Since it is almost the two thirds mark of the 2009 Regular season I figured I would create an in season all Big Ten team. Here is the team which I selected.
2009 All Big Ten In Season Team
Offense:
Quarterback: Daryll Clark, Penn State Sr.
Running Back: John Clay, Wisconsin So.
Running Back: Evan Royster, Penn State Jr.
Wide Receiver: Eric Decker, Minnesota Sr.
Wide Receiver: Blair White, Michigan State Sr.
Center: Jared Zwilling, Purdue Sr.
Guard: Bryant Browning, Ohio State Jr.
Guard:Julian Vandervelde, Iowa Jr.
Tackle: Dennis Landolt, Penn State Sr.
Tackle: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin Sr.
Tight End: Garrett Graham, Wisconsin Sr.
Kicker: Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State Sr.
Defense:
Lineman: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue Jr.
Lineman: O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin Sr.
Lineman: Brandon Graham, Michigan Sr.
Lineman: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa Jr.
Linebacker: Greg Jones, Michigan State Sr.
Linebacker: Lee Campbell, Minnesota Sr.
Linebacker: Pat Angerer, Iowa Sr.
Defensive Back: Tyler Sash, Iowa So.
Defensive Back: Quentin Davie, Northwestern Jr.
Defensive Back: Tavon Wilson, Illinois So.
Defensive Back: Jordan Kovacs, Michigan Fr.
Punter: Zoltan Mesko, Michigan Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: Daryll Clark, Penn State Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: Greg Jones, Michigan State Sr.
Special Teams Player of the Year: Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State Sr.
Coach of the Year: Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Big 10 Football Predictions: Week 9
Last week I started my predictions for Big 10 football games. Here are my picks for week 9, the predicted winners are on the left in bold. At the bottom of each prediction posting I will continue to post my overall record on picks to date.
#17 Ohio State (6-2) over New Mexico State (3-5)
Wisconsin (5-2) over Purdue (3-5)
#4 Iowa (8-0) over Indiana (4-4)
Michigan (5-3) over Illinois (1-6)
#12 Penn State (7-1) over Northwestern (5-3)
Michigan State (4-4) over Minnesota (4-4)
Bye: None
Record to date: 5-0
#17 Ohio State (6-2) over New Mexico State (3-5)
Wisconsin (5-2) over Purdue (3-5)
#4 Iowa (8-0) over Indiana (4-4)
Michigan (5-3) over Illinois (1-6)
#12 Penn State (7-1) over Northwestern (5-3)
Michigan State (4-4) over Minnesota (4-4)
Bye: None
Record to date: 5-0
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Anthony Davis Interview
Recently I had an opportunity to speak with former Wisconsin Running Back Anthony Davis who played for the Badgers from 2001 to 2004. Davis was a very explosive running back from his first carry in Cardinal and White, to his last game as a Badger. Throughout his career Davis compiled 4,874 all-purpose yards which is second in program history to Ron Dayne (1996-1999). Throughout Davis's career he ran the ball 908 times for 4,676 yards (5.1 yds/carry) and 42 touchdowns. Here is what Anthony had to say about his time in Madison, and his life after graduation.
Sportsman87: What was it like to play at Camp Randall Stadium?
Anthony Davis: "Eighty plus thousand rocking the Stadium, there's no other football atmosphere like it."
Sportsman87: What was it like to play for Wisconsin, a Division 1 program?
Anthony Davis: "It was definitely exciting just playing big time football, but any time you take a place like Wisconsin where football is so important, its such a big deal. The fan's are so into it that it just adds to the game."
Sportsman87: You had a 4.0 with two majors going into your Senior year what was that like?
Anthony Davis: "Yeah I did you know I took school pretty seriously when I was here. Its a free education, so by all means I took advantage of that."
Sportsman87: What did it feel like to play in front of 80,000 plus people?
Anthony Davis: "You know what, you notice it when you run on the field, and once the ball is kicked you really don't notice it. The crowd noise kind of gets blocked out and your just so focused, and in the zone you really just hear the game. Until someone breaks a big run and you can feel the roar, you really don't notice it. The games can be so intense and so physical that you really have no choice but to focus on the game. Thinking about the crowd could mean a mistake, or getting your head knocked off."
Sportsman87: What did it feel like to playing on the road in the Big 10 versus non conference road games?
