Going into the 2006 season, Iowa was expected to finally turn the corner and become one of nation's elite teams.  Then....everything went wrong.  Injuries decimated their team and the Hawks fell to 6-6 for the regular season.  Adding insult to injury, Iowa lost their bowl game to end with a losing record for the first time in nearly ten years.

Last year, many thought Iowa would rebound, but that didn't pan out for them either.  Losing to Western Michigan in the final game of the season to give Iowa another 6-6 record, there was no post-season.  Suddenly, all talk surrounding Iowa was conducted in Iowa City.  No one else really cared.

But now, it's 2008, and everything's different.  It took just one year for things to fall apart, but it's taken just eight games for things to start looking very good.

A Great Start

Iowa opened their season with the nation's greatest tradition: scheduling weak opponents.  Iowa used the time and competition (or lack thereof) to their advantage by working out some kinks and settling some roster issues.  In the first three games the Hawkeyes had outscored thier opponents 105 - 8, allowed zero touchdowns and beaten in-state rival Iowa State in a mud bowl.  Shonn Greene had emerged as a superstar, as had the entire offensive and defensive lines.  The receiving corps looked solid as did the defensive secondary and Ricki Stanzi became the new Field General to lead the team into the future. 

Growing Pains

When Iowa traveled to Pittsburg they met a team that was highly underrated.  Iowa was favored, but met their first real test of the season and found there was still a little work to do.  Turnovers continually gave Pittsburg opportunities while stealing them away from the Hawkeyes.  In the end, Iowa suffered their first loss in a heartbreaker 21-20. 

Undefeated Northwestern and conference hopeful Michigan State followed suit with more of the same struggles.  Iowa fell to both teams in games that could have been won.  Ricki Stanzi struggled under center, fumbling the ball, making bad decisions and trying to force passes.  The defense was stingy, but fought to overcome the position they constantly found themselves in.

Dispite the heartaches, Iowa's biggest loss was only five points to a Northwestern team that would shortly be ranked in the top 25.  All three losses combined were by a total margin of only 9 points.  There were as many bright spots as there were dark ones.  The turnovers were correctible and the mistakes were the type common to young teams. 

The brightest spot of all was the attitude of the players.  They weren't down and they certainly weren't out.  They took responsibility for their shortcomings and stayed focused on what they needed to do.  It was a sign of a team that was mature in character.

Turning it around

The attitude of the players and coaches began to translate into success on the field when Iowa hosted Indiana in week 7.  Iowa played error-free football for the first time in a month and their true talent was showcased on the scoreboard.  Once again, the Hawks held their opponent to under 10 points as they humiliated the Hoosiers 45-9. 

They followed it up the very next week with another blowout of a wounded, but talented Wisconsin.  Iowa's lines dominated the action on both sides of the ball and again, they were error-free.  Most would say that Wisconsin is just a bad team, beaten by a decent one, but watching that game told a different story.  Wisconsin was a decent team, manhandled by a very good team.

The most important thing the Hawks have accomplished is to gain respect.  Television announcers around the nation have been saying over and over "this Iowa team is better than I thought". 

Ready for the Next Step

Iowa has just four games left in the regular season and at 5-3, they need two more wins to secure a bowl berth.  The Hawks are ready.

Up next is a trip to Illinois.  The Illini are a good team with Juice Williams at the helm, but they may be no match for the Hawkeyes.  The Iowa lines will hit them hard and force them to play physical football.  That's not something Illinois has been prepared to do for a few years now.  Ricki Stanzi is more comfortable than he's ever been leading this offense and Shonn Greene will make the Illini pay.

After Illinois, Iowa gets to host Penn State and Purdue before ending their season at Minnesota.  They're more than ready for the challenges ahead.  The defense is playing better than they have all year, and that's saying something.  Their offense is firing on all cylinders and, most importantly, their attitudes are just where they need to be. 

Up From the Ashes

Iowa went through some tough times the last couple of years.  Tough times build character and Iowa has plenty of that.  The pieces are in place to make a big statement.  If I were Penn State, I'd be worried.  The Hawks are hungry...powerful...and up from the ashes.

