Week 13 Picks

USC 27, Notre Dame 24: Everyone and their brother think it’s a foregone conclusion that Notre Dame will clinch a BCS National Championship game birth with a win over a USC team that has managed to lose 4 games and will be without it’s starting quarterback, Matt Barkley.    Think again!  USC still has the best wide receivers in the country and will be playing with absolutely nothing to lose.  Lane Kiffin will be back next year according to USC AD Pat Haden.  USC will be replacing Barkley with former 5 star recruit Max Wittek, who is big (6-4, 235lbs) and has a huge arm.  Kiffin is a coach playing with house money.  He knows no one is expecting him to win with a freshman quarterback and disappointing team, but Haden said he will be back and Kiffin will construct his best game plan as a coach in his young career.  USC will expose Notre Dame’s defensive weakness, their defensive backs, with talented wide receivers Marquise Lee and Robert Woods and Wittek has plenty of arm to get them the ball.  A loose, talented USC team beats a less talented, tight Notre Dame team with all the pressure in the world on it. 

Nebraska 31, Iowa 17: Iowa will put up a good fight on senior day in Iowa City against one of their biggest rivals, but ultimately Taylor Martinez and the rest of the Nebraska offense proves to be too much for the Hawkeyes.  The regression of James Vandenberg continues as he completes less than 50% of his passes and is picked twice, one of which is returned for a touchdown in the second half thwarting any ideas of an Iowa comeback.

Northwestern 23, Illinois 10: On paper this should be a blowout for the Wildcats.  However, this is rivalry week and the Illini are playing with nothing to lose.  The Illini dig deep and play with pride and effort, keeping the game close until Venrick Mark rips off a long touchdown run late in the second half to ice the game for the Cats.

Indiana 38, Purdue 30: The Old Oaken Bucket game should be a shootout in West Lafayette.  Danny Hope is coaching for his job and the Boilermakers are playing for a bowl game.  Purdue will come up short and we will see the Danny Hope era at Purdue come to an end.  Robert Marve looks great in his last game as a collegian, but is out dueled be Indiana true freshman quarterback Nate Sudfield. 

Ohio State 20, Michigan 16: Ohio State wasted a perfect season this year by not self-imposing a one year bowl ban last year.  Instead the Buckeyes went to a bowl game last year after a 6-6 season with interim coach Luke Fickell.  That was a huge mistake as Urban Meyer has the Buckeyes unbeaten and with the way things are shaking out this year in college football the Buckeyes would have been playing in the BCS National Championship game.  Ohio State and Notre Dame are the only unbeaten BCS teams left.   Ohio State beats Michigan behind the legs of who else but Braxton Miller. 

Michigan State 17, Minnesota 9: Outside of a breakout performance against Purdue the Minnesota offense has been putrid in Big Ten play.  Aside from the Purdue game, which the Gophers scored 44 points in they have scored: 13, 13, 13, 13, 17, and 14 points in conference games.  That simply isn’t good enough.  The Gophers have a true freshman quarterback in Philip Nelson, have gone through 5 different starting rotations along the offensive line due to injury and just lost their most productive wide receiver.  Now the Gophers are going up against what is arguably the conference’s top defense in Michigan State.  The Spartans are pissed and desperate, needing a win to become bowl eligible.  The Gophers on the other hand already have become bowl eligible and most people are slapping them on the back for doing so.  I will go with the urgency factor here and pick Michigan State as Minnesota will be held to single digit points for the first time all year.

Penn State 24, Wisconsin 21: The Nittany Lions aren’t going to a bowl game so they will be extra fired up for their last game of the year.  An emotional Nittany Lions team playing in honor of injured senior linebacker Michael Mauti gets out of the gate quickly building a 14-0 lead at halftime and will hang on at the end preserving a victory on senior day in Happy Valley.  Bill O’Brien locks up coach of the year honors in the B1G with the win.

Last Week: 5-1, Overall: 72-18 (.800)

B1G Picks: Week 12

Penn State 41, Indiana 17: The Nitts will control this game from start to finish.  The Indiana balloon is deflated after last week’s drubbing at the hands of Wisconsin.  Penn State will use a balanced offense, rushing for over 200 yards and passing for more than 200 yards in the win.  Bill O’Brien doesn’t remind me of a coach that will overlook anyone or allow his team to do so.  Penn State will be sharp and ready to finish its season strong. 

Michigan 38, Iowa 10: I can’t believe how bad Iowa is this year.   They are the biggest dumpster fire west of the New York Jets.  Iowa has a positive turnover margin and has a losing record, which is truly remarkable.  Games left with Michigan and Nebraska make it all but certain that the Hawkeyes will miss a bowl game for the first time since 2007.   I give the Hawkeyes about a .00002 percent chance of winning this game.  Devin Gardener meanwhile gives the Wolverines a quarterback that can run and throw and a bright future at the position heading into the 2013 season. 

Michigan State 27, Northwestern 21: The Wildcats can be exposed by running the ball up the middle and a heavy dose of Le’Veon Bell should do the trick.  Northwestern can be pushed around easily up front, and that has been the case for the last decade and a ½.  The last time Northwestern had a staunch interior defense was when their head coach, Pat Fitzgerald earned All-America honors playing linebacker in the mid 90’s.  The Cats have gotten away with mediocre defense all year and Bell, an improving Andrew Maxwell and the rest of the Spartans will expose them on Saturday. 

Purdue 23, Illinois 17: This game could be even uglier than the Iowa/Purdue game last week.  Any game involving the Boilermakers has a chance to be hideous, but if you throw in the Illini it all but makes it a guarantee.  Robert Marve and the Boilermakers are at least playing with a little emotion and determination, which should get them over the top against a hopeless Illinois team.

Nebraska 45, Minnesota 13: This is just about the worst matchup for Minnesota in the entire conference.  The Cornhuskers can run the ball at you about 7 different directions with about 6 different people and that is easily Minnesota’s biggest defensive flaw.  Meanwhile the Gophers will have the Huskers mystique and Memorial stadium to work against, not to mention the fact that Minnesota hasn’t beaten Nebraska since 1960.  The average margin of victory for the Huskers in their 15 game winning streak is 32 points.  So I will go with the average margin of victory in this year’s slaughtering. 

Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 24: Urban Meyer will dissect Bret Bielema like a fetal pig.  This is a huge mismatch coaching wise.  Similar talent on the field, but I give the edge to the Pontiff (Meyer) and Braxton Miller over Bielema and something called Curt Phillips.  Meyer will be extra motivated to win this one.  If you remember,  Bielema, in a jealous rage said what Urban Meyer did to get a kid to de-commit from Wisconsin and sign with Ohio State was illegal.  That simply isn’t true and Meyer remembers those comments and will want to destroy Bielema and show him who his Daddy will be in the Big Ten’s Leaders Division.

Last Week: 4-1, Overall: 67-17 (.797)

B1G Picks: Week 11

Wisconsin 33, Indiana 24: The Hoosiers have become a fashionable team to pick the last few weeks, in fact they have become just plain fashionable.   However, it’s almost midnight for Cinderella and the Badgers will provide a little taste of reality for the Hoosiers.  Indiana hasn’t arrived quite yet folks, remember this is a team that lost to Navy and Ball State, and has gotten absolutely trucked by the Badgers the last two years.  I think Indiana is a nice story and I would love it if the Hoosiers won on Saturday, but I just don’t think it’s happening.  Montee Ball, James White, and company will run like deer in an open field against a susceptible IU defense. 

Iowa 24, Purdue 16: This looks like a hideous game on paper and I think it will live up to such.   Danny Hope’s job is on life support and a loss to the struggling Hawkeyes will probably cause Purdue AD Morgan Burke to pull the plug and sign the death certificate.   Iowa has at least had its moments this year in victories over Minnesota and Michigan State.  Purdue meanwhile only has wins over directional schools, Marshall, and a moral victory over Notre Dame.  James Vandenberg and the Iowa receivers will have their best game of the year against a horrendous Boilermaker secondary and get one step closer to bowl eligibility.  Purdue will be eliminated from bowl eligibility and will only be able to look forward to the Old Oaken Bucket game with Indiana as their “bowl game”. 

Michigan 27, Northwestern 21: Brady Hoke should be fired for putting Russell Bellamy into the Nebraska game instead of Devin Gardner, of course I’m kidding, sort of…. That was a huge blunder in the Michigan season because it could cost the Wolverines the Legends division crown and a trip to Indianapolis for the B1G championship game.   Bellamy was absolutely awful against Nebraska and Gardener looked really good against a better than advertised Minnesota secondary last weekend.  As it is the Wolverines will go into battle with a combination of Gardener and Denard Robinson.  Gardener will be able to throw the ball and Robinson will run it for 10-15 plays and that will be enough to get past an average Northwestern defense.

