Hey I thought hitting the QBs helmet was a penalty (see Wisconsin's Donovan fumbling after getting what should have been a game ending hit to the head by Tennessee). Since when is blocking in the back not a penalty (see Florida numberous times during the Capitol One Bowl)?
What was the name of the Capitol One Bowl before it was the C.O.? Was that the Citrus? I wish they would at least keep the original name as part of the new one like they've done with the Fiesta and others.
If Hoyer can settle down, MSU will play in January next year otherwise look for another Champ Sports visit. Indiana...not so good does anyone think they are a year away from a good team or will they slide back down.
Illinois lost to a pro offense yesterday and I do believe youth and lousy first half play calling kept that game from being at least close for awhile.
My SEC-Big Ten bet was a bit of an emotional one, well you have to put your money where your heart is right?
Nice job Penn State, that game was not as close as the score..I have to say I was right about Morelli..very average at best.
Wisconsin was the 2nd biggest let down of the Big Ten after Michigan...this team has some work to do, or maybe it's easier when you are the scrappy team that people don't expect to contend for the title? With Illinois improving, Ohio State always tough and Michigan getting aggressive on offense, Badgers needs to step up their game to stay in the elite of the conference.
Hey did I miss Minnesota choking away another big bowl lead? Oops I forgot they weren't even a good 1`AA team this season.
C'mon Buckeyes, win the title and the Big Ten salvages some pride.
And last and not at all least, Hail to the Victor Valiant, Hail to the Conquering Heroes and Hail Coach Carr, a team man to the end. Three cheers to Ron English for interrupting Lloyd's "win it for each other halftime speech" and yelled "F((* that, we're winning this one for Coach Carr" which caused the entire locker room to go nuts.
I would have preferred a few less mock Gator Chops from our men in Blue but after that pre game Florida crap I have to remember, 19-22 year old males will only put up with so much guff before responding.
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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So Purdue beat Central Michigan and Michigan State lost to Boston College. The Big Ten is 1-1 and matched the predictions of the Vegas line.
What else does it tell us? Well I have some choice comments on team. But first the positive comments:
Purdue did what it needed to do in order to win the game. In the end, they won against a very high powered offense of Central Michigan. Michigan State should be proud they played Boston College ranked 14 very tough. Given the defensive suspensions prior to the game.
Now the ugly...if you are Purdue fan are you ready to be in the middle of the pack of the Big Ten from now on? Teams have figured out how to handle Tiller's offense and Purdue's defense has been lacking for a few years. This Central Michigan team had a great offense but let's remember they were not undefeated in the MAC.
Michigan State...Hoyer is manic-depressive; second half of the Penn State he is a savant! Bowl game he stunk! 4 INTs! And the last one was due to him trying to make a crazy pass while on the run. Brett Favre he is not! Let's hope for MSU fans he matures into the really good QB we saw against Penn State and other games.
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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So a friend of mine who is a big Tennessee fan asked if I would like to make things interesting this bowl season by wagering a bottle of Scotch. The deal he proposed is this...the winner is based on which conference has the best winning percentage this season. SEC is playing 9 games, the Big Ten 8. I immediately accepted purely out of Midwestern Big Ten (Eleven) pride.
On the plus side, no SEC is playing in as easy a bowl as Purdue in the Motor City Bowl (then again right now that game is tied at 41 despite Purdue leading 24-3 early in the 2nd quarter). But what about favored teams?
SEC Favored
LSU by 4
Georgia by 7.5
Florida by 10.5
Tennessee by 2
Alabama by 3.5
SEC Underdog
Arkansas by 3
Auburn by 2.5
Mississippi State by 3
Neutral
Kentucky
Big Ten Favored
Purdue by 7.5
Penn State by 5.5
Big Ten Underdog
Indiana by 4
Michigan State by 3.5
Wisconsin by 2
Michigan by 10.5
Illinois by 13.5
Ohio State by 4
So based on Vegas, the SEC should end up 5-3-1 and the Big Ten 2-6. In the 3 head to head contests, the SEC is predicted to win all 3...this wager is not looking so good!
What do you think, any reason for Big Ten optimism?