 

The Iowa Hawkeyes have a bye this week and I think it's the perfect time to take stock of everything that's gone on this season.  What a season it's been.  From blowouts to near misses, a lot has happened for the boys in Black and Gold. 

Let's break it all down.

*note: I starting writing this as a single post, but it grew so long, I decided to split it into two. *

THE SQUADS

QB Controversy

I actually hate calling this a "controversy".  It was more of an extended tryout.  After two 6-6 seasons, Coach Ferentz wisely opened up virtually every position on the field to a competition for the starting spot.  I liked that idea.  Competition brings out the best in players.

In the early going, against Maine and FIU, I thought Christesen was the better choice for the Hawks.  He was more confident under center, made better reads and had better leadership in the huddle.  He did have two flaws that really opened the door for Sophomore Ricki Stanzi however...

Stanzi threw himself squarely in the mix by showing that he could scramble and better yet, he could throw on the run.  Given the problems with the O-Line last year, that was a huge plus.  Also, Stanzi has a great touch pass that is so sorely absent from Christensen's arsenal.  Stanzi showed that, with him at the helm, Iowa's offense had a better chance of moving the ball down the field, especially when protection breaks down.

The battle for the starting position lasted all the way until the opening of the conference schedule.  I actually thought Jake had won back the job a couple of times, but the potential upside of Stanzi outweighed Jake's experience. 

The Hawks took a few lumps as a result of the coach's decision to stay with Stanzi.  The Hawkeyes turned the ball over 9 times in three games, largely due to Ricki fumbling snaps, misreading defenses and failing to look off defenders.  These are all "rookie mistakes" and Stanzi, for his part, learned his lessons.  With his growing pains quickly falling behind him, Ricki is growing into a strong quarterback with multiple threats in his repertoire.  In thier last two wins, Iowa has not turned the ball over once, and Ricki has done a much better job of spreading the ball around and keeping defenses guessing. 

A new Horse in the stable

Shonn Greene was an up-and-coming talent in the Iowa stables two years ago, but academic problems forced him to sit out last year.  For his part, Shonn did exactly the right thing by transfering to a junior college and getting his studies under control before returning to the football field. 

Coming into this season, the running game was a big question mark.  Albert Young had graduated, Jewel Hamption looked good, but is young and no one knew what a year off would do to Shonn Greene.  Immediately, Greene asserted himself, not only as the starter, but as the star.  Refocused and hungry, Shonn has rushed for 8 straight 100+ yard games.  He's amassed 1154 yards and 10 touchdowns and FINALLY is getting some consideration in the Heisman votes. 

Most importantly, Shonn's bruising style and success is forcing teams to load the box to try and stop him.  It's giving Ricki Stanzi a better chance to open up the passing game.  The great thing about that is; even though opponents focus on stopping Greene, they're still not able to.  Shonn runs through defenders, exposing poor tackling and turning the tables on defenders.  Suddenly linebackers and safeties are taking hits instead of giving them.  He actually throws his shoulders at tacklers, making them take a punishment for trying to bring him down.  Watching Shonn run is like watching the next NFL Hall of Famer before he even joins the NFL.  Correction:  it's not like it.  That is what it is.

The Offensive Line

Last season, the offensive line was a sore spot for the struggling Hawkeyes.  Graduations and injuries the year before had left a squad of young and inexperienced players.  They were unable to open holes for their running back and Jake Christensen spent more time on his back than Paris Hilton.

Now the boys are all grown up, and things are looking night and day different.  Bryan Bulaga,  Rob Bruggeman, and Kyle Calloway are anchoring a line that has allowed very few sacks and has opened huge holes for Greene to run through.  The line has dominated the action in every Hawkeye win and held thier own quite well in each of their losses.  Simply put, any problems Iowa has had this year have had absolutely nothing to do with the offensive line.  They're rock solid and should give future opponents a lot of problems.

