B1G Bowl Fever: A Plea Not To Go 0-10
by Graham Filler on Dec 13, 2011 12:13 AM CST
in Bowl Projections
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PrintI do not expect the B1G to impress this bowl season. Too little offense, conference-wide, and too many mediocre teams in that squishy middle.
/awkward silence
However, let us pray deeply for at least five wins, which is doable. A little toughness here, a little realized potential there, a couple struggling opponents...And we pull a nationally respectable 6-4 record out there, helping the B1G in 2012 BCS polls and recruiting.
Check out these matchups though:
Games The B1G SHOULD Win:
Purdue over WMU
OSU over Florida
Michigan over VT
Purdue plays tougher than anyone's expected, even though Vegas gives them no credit. The lack of Boilermaker weapons gives people pause, but...Beat the MAC. OSU has a suddenly functioning offense with a hit or miss defense, which favors them over the barely awake Florida offense. Michigan is explosive and reaping the fruits of a veteran class and a (probably) favorable matchup.
Games The B1G SHOULD Lose:
Oklahoma over Iowa
TAMU over Northwestern
Oregon over Wisconsin
Oklahoma is on a different level talent-wise, as is TAMU. Iowa is nasty in bowl competition, tis true, but this isn't the solid-like-rock Hawkeye team we're used to. Oregon is one of the country's most impressive teams when they get rolling. You have two comparisons to help make a prediction here: The 2010 Rose Bowl, where OSU dominated Oregon physically, and the 2011 BCS National Title game v. Auburn. Ohio State and Auburn were much more solid defensively than this Wisconsin team, which is why I think Oregon wins.
50/50's
Illinois v. UCLA
Houston v. PSU
Nebraska v. South Carolina
MSU v. Georgia
Illinois is falling viciously, lacking an identity. UCLA is muddling about so, who knows?
Although we worry that PSU can't score enough points, Houston's schedule cannot simulate the murderous Nittany Lion defense. So that'll be interesting.
All depends on which Nebraska shows up: The team that ran over MSU or the one that looked flimsy and confused against Michigan.
Michigan State has been losing bowl games at a clip Northwestern would be proud of. Every year there is a different excuse, whether it's having to play a high-level SEC team or losing playmakers to suspension. Really no excuse this year, because the Spartans are as talented as ever and playing cohesively on both sides of the ball.
...
So that's where we're at. Let me know your thoughts, I could see anything from 3-7 to 7-3. I vividly remember January 2010, when the B1G won games with defensive toughness and superior gameplanning. A repeat of that is far from guaranteed though.
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Sounds like this post was written entirely with talent in mind
Fortunately, there’s plenty of other things that go into winning a football game.
There are many factors that go into winning a college football game...
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
2010 Auburn was more defensively solid than this year's Wisconsin team?
I really, really don’t think so. Auburn had one great defensive tackle, and a bunch of bleh on the rest of the defense; there’s a damn good reason they finished 53rd in scoring defense. Even WITH giving up 36 and 39 points to Michigan State, Wisconsin is 6th in the nation in scoring defense.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 13, 2011 12:49 AM CST reply actions
C'mon! They're safeties are worth at least six in my book:
You win with people (not named Joe Bauserman)
by BuckeyeSki on Dec 13, 2011 7:55 AM CST up reply actions 6 recs
Which is why we're in the top 10 in scoring defense...
Fantastic argument.
We had two linebackers earn All-America consideration (Chris Borland and Mike Taylor) and one of the better cover corners in the conference (Antonio Fenelus).
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 13, 2011 8:05 AM CST up reply actions
WEAK. ASS. SCHEDULE.
Stats were padded beating up on the likes of Indiana and Little Sisters of the Poor.
Decent offenses (cough- OSU-cough) put up lots of points on Wisky.
"Everyone who drinks is not a poet. Maybe some of us drink because we're not poets." - Arthur Bach
Yeah MSU put up 76 total on them in 8 quarters, (67 if you take away the blocked punt TD & safety in the first game), and 870 total yards. I wouldn’t be suprised to see the Ducks go for at least 28 pts on at least 400 total yards.
That being said, I think the Badger offense will be too much to handle, and I don’t know whether Oregon has good enough special teams to gain an advantage there, so I see the Badgers winning in an shootout something like 38-35.
Decent?
Wow, I’m shocked haha.
"You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm."
-William T. Sherman, the Battle of Atlanta
I could also say
that MSU’s D padded its schedule with the weakest offense in the entire nation, as the Spartans faced FAU, a team that finished 119th out of 120 teams in FBS in scoring offense and 120th in total offense. Seriously, you played the worst team in the nation in offense and you’re giving US crap about our defense?
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 14, 2011 1:06 PM CST up reply actions
Well
MSU really does have no excuse this year. Not facing a national title pre-season favorite or a top NFL QB draft pick and there isn’t a quarter of the team suspended.
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
The problem is . . .
Sparty has all but given up after that CCG loss. If you’re a betting man, bet the Dawgs – heavy. Not because the Dawgs are a better team (they’re not), but because Sparty is lying awake at night hoping the Sugar Bowl changes its mind.
by Disinterested Par-tay on Dec 13, 2011 6:48 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah please elaborate
That sure is something that you know how the team has all but given up, and is lying awake at night (I don’t even want to know how you know what the fb players are doing in their beds at night – first hand knowledge?).
Yep. Sparty is a head case.
Moreover, the Bama embarrassment last year prevents me from even thinking about an MSU victory.
"Woody Orne with the one-handed grab!"
by One_ill_KevinJ on Dec 13, 2011 1:27 PM CST up reply actions
We're not playing a team with an absurd amount of NFL talent and an axe to grind this year.
Last year, Bama had a sizable advantage in talent, and if the team that had been much less than the sum of their parts all year suddenly got it figured out, we were screwed. They did.
This year, I’m not convinced Georgia has any advantage in talent. And this year’s team doesn’t fall apart the instant they fall behind a good team – witness two games against Wisconsin where we fell behind early and roared back.
Anyone expecting a repeat of last year’s bowl game is going to be sorely disappointed. (And of course, no one uses this same logic to predict Michigan getting their asses kicked, even though they lost by a near-identical margin to a much, much worse team than Alabama in their bowl game.)
I've got this terrible pain in all the diodes down my left-hand side.
Bradley-Terry rankings for college football and basketball: because there aren't enough computer rankings already.
Of course Sparty has to bring up Michigan in a conversation that has absolutely nothing to do with Michigan.
by Lostincali on Dec 13, 2011 9:43 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'm merely pointing out that the same logic would lead one to conclude Michigan is equally doomed.
