Big Ten Power Rankings - Week 5

 

 Week 5 Big Ten Power Rankings

1 - Michigan

2 - Penn State

3 - Ohio State

4 - Iowa

5 - Michigan State

6 - Nebraska

7 - Rutgers

8 - Maryland

9 - Minnesota

10 - Wisconsin

11 - Indiana

12 - Purdue

13 - Northwestern

14 - Illinois

Big Ten Power Rankings - Week 4

 Week 4 Big Ten Power Rankings

1 - Penn State

2 - Michigan

3 - Ohio State

4 - Iowa

5 - Michigan State

6 - Maryland

7 - Rutgers

8 - Purdue

9 - Wisconsin

10 - Nebraska

11 - Northwestern

12 - Minnesota

13 - Indiana

14 - Illinois

Big Ten Weekly Awards - Week 4

How stacked is the Big Ten after the first full month.  The East has four 4-0 teams and that is not including The Ohio State University.  Rutgers is just 1 loss after the first month, and Indiana is 2-2 at the bottom.  In the West Iowa survived vs Colorado State and is on top with a trip to 4-0 Maryland on Friday.  The bottom of the west looks different this season so far too with it being Northwestern, Wisconsin & Nebraska.  

The season is 1/3rd over.  Enjoy October, its going to be fun!

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Michigan

GAME OF THE WEEK

Michigan State 23 -  Nebraska 20 OT

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Sean Clifford - PSU - QB

19-26 - 401 yds - 4 tds

 

Big Ten Power Rankings - Week 3

 Week 3 Big Ten Power Rankings

  

1 - Penn State

2 - Iowa

3 - Michigan

4 - Ohio State

5 - Michigan State

6 - Rutgers

7 - Wisconsin

8 - Maryland

9 - Minnesota

10 - Nebraska

11 - Purdue

12 - Indiana

13 - Illinois

14 - Northwestern

Big Ten Weekly Awards - Week 3

Week 3 the Big Ten had some big moments to make statements, and mostly did so.  Even the Huskers in a loss in the 50th anniversary of the Game of the Century.  Indiana had a top 10 team on the ropes, Penn State whited out Auburn and Michigan and Ohio State rolled again.  The Big Ten East looks like it will be really fun! 

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Michigan State

GAME OF THE WEEK

Penn State 28 - Auburn 20

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

TreVeyon Henderson - OSU - RB

24 car - 277 yds - 3 tds

1 rec - 5 yds

Big Ten Weekly Awards - Week 1

The rest of the Big Ten got in action on what is now Week 1.  And with some conference games to open the season.  This was a tad different but enjoyable.  Really feel bad for Mohamed Ibrahim from Minnesota.  He was eating up the Buckeyes before what seems to be a year ending injury.   

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Rutgers

GAME OF THE WEEK

Penn State 16 - Wisconsin 10

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Kenneth Walker III - MSU - RB

23 car - 264 yds - 4 tds

Big Ten Awards - Week 14

Team of the Week : Penn State : All Wisconsin had to do was beat a 5-6 team at home and they had most likely a 4^th trip to the Rose Bowl in the bag.  Penn State showed up and Bill O’Brien’s teams dominated the Badgers.  It wasn’t close.  When O’Brien gets his full allotment of scholarships and bowl eligibility back, the Nittany Lions will be back very quick.

Game of the Week : Ohio State 42 – Michigan 41 : The Game lived up to the hype!  The national media will rip Ohio State for “struggling” with Michigan, just so they can get a 1 loss SEC team in the Championship game (looking at you ESPN).  But this game is a game they can play over and over and over again and you can always throw out the records.  Michigan came back on their arch rival and had a chance, and I like the call, to win with a 2 point conversion when Gardner’s pass being picked off.