Anthony Davis: "Big 10 games were unique in the sense that on any given day, anyone could win the game. Whoever came to play was going to win the game. It seems like there are a lot more rivalries, and the games are a little more personal when it's non conference. The fan's are more on top of you, and know a little more about you. It's a totally different dynamic playing in the Big 10 versus non conference."
Sportsman87: Did you have a favorite place you played on the road when you we're at Wisconsin?
Anthony Davis: "I didn't have a favorite place but I always liked to play at Ohio State mainly because I knew it would probably be an ABC game. Penn State was awesome, just the facilities there were awesome."
Sportsman87: When playing against the Gophers did you guys have a different mentality because it is such a big rivalry game?
Anthony Davis: "I think it was a lot more personal, it was like a back yard fight. It wasn't like a football game. We knew at the end of the game whoever got the axe would pretty much rub it in the other teams face. When we used to go up there, and we would win we would pretend like we were chopping down their goalposts. We would storm their bench and grab the axe with them standing right there and just take it. They did the same exact thing when they took it from us."
Sportsman87: What was your favorite memory when you were at Wisconsin?
Anthony Davis: "I had ton's of memorable games that I played in. Going back to 2002 we were in a situation where we needed to win one game to go to a bowl game. The coaches pretty much sat me down, and said we hope you got a lot of rest this week because we are going to ride you to a victory. All week the coaches teased me about it, and called me a horse. Come Saturday they gave me the ball 45 times. Probably the best game of my life 300 yards, 5 touchdowns, we got the axe, and went on to win the Alamo Bowl."
Sportsman87: What did it feel like to be drafted in the NFL?
Anthony Davis: "It was definitely an exciting feeling. It's something you cherish, and something no one can ever take away from you. It's a great feeling to know someone thought that highly of you, and picked you up."
Sportsman87: What have you been up to since football?
Anthony Davis: "I was living in North Carolina for a while when I was playing in Canada. I just recently moved back to Madison last August. I have been in Madison for about a year working on my Masters. I have been working in the athletic department helping out with recruiting for the football team. Also I have been working with the Freshman football players, along with teaching a class on campus."
Sportsman87: Do you have any future goals for coaching football?
Anthony Davis: "I am looking to really get into things more on the administrative side, but I wouldn't rule coaching out. Ultimately I know I want to be an administrator."
A great thanks goes out to Anthony for his time and knowledge. Stay posted for week 9 football predictions.
Sportsman87: What was it like to play at Camp Randall Stadium?
Anthony Davis: "Eighty plus thousand rocking the Stadium, there's no other football atmosphere like it."
Sportsman87: What was it like to play for Wisconsin, a Division 1 program?
Anthony Davis: "It was definitely exciting just playing big time football, but any time you take a place like Wisconsin where football is so important, its such a big deal. The fan's are so into it that it just adds to the game."
Sportsman87: You had a 4.0 with two majors going into your Senior year what was that like?
Anthony Davis: "Yeah I did you know I took school pretty seriously when I was here. Its a free education, so by all means I took advantage of that."
Sportsman87: What did it feel like to play in front of 80,000 plus people?
Anthony Davis: "You know what, you notice it when you run on the field, and once the ball is kicked you really don't notice it. The crowd noise kind of gets blocked out and your just so focused, and in the zone you really just hear the game. Until someone breaks a big run and you can feel the roar, you really don't notice it. The games can be so intense and so physical that you really have no choice but to focus on the game. Thinking about the crowd could mean a mistake, or getting your head knocked off."
Sportsman87: What did it feel like to playing on the road in the Big 10 versus non conference road games?
Anthony Davis: "Big 10 games were unique in the sense that on any given day, anyone could win the game. Whoever came to play was going to win the game. It seems like there are a lot more rivalries, and the games are a little more personal when it's non conference. The fan's are more on top of you, and know a little more about you. It's a totally different dynamic playing in the Big 10 versus non conference."
Sportsman87: Did you have a favorite place you played on the road when you we're at Wisconsin?
Anthony Davis: "I didn't have a favorite place but I always liked to play at Ohio State mainly because I knew it would probably be an ABC game. Penn State was awesome, just the facilities there were awesome."
Sportsman87: When playing against the Gophers did you guys have a different mentality because it is such a big rivalry game?