I don’t think Michigan is doomed; I just think it’s foolish to assume we are. And if there were a better example of a team that, if one were actually following the so-called logic the post I was replying to used, would also have to be called out, I’d use it. It just so happens that Michigan was the other Big Ten team that got their asses handed to them last year; if it were Iowa that had lost by 40+ to Mississippi State I’d have used them as the example.
I've got this terrible pain in all the diodes down my left-hand side.
Bradley-Terry rankings for college football and basketball: because there aren't enough computer rankings already.
I don't think anyone is expecting a repeat of last year's massacre
Even if people expect one, nobody but MI fans want it to happen. The last thing the B10 needs is another crushing defeat by the SEC in a bowl game. I think I speak for most B10 fans in wholeheartedly hoping MSU wins that game, preferably by a large margin.
As for talent, I might give GA a slight edge but they also have holes. It’s hard to judge since they improved during the year but their schedule was easy after the first 2 games. I don’t see any reason why MSU shouldn’t be able to compete unless MSU isn’t as good as their record.
As for MI, I’m not bullish on their Sugar Bowl chances. If it was anyone but the ACC runner up, they’d be an underdog.
UCLA vs. Illinois
Honestly, don’t they both lose by simply playing that game? That may be the worst “bowl” game of all-time.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Yes, yes it is
The two teams combine to be sub .500. That’s just pathetic. Add in Illinois’ awesome losing streak and the lack of head coaches on either side, and you have a great mess. What a joke.
Always check the words with the red squiggly line. They mean you probably screwed up.
Author @ Off Tackle Empire
by KennardHusker on Dec 13, 2011 8:22 AM CST up reply actions
I guess my only rebuttal is
It’s football. What did you do Saturday? I stumbled around, I may have gone to the gym…I think I ran some errands, sat on the couch, did some reading.
What I wouldn’t have given for a live football game to be on, underperforming programs aside.
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Dec 13, 2011 8:30 AM CST up reply actions
BF3 is way better
When we get the Pig, the Jug and the Axe, we'll have one hell of a picnic
by Marshmoose on Dec 13, 2011 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Meh..shooter's are shooter's
now Skyrim on the other hand…well..that is in a league of it’s own
You win with people (not named Joe Bauserman)
At least that bowl picked an "interesting" matchup
I mean, how many times do you see a game when neither team has a head coach?
Plus, if nothing else, these teams seem evenly matched which I guess should lead to a good game.
I mean, Army-Navy wasn't so bad
Come on Graham, that was at least entertaining. This game? Meh. I’m convinced that this is the reason the bowl season is losing some of its luster. When a 6-7 team can make a bowl after getting destroyed in its last two games and a 6-6 team that hasn’t won since October can play in a nationally televised game, we have certainly lowered our collective standards. Of course, the presser on the game from the Kraft Bowl people is really funny. They absolutely cherry pick things to make you think this is the matchup of the century: http://www.kraftbowl.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120411aaa.html.
Always check the words with the red squiggly line. They mean you probably screwed up.
Author @ Off Tackle Empire
by KennardHusker on Dec 13, 2011 9:06 AM CST up reply actions
Gotta hype it up somehow
Could be worse. Could be like the Insight Bowl who writes that Iowa is looking for their fifth victory over a ranked team this year.
1) Iowa hasn’t even played four ranked teams this year.
2) They beat one: Michigan.
Guess they aren’t too interested in facts down in Arizona.
Awesome
I think Iowa needs to make up some more ‘facts’ for the Arizona people to latch on to. Ideas include:
-Marcus Coker was a Heisman finalist this year, and is looking to break Barry Sander’s TD record during the Insight Bowl.
-The Iowa Hawkeyes enter the game with some momentum after knocking off rival Nebraska in Lincoln. A win over Oklahoma would be their third over a Big XII team this season.
-In his final game as HC of the Hawkeyes, Kirk Ferentz will be featuring a new gameplan with lots of trick plays like he did against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Prominently featuring the Statue of Liberty play, the Hawkeyes will work to showcase the creativity of KoK.
Always check the words with the red squiggly line. They mean you probably screwed up.
Author @ Off Tackle Empire
by KennardHusker on Dec 13, 2011 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 5 recs
Brilliant!
"Woody Orne with the one-handed grab!"
by One_ill_KevinJ on Dec 13, 2011 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
When did Kirk Ferentz take over as head coach?
On the Insight Bowl website, it says Hayden Fry’s Hawkeyes are the only thing in the way of Barry Switzer earning his fourth national championship as Sooners head coach.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
Because it's so much worse than watching a rematch of two teams that met in one boring game
only to put up another boring game.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-12-30-nebraska.html
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
Wait, how are these two related?
Look, Nebraska was rolled last bowl season in what should never have been a bowl matchup. The first game was only boring because Nebraska rolled, but it was two ranked teams at the time and there were lots of ‘household names’ in the game (Locker, Amukamara, Nebraska, Washington, etc.) and the bowl was a middle finger to the Huskers and Huskies (less so to Washington as they got redemption, but still… did it say much? they were better off rolling a new shinier team). Regardless, at least the combined record going in was above .500!
As for this game we’re referencing? The teams are 12-13 combined. That’s ridiculous. At what point are we lowering our bowl eligibility to the point where it’s almost impossible not to go to a bowl. I mean, 6-6 with 6 straight losses is a joke. In any other sport, Illinois doesn’t get rewarded. In any other sport, UCLA is not rewarded for looking like trash in their last two games (99 points given up! Wow). So yeah, that is my point. I think the game itself will be entertaining as Scheelhaase is the man, but I don’t think either team should be bowling. I’m all for the above .500 eligibility movement.
Always check the words with the red squiggly line. They mean you probably screwed up.
Author @ Off Tackle Empire
by KennardHusker on Dec 13, 2011 11:18 AM CST up reply actions
Washington was not ranked. They were never ranked last season.
They were 6-6 going into the bowl. How was getting to go to a bowl game a middle finger to a .500 team?
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
The matchup
Sorry, that was my mistake on the ranking. Still, to call that first game boring is to ignore the hype at least. But I digress. The middle finger was the matchup. Washington was all about redemption, but win or lose, the focus would be on Nebraska and they never will fully get credit for playing a great game (which is crap, but it’s true. perception is truth, right). Still, I firmly believe 6-6 teams should not be bowl eligible. However, I am also the person who hates 16 team playoffs in the NBA and NHL and I really don’t like that you aren’t eliminated from post-season consideration if you win your division in NFL play with a losing record, so there’s that.
Always check the words with the red squiggly line. They mean you probably screwed up.