Adding to the threat

Iowa has long been a fan of using the TE as an extra receiver as well as a blocker.  Think Dallas Clark (part of the Indianapolis Colts Superbowl Championship team).  Iowa has had some great ones through the years and this year is no exception.  Tony Moeaki and Brandon Myers may not be Dallas Clark, but they're more than solid at thier position.  They offer a mid-range threat for the pass and both are solid blockers when called on to help hold the line.  Myers made a couple of big catches against Wisconsin and I look for him and Moeaki to become even more involved in the Iowa attack now that Ricki Stanzi is getting more comfortable under center.

The Receivers

Last season Andy Brodell suffered what could (and maybe should) have been a career ending injury.  His hamstring tore completely away from the bone and required surgery to be reattached.  After months of physical therapy and tons of determination, Brodell has returned to the Hawk lineup this year and proved the injury isn't even an issue for him.  That was most evident when he returned a punt for a TD against Iowa State, leaving would-be tacklers in his dust.  He's hauled in 24 passes this year for 373 yards and 3 TD's.  Those may not be Heisman-type stats, but he's a vital threat for the Hawk offense.  He goes over the middle and takes the hits without any apparent concern for his safety and forces players to account for him every play.

Late last season another young man emerged as a future threat for Iowa.  Derrell Johnson-Kaulionos (known as DJK to Iowa fans) was electric in the final couple of games.  He's returned this year and adds yet another threat for Iowa.  DJK has great hands and solid route running ability.  I'm just waiting for Stanzi to start hitting him for the long ball and Iowa's real threat will be exposed.

The Defensive Line

Mitch King and Matt Kroul came into the season with high expectations put on them and they haven't disappointed.  Iowa doesn't rely on fancy schemes or trickery to slow down an opponent's attack.  They come out with straight forward, what-you-see-is-what-you-get football and still succeed.  King and kroul are a large part of that.  The front four are the only pass rush Iowa usually throws at a team, and while they don't have a ton of sacks in thier resume, they do stop the run and force bad plays. 

Christian Ballard and Adrian Clayborn have stepped up at DE and are adding an extra threat.  Offenses thought they could double team King and Kroul and control the Hawkeye defensive line, only to find out there are more threats out there that can hurt them.  This unit is tough, mean, and surprisingly quick off the line.

Linebackers and secondary

AJ Edds (pronounced eeds) was the best known returning starter in the linebacking corps.  He's fast, makes great reads, and always seems to find himself in the middle of the play.  This year has been another good year for Edds, but there's a new threat out there that is making for a great LB combo: Pat Angerer.  In the week 8 game against Wisconsin, Angerer had 16 tackles and 2 interceptions.   The best part: although that was a stellar game, it wasn't the first time Angerer has been a highlight player for Iowa.  He moves to the ball with great conviction and there's no one better against the pass.  Both Edds and Angerer are strong tacklers that wrap their opponents up and make sure they find a quick route to the turf.  Both LB's do a great job of watching the QB's eyes and predicting where the pass is going. 

The secondary always seems to be an unknown for the Hawkeyes, but not this season.  Along with Edds and Angerer, the Iowa secondary has been getting great play out of Bret Greenwood, Tyler Sash, Amari Spievey, and Bradley Fletcher.  Iowa's defense does a great job of keeping the play in front of them, eliminating the long-ball threat.  While they may give up shorter passes, they rarely allow a big play to develop and when they get a short field behind them, they're absolutely ferocious. 

I can't forget to mention Jeremiah Hunter along with Edds and Angerer up there at LB.  This young man has made some huge plays for Iowa this year.

The best thing about Iowa's defense is that everyone knows how to make the open field tackle.  If a black helmet is anywhere near you, you can count on being taken down.  Any questions surrounding this defense coming into the season have been answered. 

The Kicking Game

Ryan Donahue is turning into a fabulous punter for the Hawks.  The sophomore has a 40.9 yard average for his punts, but that number is skewed a little by the fact that he's spent a fair amount of time pinning opponents inside thier own 20.  He's got a great aim and can boom punts 50-60 yards when needed.  It allows Iowa to keep opponents on thier own side of the field, regardless of where a Hawk drive may stall out.