Anthony Davis: "I think it was a lot more personal, it was like a back yard fight. It wasn't like a football game. We knew at the end of the game whoever got the axe would pretty much rub it in the other teams face. When we used to go up there, and we would win we would pretend like we were chopping down their goalposts. We would storm their bench and grab the axe with them standing right there and just take it. They did the same exact thing when they took it from us."
Sportsman87: What was your favorite memory when you were at Wisconsin?
Anthony Davis: "I had ton's of memorable games that I played in. Going back to 2002 we were in a situation where we needed to win one game to go to a bowl game. The coaches pretty much sat me down, and said we hope you got a lot of rest this week because we are going to ride you to a victory. All week the coaches teased me about it, and called me a horse. Come Saturday they gave me the ball 45 times. Probably the best game of my life 300 yards, 5 touchdowns, we got the axe, and went on to win the Alamo Bowl."
Sportsman87: What did it feel like to be drafted in the NFL?
Anthony Davis: "It was definitely an exciting feeling. It's something you cherish, and something no one can ever take away from you. It's a great feeling to know someone thought that highly of you, and picked you up."
Sportsman87: What have you been up to since football?
Anthony Davis: "I was living in North Carolina for a while when I was playing in Canada. I just recently moved back to Madison last August. I have been in Madison for about a year working on my Masters. I have been working in the athletic department helping out with recruiting for the football team. Also I have been working with the Freshman football players, along with teaching a class on campus."
Sportsman87: Do you have any future goals for coaching football?
Anthony Davis: "I am looking to really get into things more on the administrative side, but I wouldn't rule coaching out. Ultimately I know I want to be an administrator."
A great thanks goes out to Anthony for his time and knowledge. Stay posted for week 9 football predictions.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Big 10 Football Power Rankings: Week 9
1) Iowa (8-0, 4-0 Big 10): The no. 4 Hawkeyes squeaked out another close win on the road
Saturday evening, as they knocked off Michigan State in East Lansing. The Spartans held the lead until the very last play of the game with only two seconds left. Those two seconds we're just enough for Iowa to steal the victory however, as Hawkeyes Junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi hit Sophomore Wide Receiver Marvin McNutt in the end zone as time expired. The Hawkeyes have one more major roadblock when they head to the horseshoe to take on no. 17 Ohio State on the 17th of November. The Hawkeyes other remaining opponents Indiana, Northwestern, and Minnesota are all unranked.
2) Penn State (7-1, 3-1 Big 10): The no. 12 Nitany Lions quieted the Mighigan faithful at the big house Saturday by knocking off Michigan 35-10. The Lions only loss on the season to Iowa is starting to look more forgivable each week, as the Hawkeye's success continues. Every game which Iowa win's increases the chances that Penn State could make a run for the Roses. If Iowa can run the table, and Penn State can win out the Lions could find themselves in the "Grandaddy of em all" on New Years Day. The Lions main remaining test is at home on November 7th against no. 17 Ohio State in Happy Valley.
3) Ohio State (6-3, 4-1 Big 10): The no. 17 Ohio State Buckeyes knocked off the Minnesota Golden Gophers in convincing fashion Saturday 38-7. This was a much needed victory for Jim Tressel's squad coming off an upset loss to Purdue in West Lafayette. The Buckeyes can still work their way back into the BCS conversation with a win on November 7th over no. 12 Penn State in Happy Valley. This week the Buckeyes face New Mexico State (3-5, 1-3 WAC) of the Western Athletic Conference.
4) Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big 10): The Badgers were the only Big Ten team with a bye this past weekend. A bye could not have come at a better time for Bret Bielema's Badgers who are coming off Back to Back losses against no. 17 Ohio State, and no. 4 Iowa. A player to watch this weekend is Junior Quarterback Scott Tolzien, who in his first five games under center threw nine touchdowns and just four interceptions. In the last two games however, he has thrown five interceptions and no touchdowns due to increased pressure. Tolzien will need to carve the Boilermakers defense on Saturday for the Badgers to come away with a victory on Halloween.