Author @ Off Tackle Empire
by KennardHusker on Dec 13, 2011 12:18 PM CST up reply actions
Nebraska played a great game that day?
They gained 189 yards and turned the ball over twice! Yeah, they made Locker look like shit, but they also let gain 199 yards from the LOS. The offensive line gave up five sacks and a safety.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
We're talking different things here.
Which game and which team is being referenced. Nebraska looked terrible in the bowl game, and deserved the loss. Not only that, the score was closer than it should have been because Washington wasn’t very good – making the loss that much horrific.
What I was referring to was that Washington also schemed perfectly, but all you hear from Nebraska fans (and even the talking heads) was that Nebraska was not ready for the game, not motivated, blah blah blah. That was not fair to the Huskies. They played great, the coaches were ready, and they got zero respect (minus Locker… he was back in the picture for being BEST PAC-10 QB EVAH). If Washington blew out another weaker opponent that hadn’t played them already, it would’ve been a bigger deal IMO.
But no, Nebraska played like crap that day. It was pathetic on so many levels.
Always check the words with the red squiggly line. They mean you probably screwed up.
Author @ Off Tackle Empire
by KennardHusker on Dec 13, 2011 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
Honestly, I would have rather had Illinois go to Detroit.
They should be forced to face Western Michigan again as punishment. I’d rather have Purdue in San Francisco against a BCS conference opponent.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
by BoilerTMill on Dec 13, 2011 10:18 AM CST up reply actions
Not to mention
DH’s record against the MAC isn’t confidence inspiring either. I think we’d have a better shot against a “better” team lol
Dosvidaniya, bitches! BTFU!
Bowl matchups hate MSU
It’s a bit unfair to call out MSU for their bowl loss streak, when they’ve been outmatched in every bowl they’ve been in this decade. Even this year, they match up with a decent Georgia team while Michigan takes on a creampuff in a (supposedly) better bowl.
No Wisconsin or Ohio State fan honestly believes they’d have had a competitive game with Alabama last year. MSU had, by far, the toughest matchup, and it was in the worst bowl. The money-driven system is screwing the Spartans over at every turn.
tOSU may not have won in the end
but they would have given ’Bama all they could handle…Bama was not as good as MSU made them look last year
You win with people (not named Joe Bauserman)
We Northwestern fans need to learn from this
NU doesn’t play poorly in bowls, they just keep getting screwed over by their matchups. After bad losses we need to start complaining about how the team only had a week to rest after their last game. Then we’ll be just like the big boys!
by MountainTiger on Dec 13, 2011 10:40 AM CST up reply actions
Right
Because you played two former #1 teams with first round draft picks at quarterback, the #1 passing offense in the country when you had the #120 passing defense in the country, and Alabama with their roster full of NFL talent. This is the first bowl game in the Dantonio era where MSU has actually had an even chance at winning.
by Ozymandias on Dec 13, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Well
Chase Daniel at Missouri was an okay player (2008 Alamo) , and Auburn had a pretty decent season the year after NU played them (2010 Outback).
But no, you’re right, Michigan State is really the only Big Ten team that’s ever been placed in unfavorable matchups.
To add to TDozer
2000 Nebraska was a preseason number 1 and didn’t drop from the top 2 until late October. 1996 Tennesee had a better quarterback than any of MSU’s recent opponents. And so on. I didn’t realize losses only counted if you had “an even chance.”
by MountainTiger on Dec 13, 2011 12:01 PM CST up reply actions
Indeed
I don’t doubt that some of MSU’s opponents have been better than some of Northwestern’s. And I don’t doubt that Northwestern hasn’t been as good as MSU in recent years.
But both teams (and plenty of other Big Ten teams) have been placed in matchups above what should be winnable. The difference is, in recent years, NU shows up to play and takes opponents to overtime. Michigan State… just can’t be bothered.
For all the whining about not getting respect, “meh” bowl performances don’t exactly change that perception in the national media.
by TDozer on Dec 13, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
The difference is, in recent years, NU shows up to play
Which is why they’ve won so many bowl games, right?
It gets tiresome hearing about all the excuses some State fans have for the bowl losses, but seriously? Northwestern fans talking trash about bowl performance?
Ummm... That is Joke?
I don’ think anybody was saying that NU has done great – just pointing out the hypocrisy in Sparty’s, “But our opponent was good!” logic. You suck in bowls, we suck in bowls… deal with it.
In fairness if you are going to remark that we have "meh" bowl performances a look at the facts might be in order.
2007 7-6 MSU plays 10-3 BC (ACC runner up) and loses by 3 in a game not decided until the 4th.
2008 9-3 MSU plays 9-3 UGA (preseason #1) and loses by 12 in a game not decided until the 4th.
2009 6-6 MSU plays 8-4 TTU after suspended a large portion of the team and loses by 10 in a game not decided until the 4th.
2010 – “THE AXEHANDLEING”
So why yes, we have had some unfavorable matchups. Yes we got the snot knocked out of us last season…but I would hesitate to suggest that we “don’t show up to play” on a regular basis.
This is all talk though. Win this year and we might quiet some of the naysayers.
Why do preseason rankings matter?
UGA lost a bunch of O linemen to injury for the season and never played like #1. #10 AL whipped them and #8 FL embarrassed them. #22 GT beat them to finish the season. UGA was in a division with 4 teams that finished 7-6 or worse, inflating their overall record. UGA was ranked 15/16/17 (BCS, AP, Coaches) and MSU 18/19/18. There is no reason MSU wasn’t on par with them.
MSU didn’t score a TD until halfway through the 4th quarter. That’s a meh performance, especially against a disappointed team that couldn’t score a TD until the 3rd quarter.
by br27 on Dec 14, 2011 5:22 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Yea, calling out a preseason ranking...
…that was never close to fulfilled only makes your argument look weak.
Perhaps it's worth noting
Texas A&M was (AP) preseason #8 this year. Sure, they’re 6-6 now, but if Northwestern loses this year, it’s totally not anyone’s fault.
MSU can't claim to be at the top of the B10 and then say every bowl is unfair
Last year OSU won a BCS game, WI almost won one and MSU got crushed. This was after months of being inundated by MSU fans claiming they had the best team in the B10 that year. Most WI and OSU fans believe they would have at least given AL a game. Would MSU have beaten AR or TCU? Doubtful based on their performance in the Cap 1.
