Week 1 went pretty much according to script. Everybody won that should've, Northwestern had an impressive road win against BC, and Minnesota came within a play or two of a monumental upset of USC.
Week 2 was a bag of ass for most of the conference. There were only a few teams that took care of business: Wisconsin, Illinois, Sparty, and Northwestern. Nebraska struggled early, but pulled away late, so the recriminations are minimal here. Heavy favorite OSU struggled against Toledo, Iowa...oh, Iowa...lost to Iowa State in triple overtime, Penn State was manhandled by Alabama at home, Michigan snatched victory from the jaws of defeat...or did Notre Dame snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?
I can excuse Indiana's loss to Virginia, until you realize they had a two score lead with under 7:00 to go, and lost. At home.
Minnesota and Purdue?
Losing to Rice and New Mexico State was train wreck bad
And we had that terrifying scare with Jerry Kill. Thankfully, he's out of the hospital and should be on the sidelines today.
But you know what? That's over, behind us, done. And much like Grant during The Wilderness campaign, we take our mauling, mourn our dead, give thanks that we live, and we move forward towards Petersburg Richmond Indianapolis. Because if college football has taught us anything, it's that redemption can be quickly found with a win or two, fortunes and perceptions can change in a week, and that's as appropriate today as it has ever been.
And redemption awaits. Bama gave us his expectations earlier this week, and it's pretty much on point. You can look to three games that will pretty much make or break the week--MSU, OSU, and Illinois, with Iowa and Minnesota to a lesser extent. I think 2 of 3 win games here, and we have a good chance at all three. The one that worries me the most is the OSU game, but if there's any team I want carrying the Empire's banner on the big stage over the last few years, it's Ohio State.
I say Minnesota because Miami is Kill's old team, and they won the MAC last year. After last week's egg laying against New Mexico State it would be a good rebound win. Iowa just because Pitt is a decent team and Iowa played so poorly last week. Both have more talent than their opponent, and should win, but is there anyone that thinks Minnesota will? Everyone else should win, and rather easily. A loss by any of Penn State, Purdue, Indiana, Nebraska, Northwestern, or Wisconsin and there will be recriminations, accusations, suppositions, and consternation...and we'll be here, making fun of them holding their hand and telling them it will be okay all the way.
Come on in and have a seat. If you're new to our game threads, the rules are pretty simple: No racism, sexism, homophobia, pornography, personal attacks, or illegal Internet streams of any of the games. We've got burgers and brats on the grill, beer in the fridge, and some hot wings from Hooters. The legal minds are in the other room, and it's getting pretty heated. Apparently, you're either Team Wapner or Team Judy. I'm staying neutral, because the threat of lawsuits are flying around like a WWI dogfight.
Oh, and Bama Hawkeye requests that he be called 'Bama Von Richtofen' for the rest of the day.
Enjoy the games, kids!