Minnesota 31, Illinois 10: The worst team always seems to win, at least if we go back the last 4 meetings of this series.  So if that trend continues the Illini will win, but not so fast my friend!  The Gophers are looking to become bowl eligible for the first time in 3 years.   They will get it done against an Illinois team that lacks an identity on offense.  The Gophers will shut down the Illini and score early and often against a team that struggles against teams that can spread the field.  The Gophers will come out fired up and dominate the line of scrimmage from the get go against an uninspired, lethargic Illinois team.  Philip Nelson will continue to impress by throwing for two touchdowns and running for another. 

Nebraska 28, Penn State 24: The Huskers are playing with a lot of confidence right now and they will ride said confidence and a home field advantage to victory over the surging Nittany Lions.  The Huskers are far from perfect, they are flawed in many areas, but they feel like a team that is destined for Indy.   Taylor Martinez will continue his Jekyll and Hyde ways, however the Huskers running tandem of Burkhead, Martinez, and Abdullah will pile up over 250 yards and grind out the clock in the 4th quarter to preserve the victory and get the Huskers one step closer to a Legends division crown.

Last Week: 4-1, Overall: 63-16 (.797)

B1G Predictions: Week 10

Michigan 31, Minnesota 13:  The Gophers go back to scoring 13 points in B1G games against the best defense they have faced all year.  The weather forecast is supposed to be wet and cold on Saturday afternoon, which will play into the favor of Denard Robinson’s legs.  If Robinson had a leg injury I would be tempted to pick a closer score and maybe even predict the Gophers to pull off an upset, but since it’s a hand injury the Wolverines should win comfortably.  Robinson won’t have to throw it much in this game.  Minnesota’s defensive weakness is their run defense and their strength is their pass defense.  Look for a heavy dosage of Robinson on the ground and a comfortable win for the Wolverines. 

Ohio State 55, Illinois 17: If the Illini can’t stop IU or Arizona State just imagine the problems they will have with Braxton Miller and company.  This game will be over by halftime.  Illinois has no idea what they are doing or even what they want to do offensively.  The lack of identity on offense has to be a real concern to Illinois fans.  A lack of identity on that side of the ball indicates a coach who is unsure of himself (see Tim Brewster).  I don’t think the Tim Beckman era is going to end well at Illinois, that’s just a hunch.

Penn State 28, Purdue 23:  I think the Boilermakers will show up and play inspired football for their coach Danny Hope.  If they don’t I think he’s gone after this week.  Hope is on life support right now.   Purdue’s secondary absolutely sucks!  They got torched by Minnesota true freshman quarterback Philip Nelson last week, who was making only his second start.  Nelson threw for nearly 250 yards and 3 touchdowns in the first half and at one point completed 11 consecutive passes.  Matt McGloin will do equal damage this week, but I expect the Purdue offense to come to life a bit under Robert Marve making this an interesting game. 

Michigan State 24, Nebraska 20: I have gone back and forth on this game all week.  Do I pick the hot team coming off an emotional win at home or do I pick the team that has lost a ton of close games coming off an emotional win on the road?  I am going with Sparty because the Huskers have been a bad road team the last few years and I think Michigan State is better than their record indicates.  LeVeon Bell continues to churn out yards and Andrew Maxwell building off the confidence he gained last week in Madison connects on several key third down throws, meanwhile the Spartans D completely shuts down the Huskers passing game forcing them to become a one dimensional offense.  A Dan Conroy field goal at the buzzer wins it for Sparty keeping the Legends Division race really interesting.  Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, and Northwestern all have a chance to go to Indy after week 10. 

Indiana 28, Iowa 27:  I can’t figure out Iowa.  They lose to Central Michigan, then smash Minnesota, then beat Michigan State on the road, and follow that up with back to back embarrassing losses to Penn State and Northwestern.   Yep, that seems to make perfect sense!  The Hawkeyes could win a close one in Bloomington, blow out the Hoosiers, lose a close one or get blown out, nothing would surprise me.  I like the direction IU is headed under Kevin Wilson, and I hate the direction Iowa is headed, so I will go with the Hoosiers.  I also don’t like the way the Iowa defense matches up with IU’s offense.  I think this is a real bad matchup for Iowa.  It should be noted that my confidence level in picking this game on a scale of 1-10 (1 being low and 10 being high) is about a .05.  

Last Week: 4-2, Overall: 59-15 (.797)

B1G Predictions: Week 9

Purdue 24, Minnesota 17: The Gophers continue to give up big plays in the run game and Saturday against the Boilermakers will be no different. Akeem Shavers rips off two long touchdown runs and Caleb TerBush adds a touchdown pass in the 4^th quarter to seal the win for the Boilermakers. Minnesota true freshman Philip Nelson, making his second career start and first at home will put up 250 yards of offense on his own, but he won’t get any help from his tailback committee and the Purdue defense will completely shut him down in the 4^th quarter.

 

Northwestern 28, Iowa 21: Mark Weismann reaffirms himself as a threat for the Iowa offense and the Hawkeyes will enjoy their most offensive success since the Minnesota game. Northwestern meanwhile will dink and dunk Iowa to death before Venric Mark catches the Hawkeyes asleep and rips off a long touchdown run in the 4^th quarter to ice the game for the Cats.

 

Indiana 38, Illinois 27: I think this is a real bad matchup for Illinois, not that any matchup is real good for the Illini at the present time. Indiana is real close to not only winning their first Big Ten game under Kevin Wilson, but putting a real whopping on someone and the Illini seem like the perfect first victim.

 

Wisconsin 27, Michigan State 13: Before the season started I thought the Spartans were overrated considering all the weapons they lost on offense and with the way the Badgers have been playing lately the Spartans chances of keeping up with Bucky in Madison seem hopeless. The Badgers will win this one comfortably. The Spartans are absolutely dreadful offensively.

 

Ohio State 34, Penn State 28: The Nittany Lions couldn’t even beat Ohio U at home, do you really think they are going to beat Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes, especially after TOSU is coming off a lackadaisical game against Purdue? No chance! Braxton Miller is healthy and against a Penn State defense that has major depth issues the Lions will be completely out of breath in the 4^th quarter and that is when Miller and the Buckeyes will clinch the game.

 

Nebraska 35, Michigan 31: The location of this one is the difference. The Huskers will ride the home field advantage to victory. The Huskers don’t match up particularly well with the Wolverines, but I think the crowd wills them to victory. The winner of this game will represent the Legends Division in Indianapolis the first week of December.

 

 Last Week: 5-1, Overall: 55-13 (.809)

 

B1G Predictions: Week 8

Wisconsin 38, Minnesota 13: Two days ago I was certain that the Gophers were going to at least make Bucky sweat in this one and had a real shot at pulling off the upset, and now I have come to my senses. Minnesota’s run defense is bad and Montee Ball, Melvin Gordon, and the Badger offensive line have no trouble picking up first downs at ease on their way to 300+ yards rushing. Meanwhile, Max Shortell will continue to struggle in B1G play missing open receivers with regularity and throw two crucial 1^st half interceptions that will be cashed into points by the Badgers. This one will be over by halftime and I will be on the golf course, weather cooperating that is.

 

 

Michigan 24, Michigan State 13: This won't be a nail biter.  Michigan will win this game somewhat comfortably.  Michigan State lost way too many pieces offensively last year and were overrated to start the year.  They are being exposed.  An angry Michigan team will come out swinging right away looking to avenge back to back losses to the Spartans.

 

 

Nebraska 34, Northwestern 31: A Brett Maher FG with time expiring is the difference in this one.  Both offenses will trade punches, but the Nebraska defense is just a little better and will come up with a key second half stop.

 

 

Ohio State 41, Purdue 27: I think the Boilermakers will make this a closer game than most think.  However, for every Purdue score Braxton Miller will match it in spades.

 

Penn State 23, Iowa 16: The Penn State train continues as Matt McGloin torches the Iowa secondary for 300 yards and a pair of scores in Iowa City.  

 

 

Indiana 44, Navy 30: The Hoosiers get off to a huge lead at half time and are able to hang on to the victory against a bad Navy team.

 

Last Week: 4-1, Overall 50-12 (.807)

B1G Predictions: Week 7

Northwestern 34, Minnesota 24: I just can’t get the Gophers embarrassing offensive performance against Iowa two weeks ago out of my head. Against a leaky Northwestern defense Max Shortell or MarQueis Gray should be able to move the chains, but they won’t be able to keep up with a Northwestern offense that is significantly better in my opinion. Minnesota’s defense is good enough to keep things reasonably interesting, but a timely turnover by the Gopher offense in the 3rd quarter keeps them from gaining momentum. Venric Mark and Kain Colter gash the Gophers on the ground in the 4^th quarter to put the game away.
 