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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I think Michigan would have preferred to find the next Jim Tressel (Div 1AA) or the next Bo (MAC) but none of the coaches in those ranks warranted the risk. Michigan has embarked on major facilities upgrade including licensed seating in Michigan Stadium and can't risk a Gerry Faust experiment (I know he was high school).
How well will Michigan do? It's hard to tell. Most people figured Urban Meyer would be a success at Florida but did many of us think Pete Carroll would be as successful as he has been? And so far Nick Saban hasn't lived up to early expectations at 'Bama.
The 2 most important moves Rodriguez needs to make is get an outstanding Defensive Coordinator and figure out who will play QB next year. Ryan Mallett actually is more mobile than people think but right now he is a potential head case...was emotionally erratic during this season and now his dad is saying he may transfer. If Michigan gets a commitment from the 6-5 kid from Pennsylvania, Mallett is gone and we will be dealing with a true frosh running the spread offense (think Juice Williams last year at Illinois).
I haven't looked at the defensive coordinator from WVU and would love to hear your comments. I will say it is almost a sure thing, Michigan's defense will be better against spread offenses as they will be facing it every day in practice! This alone is good news for UM.
For the rest of the conference? Short term good news for the rest of the league, next year is a good chance to catch Michigan in a state of flux. In addition to Ohio State, several other schools improved their chances at a Big Ten title and/or a January 1 bowl game. Longer term, it could be painful for many teams. Michigan is upping it facilities and spending more money on its coaches..translation, better recruiting and competitive coaching and expectations of 11-1 not 9-3 or 8-4.
More later along with Bowl predictions.
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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Let me first say I don't believe in 6-6 teams going to a Bowl. Being even is mediocre and mediocre shouldn't be rewarded. Let me extend that belief to say anyone in the Big Ten this year who is below 4-4 shouldn't go. That means no Bowl for Indiana, Michigan State
Next, does anybody really think there are 7 Bowl worthy teams from the Big Ten? Ohio State, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan definitely yes, Purdue if they win and that's it. Iowa shouldn't be going although if they win this Saturday against W. Michigan they end up 7-5 and 4-4.
What about BCS bowls? If Ohio State wins this week then yes they are worthy of the BCS. If Michigan wins, well they earned the right to go to the Rose Bowl as Big Ten champs so I guess yes despite the 3 losses. If Michigan loses then no they don't. Illinois, not really although they are a good team and should at least be in the discussion depending on how other conferences shake out.
Let's agree this season has been a bust in total for all except the following teams..Ohio State (although a loss tomorrow better be followed up by a bowl win), Illinois and Michigan State who did pretty well and played OSU and Michigan tough. If Michigan goes on to win the Rose Bowl..ok their season isn't a bust.
Who am I predicting tomorrow?
Penn State wins over Sparty but I seem to get the Spartans wrong almost every game
Iowa Beats the W. Michigan Broncos...what would the Big Ten be without a weak MAC this year?
Wisconsin beats up Minnesota..a Gopher win would cement this year as a Badger flop and wipe out last week's glow from beating Michigan.
Purdue beats Indiana despite the game being in Bloomington. Hoosiers have really faded down the stretch
Illinois stays hot and beat Northwestern HOWEVER Ty Sutton is back for the Wildcats who are desperate for a potential bowl bid.
And for THE game, once again the game that determines who wins the Big Ten (despite parity, these two still impact the Rose Bowl almost every year)..
Despite being in Ann Arbor and despite rumors of LLoyd Carr retiring this game is the Buckeyes to lose. Here's why:
1. Michigan's defense was exposed last week again as average at best
2. Like Wisconsin, OSU actually has some DBs who can cover Manningham and Arrington deep
3. Hart is gimpy meaning probably no more than a 100 yards combined rushing for UM
4. Neither Ryan or Chad has the versatility of Juice Williams meaning 28 points against the OSU defense won't happen
5. OSU is second best in Redzone offense and 4th best in Redzone defense
6. Michigan is 9th and 10th respectively...not the way to win close games where you need to make the most of EVERY redzone chance you get.
So how can Michigan win?
