One of the strangest weeks I can remember with Northwestern coming to life in Happy Valley and Michigan’s implosion against Minnesota. Of course some things were business as usual, like Indiana faltering and Michigan State romping. With the new schedule it was strange seeing four out of conference games sprinkled into the league showdowns.
Team of the Week – Northwestern A+ – Everyone had them dead to writes, including the two authors on this blog. Penn State seemed to be an eastern contender, despite flaws, and were undefeated. Instead this game played out very, very differently. Northwestern went on the road on dominated Penn State in all three phases of the game. They scored a defensive touchdown, had a lengthy punt return to set up a short field for their first score and then held PSU’s woeful rushing attack to just 50 yards on 25 carries. Let’s see if they can build off this or if it was more telling about PSU’s prospects going forward but for this week at least the cats have shown they are far from mild.
Illinois – F – They had you going there for a second when it was 7-7 after a quarter, right? Well a 24 point explosion by Nebraska in the second ended any slim prayer of an upset. The offense could only muster 14 points and the defense was outclassed, giving up 624 yards (458 alone on the ground). Looks like the 3-1 start was a mirage of any real progress under Beckman.
Indiana – F – The encore is as important as the upset when building a program. Kevin Wilson preached that all week. The Hoosiers answered with a tepid performance against Maryland at home. They were batted around to the tune of 37-15 and it doesn’t even feel that close. Indiana gave up gobs of yards (like always) but couldn’t find enough balance with their passing attack to give the Terps much worry. Next week (North Texas) is a must win for their bowl hopes.
Iowa – B – The defense was amazing as they gave up just 156 yards and 3 points. The offense, well, it was CJ Beathard’s first start so there were some ugly moments. They did manage to set up Iowa’s good luck charm of a pick-six. Iowa is now 7-1 in games since 2009 where they toss one. This sport is goofy sometimes.
Michigan – F – Ignoring all the hoopla with Morris’ apparent head injury and Hoke dropping the ball and his sorry excuse for it, they still deserve an F. 171 yards, 2 turnovers, 12 first downs, 4/13 on third and their silver lining this season so far (rush defense) was battered around en route to 200 yards of rushing by the Gophers.
Maryland – A – Simply put, they took it to the Hoosiers. Next weekend could turn very interesting if they can upset the Buckeyes in College Park.
Michigan State – A – They dominated overmatched Wyoming. Thank god they play Nebraska next week and we can finally see if they are the real deal.
Minnesota – A – We know UM is bad but it takes two to tango. Minnesota showed no quarter as they dumped the hapless Wolverines. Loved Maxx Williams’ day. He seemed like he had a hand in every good play the Gophers’ had. He reeled in 4 balls for 51 yards and a touchdown. Pretty good day of work for the bruising tight end.
Nebraska – A – You did read my Illinois grade, right? 624 yards and 458 on the ground! Ameer Abdullah racked up 208 and 3 scores. I cannot wait for the Husker- Spartan showdown in a week.
Ohio State – A- – There will be chatter about the 352 passing yards but when you hang half a hundred on a team and lead the entire way, the opposing club is going to be chucking it…a lot. Let’s also remember that Gunner Kiel is a helluva qb and outside of either Cook or Hackenberg probably the best throwing quarterback the Bucks will face all year.
Penn State – F – Can you say exposed? The Nittany Lions have looked bad in both league games and are lucky to be 1-1 instead of a very possible 0-2 mark. They get a bye week before Michigan so some time to try and find any sort of run game to help Hackenberg out. At this point of the season though it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks. PSU will just have to play the hand they were dealt along the OL.
Purdue – F – Everyone, including the most diehard Iowa fan, felt like if the Boilermakers were truly improved, than knocking off a mediocre Iowa team was the way to show it. Instead they flat lined. Uh-oh.
Rutgers – B+ – Not too much learned from their route of Tulane. Wouldn’t mind seeing a little bit of a clean up on a few things. They were only 30% on third down and lost the turnover margin against the Green Wave but the Knights are a solid team.
Wisconsin – B – Another slow start but they made it look one-sided in the end. If they can avoid sleepy starts they can run (literally thanks to Melvin Gordon) with anyone.
Game of the Week – None – Honestly none of these games will go down in my memory. I’m sure Minnesota and Northwestern fans will long remember their triumphs but those weren’t good games for the viewer.
Why Did I Watch This Award – Plenty to pick from the Iowa-Purdue game put me to sleep and I even had a vested interest in one of the teams!
Gambling Report Card
Illinois at Nebraska – Nebraska (-21.5), Under (65.5) – Double up, baby! Nebraska hammered the Illini 45-14 clearing the big spread offensively and holding them defensively to prevent the lofty over.
Indiana vs Maryland – Over (69.5), Points (IU -4, Degenerate tip) – Well the degenerates earned a split as IU could only muster 15 points to help try and cover that massive over.
Iowa at Purdue – Points (UI -9), Under (47.5) – Another split as Iowa rallied to win by 14 but the two combined for a measly 34 points.
Michigan vs Minnesota – Points (UM -12), Under (43) – One point stood between us and another double up as they combined for 44 points. Honestly, how did Vegas think Michigan would win this by 12 points?
Michigan State vs Wyoming – MSU (-28), Over (48) – Not only did MSU win by 42 but they cleared the over singlehandedly with 56 points.
Northwestern at Penn State – PSU (-9.5), Under (47.5 – Degenerate tip) – The degenerates pick up another split thanks to Northwestern’s d holding PSU to just six points and killing any chance at the over.
Ohio State vs Cincinnati – OSU (-17) – It was tighter than I thought for a little bit but the Bucks ended up winning by 22.
Rutgers vs Tulane – RU (-12), Over (55) – Settle for a split as Rutgers did their part in winning by 12 but their lock down defense prevented many points being scored.
Wisconsin vs South Florida – UW (-34), Over (51) – Not even close as the Badgers only won by 17 and they combined for just 37 points. USF gets crushed by everyone but Big Ten teams. Now I know.
Week Record: 10-7
Season Record: 33-31-1
Random Musing
Moving is a pain, even when you hire people. So long Los Angeles, hello Chicago. Back in the midwest with my friends and family. It has been a good four year run but I miss snow, football, good pizza, cheap beer and living without hippies.
Big Ten and Counting 