Michigan State 21, Iowa 17: This will be a really good, fundamentally sound, well coached game. Expect some hard hitting, few penalties, and a few momentum swings. Le’Veon Bell and the Spartan ground game is the difference as they pound away on a TD drive late in the 4^th quarter. William Gholston comes up with a huge sack of James Vandenberg on 4^th and 7 from the Spartan 25 yard line with under a minute to play to ice the game.
 

Ohio State 45, Indiana 17: The Hoosiers will get whiplash as Braxton Miller will run by, through, over, and around them. IU gets it’s points in garbage time this week as the Buckeyes will have a 35-0 lead at halftime before calling off the dogs in Bloomington.
 

Wisconsin 24, Purdue 16: The Boilermakers have gotten absolutely crushed by Wisconsin the last few years. They will keep this one much closer against a pedestrian Badger team, but the Boilermakers don’t have a good enough quarterback to make a clutch play late in the game. The Badgers will be begging to be beaten but the sorry collection of Rob Henry, Robert Marve, and Caleb Terbush will look like the three stooges.
 

Michigan 48, Illinois 7: The Wolverines will continue their annialation of subpar teams. The overrated Illini defense will be exposed once again as a complete fraud.
 

Last Week: 5-0, Overall: 46-11 (.807)

B1G Predictions: Week 6

Michigan 31, Purdue 23: The Boilermakers feel like Illinois last year.  People are over hyping them badly and they will be exposed as a mediocre team at best by seasons end.  DRob and the Maize and Blue are ticked about having lost two games already.  Zero chance they lose to the overrated Boilermakers.

Wisconsin 41, Illinois 17: Is there a better elixir for an ailing team than a pushover like Illinois?  I think not.  Joel Stave, Montee Ball, and company roll...

Ohio State 28, Nebraska 23: Similar talent on the field, but the edge in coaching and home field advantage go to Ohio State.  Edge Buckeyes.

Penn State 24, Northwestern 20: The Wildcats aren't nearly as good as their 5-0 record indicates because they haven't beaten anyone.  This Northwestern team is no better than any Pat Fitzgerald led team from the past 5 years.  Plus PSU is on a roll.  I like the Nitts at home.

Michigan State 38, Indiana 17: Le'Veon Bell and company are too much for the Hoosiers to handle.  IU scores two garbage touchdowns late to make a blowout look closer than it was.

Last Week 6-0, Overall 41-11 (.788)

B1G Power Rankings Caddyshack style

Ohio State - Ty Webb

The most talented golfer on the course. Webb has the money and resources to be not only the best golfer at Bushwood, but one of the best golfers in the country. Very witty and well liked throughout the club, the only person that seems to have an issue with him is Judge Smails mainly because he feels threatened by Webb’s presence in the club.

 

Michigan - Judge Smails

The club president who feels an overwhelming sense of entitlement. Most feel his best days are behind him, which he is too stubborn to admit. Seems set in his way. Judge Smails is insecure despite his lofty standing and uncomfortable with change in the club. He feels threatened by up and comers and progressive people within the club. Will look for every advantage he can to remain the top dog.

Northwestern - Al Czervik 

He’s wacky and different. Some see him as a laughing stock, while others think he is the type of fun personality that can transform Bushwood into a cool and hip club. Is the opposite of Judge Smails. He doesn’t care what others think of him and will do things differently. Some like Judge Smails feel threatened by his surprising success given his background and want to put him back in his place.

 

Nebraska – Sandy McFiddish 

Sandy is the Head Greens keeper at Bushwood CC and believes his role in the club is more important than others do. Sandy was hired from another club two years ago. Sandy did good, but not great things with his former club. His skills as a Greens keeper have eroded over the last 15 years. Has a very strenuous relationship with his subordinate Carl Spackler.

Iowa – Carl Spackler 

Most people turn their nose at Spackler due to his bad hygiene and lack of intelligence. However, he is craftier than he looks and has managed to stay employed within the club for many years. Some think that his days may be numbered at Bushwood CC.

Michigan State - Danny Noonan 

An up and coming young caddy with a beautiful golf swing. Most of the members have noticed his talent and are keeping an eye on him. Doesn’t have the country club name brand as his family has very little money, but has earned the respect of others in the club through hard work. Has been banging Smails niece for the last couple years, which makes his relationship with the Judge awkward and uneasy.

 

Wisconsin - Tony D’Annunzio 

Seems more impressed by himself than others do. Has an inflated ego, despite having won nothing substantial. Has an ugly, unorthodox golf swing. Tries getting into confrontations with others due to his low self-esteem.

 

Minnesota – The Gopher 

The Gopher has infuriated and terrorized Carl Spackler the last two years, but Spackler got his revenge by taking a stick of dynamite to his hole. However, the Gopher will rise to terrorize Spackler and the rest of the club once again. Is seen as a nuisance by most members of the club and has rarely risen from his hole since the 1960’s.

Penn State – Lacey Underall 

Many have laid the wood to her. She has been bent over backwards and donkey punched. Her sexiness and vulnerability will make her a very attractive play for many years. Comes from a family of wealth with seemingly unlimited funds. Her family will come to her financial rescue in these dire times.

Purdue – Lou Loomis 

Has the sweetest mustache in the club. That is all.

Illinois – Maggie O’Hooligan 

Like Underall she has been drilled by just about everyone in the club.  Few respect her however, with the exception of her boyfriend Danny Noonan.

Indiana – Spaulding Smails  

Picks his nose and throws up a lot. Is an ugly, snotty, un-athletic d-bag. Everyone makes fun of him.

B1G predictions: Week 5

Iowa 21, Minnesota 13: Max Shortell will struggle in his first game on the road in place of the injured MarQueis Gray, throwing 2 interceptions and the Gopher offense will stall twice inside the Iowa 10 yard line settling for Jordan Wettstein field goals.  Mark Weisman will rush for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns and Iowa will play their best game of the year.

Nebraska 28, Wisconsin 27: The Badgers will give the Huskers everything they can handle.   Melvin Gordon will continue his emergence for Wisconsin exposing a mediocre Nebraska defense by rushing for 200 yards and a pair of scores.  However Rex Burkhead, Taylor Martinez and the rest of the Cornhuskers offense will be a little too much for the Badger defense too handle.  The crowd at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln will be the difference as they will force Joel Stave and the Badger offense into two false start penalties on the final drive and the Badger offense will stall.

Northwestern 38, Indiana 27: The Wildcats will be able to score whenever they want in this one. The Hoosiers will do a little scoring of their own, but it won't be nearly enough.

Ohio State 21, Michigan State 17: I don't trust Andrew Maxwell to win a big game yet.  The Spartans can't continue to rely on Le'Veon Bell for all of their offense. Urban Meyer can coach and he will come up with a game plan that forces Maxwell to throw. 

Penn State 35, Illinois 17: Bill O'Brien will call for a touchdown pass from the Illinois 5 yard line with 22 seconds to play putting an exclamation point on how he feels about that d-bag Tim Beckman.

Purdue 24, Marshall 21: This game doesn't do much for me you guys.  Purdue as a team just bores the hell out of me.  Hopefully Marshall will make this interesting at least.

Last Week: 7-3 Overall: 35-11 (.760)

B1G Power Rankings: Week 5

1. Ohio State: Have you ever gone to a bar with a group of your buddies in some small town hunting for chicks and the best looking one is like a 6?  You know she has crooked teeth and a funny accent but a great body?  A little bit of a butterface, yet everyone is hitting on her because that’s the only thing available?  That’s kind of Ohio State, they’re not the most talented or sexy team, but in a dog ugly B1G that’s all your left with.

2. Nebraska: The Huskers offense is going to pose matchup problems for a lot of B1G defenses with their ability to throw and run the ball.  This is easily Bo Pelini’s best offense.  If they can fix their defense the Huskers could become a heavy favorite to win the B1G.

3. Michigan: Let’s be honest would any other B1G team have beaten Alabama or Notre Dame?  I didn’t think so.  The Wolverines are far from perfect, but they are still one of the B1G’s best.  The Wolverines need another playmaker to emerge to take some pressure off of Denard Robinson, who is trying to do everything on his own right now.