Trent Mussbrucker has been solid kicking the field goals.  He's added 30 points to the Hawk team through field goals and 20 more on PAT's.  He may not be flashy, but in the kicking game, consistency is what it's all about and Mossbrucker has been certainly been consistent. 

Overall

Overall the talent on this Hawkeye team is impressive.  What I like best about Iowa football is that they rarely get the blue chip recruits, but it doesn't matter.  Iowa gets solid players who are willing to work for the team and the coaches and fans get the very best out of them.  This year is no different.

Iowa's offense has the potential to move the ball against anyone in the country and put points on the board.  Thier defense embraces a "bend but don't break" attitude that serves them very well.  They may give up yards, but they don't give up many points.  Ricki Stanzi is developing into a very good quarterback and Shonn Greene is probably the best RB in all of college football.  This is a program that can play with any team, anywhere, and should be just as good, if not better, next year.

Next: Up From the Ashes (report part 2)

 

I'd said I was going to wait until Thursday to do this, but I'm going to go ahead and lay out my predictions now.  I doubt much will change between now and Friday night anyway.  Here're my picks for this weeks Big Ten games.  Enjoy.

 I worked all day, so I didn't get to see any of the games.  Therefore....these updates are going to mostly be scores only.  Sorry.  I'll be home next weekend for those games.

Illinois @ Wisconsin

This game has the potential to be decent, but then again it has bigger potential to be a snoozefest.  I'm guessing the latter.

Two Reasons Illinois will win:

1) Wisconsin is playing very poor football.  Such a promising season has gone completely down the toilet.  Despite the number of veterans on the team, Wisconsin can't seem to find a win with a flashlight and a GPS.  Thier coaching is questionable at best and it's clearly effecting the rest of the team.

2)  Illinois is a good team.  As I said in my "first look", Illinois is better than thier record might indicate.  Thier three losses have come against ranked opponents and they've taken good care of the rest.  Juice Williams is as good as he's ever been and he knows how to spread the offense out and fluster defenses.  When the Illini are on their game, they're tough to stop and they've been on about all year. 

Two Reasons Wisconsin could win:

1) Style:  Wisconsin still plays the old Big Ten style.  The run thier backs over tackle and try to pound away at the opponent.  They try to be smash-mouth good on both sides of the ball and don't try a lot of fancy stuff.  While it hasn't worked real great for them the last four weeks, it's a style that seems to trouble the Illini.  When they get punched in the teeth, they fall down.  Wisconsin isn't lacking any heart, and a punch is exactly what they're ready to deliver.

2) There's nothing left to lose, but football games.  Any hope of a conference championship are gone.  Any dreams of a BCS bid are gone.  Even a shot at a bowl game may well be gone.  There's nothing left for Wisconsin to lose.  They can finally come out and just play football, without any need for being conservative.  It may just be what the boys in red need to kick some booty this week.

Pick:  Illinois 31 - Wisconsin 13

Actual:  Wisconsin 27 - Illinois 17

Wow, I wish I could have seen this game.  From what I've read, Wisconsin decided to show up for this game!  I'm glad Wisconsin got this win.  They really needed it.  I'm a little nervous now, though.  Illinois may be really hungry to avenge this loss next week against my Hawkeyes. 

Indiana @ #22 Northwestern

It's good to see NW break the top 25.  With the season they've put together, they deserve a little love.  They should get a little more after this week.

Two Reasons Indiana could win:

1) Northwestern is due for a falter.  They've been playing good all year long, but all good things must come to an end.  I know this may be a stretch, but come on....it's Indiana we're talking about.

2) A new offense for Indiana?  Kellen Lewis is listed as questionable for Saturday's game, but that could be a good thing.  The spread offense just hasn't been working for the Hoosiers.  With Ben Chappel in at QB there will be less scrambling around and will have a more accurate short pass program.  If the line can give Marcus Thigpen just a little room to run, the ground game could open up a decent short-mid range pass attack that might actually work.  Who knows?  Stranger things have happened.