This year MSU fans were clamoring for more recognition as the best B10 team, and now playing the 5th best team in the SEC is a fair game? Why is it that only MSU gets all these unfair match-ups? Everyone else manages to deal with it and win a few of them (except NW), but somehow MSU is so much more put upon that they can’t ever win one. Maybe they should try looking in the mirror.
by br27 on Dec 13, 2011 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 7 recs
^ This times eleventy billion
In fairness to MSU, I will say that last year’s matchup with Alabama was a match made in hell. You had the underachiever of the SEC (how they lost three games, I’ll never know) against the overachiever of the Big Ten. No one expected them to win, but they put up no fight whatsoever. I think we all understood that Michigan State got a tough draw, but if the game had been more respectable, then we wouldn’t have railed on them so hard. In 2010, Penn State held Alabama to much more respectable numbers in Tuscaloosa, and they were starting a freshman QB and had absolutely no semblance of an offense. Well Sparty, you beat Penn State that year. After they had settled on a QB, no less. I think we could have forgiven a 35-21 loss to Alabama, but 49-7 was embarrassing. There’s only one explanation: Sparty was scared.
I think Sparty 2011 is better than Sparty 2010. There’s more balance and consistency. This time, you have a more winnable bowl matchup. So go win it, and everyone will shut up. And I’m cheering for Sparty, and I think they should win it, because I think Sparty 2010 was a fraud (which they were) and Sparty 2011 is the real deal, and I want them to prove me right.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 5:03 PM CST up reply actions
OSU won a BCS game last year?
Funny… I can’t find it in any of the record books.
The sideline is always greener at MSU.
Omigosh!
That’s so funny! No one has ever used that joke before!
It doesn’t detract from his point. His point is a solid one.
I’m pulling for MSU. Like I said, I think last year’s 11-2 team wasn’t for real. I think this year’s squad IS for real (despite taking one more regular season loss). I hope Sparty beats Georgia. If that happens, you won’t have to resort to vacated victory jokes to deflect the argument.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 5:24 PM CST up reply actions
Hey... if a Buckeye is going to boast about that non-existant win
He deserves it to be thrown in his face every time.
The sideline is always greener at MSU.
And incidentally, the fraud in the B1G for 2010 was...
OSU. No contest.
The sideline is always greener at MSU.
You guys really want to open this door?
I guess if you can’t beat them up at their dorm, then hope they get suspended for trading memorabilia for tattoos.
How many games did your guys get suspended for that by the way? Oh yeah. One…. One game for premeditated assault, 5+ for partaking in voluntary trade and commerce. Sounds about right.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 5:51 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Hey a fight is a fight
Last time I checked, it didn’t involve the FBI, the NCAA investigation, and our coach covering it up.
He suspended every player that he heard was involved immediately, without tyring to cover it up or lie about what he knew – Due Process be damned.
But when the AD admits that the coach has him & his job by the balls, I would expect the team to follow it’s leader’s example and do as it pleases, and expect no punishment.
Where was Tressel, or the OSU AD, to man up & demand that the players immediately face punishment for what they did, as Dantonio did? Oh, they were making excuses as to why the guilty should be given exceptions & allowed to play.
Institutional Fraud at it’s finest. I guess it’s just the Buckeye way.
by MSUDersh on Dec 13, 2011 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Oh ok...
Any ugly incident in MSU’s past gives everyone else a free pass forever.
I stand corrected.
The sideline is always greener at MSU.
It doesn't.
I’m not defending OSU or Tressel. I responded to a shot taken at OSU that had no place in the argument. Br27 made a good point, and instead of responding to it, you decided to dodge the issue and bring up the vacated win. Fine, I get it. It was funny 6 months ago. Everybody’s over it now. I’m more interested in what you think about the point br27 made. It was a fair point. If MSU beats Georgia, the doubters will be silenced. Ohio State faced a similar situation in 2006-2009 to what MSU is facing now. They won a lot of games, but laid an egg against Florida, LSU, and USC and lost heartbreakers to Texas and again USC. But they beat Oregon and many doubters were silenced. Michigan State is going through the same thing (albeit at the conference level and not the national level). But I think if they beat Georgia, then they’ll prove that they belong among the elite of the B1G.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 6:05 PM CST up reply actions
OK that's fair
And yeah, I consider this bowl game a must-win for this program, if it’s going to continue to move up the nat’l food chain & remain at or near the top of the B1G.
Thanks, MSUDersh.
That’s the only point I was trying to make. And I think it’s a fair point. I’m pulling for Sparty. Having watched at least 10 of Sparty’s games last year and all of them this year, I really do think Michigan State 2011 is for real while the 2010 version was kind of an overachiever that was unfortunately matched up with possibly the greatest underachieving team of all-time in 2010 Alabama (seriously, how do you lose to South Carolina and allow Auburn to come back like that?).
I think this is a game they should win. By most draft experts boards, Kirk Cousins is a 3rd round pick and Martin and Cunningham are 3rd-4th round picks. Le’veon Bell runs about as fast and physical as anyone Georgia has seen, and the Spartans have the most balanced offense Georgia has seen since Boise. I think MSU can score 40+ if they get everything rolling. Georgia has not been tested by a anyone that can throw a deep ball combined with a receiver who can go up and get it all year. Watch for them to run Bell hard early, and then go to the playaction fake deep to Martin or Cunningham. They’re arguably the best receivers not named Jeffrey that Georgia has seen all year (and there’s two of them instead of one).
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 6:14 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks
And sorry to kind of flame you earlier, but it irks me a lot when people bring up the dorm incident.
Yeah, it sucked, and was a black eye on the program. But everybody conveniently leaves out the fact that Dantonio & the AD’s office handled it in the strictest way possible short of simply staying home from the bowl that season.
They could have pleaded for due process, they could have started a lengthy “investigation” to draw things out & ensure the players remain bowl eligible, they could have mandated things like sensitivity training or just punishment to “repeat offenders,” but instead, brought down the hammer hard & fast. It sent a message, and from everything I’ve heard from MSU insiders, the team since then has never been more disciplined or focused.
Thanks for the Spartan love for the bowl game, I’ll be flipping to yours (the ESPN genuises have 3 B1G/SEC bowl matchups at the exact same time on Jan. 2, plus PSU kicking off an hour beforehand), and damning the day Meyer showed up in Columbus all the while.
No. It would be more correct to say that "OSU is over it".
I don’t suggest that we should want to or ever will dodge an opponent, but I don’t think anybody in college football would have beaten Alabama that day. Some may have given them a better game, maybe.
What irks us as MSU fans is how nonchalant everybody is about OSU (through the use of ineligible players followed by the inexcusable actions of our own commissioner) stealing something that should have gone to MSU.
We don’t know how 2010 MSU would have done against OSU or Arkansas or how OSU would have done against Bama. It’s just conjecture to suggest otherwise.