1. OSU's QB Boeckman's last 3 games...poopy diaps! Michigan needs to pressure him early and work to slap the ball away on the blind side
2. Go long early to Manningham and Arrington to open up the defense
3. Use the Tight End a lot after the initial long passes, Michigan's best offensive years featured lots of TE big gains and TDs
4. Play inspired football, your best possible game and hope one or more key Buckeyes don't
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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This saturday features two games with any sort of meaningful ramifications; Ohio State vs Illinois and Michigan vs Wisconsin. We could see the conference leaders both lose this week or we could end up with a classic Big Two Match Up next week. My thoughts...
Why Illinois can win: First they've played Ohio State tough the past two years. Second they have some big play guys on offense and a pretty tough defense, potentially stronger on both sides of the ball than Wisconsin was. Third, Ohio State will be thinking about Michigan and what a victory over UM would mean (BCS game)
Why Ohio State will win: It's at home. Juice Williams still isn't a big time big game QB and I predict again his play will result in a key turnover or two and less than 55% completions. Finally, OSU is the best team in the Big Ten on defense and top 3 in offense and they are on a mission to get back to the BCS Championship.
Michigan vs Wisconsin:
Why Michigan might win: If Henne and Hart are both healthy, the run sets up the pass, UM can also keep the Badgers off the field. Michigan has really cut down on penalties which could loom big. And despite pretty good CBs and Safeties, no one can match up with Arrington, Mannigham and Matthews for a full game if we choose to go long. If Michigan gets ahead by more than 10, UW will be hardpressed to come back via it's limited pass offense.
Why Wisconsin will probably win: It's at home, Madison is a tough place to play a key game. Henne and Hart are not completely healthy and their backups have trouble holding onto the football! Also Michigan will avoid going long early and on first down for some reason which takes away a key weapon in this game. Wisconsin should have learned from Michigan State not to give up on the run even if the first half is tough...UM's defense can be worn down..Illinois made a big mistake limiting Mendenhalls' carries against the Wolverines.
Finally, UM used up most of their good luck last week and is probably looking past the Badgers toward OSU despite whatever efforts the coaching staff is making to avoid this situation!
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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Wisconsin is playing much better football and could win their next 2 games and salvage the season...but they aren't in the Buckeyes league..
The Buckeyes clearly deserve to play in the BCS if they don't stumble against Michigan regardless of what other teams do...these guys are getting better by the weak
Purdue and Penn State are two abover average teams both will go to bowls but neither belongs playing on New Years Day
Illinois is a cut below the very best of the Big Ten but are looking like the 3rd best team in the conference.
Minnesota is more than a year away from competing for a bowl birth
Iowa is finally returning to form with hard nose playing despite injuries. But a loss to Wisconsin is going to cost them the bowl bid
Northwestern still not good enough to go bowling
Indiana will probably sneak into a bowl..with 7 wins
Michigan State's running backs and offensive line showed a tremendous amount of HEART, something Spartan teams of the past 2 coaching staffs lacked! Valiant effort after being snuffed all first half. This team could be the next "illini" in regards to turnaround if they have a QB next year.
Chad Henne is the best comeback QB Michigan has ever had period. It would be great if he had the ability to deliver knockout TD passes EARLY in the game though.
Mike Hart, please keep your mouth shut when you win with some luck ok? You are a tremendous competitor but no need for the "Little brother" comment after the game!
Lloyd Carr, there is a simple offensive plan if Hart isn't at 100%, throw DEEP to our 3 WRs to score and loosen up the defense before working delayed draws and other running plays for Minor and Brown ala the Gopher game.
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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I've seen several articles on the net as well as message board discussion about what level of Rivalry the MSU-Michigan game is for fans of both teams. I've also heard that the OSU-Michigan game means more to the Buckeyes than Wolverine fans etc. Let me share my thoughts on the differences in state rivals vs other key annual games. First of all games like UM-MSU are definitely strong rivalries. There used to be a great site called www.bitterrivals.com which was awesome back and forth by knowledgeable alums of both schools in addition to the general message boards, joke pages etc. Any state that has 2 competitive schools particularly if they are in the same conference will generate a strong rivalry not only in sports but regarding everything associated with the schools.