Player of the Week : James Morris / Anthony Hitchens / Christian Kirksey – Iowa Linebackers :  The 3 of the senior Iowa linebackers, and the Iowa Defense, controlled the Huskers all day, and totally lit up Ron Kellogg.  28 tackles, 2 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 Interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.  These 3 have been the rock in Iowa’s D all year long and they held the Big Ten’s leading rusher to 85 yards.  These 3 will be missed next year.

Big Ten Football - Week 9 Picks

BIG TEN

GAME OF THE WEEK

OHIO STATE vs PENN STATE

You can probably argue that 2 teams on probation matching up vs each other can’t be the game of the week, and the 2 teams in Lincoln this week may argue it.  But right now OSU & PSU are the 2 best teams in the league.  OSU is coming off a fight with Purdue where Braxton Miller was hurt.  He is expected to play this week.  PSU is high off a Big Ten Network Primetime game destruction of the Hawks.  Though no one is going bowling or to Indy, this should be a great game.

Season Record	52-16	55-13	52-16
Week 9	Matt	Chad	Kyle
Indiana vs Illinois	Indiana	Indiana	Indiana
Iowa vs Northwestern	Iowa	Northwestern	Iowa
Michigan State vs Wisconsin	Wisconsin	Wisconsin	Wisconsin
Michigan vs Nebraska	Michigan	Nebraska	Michigan
Ohio State vs Penn State	Ohio State	Penn State	Ohio State
Purdue vs Minnesota	Purdue	Minnesota	Purdue

Friday 6 Pack

1. Usain Bolt is still the fastest man in the world, dominating the 100M at the Olympics in arguably the best 100M field ever.  Michael Phelps added to his medal count and is at 22 total for his career.  Would you rather be the Fastest Man in the world or most decorated Olympian?

Matt – Fastest Man in the world has a nice ring to it, that’s only 1 medal.  I think I’d take the 22.

Painter – I'd rather be the fastest man in the world.  Having a lot of medals is nice but that doesn't always mean you're the best (I know Phelps has mostly golds) but being the fastest means you were the best in what you did.

Majors – Fastest man in the world

2. Gabby Douglas brought home the all around Gold Medal and the Fab 5 won the team gold in London.  In Beijing Shawn Johnson took home the all around Silver and Silver as team, and then a gold and silver in individual events.  Who is on the top pedestal at Chow’s Gymnastics in West Des Moines?

Matt – Gabby will have more to add on with the Rio games I’m sure, but without Shawn I don’t think there is a Gabby at Chow’s.  Shawn in my opinion is on the gold medal stand at Chow’s.

Painter – Right now it's Gabby.  She won gold in the all-around and she's not retired.

Majors – As much as I like Shawn, it has to be Gabby. 2 Golds beats 2 Silvers

3. The final PGA Major of the year happens this weekend, any chance that Tiger takes this one or will his hibernation continue in the major wins?  Who’s your pick to win?

Matt – I wouldn’t be shocked if Tiger wins it, he’s been around for all 3.  I don’t think we’ll see a repeat Major winner this year either, and I’ll be curious to see how Adam Scott responds too after the collapse.  Zach has been playing well all year too.  I’ll go on a limb and take Zach.

Painter – Tiger won't win this one and I'm taking Rickie Fowler.

Majors – Unless Rory broke up with his gf, Wozniack, then he won't be winning it. Sooo, I will pick Adam Scott

4. Penn State has had around a 10 player exodus including RB Silas Redd to USC.  I think the figure is Penn State has currently lost 42% of their point production from last year.  Will this team win a Big Ten game?

Matt – Well right now defense will have to carry this team.  O’Brein is going to struggle.  I pegged them at 7-5 pre-defections but may have to drop them more.  Indiana might be their only hope right now at a conference win

Painter – Yes, they do play Indiana after all.

Majors – Sure they will, it won't be easy, but I think they will be decent. They still had talent that was recruited, and BOB seems to be rallying them well

5. A lot of talk in the past year of the NFL and concussions.  Kurt Warner said on the Dan Patrick Show that he would like his boys to not play football and Troy Palumalu said later on the DP Show all NFL players have had their “bell rung” hundreds of times from High School to the Pros.  With all that has happened with concussions, how would you feel if your son wants to pursue and play football?