Likewise it is conjecture to suggest what OSU would have done had they done the right thing and reported the violations of its players. I’m not sure this years 6-6 is an indication (in truth, I think somewhere between the 11-1 they were and the 6-6 of this season)
I don’t expect you to get this.
“Whatev’s brah, We’re "T"OSU. Life sucks"
I don’t know what the future holds. I can look at the past and see that BCS level games haven’t occurred very often in our history, so when our players earned something on the field, to have it taken away, to have it stolen by an organization that cheated…well that burns.
by MSULaxer27 on Dec 14, 2011 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
It's not the incident that's the problem
And our Humble friend knows that – it’s the school’s response.
Shit will happen – like selling jerseys for $$/tats/cars/other benefits, fights with students, drinking & drug use while driving, etc. It’s a fact of life that kids make poor decisions. I’m by no means saying these things are appropriate, I’m saying they happen.
What’s important is, how the institutions handle it when confronted with messes like these. MSU handled the dorm fight appropriately – punishing the players immediately, like I said, eschweing Due Process. And has consistently done so in the past few seasons with other incidents involving football players (Sims & CLR suspended immediately, before any DP) & hoops players (Lucious & Allen both kicked off the team, one in the middle of the season).
tOSU’s coach first tried to cover it up, then the AD & President’s offices tried to sweep it under the rug with a half-assed “investigation,” then all three entities colluded to pressure the NCAA into allowing ineligible players to CONTINUE PLAYING that season, and to delay punishment until the following season.
There is absolutely no comparison between the integrity of these two school’s athletic programs, when viewed in the light of how they handled some of there worst moments. You know, the times when people show their true colors.
MSU and BCS should never be in the same sentence.
by biggy84 on Dec 13, 2011 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
This is a fun game! Can I play?
Other words that should never be in the same sentence:
OSU athletic department and integrity.
C’mon kids join in! I’m sure you can think of some others!
Mark Dantonio and discipline?
I can ride my bike with no handlebars...
by hkobb7 on Dec 14, 2011 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Arkansas and SEC Outright Champions
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 15, 2011 9:14 AM CST up reply actions
For the record
Coach Dantonio defended Tressel and called him a “tragic hero”. When taken to task on his choice of words, he still defended it. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/07/29/dantonio-defends-tragic-hero-comment/
I really wish everyone would take the time to read the transcript from Tressel’s meeting with the Committee on Infractions. You may finally understand. It took my about 4 1/2 hours to read the whole thing, but if you read it, you’ll realize that not everything is black and white.
For the record, I am a big Dantonio fan and I think he handled the dorm situation about as well as he could. I’m just sick of everyone damning Tressel when they obviously haven’t read COI transcript, or when they keep rehashing BS from Dohrmann’s SI article, where most of the stuff was proven to be patently false.
That being said, Go Dantonio. Go Sparty. Beat Georgia.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 15, 2011 9:28 AM CST up reply actions
I realize there are shades of gray in a lot of things that happen in life.
When I have a bit more time, I will read it.
Succinctly though, here is an important questions to ask:
When Tressel learned of the information that his players may have violated NCAA rules did he:
A. Immediately turn said information over to his University’s office of compliance to allow them to investigate the matter and determine the merits of reporting and/or pursuing an investigation?
or
B. Withhold the information from the University, while continuing to play the players who may have in fact committed offenses which might have resulted in them being declared ineligible?
It’s OK to contact counsel to determine what you as the HC in this matter have to do. It is probably not OK to allow your star player’s “mentor” to view said information while withholding it from your employer.
From the trancript
“That’s, to us, the biggest thing in the world. And we’re proud of our record that we’ve had thousands of kids since I’ve been coaching 36 years that, you know, it’s been a good deal, you know? Their experience has served them well. But I’ve also had a player murdered. I have a player incarcerated. I have had a couple guys get sucked into the drug culture. I’ve had a player who served a ten-year suspension for obstruction of justice, you know? And those things, just like games, you remember the bad play in the game that cost you he game. You don’t remember the 77 good plays. And so, I mean, I – you know, I was frightened…. And so those next couple weeks, in my mind, I spent a lotta time, you know, pounding, pounding, pounding, and lso wondering, "Where do I – you know, where do I look for some help with this?" ’Cause to me, it wasn’t simply an NCAA rule. And I’m not belittling the importance of an NCAA rule. But it was way beyond an NCAA rule. I mean, it was a security issue. It was a federal criminal issue. It was a narcotics issue. You know, it – you know, where do you turn? Knowing what I knew – not knowing who all was involved with it – I mean, I knew one name. So you sit there saying, "Oh, my God Do I got 25 guys drug trafficking? Do I got, you know, X number of people selling their stuff so they can feed their drug habits?" You know? I mean, you go through a million things. If I fastforwarded to today, I think I have the answer to what I would do. I would go to the university legal counsel because it’s a federal issue. I wouldn’t go to the athletic department legal counsel. I wouldn’t go to the compliance office.”
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 15, 2011 10:08 AM CST up reply actions
Right. Those are awesome words. Like I said a "gray issue".
But what did he do?
Did he go to the University Legal Counsel? No.
Did he go to the Athletic Dept. Legal Counsel? No.
Did he do anything with the information that he had, besides talk to Pryor’s mentor? No.
So he is so concerned that his players may be using drugs, may be involved with some serious criminal issues. So concerned that he can’t report this to the University compliance office because it may be more than he can handle, so concerned that he does what?
Absolutely nothing but play the suspected players.
Hey, I agree. I don't think Tressel was completely without fault.
But there really was no precedent for this. It’s not something where a proper response can be found neatly descrived in the NCAA Coaching Manual. And if you read the whole trancript, you’ll find the reasons to why he didn’t do the things you asked. I admit that even I asked/still ask myself “Why didn’t you do (this or that)”. For one confidentiality was an issue. You know that the lawyer who tipped Tressel is fighting for his life to keep from being disbarred? Not that the NCAA cares of course.
If only Captain Hindsight were here!
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 15, 2011 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I hear you. I'm not trying to pile on.
There is a small difference between hindsight as in:
Gee, I really wish we would have known that there was a raging tire/dumpster fire right under ground where I dug the hole for my swimming pool and
Gee, I really wish my coach had followed regulation and actually reported this to somebody.
by MSULaxer27 on Dec 15, 2011 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Aside from an occasional point-shaving incident...
This is why it’s nice to be a Northwestern fan. We’re not perfect, but man, it’s nice to not have to spend 168 comments (and counting) justifying why our scandal wasn’t as bad as your scandal.
They won the Sugar Bowl in fact.
"You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm."
-William T. Sherman, the Battle of Atlanta
This could be very will be my MSU bias..
