The Big Ten went 10-4 against
nonconference competition last weekend. A couple of black eyes, but all in all,
a good enough showing for the conference. I’ve noticed a couple of things in
the first two weeks: The lower tier teams appear to be the strongest I’ve seen
in years, giving the conference a competitive balance, but the QB play
throughout the conference has been sub-par, save a few exceptions.
Here’s how week 2 stood up to
what I expected.
ABOVE EXPECTATIONS
Illinois –
Won vs Western Kentucky, 20-7. Very nice win for the Illini, who are now 2-0.
The defense looked good, and the number of stupid mistakes/penalties has
decreased dramatically since the Beckman era. It wasn’t always pretty, but a
win is a win. This team is starting to show signs.
AS EXPECTED
Michigan St.
– Won vs. Western Michigan, 28-14. Sparty took care of business against a lower
tier team that appeared to be a threat. This was my first look at Michigan St.
“Kind of vanilla” is the takeaway. Very nice win and very nice start to the
season, but I’m still not sure what to think of this team.
Nebraska –
Lost to Oregon, 35-42. The Huskers were down 14-0 before fans could get settled
in their chair, and ended up down 42-14 at halftime, then came roaring back in
the second half to find themselves in a position to tie the game at the end.
But QB Tanner Lee threw his fourth interception and that was that. The defense
was horrible in the first half, good enough in the second. Lee was horrible for
most of the game.
Iowa – Won
vs. Iowa St., 44-41 in overtime. RB Akrum Wadley carried this team towards the
end. The defense looked good in the opener, not so good in this game. QB Nate
Stanley seems to be coming along nicely and played well in clutch situations.
He struggles badly with the deep ball, though.
Michigan –
Won vs. Cincinnati, 36-14. I expected a bit of a letdown after last week’s
victory, and I believe that’s what I saw. The Wolverines weren’t quite as
impressive this go around, but they were still good enough to win by a
comfortable margin. QB Wilton Speight played poorly. Worst I’ve ever seen him
play, anyway. He’s usually pretty good.
Penn St. –
Won vs. Pitt, 33-14. Another strong showing.
So far, the Nittany Lions are looking the part of a championship
contender.
Ohio St. –
Lost to Oklahoma, 16-31. No shame in losing to a top 10 team, but certainly
disappointing for a top five team. Could see this coming if you use last week’s
game as a barometer. The offense is struggling.
BELOW EXPACTIONS
Wisconsin –
Won vs Florida Atlantic, 31-14. My first look at Wisconsin. Not much of an
opponent, I don't think, yet the Badgers struggled a bit early. I’m not sure I
can get a good read from this game, considering the opponent. I did notice
that, despite decent numbers in the box score, QB Alex Hornibrook didn’t look
as good as I expected.
Rutgers –
Lost to Eastern Michigan, 13-16. Just no offense on this team. Janarion Grant
appears to be the only legitimate threat to opposing defenses. This is another
team that needs better play at the QB position.
DID NOT SEE
Minnesota –
Won vs Oregon St., 48-14. As suspected, I couldn’t stay awake for this one. 9
PM is a late start when the first round of games begins at 11 AM. I’m not
surprised Minnesota won, but I am a bit surprised at the score.
Maryland –
Won vs Towson, 63-17. This was one of four 11 AM Big Ten games; I have three
TVs. Normally I would rotate the fourth game in and out under this
circumstance, but I never really got to this game before Maryland already had
it in hand. Simply put, there were much better games to watch and learn from.
Northwestern
– Lost to Duke, 17-41. I don’t have access to ESPNU so I didn’t get to see this
game. The margin of victory kind of surprises me, but I’ve come to expect the
unexpected from Northwestern. The Wildcats ain’t looking so good right now, but
they have a history of rebounding from slow starts….and then losing to inferior
opponents…..and then rebounding……
Indiana -
Won vs Virginia, 34-17. Another ESPNU
game. The Hoosiers are one of quite a few of the teams considered “lower tier”
in the conference that appear ready to become very competitive in league play.
Purdue – Won
vs Ohio, 44-21. It’s rare for me to catch a Friday night game. Not surprised
with the Purdue win, though. I’m telling ya, this team will make some noise in
conference play. Not saying they’re a contender, mind you. Just sayin’… this
ain’t your same ol’ Boilermakers.
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