Matt – My boy right now is playing flag football.  With what I know now I don’t know if I’ll want him to play football or not.  I’m leaning towards no, but when the time comes to helmet to helmet hitting, I’ll have a talk with him and he’ll make the decision then.

Painter – I'd make sure he knows the risks and then tell him his dad was much better at distance running and that he probably is too. 

Majors – I would let them play. I have had a concussion from wrestling, so have countless others. As long as the coaches and parents are aware of what is going on, the kids should play

6. The Total Recall re-deux opened last week.  This version features Collin Farrell and Kate Beckansale in place of Arnold and Sharon Stone.  Who you taking in their prime, Kate or Sharon?

Matt – Sharon I always thought was dangerous sexy, but Kate is a top 5er for me.  Kate in a runaway.

Painter – On acting ability it's a push.  On looks Kate

Majors – Kate, but boy do I like Jessica Biel!!!

Ice Down your Friday 6 Pack

1-PSU was handed its penalties from the NCAA and the Big Ten Monday.  No Bowl for 4 years, a 60 million dollar fine, reduction of 40 scholarships and any athlete can transfer and not be penalized.  Joe Pa also lost wins from 1998-2011 making him only the 5^th winningest coach now.  Is this enough or should the death penalty been given?

Matt – First off no punishment will ever be enough for the victims.  I never thought the Death Penalty should be levied on the Nittany Lions but this penalty is a critical shot to their program.  It will affect their depth and structure for football for a time to come.  The hit to JoePa was significant too.  His legacy is forever tarnished.

Wendt – The penalty that was handed down was plenty, I was happy with the punishment

Painter – It's hard for me to say the death penalty should have been given or not.  Yes a statement needed to be sent but the people currently involved shouldn't be punished.  I'm somewhat OK with what the NCAA handed down and am waiting to see what, if anything, the B1G does.  That may be the crippling blow

Blake – I think this is as close to the death penalty as we'll ever see again.  With interwoven TV contracts, streaming games online, and games planned years in advance, I'm not sure how you shut down a program or give it a TV ban.  I think the penalties given were perfect

Majors – This is a tough situation. I think the penalties were pretty severe, sounds like their other option was a 4 year death penalty. It is hard to say what is fair and not. I am glad those responsible are gone, it seems like a long road ahead for them. Another example of why you should just tell the truth

2-Team USA beat Spain yesterday, the team who is supposed to be its closest competitor, fairly easy.  Kobe spouted off that this Team USA could beat the Dream Team.  In a matchup that can only take place with the help of EA Sports, who would win?

Matt – The Dream Team would cruise by this team.  Sorry Kobe, Lebron and Durant but no way it’s within 20.

Wendt – In a one game matchup, I still like the 1992 team but in a best of seven series? That could be a good run

Painter – I don't see how any team could beat MJ, Magic, and Bird at the level they were playing back then.  I have no problem with Kobe thinking this year's team would win, that's exactly what he should think

Blake – Pippen guards LeBron.  Jordan guards Kobe, Malone and Barkley out muscle Durant and 'Melo.  Anyone in the paint gets sucked up by Robinson and Ewing.  Oh, and that doesn't even consider the starters of Bird and Magic (liabilities on D but can still bring their offense).  I don't think it's even that close and the 92'ers win easily

Majors – The Dream Team. There is no other team, but the Dream Team. It would be fun, don't get me wrong, but the Dream Team in 92 is the GOAT. The PGs pf today might give them trouble, Deron & CP3 are tough, but as a whole, it would be Michael & the boys taking it. 

3-Ichiro is a Yankee and Hanley Rameriz is a Dodger.  Do these moves, in your mind, put both the Yankees and Dodgers in the leader spot to getting to the World Series from the AL and NL respectively?

