considered a party boy. The Stones are the ultimate get out of your seat and dance rock band.
4. Nebraska - Def Leppard: Skeptics mocked and ridiculed them during their run in the 80's and early 90's, because of their one dimensional monster ballads, but no one can deny the popularity and success of Def Leppard during their run. They were a band you didn't want to admit you liked, but they were the Kings of the now extinct hair bands. The band has tried to make a return to mainstream relevance in the 2000's with mixed results. For the most part they have been relegated to State Fairs and casinos.
5. Illinois - Mumford and Sons: Every 5-10 years or so comes along a band that has a 3 year shelf life. Mumford and Sons is that band. They are as deep as a puddle and they sing the same song over and over again. They are trendy right now, but you, me, and your brother's dog all know that they will be a punch line in 10 years. "Dude, remember when we went to that Mumford and Sons concert? How fucking embarrassing was that?!" Think Dave Mathews Band, Limp Bizkit, and Kid Rock. They are all fun, but they have the life expectancy of the Big 12 conference.
6. Iowa - The Cure: They have a passionate fan base, some would consider it a cult following nonetheless it's as passionate of a fan base as you will find. They specialize in dark, Gothic, alternative, however they have come out with 3 or 4 main stream hits such as: "Friday, I'm in Love", "Boys Don't Cry", and "Just Like Heaven". Some consider The Cure the Kings of the First Wave of Alternative Rock.
7. Ohio State - Britney Spears: People have written her off before only to find it backfire. Spears is an elite entertainer that continues to find ways to reinvent herself. After a personal crisis 5 years ago, she is back on the top of the Billboard charts once again. Once you think she is down for good, she pops right back up better and stronger than ever.
8. Penn State - Michael Jackson: The late Michael Jackson is the undisputed King of Pop was amazing in the 80's and to this day, no one in music will ever say a bad word about him. He was transcendent, progressive, and simply put amazing, but his music eroded late in his career and most people found it painful to watch him perform in public because he looked terrible and was a shell of his former self. Simply put most people saw the end of Michael Jackson's career as simply sad, no one wants to watch a legend fail.
9. Northwestern - Taylor Swift: Sweet, innocent, and rarely taken serious by anyone over the age of 25. She is cute and talented but doesn't strike fear into anyone. A tireless worker who will consistently overachieve.
10. Purdue - Kid Rock: He had a heck of a run in the early 2000's taking the country by storm with his mix of rap, rock, and folk. He was progressive and invigorated the music industry with a new genre that it hadn't ever seen before. That genre is still being used today, however Kid's career has fallen off a cliff.
11. Indiana - William Hung: He made a career for himself by being terrible on American Idol.
12. Minnesota - Frank Sinatra: Ol' blue eyes was an icon! However, he doesn't resonate with today's generation. He had an incredible run from the 40's to 60's and to this day is looked at as a legend. His strong powerful voice was unmatched. It's too bad that old blue eyes passed away in 1998. He is sorely missed.
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