5) Michigan State (4-4, 3-2 Big 10): The Spartans lost a heart breaker on the very last play Saturday night to no. 4 Iowa in East Lansing. Despite a 1-3 start to the season the Spartans have battled back to a 4-4 record. With an opportunity this past weekend to earn a share of first place the Spartans crumbled under pressure in the waning moments against Iowa. The Spartans only quality win this year was against then no. 22 Michigan at home. In order for the Spartans to become bowl eligible they must win two of their last four games. The final game is a trip to no. 12 Penn State during the final weekend of Big Ten play.
6) Northwestern (5-3, 2-2 Big 10): The Wildcats capped off an extremely impressive comeback Saturday to knock off Indiana 29-28. Northwestern trailed in the first half 28-3, but surged back scoring twenty six unanswered points. The Wildcat's can become bowl eligible with one more victory which appears most likely to come on November 14th when the Wildcats head to Champaign Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini (1-6, 0-5 Big 10). Their other three remaining games are against no. 12 Penn State, at no. 4 Iowa, and at home against Wisconsin.
7) Michigan (5-3, 1-3 Big 10): The Wolverines lost a tough battle at home Saturday to no. 12 Penn State 35-10. Despite their 1-3 record in conference play the Wolverines have looked promising at times. Earlier this season Rich Rodriguez's boys knocked off then no. 18 Notre Dame 38-34 in week two. In conference play they lost a heart breaker 26-20 in Overtime at Michigan State, along with another tough loss 30-28 in Iowa City to no. 4 Iowa. The Wolverines need just one more victory to become bowl eligible.
8) Minnesota (4-4, 2-3 Big 10): The Gophers we're nearly shut out once again Saturday as they lost 38-7 at Ohio State. During the last two weeks at no. 12 Penn State, and at no. 17 Ohio State the Gophers have been outscored 58-7. In order to become bowl eligible the Tim Brewster's team must win two of their last four games. This should be a realistic feat with three straight home games against Michigan State (4-4, 3-2 Big 10), Illinois (1-6, 0-5 Big 10), and South Dakota State (6-1, 5-0 MVC) a Division 1-AA opponent.
9) Purdue (3-5, 2-2 Big 10): The Boilermakers have been extremely up and down this year. Earlier this year the Boilers lost to Northern Illinois at home 28-21. Last week however they knocked off no. 7 Ohio State 26-18. The inconsistency has shown throughout the season but despite starting 1-5 the Boilermakers have won two straight conference games. In order for the Boilers to go bowling they have to win three of their next four games. This may be a tough feat considering the schedule ahead. First the Boilers head to Madison this Saturday for a match up with the Badgers (5-2, 2-2 Big 10) on Halloween. Following the trip to Mad Town the Boilers head to the big house to take on Michigan (5-3, 1-3 Big 10). Purdue's final home game is against Michigan State (4-4, 3-2 Big 10) on the 14th of November, before finishing the regular season on the road at Indiana (4-4, 1-3 Big 10).
10) Indiana (4-4, 1-3 Big 10): The Hoosiers led Nortwestern 28-3 in the second quarter in Evanston Illinois Saturday. This was a lead that Indiana fan's saw dissipate throughout the course of the following thirty seven minutes. From this point on the offense did not score, and Northwestern rallied by scoring twenty six unanswered points. To date the only conference win for the Hoosiers came against Illinois who is 0-5 in Big Ten play. In order for the Hoosiers to make a bowl game they must win two of their final four games which will be a tough task. The remaining two home games are against Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big 10), and Purdue (3-5, 2-2 Big 10) who is very hot as of late. On the road the games are even tougher for the Hoosiers as they head to Kinnick Stadium to take on no. 4 Iowa, and to Happy Valley to take on no. 12 Penn State.
11) Illinois (1-6, 0-5 Big 10): Just when you thought that things couldn't get much worse for the Fighting Illini they did. The Illini lost to Purdue (3-5, 2-2 Big 10) 24-14 Saturday in West Lafayette, Indiana. The remaining schedule does not get any easier for Illinois who are win less in conference play. The remaining opponents Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, no. 8 Cincinnati, and Fresno State are a combined 26-13 on the year. All five remaining opponents are already, or are fighting to become bowl eligible. The only good news in the Illinois program lately is that head coach Ron Zook will be returning in 2010. This was announced Saturday by athletic director Ron Guenther.