Matt – It definitely doesn’t hurt.  I think the Yankees are the clear cut favorite in the AL.  It will come down to them and the Rangers.  The Dodgers have more work to do with the Giants there and then the rest of the NL will be a fight.

Wendt – The Dodgers and Yankees still need starting pitching and now with A-Rod out for the Yankees and Matt Kemp's health in question I'm still not sure they are the teams to beat

Painter – No, never know how it will affect the teams and the players

Blake – Ichiro helps.  Now we'll have to see how the Yankees do with A-Rod on the DL, but the Yankees seem to be the head of the class in the AL.  The Dodgers could still be challenged by the Giants if Lincicum returns to form, but the fact that the Dodgers have been as injured as they have and still won should scare some teams

Majors – Too much can still happen. Ichiro is a role player now, so his impact will not be as big as it would have been 5-6 years ago. I think Texas is still tough, especially if they get Josh Johnson, and Detroit could be a factor

4-Ernie Els snatched the Claret Jug away from Adam Scott this past weekend.  The past few years we’ve seen the leader struggle down the end in the British Open, Jean Van de Velde and Tom Watson to name a few.  Do you blame the pressure of the Open Championship, the courses or something else?  Also final thoughts on the 2012 Open?

Matt – I think it’s a combination of both.  The pressure of The Open or Masters is a lot different than that of the John Deere Classic.  It’s why they are called majors.  Also the courses and the weather play a ton of havoc.  Augusta is pretty basic, you know the holes yearly and where to hit and the weather is usually nice.  These old courses are from pastures and 100s of years old and the weather is always a factor.  Scott will win a major someday too.

Wendt – Adam Scott put himself in position to at least go to a playoff, he choked. End of story 

Painter – While there is some pressure involved but these guys are professionals and should handle it with no problem.   The Open presents the challenges of the weather conditions and the links setup is completely different from what most of these guys play on most of the year.  It was fun to watch Ernie make his charge and watch Adam fall (I've been an Els fan for a long time).  I'm glad the weather finally turned to "normal" Open conditions for Sunday

Blake – I think the British, unlike other tournaments has so many equalizers.  The roughs and the weather can swing rounds or even back nines like no other tournament.  Start making some mistakes and negative momentum in golf is a real bitch

Majors – The pressure in that tournament is unreal. The bunkers get in your head, no doubt. I enjoyed the tournament this year. I like Adam Scott, tough way to lose, but Ernie is a great guy, and FIGJAM didn't win, which is always a great day in my book

5-After the events that took place in Aurora with the movie theater massacre, what are your thoughts on gun control and gun laws?  The shooter had apparently from one report enough ammo for a small army.  Should there be more lax or strict laws on semi automatic guns?

Matt – First off you can’t control crazy and this dude was obviously off his rocker.  Though I asked this question, I don’t know the correct answer, there’s the right to bare arms which I agree in but criminals don’t care about the laws.  It’s just a sad incident that happened.  I was glad to see that Christian Bale went to the hospital in Denver/Aurora to visit the victims on his on time. 

Wendt – I still don't know where I sit on this issue. Part of me has no problem with our rights to bare arms and the other half wonders if we had tougher laws to get guns if this stuff would stop happening. 

Painter – The issue isn't gun control/gun laws, it's about this country's inability to help people who may have a mental illness, and that's where a lot of focus should be placed.  We need to be able to provide people with the help they need to beat the disease

Blake – He didn't have a permit.  You mean criminals don't follow laws?  Shocking

Majors – Of course the media will spin it and say he could have started a small army. He very well could have, but take the news with a grain or so of salt. I have no problem with legal ownership of guns. I have a couple, and I am responsible about them. The issue is the illegal ones. If we could get the drug dealers & thugs to go away, we would all be better off. That's a big "if" though

6-Hey, it’s HOT out.  Best way to beat the heat?

Matt – Kiddie pool, ice, water and 12 pack of beer.