4. Michigan State: If nothing else the Legends Division race should be very exciting this year with Michigan, MSU, Nebraska, and maybe even Northwestern all with a legitimate shot of winning an all-expenses paid trip to Indianapolis the first weekend of December.  Speaking of Sparty they have major offensive issues, which I saw coming.  They lost way too much last year and they can’t continue to depend on Le’Veon Bell to bail them out week after week.  Bell is also going to lose considerable tread off his tires if he continues to tote the rock 35-40 times a game.  Eventually Andrew Maxwell is going to need to make plays down the field if the Spartans want to play in a BCS bowl this year.

5. Northwestern: The Cats deserve credit for scheduling 3 games against teams from BCS conferences.  They also deserve credit for winning all of them.  Everyone should schedule like Northwestern, that is schedule winnable BCS non-conference games.  Syracuse, Vanderbilt, and Boston College aren’t world beaters, but winning those games and putting 3 non-conference BCS wins on your resume isn’t a bad thing.

6. Wisconsin: Joel Stave hit most of his throws on play action.  The running game got back on track, which was long overdue.  Even if Montee Ball misses an extended amount of time with a concussion the Badgers may have found their next great back in Melvin Gordon who looks like an absolute creature.   The Badgers will continue to get better as the season progresses and I still think they are a lock for the Leaders Division despite their early season issues.

7. Minnesota: The Gophers defense is legit!  At the beginning of the season the Gophers defensive line was considered the worst unit in the conference by most pundits.   Now it’s among the top 2-3 in the league along with Michigan State and Purdue.  Now, they have some offensive consistency and special teams issues to sort out before we can consider the Gophers a complete team.

8. Purdue: The Boilermakers played Notre Dame really tough and beat a couple directional schools before their bye week and now they play Marshall so we really aren’t going to know anything about Purdue until they play Michigan in their B1G opener.  I still think they have some major offensive issues to sort out before we can consider them a complete team.  They are similar to Minnesota, but Minnesota has a better idea of what they are doing offensively.

9. Penn State: The Nittany Lions are fighting and making their fans proud.  They aren’t deep, they aren’t talented, but they fight and scrap and don’t feel sorry for themselves after all the offseason stuff and two tough losses to begin the season.  They are starting to take after their coach and forge an identity.  Matt McGloin looks like a real quarterback after looking like a stiff his first two years in NOT so Happy Valley.

10. Iowa: The Hawkeyes have been a huge disappointment, and most notably quarterback James Vandenberg.  The defense is okay although they looked horrible in an upset loss the Central Michigan.  Mark Weisman looks like a poor man’s Mike Alstott.  The Hawkeyes will be fired up to open B1G play against a Minnesota team that has beaten them two years in a row.  Expect a great battle next weekend in Iowa City.

11. Indiana: The Hoosiers can’t stop anyone, but unlike the rest of the teams in the conference at least they can generate a little offense.

12. Illinois: Anyone that thought the Illini had one of the best defenses in the B1G should be outlawed from ever having an opinion on college football ever again. 

B1G predictions: Week 4

Minnesota 34, Syracuse 21: The Gophers will play their best game of the year under the lights in front of an energized crowd at TCF Bank Stadium.  Donnell Kirkwood rushes for 150 yards and Max Shortell throws 3 touchdown passes to 3 different receivers for the offense.  The Minnesota defense sacks Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib 5 times as Minnesota starts the season 4-0 for the first time since 2008.

Wisconsin 41, UTEP 17: The Wisconsin offense is eventually going to retrieve its head from its ass.  I think this is the weekend for that.  Joel Stave just tries to not trip the running backs as he hands off to Montee Ball, James White, and Melvin Gordon in a route.

Iowa 38, Central Michigan 17: Boy the days of Brian Kelly and Butch Jones coaching the Chippewas seem like a long time ago don't they?  This is a really bad Central Michigan team, I mean really bad.  Vandenberg and his receivers get on the same page in a warm up for rival Minnesota next week at Kinnick.

Ohio State 41, UAB 13: I think Urbn Meyer enjoys beating the snot out of teams from the South.   You know the Pontiff is chomping at the bit to get a crack at Saban in the BCS next year.

Northwestern 38, South Dakota 13: Pat Fitzgerald will empty his bench in this glorified scrimmage.

Penn State 21, Temple 17: The Nittany Lions won't need a late FG to win this one.  So they have that going for them, which is nice....

Nebraska 48, Idaho State 7: I have no idea what Idaho State's nickname is nor do I care.  Dear lord the games this week are dog shit.

Michigan State 52, Eastern Michigan 3: Sparty plays Eastern Michigan in the 4th week of preseason action in the NFL.

Michigan 24, Notre Dame 21:  Finally!  A living breathing game.  You know the games are garbage when Minnesota vs. Syracuse, the battle of the 1960's powers, is the second best game this week.  You know I don't think Notre Dame is that good and I don't think Michigan is as limited as others think.  The bottom line is I don't trust Notre Dame's offense late in a close game against a good team.   I welcome Notre Dame to prove me wrong.  It just smells like a Notre Dame loss this week.  Denard Robinson leads a late 4th quarter drive and Notre Dame does absolutely nothing in it's last possession.

Illinois 27, Louisiana Tech 13: I think Louisiana Tech is the Bulldogs, but I'm not real sure.  At any rate I think I would rather watch my neighbor paint his garage than this game.

Overall record: 28-8 (.778)

B1G Power Rankings: Week 4

1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes struggled with Cal, but still found a way to win.  Braxton Miller is capable of making a big play with his arm or legs at all times and their defense can make big plays as well.

2. Michigan: Denard Robinson will single handedly win this team 9-10 games.  I am concerned with the lack of a running game outside of DRob, however.

3. Michigan State: I thought MSU was a little overrated to start the season and I think I have been vindicated to an extent.  They still lack playmakers at receiver and Andrew Maxwell is a smart polished young quarterback, but he still needs time to develop and is not going to be even ½ as productive as Kirk Cousins.  They also can’t continue to rely on LeVeon Bell to run the ball 30-40 times per game, eventually they are going to need someone else to step up and make plays.   Outside of Notre Dame they really haven’t played anyone either because Boise State is a shadow of what they were the last 4-5 years.

4. Nebraska: I am putting the Huskers here because UCLA is for real.  Their only loss was to maybe the most improved team in the country in UCLA on the road, without their starting running back Rex Burkhead.  Taylor Martinez has improved his passing accuracy dramatically.   My only concern thus far with Nebraska is their defense.

5. Northwestern: If there is a better young coach in the country than Pat Fitzgerald I sure would like to meet him.  I love their quarterbacks and their offense in general, although the defense gives me pause.  I think the Wildcats could be a darkhorse in the Legends.

6. Wisconsin: I know they lucked out!  I know Bret Bielema is about as likeable as used car salesman, but I predicate my rankings on how I think the B1G standings will look at the end of the year.  We know they don’t have Russell Wilson anymore, so their quarterback play fell off a bridge, and they only have one reliable receiver in Jared Abbrederis, but they still have one of the better offensive lines in the conference along with Montee Ball and James White.  Eventually their running game will get going and their defense has played pretty well.  I’m sorry, but I still think they are the favorites to win the Leaders division.

7. Purdue: The Boilermakers feel like Illinois last year.  Good but not great defense, inconsistent at quarterback, questionable coaching, and below average skill people.  I think like Illinois last year the Boilermakers will get off to a hot start and fade down the stretch as their schedule becomes increasingly difficult.   The Boilermakers just feel too trendy right now and I hate that. 

8. Minnesota: I still don’t have a great feel for the Gophers.  I know they are better than last year but that’s not saying much coming off back to back 3-9 seasons.  The defense is better although I still think you can run on the Gophers, which isn’t good with teams like Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Michigan  on their schedule.   The offense has been balanced so far, but the injury to MarQueis Gray is cause for concern because the offense under Max Shortell will be significantly different, going to a more aerial attack.

9. Iowa: The Hawkeyes have started their season like they usually do, losing to Iowa State and struggling with directional schools.  Haven’t we seen this before?  I think the Hawkeyes will improve as the season progresses like they usually do under Kirk Ferentz.  The only problem is they look really bad right now, so does that mean they will just be mediocre at the end of the year?

10. Illinois: I have no clue on Illinois.  Honestly I don’t.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go 9-3 and challenge for the Leaders crown or go 3-9 and look completely overmatched in the B1G.

11. Penn State: The Nittany Lions put together a clean, well-played football game.  It was refreshing and had to leave you feeling good for Bill O’Brien and his players after all they have been through.

12. Indiana: I’ll tell you what the Hoosiers defense is awful, but they are going to score points on people this year and in a mediocre Leaders division they are going to win a couple B1G games this year.  I could see the winner of the Leaders division finishing 5-3 and the last place team finishing 3-5 with everyone else at 4-4.   That of course is after Ohio State, which isn’t eligible this year. 