Saturday evening, as they knocked off Michigan State in East Lansing. The Spartans held the lead until the very last play of the game with only two seconds left. Those two seconds we're just enough for Iowa to steal the victory however, as Hawkeyes Junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi hit Sophomore Wide Receiver Marvin McNutt in the end zone as time expired. The Hawkeyes have one more major roadblock when they head to the horseshoe to take on no. 17 Ohio State on the 17th of November. The Hawkeyes other remaining opponents Indiana, Northwestern, and Minnesota are all unranked.
2) Penn State (7-1, 3-1 Big 10): The no. 12 Nitany Lions quieted the Mighigan faithful at the big house Saturday by knocking off Michigan 35-10. The Lions only loss on the season to Iowa is starting to look more forgivable each week, as the Hawkeye's success continues. Every game which Iowa win's increases the chances that Penn State could make a run for the Roses. If Iowa can run the table, and Penn State can win out the Lions could find themselves in the "Grandaddy of em all" on New Years Day. The Lions main remaining test is at home on November 7th against no. 17 Ohio State in Happy Valley.
3) Ohio State (6-3, 4-1 Big 10): The no. 17 Ohio State Buckeyes knocked off the Minnesota Golden Gophers in convincing fashion Saturday 38-7. This was a much needed victory for Jim Tressel's squad coming off an upset loss to Purdue in West Lafayette. The Buckeyes can still work their way back into the BCS conversation with a win on November 7th over no. 12 Penn State in Happy Valley. This week the Buckeyes face New Mexico State (3-5, 1-3 WAC) of the Western Athletic Conference.
4) Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big 10): The Badgers were the only Big Ten team with a bye this past weekend. A bye could not have come at a better time for Bret Bielema's Badgers who are coming off Back to Back losses against no. 17 Ohio State, and no. 4 Iowa. A player to watch this weekend is Junior Quarterback Scott Tolzien, who in his first five games under center threw nine touchdowns and just four interceptions. In the last two games however, he has thrown five interceptions and no touchdowns due to increased pressure. Tolzien will need to carve the Boilermakers defense on Saturday for the Badgers to come away with a victory on Halloween.
5) Michigan State (4-4, 3-2 Big 10): The Spartans lost a heart breaker on the very last play Saturday night to no. 4 Iowa in East Lansing. Despite a 1-3 start to the season the Spartans have battled back to a 4-4 record. With an opportunity this past weekend to earn a share of first place the Spartans crumbled under pressure in the waning moments against Iowa. The Spartans only quality win this year was against then no. 22 Michigan at home. In order for the Spartans to become bowl eligible they must win two of their last four games. The final game is a trip to no. 12 Penn State during the final weekend of Big Ten play.
6) Northwestern (5-3, 2-2 Big 10): The Wildcats capped off an extremely impressive comeback Saturday to knock off Indiana 29-28. Northwestern trailed in the first half 28-3, but surged back scoring twenty six unanswered points. The Wildcat's can become bowl eligible with one more victory which appears most likely to come on November 14th when the Wildcats head to Champaign Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini (1-6, 0-5 Big 10). Their other three remaining games are against no. 12 Penn State, at no. 4 Iowa, and at home against Wisconsin.
7) Michigan (5-3, 1-3 Big 10): The Wolverines lost a tough battle at home Saturday to no. 12 Penn State 35-10. Despite their 1-3 record in conference play the Wolverines have looked promising at times. Earlier this season Rich Rodriguez's boys knocked off then no. 18 Notre Dame 38-34 in week two. In conference play they lost a heart breaker 26-20 in Overtime at Michigan State, along with another tough loss 30-28 in Iowa City to no. 4 Iowa. The Wolverines need just one more victory to become bowl eligible.
8) Minnesota (4-4, 2-3 Big 10): The Gophers we're nearly shut out once again Saturday as they lost 38-7 at Ohio State. During the last two weeks at no. 12 Penn State, and at no. 17 Ohio State the Gophers have been outscored 58-7. In order to become bowl eligible the Tim Brewster's team must win two of their last four games. This should be a realistic feat with three straight home games against Michigan State (4-4, 3-2 Big 10), Illinois (1-6, 0-5 Big 10), and South Dakota State (6-1, 5-0 MVC) a Division 1-AA opponent.
