The third installment of Big 10 Rambler by Bobby Stompy. To find his archives, click the Big 10 Rambler tag on the bottom right of the site.
I debated using this space for another Michigan inspired cry fest, but let's not make it back to back weeks. Instead, let's take shots at Wisconsin.
Where are you at, Badgers?
Wisconsin, despite being a Top-5 team in the country last week, looked less than impressive against UNLV. I was able to catch most the game on TV after bailing the Iowa-Syracuse route at the start of the fourth quarter, and much to my surprise, UNLV and its spread offense was hanging with Wisconsin. The Rebels actually went into the fourth quarter of the game with a lead.
I picked Ohio State to win the Big Ten, but to be honest, there wasn't a lot behind the pick. As a Michigan fan, I've learned over the last four years that the Buckeyes are just always able to get it done. It's a mix of the little things and big things. They can reload entire units (hello, 2006 defense), win close games, and for the most part (cough cough Florida cough cough) outcoach the competition. Sure, they lost a Heisman winner, two first round picks, and a boatload of talented starters, but it's hard to deny Jim Tressel's ability to succeed. What do we really know about starting QB Todd Boeckman? Nothing, really. His name alone makes him sound like a crappy second stringer on the Vikings. What we do know about is his coach, however. And Sweater Vest Tressell has and will put him in a position to contend for the conference crown. Having blue chip Chris Wells at RB only makes matters better for the Buckeyes.
But back to the Badgers...
The Good: QB Tyler Donovan showed that speed and leadership I talked about in my pre-season analysis with game altering 29-yard naked bootleg to give Wisconsin a lead and eventual victory with only 1:53 left in the game. The coaching was sound. They didn't have any turnovers. And the defense showed up, too. Did I mention they're riding the longest winning streak in the country?
The Bad: Going 5 for 15 on third downs, quadrupling UNLV's rushing total (210-48) but having no touchdowns on the ground to show for it, and some almost killer penalties; six total.
The Question Mark: Pee Jay Hill. Pizzle Jizzle Hizzle. Yes, sophomore RB P.J. Hill. His numbers on the ground through two games are great (231 yards, 2 TDs), but I can't shake the feeling that he's one of those backs who tears up weak teams but disappears against the better defenses. Last season, he had 2.9, 2.8, and 1.9 yards-per-carry in his games against Michigan, Iowa, and Arkansas, respectively. Not exactly his best. If he comes to play against the big boys, maybe Wisconsin can contend for the top spot. Until then, let's stop pretending he's the second coming of fat Ron Dayne.
Broadening the focus to the rest of collegiate pigskin...
I can't take it anymore, I'm selling high on West Virginia: Pat White and Steve Slaton are great. I know they're great, you know they're great, we all know they're great. There's something to be said about the amazing offense Rich Rodriguez has created in Morgantown. Still, the defense remains underwhelming, and I know it's going to burn the Mountaineers at some point this year. Best case scenario, they make the national championship and get crushed. Worst case? They lose their perfect season in Big East play but still make a nice bowl. Not too shabby in any other year at WV, but the expectations are pretty high these days, and with a defense like that, a national title is simply out of the question.
USC-Nebraska - Ohhhh, Baby: Huge game out in Lincoln on Saturday night. USC wins on the road, and suddenly the SEC slurpers have to pipe down about the Trojans being ranked #1 over worthy LSU. Nebraska upsets the Dynasty, and suddenly, the Cornhuskers are right back into the national spotlight they so gracefully fell from when Eric Crouch departed. Can't wait.
Potential first round QBs square off in Kentucky: Brian Brohm and the #9 Lousville Cardinals are traveling to Lexington to face off against Andre Woodson and the unranked Kentucky Wildcats. To me, this feels like a game that could be special. Like Magic vs. Bird, but instead of the nation, they just win Kentucky. Still, taking over a state would be pretty cool.
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Matchup of the Week: #10 Ohio State (2-0) at Washington (2-0) - This one seems to be getting some upset buzz,
and I think it might be warranted. That said, I'm still feeling the Buckeyes, but it'll be close, regardless. Washington QB Jake Locker is said to have the legs (3 rushing touchdowns) to go with a solid arm, but in the air this year, he's thrown for just 1 touchdown. Not exactly jaw dropping. He's completed 61.4% of his throws, but that's probably padded due to shorter passes.Others of Interest: Notre Dame (0-2) at Michigan (0-2) - Go Blue Go Blue Go Blue Go Blue Go Blue. If I keep saying it, something good has to happen, right? A double dose of winless teams and true freshman quarterbacks aim to take a national audience by storm. The blogosphere has dubbed this as a Cripple Fight, and I can't say that's not funny.
Pittsburgh (2-0) at Michigan State (2-0) - The Spartans are two wins away from my (as promised) lengthy preview. A win over an undefeated BCS team would be nice, but Pitt's victories over Eastern Michigan and Grambling State haven't exactly taught us a lot about the team.
Iowa (2-0) at Iowa State (0-2) - Just kidding, don't watch this. But I'll be there!
Watch only with hands over your eyes: Duke (0-2) at Northwestern (2-0) - This could be one of the worst games ever; although the two teams combine for more wins than Michigan and Notre Dame. Hell, Northwestern does that on its own. The best part is ESPN lists Northwestern at the top of the Big Ten in the conference standings this week. The Wildcats have the top spot to defend, baby!
Number Crunching
The Best - #7 Wisconsin, #10 Ohio State, #12 Penn State
The Worst - Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota
Coming Next Week: Big Ten Power Rankings
By Bobby Stompy
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I really like Woodson a lot, these two guys could both be top 5 picks next year. Brohm already looks like a lock for that, and if Woodson matches his junior season, I wouldn't be surprised if he went ahead of Brohm.
And I have a feeling USC is absolutely going to beat down Nebraska. Sam Keller is the only thing that prevents this from happening.