Has a coach ever lost their job because of an onside kick? Scott Frost was curious so he tried it. He kept his job everyone! Yay!
Team of the Week – Northwestern – A+ – They were double digit underdogs and fell behind double digits twice…but they won! Their gritty defense, pounding running game, solid quarterback play from Hilinski, and all round effort stole the show in Dublin and must have made for a damn fun flight back to Chicago, where they are Chicago’s Big Ten team.
Illinois – A – A little slow to get going but the Illini dominated when it was all said and done, dispatching overmatched Wyoming 38-6. One thing this club has to love is the fact they ran 81 total plays and averaged over 5 yards per pass and 6 yards per run. This let them hold the ball for 13 minutes longer than the Cowboys. That is classic Bret-ball. The defense was filthy as well, holding the Pokes to just 1/12 on third down.
Nebraska – F – Your record when down at half is awful. Your record in one score games is awful. You are up by 11 and – while not in total control of the game, feeling pretty damn good – WHY ARE YOU CALLING FOR THAT. CALL. SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?! If I’m a Nebraska fan I am demanding for Frost’s firing immediately! I know they save some money by waiting for October but c’mon. Frost is a dead man walking. Dump him now, see if you have a competent head man on staff, and if not, get in on the coaching race super fast. That was an abject failure in Ireland.
Game of the Week – Ireland, baby! So much drama.
Why Did I Watch This? Award – Once Illinois went up 24-6, Wyoming had a turnover on downs, and Illinois responded with a short field scoring drive to make it 31-6, I lost most of my interest in their stomping of Wyoming.
Gambling Report Card:
- Illinois vs Wyoming, UI (-14)
Like taking some candy from a baby, Illinois’s D shut the Pokes down and the offense did way more than enough to get the cover as a two td home favorite. Thanks, boys.
- Nebraska vs Northwestern, Neb (-11), Over (51.5)
Deep down I knew trusting Nebraska was risky so I also encouraged folks to take the over because both defenses projected to be much weaker than the offenses. That plan paid off as they combined for 59 points, allowing us to get some change off this game.
Week Record: 2-1-0
Season Record: 2-1-0
Big Ten and Counting 