But I would have Mich-VT as a toss-up game instead of a should win game. If I had to pick a winner I’d say Michigan, but I’m not nearly as confident going into that game as with Purdue or OSU.
Most of you guys have no idea how awful Oregon fans are.
So awful that I want Wisconsin to smoke them just so they STFU.
Never seen so many white people in that awful-ass highlighter yellow in my life. Not a good color…
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 10:52 AM CST reply actions
Yeah, they were very trollish on some OSU boards
I peruse leading up to the Rose Bowl a couple years back. Quite dickish. How were they in person at the Rose Bowl, anyone?
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
So, you're saying...
…I should be putting links to the Badger boards onto the Oregon boards and let the fun begin?
You don't have to.
The fine folks at Addicted to Quack stopped by B5Q last week sometime and comment bombed a thread. They rec’d every comment so it was all green. It definitely was in good fun and I thought it was amusing. But this probably speaks more to the folks at ATQ than Oregon fans in general so I’ll defer to Buckeye first hand knowledge of Duck obnoxiousness. Though they must have been pretty obnoxious for a Buckeye fan to note them as awful. :) I keed, I keed….
ATQ is pretty solid, IMO.
We had a fair amount of interaction with them over at H&R when we had the home-and-home with them 2-4 years ago. They were pretty nice guys, overall.
"Hey Jay, what time is it?"
"9:30"
"AND IU STILL SUCKS!"
by Boiler Bandsman on Dec 13, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions
They did an pretty awsome advanced stats breakdown of the Rose Bowl
That allowed some interesting comparison between Oregon and Wisky despite the obvious problem of comparing teams with such different pace profiles.
Wow, Sad Oregon fan is Sad
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
They were the most annoying people on earth
between the duck calls and highlighter yellow shirts, just awful.
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
also there was this gem outside of a portapotty
duck douche: “ugghhh it smells like ohio in there”
me" “shut up, oregon smells like weed an old teva sandals.”
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
Do they use the subject line?
How dare they!
by StewMonkey13 on Dec 14, 2011 11:33 AM CST up reply actions
In Oregon's Defense
We had a 1 and 1 with them a few years back, and their fanbase was one of the most courteous and pleasant to talk with, both in person and on the message boards.
Dosvidaniya, bitches! BTFU!
pppppppppppppffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
was this before their “DOMINANCE OF ALL THINGS FOOTBALL”?
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Dec 14, 2011 4:53 PM CST up reply actions
OREGON IS NOT BOISE STATE
Dear Lord, is OBNUG irritating…
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 14, 2011 5:09 PM CST up reply actions
What's an OBNUG?
Seriously, I know not of this abbreviation.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
One Bronco Nation Under God.
You have been warned.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 14, 2011 6:31 PM CST up reply actions
Shouldn't it be...
One Bronco Nation, Under Tebow?
Oops. Wrong Broncos.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 15, 2011 9:29 AM CST up reply actions
Don't. Don't.
Just don’t.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 15, 2011 9:33 AM CST up reply actions
Oklahoma will be missing lots of their key players. I expect Iowa to bring it to them.
Not saying Iowa will win, but I think Iowa will be competitive. Seems like the Oklahoma players are very disappointed and may just go through the motions.
The prediction
that sticks out the most to me here is marking Wisconsin as a “should lose” team in their match-up. It’s not a coin-clip game, as I would agree Oregon deserves to be favored, but Wisconsin should have at least the talent to put themselves into a position to win that contest.
I don’t believe Iowa can say the same, and Northwestern is really borderline in that respect as well. In my opinion, something weird has to go their way to win those games (e.g. blocked punts, fumbled snaps, etc).
My optomistic view... What I think the B1G is capable of.
Graham’s 50/50 games:
Illinois vs. UCLA – I put this in the category of “should win” for the Big Ten. Illinois has a superior running game, a superior quarterback, and a superior defense.
Illinois 27, UCLA 13… Scheelhaase 15-21 220 yards 1 TD, 12 carries 60 yards 1 TD.
Penn State vs. Houston – Shouldn’t be close. Penn State is far and away the toughest defense they’ll have seen all year. Unless there’s a total defensive breakdown, I don’t see Penn State losing. The Lion defensive line is 100x better than anything Houston has seen all year and should be able to get plenty of pressure on Keenum without having to blitz and take a guy out of coverage. Houston also has the 77th ranked rushing defense, playing in C-USA. Silas Redd has a big day. Lions roll.
Penn State 38, Houston 24… Silas Redd gets 38 carries for 220 yards.
Nebraska vs. South Carolina – this may be a true 50/50 game. But South Carolina is susceptible to a solid power running game, and Burkhead is arguably the most physical back they’ll have seen all year. I think Nebraska can and should win this one. South Carolina look solid on D, but I question how good the offenses in the SEC East are. Those numbers could be inflated. Only two of their SEC opponents had offenses that ranked in the Top 85 nationally, and they gave up 42+ points to both teams. They also gave up 37 to East Carolina, which was only one point from being the season high for the Pirates. So I’m not completely sold on South Carolina’s defense yet. I also think there are question marks surrounding Nebraska’s defense, but there’s no question they have the talent and the extra bowl practices shoudl help them iron out the existing wrinkles in the defense.
Nebraska 27, South Carolina 24… Burkhead, 32 carries 150 yards, 2 TD, Martinez 12 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD.
MSU vs. Georgia – Michigan State has an NFL QB, and two NFL receivers, and a a fast physical back that compares to just about any back in the SEC not named Lattimore or Richardson. I expect Sparty to score points. And I expect Michigan State’s defense to rattle Georgia early. UGa hasn’t necessarily seen an offense with any sort of balanced, and Michigan State has balance. Georgia has seen one team that averages over 130 yards rushing and over 200 passing. That was Boise State. The Spartans average over 140 and 240 yards on the ground and in the air, respectively.
Michigan State 31, Georgia 17… Cousins: 20-33 240 yards 2 TD, Bell 18 carries 90 yards 2 TD.
Graham’s should lose games:
Iowa vs. Oklahoma – Oklahoma should win unless Iowa gets a couple key turnovers and Coker and Vandenberg have huge days.
Oklahoma 34, Iowa 17.
Northwestern vs. Texas A&M – When Northwestern beat Nebraska, they proved to me that they could play in the trenches. Texas A&M has a very suspect defense, especially against the pass. Northwestern has the 2nd best offense in the B1G, and it’s very balanced. Fitzgerald usually prepares an offensive gameplan good enough to score points. In their last two bowl games, Fitzy’s offenses are averaging 491 yards of offense and 38 points, well above their season averages of around 398 and 26 points for those two years. This year’s offense is even better than those previous two years. I think a fully healthy Persa and Coulter are too much for the TA&M defense, and the Wildcats’ defense does just enough to win.