Two Reasons Northwestern will win:

1) Defense:  The Wildcats don't exactly have a smothering defense, relying instead on a "decent" defense and an offense that can score points.  It's worked pretty well for them.  Seeing as how Indiana is just the type of offense that struggles to put points on the board, NW's "D" should be more than adequate to pin down the Hoosiers and allow thier offense to do thier thing.

2) Working the spread:  Indiana has tried to utilize the spread offense, but it just hasn't worked.  Northwestern, on the other hand, has made it work well.  Indiana's pass defense is weak and that means Bacher should have a career day.  Sutton has a few school rushing records in reach and will be fired up to take a shot at 'em this week.  All-in-all, the offense should roll right through the Hoosier D.

Pick: Northwestern 27 - Indiana 6

Actual: Indiana 21 - Northwestern 19

What?!?!  Holy smokes!  Where did this come from?  Indiana has looked terrible lately, and Northwestern has looked very good.  Obviously, I never saw this coming in a million years.  Again, I'm happy for the Hoosiers.  They really needed a good win against a good team.  It doesn't get any better than knocking off a ranked team.

Michigan @ Michigan State

I love in-state rivalries!  Emotions run high and pride is on the line.  As I said before, throw the records out the window and forget who's supposed to be good and who isn't. 

Two Reasons Michigan could win:

1) For the better part of two quarters against Penn State, Michigan looked like the Michigan of old.  They moved the ball well, scored points and held the Lions in check.  If they can find a way to do the same thing against MSU, and make it last 4 quarters instead of 2, there's no reason the Wolverines can't enjoy a win against a good opponent.

2) Pride.  The once mighty Michigan program, former National Champions, perennial Big Ten contender, mecca of American College Football, has been down and out this year.  The transition to Rich Rodriguez's spread offense has been painful to say the least.  But this is still Michigan and the Wolverines are a proud program.  They're not taking to losing too well and it's about time they break out of the funk and whoop on someone just to let everyone know who they are. 

Two Reasons Michigan State could win:

1) Javon Ringer / Brian Hoyer:  Ringer is still Ringer despite last weeks sub-100 yrd game and should be able to move the ball.  That'll open up the offense for Hoyer to take some shots at 10-20 yards.  MIchigan's defense isn't all that bad, but MSU has a good tandem going with these two. 

2) Payback.  Last year, Michigan players taunted MSU in a 28-24 win.  Mark Dantonio hasn't forgotten and I guarantee he won't let his players forget.  Michigan's down and Dantonio would love nothing more than to rub thier noses in it with a huge victory.  This spartan team will be fired up come Saturday.

Pick: Michigan State 24 - Michigan 17

Actual: Michigan State 35 - Michigan 21

Not much to say here.  Sounds like Michigan had another good game...for part of a game.  Well, that's the first step, I guess. 

#24 Minnesota @ Purdue

Minnesota's turnaround is almost complete.  For thier sake, I hope they don't let thier guard down this week.  A loss wouldn't diminish what's gone on up in Gopherville, but win here helps solidify that the Gophers can beat the people they're supposed to beat.

Two Reasons Minnesota will win:

1) Purdue's defense is lousy.  In thier last four games alone, Purdue has given up 122 points to thier opponents.  Granted, the last three were against ranked opponents, but if you go farther back into the season, the story's the same; Purdue gives up too many points.  Minnesota, on the other hand, has scored no fewer than 21 points in all but one game this year, mostly against better defenses than Purdue has.

2) Willie VanDeSteeg and Steve Davis had huge days against Illinois last week.  While Purdue's offense doesn't boast a Juice Williams and doesn't move in the same manner, Minnesota's D should give them fits all the same. 

Two Reasons Purdue could win:

1) That one game Minnesota scored under 21 points?  Against Indiana.  Do that to Purdue and you'll be embarrased, because....

2) Purdue's offense isn't thier problem, QB problems to the side.  Dispite a losing record, Purdue has put 156 points on the board this year.  They have a solid running back in Kory Sheets and if he cuts loose on Minnesota, Pudue will get him into the end zone.  The Boilermakers will have to get something going at the QB postion, but if Sheets can have some success, even Painter can find a few complettions to upset the Gophers.