Wendt – Air Conditioning

Painter – Playing in the snow at Mickey's Irish Pub patio on a Wednesday morning!

Blake – Duh, go naked

Majors – Go to the beach. I do it nearly every day. Cold beer, bikinis, and surf, what could be better?

Friday 6pack!

How about a nice cold Friday 6 Pack?

1-Iowa State is sitting at 14-5/4-2 going into a 3 game stretch that includes at Texas, and home vs. Kansas and KState.  To still have a shot at the Big Dance, what do the ‘Clones need to do in this stretch?  Chances they make it out 3-0.

Matt – I think ISU can win one of those, with it being home vs. KState.  They need a lot of Hilton magic to take out the Jayhawks

Wendt – I still think Iowa State needs 21 wins to make it to the NCAA Tournament oh and 1% chance they finish that three game stretch at 3-0

Painter – Well we do know that ISU lost to Texas so 3-0 is out of the question.  I doubt they beat Kansas and may get KState.  I'm saying 1-2.  They still have an outside shot as an at-large bid but I'd put them on the bubble.

Zach – Lock Royce White inside their practice facility and force him to correctly shoot FT's.

BSox – i think they come out 2-1 unless a miracle comes about with kansas. for the rest of the season, to me it seems like they just to keep doing what they're doing, and playing good smart basketball. the team is starting to gel, and they look good. so we'll see what happens!

2-After being beat by Purdue, the Hawkeyes have some time off and get Nebraska at home then on the road to Indiana.  These 2 games start a crucial 6 game stretch for the Hawks.  I think the whole state of Iowa expects a win vs. the Huskers, and the trip to Assembly Hall will be the challenge.  Do you see Hawks get a 2-0 week? 

Matt – Iowa will beat Nebraska.  Don’t’ forget that Fran beat Indiana at IU last year and they have come back to earth a bit.  I think the IU game is close and down to the wire.

Wendt – I'd give Iowa a 2% chance of winning both those games

Painter – Iowa survived their tough stretch healthy and had some good showings.  I'm not totally convinced that Indiana is as good as they appear but that will still be tough.  I'm saying 1-1.

Zach – Ummm...the loss to Nebraska was not very impressive. Who knows?

BSox – its possible. since the mich st game, and chairgate, they've been playing some decent basketball, or at least improved. the team still has a long way to go, but the big ten is the sort that you could win or lose any game. nebraska in all rights should be a win, but who knows. and indiana hasn't been playing as well lately, but i'd go with possible, but not likely 2-0

We’ll get to the Giants and Patriots in the next 2 weeks, so let’s look at the losers of the championship games. 

3-The Ravens went Wide Left and missed out on OT vs. the Patriots and New England is in its 5^th Super Bowl since 2001.  Has the window closed for Ed Reed and Ray Lewis to get to another Super Bowl?

Matt – I think next year is the last year they are together.   How is that catch/drop by Evans not reviewed?  That is really close to being 6.  And Cundiff just looked rushed.  I think they are back in the playoffs next year and make a deep run too

Wendt – I don't believe we'll see Ed Reed and Ray Lewis play another football game together again.

Painter – As long as Lewis and Reed are on the field they have a chance.  I don't know what they need to do to fix the offense but if they can there's still a couple of years left for that group.

Zach – The door just shut a little tighter. Tough loss, but there's still a shot.

BSox – well, ray has already said he's coming back. i think they have one year left, after that not so sure. ed and ray have been awesome for the ravens, but unless they make it next year, i think that team needs to get younger

4-Kyle Williams fumbled away the 49ers hope in the NFC title game in a sloppy Candlestick.  Do you see the 49ers as a 1 hit wonder or will Harbaugh keep them at this level for years to come?

Matt – They are in a weak division and if Alex Smith can continue to grow and another year under Harbaugh, they’ll be a top 3 seed again next year. 

