Every year it seems the Ohio State Buckeyes are the class of the Big Ten. Every year before now it seems like Michigan is usually selected number 2 but now that they have fallen off the face of the earth who will it be this year? Will it be one of the other Big Ten powers like Wisconsin or Penn State? Or could it be another unexpected team that pulls off what the Illini were able to do last year?
I'm going to have to pass on the Badgers because I feel like every year they have these high expectations and they never live up to them. Although they have their toughest games at home in the form of Ohio State and Penn State who's to say they won't lose both or one of those games. Another issue I have with them this year is that they have been starting slow against inferior opponents. If they don't pick it up as the year goes on they won't be able to make up for their slow starts in the Big Ten.
I do believe Penn State is a definite contender. Their offense has been explosive scoring 111 points in their first two games. They are also a traditionally solid defensive team. Therefore if their offense continues to produce at the rate they are I don't see how many teams will be able to keep up with them. Their match up at Ohio State will be a tough one but even if they do lose it won't keep them from finishing 2nd in the Conference. I see the key to their season will be escaping Wisconsin with a victory on October 11th. The only thing I see keeping the Nittany Lions from playing to their potential are the off the field issues. As long as their players can stay out of trouble off the field they shouldn't have much of a problem on it.
Every year is filled with surprises so why not make a pick of my own. I believe the team that could pull off what Illinois did last year are the Iowa Hawkeyes.
I'll give 5 reasons why I believe it is possible and one is not because I am a Hawkeye fan.
1. They are flying under the radar.
2. Yes they haven't played anyone yet but the defense has been excellent allowing only 3 points in two games and have yet to let an opponent in the red zone.
3. The question mark on the running game is all but gone. If the trio of Greene, O'Meara, and Hampton can have a solid showing against the Cyclones I believe they will be dependable all year round.
4. The offensive line has really improved from last year. Opening up huge running lanes and only allowing one sack so far.
5. Home games against Penn State and Wisconsin. Also not having Ohio State helps because that is more than likely a loss for everyone that has to face them.
Now's a chance to take your pick. Who do you think will finish 2nd in the Big Ten and who do you think is a sleeper team that will be the talk of the Big Ten at the end of the season?
Monday, September 8, 2008
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4 comments:
I think Penn State finishes 2nd in the league...I agree that Wisconsin is overrated, and we'll learn a lot more about them this weekend. This may be a stretch but I think Minnesota could be a very improved team. The Bowling Green victory is a good win From what I've heard Northwestern has improved as well, although their 4 point victory over Duke may disprove that...
Man, I could not agree with your blog more. I am writing about the same thing and my last few posts are almost identical. I agree with you 100% that Wisconsin is overrated, but I think they really could have a good season if they keep all their big guys healthy. They need to get Travis Beckum back on the field though. I really think Penn State will finish 2nd in the conference, but I really do agree that Iowa could have a pretty successful season but I don't think we should get too ahead of ourselves.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here. I think, bearing the outcome of the USC-OSU game, Penn State has a good chance to tie for or even win the Big Ten. I know the teams they played weren't the '85 Bears, but after watching them play I think they have all the tools to go toe-to-toe with the Buckeyes.
And this should finally be the year the Nitany Lions end their losing streak to Michigan.
If PSU can get through the middle of their schedule (Ill, at Purdue, at Wis, Mich, at OSU) they should be in a good spot to claim another Big Ten title for Joe Pa.
And guess where the Nitany Lions get to go right after that 5-game stretch. Kinnick Stadium. Who knows, that might be a huge game when we get to that point of the season.
I liked your week 3 pic em's.You were pretty much right on (at the time of my post) except for Notre Dame beating Michigan 35-17.That score is a little bit misleading though because Michigan had 5 turnovers and could not hang on to the ball. Michigan is a real work in progress though, I think this is the year their streak ends of going to a bowl game. Now they are 1-2 on the year.I'm disappointed with the Buckeyes. I predicted USC to win and win pretty handily, but Ohio State is just so overrated. They can not beat a quality opponent and it's sad. I don't think they have the team speed to compete with the LSU's and USC's of the world. Their defense is good but slow.How about the Illini, winning only by 3 points at home to LA-Lafayette? Are you kidding me. A little bit overrated right now.
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