Northwestern 38, Texas A&M 31… Persa: 24-33 320 yards 3 TD, 10 carries 50 yards 1 TD
Wisconsin vs. Oregon – This is a game Wisconsin SHOULD lose? What? Huh??? Why? Because Oregon should be able to score on Wisconsin at will? Well Wisconsin should be able to score on Oregon at will. Long sustained drives allow Wisconsin’s defense to catch their collective breaths, and Oregon commits a turnover. History is on the side of teh Badgers, as whenever teams have had time to prepare for the Ducks, they seem to do pretty well (1-2 in their last three season openers, 0-2 in their last two bowls… and Auburn wasn’t a defensive powerhouse). High scoring game, but the Badgers do just enough and make the Ducks punt just one more time than the Badgers do.
Wisconsin 48, Oregon 41… Wilson 17-23 220 yards 2 TD, 5 carries 40 yards 1 TD. Ball 35 carries 190 yards 3 TD.
9-1…. With a Rose Bowl win, Sugar Bowl win, and 4-0 against SEC/future SEC.
Let me just put a qualifier on this: I think that this is what the B1G is CAPABALE of. Whether or not every team executes is another issue. I do like these matchups on paper. The B1G teams just need to play their games and not psyche themselves out.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 1:20 PM CST reply actions
Wow, 9-1 would be stellar
but I think 5-5 is very realistic, if not 6-4.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
Why is Northwestern a 'should lose'?
granted, they’ve got a down year, but aTm’s defense sucks, and this really feels like a shooting match type game.
Northwestern has had a down year, but I disagree that aTm is on a ‘different level’ talent wise.
I would put this in the ‘toss up’ category.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
As a Northwestern fan, I'm with Graham
aTm’s schedule was brutal. Northwestern’s win over Nebraska might be the best win between the teams (though aTm beat Baylor big), but NU also lost to at least three teams worse than any team aTm lost to and didn’t beat anybody other than Nebraska. If you compare the schedules and advanced stats, the gap looks pretty large. That said, I’m glad that a lot of people here seem convinced that NU can do well.
by MountainTiger on Dec 13, 2011 1:35 PM CST up reply actions
Both teams have nothing to lose
But I think Northwestern has a lot more to play for, especially Dan Persa. This Northwestern team can and will score points. And I think their defense can do just enough to win. The D has gotten just a little better as the year has gone on (384 yards per game in their final seven games, 439 yards per game in the first five games – three of those first five were against BC – 112th in total offense, Eastern Illinois – 89th in FCS in total offense, and Illinois – 87th in total offense).
I’m one of those who thinks the B1G was just a little tougher this year than people are giving it credit for, and I’m excited to find out just how much better in a few weeks.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 1:48 PM CST up reply actions
Don't worry guys...
…Minnesota will be representing the conference well in the Queso Bowl. Unfortunately I worry that our compatriots from the east may have some trouble getting the lid off of the jar (or something similar) and I predict the conference goes 1-1 in the gooey-cheese filled contests.
by GoAUpher on Dec 13, 2011 1:37 PM CST reply actions 6 recs
I think Kill's Crew will make a bowl next year.
They have a manageable non-conference schedule, but kind of a tough conference schedule. If they can go 4-0 out of conference (that’s asking a lot, but I do think this team improved down the stretch and will be much better next year), then they’ll have a chance to get two wins from Illinois/Northwestern/Purdue. If they only get one win or no wins from those three, then they’ll have to pull an upset or two to go bowling. Is beating Iowa still considered an upset for the Gophers?
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
I'm seeing 5-7 myself.
But that’s probably to help ward off potential disappointment (side note: can one be disappointed about not getting to Detroit or some other horrible bowl?).
I think 6-6 is still possible even with a 3-1 NC record, but 4-0 sets would seemingly make it much closer to a sure thing. Whether or not a bowl game happens probably hinges on exactly the 3 games you note and how those teams are playing. Beating Iowa is still an upset, though not a huge one given the fact that they haven’t been ranked and the fact that it’s a rivalry game. Certainly don’t assume it’ll happen again with game in Iowa City (though I’m sure it’s still much more likely than the Gophers breaking their streak against Wisky in Madison).
I think Goldy is bowling next year
He hit a rough patch when conference play opened, but Minnesota played hard all year. It looks like he has a decent recruiting class, and Kill has a helluva staff. They’re going to be good.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
you make a valid point
I think Queso could run for 250 yards and 3 TD’s on IU
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Well...
You can’t spell “Shortell”….
… without “R-O-T-E-L”
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 7 recs
One thing that's clear to me...
If the B1G wants to win this bowl season, they have to play to their strength: offensive balance set up by the power running game. When B1G teams establish the run, they put themselves in a position to win. In the last two years, the B1G beat seven teams as underdogs: Miami, LSU, GaTech, Oregon, Arkansas, Baylor, and Mizzou. In those wins, B1G teams averaged 194.3 yards on the ground and 233.7 yards through the air. In all seven games, B1G teams got at least 200 yards through the air, and in all games but one (PSU-LSU) they got at least 150 on the ground.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 2:19 PM CST reply actions
oh yes
I do agree completely. I should have elaborated – We are comfortable in the power run game, typically, and it shows when we put favored teams.
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Dec 13, 2011 3:13 PM CST up reply actions
This is what MSU is going against on Jan. 2.
Yikes. But notice the ring on the left hand – I wonder who his wife is?
She should call herself mister
Or Lady Gaga
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
insert joke about dying from a handy here
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I just spit coke on my screen.
Damn you. Rec.
"Hey Jay, what time is it?"
"9:30"
"AND IU STILL SUCKS!"
by Boiler Bandsman on Dec 15, 2011 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
we've all dated that girl at one pt or another
there’s her and then her mortal enemy, “girl that’s afraid to hurt your man parts and treats them too gently”
HELP IS ON THE WAY
~Banned at ATO since June 3rd, 2011, 2ish PM PST
by SouthBayBuckeye on Dec 16, 2011 12:12 PM CST up reply actions
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 13, 2011 6:33 PM CST up reply actions
Which Brings Up How MSU Can Take Georgia...
History…MSU must put the fear of Sherman into Georgia!
I grew up in Ess Eee Cee territory – I know what makes those guys fall apart. The trick with Georgia is to remind them of Sherman’s march to the sea.