Wendt – What Harbaugh has been able to do with Alex Smith still blows my mind. I think their offense and defense is relatively young so I see the 49ers being a force (especially playing in a terrible division)

Painter – Their roster is pretty well stacked for a while.  I touched on this during the podcast:  if they can get a good play-making WR and Alex Smith has some continuity among the offensive coaches (he's never had the same coordinator for 2 consecutive seasons) they will be even better

Zach – I hope not they're a one-hit wonder, but I see the Packers-Saints in NFC Title next year as early favorites

BSox – ummmm...kind of a toss up, if they keep their defense together than i think they'll at least be a playoff team over the next few years especially in their division. maybe it was a matter of all the stars lining up just right this season. i will say this, they need to move on from alex smith, i know he had a great year, but 1 out of 7 or so? they need to make improvements on offense, and that's a key spot.

5-Sunday Joe Pa passed away.  Will you remember him for what he has done for Penn State or the scandal that ended his career?

Matt – I think a mixture.  I do think the scandal situation contributed to his health.  It’s sad because he did a lot of many kids there we won’t know about, as the negative generally out weights the positive. 

Wendt – Probably a little bit of both. It's tough to forget the scandal that has rocked Happy Valley and Joe Pa was right there when it happened. I hope he was able to die with some peace but I doubt it

Painter – He was a great coach, mentor, leader, and ambassador for all of the NCAA (not just Penn State football)

Zach – I'm one who will remember him for the 409 wins. He is Penn State.

BSox – as much as i hate to say this,i think you have to keep the scandal stuff in there. now what i don't like is how people make it sound like he's the worst person in this case. there were so many people at fault that i think joe took more heat than everyone else. it would be easy to do this, but not right. he made a mistake, and didn;t follow up. now if there were a whole bunch of interviews saying he was a horrible human being the other years of his life, it would be even easier to cast him a side, but you don't hear that. you hear how great of a man he was, how much he helped people, how much he cared, and just looking at the past few months how much he was hurt by all of this. i think he was a great coach, a great human being, but a man who made a mistake.

there are so many people to blame in all of this, i don't think its been fair that joe took most of this heat. but...they needed a fall guy. i just always go back to coach that walked in on jerry in the locker room. why didn't this dude take most of the heat? he witnessed it, and went to joe pa...i mean WTF?!?! why wasn't he the one who right than and there broke jerry's back and hauled his ass off to the police?

i don't know, just seems wrong that he has been turned into a villain more than others who had more to do with all of it.

6-Prince Fielder and the Nationals seem to be flirting some.  How would this signing affect the race in the NL East?

Matt – Well this is not true (NOW) and he’s a Tiger.  Great work outta Scott Boras.  Pencil in Detroit as the AL Central Champions.  Theo’s done a good job since joining the Cubs.  Got rid of Pujols and Fielder and the Astros!

Wendt – I still believe that Fielder will be the better long term signee than Big Al will be, nice to see the Cubs slowly walking away from the potential to sign at least one big name to their team.

Painter – We know he's not going to Washington.  I'm surprised more "experts" didn't see him signing with Detroit since that's where his dad played.  Detroit may be the team to beat in the eastern half of the US now

Zach – It would have made the East a very competitive race, but now him being in the AL Central makes that division a shoe-in title for the Tigers

BSox – no comment lol

Big Ten Predictions – Week 13

Big Ten

Game of the Week

Penn State vs Wisconsin

Really simple, this is a Big Ten semifinal.  The winner gets the division and goes to Indianapolis to play Michigan State for the 2011 Big Ten Championship!  Penn State takes its tough D to Madsion against what is the toughest offensive line in the Big Ten.  They’ll need to contain Monte Ball and Russell Wilson to have a chance.  Other side of the ball, Penn State is going to need a big game from Silas Redd again to have any shot.  I think Penn State is walking into a buzz saw here and will have their hopes dashed quick.  Badgers 43 – Nittany Lions 17

Big Ten Week 13 Picks

Iowa vs Nebraska – Iowa (C/K) / NEB (M)

Illinois vs Minnesota – ILL (M/C/K)