B1G Predictions: Week 3

Minnesota 27, Western Michigan 17: This game isn’t going to be as high scoring as many think.  Minnesota’s pass rush is legitimate and should be able to continue to get into the backfield against a MAC offensive line.  Jerry Kill knows how to beat MAC teams and Saturday in Minneapolis will be no different.  Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray will have the best passing day of his career as the Broncos will crowd the line of scrimmage and force Gray to throw.   

Nebraska 38, Arkansas State 23: Former Auburn Offensive Coordinator Gus Mulzahn will bring his high flying brand of football to Lincoln and should continue the trend of teams that are able to move the ball against the Nebraska defense.   Taylor Martinez will continue to throw the ball more than a typical Nebraska quarterback does as Rex Burkhead tries to get healthy for the B1G season.

Illinois 34, Charleston Southern 7: I have no idea what a Charleston Southern is, but it sounds good.  Does it taste like a Charleston Chew?

Purdue 31, Eastern Michigan 9: This is soooo Purdue, squeeze Notre Dame in between a bunch of cupcakes.  Should we call it a Purdue dog?

Ohio State 33, Cal 17: The Buckeyes get a visit from one of the worst teams in the PAC12.  You’ve got to think that Jeff Tedford has overstayed his welcome in Berkley.

Northwestern 24, Boston College 20: The Cardiac Cats squeak out another one as Trevor Siemian hits Demetrius Fields in the corner of the end zone with :46 left.  The Cats tack on the extra point for a 4 point lead and hang on after batting down a Boston College Hail Mary pass in the end zone as time expires.

Penn State 21, Navy 16: The Nittany Lions won’t need to worry about a missed field goal this week.  They turn all 3 red zone trips into touchdowns and Bill O’Brien notches his first victory at Penn State. 

Iowa 23, Northern Iowa 21: The Hawkeyes continue their struggles against in-state rival UNI.  The running game can’t get going forcing James Vandenberg to throw 40 passes.

Michigan 48, UMass 17: Denard Robinson’s day will be over after the first half as they rest him for the Notre Dame game. 

Indiana 28, Ball State 24: The Hoosiers are 3-0!!!

Wisconsin 34, Utah State 21: Utah State isn’t bad and they will throw a scare into the Badgers.  The Wisconsin offensive line and running game will wear down Utah State late (finally!) and the Badgers will win by a somewhat comfortable margin. 

Michigan State 17, Notre Dame 13: The Spartans will give up their first offensive touchdown of the year, but will still give up less than 300 yards of offense and will get revenge on the Irish after being humiliated by them last year in South Bend.  

Last Week: 9-3, Overall 18-6 (.750)

B1G Power Rankings: Week 3

I don’t knee jerk react to one weekend of games as much as some, so I apologize ahead of time if you don’t agree with my rankings.  I still believe Wisconsin is a shoe-in for the Leaders title with Ohio State ineligible.  So without further ado…

1. Ohio State: Urban Meyer has got to be making hotel reservations for Indianapolis the first weekend of December 2013.  He has to be.

2. Michigan State: The Spartans defense ain’t no joke.  It’s even better than I thought.  They have kept the opposing offense from scoring a touchdown two weeks in a row, including recent offensive juggernaut Boise State.  Well done Sparty.  Andrew Maxwell will improve as the season progresses.  This team is better than I thought.

3. Michigan: How mediocre would the Wolverines be without Denard Robinson?

4. Wisconsin: I expected a close game in Corvallis and I didn’t think the Badgers would be as good this year but holy cripes…  I wonder if Montee Ball is still having concussion like symptoms after being attacked by those thugs in Madison.  He just doesn’t look right.  Danny O’Brien on the other hand looks like I thought he would – mediocre.  If the Badgers depend on O’Brien to make plays they are screwed.   Wisconsin needs to solve their offensive line issues in a hurry and it looks like they are trying to do that immediately after firing their offensive line coach this morning

5. Nebraska: Taylor Martinez went back to playing like Taylor Martinez in the second half Saturday night in the Rose Bowl.   It should be noted that UCLA is for real, however.  Jim Mora Jr. is going to be the next Pete Carroll in LA, taking an eroding program in Los Angeles to new heights.  Back to the Huskers though.  They need to solve their defensive issues in a hurry!

6. Northwestern: The Vanderbilt game went exactly like I thought it would.  It wasn’t a good weekend for the Rodgers brothers, by the way.  Vandy’s offense is awful.  The Cats defense will face much more difficult tests in the B1G conference season.  Don’t read anything into the defensive performance from Northwestern Saturday night however, Vanderbilt’s offense IS that bad.

7. Iowa: Why does Iowa always play like hot garbage against Iowa State?  I wouldn’t panic Hawkeye fans, you will still win 7-9 games this year.  How many times has Iowa lost to ISU only to win the B1G?  I’m not saying that will happen this year, but I wouldn’t panic if I were an Iowa fan because the Hawkeyes have been there done that (losing to the Cyclones).

8. Minnesota: MarQueis Gray hit his open receivers, the Gophers cut back on penalties and they did exactly what they were supposed to do against an FCS opponent at home – beat their brains in.  Nice tests on the horizon for an improved Gopher defense with Alex Carder and Western Michigan and Ryan Nassib and Syracuse heading to Minnepolis the next two weeks.

9. Indiana: I feel horrible for Indiana losing Tre Roberson.  The Hoosiers had a real shot of making a bowl game this year and that injury really hurts their chances.  When you are a program like Indiana trying to build depth, you just can’t afford injuries to your star players.  Period.

10. Purdue: Ladies and Gentleman your Buffalo Bills of College Football!!!!!  Featuring an elite defensive line (nobody cares), poor quarterback play, below average skill people,  an atrocious secondary, and a mediocre but likeable head coach.  Yyyyyoooooooure Purdue Boilermakers!!!!!!!!

11. Illinois: My stomach is killing me!  No I didn’t do 750 crunches this morning.  I was laughing from reading Rittenberg and Bennett’s post on the WWL, where they wrote about how the performance of the Illinois defense was unacceptable given the fact they like to consider themselves among the nation’s elite.   Oh man I hope no one else makes me laugh today because my stomach is so sore!

12. Penn State: Poor Bill O’Brien.  His team played their asses off and would have won if not for the kicker missing four field goals.  Okay Penn State fans admit it, those transfers stung, most notably your starting kicker Anthony Fera who transferred to Texas.

B1G Predictions: Week 2

Minnesota 35, New Hampshire 23: The Gophers look much more efficient offensively and cash in their scoring opportunities with touchdowns.  MarQueis Gray hits open targets and Donnell Kirkwood rushes for over 100 yards.  However, the Gopher defense, which looked good last week takes a step back and gives up 400+ yards to the UNH spread attack to keep things too close for comfort.

Ohio State 38, Central Florida 14: Urban Meyer does what he does and that’s dominate the state of Florida.   Whether that’s in recruiting or beating the likes of FSU or UCF the Pontiff gets er’ done once again.

Virginia 17, Penn State 10: The Nitts will make this one interesting in Charlottesville, but their offense will stall in the red zone late in the 4th quarter preventing them from forcing the game into an overtime.

Notre Dame 31, Purdue 14: This one won’t be as close as many think and I know one thing for sure: Purdue isn’t winning this game, no shot!  The Irish are in a foul mood over the lack of love they have been getting from the national media and they aim to take it out on the overrated Boilermakers in their home opener.  You can have Danny Hope and Caleb Turbush, I’ll take Brian Kelly and Everett Golson.

Indiana 27, UMass 21: The Hoosiers will get into a see-saw battle with the Minutemen.  Kofi Hughes catches a touchdown from Tre Roberson in the final minute as the Hoosiers escape with a victory.

Michigan 24, Air Force 21: The Falcons take the lead at halftime as the Wolverines try to get over their hangover from the Alabama game.  The triple option offense doesn’t help their hangovers – in fact it just gives them an even bigger headache.  At halftime Brady Hoke forces his team to take ibuprofen and slam a bottle of water before taking the field.  It works as Denard Robinson runs wild in the second half and the defense shuts down the AFA triple option attack.

Michigan State 38, Central Michigan 10: Andrew Maxwell looks like a real B1G quarterback throwing for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns in a route.  Mark Dantonio rests LeVeon Bell for the final three quarters in preparation for the Notre Dame game.

Iowa 24, Iowa State 21: The Hawkeyes march 80 yards in 10 plays capped by a James Vendenberg to C.J. Fiedorowicz touchdown pass with 1:42 to play in the 4th quarter.  James Morris picks off an Iowa State 4th down pass in Iowa territory with :20 to play to preserve the victory.