Go B1G! Or go home!
by NUMBSpiritLeader on Dec 13, 2011 8:14 PM CST up reply actions
LOL the "Sacking of Atlanta"
I really, really, really hope that Dantonio has some play called that up his sleeve.
First superintendent of LSU?
GENERAL SHERMAN.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 13, 2011 10:09 PM CST up reply actions
Can't add numbers well?! Well I've got a job for you!
Superintendent of a college in the South! No math skills? No reading skills? No problem!!!! Half our students are illiterate anyway! You’ll fit right in!
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 10:34 PM CST up reply actions
That CAN NOT be real. Look at the face and the hands.
"Hey Jay, what time is it?"
"9:30"
"AND IU STILL SUCKS!"
by Boiler Bandsman on Dec 15, 2011 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
Here are my ESPN Bowl Mania picks for the B1G:
With confidence (winning team bolded)-
27 points: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech (VT shouldn’t be in a BCS bowl)
26 points: Nebraska vs. South Carolina (Nebraska’s defense just isn’t good enough for a high scoring SEC offense)
24 points: Ohio State vs. Florida (Florida is 6-1 in bowls since 2005, even when they shouldn’t win. I don’t care if Urban Meyer is coaching at Ohio State)
21 points: TA&M vs. Northwestern (Cain Kolter has a big day. TA&M caps off an embarrassing year with a loss)
19 points: Western Michigan vs. Purdue (Purdue is better than Western Michigan. But I’m too cautious to put them too high in confidence)
13 points: Wisconsin vs. Oregon (Wisconsin very well could be undefeated if not for a Hail Mary that deflated the team as they stumbled into the Horseshoe the next week. They are a great team that was forgotten after two straight losses)
9 points: Iowa vs. Oklahoma (Oklahoma is too talented to lose in theory. But then again, their top 3 receivers and running back are out with injury. So, talent-wise, these teams are actually pretty even going into the game. This could be upset alert, knowing Iowa’s bowl track record)
5 points: Illinois vs. UCLA (I don’t ever choose UCLA to win football games because they aren’t too good at it, but I don’t see how Illinois can win a game after losing 6 straight)
4 points: Michigan State vs. Georgia (Michigan State is good. Georgia is good. I flipped a coin)
2 points: Houston vs. Penn State (Penn State is such a solid team that I couldn’t pick against them. Their defense is incredible. I think the offense is actually much better than people give them credit for. But Houston is 12-1, so it’s kind of hard to be confident about that pick)
There ya go. I have the B1G going 6-4, which is semi-realistic. Which means it’s not realistic at all. Because in the B1G, we don’t win bowl games.
Betcha can't handle this 4-3 cover 2, mofos!
coughneithershouldmichigancough
"You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm."
-William T. Sherman, the Battle of Atlanta
Maybe not, but they aren't as absurd of a pick as VT is.
After losing to Clemson by 20 points in the regular season and making it to the second most pathetic conference championship of BCS AQ’s, they lost to Clemson even more embarrassingly; by 28 points. Getting crushed in a weak conference championship game isn’t BCS-bowl worthy to me. But this is a Michigan team that has two losses in the regular season to a division-winning Michigan State team and a heartbreaker in the 4th quarter at Iowa.
When you consider VT’s biggest win is against unranked 8-4 Georgia Tech and Michigan’s is a top-20 9-3 Nebraska team, it’s evident which had the harder path. Not to mention the sheer simplicity that is winning your division in the ACC. Kansas State and Boise State got jipped, but that’s just how it goes.
Betcha can't handle this 4-3 cover 2, mofos!
The thing is, All those "should lose" games are actually not terrible
Iowa is good in bowls and has been in pretty much this exact situation before (bad Iowa team takes on Big 12 power) and that ended up in a close game, TA&M is the most overrated school this year outside of Arizona State and if Persa can get some rest, they may win that game, and i see that Wisconsin vs Oregon game as more of a 50/50 split
i think Iowa gets a winning record, or at least a 5-5 record.
"Your spelling and grammar errors belie a seriously skilled thought process"- therealCatnuts
by justsomehawkeyefan on Dec 13, 2011 7:20 PM CST reply actions
bleh, not Iowa, the Big Ten
"Your spelling and grammar errors belie a seriously skilled thought process"- therealCatnuts
by justsomehawkeyefan on Dec 13, 2011 7:21 PM CST up reply actions
Emperor Delaney says "The Rebels are walking into a trap"
Though it seems this conference is rebuilding, it is indeed fully armed and operational.
Time to crush the rebel scum!
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 13, 2011 9:27 PM CST reply actions 12 recs
Best. Graphic. Ever.
We just need a gif of Delany as Emperor, and Slive as Admiral Akbar saying “It’s a Trap!” to make this battle station fully operational…..
/Nerd ALERT!
There's just one teeny problem with this metaphor.
I've got this terrible pain in all the diodes down my left-hand side.
Bradley-Terry rankings for college football and basketball: because there aren't enough computer rankings already.
Seriously.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
Yeah
Hope I don’t need flash goggles come 2 January.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
Penn State.
Cue horrific flailing and fire.
"This is being a Penn State fan. We’ll prove it, or we won’t. It’s not about proving it to them, it’s about proving to ourselves."
Illinois
Looked imposing at the start, but collapsed spectacularly in the end.
by MountainTiger on Dec 14, 2011 2:55 PM CST up reply actions
Michigan
seemingly impregnable on defense, but failing spectacularly in the end?
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog, and Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog
Whatever holds the image of an angel IS an angel. The eyes are not the windows of the soul, they are the doors.
Yes, I am on twitter.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Dec 14, 2011 3:17 PM CST up reply actions
The Super Star Destroyer is definitely Ohio State
The most powerful in the fleet, it was one of the first to be taken out. Most of the crew was able to escape to a new ship, but we lost our Captain. The new Captain, a defector from the Rebel Alliance, is on the fast track to becoming Admiral.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 15, 2011 9:32 AM CST up reply actions
In that fleet, isn't everyone on the fast track to be an Admiral?
In the name of the Woody, the Bo, and the Mustache Ride. Amen.
by Pariahwulfen on Dec 15, 2011 10:03 AM CST up reply actions
Yes sir!
Chicago is home of the B1G after all.
by TheHumbleBuckeye on Dec 14, 2011 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
You can almost see the Marshall Field's on State Street from it, right?
Or maybe Comiskey Park??
by MSUDersh on Dec 15, 2011 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I am impressed by the sophistication of this trolling.
A rec, even though the previous comments are offensive to every Chicagoan.
"Hey Jay, what time is it?"
"9:30"
"AND IU STILL SUCKS!"
by Boiler Bandsman on Dec 15, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions
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