Michigan State vs Northwestern – MSU (M/C/K)

Ohio State vs Michigan – MICH (M/C/K)

Penn State vs Wisconsin – WISC (M/C/K)

Purdue vs Indiana – PUR (M/C/K)

Big Ten Jimmy John’s Challenge

Chad (66-24)          Matt (65-25)         Kyle (64-26)

Upset Alert

Michigan State

--Sparty has the Big Ten Legends tied up, the fighting Fitzgeralds are on a roll right and are looking to improve their bowl prospects.  The only way MSU makes a BCS bowl is to win the Championship, I think you may see the “rest” some in the second half vs Northwestern.

Big Ten Awards – Week 12

Team of the Week:  Penn State – Throughout all the drama that is going on in State College, these players have had nothing to do with it.  They had an emotional last game at home the week prior vs Nebraska and came up short.  This weekend they went into the Shoe and kept their Big Ten Championship Game hopes alive with a win over the Buckeyes in what is probably the last Columbus see’s of Luke Fickell as Head Coach.  Penn State now heads to Wisconsin for a Big Ten Semifinal game with the Badgers.  The winner heads to Indianapolis.

Helmet Sticker: Marvin McNutt : WR : Iowa – the converted quarterback is rewriting Hawkeye record books.  With his 9 catch 151 yards and 2 scores Marvin is the all time single season leader in touchdowns.  Next week vs Nebraska he has a chance to become the all time leader in receptions for a career and season.  He’s also making NFL scouts drool!

Game of the Week: Penn State 20 – Ohio State 14 : As Ole JR would say it was a sloberknocker.  All the points were scored in the First half.  Penn State kept its hopes for a Big Ten Championship alive with the win, and now heads to Madison for a show down with the Badgers for the Leaders division title.

Big Ten Take Away: Monte Ball is taking a moniker away from Cris Carter.  All Ball does is SCORE.  30 touchdowns this year!  Dude isn’t getting a lot of Heisman love but should be.

Jimmy John’s Big Ten Challenge

Chad (66-24)        Matt (65-25)        Kyle (64-26)

National Take Away: Bill Hancock must have his offices in SEC country because its an SEC world.  Iowa State started the shocking weekend with a win over #2 Oklahoma State in OT.  Baylor knocked off Oklahoma behind the arm and legs of Robert Griffin III.  If that wasn’t enough USC upset Oregon in Autzen and Clemson got embarrassed by Clemson.  What it means now is the top 3 teams in the BCS are from the SEC…WEST!

Heisman Ballot – Robert Griffin III : QB : Baylor / Case Keenum : QB : Houston /  Marvin McNutt : WR : Iowa

Big Ten Predictions - Week 12

Big Ten Game of the Week

Penn State vs Ohio State

Where Michigan State seems to have their grip firmly on the Legends division, the Leaders Division race comes down to the last 2 weeks of the season.  Penn State has a 1 game lead over Wisconsin and 2 game lead over Ohio State.  If OSU wins out, they get the trip to Indy.  If Penn State and Wisconsin win this week it sets up a showdown next week for the ticket to Indy.

After a week of being rocked by the Sandusky Scandal, JoePa’s firing and riots and vigils, Penn State played Nebraska tight to a 17-14 loss.  Ohio State went out last week and was upset by the Boilermakers.  This week the Lions travel away from the chaos in State College into the Shoe.   I think what we will see here is going to be a lot like the Nebraska-PSU game.  Low scoring and tight to the end with the Penn State D making just one more play against Braxton Miller and the Bucks to get the Win and set up a doozie in Madison next week.  PENN STATE 20 – OHIO STATE 17

Week 12 Big Ten Picks
Indiana vs Michigan State – Mich State (M/C/K)

Iowa vs Purdue – Iowa (M/C/K)

Minnesota vs Northwestern – N’Western (M/C/K)

Nebraska vs Michigan – Neb (M) / Mich (C/K)

Wisconsin vs Illinois – Wisconsin (M/C/K)

Penn State vs Ohio State – PSU (M) / OSU (C/K)

Big Ten Jimmy John’s Challenge

Chad (62-22)          Matt (61-23)          Kyle (60-24)

Upset Alert

Iowa

--Iowa hasn’t won on the road all season, Purdue seems to be growing and getting better as the season goes on and are a win away from bowl eligibility.  Will Purdue still be amped up after the Ohio State upset or will they come out flat?

