BIG TEN FOOTBALL FTC WHAT HAPPENED WEEK 1

WHAT HAPPENED

The Big Ten went 10-2 against nonconference competition last weekend. This was the best I’ve seen the Big Ten look in week 1 in a long time. Should be a good season for the conference.

I have to keep my head on a swivel during the nonconference portion of the season. Fourteen games is a lot to try and keep an eye on. I didn’t get to all of ‘em, but I got a good look at most of ‘em. Certainly the first game doesn’t tell anywhere near the whole story, but it is a much better indicator than preseason speculation. Here’s how the teams I viewed compared to my preseason expectations.

BETTER THAN EXPECTED

Indiana – Lost to Ohio St., 21-49. Considering the opponent, the Hoosiers looked good, especially in the passing game. The defense held up well, too, until late in the game when the Buckeyes pulled away. Ohio St. just had too many big play guys on the roster for the Hoosiers defenders to keep up with for four whole quarters.

Maryland – Won vs. Texas, 51-41. This game immediately changed my perspective of Maryland. This team has got some serious playmakers on offense. The defense…not bad, but not much better than average. Starting QB Tyrrell Pigrome left the game in the third quarter with an injury, which is a setback, but backup Kasim Hill performed well in relief.

Michigan – Won vs. Florida, 33-17. The loss of several starters from last season was the topic of concern during the offseason. This team will be fine. I kinda figured they would be -this is Michigan and Harbaugh- but still, the Wolverines looked better than I expected. The defense looks awesome and the running game was solid. QB Wilton Speight didn’t have his best game and has John O’Korn on his heels.

AS EXPECTED

Minnesota- Won vs. Buffalo, 17-7. I only saw bits and pieces of this game on Thursday night. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the new HC and QB. Nothing spectacular that I noticed, but a win is a win, so nice enough start for the new regime.

Iowa – Won vs. Wyoming, 24-3. QB Nate Stanley seemed solid enough, considering it’s his first start ever for the Hawkeyes. He doesn’t look like he’s going to be in the discussion for all conference, but he does appear capable of managing the game. Which may be good enough in some cases—the Hawkeyes defense looked good.

Illinois – Won vs. Ball St., 24-21. A win is a win. And this is a program that needs wins. The Illini have a couple of big play guys in Malik Turner and Mike Dudek, but really nothing unexpected in this one.

Northwestern – Won vs. Nevada, 30-21. Most would probably put this performance in the “worse than expected” category, as the Wildcats were picked by many to contend for, if not win, the West title. Not me. I don’t see the Wildcats as a challenge to Wisconsin for the title.

Penn St. – Won vs Akron, 52-0. There were four games going on at once in the 11:00 time slot Saturday, I have three TVs going. I saw the first quarter of this game before switching to one of the others. That was enough. Penn St. is good, Akron is not.

Purdue – Lost to Louisville, 28-35. I had a strong feeling Purdue would be better than most think. They’re shuffling QBs….. I like Blough better, I think.

WORSE THAN EXPECTED

Ohio St. – Won vs. Indiana, 49-21. The Buckeyes finally wore down Indiana with their depth, but didn’t really show me the kind of offensive output I expected with new OC Kevin Wilson in the booth. At least not until late in the third quarter when the Indiana defense couldn’t keep up with the stable of playmakers the Buckeyes have at their disposal.  But then, most all teams struggle somewhat offensively in the first game of the season. Next week will be interesting.

DID NOT SEE

Wisconsin – Won vs. Utah St., 59-10. I did not watch college football last Friday. Saw a high school game, though.

Rutgers – Lost to Washington, 14-30….on Friday.

Michigan St. – Won vs. Bowling Green, 35-10. I don’t have access to ESPNU.

Nebraska – Won vs Arkansas St., 43-36. I was enthralled with the Purdue game, so I didn’t give this one enough focus.

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joeseddit’s Preseason Predictions 2017