9) Purdue (3-5, 2-2 Big 10): The Boilermakers have been extremely up and down this year. Earlier this year the Boilers lost to Northern Illinois at home 28-21. Last week however they knocked off no. 7 Ohio State 26-18. The inconsistency has shown throughout the season but despite starting 1-5 the Boilermakers have won two straight conference games. In order for the Boilers to go bowling they have to win three of their next four games. This may be a tough feat considering the schedule ahead. First the Boilers head to Madison this Saturday for a match up with the Badgers (5-2, 2-2 Big 10) on Halloween. Following the trip to Mad Town the Boilers head to the big house to take on Michigan (5-3, 1-3 Big 10). Purdue's final home game is against Michigan State (4-4, 3-2 Big 10) on the 14th of November, before finishing the regular season on the road at Indiana (4-4, 1-3 Big 10).
10) Indiana (4-4, 1-3 Big 10): The Hoosiers led Nortwestern 28-3 in the second quarter in Evanston Illinois Saturday. This was a lead that Indiana fan's saw dissipate throughout the course of the following thirty seven minutes. From this point on the offense did not score, and Northwestern rallied by scoring twenty six unanswered points. To date the only conference win for the Hoosiers came against Illinois who is 0-5 in Big Ten play. In order for the Hoosiers to make a bowl game they must win two of their final four games which will be a tough task. The remaining two home games are against Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big 10), and Purdue (3-5, 2-2 Big 10) who is very hot as of late. On the road the games are even tougher for the Hoosiers as they head to Kinnick Stadium to take on no. 4 Iowa, and to Happy Valley to take on no. 12 Penn State.
11) Illinois (1-6, 0-5 Big 10): Just when you thought that things couldn't get much worse for the Fighting Illini they did. The Illini lost to Purdue (3-5, 2-2 Big 10) 24-14 Saturday in West Lafayette, Indiana. The remaining schedule does not get any easier for Illinois who are win less in conference play. The remaining opponents Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, no. 8 Cincinnati, and Fresno State are a combined 26-13 on the year. All five remaining opponents are already, or are fighting to become bowl eligible. The only good news in the Illinois program lately is that head coach Ron Zook will be returning in 2010. This was announced Saturday by athletic director Ron Guenther.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Big 10 Football Predictions: Week 8
Each week I will predict the winners of Big Ten football games. The predicted winners are on the left in bold. At the bottom of each prediction posting I will post my overall record on picks to date. These are my picks for week 8 in the Big Ten.
#18 Ohio State (5-2) over Minnesota (4-3)
Northwestern (4-3) over Indiana (4-3)
Purdue (2-5) over Illinois (1-5)
#13 Penn State (6-1) over Michigan (5-2)
#7 Iowa (7-0) over Michigan State (4-3)
Bye: Wisconsin (5-2)
Record to date: 0-0
#18 Ohio State (5-2) over Minnesota (4-3)
Northwestern (4-3) over Indiana (4-3)
Purdue (2-5) over Illinois (1-5)
#13 Penn State (6-1) over Michigan (5-2)
#7 Iowa (7-0) over Michigan State (4-3)
Bye: Wisconsin (5-2)
Record to date: 0-0
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Big 10 Football Power Rankings: Week 8
1) Iowa (7-0, 3-0 Big 10): The Hawkeyes are the only remaining Undefeated team in
the Big 10 at 7-0. Their victories so far came on the road over
Penn State (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) and Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten). The Hawkeyes
started the season on a choppy note with a close 17-16 victory over Northern Iowa.
Since then they have made the climb from out of the top 25 all the way to no. 6
in the nation this week. If the Hawkeyes can knock off Michigan State on Saturday
at Spartan Stadium, they may find themselves with an opportunity to run the table.
Even more importantly a victory over Sparty would keep the national title dream
alive in Iowa City.
2) Penn State (6-1, 2-1 Big 10) : The Nitany Lions are ranked #13 in the
Nation and have the second best overall record in the Big 10 behind Iowa.
After a tough loss at home to Iowa on a dreary night in late September the
Lions have rebounded strong. Since that loss Joe Paterno's boys have
outscored their opponents 107-20. Victories in each ofthe last three games have
put the Lions back into the BCS conversation. If the Lions can continue to win
down the stretch they may find themselves running for the Roses a second year
in a row.