Big Ten Predictions - Week 9

Big Ten

Game of the Week

Spartans vs Huskers

Michigan State is going to try to beat Michigan, Ohio State and Nebraska all in the same month this week as the Spartans head to Lincoln.  Michigan State is coming off the last second stunner of Wisconsin in East Lansing.  Nebraska just blew out a really bad Minnesota team and probably were looking ahead to Michigan State at halftime last week.  If Michigan State wins that’s a HUGE leap forward toward Indy.  A Nebraska win brings the Spartans back to the pack of Michigan, Nebraska and Iowa and the race for the Legends Division is on.  I think that the first quarter there may be some affect on Michigan State and the drop off from last week, but by the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters they get Martinez into some throwing situations and pull it out in Lincoln.  Spartans 24 – Huskers 20

Big Ten Week 9 Picks

Illinois vs Penn State – Penn St (M/C/K)

Iowa vs Minnesota – Iowa (M/C/K)

Northwestern vs Indiana – N’western (M/C/K)

Purdue vs Michigan – Michigan (M/C/K)

Wisconsin vs Ohio State – Wisconsin (M/C/K)

Michigan State vs Nebraska – MSU (M/K):Neb (C)

Jimmy John’s Big Ten Challenge

Matt (51-16)          Chad (52-15)          Kyle (49-18)

Upset Alert

Penn State

--Illinois is getting beat down the past few weeks and they have to win here to stay alive for a chance for Indy from the Leaders division--

Big Ten Awards - Week 7

Team of the Week – Michigan State - Sparty took it to Michigan in the Battle for the Paul Bunyan trophy and won a 4^th straight meeting vs big blue brother.  Edwin Baker got to running and they held Denard Robinson and the Wolverine offense as much as you could and dominated in a 28-14 win.  The Spartans get back into the Big Ten Spotlight with a huge win in the Legends Division.  East Lansing will get GameDay’d next week as they host the Baaaadgers. 

Helmet Stickers – Monte Ball – RB – Wisconsin – The Badgers running back should also get Heisman and Doak Walker hype along with Russell Wilson.  All this guy does is score touchdowns, and this week he even threw a touchdown.  Final state line for the back was 14 rushes for 142 yards and 3 scores; 1/1 passing for 25 yards and a score.  He’ll get Michigan State’s D to go up against this week, looking forward to this matchup.

Game of the Week – Penn State 23 : Purdue 18 – Is this the same Penn State D that held Iowa to 3 points?  Did they just get up to try to end the skid to the Hawks?  I’m still in shock of this game that the Boilers were within 2 late in the game.  Penn State though sneaks out with the W and a 3-0 start and quietly are 6-1.

Highlight of the Week - Denard Robinson TD Run

Big Ten Takeaway – Ohio State proved you can win with only 4 pass attempts and upset the Zookers.  Zook should have just loaded up the box the whole time and stopped the run.  Michigan State shocked me with their play vs Michigan.  This week will be good vs Wisconsin.

National Takeaway – Oregon got help from the refs vs Arizona State and ended up getting dinged up vs. Arizona State…Sparky and the Devils though will get the last laugh as Arizona State will play Stanford in the Pac-12 Championship game.  A&M vs Texas ending this year is sad, really sad.  C’mon Texas man up and play them.

Big Ten Jimmy John’s Challege

Matt (3-2)          Chad (4-1)          Kyle (4-1)

Matt (48-14)          Chad (48-14)          Kyle(46-16)