Wisconsin 38, Oregon State 34: The Badgers defense once again looks putrid and almost costs them a victory.  Oregon State has a real chance to win this game folks.  Reeser Stadium in Corvallis is a tough place to play and the Badgers will definitely be on upset alert.

Nebraska 28, UCLA 24:  This is another game that will go down to the bitter end.  Jim Mora Jr’s team will have plenty of scrap to it and the Huskers will need to make a late stop to preserve the victory.

Northwestern 24, Vanderbilt 20: The Commodores offense is dog vomit.  I can’t believe that Jordan Rodgers is Aaron’s little bro.   He is awful.  Anyway, the Cats defense doesn’t need to be spectacular this week.

Arizona State 27, Illinois 17: If Nathan Scheelhaase plays the Illini have a real shot to win this game.  If Reilly O’Toole is the quarterback they may as well not even bother taking the field.

Season Record: 9-3 (.750)

B1G Power Rankings: Week 2

1.      Ohio State: The Buckeyes absolutely thrashed Miami (OH) and looked poised for a B1G and maybe even a national title run in 2013.

2.      Wisconsin: Danny O’Brien looked better than I anticipated he would in the opener completing 82% of his passes, although the Badger defense left a lot to be desired.

3.      Nebraska: I just about crapped my pants when I saw Taylor Martinez’s passing stat line.  Did someone give him a bionic arm or is Southern Mississippi’s pass defense that atrocious?

4.      Michigan State: The Spartans game with Boise State was every bit as ugly as the Gophers game with UNLV.  The only difference is Boise and MSU are better teams, which made their play even more inexcusable.

5.      Michigan: I had a hunch Michigan had zero chance against Alabama and it was true.  The Wolverines will be in the B1G title mix however.

6.      Iowa: The Hawkeyes narrow win over Northern Illinois may not have looked good on paper, but trust me the Huskies are better than people think and that was a solid win for Iowa.

7.      Northwestern: Typical Northwestern game.  Give up a bunch of points and score a bunch of points in an entertaining football game.

8.      Illinois: The Illini looked….um dare I say disciplined?!  Weird huh?  And well coached!  Huh.  This could be interesting?  Or just a false alarm like last year.  It will be interesting to follow Tim Beckman’s squad however.

9.      Purdue: The Boilermakers weren’t tested at all by the FCS Eastern Kentucky Colonels.  I will be very interested to see how QB Caleb Terbush, fresh off a 1 game suspension and the rest of the Boilermakers fare against Notre Dame this weekend in South Bend.  My gut feeling is they get crushed, but I welcome Purdue to prove me wrong.

10.  Minnesota: The Gophers looked great physically against UNLV, however mentally they were a mess.   If you are looking for a silver lining from the UNLV game if you’re a Gopher fan look no further than the play of the safeties, wide receivers, and defensive line.  All three positions were a huge concern before the season started and all played exceptionally.  That was the most pressure I have seen from a Minnesota defensive front in years, and I mean years…

11.  Penn State: To be honest I was somewhat surprised by the outcome of the Penn State/Ohio game.  I expected the Nittany Lions to play much more inspired football.  It’s going to be a long decade in Happy Valley.   So much for those even divisions…

12.  Indiana: The Hoosiers played about how I expected.  We won’t know much about the progress of Kevin Wilson’s program until the first or second week of October.

B1G Predictions: Week 1

Minnesota 31, UNLV 17:
For the first time ever in the Jerry Kill era the Gophers will top 30 points.  This will be a close game at halftime before the Minnesota offensive line imposes their will on a small UNLV defensive front in the second half.  The Gophers rush for over 250 yards and get a punt return touchdown from freshman Jamel Harbison. 

Boise State 24, Michigan State 21:
Andrew Maxwell struggles in his first start for the Spartans against a better than advertised Boise State defense.  A staunch Michigan State defense and LeVeon Bell keep Sparty in the game, but Boise quarterback Joe Southwick picks apart the MSU secondary in the 4th quarter on a 10 play 82 yard touchdown drive to seal the victory for the Broncos. 

Northwestern 23, Syracuse 21:
Kain Colter gashes the Syracuse defense for 157 yards rushing and the Cats get a big stop defensively in the 4th quarter to preserve a well-earned non-conference road victory in the Carrier Dome. 

Penn State 30, Ohio U 13:
The Nittany Lions get off to a fast start behind an emotionally charged crowd and take a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and cruise from there.   Matt McGloin has his best game under center for PSU and Akeel Lynch shows great burst and vision from the running back position rushing for over 100 yards. 

Western Michigan 27, Illinois 20:
Alex Carder torches Illinois for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Illinois looks like it lacks an identity on offense as both Nathan Scheelhaase and Reilly O’Toole split time at quarterback. 

Ohio State 38, Miami (OH) 3:
Urbanball begins with a shellacking of little in-state brother Miami (OH) in the Shoe.   Braxton Miller looks like Tim Tebow running the Meyer offense as the Buckeyes pile up over 500 yards of offense.

Iowa 31, Northern Illinois 27:
This might turn out to be the best game in week 1.  Northern Illinois is better than anyone outside of DeKalb, IL thinks and it will be interesting to see who runs the football for the Hawkeyes.  James Vandenberg and the Iowa receivers and tight ends will be able to hold their own, but for the Iowa offense to shine it must have a legitimate tailback emerge this year at some point.   Freshman Greg Garmon rushes for over 100 yards for the Hawkeyes and proves to be the difference maker in the opener at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Purdue 34, Eastern Kentucky 16:
I would rather watch a marathon of Dora the Explorer on Nick Jr. than this game.

Nebraska 28, Southern Miss 17: Taylor Martinez reverts to his form of 2010 (pre injury) and the black shirt defense clamps down on a decent Southern Miss offense. 

Wisconsin 41, Northern Iowa 6:
The Badgers rush for over 400 yards as Maryland transfer Danny O’Brien just hands off and tries to stay out of the way.   James White and Melvin Gordon look good running the ball for the Badgers in the second half. 

Indiana 42, Indiana State 24:
The Indiana tailbacks shake loose in this game as the Hoosiers rush for over 300 yards in a yawner over the in-state FCS Sycamores.  

Alabama 21, Michigan 13:
Bama will struggle early offensively, but will find a rhythm in the second half as quarterback A.J. McCarron will throw 2 second half touchdown passes.  Denard Robinson is swallowed whole by a big, physical, and fast Crimson Tide defense. 

B1G Power Rankings: Week 1

1. Ohio State: The Braxton Miller and Urban Meyer relationship will work out beautifully!  The Buckeyes will be super motivated to play Michigan at the end of the year because it will be their bowl game.  Urban starts off 1-0 in the biggest rivalry in college football.

2. Wisconsin: The Badgers have what they are used to under center in the mediocre Danny O'Brien, however that is just fine by the Badgers who will use a punishing ground attack and an opportunistic defense to reach their third consecutive Rose Bowl.

3. Michigan: Denard Robinson will get beat up this year and an extremely difficult schedule will result in a worse record than last year.

4. Nebraska: Taylor Martinez was quoted as saying he wants to complete 75% of his passes this year.  In other news I would like to date Kate Upton.  Neither one is happening.

5. Michigan State: Andrew Maxwell takes over for 37 year starter Kirk Cousins.  The Spartans may have their best defense ever!  LeVeon Bell is an absolute beast at the tailback position.

6. Iowa: James Vandenberg will throw for a bazillion yards this year, but the Hawkeyes need to find a tailback to balance the offense.

7. Northwestern: Cain Colter is a remarkable athlete and will flourish in the NU offense.  The defense on the otherhand is a complete sieve.

8. Penn State: Matt McGloin will have a very respectable year at QB and the Nittany Lions will scrap their way to a very respectable season given the circumstances.

9. Minnesota: The Gophers are young and thin at almost every position with the exception of linebacker.  This program is probably 2 years away from a major breakthrough.

10. Illinois: Todd Beckman is just annoying, that's all I've got.

11. Indiana: The Hoosiers may actually put up some points this year, but they won't be able to stop a turtle in motor oil.

12. Purdue: The most O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D team in the conference.  To be successful in major college football you need to have a good coach and a good quarterback.  The Boilermakers have Danny Hope and Caleb Turbush... Ick.

Schedule Analysis: Northwestern

Games in which Northwestern will be heavily favored:
South Dakota
Indiana
Illinois

Games in which Northwestern will be a heavy underdog:
@Michigan
@Michigan State

Favorable matchup games:
@Syracuse
Vanderbilt
Boston College
@Penn State
Iowa

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Minnesota
Nebraska

Summary:
The Cats will have a shot to win nearly every game on their schedule.  If you take away the road trips to the state of Michigan they have not only a shot to win all those other games, but they could be favored in all or most.  I think the schedule sets up perfectly for Pat Fitzgerald to have his best season yet in what I believe is a slightly overrated Big Ten Conference in 2012.