3) Ohio State (5-2, 3-1 Big 10) : The Buckeyes were my number one ranked
team in the Big Ten just a week ago but dropped two spots after a tough
loss to unranked Purdue last weekend in West Lafayette Indiana. The Boilermakers
created a large lead on the Buckeyes, and held on until the final whistle.
In order for the Buckeyes to get back into the BCS conversation they will need
to win out, and get some help in the form of losses by Iowa, and Penn State.
4) Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big 10) : Despite a fast start this season at (5-0, 2-0
Big 10) the badgers have lost their two big Tests at Ohio State, and in
Madison against the Hawkeyes. Despite losing at the horseshoe the defense
held Ohio State to just 184 yards of total offense. In addition the
badgers took a 10-3 lead into halftime against Iowa last week but they
failed to finish. Finishing will be key down the stretch for this team.
The bye week comes at a much needed time for this Badger team who could
possibly run the table with a favorable schedule starting on Halloween at
home against Purdue.
5) Michigan State (4-3, 3-1 Big 10) : Despite starting 1-3 this season
the Spartans have battled back the last three weeks with victories in conference
play. The only thing that hurts the Spartans is that the victories came
over Michigan (1-2 Big 10) at home in Overtime, at Illinois (0-4 Big 10)
, and at home against Northwestern (1-2 Big 10). Despite the lack of quality in
the victories they have put Michigan State in a position to compete for the Big
10 Title. With a win this weekend over Iowa the Spartans could be smelling the
Roses themselves.
6) Michigan (5-2, 1-2 Big 10) : Despite starting out the season 4-0 and
knocking off then no. 18 Notre Dame, the Wolverines have lost two of their
last three games. This tough stretch has included a tough loss to in state
rival Michigan State. If the Wolverines can knock off no. 13 Penn State this
weekend they could be right back in the Conference race. That game against the
Lions is the ABC regional game of the week at 2:30 Central Time.
7) Minnesota (4-3, 2-2 Big 10): Despite starting the season with
victories over Syracuse, and Air Force the Gophers have lost three of
their last five games. The most recent loss coming last weekend in Happy Valley
20-0. How do the Gophers get shut out you might ask? Last weekend made it easy
to pinpoint the Gophers number one strength. Senior Wide Receiver Eric Decker
was simply ineffective as he only caught one pass against the Lions secondary.
The Gophers look to rebound this week as they head into the Horseshoe to take
on no.19 Ohio State.
8) Northwestern (4-3, 1-2 Big 10): The Wildcat's have had a great year on
offense as they have put up a whopping 189 points in 7 games. The problem is
that their defense has given up an extremely poor 161 points. The Wildcat's
only conference win came against Purdue (2-5, 1-2 Big 10). Despite being in
spot number eight this week the Wildcat's could qualify for a bowl game with
manageable victories over Illinois and Indiana in the coming weeks.
9) Purdue (2-5, 1-3 Big 10): Despite their 2-5 record overall the Boilers
knocked off no. 7 Ohio State last week, and lost a close 38-36 battle with
no. 11 Oregon earlier this season. Purdue is not very consistent with losses
Northern Illinois, and Northwestern. On the hindsight this is a team that can
make anyone pay for turnovers. The Boilers must win four of their last five
games to become bowl eligible. On the other hand they are always a team to
keep on upset alert.
10) Indiana (4-3, 1-2 Big 10): The Hoosiers started out very strong with a 3-0
record but as of late they have faltered since conference play began. In the
last four games Indiana has allowed 130 points. The Hoosiers only conference win
came against the Illinois Fighting Illini who have earned this weeks last place
spot in the Power Rankings. Despite their tough start in conference play the
Hoosiers need just two victories to become bowl eligible. The task may be tough
though with their remaining schedule. After a battle in Evanston Illinois things
get very choppy.Following the game with the Wildcats the remaining schedule is
at no.6 Iowa, at home against no. 21 Wisconsin, at no. 13 Penn State, and at
home against Purdue.
11) Illinois (1-5, 0-4 Big 10): The Fighting Illini continue to amaze me with how
poor their offense is this season. They have only scored 71 points in their first
six games. This is an Illinois program that just two years ago won the Big 10
and lost in the Rose Bowl to USC. Despite a favorable remaining conference
schedule, the Illini play at no. 5 Cincinnati in a late non conference match up.
In order to become bowl eligible they must win five of the last six games.
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