However by their geographic nature, just about everyone in a family or certain within a circle of friends knows alums of the rival school. Most Michigan high schools send a ton of kids to MSU and half a ton to UM each year. Members of the athletic teams of both schools played with/against each other in high school.
The result is not only strong interest but good natured ribbing. Yes the week before and maybe right after the game there is some bad blood but unlike many other schools, we tend to get along better with each other regardless of the Victor. Example, my senior year we were at home, lost to MSU and ended up hosting several hundred Spartans at our fraternity party that evening along with UM students...no fights, but one of the best parties we had all year and certainly the best collection of ladies!
Let me just say that would not have happened if we lost to either Notre Dame or Ohio State (Buckeye co-ed are pretty hot as well)!
I would expect the same story holds true for Indiana-Purdue, Cal-Stanford, Penn State-Pitt (back when they played each year) and others.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Subway alum for EVERY school react more violently to losing these games than students, alums and parents of students/alums. And my theory might not hold water in the South, where a man shot his dog dead after his beloved Bama lost to Auburn.
So in summation, no Michigan fan wants to lose this game tomorrow cause they know they will hear about it many times over from friends and family! But of course if the Spartans (who should be favored in this game given the status of Hart and Henne not being at 100%) win, well their season is salvaged and the Perma-chip on the shoulder(some years it's more like a noose around their necks!) is removed for awhile.
I'll share more thoughts on other key Big Ten Rivalries over the next 3 weeks!
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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So it is not nearly as hard to predict the outcome of the Big Ten when half the season is completed. However I do believe that every team with 2 losses or less is still in the running as there is no giant killer wiht the possible exception of the Buckeyes.
Here's my take on how the teams with currently 2 losses or less end up
Ohio State: They are going to lose one game between Penn State and Michigan and I predict it will be this weekend, as Penn State is very tough at home and I think the OSU office will sputter a bit. If they do end up 7-1 and 11-1 overall there is still a chance they can play in the BCS Championship but that would not necessarily leave the Big Ten with also getting a Rose Bowl spot.
Penn State: I have the Nittnany Lions winning out, although the OSU game is a tough pick. If PSU ends up 6-2 they end up with the #2 conference spot which I think means the Capital One Bowl.
Michigan: Assuming Mike Hart plays the rest of the season I think Michigan ends up 6-2 with losses to MSU and the Buckeyes. The MSU game in on the road and actually in 2 weeks. Henne could be a question mark and with Wisconsin and OSU on the horizon, it is possible UM might fall behind early. Illinois: A sign of youth, after 2 upsets they fall to Iowa and Michigan. Youth showed itself in the Michigan game with a lot of penalties, but this is a pretty good team on the rise. The play Minnesota, Ohio State, Northwestern in remaining conference games and I say they end up a respectable 5-3. Purdue: This is a better team than I thought but they play Penn State away as well as Indiana away and they still need to play NU and MSU. I think they split the games ending up 4-4. Illinois: A sign of youth, after 2 upsets they fall to Iowa and Michigan. Youth showed itself in the Michigan game with a lot of penalties, but this is a pretty good team on the rise. The play Minnesota, Ohio State, Northwestern in remaining conference games and I say they end up a respectable 5-3. Wisconsin: This team is almost as big a disappointment as Michigan especially there defense that returned a boat load of starters. They play Indiana and Michigan at home, Ohio State and Minnesota on the road. They end up no better than 5-3 and more likely 4-4.
Northwestern: Plucky little team that started turning around it's season with a strong half against Michigan. But they play Purdue, Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. Sorry Wildcats, 3-5 is my prediction.
So it looks like we send 6 Bowl teams maybe 7 if MSU wins one more conference game than I predict for them.
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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Quick Picks minutes before the first kick-off (busy week at work)
1, Illinois beats Iowa, the Illini are for real!
2. Indiana beats Michigan State although this is an iffy pick
3. Ohio State rips Kent State
4. Penn State stops the slide against the Badgers (tough pick though!)
5. Michigan over Purude but hey Pudue held the Buckeyes to 23 points
6. NU continues to roll this time over Minnesota but expect 80 total points or more
Love having Big Ten Network now on my cable!
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| Posted by Art Nicholas at | | | |
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