Prediction:
8-4

Schedule Analysis: Michigan

Games in which Michigan will be heavily favored:
Air Force
UMass
Illinois
@Minnesota
@Purdue
Northwestern

Games in which Michigan will be a heavy underdog:
Alabama

Favorable matchup games:
@Notre Dame
Michigan State
Iowa

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Nebraska
@Ohio State

Summary:
The Wolverines get big bad Bama right out of the gate.  No easy task, no doubt.  In fact the Wolverines have a much more difficult schedule this year than they had last year.  They have trips to South Bend, Lincoln, and Columbus.  The Wolverines will be a better team this year in my opinion, but their record won't be.

Prediction:
9-3

Schedule Analysis: Michigan State

Games in which Michigan State will be heavily favored:

@Central Michigan

Eastern Michigan

@Indiana

Games in which Michigan State will be a heavy underdog:

None

Favorable matchup games:

Boise State

Notre Dame

Iowa

Nebraska

Northwestern

@Minnesota

Unfavorable matchup games:

Ohio State

@Michigan

@Wisconsin

Summary:

Michigan State has a tough test right out of the shoot with a primetime matchup on Friday night against Boise State at home.  The Broncos play extremely well on the road out of conference.  In fact, Boise’s record in non-conference road games the last two years is 7-0.  Yes, that’s right 7-0!  It should be mentioned that the Georgia game in Atlanta last year and the Virginia Tech game in DC back in 2010 were technically “neutral site” games, but come on who are we kidding?  Those were home games for Georgia and Virginia Tech respectively and the Broncos flat took care of business.  If I were a Michigan State fan I would be terrified of playing Boise State in the opener. 

The B1G slate is much easier this year for MSU than it was last year.  They get Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio State at home this year, but they still must travel to Michigan and Wisconsin and the road game at Minnesota won’t be a cake walk either.  I think Minnesota is going to be the most improved team in the conference by seasons end. 

Michigan State lost a ton of offensive personnel and must also replace their 3 year starting quarterback and unquestioned leader in Kirk Cousins.  Cousins was voted a team captain his sophomore year.   Andrew Maxwell is a smart kid and I am confident he will assume a leadership role right away, but he will experience his growing pains this year.  Michigan State will live and die this year by its defense and running game, led by stud tailback LeVeon Bell.

Prediction:

8-4

Schedule Analysis: Penn State

Games in which Penn State will be heavily favored:
Ohio
Temple
Indiana

Games in which Penn State will be a heavy underdog:
@Iowa
@Nebraska
Wisconsin
Ohio State

Favorable matchup games:
Navy
Northwestern

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Illinois
@Purdue
@Virginia

Before the NCAA dropped a nuclear bomb on Penn State a day before the sanctions were announced I tweeted how people shouldn't feel sorry for Bill O'Brien because he knew exactly what he was getting into when he accepted the job.

B1G Football Dude ‏@B1Gfootballdude

For those of you who feel bad for Bill O'Brien, don't. Remember, he agreed to take this job. #pennstate

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After seeing him interviewed I absolutely love the guy.  He doesn't make excuses.  In fact, Bill O'Brien has accepted more accountability for his program than anyone else at the institution and O'Brien had nothing to do with why Penn State is being penalized. 

Regarding football I think Bill O'Brien is the perfect man for the job, a no bull, head down, go about your business head coach.  Penn State will reflect it's head coach this year: workmanlike, lunch pail team, that won't lay over for anyone.  Penn State will be a tough out this year.   Penn State will benefit from a soft early schedule, but will run out of fuel by seasons end.  However, the Nitts won't get blown out much this year if at all.

Prediction: 6-6

Does Anyone Care in Dinkytown?

The year was 1990, the location was Madison, Wisconsin where the Wisconsin Badgers football team had just finished up a dreadful 1-10 season under first year coach Barry Alvarez.  Wisconsin had won just 10 games the past 5 seasons.  I wasn't a math major but that's 2 wins a season on average for the Badgers from 1986-1990. Things were bad for the Wisconsin football program, in fact the University of Wisconsin marching band was the main attraction on Saturdays at Camp Randall stadium, not the football team. Alvarez posted 5-6 records in years 2 and 3 before having a breakout year in 1993 leading the Badgers to a 10-1-1 record, a Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day where they would knock off the UCLA Bruins.  From that day forward the University of Wisconsin became a Big Ten powerhouse, something no one in the country or for that matter even it's own state could have ever imagined. The Badgers have made 5 Rose Bowl appearances since 1993.  Now the Badgers sell their entire allotment of student season tickets in a 1/2 hour. 

Fast forward to 2012 in Minneapolis, MN where the Minnesota Gophers open camp coming off a 3-9 season in year 1 of the Jerry Kill era.  Year 2 promises to be better for the Gophers, dare we say 4-6 wins is expected?  So what year will Kill lead the Gophers to a B1G championship and a BCS bowl game will it be in year 3?  How about year 4 like Alvarez did at Wisconsin?  Or will that day never come for Kill and Minnesota?  If it doesn't you can forget about the Minnesota Gopher football team being relevant in the Twin Cities or even on their own campus where they have only sold 2,000 student season tickets.  Indiana, similar to Minnesota achievement wise in football has sold 12,000.  Let that resonate for a bit... Indiana, yes Indiana has sold 10,000 more student tickets than Minnesota for the 2012 season.  The Hoosiers couldn't even beat an FBS level team last year and are a basketball school, yet they have outpaced the Gophers in student season ticket sales by a long shot.  It has come to my attention that Indiana sold basketball and football tickets to the students as a package, but still...

Often times when Minnesota plays Wisconsin at home you will find a percentage of the student section (dare I say as high as 10-15%) decked out in red.  They are probably Wisconsin kids who chose to attend the University of Minnesota for the city and the degree, but are probably still Badger fans at heart.  Folks that simply shouldn't happen.  It is the University's job to create school pride and passion for sports, something the U has failed at big time.  The University of Minnesota offers arguably the finest stadium in the B1G if not the country in one of the biggest, hippest cities that houses a major research university.   So what's not to like right?  The product on the field that's what.  The Gophers haven't won a Big Ten championship in over 40 years and haven't gone to the Rose Bowl in over 50.  Apathy and condescending journalists are rampant and the University and it's football program has no one to blame but themselves.  Someone told me that whatever you want to be good at you will be good at. Why do you think Alabama is good at college football, the Yankees dominate MLB, and the Lakers the NBA?  Because they demand excellence, in fact maybe it's just because they give a shit.  The U simply hasn't given a shit, not it's students, not it's administrators, not it's fans, no one! 

It's hard to win when you don't have support and that is probably why so many candidates passed on the job back in 2010.  For the U to ever be a big attraction in this town they need a breakout season 10-12 wins and a BCS bowl bid and the only way they are ever going to get there is with the right people at the top (administrators/coaches) to change the pathetic culture of the program.  Joel Maturi and Bob Bruininks were too concerned with being "nice" and "fair".  Glen Mason came off as pompous and arrogant, and Tim Brewster came across as a blowhard.

Jerry Kill is a competitive guy who can't stand losing.  The new President, Eric Kaler who is on twitter always ends his tweets with #umnproud.  The new AD, Norwood Teague kept arguably the most sought after young basketball coach in the country at little old VCU.  Teague has a plan to upgrade the facilities immediately and that includes practice facilities for both the basketball and football teams.  Is this threesome the answer?  Damn if I know, but they give a shit and that's a pretty good start.

Schedule Analysis: Purdue

Games in which Purdue will be a heavy favorite:
Eastern Kentucky
Eastern Michigan
Marshall

Games in which Purdue will be a heavy underdog:
@Notre Dame
Michigan
Wisconsin
@Ohio State
@Iowa

Favorable matchup games:
Penn State
Indiana

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Minnesota
@Illinois

Summary:
Purdue has many returning starters, especially defensively.  However, outside of defensive tackle Kawann Short none of them are special.  This is about as average as a team gets and its head coach, Danny Hope is also average, however he does have the coolest mustache in college football.   Penn State and Indiana at home are probably the only B1G games the Boilermakers will be favored to win.  This will likely be Danny Hope's last season in West Lafayette.  This is the year Indiana finishes with a better record than Purdue.