Pick: Minnesota 38 - Purdue 24

Actual: Minnesota 17 - Purdue 6

I'm not really sure what to think about this.  Purdue, believe it or not, has the ability to be a decent team.  But they're really not....really, really....not.  On the other hand, I thought Minnesota would score more points than this.  Purdue's defense hasn't been very good.  Man, I wish I didn't have to work today.  Crazy stuff happens when I'm gone....

Game of the week

#3 Penn State @ #10 Ohio State

This one could/should decide the Big Ten champion.  It could also be the springboard to the NCG.  Penn State is in the driver's seat as the undefeated team, but don't count OSU out.

Two Reasons Penn State could win:

1) They know nothing else.  JoePa has shown he can change with the wind and still be JoePa.  Many wondered how the Lions would adjust to a spread offense, but they've done just fine.  They've taken care of everyone put in front of them and have looked good doing it.  Momentum goes a long way.

2) Defense:  Joe knows defense.  Aaron Maybin is a solid DE and Navorro Bowman can negate a run game single handedly.  OSU won't be able to just run over this defense and that'll give PSU every opportunity on the "O" to put some points on the board.

Two Reasons Ohio State could win:

1) Their opponents.  Dispite being blown out by USC, the Buckeyes have had to face some pretty decent competition this year.  They got past Minnesota and annihilated Michigan State.  Even though they were embarrased by the Trojans, it was an invaluable experience for thier younger players.  Compare thier schedule to Penn State who blew apart Wisconsin and Michigan, only to find out neither team was any good.  Aside from those two teams, their one tough opponent was Illinois.  OSU has a solid feel for good opponents and tough wins.

2) Home Field Advantage.  The Horseshow has long been considered one of the toughest places to play in college football.  The noise level is deafening and the fans seem to be right on top of you.  Penn State is going to be in very hostile territory trying to beat a very good Buckeye team.

Pick: Ohio State 24 - Penn State 20

Actual: Penn State 13 - Ohio State 6

Great defensive battle.  Both teams gave up yards, but neither was willing to give up points.  In the end, a fumble by the Buckeyes was the difference, allowing PSU to score the only touchdown of the game.  I thought this one could have gone either way, so I'm not surprised even though I chose the Buckeyes to win.  PSU now has the inside track to the B10 title and keeps thier NCG hopes alive.

 

 

Iowa has the week off, but come back against Illinois next week.  That one should be a great game.  For you Hawkeye fans, I'm planning a mid-season report on the boys in Black and Gold.

That's it for now.  I'll be working through the weekend, so I'll have to DVR the games and catch up on them as I can.  I'll come back and put in updates as I see them.  Til then, hope everyone has a chance to grab a beer 'n' brat and cheer on thier home team.

 

 

Week 8 is all over but the whining...time to look ahead to week 9.  Here's a brief look at the Big Ten matchups coming this week.  Enjoy!

Illinois @ Wisconsin

The big talk surrounding this game will be all about Wisconsin's unthinkable meltdown.  For the first time since the mid 90's, the Badgers are 0-4 in big ten play.  Coming off a 38-16 loss to Iowa that's capped a four game losing streak, Wisconsin is in dissarray.  Dustin Sherer is making his second start as QB this week after throwing 2 INT's and no TD's last week.  I wondered about some of the play calling, I'm starting to wonder about the coaching, period.  Wisconsin not only needs a win, they need a BIG win, but hosting Illinois might not be the reprieve they're looking for.

If you look strictly at the record, Illinois looks like an average team, but looks can be deceiving.  The Illini's three losses have come to Missouri, Penn State and Minnesota.  All three are ranked teams, and none of those games were (what I would consider) blowouts.  The fact is, the Fighting Illini are better than their record would indicate.  Last week they whooped up on a similarly struggling Indiana team to the tune of 55 - 13.  This should be a quick tune up for the Illini before they roll through Iowa City and Western Michigan on thier way to Ohio State. 