Prediction:
4-8

Schedule Analysis: Ohio State

Games in which Ohio State will be heavily favored:

Miami (OH)

Central Florida

Cal

@UAB

@Indiana

Purdue

@Penn State

Illinois

Games in which Ohio State will be a heavy underdog:

None

Favorable matchup games:

Nebraska

Michigan

Unfavorable matchup games:

@Michigan State

@Wisconsin

Summary:

Vegas has set the over/under win total for the Buckeyes at 9.  If I were a gambler I would stuff a Brinks truck full of cash and drive it to Sin City to bet the over on the Buckeyes.  Urban Meyer seems extra motivated to reclaim his status as one of the nation’s elite coaches.  Ohio State isn’t going to hover around .500 like they did last year.  This team still has the best athletes in the conference, a rejuvenated coach, and a talented quarterback playing in the perfect system to suit his talents.   Outside of trips to Madison and East Lansing the schedule is relatively easy, at least by Big Ten standards.  The Leaders division looks like the MAC East.  Purdue, Illinois, Indiana, and now Penn State are below average teams and don’t think for a second that Meyer (aka The Pontiff) is going to take it easy on them.  I also don’t see Meyer taking an aw shucks approach to the Michigan game.  I anticipate him wanting to completely embarrass Brady Hoke and the maize and blue in The Shoe.  I definitely give the edge to Ohio State this year in that rivalry.   

Prediction: 10-2

Gopher Football 2012 Less Talk, More Action!

Something feels different in Dinkytown this summer.  Aside from the record heat and humidity there is something else in the air that Gophers fans aren’t used to.  For starters, there is continuity, both with the coaching staff and personnel.  The Gophers saw great participation in captains practices and summer workouts.  There were no bombastic proclamations of Big Ten championships or any statements that could be used as bulletin board material for other teams.  Even die hard Gopher fans have steered clear of excessive Kool-Aid consumption with tempered and realistic expectations for the season.  It’s like the Gophers are poised for doing instead of thinking.  Everyone seems to be on the same page, from the coaching staff, to the players, to the fans, and to the media.  Everyone is taking a cautiously optimistic approach to the season.   So what exactly does that mean….

Gophers offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover lost 118lbs this summer.  Limegrover did this under the radar.  He didn’t hold a press conference to gloat, in fact media members and players had to talk to him about it first before he would even open up.   Limegrover walked the walk this summer instead of talked the talk, and the 2012 Gophers hope to take after their coach when they tee it up in Las Vegas on August 30^th.   Head coach Jerry Kill also looks like he lost a bit of weight, however he wouldn’t let you know about it.  In fact, Jerry seems like he always wants to change the subject when a reporter asks him about his health.   Kill has been quoted as saying “I feel great!” and looks around the room for anyone that wants to ask him about football instead.  This Gopher team doesn’t want to draw attention to itself.  It makes them uncomfortable.  Instead they want to fly under the radar and let their play do the talking, kind of like their coaches.  

With Tim Brewster, or for that matter with Jim Wacker you would be thinking that Rashede Hageman is the next Ndamukong Suh and MarQueis Gray is the next RGIII.  Part of the issue with this program in the past was the over the top praise, hype, and publicity of its “stars”.   That hype was never warranted for past players and often times fans would be left disappointed in a particular player because of the unrealistic expectations set upon them.  However, the staff is tempering those expectations despite the obvious physical gifts of the players mentioned.   Again a little less talk and a lot more action is the goal.  

Just because this team seems to “get it” doesn’t mean they are going to have a breakout season and go to a major bowl game.  It simply means that everyone from the coaches, the players, and even the fans are on the same page.  Last year Kill was quoted as saying he wants to build the program from concrete not sand.  That means and I hate this term because I think it can be cliché and completely overused, but that means he needs to change the culture (my words, not Kill’s), which may be another reason why I like Kill so much.  Kill is not a cliché robot, he is brutally honest, at times to a fault.  Jerry Kill is a straight shooter and that is exactly what this program is looking for.   Gopher football 2012: less talk, more action!

Schedule Analysis: Nebraska

Games in which Nebraska will be a heavy favorite:
Southern Miss
Arkansas State
Idaho State
Minnesota

Games in which Nebraska will be a heavy underdog:
none

Favorable matchup games:
@UCLA
Wisconsin
Penn State
@Northwestern

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Ohio State
Michigan
@Michigan State
@Iowa

Outside of a few non conference layups at Memorial Stadium the Huskers schedule is B-R-U-T-A-L.  I personally think Nebraska has the toughest schedule in the conference and they will pay dearly.  The non conference trip to Pasadena to take on UCLA won't be a picnic either.  The Huskers easiest B1G game will be against a dramatically improved Minnesota team.  There are literally no gimmies in the conference.  If Taylor Martinez hasn't improved dramatically as a passer oposing defenses will be able to key on Rex Burkhead and the Nebraska rushing attack.  Nebraska can't get away with being a one dimensional offense like they did in the 80's and 90's.

Prediction: 9-3

Schedule Analysis: Wisconsin

Games in which Wisconsin will be a heavy favorite:
Northern Iowa
Utah State
UTEP
Illinois
@Purdue
Minnesota
@Indiana

Games in which Wisconsin will be a heavy underdog:
None

Favorable matchup games:
@Oregon State
Michigan State
Ohio State
@Penn State

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Nebraska

Summary:
The Badgers schedule sets up nicely with Michigan State and Ohio State both coming to Madison.  They also miss Michigan, the odds on favorite to win the B1G this year.   Wisconsin will play all the bottom feeding programs as well: Purdue, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota.  Nice breaks for the Badgers.  They also will have an experienced college quarterback once again in Danny O'Brien who transferred from Maryland.  The Badgers should have no problem hitting double digit victories once again.

Prediction: 10-2

Schedule Analysis: Indiana

Games in which Indiana will be a heavy favorite:
Indiana State
@UMass
Ball State

Games in which Indiana will be a heavy underdog:
Michigan State
Ohio State
Wisconsin
@Penn State

Favorable matchup games:
None

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Northwestern
@Navy
@Illinois
Iowa
@Purdue

Kevin Wilson is going to have a tough time finding his first B1G win, but I think he will find it somewhere like maybe @Illinois or @Purdue.  The Hoosiers got most of the B1G heavyweights at home and they aren’t ready to pull off such an upset even in the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium.  Most of their “matchup” games are on the road, so the Hoosiers are going to have to pull off a slight upset on the road to get on the board in B1G play.  The B1G as a conference seems to be getting stronger and the same can’t be said about the Hoosiers as a program.  Wilson and company will squeak out a win or two in B1G play, but they are a long ways away from becoming bowl eligible.

Prediction: 4-8

Schedule Analysis: Illinois

Games in which Illinois will be a heavy favorite:
Charleston Southern
Louisiana Tech

Games in which Illinois will be a heavy underdog:
@Wisconsin
@Michigan
@Ohio State

Favorable matchup games:
Western Michigan
Indiana
Purdue

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Arizona State
Penn State
Minnesota
@Northwestern




Prediction: 5-7

Tim Boeckman takes over for Ron Zook.  Boeckman did a serviceable job at Toledo.  I have no idea if Boeckman is up to being a BCS head coach.  This has the makings of a boom or bust hire.  I think Boeckman is going to be great or a complete failure.   He will have his work cut out for him in year 1.  The Illini have a brutal B1G road slate and need inconsistent, but talented QB Nathan Scheelhaase to have his best year yet to return to a bowl for the third straight year. 

Schedule Analysis: Iowa

Games in which Iowa will be a heavy favorite:
Northern Iowa
Central Michigan

Games in which Iowa will be a heavy underdog:
None

Favorable matchup games:
Northern Illinois @ Chicago
Iowa State
Minnesota
Penn State
@Indiana
Purdue

Unfavorable matchup games:
@Michigan State
@Northwestern
@Michigan
Nebraska

Iowa has been the classic overachieving program relative to their talent level under Kirk Ferentz.   However, with that being said they have also been the classic underachieving team when expectations have been high.  Luckily for Iowa not much will be expected of this team.  Most pundits will pick Iowa to win 7 or 8 games this year.  Iowa will have a relatively young and undersized front seven on defense, but somehow someway Iowa always produces stars along the defensive front and at linebacker and this year shouldn’t be much different.  The passing attack will be potent with James Vandenberg throwing to C.J. Fiedorowicz and Keenon Davis and it may have to be given the Hawkeyes lack of depth at running back.  True freshman Greg Garmon, whom many considered to be the front runner to land the starting running back gig may face disciplinary action after being arrested for marijuana possession last week.

As far as the schedule is concerned Iowa won’t be heavy underdogs in any games and even their unfavorable matchup games are winnable.   I suspect this team will improve as the season progresses and they will end up with 8 or 9 wins.

Prediction: 8-4