Indiana vs Northwestern

I've already documented Indiana's latest loss (above).  That was their fifth straight loss, dating back to September 6th when they creamed a weak Murray State. In fairness, some of the teams the Hoosiers have had to face are fairly good, including Michigan State, Illinois, a resurging Iowa team and Minnesota.  Getting annihilated by fair to good teams isn't an excuse for 5 straight losses, though.  This team is just plain bad. 

Northwestern, on the other hand, is pretty good.  They rebounded well from thier disappointing loss to Michigan State by whooping up on Purdue 48 - 26.  The MSU game was a big downer after a 6-0 start, especially since MSU got clobbered by OSU, but going 7-1 is pretty good for any team, especially in Big Ten play.  Their defense isn't phenominal, but again this week, it doesn't need to be.  The 'Cats should be able to manhandle Indiana and start looking forward to a trip to Gopherville.

Michigan vs Michigan State

On paper, this is a no-brainer.  Michigan has lost three-in-a-arow and five overall, looking fairly bad in the process.  On the other hand, Michigan State won six straight between thier bookend losses to Cal and OSU. 

However, this is an in-state rivalry and those are always unpredictable and intense.  Michigan looked pretty decent against #3 Penn State for 2 quarters before folding.  Mich. State looked pretty "not good" against OSU for 4 quarters.

Throw the records out the window...this one could be pretty good.

Minnesota @ Purdue

I know, I know, it's been said too much...but...what a turnaround Minnesota has made!  Come on....from 1-11 last year to 6-1 this year?  They've proven they can beat decent teams by getting past Illinois last week 27 - 20 and thier loss to OSU wasn't exactly a blowout.  They're probably not going to win the Big Ten Title, but who really cares?  They're bowl eligible and this win should put them over the top to a definite bowl invite.

Purdue has about half the equation to being a competitive team.  Offensively they score points, but defensively they give up way too many.  Yes, they held OSU and Penn State to a combine 36 points, which PSU can score in a single game against most of the country, but those two games (apparently) were flukes.  The rest of the time, they've been giving up huge points.  Minnesota is far too good a team to be weak against on the D. 

Game of the Week

#10 Ohio State vs #3 Penn State

Just two weeks ago, I would have handed this game to Penn State without a second thought.  OSU's offense seemed to be in an unrecoverable slide and they were skimming by with wins that were much closer than they should have been.  Last weekend, however, the "real" Buckeyes showed up against Michigan State and simply dominated.  They get to host the Nittany Lions and nothing says "home field advantage" like playing in the Shoe. 

But...

JoePa's crew is in the hunt for a National Championship Game.  Only part of that equation is in thier hands and that's the part where they go undefeated in '08.  One loss is all it'll take, given the lack of respect for the Big Ten Conference, for Penn State to be locked out of the big game regardless of what else happens.  They know this.  This game will likely determine the winner of the Big Ten Conference title and, for both teams, any hope of a National Title also rides on this game.  Whatever the outcome, Penn State's coming into this one ready to play.

Lastly

Iowa - BYE

After whooping up on a wounded Wisconsin team, Iowa gets thier down week.  They need it.  Starting 11/1 they go to Illinois, host Penn State and Purdue, then finish up thier regular season at Minnesota.  This is, by far, the roughest stretch for the Hawks and they need to pull out two wins of the four if they want a winning record and a shot at a bowl game.  The Hawks have been playing very good football the last couple of games, but those wins were against Indiana and Wisconsin; two teams with only five wins between them.  Against teams with winning records, Iowa hasn't been so wonderful.  They need this week to get some players healthy, work on a solid game plan for Illinois and brace themselves for the storm. 

I'll come back around a little later in the week with predictions for the games.  In the meantime, check out the BCS tourney sim seabass2003 is running here.  It's just for fun, but pretty cool.  Then check back here for more thoughts on Big Ten Football.

This is a test of the emergency Playoff Simulation System.  This is just a test.  In the event....oh screw it....this'll take you to an awesome Big Ten Blog...if it works right...

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